Larry Dale Schaffert, 77, of Lincoln, formerly of North Platte, passed away Feb. 3, 2018.

Larry Dale Schaffert was born on Aug. 7, 1940, to Glen and Arlene (Larson) Schaffert in Maywood. Larry grew up on a small farm north of North Platte and attended Block School. In 1945, he welcomed a little sister, Carol Ann. He had fond memories of growing up on the farm, especially growing up with a horse, Cricket, and their dog, Sandy, playing cowboys and Indians and with the many toys that Larry carved out of wood.

In eighth grade, Larry went to school in North Platte. He played football and basketball and was a member of Future Farmers of America. After graduating high school, he attended junior college in McCook, studying construction management. Summers were spent on combining crews in the local area, working on construction projects and at Cook’s Paint. He also delivered for Coca-Cola.

In 1961, he married Shirley Paxton and lived and worked on a ranch near Tryon. Born to this union was one son, Steven Craig, on Jan. 22, 1970. Steven passed away from meningitis on July 7, 1974. This marriage dissolved in 1971.

Larry was employed by Union Pacific Railroad as a pipe fitter in 1968, moving to an engineer until his retirement in August 2010. He was a member of the Eagles club and American Legion. Larry was active in the military through the U.S. Army Reserves.

In 1973, he married Judy Rae McQuade. This marriage was blessed with two children, Brenda Renee’ and Jason Kyle. Larry took great pride in his children and thoroughly enjoyed his time with them on special camping trips, passing on his love for carpentry and building a doll house and store for Brenda to play in. Judy passed away after a long battle with ovarian cancer on March 18, 1995.

Larry married Beverly Joy Kimball on July 4, 1996. Joy had two daughters, Suzann Lynae and Kristin Nichole. Larry and Joy moved to Lincoln in 2016 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. One of the first things that Larry did was set up his workshop in their new home.

He was happiest working and playing at his cabin on Lake Maloney and in bowling and golfing leagues with his friends in North Platte, and he would rarely pass up a warm cup of coffee and a good conversation. Larry’s favorite teams included the Denver Broncos, Nebraska Cornhuskers and whoever was playing against Notre Dame. He was a skilled wood worker and especially enjoyed creating model airplanes.

Larry’s warm smile and kind heart will be missed. He was a wonderful man who loved life and his family.

Survivors include his wife, Joy; daughter, Brenda (Jacob); son, Jason (Kristin); stepdaughters, Suzann (Steve) and Kristin (Adam); sister, Carol (Mike); nine grandkids; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today, Feb. 7, at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte with Dr. Doug Delp officiating. Burial will be at the Floral Lawn Cemetery. Arnold Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.