William Thanel, Jr

William "Bill" Dean Thanel, 80, of Brady, NE, died May 11, 2011 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, NE.

He was born on January 8, 1931 at Gothenburg, NE to Minnie Alice Meyer Thanel and William Thanel.

He attended grade school and high school in Brady, just a few blocks from his home, graduating in 1949. He was part of the football team that won the 1949 Class D State Championship.

He worked with his Dad at the Texaco Station until he entered the United States Army on January 25, 1952. He was stationed in Korea with the 256th Panel Bridge CO., 8th Army. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal. On June 30, 1953 he was medical disability retired. He was proud to have served in the Army and kept in contact with men he served with. In 1953, he resumed working at Thanel Service and later became the owner.

On January 9, 1961 he married Bonnie McClellen Nelson and had resided on their farm south of Brady since that time. He enjoyed being with his family and teaching his grandson Jayden how to use various tools and how to make diamond willow canes.

He loved animals and although he was partial to golden retriever dogs, he rescued a basset hound that he took to work with him for fourteen years. He enjoyed Cushman scooters and classic cars and looked forward to meeting with friends for coffee each morning. He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW and was a member of Eagles Aerie #2839 for over 50 years.

Surviving are wife, Bonnie Thanel of Brady, NE; three sons - Alan Nelson of Sacramento, CA; Michael (Gina) Nelson of Danville, CA; William (Brenda) Thanel III of Derby, KS; grandson - Jayden William Thanel of Derby, KS.

William "Bill" was preceded in death by his parents William and Minnie Thanel, and an infant daughter, Lori LaRue Thanel.