Robert L Rager

Celebration of Life Memorial Graveside Services for Robert L. "Bob" Rager will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Industry Cemetery in rural Atlanta, Nebraska with Reverend Jean Clayton officiating.  The family encourages everyone in attendance to bring their own chair.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed.  The Rager family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Bob's services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. The services will be live-streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Robert (Bob) Rager, 70 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at his home surrounded by his immediate family, after a battle with cancer.

Bob was born on September 1, 1949, the eldest of three children, to Margle and Elda "Susie" (Fulk) Rager in Holdrege. His fondest memories were spent with his maternal grandparents, Dothan and Dollie Fulk, on their farm near Atlanta.

After graduating from Holdrege High School in 1967, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was drafted shortly after and was sent to basic training at Fort Lewis in Washington State. While at Fort Lewis, Bob had a chance to reconnect with is paternal grandparents, Lewis and Gladys Rager. They officially sent him off to war.

On June 24, 1969, Bob was inducted into the United States Army, where he served as a Sergeant in the Army Infantry and received two Bronze Stars. He was later awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.  On June 23, 1971, Bob was honorably discharged.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, he married Elizabeth (Beth) Anderson in 1973 at All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege. They had two sons:  Jeff and Robert Scott. They made their home on a farm south of Funk, Nebraska, where Bob engaged in farming. In 1981, they moved to Holdrege and Bob started working at W.F. Anderson Companies, Inc.

In 1988, the family moved to Solana Beach, California, where Bob was employed as a project estimator for Vadnais Corp. The family returned to Holdrege in 1991. While continuing to work remotely in California, Bob entered into local government when he was appointed to the Holdrege City Council in 1992. He served on the council for seven years before becoming the Administrator of the City of Holdrege in 1999. He held that position until his death and served on many local and state boards. Bob truly appreciated the responsibilities of city and state government.

Bob is survived by:  his wife, Elizabeth Rager of Holdrege; two sons, Jeff Rager of Holdrege; and Robert Scott Rager of New York, New York; his "adopted" daughter, Joni (Craig) Schultz, and their children: Layton and Ainsley of Bennington, Nebraska; his sister, Marsha (Ernie) Riley of Atlanta, Georgia; his brother, Alan (Diane) Rager of Holdrege; a brother-in-law, Jeff (Terri) Anderson of Solana Beach; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Anderson of Holdrege; one aunt, Marilyn (Jim) Redding of Aberdeen, Washington; along with a host of nieces and nephews, that always had some fun "Uncle Bob" stories.

He was preceded in death by:  his parents, Margle and Elda "Suzie" (Fulk) Rager; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Willard "Bud" and Elizabeth "Betty" Anderson; two brothers-in-law:  Tim Anderson; and John Anderson; two sisters-in-law:  Karen (Kroger) Anderson; and Teresa (Unger) Anderson; and a nephew, Brandon Anderson.

Memorial Book Signing will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Bob's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

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.