Jack L. Kihlthau

Dec. 3, 1933--March 11, 2011

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- Jack L. Kihlthau, 77, passed away Friday (March 11, 2011), at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

He was born Dec. 3, 1933, to Martin and Martha (Peil) Kihlthau in Minatare, Nebraska. He attended country schools and graduated from Melbeta High School.

On June 21, 1953, he was united in marriage to Irene Meter. Jack was baptized in January of 1957. He joined the U.S. National Guard 134th Infantry, 34th Division in Scottsbluff, Nebraska from 1950-60. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class.

His many jobs included farming, Rainbo Bread man, manager of the Ogallala, Nebraska A&W Drive-in and owned and operated the A&W in Benkelman, Nebraska. Later known as the "The Dub." He was also a carpenter, school bus driver and substitute mail man.

While living in Ogallala, Jack joined the Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce. He was chairman in 1963, when they submitted a 200 page album for the Community Betterman Contest. He was also in the Ogallala Sheriffs Posse.

While in Benkelman, he coached the girl's softball team several years and had a top rated team.

He was a top gardener that produced enough for him to share with neighbors and family. Jack enjoyed riding horses and hunting.

With failing health, he sold his business and moved to North Platte in 2006 with Irene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Jeffrey Parker; and granddaughter, Kristi.

Jack is survived by his wife, Irene Kihlthau of North Platte; three children, Rodney and wife, Dina Murguin, Janet and husband, James Hardwick and Sherri and husband, Steven Moening; brother, Vernon and wife, Bonnie Kihlthau of Scottsbluff; sister, Kathleen Hixon of Fort Collins, Colorado; four grandchildren, Benjamin Jack, Mitchell and wife, Nicole Watkins, Justin, and Jacob; and two great-grandchildren, Thane and Bristol.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Cremation was chosen.

Memorial services are Friday, 2 p.m., at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.

Carpenter Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.