Stanley Albert Belgum

Stanley "Stan" Albert Belgum, father, grandfather, brother, and decorated Vietnam War veteran, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the age of 78, at the Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Fort Collins, Colorado. Stan’s life was marked by a deep love for his family, a passion for the outdoors, and an unwavering sense of duty to his country. He was a resident of Kimball, Nebraska, at the time of his passing.

Born on November 27, 1946, in the small town of Dix, Nebraska, Stanley was the son of Albert and Bernadine (Herald) Belgum. In his youth, Stan possessed a natural athleticism and found joy and camaraderie in sports, participating in various team activities that fostered his competitive nature.

The trajectory of Stan’s life took a significant turn when he was drafted into the United States Army. Demonstrating leadership potential and a commitment to service, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1968. This marked the beginning of a distinguished military career that would ultimately lead him to serve his country in Vietnam. During his tour of duty, Stan’s courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers were evident, culminating in the prestigious award of the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic actions in the face of adversity.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Stan found solace and exhilaration in nature. Stan was an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing these pastimes with his children when they were growing up.

As the years passed, Stan’s focus shifted increasingly to his grandchildren: Wyatt, Aidan, Cassady, Cameron, and Kyra. They became the center of his world, and he relished the opportunity to share his wisdom, his stories, and his unwavering support. His love for them was palpable, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments, big and small. Alongside his devotion to his family, Stan also harbored a lifelong fondness for Dr. Pepper. His collection of the soft drink became a lighthearted testament to one of his simple joys, a quirky and endearing detail that those who knew him well would always remember with a smile.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernadine Belgum; his father, Albert Belgum; and his siblings, Lee Belgum, Keith Belgum, Gordon Belgum, Maryanne Belgum, Deanne Belgum, and Alan Belgum.

He will be profoundly missed by his daughters, Amy Esplin and Tracy Rink; his son, James Belgum and daughter-in-law Lesley; his sisters, Dianne Pruitt and her husband Jim, Barbara Vaughn and her husband Dale, and Donna Shroyer; his brothers, Brett Belgum and his wife Toni, and Lyle Belgum and his wife Jody; and his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt Esplin and his fiance Bri, Aidan Rink, Cassady Belgum and her husband Nate, Cameron Belgum, and Kyra Rink. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Pathways Hospice, an organization that provided compassionate care and support during Stan’s final days. Donations can be made online at https://pathways-care.org/give-now/ or by mail to 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at Pathways Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.

A graveside celebration of Stan's life will be held July 3, 2025 at 4pm at the Dix Cemetery.