The Superior Express -

Nodee Alexander, the son of Yoshiko (Saito) and Leland O. Alexander, was born Feb. 12, 1950, in Yokosuka, Japan. He died at his home in Guide Rock, on April 1, following a lengthy battle with diabetes and its debilitating effects.

Nodee arrived in the United States following his 12th birthday. His English language skills were limited so he stayed for many hours with his Aunt Stella Damon over that first summer learning basic English. He started American school in Hutchinson, Kan., the next fall beginning in junior high. After his 17th birthday he asked his father to sign a consent to join the Navy. He served honorably and returned to Hutchinson where he met his future wife, Linda. They were married Aug. 7, 1971 in Hutchinson. To this union they were blessed with twins, Daniel and Jaime, in 1976.

Nodee began his food industry career at Doskocil Sausage Company in

Hutchinson in 1972. A 42 year career in food processing, both production and sanitation, led him from employee to management.

After retiring to Guide Rock, Nodee wasn’t ready for the rocking chair. He mowed the first season for the Village of Guide Rock. He had become acquainted with Mike Kenny of Kenny’s Lumber in Red Cloud. Mike needed help with building, inventory and customer care. Nodee had found a perfect part-time position in his retirement. He stayed there until his health began to fail.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and making wood crafts for his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and a sister, Jeri Phillips.

Surviving are his wife, Linda; son,

Daniel Alexander of Springfield, Va.; daughter, Jaime Oglesby of Loveland, Colo; grandchildren, Courtney Alexander of Monterey, Calif.; Matthew Alexander of Springfield, Va.; Jace Oglesby and Keaton Oglesby both of Loveland, Colo; a brother, Don Alexander of south Hutchinson; and sister, Ruth Helsel of Winfield.

A funeral will be held early this summer.