Dennis Bihlmaier

Dennis H. Bihlmaier, 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died October 31, 2021 surrounded by his family at Gothenburg Health.

He was born January 22, 1936 in Stratton, CO, son of  Henry and Ruth (Schutz) Bihlmaier.  The family moved to Eustis, where he attended school through the eighth grade.  He left school to work on the farm and in a blacksmith shop to help support the family.

Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army for six years. Following his return from the Army, Dennis married Carol Sealander on July 27, 1959 in Ogallala.  To this union, four children were born: Denise, Cindy, Steve, and Kelli.

He was employed at Nebraska Public Power District until his retirement in 1994. Dennis was a member of the American Lutheran Church and a 55 year member of the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department. In September of 2018, he participated and enjoyed the Dawson County Hero Flight to Washington, DC.

He enjoyed working on antique tractors and lawnmowers, working with his cows, putting up and bailing hay. Dennis enjoyed his time working along side Roy Bartlett and Scott Brown and family. He enjoyed going camping with family in his younger years. Later in life, he loved to watch the Price is Right and MeTV.

Survivors include his children, Denise (Darrell) Tate of Bland, VA, Cindy (Randy) Garcia of Gothenburg, Steve (Lisa) Bihlmaier of Cozad, and Kelli (Dave) Cullers of Cozad, 13 grandchildren, Jeremiah Tate, Brandy DeRerizis, Katie Bright, Jason Block, Andrew Block, April George, Kayla Holmes, Brandon Bihlmaier, Chandler Cullers, Nick Cullers, Brian Garcia, Kris Fruhling, Brad Garcia,  20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, brother, Larry Bihlmaier of Gothenburg, sister-in-law Connie McNulty, several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Chloe.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents Henry and Ruth, brothers, Gordon Bihlmaier and Warren Bihlmaier, in-laws, Lloyd and Vera Sealander, great-granddaughter Aiyana Marie Tate, brother-in-law Ralph McNulty and sister-in-law Dolly Bihlmaier.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, November 4, 2021, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Services will be held at the American Lutheran Church, Friday, November 5, 2021 at 10:30 am.

Burial will follow in the American Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, 602 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138, or Central Plains Hospice, PO Box 108, Cozad, NE 69130.