Terry Charles Loptin

Terry Charles Loptin, of Bennington, NE, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2026. Born on December 15, 1941, in Omaha, NE, to Dorothy and Charles Loptin, Terry spent his early years with his parents living on the Boys Town farm before moving to a farm in Washington County, NE. He attended Dornacker Country School and Bennington High School, where he excelled in academics, ran track, and played baseball and basketball. It was during his high school years that he met his future wife, Carol Johnsen. Terry graduated from Bennington High School in 1960 and married Carol on October 7, 1961, at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington. Following high school, he worked for Anderson Equipment before making his dad proud by embarking on a 34-year career with OPPD, retiring in 2000. In retirement, he worked part-time for Plains Equipment delivering parts and driving for the annual hay rack ride. His passion for sports led him to referee basketball for many years, and he cherished attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sports and dance events. Terry also enjoyed traveling and camping with Carol throughout the United States. A collector at heart, Terry enjoyed gathering John Deere tractors, toy farm machinery, Husker memorabilia, and other collectibles. He shared his passion for farm machinery with others as a member of the Platte Valley Tractor Club. He was deeply proud of the Bennington community and dedicated much of his life to serving it. Terry devoted many years as a member of the Bennington Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, serving in various roles including assistant chief and fire chief. Terry was proud of helping to establish the first rescue squad in Bennington 60 years ago. He also served on the Bennington City Council, Saint John’s Lutheran Church Council, member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and served for many years as a Douglas County Election Supervisor. Terry was a loving, devoted, and attentive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Loptin, and in-laws Raymond and Florence Johnsen. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; son Rob (Di); daughter Sherri (Kurt); grandchildren Jordan (Mike), Cori (Jeromy), Brynlee (Boughston), Ben (Jamaica), Jake (Tyler), Hannah; great- grandchildren Kinlee, Judson, Paxton, Stellar; and a great-granddaughter due in 2027. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Rick (Sandy), nephews Chad (Kerri), Curt, Eric, and “Sister” Bev Griffin. The family invites you to celebrate Terry’s life by wearing the colors of one of his favorites: John Deere, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, or the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church Elkhorn, and designated to the Rooted and Rising Campaign, or the Bennington Fire and Rescue Department.

Terry Charles Loptin

December 15, 1941 - August 25, 2026