Eugene Francis ‘Gene’ Berglund, age 76, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

Gene was born June 18, 1939, to Carl Gust, Sr. and Marie Katherine Larson Berglund in North Platte where he grew up. Gene graduated from North Platte High School in 1957. He worked at the North Platte Telegraph and was a Marque Boy for the Paramount Fox Theaters.

In 1958, Gene married Ruth Ann Schemp, his high-school sweetheart, and the two lived in North Platte until 1980 when they moved to Longmont, CO. Gene worked for Bassett Carpet in Colorado and returned to North Platte, continuing his trade as an independent carpet installer for Whitaker Furniture, now Erickson Furniture. Beginning his trade as a carpet installer in his early 20s – a time when the carpet seams needed to be hand stitched, he continued his profession with dedication his entire life. Even in retirement, Gene never stopped working. He worked every day that he could and wanted to help his sons, who followed in his footsteps, keeping track of their daily work.

Gene was a family man who was blessed with 57 years of marriage and a beautiful family that he was very proud of. Family was the center of Gene’s life. He loved going to coffee with them over the years every day he could. With a cup of coffee and many stories to tell, Gene never complained and was always there to listen and be supportive of those he loved.

Gene could be seen sitting on his front porch visiting with others, in his garage rebuilding old cars and tending to the flowers in his garden. Gene had a servant’s heart and always put Christ first. He was a true believer and found comfort in knowing where he was going. Gene attended the North Platte Berean Church.

Gene’s smile, kindness and warm heart will be greatly missed and his family will cherish their happy memories forever.

Gene leaves behind his wife, Ruth, of North Platte; children, Jim (Linda) Berglund and Tim (Liz) Berglund, all of North Platte, David (Deborah) Berglund, of Firestone, CO, and Deb Berglund, of San Diego, CA; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janice Berglund, of North Platte; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loved family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Gust, Sr. and Marie Berglund; his brother and sister-in-law, Carl, Jr. and Lois Berglund; and sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Chuck McKain.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2015, at the North Platte Berean Church with George Cheek officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday 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 Maranatha Bible Camp or the American Diabetes Association.