Gerald Donald Upton Obituary (1927

In Memory OfGerald D. UptonGerald Donald Upton, of Lincoln, formerly of Beaver Crossing, died Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln at the age of 78 years 2 months and 7 days. He was born on August 11, 1927 to James Allen and Grace Bethene (Miller) Upton, in Columbus, Nebraska, the oldest four children. As a young boy, Gerald attended District #46 near Enola. His family moved to the Meadow Grove area and later to Madison. Gerald worked on a farm until he turned 16 and began a lifetime career as a truck driver. In 1945, Gerald enlisted in the US Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and served his country during WWII in the Philippines and Japan before his discharge at Pittsburg, California. Returning from WWII, Gerald hauled hay and cattle for Quinton Remmed and Dan Snyder. On August 8, 1951 he was married to Darlene Burgess of Atkinson, Nebraska and five children, Roger, Rodney, Lori, Linda and Lois were born to this union. Gerald traveled many miles across the 48 states as an owner-operator of 18 wheels from 1955 through 1989 answering to the CB handle, "Cranberry". In 1961 he purchased his own truck and operated Upton Trucking hauling freight for Hilt Trucking and Seward Motor Freight. In 1974 Gerald moved to Beaver Crossing. On January 11, 1988, Gerald was blessed with a second marriage to Darlene Lankford in Beaver Crossing and with this marriage came five step-children who he loved like his own. In 1989 he went to work for Dobson Brothers Construction Company in Lincoln for several years. And then, Dennis Johnson Trucking of Ceresco until he fully retired due to health problems. Gerald loved his family, most of all. He taught many to drive the "big rigs", was a stickler for details and enjoyed teaching others. He enjoyed auctions, playing cards, and visiting. He knew no stranger. He loved to laugh, loved to eat, watch TV and read newspapers. When ill health required that he move to assisted living, Gerald made his home at the Lexington in Lincoln and soon became the "greeter" for all new residents. He could always remember everyone's name, a wonderful gift. Gerald enjoyed driving his "little rig" (a scooter) around Lincoln to visit family. Over the years Gerald enjoyed the companionship of his many dogs. Gerald was a member of the United Methodist Church of Beaver Crossing and has been a member of the American Legion Post #86 of Atkinson since 1959. Gerald is survived by his wife, Darlene Upton, Stromsburg, sons and daughter-in-law, Roger and Nancy Upton, and Rodney Upton, all of Lincoln, daughters and sons-in-law, Lori and Jim Nordmeyer, Lincoln, Linda and Rick Briney, Piedmont, SD, Lois and Michael Schuster, Lincoln, three grandchildren, Roger, Jr., Jayme, Kimberly, two great-grandsons, Zachary and Nathan, former spouse, friend and mother of their children, Darlene Upton, Lincoln, step children, Linda Bondegard, York, Julie and Jim Schoch, Benedict, Michael Lankford, Lincoln, Steven and Crystal Lankford, Utica, 15 step grandchildren, 1 step-great-grandson, brother and sister-in-law, Arlan and Dorothy Upton, Beaver Crossing, sisters and brother-in-law, Adelia Brader, Norfolk, Opal and Bill Wondercheck, Newman Grove, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, nephew, Doug Brader. A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the United Methodist Church in Beaver Crossing with Rev. Sondra Atkins officiating. Interment will be in the Beaver Crossing Cemetery with Military Services conducted by American Legion Post #178 of Beaver Crossing. Visitation will be Friday 9am ? 9pm and Saturday 9am ? noon at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Beaver Crossing and one hour before services at the church. Memorials have been established to the Beaver Crossing Rescue Squad or to the family. Pallbearers will be Jayme King, Roger Upton, Jr., Steve Lankford, Bill Lief, Steve Wambold, Doug Upton, Marty Upton and Todd Upton. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Kozuszek, Dennis Johnson, Morris Stutzman and Greg Sanford.