In Memory of Emil "Toby" Tobiason

Emil Carl “Toby” Tobiason age 79, of Columbus died, Friday, June 22, 2007 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2007 at the Highland Park Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Doug Holt will officiate. Visitation is Sunday 4-8 p.m. at the McKown Funeral Home and Monday 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard will be in the Columbus Cemetery.

Mr. Tobiason was born June 10, 1928 at Chapman, Nebraska to Harry and Anna (Hamer) Tobiason. He graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1946. He entered the service in December 1950 and served in Korea until September 1952. He was awarded the Commendation Medal Badge, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Occupational Medal (Japan) and United Nations Service Medal.

He married Patricia Smith on June 5, 1955 in Genoa, Nebraska. He was employed by the Nebraska Department of Roads for 34 years, retiring as maintenance supervisor in 1989. He lived all his life in the Silver Creek and Columbus area.

For over 20 years he held Toby’s Sing A Long at the Golden Living Center.  He was given the Volunteer of the Year Award in 1998. He continued doing it even after his health began to fail. He also went on two mission trips to the Dominican Republic and to Mexico in the 1980’s. He enjoyed his family, friends, The Gaithers, Lawrence Welk and Nebraska Football. Memorials are suggested to the Columbus Christian School or donors choice.

He is survived by:

Wife                Patricia Tobiason                   Columbus, NE    

Son                 Timothy Tobiason                   Columbus, NE               

Daughter        Linda (Dave) Porter                Columbus, NE               

Son                 Todd (Kim) Tobiason              Wichita, KS               

Son                 Trent (Kristin) Tobiason          Columbus, NE               

Sister              Esther Greek                            LaPorte City, IA

Granddaughters: Traci (Milo) Penfield,  Nina Tobiason, Nicole Porter, Natalee Porter, Kaylee Tobiason  Grandsons:  Nathan Porter, Justin Tobiason, Tate Tobiason ; Great Granddaughters: Izabel and Autumn               

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, grandson: Theodore Tobiason, Brother-in-law: Maurice Greek