Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Bernard Gerber, 96, of North Platte, NE, died Friday, April 19, 2013, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Rudy was born July 1, 1916, to John Henry and Barbara Meier Gerber at Ellis, KS where he grew up. He graduated from Ellis High School in 1930 then attended college in Kansas. Rudy later moved to North Platte where he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1936.

In February 1943, Rudy joined the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater. He was discharged in December 1945 and went back to work on the railroad in North Platte. He retired as a carman in 1976.

On October 11, 1958, Rudy married Kathleen ‘Kay’ Ann Fain in Clayton, NM. They renewed their vows on January 19, 1977, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte.

Rudy was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the V.F.W. Post #1504. He was also a charter member of the V.F.W. Post #9139 in Ellis, KS.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Kay, and daughter, Debra (Thomas) Berger, all of North Platte; a son, Gary (Cathy) Gerber, of Albuquerque, NM; three grandchildren, Amanda, John A. and Connie Gerber; four great-grandchildren, Dominique Donnar, Ryan Chessmore, TJ and Addie Gerber; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Barbara Gerber; two brothers, Adolph and Jacob Gerber; three sisters, Lorraine Reinert, Lambertine Dreinling and Adolphine Herman; a grandson, Terry Gerber; and a step granddaughter, Melissa “Missy” Clear.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial graveside service with military honors will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore or online at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Grand Island. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.