Darrell Eugene Pueppka

Darrell Eugene Pueppka, age 85, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

Darrell was born April 24, 1930, to Arthur and Erma Pueppka at Sutherland, NE. He grew up on a farm and graduated from District #56 grade school then attended Sutherland High School for three years before graduating from St. Patrick's Catholic School in North Platte in 1948.

Darrell later enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until January 1950. He returned to North Platte after his discharge and hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad, working as a Switchman. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and served 15 months in Korea on a hospital ship, the U.S.S. Repose, as a corps man.

After his release from duty in 1952, Darrell went back to his job with the railroad and worked there until retiring in 1992 as a Brakeman. Darrell was also a partner in the Griffin Beatty Lumberyard in Sutherland and had a Nebraska real estate license for 20 years.

On May 17, 1954, Darrell was united in marriage to Rosemary Greenwood at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte where they lived and raised three children, Steve, Sharee and Larry. Darrell and Rosemary celebrated over 58 years of marriage when she passed away in 2012.

Darrell was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He also served on the North Platte Library Advisory Board and Cable Board for many years.

In 2014 he was an honored guest on the Korean War Honor Flight which allowed him and fellow veterans to visit Arlington National Cemetery and all the war memorials in Washington, D.C.

Darrell leaves behind his children, Steve and Larry Pueppka, of North Platte, and Sharee Pueppka, of Omaha, NE; his brother, Rod Pueppka, of North Platte; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife, Rosemary, Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Erma; sister, Beverly and her husband, Robert Weaver; brother Kenneth and his wife, Peggy Pueppka; sister-in-law, Carol Pueppka; in-laws, Leo and Veda Greenwood; and brother-in-law, Jim Greenwood.

Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Jim Golka. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Food Pantry.