Edward ‘Ed’ Pacheco, age 73, of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.

Ed was born August 24, 1942, to Florencio ‘Floyd’ and Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ (Mares) Pacheco in Longmont, CO. He grew up and attended school in North Platte. On September 15, 1962, Ed married Frances ‘Fran’ Bunger in Holyoke, CO and made their home in North Platte.

Ed was a self-taught carpenter and a perfectionist, never doing less than his very best. At 19 he began his career in construction working for Leonard Cross then for his friend, Gary Tatman.

In 1969 he started his own construction company and later went to work for Mid-Plains Community College until he retired.

Ed was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed all sports, but was great at softball, bowling and golf. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to golf, spending many hours with them on the golf course. Ed was also his grandkids biggest fan, attending all of their sporting events. Eddie will long be remembered for his contagious laugh and a smile that would light up any room. His love of children made him a family favorite with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. It is hard to imagine a world without him in it.

Ed was preceded in death by his son, Charles; mother, Bessie; in-laws, John and Ruth Bunger; brothers-in-law, Jack and Gary Bunger; sister-in-law, Betty (Bunger) Ohlund; and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Fran, and father, Floyd; children, Pamela, of Denver, Michael (Angie), of Kearney, and Cathy (Bernie) Madison, Cindy, and Mitch Pacheco (Katie Allen and daughter, Emilee), all of North Platte; grandchildren, Brandon (Raeleigh), Anthony, Eric and Madison Pacheco, Austin and Conner Matthews and Michaela Madison; special step-grandchild, Tosha Reich, and her son, Hayden; three great-grandchildren, Charleigh, Blakely and Alexis Pacheco; sisters, Pearl (Rex) Seal and Sandy (Gary) Steinbeck; brothers, Art and Richard Pacheco; brother-in-law, Charles Bunger; sisters-in-law, Jeanne (Gregg) Harshbarger and Mary Ann and Sharrell Bunger; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other family.

Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Jim Golka. The casket will be closed at the church.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 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 the NP Community College Foundation Ed Pacheco Memorial or the donor’s choice.