Berl Klitzman

Berl Klitzman son of Wilbur and Margretta (McClellen) Klitzman was born at home in Ansley, Nebraska, (delivered by his grandmother, Sarah (Eggleston) Klitzman) on August 28, 1927. Berl grew up in Ansley, attending school there and in 1944 began a lifetime of work on the railroad. He worked the area of Alliance to Hazard for 44 years. Berl worked for CB&Q (Chicago Burlington and Quincy) railroad in 1944. CB&Q changed in the 1960's to Burlington Northern. Burlington Northern merged with Santa Fa Railroad in 1989. Berl retired after the merger. In 1946, Berl joined the U.S. Army. He received his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. Berl was deployed to the Japanese Occupation for one year. Berl's unit was the 65th Battalion Engineers, Unit Headquarters and Service. He was honorably discharged in 1947 and returned to Ansley to work on the railroad. Berl joined the Ansley Fire Department in 1944. He was with the fire department for 31 years. While he was with the fire department, he held several offices, executive committee, first and second fire chief. He retired from the Ansley Fire Department in 1975. On November 18, 1950, Berl and Nettie Stone of Broken Bow were married in the Assembly of God church by Pastor King. They made their home in Ansley and Linda Anette was born to them September 7, 1958. After 25 years of marriage Nettie passed away at the Sargent Hospital. On December 27, 1986, Berl and Phyllis Gates were married in North Platte, by Judge Tom Finney. They made their home in Broken Bow. Berl enjoyed dancing and watching Nebraska and college football. Survivors include, daughter, Linda (Randy) Haddix, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, and his wife Phyllis, three step-children, two nephews and one niece, great nieces and nephews. Berl was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, sisters, May, Ruby, and Doris, and first wife, Nettie. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Transportation fund or the donor's choice. Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 18, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow with Pastor Mark Stones officiating. Burial will be in the Ansley Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held on Wednesday 8 AM to 8 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow.