Herman B. Bley, 88, of North Platte, went home to be with His Lord and Savior, on March 22, 2012.
He was born May 6, 1923, to Jacob and Kate (Duhm) Bley at Wauneta. He graduated from Waunita High School in 1941 and entered the Army in 1943, taking his favorite verse, Romans 8:31 ""If God be for us, who can be against us,"" with him as he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Medal.
He married Bonnie Jean Egle in 1946, raised their family on a farm in Hitchcock County, sold insurance for 19 years, and was a lifetime member of Gideon's International.
Selling the farm and retiring in 1992 they moved to North Platte to join other family members. Herman was a man of God and left a wonderful legacy.
He was an outgoing person with a great sense of humor, which encouraged those around him even through his later years of physical challenges. When asked what kind of encouragement he would you give to others, he replied to ""Know that God is on your side, stay true and obey Him. He will give you strength for each trial.""
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Alvin (Nadine); and another infant brother.
Herman is survived by his wife, Bonnie; and children, Jerry (Pat) Bley, of Oklahoma, Marsha (Michael) Ryan, of North Platte, Janette (Lee) Jones and Terry (Kelly) Bley, both of Indiana; grandchildren, Jeff (Tara), Jeremy (Kira), Julie (Michael), Joshua (Rachael), Jordan (Adrienne), Cassie (Michael), Trisha, Savannah, Mikayla, Dawson and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Kristopher, Josiah, Kate, Addison, Audrey and Greyson; brothers, Ervin (Elaine) Bley and Raymond (Lois) Bley; and many other close friends; and relatives.
A memorial has been established to Gideon's International in honor of Herman and his lifelong desire to reach others
for Christ, through
www.gideons.org. Online condolences may be shared at
carpentermemorial.com.Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 26, at the Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside.
Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. today, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m., today.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Published by North Platte Telegraph from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25, 2012.