Ray Drawbridge

Ray M. Drawbridge, 52, of Nickerson died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at his home.

He was born Jan. 17, 1957, in Omaha to Elmer and Sylvia (Trompke) Drawbridge. He grew up in Omaha and attended Elkhorn Elementary School and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1976. He married Kathy Wissler on March 16, 1979, in Omaha. They lived in Elkhorn for a short time before moving to their current home near Nickerson. He worked in construction, printing, masonry and as a machinist before going to work at the city of Valley where he had been for more than 20 years. He held a CDL and was certified in wastewater and drinking water management. In recent years, he had devoted much of his time to the Old Poor Farm. First, he researched the history of the Dodge County Poor Farm and had spent years restoring the farm. Ray and Kathy established the Old Poor Farm Animal Sanctuary for the care of neglected animals.

Survivors include: his wife; a daughter, Sarah (and husband, Stephen) Hand of Fremont; a brother, William (and wife, Marilyn) Cadwalader of Omaha; a sister, Agnes Blieck of Valley; brother-in-law, Daryl Harrison of Pender; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and a sister.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Valley. Visitation will be from noon to

8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in Fremont.

Memorials are suggested to the Old Poor Farm.

Condolences may be sent online at www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com.