Ralph W. “Bill” Whetro, age 80, of North Platte, Nebraska died December 18, 2020 at Omaha, Nebraska. He was born on September 10, 1940 in Marion, Ohio to Donald and Cora (Moore) Whetro. After losing his mother at the age of 2, his father married Clara Moore, who raised him.
Bill graduated from high school in Marion, Ohio, and then he entered the US Army in 1958 and served until 1961. He then returned to Ohio and met Betty Jo Boler. They were married on November 16, 1963. The couple lived in Ohio until moving to North Platte, Nebraska in 1976 where he transferred from the Erie Railroad to the Union Pacific as a machinist. He retired in January 2001.
Bill was an avid bowler, bowling in Nationals and had two 300 games in his career. He loved to hunt, fish, and watch sports on tv. Bill always had the respect of his coworkers, and was a very direct communicator.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo of North Platte, Nebraska; 2 daughters, Brenda Miller of Hastings, Nebraska, and Susan (Joe) McCutcheon-Donham of Bothell, Washington; 9 grandchildren, Ashley (Seth) Brown of North Platte, Nebraska, Matthew Miller of Lincoln, Nebraska, Derek (Nicole Torres) Miller of North Platte, Nebraska, Reilly Donham of Bellingham, Washington, Abigail Donham of Bothell, Washington, Zoe Donham of Bothell, Washington, Orion McCutcheon of Everett, Washington, Leo McCutcheon of Bothell, Washington, and Mallory Donham of Kansas City, Missouri; great grandchildren, Brandyn, Dalton, Bryce, Brayden, Emily Jane, and Oakley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step mother, and brother Charles Moore.
Memorials may be directed to the North Platte High School Bowling team or to the donor’s choice, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska with the Rev. Josh Brown officiating. Guidelines at Fort McPherson are a maximum of 25 people and masks are required.
Register book signing will be Tuesday from 9-5. There will also be a book signing at the Cedar Bowl on Tuesday from 12-5. There will be a reception at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte, Nebraska following the graveside service. The service will be livestreamed on Adams & Swanson’s Facebook page. Adams & Swanson is in charge of arrangements.