George Deertz, Jr.

G eorge Deertz, Jr., age 87, of North Platte, died at Great Plains Health on Sunday, October 11, 2020.

George was born to George, Sr. and Mary Deertz on December 19, 1932, at Dupree, South Dakota. The family later moved to Nebraska where George graduated from Grand Island High School in 1950.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served in the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in ‘56, George returned to Nebraska and moved to North Platte in 1957. He worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for 33 years until retiring in 1984.

George was married and blessed with three children, Neil, Keven and Laurie. His second marriage was to Opal Brue in 1986. They were together for nearly 30 years when she died.

George was a member of Masonic Lodge #33 in Grand Island and Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM in North Platte.

He is survived by his children, Neil (Brenda) Deertz, of North Platte and Keven (Heather) Deertz, of San Diego, CA; sister, Theodora (Leo) Oltman, of Belleville, KS; grandsons, David and Ryan Deertz; and other family.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Opal; daughter, Laurie Deertz; parents, George, Sr. and Mary; brother, Duane; and sister, Coleen Smith.

Graveside service with military honors will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2020, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.