John Maurice “Jack” Viersen, Jr., 86, of North Platte, NE, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

John was born May 9, 1927, to John Merle and Yula Hedwig Coykendall Viersen at Maywood, NE where he grew up. While in high school John worked on Martin Viersen’s Ranch during the summers. He graduated from Maywood High School in 1944 then attended the University of Nebraska for a short time. John joined the U.S. Army in 1945 and served in Germany during the Allied Occupation immediately after World War II.

Following his discharge in 1947, John returned to Nebraska. He played Town Team Baseball in the late 40’s and early 50’s and settled in North Platte. On February 11, 1956, John married Maxine Ivonne Flock Sanford. They made their home in North Platte where John worked in sales and then as a title abstractor. He bought Scott Abstract Company in 1970 and owned it until he retired in 1987.

John was a member of the First Christian Church and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine, of North Platte; his son, Gary (Mavis) Viersen, of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, Campbell, Rees, Lena and Derek Viersen; two nieces; four nephews; and other family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Yula; his brother, Leo “Budge” Kendall Viersen and an infant brother.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial with military honors will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 7 to 8 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.