Bernard Thaddeus “Thad” Blodgett, 70, of Central City died on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Central City with Dan Cordsen officiating. A private burial of ashes will be held at a later date. In honor of “Grandpa Thad” there will be a bounce house, ice cream, and popcorn for the kids to enjoy during the luncheon at the church.

Memorials may be sent to the family to be designated in Thad’s honor at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. soltwagnerfuneral.com.

Bernard Thaddeus “Thad” Blodgett, born August 20, 1955 to Keith and Catherine (Bolling) in Central City. In 1955, while reading the obituary section, Catherine Blodgett noticed the names Bernard and Thaddeus and chose them for her fourth child. Raised in Central City alongside seven siblings, Thad graduated from Central City High School in 1973. Thad was a dedicated student who delivered newspapers, worked at the Ford garage, and spent time at his father’s movie theatre— where he met his first love, Debra (Shull) Blodgett.

Thad and Debbie were married August 7, 1974, in Central City. Soon after, they moved to Hastings, where they raised their two sons, Clifford and Gregory.

Throughout his career, Thad worked as a welder, movie theatre manager, and maintenance professional. After returning to Central City in 2001, he purchased and operated Woody’s Bar and Grill. Although he retired in 2021, the role he valued most was being a father. He coached Little League, served as Cubmaster of Pack 34 for ten years, and never missed a concert, performance, or game.

In 2020, he lost Debbie to COVID-19 and, in time, found love again with his current wife, Linda. They were united in marriage on August 27, 2022. Together they traveled, delighted in spoiling their grandchildren, and perfected the simple pleasure of coffee on the porch. It was often said that any trip to the mall with Thad averaged 90 minutes—regardless of how short the list— because he genuinely enjoyed being around people.

Thad enjoyed many things—action movies, soft-serve ice cream, cheap hamburgers, target shooting, visiting cemeteries, attending baseball games, and spending time with his dogs. One of the biggest highlights of his week was Friday nights out with the mayor.

Thad was preceded in death by his first wife, Debbie; his parents, Keith and Catherine; and his brother, Steve.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Linda of Central City; his sons, Clifford of Kansas City and Gregory (Michele) of Lincoln; his stepchildren, Megan (Shane) Nunnenkamp of Aurora, Sarah (Ty) Green of Central City, Lindsay (Josh) Trumblee of Palmer, Janie (Austin) Reddin of Central City, and Nate (Destinee) Mousel of Grand Island; his twenty grandchildren, Izah, Courtney, Jacob, Ronan, Declan, Wallace, Emery, Vincent, Jameson, Emersyn, Jude, Jesse, Jack, Caroline, Selah, Bea, Levi, Jolene, Lacie, and Calum; and his siblings, Linda, Tom, Ken, Pat, Kirk, and Craig Blodgett. The Central City Republican-Nonpareil | April 23, 2026