Erwin Bulgrin

Erwin G. Bulgrin, age 97, of York, NE, former longtime Waco, NE resident, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at York. Erwin, the youngest of four children, was born on August 31, 1911 in rural Waco to Christreich and Amelia (Kottke) Bulgrin. He had two brothers, Walter and Erich and one sister, Gertrude. He attended elementary District 6 and St. John’s Lutheran Schools. He graduated from Waco High School with the class of 1930. After graduation, Erwin attended Business College in Omaha from 1930-1931.

Erwin worked for AHA York County and helped his father on the farm. On March 20, 1936, he married Cora C. Cotner and they farmed south of Waco until the fall of 1944 when they purchased Hall’s Garage in Waco. Their adopted daughter, Lila, came to live with them in 1946. Erwin and Cora owned and operated the Bulgrin Garage for the next 20 years eventually selling the business to Allen Stuhr. After leaving the garage and for the next 6 years, he became employed for L.J. Messer Co. in York as an auto parts clerk. He worked for the York County Shop for the ten years preceding retirement, which came at age 70.

After retirement, Erwin enjoyed furniture and wood refinishing balanced with gardening and yard work. The Bulgrins enjoyed traveling, especially to family reunions in various states. They made many friends while going on bus tours as well as being faithful friends to many Hearthstone residents.

Upon confirmation, Erwin was a 19-year member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Waco but later joined the Waco United Methodist Church where he taught the youth and young adult Sunday school classes for several years. He had a great love for singing and was a soloist for many occasions. He and Cora both served as leaders of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship groups. In addition, he served on the Administrative Board and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He joined the Waco Volunteer Fire Department in 1944 and served as Fire Chief for 20 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 72 years, Cora, of York, daughter Lila and her husband Bob Beed of Chambers, NE and many nieces and nephews. A host of friends will remember him as well. Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, and one sister.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in York with the Reverend Jeff Wulf officiating. Burial followed at the Waco Cemetery, Waco, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.