Harlan D. Anderberg June 30, 1933 ~ July 28, 2010
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Lifetime Arthur County rancher Harlan D. Anderberg, 77, died July 28, 2010 at their Ogallala residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

Harlan was born June 30, 1933 in Julesburg, Colorado, the son of Anthon and Rose (Kupka) Anderberg. He received his early education in the Oshkosh, Nebraska area until the family moved to Arthur County to ranch in the 1940's. He graduated from Arthur County High School in 1951. He worked on the family ranch until March 31, 1955 when he enlisted in the United States Army.

On August 23, 1955 he married Mary Ann McKeag at the Army chapel in Augusta Georgia. The couple made their home in Heilbronn, Germany until February of 1958 when he was honorably discharged from the Army. He was trained as a military policeman at Ft Gordon, Georgia before being deployed to Germany to serve as a security guard at the 507 Security Agency. He was promoted to Specialist 2nd Class in charge of the S1 Message Center and received the Certificate of Achievement for "outstanding performance of duty".

The couple returned to the family ranch in Arthur where they ranched until 1981 when Harlan built his horse ranch. He trained horses for ranch work and team roping. He joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1982. He and his son, Jeff, won the 1982 Prairie Circuit and qualified for the first Pro-Tour Rodeo Finals in Casper, WY. He also qualified three consecutive years for the National Finals in the Living Legends and National Old Timers Rodeo Associations.

Harlan served as an Arthur County Commissioner 1980-1984, being chairman of the board for 3 years. He was also appointed to the following boards: Arthur County Fair Board, Arthur County Selective Service Board, Farmers Home Administration, Ogallala Community Hospital Board, School Board District #32 of Arthur County and was an Arthur Baptist Church trustee.

After leaving the horse ranch he sold cars in Ogallala for Doug Fuller and Schmidt Motors. He then became a District Manager for Vitalix Feeds, eventually becoming an independent distributor for the company.

Harlan always loved to promote youth in their activities, especially teaching roping skills. He conducted several roping schools including one for the Chadron State College Rodeo Team. He continually supported the sports and academic activities at Arthur County High School, including the High School Rodeo Team, Trap Club, and reading program. He enjoyed watching the kids learn and excel.. His hobbies in later years included reading and playing golf. He especially enjoyed playing golf with his foursome on Tuesdays at West Winds Golf Course in Ogallala, Ne.

Survivors include wife Mary Ann of Arthur, two daughters Jo D. (David) Blessing of Elwood, NE, Teeyl (Jeff) Chapman of Omaha, NE, son Jeff (Sandy) of Clarendon, TX. One sister, Rhoda (Gerald) Smith of Gering, NE and one brother, Jim Anderberg of Arthur, NE. Six grandchildren, Lacey (Kade) Wilcox, Wellington, TX, Lauren (Paul) Bonk, Lincoln, NE, Meghann Chapman-Hay, Owensboro, KY, Jessie Anderberg, Amarillo, TX, Allison (Brandon) Taute, St. Louis, MO, Drew Chapman, Boonville, MO. Two great grandchildren, Lilie Hay, Owensboro, KY and Charlie Bonk, Lincoln, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Orland and wife Winnifred, and three sisters, Eloise Heap and husband Walt, Rose Marie Black, and Donna Jean Serfling and husband Clarence, and sister-in-law Jean Anderberg.

There was cremation. Memorial Services will be Saturday, July 31, at 2:00 pm at the Arthur Baptist Church with the Reverend Ben Keene officiating. Inurnment will be in the Arthur Cemetery with military honors by Keith County Veterans Organization. A memorial has been established to the Arthur County Schools Faculty Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be sent by clicking here.
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.