Marvin Dale Potthoff

Marvin Dale Potthoff, of McCook, NE, peacefully passed away on March 13, 2015, at Kearney Regional Medical Center, Kearney, NE, with his family by his side. He was 80 years old.

Marvin was born on April 2, 1934 at Beverly, NE to parents, William and Katherine (Fries) Potthoff. He attended Trenton Schools graduating with the class of 1951. He continued his education by completing training at Telegraph School at Sheridan, WY.

On March 20, 1955 he was united in marriage to Florence Shirley Rathe. To this union seven children were born. They made their home in McCook where Marvin was employed with the CB&Q railroad as a Telegraph Operator and Relay Operator. He later became a dispatcher for Burlington Northern Railroad. He held the honor of being the last Chief Dispatcher to retire in McCook before BN moved the dispatching office to Fort Worth, TX.

As a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Marvin served on the Financial Board for several years. He also held memberships with McCook Elks Club, BN Past Time Club and Retired Railroad Breakfast Club. Throughout the years Marvin volunteered countless hours serving on the McCook School Board, Cub Scout Leader, and volunteer tax preparer. His love for his children, as well as all children, was evident by assisting in several youth sports programs including coaching in the McCook Little League Baseball and Softball programs as well as Church League and YMCA basketball. He was the Director of the McCook Legion Baseball program for many years. He was the assistant coach of the Inaugural McCook Bison Girls softball team.

In keeping with Marvin's generosity and giving spirit he will be touching more lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation.

When Marvin had free time he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golfing, boating, camping and hunting. His most cherished time was spent attending his children and grandchildren's many activities. He and Florence were their number one fans, often attending more than one activity a day.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Katherine Potthoff; an infant sister; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Ella Rathe; brother-in-law, Loren Williamson; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gladys and Frank Skinner.

Survivors include his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Florence Potthoff of McCook; seven children, Jeffery Potthoff and wife, Annette, of Adkins, TX, Kevin Potthoff and wife, Tami, of McCook, Lance Potthoff and wife, Kristy, of Kearney, Troy Potthoff and wife, Andrea, of Kearney, Kyle Potthoff and wife, Lisa, of McCook, Lisa and husband, Jack Ryan, of Indianola, and Tanya Potthoff of Grand Island; brothers, Don Potthoff and wife, Betty, and Harold Potthoff and wife, Pam, and sister, Joyce Williamson , all of Trenton; grandchildren, Jason Potthoff, Justin (Katherine) Potthoff, and Amy Potthoff; Morgan (Kyle) Fornoff and Kaylee Potthoff; Austin, Brent and Jordon Potthoff; Keegan, Koy, and Keland Potthoff, Taylor and Brock Madsen; Haley and Hunter Potthoff; Brooke (Kyle) Teel, Ashley, Isabella and Zackary Ryan; and Dylan and Hadyn Blume; great-grandchildren, Henleigh Teel, Bryce Fornoff and baby girl Potthoff to be born in Texas in July; numerous nieces, nephews, family and a host of friends.

Memorials are being accepted to continue Marvin's legacy of support of youth activities in the area.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 2:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Albertson officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.