Robert N. Atchison

Robert N. Atchison, age 80 of Cozad, passed away October 11, 2013 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Robert was born January 20, 1933 at Lexington, Nebraska to Paul and Mildred (Neil) Atchison. Robert graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1951. Following high school, Robert attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity while in college. In 1954, Robert entered the U.S. Army where he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Artillery Corp. He proudly served for 3 years during the Korean War. On June 8, 1958, Robert married Mary Louise Gunlicks at North Platte. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Kristine and Joel. The couple settled on the family farm, which was homesteaded in 1889 south of Cozad. He and his brother Wendell farmed together for many years. Both retired in recent years. In 2007, Robert and Wendell-the Atchisons- were honored as farm family of the year. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing and all Nebraska sports. He loved gardening and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Robert was a faithful and active member of the Cozad United Methodist Church. He served on several church boards and sang in the church choir for over 55 years. Robert also sang with the Lexington Barbershop Men’s Group. He was a member of the Cozad Elks Lodge, Cozad Rotary, Johnson Lake Board, and was a past member of the Cozad Hospital Board. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Lois Atchison. Survivors include his wife, Mary Louise Atchison of Cozad; his children, Dr. Joel Robert (Kim) Atchison of Kearney, Kristine Louise Atchison of Bloomington, IN; and grandchildren, Lueck Misko, Kephanie Misko, Austin Robles, Tyler Atchison and Zachary Atchison; 2 great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established in his memory with Cozad United Methodist Church and Camp Comeca. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Fairview Cemetery south of Cozad at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad, with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.