Roger Dean Ely

Roger Dean Ely, 89, of McCook, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. Roger was born August 3, 1934, to Orin and Opal (Troedson) Ely in McCook, Nebraska, the sixth of seven children. He attended McCook schools graduating from McCook High School in 1952.

Roger was a proud American who served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, June 29, 1954, training at Camp Pendleton, California. He was honorably discharged June 28, 1956. After graduation and the service Roger worked as a brakeman and conductor for the CB&Q, later BNSF railroad. He retired after 44 years of service.

On May 6, 1962, Roger was united in marriage to Karen Ann Moore of Oberlin, Kansas at the United Church of Oberlin. They spent their married life in McCook, where they, together, built their home along the Republican River. They were blessed with two children, Jim and Pam.

Roger liked sports and played a lot of baseball at Felling Field growing up. He was a big fan of Big Red football, baseball and volleyball. He liked all animals and had a pet prairie dog and raccoon growing up. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; his first trip elk hunting was a memorable one as he got a big one. In later years, he preferred watching the birds and animals. One of his favorite things was having rolls and coffee on the patio watching the birds and any animals that might pass by. His favorite dogs were labrador retrievers which he trained and took to field trials.

Roger always liked cattle and in 1982, he and Karen started a registered black angus herd. Roger and Karen took care of the cattle until Jim and his family moved back to McCook and went into business together. Roger liked spending time working with the cattle and calving season was one of his favorite times. He was very proud of them, especially the bulls they sold every spring.

Roger loved his family, spending time with them and attending their activities; he especially liked swim meets, wrestling and horse shows. Summer vacations were spent in National Parks camping, fishing, hiking, and watching for wildlife. He said the best coffee ever was over a campfire in an old tin pot. When the grand and great-grandchildren came along, they were a special joy. He loved their visits and spending time with them. He said they left him with special memories; holidays were especially memorable.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne Ely, Curtis Ely and wife, Marge, and Kenny Ely; sisters, Doris Bridgmon Stewart and husband, Dan, Margaret Verraneault and husband, Lionel, and Elaine Waterman; brother-in-law, Dale Bridgmon; father and mother-in-law, Dem and Norma Moore; brothers-in-law Martin Leibbrandt, Francis Moore and wife, Joan, and Melvin Moore; sister-in-law, Fern (Rex) Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of 62 years of McCook; son, Jim Ely and wife, Teresa of McCook; daughter, Pam Omann and husband, Dan of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; grandsons, Chet Ely and wife, Melinda of McCook and Matt Omann of Eagle, Colorado; granddaughter, Jenni Omann of Omaha; great-granddaughters, Amaya and Bella Ely of McCook; sisters-in-law Lois Leibbrandt of Imperial, Margaret Moore of Benkelman, and Laverna Ely of McCook; brothers-in-law, Loyd Moore and wife, Fern of Oberlin, Kansas, Stan Moore and wife, Deanie of Montgomery, Texas, and Rex Moore and Barb Lyons of Marion; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Hermann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Burial with military honors in the Memorial Park Cemetery will follow the service. In keeping with Roger's spirit of ease and comfort, we ask that attendees dress casually for the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation or McCook Community Hospital Health Foundation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.