Gregory Alan Pelster
Gregory A. Pelster, 70, of Elsie, Nebraska passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Gregory Alan Pelster of rural Elsie was born to Robert Edward and Wilma Eleanor (Thalken) Pelster on Sept. 5, 1952, in Ogallala. He attended Elsie school until the consolidation in 1968 and graduated from Wheatland High in 1970. He attended Chadron State College for two years where he met Carmen Marie Talbot of Rushville. He then attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He earned a degree while at college but found the love of his life. He and Carmen were united in marriage on June 1, 1975. In the spring of ‘76, they moved home.
Greg and Carmen worked side by side farming and ranching southeast of Elsie. They were committed to their farm but more so committed to doing life together. They were truly a team. They welcomed four children, Matt, Ben, Niki and Ellie. Greg loved his wife, children, grandchildren, green tractors, red Angus cattle and wandering. If Greg had a destination the path would not be direct, but he just enjoyed the adventure and scenery. He was known to drive toward the scenery and needed to be reminded to “keep it on the road.” There was seldom a back road he didn’t know. He loved driving his combine picking corn but didn’t want to finish too soon, because next year’s season would just be too far away.
The Elsie ballpark was a second home to the family during summers while the kids were little. Greg enjoyed coaching and umpiring kids alongside his good friend Dan Vapenik. The kids remarked how long they would wait for those to finish their after-game chats.
At the heart of all Greg and Carm did was family. Whether it was working cattle, farming, shooting sports or grandkids’ activities, it was done with those they most loved. As all four children live within 30 miles, there were ample opportunities to follow the grandkids’ sports activities. Greg and Carm were in the crowd, cheering them on.
In the end, Greg always remained a man rooted in the Nebraska soil he always loved, rooted in the rich connections of family and great friendships. Greg’s presence will be sorely missed, but the memories he leaves behind will always be a treasure.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife Carmen of Elsie; four children, Matt (Kassie) Pelster of Elsie, Ben (Jill) Pelster of Wallace, Niki (J.J.) Long of Grant and Ellie (Eric) McCormick of Grant; grandchildren, Blake and Denay, Sydney, Reagan and Tobin, Miah, Will and Ryan, Graysen and Parker; siblings, Sue (Doug) Johnson and Teri (Ron) Olmsted; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Greg’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.
Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. The interment will be in the Elsie Cemetery.
Visitation was on Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. The rosary and wake service was at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church on Wednesday.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.