Fred A. Clang, Jr., 92, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 surrounded by his family at home. He was born on March 21, 1932 on a farm near Milburn in Blaine County, Nebraska, the son of Fred A. Clang, Sr. and Ellen (Tyson) Clang. Fred grew up on the farm before the family moved to Anselmo, where he graduated from Anselmo High School in 1950.
He married Laura M. Murry on October 27, 1951 in Broken Bow and to this union five children were born: Marjorie, Shirley, Gary, Debbie, and Shaney. The family lived in Broken Bow, and then moved to North Platte in 1968. Prior to 1953, he worked at the Halsey State Forest, as well as a farm laborer, bricklayer, and apprentice plasterer. From 1953-1968, he worked several jobs in Broken Bow, including Cemetery Sexton, Farm Laborer, Lineman for the Municipal Utilities Company, and Assistant Foreman at Becton-Dickinson & Co. He graduated from Mid-Plains Voc Tech with an associate degree in Refrigeration-Air Conditioning in June 1970. From 1968-1973, he worked for several refrigeration companies in North Platte, before opening his own company, Fred’s Refrigeration, which he ran from 1973-1980. After closing his company, he continued working in refrigeration in North Platte until his retirement in 1994. Fred served his country as a member of the NE Army National Guard, and was a member of the Eagles Club, North Platte Coin Club, and Flatlander Car Club. Fred enjoyed many things from working on clocks and pocket watches to luthiering and playing musical instruments to restoring old vehicles. He built his first violin at the age of 14 and completely restored a 1929 Nash and a 1926 Model T Roadster Pickup, as well as a Cessna airplane, which he used for service calls in his refrigeration business.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Ellen Clang; wife of 70 years, Laura May Clang; daughter, Marjorie McConnell; son, Gary Clang, Sr., son in law, Jim Moody; grandson, Eric Small; great-grandson, Michael Turner; brother, Nels Clang; and sister, Wanda Seevers.
He is survived by his daughters, Shirley (Steven) Zlomke of Hastings, Debbie Moody of Ord, Shaney Clang and fiancée Brenda Artz of North Platte; 15 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 1 great-greatgrandchild; brother, Don Clang of CO; sisters, Vera Veith of North Platte, and Clara Connely of York; son-in-law, Anirban Banerjee of Aurora, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Ned Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, July 19th from 1 to 7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 – 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for future designation. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.