George Burton Prell

Local Rancher Dies

George Burton Prell, local rancher and long-time resident of Niobrara and Weston counties, died Jan. 15 at the Hospital Del Mar, Tijuana, Mexico, after a lengthy illness.

The Rev. Frank Blish officiated at the funeral services conducted Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the Peet Mortuary in Lusk. Jeanne Peterson accompanied by Minerva Watson sang, "In The Garden" and "The Lord's Prayer." Military and graveside services were held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle at 3:00 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers were Clayton Dixon, Grant Ward, Clyde Peterson, Julius Peterson, Steve Peterson, Melvin Davies, Lewis Landkamer, Gary Scott and Jim Thompson. Active bearers were John Dollison, Myron Dollison, Fred Prell, Verne Prell, Lyle Prell and Norman Phillips.

Mr. Prell was born Jan. 4, 1922 at Arnold, Neb., to Jay and Florence Prell. He moved to Niobrara County with his parents at the age of seven in 1929, and has since been a resident of Niobrara and Weston counties. He attended rural grade schools and graduated from Lusk High School in 1941. He joined the Navy Sept. 4, 1942, and attended Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind., graduating as a signalman. He served on Ships USS Osprey and USS I.S.M. 492 during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 30, 1945, at which time he returned to Newcastle.

Mr. Prell married Pauline Mitich of Newcastle on Oct. 10, 1959, at Hardin, Mont. They resided in Wyo., where he worked on ranches and in the oil fields until 1970 when they moved to the Frank Johnston ranch north of Lance Creek. He later purchased the Johnston ranch.

Prell was an active 4-H leader for seven years, was elected to the Niobrara County School District Board of Trustees in 1973 and served until he had to resign due to ill health in Oct., 1978.

He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his widow Pauline; three children, Joni at home, Janette Scott of Wheatland and Jerry of Lusk; two step children, Andrew Mitich of Wheatland and Alexis Mitich of Newcastle; two grandchildren, Misty Scott and Jim Prell: mother Florence E. Johnston; three brothers, Glen of Gillette, Bill of Moorcroft, and Edwin of Spain; three sisters, Abbie "Peg" Chastain of Sheridan, Edith Shepherd of Grand Junction, Colo., and Flossie Shackelfurd of El Cajon, Calif.

Memorials may be given to the Niobrara County Memorial Hospital.

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