Rod E. Boss

Rodney E. Boss, age 72 of Ogallala, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014 at his home in Ogallala.
Rod was born February 10, 1942 at Ogallala, Nebraska to Harry C. and Marie E. (Thorpe) Boss. He graduated from Ogallala High School and went on to attend McCook College and Kearney State College respectively.
On August 6, 1966, Rod married Mary Ann Schneider at Heartwell, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with 3 children, Shahn, Stacey and Andi. Rod’s career in education, which spanned over 30 years, took the family all over Nebraska and parts of Iowa and Kansas, including Utica, Cozad, Hildreth, Eustis, Holdrege, Fairmont and Lenora, KS. In 1999, he and Mary Ann returned to his roots in Ogallala. The couple purchased the Plaza Inn, which they operated for a few years before selling it in 2003. They went on to purchase the bowling alley, which they owned and operated until 2009, when Rod’s health began to decline. In 2010, Rod was diagnosed with cancer, and he fought a long and arduous battle with the disease until early Saturday morning, when he was set free from his struggles.
In addition to being a passionate educator, Rod was a gifted coach. He loved to mentor young people, whether it be in the classroom, on the football field, basketball court or in track. As a former Dutch Cup recipient, athletics taught him something about life, and he wanted to share that gift with others.
Rod was an avid fan of Nebraska athletics. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and watching old westerns. Rod was also a loving and dedicated grandpa, and fervently supported and tracked his grandchildren through their activities.
Rod is preceded in death by his parents and 2 infant brothers, Larry and Jackie.
Survivors include Rod’s wife of 47 years, Mary Ann Boss of Ogallala; son, Shahn Boss (Mike Weber) of Grand Island; 2 daughters, Stacey Brunner of Sutherland and Andi Boss of Denver; 8 grandchildren, Makayla, Katelyn, Jaydn, Breanne, Jason, Gracie, Gavin and Lacey; sister, Bonnie (Wayne) Cox of Platteville, CO; 3 brothers, Dale (Billie) Boss of Ft. Lupton, CO, Harry (Joyce) Boss, Jr. of Lincoln and Robert (Carolyn) Boss of Middleburg, FL; sister-in-law, Peggy (Steve) Simmons of Kearney; an uncle, George Thorpe of Omaha; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Bryan Ernest as celebrant. A private family inurnment will be held in the Ogallala Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation for memorial book signatures will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala with a Rosary and Wake Service beginning at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home (formerly Gubser Funeral Home) of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.