Harold Plejdrup Sr.

Harold Plejdrup Sr.

Cairo, Nebraska

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harold Robert Plejdrup Sr., 90, of Cairo, NE who passed peacefully at his home on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo, NE with pastor Brian Wright officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cairo, NE. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM at the Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo, NE. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Harold was born on October 24, 1934 in Grand Island, NE to Jens and Helen (Layher) Plejdrup. He grew up in Wood River, NE and graduated from Wood River High School in 1953. He entered the United States Army in January of 1956 serving during peace time. After completing his orders at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii he returned home and entered the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged in January of 1962, achieving the rank of Specialist and spending most of his active duty time with the 25th Infantry Division. He married his lifelong sweetheart of 67 plus years, Elaine Eickhoff, on March 9, 1958 in Wood River, NE. Harold and Elaine built a legacy of love, resilience and purpose. Together, they raised a family that shares his values: honesty, kindness and the unwavering belief in doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. The couple initially lived on the farm by Wood River, and in 1966 moved to their home of 59 years by Cairo.

Harold farmed his whole life and retired at the age of 80. He served on the Cairo Volunteer Rural Fire Department until his death. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Wood River. Throughout his life he served in various volunteer roles, he was 4-H superintendent, Sunday school superintendent and served on the Elders Board at Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed family get togethers, farming, old tractors, animals, attending auctions, taking photographs and visiting with friends.

Harold’s life was defined by hard work, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He was a man of quiet strength and deep faith. His loving family will carry forward his lessons, his stories and his spirit.

In the spirit of Paul Harvey’s timeless words, “And on the 8th day, God looked down on His planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’ So God made a farmer.” This farmer was Harold.

God made someone who would rise before dawn and end the day after the stars had come out. Someone who never turned away a neighbor in need. Someone who understood that life’s greatest harvests are measured not in bushels, but in blessings.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; son, Harold Jr. (Holly) Plejdrup; daughters Barbara (Terry) Robertson, and Deborah (Mark) Lemburg; seven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Joan Sebesta; brother-in-law, Fred (Deb) Eickhoff; and step-sister Carrie (Larry) Powers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lloyd and Dale, brother-in-law Glenn Sebesta, sister-in-law Darlene Boroff, and brother-in-law Jim Boroff.

Rest well, Harold. The fields are quiet now, and your work is done – and it was good.