Robert J. Nerud

Robert J. Nerud, 90, of Scottsbluff, died, Sunday, May 17, 2009 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff with Jack Nerud and Jessie Nerud officiating. Inurnment will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Minatare with military honors by the Nebraska Army National Guard. Friends may call at the funeral home between 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice. Robert was born September 28, 1918 in Minatare, NE to Frank and Alice (Mowry) Nerud. He received his education in Minatare and Bayard and attended Scottsbluff Junior College. He was involved with the family livestock and ranching business. He entered the Army Air Corps March 10, 1941 and was trained as a signalman attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was with Patton’s Army at the invasion of North Africa, Sicily, and Anzio Beach in Italy. He continued to serve in the European Theatre going to Austria, Belgium, Southern France and then joined Patton’s Army again liberating Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge. He was decorated with the Bronze and Silver Star. He was honorably discharged August 20, 1945. Robert returned to the valley and resumed his career in livestock and cattle business for the rest of his life. He married Gladys Randall in 1947 and to this union three sons were born Robin, Scott and Greg. He purchased a farm west of Scottsbluff in 1955 in the Sunflower Community. Robert was well known in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming as a cattle buyer and horse trainer. His knowledge of the cattle market and futures made him an icon in the cattle business. He is survived by his sons: Robin (Paula) Nerud, Englewood, CO and Greg (Sherry) Nerud of Boise, ID; grandchildren: Justin, Las Vegas, NV, Tara Brunner, Boise, ID, Joseph, Denver, CO and Jessie of Englewood, CO; brothers: John (Charlotte) Nerud, Long Island, NY, Edward Nerud, Stafford, AZ, Poor Dick Nerud, Minatare, NE, Tom Nerud, Scottsbluff, NE and Jack Nerud, Oshkosh, NE. Robert was preceded in death by his son Scot in 1981, grandson Jacob Nerud, granddaughter Jordan Nerud, brother, Louie, and sisters, Jean Durnal and Bernice Wallen.