Maynard Zlomke

Maynard Wright Zlomke, age 87, of North Platte, NE, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, NE.

Maynard was born May 11, 1928, to Elmer and Rebecca Zlomke at Burwell, NE. He grew up in the Ord, NE area and graduated from Ord High School in 1946. Maynard joined the U.S. Navy in May of 1946 and served as an Aerographer's Mate.

Following his discharge in 1953, Maynard attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Oklahoma. He then began his career with the National Weather Service, first working at Loredo, TX and later Middleton Island and Yap Island. From Yap Island he went to Anchorage, AK and this is where he met Lula Mae Manuel. Maynard and Lula were united in marriage on August 15, 1953, at the Methodist Church in Anchorage and they lived in Anchorage for a time.

Maynard's work with the National Weather Service later took them to Kotzebue (north of the Arctic Circle), Idaho and Montana before moving to North Platte in 1963. He retired in 1986 then went into the cattle business for a number of years.

Maynard was a member of the First United Methodist Church, National Rifle Association and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He enjoyed painting and wood carving and loved gardening. He also liked Alaskan bush piloting and flying.

Maynard leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Lula, and daughter, Lise Zlomke, both of North Platte; a granddaughter, Tonya (Tim) Townsend; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Tiffany Townsend; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rebecca; and a brother, Dr. Wayne Zlomke.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.