Robert W. Karre

Robert (Bob) Wayne Karre, age 88, of Hayes Center, NE passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Emerald Care Center in Cozad, NE.

Robert was born July 29, 1932 at home near Hayes Center, NE to parents Harold and Nellie (Fitzgerald) Karre. He was the youngest of two sons born to this union. When Bob was about 3 years of age the family moved to the farm near Dickens where he grew up and attended grade school. He attended high school at the Curtis School of Agriculture where he made many life-long friends.

After casually meeting at a few different dances Robert started dating Norma McConnell and on September 30, 1951 they were married. They lived and ranched near Dickens, NE until 1953, at which time they moved to rural Hayes County where they spent their life and raised their four children.

Robert spent his life ranching and farming along the Red Willow Creek north of Hayes Center. In his later years he started his business, Karre Trucking, traveling many roads as he hauled hay for his customers.

Robert was a lifelong member of the Elks Club and the Eagles Club. He and Norma enjoyed country western dancing most Saturday nights and later in life went to polka dance festivals around the country making many friends. He attended Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Hayes Center and served on the local Coop Board.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma Karre; brother, Herbert Karre; parents in law, Dewey (Ethel) McConnell; brother in law, Jack McConnell; and a great grandson Turner Frecks.

Those left to celebrate his life include his children, Doug (Julie) Karre of McCook, NE, Larry (Jeannie) Karre of Cozad, Marlene (Mick) Cox of Hayes Center and Janet (Barry) Deaver of North Platte; sister in law, Francis McConnell of Lewellen; nephews, Jay and Luke McConnell; nieces, Connie (Rod) Kemper and Carol (Jeff) Rosenblad all of North Platte; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren and a host of extended family members and lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8pm CT on Tuesday August 25, 2020 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.

The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ at Hayes Center Ne. with Pastor Jean Miller officiating.

Burial will follow in the Hayes Center Cemetery.

A Memorial has been established in Robert’s name and condolences may be sent to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Karre Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.