Ernest “Ernie” Eugene Nelsen, 69, of North Platte, departed this life on June 18, 2018 at home.

Ernie was born in North Platte on August 6, 1948 to Darrell and Anna (Batt) Nelsen. Attending grade school in North Platte, the family moved to Cheyenne where Ernie went to East High School. At 18 he joined the Navy and was a signalman between ships using lights and flags on the east coast and the Caribbean, mostly in Puerto Rico. After the Navy Ernie returned to his parents’ home in Omaha and began a career with railroads. Working for Union Pacific as a telegraphist and later as train dispatcher in Omaha and North Platte. In Omaha he met his first wife, Sheryl. Years later he went to work for Burlington Northern out of Alliance as a train dispatcher. Missing her family, they moved back to Sheryl’s family hog farm in Iowa. After their divorce, he moved to North Platte where his resided. He worked for Kwik Stop where he met and married Kathy Breeden. Ernie also worked for City Discount Liquor and after becoming disabled, as a greeter at Wal-Mart. Ernie and Kathy lived for 25 years next door to his sister, Jolene Styron. They enjoyed going out every weekend for a drive, fishing or craft shows. The 3 were inseparable until Jolene moved to Missouri and then it was daily phone calls to each other. Kathy and Ernie enjoyed being camp hosts at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area.

Ernie is survived by daughters, Kim (Steve) Dressen of North Carolina and Cindy (Rick) Hustig of Omaha, NE; his sister, Jolene Styron; brother, Dennis (Jenay) Nelsen both of Mountain Grove, Missouri, two granddaughters, Brittany Hustig and McKayla (Darren) Demulling; an aunt, Irene Bending of Berthoud, CO; nephews, Andrew (Amanda) Nelsen of Lincoln, Chad Nelsen of North Platte; nieces, Annette Styron of Alabama, Anita Styron of Lincoln, Angie Phifer of Florida and Joanna (Josh) Shearer of North Platte.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Kathy in January of 2018.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested in Earnie’s name to the North Platte Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be shared atwww.carpentermemorial.com Visitation 5 to 7 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Graveside Services will be 10:00 am Friday June 29, 2018 Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.