Clarence A. "Bud" Gaghagen Jr.

Clarence A. “Bud” Gaghagen Jr., 91, of Central City, Nebraska, died Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Edgewood Vista in Grand Island. Memorial graveside services will be Monday, April 27, 2015, at 11:30 A.M. at Central City Cemetery with Father Robert Lewis officiating. Military rites will be performed by American Legion Lone Tree Post #6 of Central City. A time of fellowship with the family will follow at Christ Episcopal Church in Central City. Wagner Funeral Home in Central City is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Gaghagen was born on February 15, 1924 in Denver, Colorado to C. A. Gaghagen Sr. and Dora Lois (Johnson) Gaghagen. The family moved to Alliance, NE and he attended school there, graduating in 1941. He entered the United States Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater until 1946. He was a member of the 66th Infantry Division. He was recalled to active duty in September of 1950 and was in Korea until August 1951. He was honorably discharged on October 24, 1952. Bud began his banking career with the Abbott Group of Alliance and was manager of the Thedford and Merriman branches. He was united in marriage to Louise Prouty Engler on July 28, 1961 in Shelton, NE. The couple lived in Central City where Bud was employed as Cashier of Central Bank. He was elected President in 1964 and remained in that office until his retirement in 1989. He was Vice Chairman of the Board for many years. Bud was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and had served on the vestry and as treasurer and lay reader. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion Lone Tree Post #6, VFW, and the 40 & 8 of the Legion. He also served on the school boards and Chamber of Commerce in the towns he lived in. He served as President of the Merrick Co. Ag & Ind. Corp. He was active in economic development and served on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Jan Gaghagen of Grand Island, NE; and Mark and Pam Gaghagen of Lincoln, NE, two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Dale Jones of Phoenix, AZ; and Tracy Ann and Joe Thomas of Columbus, NE, three grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren, a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Dick Kimberly of Cotopaxi, CO, stepchildren, Jane and Warren Nelson of Lincoln, NE; David Engler of Bell Fouche, SD; and Jim and Lori Engler of Holdrege, NE, several nieces, nephews and great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Louise Gaghagen, and his brother, George Gaghagen. Memorials are suggested to Asera-Care and condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website, www.wagnerfuneral.com.

Clarence A. "Bud" Gaghagen Jr.

February 15, 1924 - April 21, 2015