Thomas Frederick Waltemath

Thomas Frederick “Tom” Waltemath, 74, of Kearney, Nebraska, died Saturday, August 1, 2009, at his home in Kearney. He was born December 21, 1934, at Omaha, Nebraska to Victor and Capitola (McCabe) Waltemath. Tom was a 1953 graduate of Hershey High School in Hershey, Nebraska. He entered the United States Navy on January 12, 1954 and was Honorably Discharged on November 12, 1957. Tom fought in the Korean War. When Tom returned to the United States he lived in California and Oregon where he worked as a plumber. He moved back to Nebraska in the early 1970’s and married Creta Wilmeth on September 10, 1976 at Las Vegas, Nevada, a son, Thomas “Tommy” was born to this marriage. Tom worked as a plumber in Nebraska, at the Gerald Gentleman Power Station at Sutherland, Nebraska and finished his working career as a Bridge & Building Manager for Union Pacific Railroad. He enjoyed scuba diving, hunting, fishing, carpentry work, remodeling and family visits. There was really no project that Tom couldn’t tackle and then finish. He will be so very missed. Tom was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis, Nebraska, the American Legion, the VFW, Eustis Lion’s Club and the AARP. Survivors include his wife: Creta Waltemath of Kearney, Nebraska Two sons: Theron (Wilda) Rookstool of Eustis, Nebraska Travis (Angela) Rookstool of Holdrege, Nebraska Two daughters: Rowena (Max) Wallington of Allen, Texas Theresa Bivens of Cheyenne, Wyoming One daughter-in-law: Renae Waltemath of Grand Island, Nebraska Two sisters: Carolyn (Frank) Hansen of Mason City, Iowa Barbara (William) Katzenberger of Basehor, Kansas Fourteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Tommy; one grandson, Jordie; one granddaughter, Chelsea and one son-in-law, Bill Bivens. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with Military Honors by the North Platte Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.