Rodney Gene Pueppka, age 82, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Great Plains Health.

Rodney was born March 26, 1936, in Sutherland, NE, to Arthur and Erma Linda (Hoefer) Pueppka. He grew up in North Platte where he graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in 1954 then joined the U.S. Air Force in September. Following his discharge in 1958, he returned to North Platte and hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad for a short time then went to work for the U.S. Post Office, retiring from there after 34 years of service.

On December 6, 1958, Rodney was united in marriage to Carol Jean Greeley at Sterling, CO, and they made their home in North Platte. The couple had four children and were married for 47 years when Carol passed away.

Rodney was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He liked being outside working in his yard and spending time with his family. Rodney was a gentle, caring person and the best dad you could have.

He is survived by his daughters, Valerie (Dave) Steffes and Elisha Pueppka, of North Platte; daughter-in-law, Cindy Pueppka, of North Platte; grandchildren, Stephanie Pueppka, Kelly (Justin) Stoddard, Scott Pueppka, Eric (Ashley) Steffes, Sarah (David) Colvin, Greg (Bree) Steffes, Laura Steffes (fiancé, Nick Lee), Brian Steffes and Adam Steffes; eight great-grandchildren, Riley and Reid Stoddard, Nolan, Ethan and Ellie Steffes, Owen and Kate Colvin, and Cole Steffes; as well as other family.

Along with his wife, Carol, Rodney was preceded in death by their sons, Mitchell and Michael; his parents, Arthur and Erma; brothers, Darrell and Kenneth Pueppka; sister, Beverly Weaver; and granddaughter, Beth Marie Steffes.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial graveside service with military honors will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.