Kyle (KD) McLaughlin

On Thursday November 12, 2020, Kyle (KD) McLaughlin lost his battle with cancer at the age of 65. Kyle was born on January 31,1955, in Lexington, Nebraska, to parents, Larry and LaVon McLaughlin. The family moved to Cozad in 1964. They owned and operated Macs Music, where Kyle worked with his father moving pianos and appliances, and worked retail with his mother. He graduated in the Class of 1973 from Cozad High School where Kyle was active in journalism, chorus and band, playing the trombone. In the mid-1970’s, Kyle attended Hastings College as well as Central Tech Community College where he worked in the auto parts department and studied mechanical engineering. Kyle was chosen to work as an apprentice in Detroit, Michigan, for General Motors, but the love of music prevailed. A gifted and talented musician, Kyle loved the blues, playing the piano and harmonica in numerous bands throughout Nebraska. Bands included The Blues Infectors, One Size Fits Most and Out of the Blue to name a few. In his journey, Kyle worked for Evans bakery, a saw mill where he manufactured power poles, Inland Parts delivering auto parts, and Seward Coop where he was employed for 17 years. Irish-born and full of confidence and charisma, Kyle had an impeccable wit and memory, was well-read and was a great storyteller. With a toothpick behind his ear and wearing black and white converse shoes Kyle could draw a crowd and make friends easily. A master of crossword puzzles, with a love for vintage cars, especially Studebakers, and a pet “dad” to Murphy and Paddy, Kyle had a passion for the blues, lived his life his way, and loved his many friends, especially his neighbors Kylie and Matt Joyce, who were like family to him. Kyle and his fellow musicians reunited annually at Comtestock Jam in Columbus, Nebraska. Left behind are his great love and fiancé, Diane Biesecker, her son Eric Biesecker, and grandchildren Kylie and Kayce, as well as his uncle, Earl Potter, and numerous cousins. Diane says, “Play those ivories, and rock that great gig in the sky, my love.”

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held Friday, September 10, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2909 Twin Lakes Drive, Cozad, NE. Inurnment will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Cottonwood Cemetery, northeast of Cozad.