Gary L. Robertson, 79, of Columbus, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the Florence Home in Omaha, Nebraska, after a courageous battle with illnesses related to his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at the Federated Church in Columbus with Rev. Edward Yang officiating. Private family interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Thursday from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.  Military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard will be present at the church.

Gary was born on January 23, 1944, in David City, Nebraska, to Herschel and Winona (Hullihen) Robertson. Gary's life was marked by his dedication to his family, his passion for athletics, and his love for the outdoors. He was a graduate of Columbus High School and went on to obtain a BA in Education from Kearney State College. Gary served in Vietnam with the US Army's 4th Infantry Division and South Korea with the 8th US Army from 1967 thru 1968.

On August 11, 1984, in Brandon, South Dakota, Gary married Ann (Kelly) Arth. Together, they lovingly raised two children, Brad and Kelly in Columbus, Nebraska. As both children later married, Gary happily embraced a beloved daughter-in-law (Deb) and a cherished son-in-law (Andrew) into his life. His dedication extended beyond family as he devoted 37 years of his life to Behlen Manufacturing. His charm and easy-going nature made him a natural salesman.

A hunter, fisherman, and sports enthusiast, Gary was also a founding member of the Polish Invite Golf Tournament.  This barroom idea became a golf tournament that has lasted over 50 years. Gary was a lifetime member of both the VFW and American Legion as well as a member of the Federated Church.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.
Gary is survived by:
Wife – Ann Robertson of Columbus, NE
Son – Bradley (Deb) Arth of Omaha, NE
Daughter – Kelly (Andrew) Robertson of Omaha, NE
Grandchildren – Valkyrie (Caleb) Ball, Wesley Hickman, Oliver Hickman, Edith Hickman, Vivian Hickman, Bethany Arth, Rebekah Arth, June Deerson, Michael Ortiz  all of Omaha, NE
Sister-in-law – Rosalie (Glenn) Grams of Janesville, MN
Brother-in-law – Donald (Cindy) Kelly of Janesville, MN
Brother-in-law – Michael (Christine) Kelly of The Alamo, TX
Brother-in-law - Robert (Mary) Kelly of Inverness, IL
Brother–in-law - Paul (Melissa) Kelly of Brownsville, TX
Brother-in-law - Eugene (Corene) Kelly of Kissimmee, FL
Sister-in-law – Teresa Kelly of Raleigh, NC
Brother-in-law - Steven Kelly - Hastings, MN
Sister-in-law - Joyce (Dan) Wobbrock of New Richland, MN
Brother-in-law - Gerald (Debby) Kelly of West Palm Beach, FL
Sister-in-law - Beth (Statena) Kelly of Hastings, MN
Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Gary was preceded in death by:
Parents:  Herschel and Winona (Hullihen) Robertson
Stepmother:  Pearle (Branz) Robertson
Brothers:  Richard, Jack, and Hugh (Bud) Robertson
Sister: Karen Plantz
Brother–in-law – Bernard (Bud) Plantz
Sister-in-law: Betty Robertson & Shirley Robertson
Parent-in-laws:  Michael & Rosalinda (Wagner) Kelly