Charles G. Mack

Charles Mack, 80, of Harrison, Nebraska died Monday, March 10, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Society in Wood River, Nebraska.

Charles was born July 30, 1933, to Gerry and Marie (Camenzind) Mack, on his parents ranch 6 1/2 miles South of Harrison. He grew up on the ranch and attended school at District #31 and later graduated from Sioux County High School in 1951. Some of his memorable achievements were in FFA in which he earned the State Farmer Degree and then in 1953 received the American Farmer Degree.

Charles married Edith Buckley on June 22, 1952. To this union three sons were born; Gerry in 1954, Chuckie in 1957 and Steve in 1958.

The family continued to live on the ranch until 1956 they moved to Denver. Charles attended the Barnes School of Commerce earning his degree in accounting. He later moved to Scottsbluff where he worked for Gilman Motors.

In 1959, the family purchase and moved to the Lake Ranch located in the Glen community.

Charles was always active in the community. His contributions included: Boy Scout and 4H Leader, school board and ASCS committee. Some of the leisurely activities he enjoyed were horse shoes, baseball, playing cards and watching his sons in high school wrestling.

Charles was no short of a few tragedies in his life, beginning with the loss of his mother at the age of five, and his father at age 14. In 1957 he suffered the loss of his infant son Chuckie.

Another traumatic incident was in 1969 when he lost an arm in a farming accident. However, he was a good sport about it in later years; even so much as to go with his grandson, Jordan to kindergarten for show and tell. Jordan would show his classmates his grandfathers artificial arm, and they loved it!

Charles sold the ranch in 1983 retaining the building where he lived. He enjoyed visiting with people and attending church. In July of 2011 due to failing health, he moved to Prairie Pines in Chadron, and then moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Wood River, where one caretaker described him as, a ray of sunshine.

Charles is survived by his sons; Gerry Mack of Saratoga, WY, Steve Mack & Rita (Grimm) of Blue Hill, NE, grandchildren, Kacey and Dan Starr (Bristol), Steph and Scott Bonifas (Taylor, Jamie and Jake), Jessica and Kevin DeMarco (engaged), Katie and Justin Stabb (Owen and Ellie), Jonie and James Dinville (Emersyn and Kooper), Jordan and Lindsay Mack (Aubrey, Laynie and Ryker), one brother and sister-in-law; Don and Betty Mack, one sister and brother-in-law, Susie and Richard Reece, numerous nieces and nephews, plus special caregivers, Herb, Deb, Shawn, Amy and Chris Fricke.

Details of a memorial service will be posted at a later date.