Patrick George McNamara, age 79 of North Platte, Nebraska died November 18, 2020. He was born July 28, 1941 to James and Lucille (Foy) McNamara and raised on a farm outside Beemer, Nebraska. He graduated from West Point Guardian Angels High School in 1959 and graduated from Wayne State College in 1963. He went on to earn a Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Illinois in 1971. He married his college sweetheart, Catherine Ann Lingle on August 10, 1963. They went on to teach in Valentine, Ne. They moved to North Platte in 1973. Cathy taught at Jefferson School. Pat pursued a career in agribusiness. He retired from Pioneer Hybrids after 21 years as a District Sales Manager.
Pat was a talented outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. His passion began on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Merritt Reservoir. He shared his enthusiasm with his sons, grandsons, and friends. Experiencing outdoor adventures extended throughout this life taking him to Homer, Alaska, Big Horn River, Montana, Dubois, Wyoming, Depot Bay, Oregon, and remote locations along the North Platte River. Pat enjoyed his time as a high school basketball and football referee, playing golf with friends, entering poker tournaments in Las Vegas. He loved to own and train Labrador Retrievers. He was generous with his wisdom over a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer with whomever pulled up a seat next to him. Most of all, Pat was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Jr. and beloved wife, Cathy.
He is survived by his three children: Becky (Lynn) Ehrman of Omaha, NE, Matthew (Michelle) of Grand Island, NE, Mike (Katie) of Omaha, NE and his seven grandchildren: Ryan, Daniel and Connor Ehrman of Omaha, Jacob and Kathryn McNamara of Grand Island, Maggie and Addie McNamara of Omaha.
Pat was a devoted Catholic and strong believer of Catholic education. At the family’s request, memorials may be directed to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Trust.
Funeral Service will be held 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant. Burial will be at Wisner Cemetery, Wisner, Nebraska, at a later date.
Book signing will be from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday, November 23, 2020, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, North Platte, Ne. Family greeting friends from 3:00 – 5:00 on Monday.
The service will also be livestreamed via Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Online condolences and sharing of memories can be made at www.adamsswanson.com Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
CDC Covid 19 guidelines will be respected and therefore social distancing and wearing a mask is required.