He was inducted into the United States Army in March of 1942 and served until March of 1945 as a 1st Lt. He saw duty in Africa and Italy, and was the recipient of several ribbons and awards.
On returning from the military, he resided on a farm north of Fremont. He farmed and beginning in 1938, he started in the Hampshire Sheep business. Due to his involvement in raising sheep, he and his wife June, were selected to participate in the People to People tour to China in 1986. They showed sheep all over the country.
Earl and June retired in 1992 and moved into Fremont. They were both involved in woodworking then.
On August 27, 1941, Earl was married to Virginia Wagner. She preceded him in death on December 18, 1970. Then on June 15, 1971, Earl was married to June Schneider. She preceded him on December 27, 2008.
Earl was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont, formerly having been a member of the Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church (northwest of Fremont). He was a member of VFW Post 7419 of Nickerson. He also belonged to the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M., Tangier Shrine Center of Omaha, Shrine Oriental Band, the Fremont Shrine Club and Eagles Aerie 200 of Fremont. Because his father had been a charter member of the Rod & Gun Club, Earl also became a member and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors: daughter - Lynda and husband Sam Vodvarka of Fremont
3 step-daughters - Brenda and husband Larry Kruse of Omaha
Colleen Pawling of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Karla and husband David Schloemer of Fremont
8 grandchildren
9 great grandchildren
sister-in-law - Elaine Christensen of Fremont
Earl was preceded in death by his first wife Virginia, and his second wife June, and 2 brothers.
The funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday (November 20, 2010) at Salem Lutheran Church, Fremont, with the Rev. Michael Thomas officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont, will be today (Friday, Nov. 19th) from 2 to 8 PM. A Masonic Service (open to the public) will be at 5 PM Friday at the Mortuary. There will be visitation with the family following that service until 8 PM. Memorials are suggested to Salem Lutheran Church.
Condolences(4)
Gary & Joyce Mintken
Omaha, Ne Monday, November 22, 2010 Lynda, Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your families at this time. I have many good memories of your dad; as he gave me my first job.CINDY CREASON
FREMONT, NE Friday, November 19, 2010 KARLA AND FAMILY WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. NOW THE PARENTS ARE BACK TOGETHER WHERE THEY BELONG. TAKE CAREAdelaide vonSeggern Low
Lincoln, Ne Friday, November 19, 2010 Lynda, So many memories of you, your dad, and your mother when I was teaching you in school at district 76. Now I can't even find the corner where the school was. They were a lot of happy memories. Now my family are all grown and live in Pa.,Wyo, and Kansas but we still live in Lincon. Adelaide vonSeggern LowCarolyn and Kevin Butler
North Sioux City, SD Friday, November 19, 2010 I have so many happy memories of Uncle Earl. Going to the sheep pens with him, having "coffee and cookies" at the kitchen table with him. May everyone that knew him have great memories. Heart felt condolences to all his family. May God give you peace and joy, today and always. Carolyn