Robert Overleese

VISITATION WITH FAMILY WILL BE AT FRANKLIN METHODIST CHURCH NOT AT THE FUNERAL HOME!

Robert D. “Bob” Overleese, 86, of Riverton, Nebraska passed away at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings on Monday, March 9, 2020.

He was born on March 5, 1934, in Red Cloud, NE, to Claud and Mae (Kness) Overleese. When Bob was a young child, he spent time in the hospital in Lincoln being treated for Polio. Even though he had suffered from this disease, he never let it interfere with his love of farming.

Bob graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1952. Following graduation, he was engaged in farming which was his lifetime career. He had a passion for Allis Chalmers equipment, his cattle and crops. His farm ground was watered from the Bostwick Irrigation Canal which was constructed for irrigation in the early 1950s.

On May 26, 1956, he married the love of his life, Darlene Kugler in Macon, NE. Darlene was his partner on the farm for many years. They were blessed with four children—Pat, Roger, Tom, and Mike. The family was awarded an Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Award for owning the same farm for 100 years. Some of their land has been in the family since 1882.

Bob was a member of the Franklin United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. He also served on the local Coop Board for many years. A highlight of his life was serving 35 years on the Franklin Public Power District/Southern Power District Board of Directors. He was proud to take this position when his father retired from the Board after serving 40 years. His father was a founding board member of the Franklin Public Power District.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 63 years, Darlene of Franklin; Daughter, Pat (Fernando) Reyes of Grand Island; Sons, Roger (Ann) Overleese of Axtell; Tom (Lisa) Overleese of Republican City; and Mike and his special friend Carol of Riverton, along with her 4 children and 13 grandchildren.

Grandchildren, Trisha (Jim) Struckhoff, Ginger (Brian) Lester, Pam (Brandon) Johnson, Travis (Amanda) Baetz, Chelsea (Toby) Johnson, Ryan (Amanda) Overleese, Eric Overleese, Sheana Overleese.

Great grandchildren, Joel, Sami, Alicia, Maci, Kourtney, Reily, Addison, Aedyn, Kendra, Londyn, Livvy, and Kasen.  Great, great grandchildren, Jaxten, Sophia, Maverick, Oden, Zayden, Luka, and MacKinnon;      5 step grandchildren and 23 step great grandchildren; brother, Don (Barb) Overleese; sisters-in-law, Lilah Roberts and Janie Kugler.

He was preceded in death by his parents Claud and Mae Overleese; his father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Sarah Kugler; sisters-in-law, Laura Overleese, Bertie Kugler and Gladys Kugler; brothers-in-law, Merlin, Gerald and Elton Kugler, and Roy Roberts.