Galen Ehrke

A Celebration of Life Service for Galen L. Ehrke will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska, with Pastor Thalia Woodworth and Pastor Ken Ehrke officiating. Interment will follow at the Stamford Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Stamford American Legion Post # 233 and the Alma Fay Cady American Legion Post #118 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

The funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Galen Lawrence Ehrke, 72 years of age, of Stamford, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Galen was born April 27, 1949, in McCook, Nebraska, the fourth of eight children of Lawrence Edward and Frances Pauline (Johnette) Ehrke. He received his education and graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1967.  Galen attended McCook Junior College in McCook, Nebraska and participated in track, band, and vocal and graduated with a Business Degree.

Galen was inducted into the United States Army on April 7, 1970, and was proud to have served in Vietnam for one year.  He was honorably discharged on October 30, 1971.

On April 29, 1972, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Pape at the Trinity Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children:  Shanna, Christopher, Nicholas, and Todd.

The family made their home in Stamford.  Galen worked for many years for the FSA.

Galen was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Alma School Board, Stamford American Legion, the Country Boys Softball Team, and the Stamford Community.

Galen enjoyed his collection of John Deere Tractors, antique cars, and pickups. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed attending countless school and sporting events.  He gave the best advice and knew no stranger.  Galen's jokes filled the room with laughter and his positive attitude was inspiring to all.  Galen loved Husker Football and participating in all sports.  He had a passion for farming and lived his life in service for others.

During Galen's battle with Parkinson's disease, he never wavered in his faith in God.  His steadfast love for Jesus and his family was evident to everyone who knew him.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Christopher; brother, Kent Ehrke in 1951; one brother-in-law, Douglas Loewenstein; and one sister-in-law, Sharon Pape.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Shirley of Stamford; his daughter, Shanna Hammond and her husband, Trevor, of Long Island, Kansas; two sons:  Nicholas Ehrke and his wife, Jenna of Denver, Colorado; and Todd Ehrke and his wife, Megan of Hickman, Nebraska; and; six grandchildren:  Makenna, Aidan, and Owen Hammond; Amelia and Eva Ehrke; and Harrison Ehrke; two sisters: Karon Rodgers and her husband, Bil of Utica, Nebraska; and Karna Loewenstein and her husband, Tom Rymph of Council Bluffs, Iowa; four brothers: John Ehrke and his wife, Linda of Stamford; Ken Ehrke and his husband, Steve Grenzow of Arlington, Texas; and Don Ehrke and his wife, Margi; and Jerry Ehrke and his wife, Jodi, all of Alma; two sisters-in-law:  Joane Olson and her husband, Larry of Holdrege; and Diane Ramsey and her husband, Norm of Loveland, Colorado; one brother-in-law, Stanley Pape and his wife, Pamela of Lexington, Nebraska; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma.

A memorial has been established in Galen's honor and kindly suggested to the Stamford Fire and Rescue.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.