Earl Gilsdorf

Earl Gilsdorf, 101, passed away on October 7, 2025, at Hillcrest Country Estates, Papillion, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation is 5-7 PM Monday with a 7:00 PM vigil, all at McKown Funeral Home. Military Honors will be conducted by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard following the service at the church. Burial will take place in the Bloomfield Cemetery in Bloomfield, NE Tuesday afternoon.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are suggested to the local foodbank or to the family for future designation.

Earl Othmar Gilsdorf was born on May 5,1924 in Lindsay, NE to Lena and Othmar Gilsdorf. He attended St. Andrew Catholic school until 8th grade when he was called upon to stay at home and help work on the family farm during the Great Depression.

Earl was a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army from March 1945 through December 1946. After the war, Earl returned home to meet his future wife, Kathleen Meyer. Earl and Kathleen were married on June 8,1948 and sustained their love for the following 77 years. They were blessed with 7 children. Earl was loved beyond measure by his family.

Earl farmed the land around Hartington and Bloomfield, NE until 1960 when he and Kathleen moved to Columbus. Earl then worked for Loup Public Power District and the US postal service until his retirement in 1989.

Earl had a deep and abiding faith. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus where he was a 50+ year participant in the Perpetual Adoration program. Earl had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He was a founding member of the men's choir at St. Bonaventure Church as well as a member of the Apollo Club in Columbus for many years. In his final years he was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bellevue. Earl belonged to the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, and American Legion.

Earl always had a large and productive garden. He also enjoyed cars, fishing, camping and traveling with his family. In addition, he was an adamant NY Yankees fan.

In 2012, Earl and Kathleen moved to Bellevue to live with their eldest daughter. He resided there until June 2025 when his health required his move to Hillcrest Country Estates.

Earl is survived by his wife, Kathleen. Children: Suzanne Gilsdorf of Bellevue, Paula (Bob) Alexander of Jackson, MS, Gregory (Teresa) Gilsdorf of Millard, Deborah (Charlie) Kuskie of Chadron, Bernice (Dennis) Pluard of Venice, FL, Kristine (Tim) Quinn of Scottsdale, AZ, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Brothers and sister: Melvin Gilsdorf, Clifford (Holly) Gilsdorf, and Elva Mae (Marv) DeLaRoi. In-laws: Marian Gilsdorf, Alice June Gilsdorf, Joyce Kollars, Vernon Meyer, Dennis (Charleen) Meyer, Dean (Karen) Meyer, Renae (Ed) Pieters, Delwin (Lee) Meyer and many nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents. Son: Michael Gilsdorf. Brothers and sisters: Johnny & wife, Lena Gilsdorf, Marjorie & husband Charles Kronberg, Laverna & husband Carl Folkers, Donald Gilsdorf, Darlene & husband Rick Bratetic and Orville Gilsdorf. In-laws: Barb Gilsdorf, Fred & Bertha Meyer, Orville Kollars, Ray & Leora Sullivan. Nephews: Kevin Bratetic, Dennis Folkers.