Gary Russell Rosenboom, 77, of Oakland NE

Gary Russell Rosenboom was born September 8, 1938 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Herman and Ruth (Wagoner) Rosenboom. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 7, 2015, at the age of 77 years.

Gary graduated from Oakland High School in 1956. He then graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. On August 16, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Karen Johnson, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.

He started working for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Indianapolis and then went on to a 30 year career at Valmont Industries in Valley, Nebraska and Fort Collins, Colorado.

Gary enjoyed life! He loved his family more than anything! He loved following his kids and grandkids in their many endeavors. He took a lot of pride in his home and providing for his family. He loved playing golf. A highlight for him was getting to play the Old Course at St. Andrew’s in Scotland. He was lucky to have been able to travel quite a bit with Karen all over the world. He especially loved the history of places. Even on vacations, there was always a history lesson included. This love has been passed on to his kids and grandkids.

He had an amazing gift for knowledge and an appreciation for establishing connections and keeping friendships. He was such a compassionate man and was amazing at fostering the best out of people. Gary’s singing was a gift to all who had the privilege of experiencing his deep soulful voice. When his spirit moved him, he would belt out a tune that brought smiles to everyone. When Gary Rosenboom spoke, everyone in the room stopped to listen. He had a wonderful ability to tell a story.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ruth Rosenboom.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of Oakland; son, Greg (Lisa Janssen) of Lincoln, daughter, Amy (Tony Bybee) of Kansas City, son, Mike (Linda) of Des Moines; two sisters, Beverly Harris of California, and Gwendolyn Guill of Norfolk; nine grandchildren, Ashley and Matt Reisenauer, Amanda Rosenboom, Joshua Wormington, Lauren Wormington, Jacob Wormington, Griffin Rosenboom, Sydney Rosenboom, and Grace Rosenboom; one great-granddaughter, Ilsa Reisnauer; and many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Sunday, October 11, 2015, 2:30 pm, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.

VISITATION: Saturday, 6-8 pm with family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

BURIAL: Oakland Cemetery.

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later time.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Gary Rosenboom