Ralph Millard Black

August 13, 1930 - April 12, 2015

RALPH MILLARD BLACK 1930 – 2015 Ralph Millard Black age 84 of Plattsmouth, NE peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the Bellevue Medical Center in Bellevue, NE. Ralph was born on August 13, 1930 to Warren Millard and Helga Marie (Nelson) Black in Dennison, NE. He was raised and schooled in Albion, NE but from age 6-10 he lived with his family in Washington State. Ralph graduated from Albion High School with the class of 1949, lettering in football, basketball, track, and baseball. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Marines and served his country during the Korean Conflict for four years from 1950 to 1953. He was a drill instructor at Camp Pendleton in California. In 1953, he moved to Omaha, NE and he worked as a lineman for the Omaha Public Power District, until he retired in 1990. He met Bertha Ann Petersen and they were later married on June 10, 1978 at Zion Lutheran Church in Albion, NE. Ralph and Bertha made their home in Omaha until 1983 when they moved to Beaver Lake, NE. Then in 2005, they moved to Plattsmouth. He was a member of the Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543 (Past Commander), 40 & 8, Cooties, Devil Dogs, Hosanna Lutheran Church all of Plattsmouth, and the American Legion Millard Post #374 (Past Commander) of Millard, NE. Ralph is survived by his wife Bertha Black of Plattsmouth, NE, daughter: Jana Smith and husband Aaron of Leesburg, VA, four sons: Rick Black and wife Kyle of Papillion, NE, William Black and wife Deborah of Glenwood, IA, Terry Black of Omaha, NE, Tim Black of Omaha, NE, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, sister-in-law: Winona Lee and husband Bob of Kansas City, MO, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Warren and Helga Black, sister: Lois Diane Black, and sister-in-law: Dorothy Cook and husband Dewey. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 P.M., Friday, April 24, 2015 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Plattsmouth with Pastor Jim Spanjers officiating, Lori Voss as vocalist, and Connie Halouska as organist. Visitations will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 P.M., with family greeting relatives and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Roby Funeral Home in Plattsmouth. 40 & 8 Service will be held at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Roby Funeral Home. The Pallbearers will be Rick Black, Terry Black, William Black, Tim Black, Joshua Black, Tyler Smith, Jason Black, Garrett Smith, and Justin Black. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aaron Smith, Dewey Cook Jr., Mike Lee, Bob Lee, Steven Collins, Jon Collins, Chris Nelson, Jerry Tisthammer, Gary Kindle, and Kevin James. Final Resting Place will be at Westlawn Hillcrest Cemetery in Omaha. Military Rites will be conducted by the Marine Funeral Honor Guard of Omaha, Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543 of Plattsmouth, and American Legion Millard Post #374 Honor Guard of Millard, NE. The family suggests memorials to Hosanna Lutheran Church or Lepert Wolever V.F.W. Post #2543.