Ralph E. Cochran, 86, of North Platte, passed away September 8, 2015 at Linden Court. He was born August 14, 1929 in North Platte to Levi and Mary (Sivits) Cochran. He attended country school before attending Stapleton High School. Ralph worked on the family farm; he married Marjorie Founds January 17, 1951 in North Platte. Ralph entered the United States Army soon after and served in Atlanta, GA during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, the couple moved back to North Platte where he hired out on the Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman. After being laid off Ralph went to work at the Ely-Hoppe Lumber Yard. He stayed with them as they became Hoppe Lumber, then Carhart Lumber, retiring in 1991.
Ralph loved hunting, fishing, coyote hunting, cutting wood, and rock hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with and hunting and fishing with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was very musical, being able to play various instruments.
Ralph was a member of the Eagles, Moose, American Legion and the DAV.
Survivors include his wife, Marjorie of North Platte; children, Donna Jean (Rick) Anderson of North Platte, James E. (Linda) Cochran of North Platte, and Judy I. (Phil) Landfried of North Platte; grandchildren, Dyan (Dominic) Camtelmi of Castle Rock, CO, James Cochran Jr. of Denver, CO, Matt (Spring) Landfried of North Platte, Jennifer (Chris) Woodward of North Platte, Jeffrey (Ashley) Cochran of North Platte, and Amy (Nate) Hawks of North Platte; 17 great-grandchildren; honorary family, Nate and Carrie Handy of Dighton, KS; sisters, Dorothy Cobb of North Platte, Bonnie (Ernie) Collins of North Platte, and Barbara Alexander of Loup City; numerous other family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Michael Harris; brothers, Harold Cochran, William "Bill" Cochran, and Jess Cochran; sisters, Alice Blevins, Betty Becker and Lois Haddock; and a son-in-law, Dan Andersen.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with Pastor Jon Stone officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving friends from 6-8 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.