Jack Smaha, age 92, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 22, 2013 at his home in Fremont with his family by his side.

Jack was born in York, NE, on November 21, 1920, to Bertha (Jelinek) and Joseph F. Smaha.He attended school in Fullerton, NE, and graduated from Ravenna, NE, high school in 1938.Jack and Marybelle Brookley were married in Las Vegas, NV, on December 24, 1941.He entered service in October of 1942 and was discharged on October 13, 1945.While enlisted, Jack served in the European Theater of Operations in the 9th armored division and won three battle stars.He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #106, American Legion Post #007, Elks Lodge, and deacon and trustee for First Presbyterian Church in Alliance. Jack worked 39 years on the Burlington Northern Railroad and retired as an Engineer in May 1981.He was a lifetime member of Burlington Locomotive Engineers.Following his retirement, he enjoyed working with his son in farming, playing golf, having coffee with his buddies, and leisure time with his family.

Jack and Marybelle moved from Alliance into Nye Square, an independent living senior facility in Fremont in 2008.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marybelle in July of 2010.

He is survived by:son Daniel Smaha (Shelly) of Glide, OR; daughter Sandra Young (Dr. Greg) of Fremont, NE; daughter Diana Lloyd (Rawson) of Spearfish, SD; sister Bette Eizonas, of Georgetown, TX; 8 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

The family will be holding a private family graveside service at the Alliance Cemetery at a later date, honoring "Gentleman Jack" as a WWII veteran and a beloved family patriarch. He will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be directed to The First Presbyterian Church of Alliance, NE or to Odyssey Hospice of Fremont.