George (Kohoutchr44) N. Jr. Obituary (1914

In Memory OfGeorge N. Kohout, JrGeorge N. Kohout, Jr., of Friend, died Monday, January 26, 2004 at BryanLGH East Medical Center in Lincoln at the age of 89 years 9 months, 14 days. He was born April 12, 1914 on a farm north of Saline Center the only child of George and Albina (Andelt) Kohout. They lived with his grandparents until he was three years old. As a young boy George attended country schools and later graduated with the Class of 1932 from Friend High School. He married Mabel Spence on February 19, 1936. Two daughters were born to this union, Kathleen Anne and Linda Lou. Growing up on a farm as a young child their family didn't have a car until 1921. The means of travel was by wagon in the summer and by a sled in the winter pulled by Bob and Dan. George got his first pony when he was nine years old and over the years he had many ponies which he rode to school. George continued to own ponies until this last year and was a member of the Shetland Pony Club. When he was 12 years old, he remembers plowing with four old mules for $1.00 a day and later hauling water for the steam thrasher for $4.00 a day. After his mother took him to Liberman Clothing Store and bought him his first long pants, he, Ernie and Babe Duba went to a dance on Saturday night and all the guys couldn't wait until the next week to get their long pants. George talked Oliver Johansen into asking Ella Mae Miner to go to a party -- it must have worked because they have been married 68 years also.After George and Mabel were married they made their home in Saline County where George was a life time farmer, moving into Friend in 1957 while continuing to farm and also served as the sexton at Andrew Cemetery for several years, and worked as a Real Estate Broker. He served on the Saline County Commissioners for one term from 1969 to 1972. George is a long time member of the United Church of Christ, a Master Mason belonging to Friend Masonic Lodge #73 AF&AM, Order of the Eastern Star Rose Standish Chapter #265, all in Friend, the Scottish Rite and Sesostris Temple, Lincoln, and the Meridian Shrine Club Clowns, York.George is survived by his wife, Mabel, Friend, daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Gary Gill, Friend, grandchildren, Michael Johansen and wife Deb, Oklahoma City, Thomas Johansen and wife Tiffani, Chandler AZ, Deedra Scotton and husband Jerry, Glendale AZ, Chad Gill and his wife Angie, Hastings, NE, Amy Gill and friend Kendall Lyons of Bayfield CO, five great grandchildren, Hannah and Addie Johansen, Trey and Beth Gill, Thomas Scotton, son-in-law and wife, Richard and Joanne Johansen, Mesquite, NV, and three step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Art McCracken, Friend, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Kathleen Johansen in 1969.A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2004 at the United Church of Christ in Friend with Rev. Bharat Surender officiating. Interment is in Andrew Cemetery, Friend. Masonic Services were conducted by Friend Lodge #73 AF & AM. Visitation will be Wednesday 1-9 at the funeral home and one hour before services at the church. Memorials have been established to the Warren Memorial Hospital Foundation, or Hospital Ambulance Fund, or to donor's choice. Pallbearers are Stan Houlden, Larry Schweitzer, Mike Becker, Dick Thompson, David McCracken, Rodger Richards, Everett Stewart and Roger Johansen. Shirley Milton, organist, accompanied Bob Rhodes, soloist as he sang "In The Garden" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". A special song "I Had It My Way" was played for the recessional.