George William Loofe Jr.

Funeral Service for George W. Loofe age 64 of Neligh, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh, Nebraska with Pastor Norlyn Bartens, officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh, Nebraska.  Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Osmond, Nebraska.  Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.  George passed away April 2, 2024 at CHI Health Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with congestive heart failure.  Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Antelope Country Club.

     George was born on September 3rd, 1959 to George and Irene (Neill) Loofe (Fuller) in Pender, NE. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Walthill High School in 1977. After graduation, a job in construction lured him to the west coast. His fearless spirit led him on the adventurous route there – he hitchhiked the whole way. After spending a year in Seattle, he returned to Nebraska and pursued a degree in Physical Education at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. He later went on to get his Master’s Degree in School Administration from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he graduated in 1991.

     George met his wife Susie during his time at Wayne State. On June 25th, 1983, George and Susie were united in marriage at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osmond, NE. After college they moved to Holcomb, Kansas where George worked at IBP.  After three years there, George and Susie moved to Herndon, KS, where George began his career as a teacher and coach. Three years later, George and Susie moved to Arcadia, NE where he was the K-12 Principal, Activities Director, P.E. teacher, driver’s education instructor, as well as head coach of football, boys’ basketball, and track. During their time in Arcadia, George and Susie welcomed three children: Levi, Sydney, and MacKenzie. In 2000, George and his family moved to Neligh, NE where he was the 7-12 principal for 18 years and coached football for four years. George “retired” in 2018 after 30 years in education. After two years of retirement, George was asked to serve as the interim principal at Boone Central in Albion for a year, where he happily obliged. 

     His peers honored George’s unique knack for leadership by awarding him “Principal of the Year” – not just once, but twice. Throughout his career, former teachers, players, and students have expressed their appreciation for the positive role he played in their lives. George treasured those heartfelt notes.  

     George’s personality was as legendary as his notorious mustache. His charm was evident in his broad smile, hearty laugh, and especially, his love of people. George didn’t just make friends, he forged meaningful friendships that lasted a lifetime. For many, his garage was a gathering place to share some laughs, drink a Coors Light or two, listen to some classic 70s music, and occasionally, fry up some of the fish he caught. For others, the golf course was the place to enjoy companionship.  A fishing boat, a casino, a spontaneous road trip in his pickup, a basketball or football game, a brewery – no matter the place, George was a man everyone loved to be around. His laughter was contagious. When he greeted you with “Hello, my friend,” as he often did, he truly meant it. 

     George always liked to say he was just a “meat & potatoes kind of guy” – a “simple man.” But his “simple” qualities were profound and impactful.  He possessed remarkable wisdom, faith, work ethic, common sense, love, loyalty, and leadership qualities. George lived by a simple truth – treat others the way you want to be treated. In doing so, he made friends everywhere he went. 

     His best friend in life was, of course, his wife Susie. Together, they made an awesome team – always supporting one another and enjoying each other’s company in every adventure, whether it was a drive around town or a trip to Mexico.  His kids and grandson were a perpetual source of joy in his life as well.  

     George was predeceased by his parents, George Loofe, Sr. and Irene; his siblings Dan Loofe and Elizabeth Loofe; and his daughter Sydney Loofe. 

     George is survived by his wife, Susie Loofe of Neligh; his children Levi (Megan) Loofe of York, and MacKenzie Loofe of St. Paul; his grandson Garrison Loofe; his siblings Gene (Gloria) Loofe of Sioux City, Patty (Ed) Roberts of South Sioux City, Mike (Vickie) Loofe of Wakefield, Al (Carol) Fuller of Norfolk, and sister-in-law Judy Loofe of Wakefield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.