Herman Grauerholz, Jr., age 82, of Sutherland, NE, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016, at Imperial, NE.
Herman was born October 6, 1933, to Herman, Sr. and Rose Burch Montgomery Grauerholz at Sutherland and grew up on the family farm southwest of Sutherland. He attended Pleasant Hill country school and graduated from Sutherland High School with the Class of 1951.
Herman began his career with the Platte Valley Power and Irrigation District (PVPP & ID), which later became Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), before graduating from high school. He took a leave from work in December 1953 to serve in the U.S. Army. After completing basic training Herman was assigned to a truck driving unit in Texas. From there, he was sent to Germany and because of his job, he was able to visit many European countries. Herman was very proud of his military service.
Following his discharge in 1955, Herman returned home and went back to work, eventually retiring in 1989 after 36 years of service.
In August of 1961, Herman was united in marriage to the love of his life, Deloris Gibson, in Madrid, NE. They lived in Sutherland and raised three children.
Herman worked very hard his entire life. Along with his full time job, he farmed and raised cattle, and at one point had a Grade A dairy.
Herman was a longtime member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Sutherland and a member of the Rural Youth, a card club and the American Legion. He was also a volunteer Lutheran Brotherhood Representative, doing many benefits for people.
He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Deloris, of Sutherland; children, Richard (Cathy) Grauerholz, of Hershey, Timothy Grauerholz, of Imperial, and Karleen (Kevin) Monheiser, of Hershey; five grandchildren, Kelsey (Jeremy) Hayden, Christine Grauerholz, Joshua (Chelsea) Grauerholz and Kortney and C.J. Monheiser; two sisters, Irma Anderson and Nona (Harley) Gries; sisters-in-law, Marlene (Joe) Estermann and Connie (Kim) Stewart; brothers-in-law, Roland McCoy, Kenneth (Beverly) Gibson and Rod (Carol) Gibson; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman, Sr. and Rose; two sisters, Donna Batterman and Geraldine McCoy; brother-in-law, Leyon Batterman; half brothers, Orlo and Allen Montgomery; and an infant brother, Gerald.
Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Erin Dunlavy officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.