Edward Carl Hofrock - Obituary

Edward Carl Hofrock, 88, passed from this life to be with his heavenly father on November 19th, 2016. Visitation will be at Colyer Funeral Home November 21st 2016 from 3 to 5 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Center Cross Church in Gering Nebraska November 22nd 2016 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bill Marietta officiating. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery Tryon, Nebraska on November 23rd 2016 at 2 p.m.

Carl was born September 26th, 1928 in Lisco, Nebraska. He was adopted at the age of 18 months. Carl married Zelma (Swayze) on January 10th, 1959 in Potter, Nebraska. To this union six children were born though they raised seven children.

Carl served with the Marines during the Korean conflict. He graduated from the Coyne Technical School in Chicago and owned Hofrock Brothers TV - Radio Sales and Service together with his brother. Carl worked many jobs throughout his life and shared endless stories of his adventures. As a young man he worked as a lineman. For several years he enjoyed selling Nachurs liquid fertilizer and the time he was able to spend visiting with farmers in the area. He also worked selling insurance and investments. His final formal employment was with Burlington Northern Railroad, he retired in 1995. At the time of his death Carl and Zelma owned and operated Chuck Wagon RV Park in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, where he always enjoyed visiting with the campers.

Carl was a member of the VFW, Masons and served as Worshipful Master. He was also active in Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron. Carl was a member of the Potter Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Gering Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Vice President, President and Assistant Chief. Carl also served as a Boy Scouts of American Committee Person. While in business in Gering he served on the Oregon Trail Days Committee and Chamber of Commerce. Carl was a member of several churches over the years as life took him to different locations.

Carl and Zelma traveled often even when they had a young family. He visited 38 of the lower 48 states, plus, Alaska, Hawaii and Brazil. He took his family to Mexico and Canada. In 2016 he was included in a Vet's Roll trip from Beloit, Wisconsin to Washington DC with his son, Chuck and son-in-law Gene, to accompany him, along with 199 other Veterans and Rosie the Riveters on the trip. It was among the greatest thrills of his life. He also enjoyed a deep sea fishing adventure with his youngest son, Clay, catching his limit in salmon.

Carl's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were sources of great joy and pride in his life. If you spoke with Carl more than a few minutes you heard at least one story about his 'kids'.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two brothers, his daughter, Cheryl Cummins and a son-in-law, Burdette Hood. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Zelma, and children: Charlotte Hood, Alliance Nebraska; Sandra Braudaway and children Rachel and Hannah, Thornton Colorado; Cynthia Burbank and son Caelan, Omaha, Nebraska; Sons Charles Hofrock, Lincoln Nebraska and Clayton Hofrock wife Amy and sons Max and Ethan, Beaverton Oregon; Son-in-law Eugene Cummins and children Emily and Michael, Beloit, Wisconsin, and a grandson he and Zelma raised, Curtis Hofrock wife Kim of Sidney Nebraska and their five children and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother-in-law, and three sisters-in-law and number great nieces and great nephews.