John Ira Pitkin, age 72 of Cody, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Callaway Good Life Center in Callaway. John was born on Dec. 29, 1951, in Arnold to Ira and Georgia (Hansen) Pitkin.

He attended and graduated from Callaway High School in 1970. He then went on to further his education at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, where he received his associate’s degree in Building Construction. John was united in marriage to Deborah Jean Lehmkuhler on Jan. 28, 1978, in North Platte.

In December of 1979, John and Deb relocated to the Sandhills of Nebraska near Nenzel, with their two sons, Adam and Jordan, and later added two daughters, Brook and Meagen. They lived and worked on the Mustang Meadows ranch for 22 years. Then, in 2001, they moved in to Cody, where John worked on various ranches, including 18 years for Jim Heath. He loved spending time on the house deck with his family, friends, and community members. He enjoyed supporting his kids at sporting events, loved a well-manicured lawn, and took pride in all the work he did.

John was a staple of the community with his big heart and willingness to help anyone. He could be found helping with Circle C Days, the St.

Mary’s Catholic Church, especially the annual Bazaar fundraiser, and as a member of the Nenzel, Kilgore, and Cody rural fire departments.

Survivors include his wife, Deb Pitkin of Cody; children, Adam Rivera of North Platte, Jordan (Carissa) Pitkin of Cody, Brook (Clifford) Cady of Merriman, and Meagen (Derric) Krueger of Norden; 14 grandchildren: Sierra Rivera-McQuade and Abbey Rivera of Kearney, Cooper, Ethan, Isaac and Lauren Pitkin all of Cody, Jordan (Tarryn) Cady of Vetal, South Dakota, Bailey Cady of Casper, Wyoming, Taylor Cady (Jordan Olsen) of Springview, Colby Cady of Merriman, Tristen, Dylan, Courtnie, and Caitlyn Krueger all of Norden; two great-grandchildren, Oakley Cady and Nute Cady; three brothers, Steve Pitkin of Kearney, Terry (Julie) Pitkin of Cedar Springs, Michigan, and Robert (Christie) Pitkin of Callaway; sister, Linda (Donn) Black of Holdrege; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents. An informal Celebration of Life will be held at their home on Saturday, June 15, at 4 p.m. MT. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Cody Volunteer Fire Department.