Martin T. Pofahl, 78 of Thedford, NE passed away Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Neligh, NE.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Huffman-Levander Funeral Home in Elgin, NE, with Pastor Dean Pofahl officiating.

Martin Thomas Pofahl, son of Louis J. and Edith M. (Huff) Pofahl, was born on August 2, 1932 on a ranch southwest of Ewing, NE. He was baptized at St. John’s Catholic Church in rural Clearwater, NE, attended elementary school at District #1 in Wheeler County and graduated from Wheeler Central High School in 1950.

On June 18, 1952, Martin was united in marriage with Mary Joan Lydon at St. Johns Catholic Church in rural Clearwater, NE. The couple made their home on the ranch where Martin was born and raised. He continued ranching there until moving to a ranch north of Thedford, NE. Martin loved ranching and the sandhills.

He is survived by his wife Joan Pofahl of the Golden Living Center in Neligh, NE; six children: Thomas Pofahl of Thedford, NE; Peggy Hanlin and husband Kurt of Elgin, NE; Lee Pofahl and wife Debb of Neligh, NE; Shellie Nelson and husband Wayne of Clinton, MT; Pat Pofahl and wife Sheri of Plainview, NE; Nicole Wilkinson and husband Andy of McCool Junction, NE; 21 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister: Carol Rockey of Ewing, NE; three brothers: Roger (Elaine) Pofahl of Ewing, NE; Dean (Bev) Pofahl of Kearney, NE; Leroy “Butch” Pofahl of Ft. Calhoun, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters: Shannon (infancy) and Teri Jo; a brother Max Pofahl; two sisters-in-law: Rose and Judy Pofahl; and one brother-in-law: Willis Rockey.