Robert Gerold McBride, age 96, of McCook, NE passed away on Thursday, October 21,2021 at his home at Highland Park in McCook.

Robert was born November 9, 1924 in Indianola, NE to parents Dale Sheldon and Mary Theresa (Colling) McBride.  He was one of seven children who grew up in Indianola where he also attended school.  On June 3, 1943, Robert enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country until his Honorably Discharge on October 15, 1943.

Robert married the love of his life, Velma (Berndt) McBride on December 21, 1946.  The couple made their home on a farm north of Indianola and was blessed with a daughter, Diane.  After a time, Robert and Velma began farming outside of Danbury where their second daughter, Sandy, was born.

Following retirement in 1990, the couple bought a home in McCook and eventually settled into Highland Park in 2017.  Together with Velma, Robert enjoyed hosting card parties, dancing, listening to country music and playing golf. He had a knack for entertaining others with his jokes and he enjoyed being in the company of people.  Robert was instrumental in the Toys for Tots program and Santa’s Workshop.

Robert and Velma were members of both St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Indianola and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in McCook.  Robert was a seventy five year member of the American Legion in Danbury and a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He served on a variety of local boards to include the Beaver Valley School District as well as the Wheat Growers Association.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Velma McBride in 2018; two brothers, Charles and Bill McBride; two sisters, Roberta Randel and Evelyn Winters; and a great grandson, Emmett Lee Kotschwar.

Those left to celebrate his life include his daughters, Diane (Pete) Sabaliauskas of Plattsmouth, NE and Sandy (Mike) Kotschwar of Omaha, NE; brother, Jim (Ida) McBride of Holbrook, NE; sister, Ruth Schuster of Denver, CO; sister in law, Helen Berndt of McCook; five grandchildren, Brad (Margo) Farrell of Minneapolis, MN, John (Amanda) Farrell of West Des Moines, IA, Lance Farrell of Minneapolis, Stephanie (Kyle) Holmgren of Omaha and Brett (Sarah) Kotschwar of Cortland, NE; ten great grandchildren, Arianna, Lucas, and Colette Farrell, Preston, Isla, Natalie and Emerson Farrell, Sophina and Klayton Holmgren and Alex Kotschwar and; as well as numerous extended family members.