Earl C. Thomalla, 83, of Gothenburg died May 27, 1998, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital - Long Term.

He was born May 1, 1915, south of Farnam to John Paul and Ada Harry Thomalla. He attended school in Farnam.

On April 14, 1936, he married Belle Derra at Farnam. They lived and farmed in Farnam, moving to Gothenburg in 1945. He bought and managed Bert and Earl's Lounge until 1955, when he became president of Webb Oil Company. In 1965, he re-purchased the lounge and managed it until he retired in 1977. During this time, he sponsored a softball team, bowling team, racing car and took part in community projects. For a while, he and his wife spent their winters in Brownsville, Texas, where he taught a Spanish class and enjoyed traveling into Mexico. In his later years, he enjoyed taking care of customers in his bait shop. He had a large garden, which was admired by and shared with many neighbors and friends.

Mr. Thomalla loved fishing, camping, dancing, bowling, playing cards and taking part in the activities of his family and friends. He loved music and had a wonderful voice. He competed in music and public speaking contests as a student. He enjoyed sharing his musical talent with his grandchildren and singing in church and at funerals. He was especially honored to sing at his granddaughter¢s wedding. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Gothenburg and the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Carolyn (Larry) Malcom of Cozad; three sons, Bill (Rita) of Gothenburg, Mike (Adrian) of Lincoln and Steve (Kelly) of North Platte; a daughter-in-law, Paula (Barry) Pfister of Lexington; a sister, Grace Ozanne of Lexington; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas and Gary; his parents; a sister, Pansy; and two half-brothers, William and Loren.

A memorial has been established.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Gothenburg with the Rev. Donald O¢Brien as celebrant. Burial will be in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

The North Platte Telegraph, Thursday, May 28, 1998.