Verle Boyd Raichart

Verle Boyd Raichart was born March 18, 1924 on a farm north of Max, Nebraska in the Ash Grove District, to Boyd and Clara (Green) Raichart. In 1928, when Verle was four, the family moved to the place now called home, southeast of Max.

He grew up and attended school in Max and graduated from Max Rural High School in 1941. He enjoyed his years there and often times talked of the year his basketball team won the Frenchman Valley Tournament by beating Imperial 27 to 17.

Verle met and married Phyllis Bellamy on May 27, 1951 at the Methodist Church in Benkelman. To this union five children were born: Kenny, Kathy, Kelly, Kristi and another daughter that died in infancy. Phyllis was tragically killed in a car-train accident in November of 1971. On December 27, 1997 Verle remarried to Elaine Blank. She preceded him in death in September of 2005.

He was always one to help everyone who needed help and advice. He was always willing to be there if he was needed. No one was a stranger to him. He served on many boards in Dundy County, including the redistricting board when Max joined what is now Dundy County Stratton High School. He also served on the Dundy County Farm Bureau, the Hester Board, and the Benkelman Cemetery Board where he was instrumental in getting the directory started. He was a member of the Max Methodist Church for over 50 years.

Verle was a lover of the land and always tried to improve it. He built many dams and terraces to help keep the water from eroding it. He planted grass to keep the soil from blowing away and wind breaks to keep it there. In 1984 he dug some ponds for fishing and the wildlife, so everyone could enjoy them. Verle was also a livestock man. He raised lots of hogs and cattle through the years. His favorite time of the year was when the baby calves were born. He loved watching them and always knew which calf belonged with which cow even before the ear-tag matched them up. Verle also enjoyed the horses and everything involved with them. He enjoyed team penning and was always there if he could be. He always claimed he was never bucked off of a horse. He jumped off a few time just to save a crash, but he was never bucked off.

Above all, family was important. He enjoyed attending all the children’s and grandchildren’s events. He was their number one cheerleader. Of course he always enjoyed the Huskers, be it girls’ volleyball or the football team he always watched them when he could on T.V. or listened to them on the radio when he could not watch.

Verle passed away Wednesday evening, August 23, 2017 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was 93 years of age.

Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Phyllis; second wife, Elaine; son, Kenneth; an infant daughter; sister, Gladys; brother, Leanard and twin sisters in infancy.

He is survived by:
Daughter, Kathy Donze and husband, Bill of McCook, Nebraska
Son, Kelly Raichart and wife, Marcia of Benkelman, Nebraska
Daughter, Kristi Gordon and husband, Wesley of Palisade, Colroado
Sister-in-law, Pat Bellamy
10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. (MT), Tuesday morning, August 29, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Pastor Rod Heilbrun officiating. Interment will follow in the Benkelman Cemetery.

The casket will be open for viewing at the church prior to services, the same day as services.

A memorial has been established in Verle’s Memory.

Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS