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LOUP CITY — Delmon “Del” D. Peck, Jr., 78, Loup City, died peacefully Aug. 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Del’s wishes were to be cremated with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City is in charge of arrangements.
Del, or Butch as he was known by some, was born in Genoa, on Sept. 18, 1944, to Del Sr. and Florence (Wetzel) Peck. Del spent his youth in Genoa before the family moved to Tilden. Del was the second of three boys and was active in athletics in high school and worked at the local bowling alley as a pin setter in his youth. Del graduated from Tilden High School in the summer of 1962 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Del spent time overseas during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Del was part of a mortar team and he always spoke fondly of his time and friendships formed during his time in “The Corps.” Del was honorably discharged from the Marines, Feb. 18, 1965, and rotated back to Nebraska, where he worked various jobs until he followed in the family footsteps and became a lineman for REA in Battle Creek. During this time, Del fell in love with Linda Seifert and they were wed in 1969. In 1973, Del took a position with NPPD in Kearney. The couple were blessed with two beautiful children, Jason, in 1975, and Amy, in 1979. Del graduated from Kearney State College in 1982, with a degree in business management. The family made their home in Kearney until 1985, when Del was promoted and took a position with NPPD in Hartington. In 1990, Del was promoted again and the family moved to Loup City. Del retired from NPPD in 2000, but his desire to stay active drew him back to college for a semester where he took astronomy and geology. He then went to work at the Archway in Kearney as a greeter, or as he referred to himself, “The Archway Cowboy.” Del loved his time at the Archway, as it gave him full range to entertain people, from pulling the tail on the bull to telling people that the escalator was the “tallest this side of the Mississippi.” Del truly loved to make people laugh.
Del was always active in the community; in Hartington he was part of Toastmasters and won local, regional and districts, with a speech named “Make Them Your Own.” During his time in Loup City Del served on the Chamber of Commerce, Polish Days Committee, and even won the prestigious title of Ms. Polish Queen. Later in life, you could always find Del on his daily walks around Loup City with his distinct long hair and beard. The locals liked to refer to him as their own Forrest Gump. Del loved spending time with his family, going for a drive with Linda, and many other activities throughout his life.
Del is survived by wife, Linda, Loup City; children, Jason, Kearney, and Amy, Loup City; his older brother, Danny, Tilden; son-in-law, Pat, Loup City; and two grandchildren, Jacob and Zoey.
Del was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Florence, and his brother, David.
Del Peck
