George Evan Mercer passed away January 6, 2013 at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte at the age of 78 after a brief but hard fought battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor John Stubenrouch officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. (CST) at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy.

George was born on April 20, 1934 the son of Theron and Agnes (Mayberry) Mercer in Big Springs, NE. He grew up on a farm and attended Big Springs schools where he graduated with the Class of 1952. In March, 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA and Phoenix, AZ.

On January 14, 1954 he was united in marriage to Bernice Evelyn Volberding in Phoenix, AZ. George and Bernice began their family while being stationed at Hickam Air Force Base and Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, HI.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy in March 1957, he worked for Goodall Electric, TRW and American Shizuki. George retired in 1997 after 40 years of employment.

George was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, Elks Club and the Grant Golf Club and was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Some of his favorite
hobbies were woodworking and golfing. Family and friends regarded him as a skilled handyman; always willing to lend a hand. George was an avid Husker football fan.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Bernice; his son Mark (Margie) Mercer of Columbus, NE; daughter Mardell (Kevin) Meier of Goddard, KS; grandchildren Matt (Teri) Mercer of Omaha, Megan Mercer of Omaha, Brice, Brandon and Blake Meier of Goddard, KS; two great grandchildren Mason and Mackenzie Mercer of Omaha; two sisters Jean Armstrong of Wray, CO and Glennys Schilling of Grant; sisters in law Mollie Mercer of Ft. Collins, CO and Sherri Gosnell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Agnes and father Theron; father and mother in law George and Alice Volberding, brother Jack Mercer; brother in law Gerry Schilling, brother and sister in law Wayne and Gladys Volberding, sister and brother in law Betty and Clarence Ebke and brother in law Don Gosnell.

Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.