Joseph E Roberts

Joseph E. “Joe” Roberts was born January 26, 1935 in Valley, Nebraska to Francis and Jessie (Groetzinger) Roberts. He grew up in Valley, and attended Valley schools, graduating from Valley High School in 1952. As a young boy, Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman. Joe served in the United States Navy from January 1953 until his honorable discharge in January 1956. Following his time in the Navy, Joe worked as a station agent for Burlington Railroad, he was a barber, a photographer, and worked for Lyman Richey. Joe married Lois Polzin on June 7, 1975 at their home in Valley, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Valley before moving to Marquis Place in Elkhorn, Nebraska in 2010. Joe has been an active member of the Valley American Legion Post #58, Valley Masonic Lodge 310, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. In the 1970’s and ‘80s, Joe was the bass guitar player in a country music band called “Country Apollos” that traveled and played at local halls. He was a Ham radio aficionado, and was part of the same monthly family card club that met for 25 years to play and to socialize. Joe became active in local politics in Valley, and served on both the City Council from 1978 to 1993, and as Mayor of Valley from 1993 to 2004. Joe took great pride in his community, and was the overseer of numerous projects that helped Valley both grow and improve. He worked closely with the state of Nebraska during the Highway 275 bypass project, and was instrumental in the development of Rogert Park. He was proud to have the Arboretum in Valley bear his name, and put his heart and soul into every position he held representing Valley. Joe was a people person, and loved getting together with family and friends to eat, talk, and reminisce. He was a man of strong convictions, who cherished his family, especially his wife, Lois. He was proud of his service to Valley, and will be remembered as a man with an outgoing personality, with a love of people, and a strong commitment to his family. Joe died suddenly on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 78 years, 9 months, and 10 days. He was preceded in death by his daughter Dottie Findell, granddaughter Andrea Kruger, and sisters: Frances “Tootie”, Dorothy, and Gretchen. Joe is survived by his wife Lois of Elkhorn, sons: Kent (Terri) of Valley, Dan (Cheryl) of New Richmond, WI, and Kurt (Michelle) of Kingston, WA, daughter Doreen “Dorie” Decker of Omaha, 8 grandchildren: Ryan (Lori) Roberts, Jason Decker, Blake (Heather) Findell, Adam Decker, Kate Roberts, Jessica Roberts, Roscoe Todd, Rosie Roberts, and Michael-Ryan Kruger, 5 great grandchildren: Jadyn Bender, Ava Kruger, Hartley Kruger, Stella Roberts, and Rylee Roberts, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joseph E. “Joe” Roberts, age 78, of Valley, NE, died 11-5-13. Preceded in death by daughter Dottie Findell, granddaughter Andrea Kruger, and sisters Frances “Tootie”, Dorothy, and Gretchen. Survived by wife Lois of Elkhorn, sons: Kent (Terri) of Valley, Dan (Cheryl) of New Richmond, WI, and Kurt (Michelle) of Kingston, WA, daughter Doreen “Dorie” Decker of Omaha, 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service Friday, 11 AM St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Valley. Graveside service 2PM Friday, Ridge Cemetery, Fremont, NE. Visitation Thursday Noon to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 6-8 PM and a Masonic service at 7:30 PM all at the funeral home in Elkhorn. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Joseph E Roberts

January 26, 1935 - November 5, 2013