Joseph "Gene" McDermott, 85, of Grand Island, NE, died Thursday, August 2, 2018, at Primrose Retirement Community, with his family at his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Rev. Mark A. Maresh will be the celebrant assisted by Deacon Randy Lewandowski. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard and U.S. Army Honor Team. Visitation will be from 9:30 until service time on Tuesday morning at church. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Gene was born August 29, 1932, in Custer County, NE to Joseph K. and Monica (Moroney) McDermott. Survivors of Gene's immediate family include his two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Karla McDermott of Grand Island, NE Jerome and Lynne McDermott of Salt Lake City, UT Three daughters and sons-in-law, Cindi and John Zlomke of Grand Island, NE Pam and Ken Svoboda of Grand Island, NE Brenda and Greg Smith of Grand Island, NE Sisters and brothers-in-law, Pat McDermott of Westminster, CO Elizabeth and Pete Kaufman of Grand Island, NE Mary Lou and Don Loeffelbein of Omaha, NE Brother and sister-in-law, Hank and Else McDermott of Grand Island, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Heather, Hayley, Adam, Danielle, Matt, Matthew, Brett, Ryan, Lindsey and Brian. His great grandchildren Ryker, Hayden, Elisabeth, Aubree, Sawyer, Bria, Sterling and Austyn. Gene grew up in the Anselmo area graduating from Anselmo High School in 1950. He worked for his father's trucking company until his father's death after which Gene moved his mother and family to Grand Island. He was employed with Diers Motor until entering the U.S. Army on December 7, 1954, serving mostly in Alaska until his honorable discharge on November 16, 1956. Upon returning from the service he worked for Southern Nebraska Public Power for 25 years. He married Beverly L. Anderson on June 1, 1957, at St. Mary's Cathedral, in Grand Island, NE. Gene purchased Pier One Imports owning and operating the business for five years. He moved to Loup City returning to Grand Island after four years where he worked for St. Francis Medical Center until his retirement. Bev died August 21, 2015. Gene entered Primrose Retirement Community in April of 2016 where he enjoyed the staff, activities, and atmosphere until his death. The family was especially appreciative of the care he received while at Primrose as well as from Aseracare Hospice. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Cathedral. He enjoyed time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was an avid horse race fan for many years. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, his wife Bev, an infant daughter Margaret Mary, and a sister Margaret "Peg" Kenoyer. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Gene's obituary. Visitation

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

St. Mary's Cathedral 112 S. Cedar Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 Mass of Christian Burial

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 10:30 AM

St. Mary's Cathedral 112 S. Cedar Grand Island, Nebraska 68801