Alan C. Cole

It is with profound sadness that we share the death of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Alan Cole, who left us on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 87. Surrounded by family after a long illness, he was a man of immense integrity, humor, sensitivity to the 'underdog' and great words of wisdom. 

Born November 16, 1938, and grew up in Oak Park, IL. He attended the University of Wisconsin earning an accounting degree and post-graduate law degree. There he met Georgia Dennis and they were married in December 1961. He first worked for Arthur Anderson accounting firm in Chicago, IL and then moved his family to LaCrosse, WI where he practiced law and later joined Johns, Flaherty, Gilette Law Firm. As an early retirement job he moved to Alliance, NE and spent 16 years as a railroad engineer for Burlington Northern, fulfilling a lifelong love of trains.

He was driven in everything he did including hobbies. He loved backpacking, long bicycle trips, snow skiing, and canoeing. Many family vacations were 'survival of the fittest' adventures, with loads of memories.

 Cherishing those memories are his wife of 64 years, Georgia; and children Darcy (Mark) Hughes of Grand Island and Glen (Susan) Cole of Hastings. Six grandchildren: Bethany, Rachel, Erica, Anthony, Austin, Christiana; and 13 great-grandchildren. A brother Bruce Cole of Milwaukee, WI and sister Nancy Schultz of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Funeral services will be at 10:30am on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island with Pastor Luke Biggs and Justin Bangert officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the start of the service. Burial will be at 1pm in the Grand Island City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.