George Pete Karubas

George Pete Karubas, age 96, formerly of Bayard, Nebraska, passed away surrounded with love on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church or Western Nebraska Veterans’ Home. The service will be live-streamed and recorded on George’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com

George, the seventh of ten children, was born on September 25, 1928, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Pete and Helen (Stamatelos) Karubas. The family moved to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1936. After his father's death in 1941, George moved to Bayard, Nebraska, where he lived with his brother, Bill, and attended school.

George entered the United States Navy at the young age of sixteen and completed his education through the service. He served from December 1945 to September 1947 when he was honorably discharged. His discharge rank was Aviation Metalsmith Third Class. While enlisted George was stationed in NTS San Diego, California, NAF Attu, Alaska, as well as US Navy Rec., Seattle, Washington. Just before his death, he received the State of Nebraska WWII Recognition Program Certificate and Medal celebrating 80 years of victory. 

Following his discharge from the Navy, George returned to Nebraska where he began farming near Bridgeport. He met Margaret Viola, and they were married on December 17, 1950, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Bayard. Three daughters were born to this union: Debra, Helen, and Cindy.

Together, George and Margaret farmed and ranched in the Bridgeport and Bayard area until 1958. They then moved to the Chicago area where George went into partnership with his brothers. The family returned to Bridgeport-Bayard in 1966 where they remained farming and ranching until retirement. George’s love of horses led to raising Appaloosa horses. 

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Bridgeport, The Panhandle Shrine Club, a Board Member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, and was a High Ten Beet Grower for Great Western for several years. George’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. 

Survivors include his beloved wife of 74 years, Margaret; daughters, Debra (Mike) Kildow, Helen (Denis) Langhofer, and Cynthia (Anton) Policky; grandchildren, Geoff (Kirsten) Langhofer, Erik Langhofer, Mick (Darcy) Kildow, George (Crystal) Kildow, Shanna (Sam) Nevarez, Ashlee Policky, and Riley Policky; great-grandchildren, Hunter Kildow, Grant Kildow, Ava Kildow, Ella Kildow, Camden Langhofer, Karys Leeling, Kadence Leeling, Thais Feldman, Jovee Keener, Sawyer Keener, Henry Policky, Siena Policky and Roy Policky; godchildren, Teresa Piccolo and Pete Chikos; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Helen; sisters, Alexandria, Annie, Frieda, Dorothy and Mary; and brothers, Nick, Bill, Jim and Louie.

George’s grandchildren will serve as his Honorary Pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the staff at WNVH for their kindness and excellent care of George. They are forever grateful.