Robert D. Bartruff

Robert D. Bartruff, age 86 of Eustis, passed away November 4, 2013 at Golden Living Care Center in Cozad. Robert was born August 29, 1927, north of Eustis to Otto and Sofia (Yeutter) Bartruff. He attended District 70 Rural School and graduated from Eustis High School in 1944. Bob worked on the family farm until he entered the US Air Force in 1946. Following his years of service, Bob returned to the family farm. On October 26, 1950, Bob married Evelyn Keller in Eustis. The couple made their home at the Bartruff Family Homestead. To this union were born 4 daughters, Carolyn, Jean, Mari Lynn and Janell. Farming was Bob’s passion. He enjoyed farm life, the outdoors, spring planting, fall harvest and raising and caring for livestock. Bob was a lifetime member of the Eustis United Methodist Church where he served on many committees. He was active on the Board of Directors of the Federal Land Bank Association and was also on the ASCS committee. Bob was a charter member of the Eustis Lions Club, and was a member of the Cozad Elks Lodge and Elwood Masonic Lodge. Community was very important to Bob, and he was involved in many ways. Sports were a big part of his life, and whenever there was a game in town, Bob was there. He coached girls softball for many years as well as helping with school games as a basketball clock keeper and on the football chain gang. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vern, Otto Junior and infant brother Lloyd; sisters, Lucille Anderson and Doris Hotchkiss; and son-in-law Reimund Loshonkohl. Survivors include his loving wife, Evelyn, of 63 years; 4 daughters Carolyn (Lynden) Griese of Cozad, Jean Loshonkohl, Mari Lynn (Doug) Banzhaf and Janell (Dave) Wetovick all of Eustis; sisters Betty Rieker of Farnam, Marjorie (Kenneth) Kugler of Johnson Lake and Diane (Danny) Easterday of Eustis; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared a berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eustis with Pastor Neil Kloppenborg officiating. Burial will be at the East Cemetery in Eustis. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eustis with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.