Robert P. Hurley

Robert P. "Rupe" Hurley, 86 of South Sioux City, NE, formerly of Ponca, NE passed away at his residence on Thursday, May 26, 2011.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ponca, NE with Father David Liewer officiating. Burial will be in Calvary at South Creek Cemetery in rural Ponca with military rites conducted by the Ponca American Legion Post 117. Visitation will begin at the church at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a scriptural wake service at 7:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca, NE. Online condolences may be sent at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Robert was born in Ponca, NE on February 3, 1925, the son of Charles and Mary (Engel) Hurley. He grew up in Ponca and graduated from Ponca High School in 1942. He served in Germany during the Korean War with the 26th Infantry Regiment from September 8, 1950 to August 19, 1952. He returned to farm with his dad and brother in the Ponca/Martinsburg area for 30 years. Father Paul Schwaab married Robert and Marlene Kaufman in Omaha, NE on January 30, 1988. Robert and Marlene moved to South Sioux City in 2006. Marlene passed away on May 27, 2008.Robert was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ponca, Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader with Local Troop 200 of Ponca. He was one of the founders of the Days of 56 Rodeo in Ponca and was active in the Ponca Commercial Club for many years. For over 40 years Robert and his brother, Vince provided the sound systems for many social and athletic activities in Ponca and the surrounding communities.Robert enjoyed flying, operating as a private pilot for fifty years. He frequently piloted Father Paul Schwaab, who lovingly referred to Robert as "Pontius, My Pilot". He was a flight instructor and also enjoyed traveling and hunting.Survivors include two step-daughters, Gwen (William) Peterson of Johnsberg, IL and Stephanie Johnston of Fort Collins, CO; two step-grandchildren, Meredith and Justin; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Gill and Ruth Hurley; and many nieces and nephews.Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene; sister and brother-in-law, Zeta (Loye) Pack; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vincent, Frank (Dorothy), John (Marjorie), Leo, Clement and Charles Hurley.