Addison Walbridge, age 96, of Arapahoe, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019 at C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center, in Arapahoe.
Memorial services will be Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Arapahoe, with Pastors Becky Saddler and George Probasco, officiating. Inurnment will be Friday, March 15, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at the Kearney Cemetery, Kearney. Military rites provided by Nebraska National Guard Honors Team and the Kearney American Legion.
He was born on Feb. 3, 1922 in Palisade, Nebraska to Earl and Verna (Cross) Walbridge.
Addison and his family moved to their Gosper County farm, when he was 5. He attended school and Sunday school at the nearby Blackwood School. He attended Arapahoe High School for one year, then moved to Lexington and graduated in 1939.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army on Sept. 10, 1942 and was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., before being sent to England for 2 years, 3 months as a Company Clerk. Addison was honorably discharged on Dec. 27, 1945. After the service, he moved back to Lexington and ran Wally’s Café with his father.
He met the love of his life, Helen Needham and they were married July 18, 1952. To this union three children were born, Irvin, Rhonda, and John. After living in Lexington for a few years, they moved to the family farm in 1957, north of Edison and farmed until they moved to Arapahoe in 1996.
Addison was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Arapahoe, American Legion and served on the board of the Edison Non-Stock Coop Association. He loved the farm, spending time with his family, watching Husker football and basketball games, golfing, and in later years enjoyed morning coffee with the guys.
Addison is survived by his son, Irvin (Karen) Walbridge of Edison; daughter, Rhonda (Jim) Lakey of Lincoln; daughter-in-law JoDee Walbridge of Arapahoe; grandchildren Grant, Cole, Derek, Garth, Nathan, Ali, Sam, Max, and Fayth and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen of 60 years, son John, and two sisters Emma Jean Ristine and Virginia Wells.
Memorials are suggested to be left in his name. Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences or personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com.
