Gifford E. Massie Jr.

Gifford E. Massie Jr. passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021 peacefully at his home in Gothenburg, Nebraska at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer. Gifford was born December 4, 1943 at Cozad, Nebraska to Gifford and Ruth (Nordlund) Massie Sr.

He graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1962 with a well-known high school wrestling and football career. Massie held many state wrestling championships and played in the football Shrine Bowl. He married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Kleinknecht in Golden, Colorado on March 3rd, 1965. While in Colorado, Gifford attended Colorado School of Mines where he received his degree in Engineering all while wrestling for their college team. Massie enjoyed fishing and riding horses he raised in the mountains and attending Stock Shows during his free time. Gifford was a supervisor at Coors brewery after graduating college.

The couple resided in Golden and Wheatridge, Colorado before moving to Gothenburg, Nebraska in 1973 where they raised their children. Gifford continued on the family refrigeration business serving Gothenburg and surrounding communities, making new friends along the way. Massie and his wife purchased river ground where their family spent lots of time swimming, having barbeques, riding four wheelers, raising cattle, hunting, and making memories in the great outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene; his parents Gifford and Ruth (Nordlund) Massie, Sr; and sister, Verlane Müller.

Survivors include his children, Gifford (Lexi) Massie III of North Platte, Timothy Massie of Gothenburg and Sheila (Milton) Wear of Gothenburg; grandchildren, Jackie (Ryan) Anderegg, Jesse (Natalie) Massie, Nathan (Samia) Massie, Adrienne Massie, Starr Massie, Tia Massie, Veronica (Chris) Neal, Monique Massie, Mercedes Massie, Shay (Ryan) Holbrook, Nikita Wear and Shania Wear; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Beverly Bishop; brother, Joe Massie; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Gifford's wishes were to be cremated. Private services to be held with the family at a later date. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments.