Jackie “Jack” Ray Lee, 87, passed away at his home in Central City on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Central City.

Interment was in the Central City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later time. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral. com.

Jack was born on January 4, 1939, to George and Mildred (Sidders) Lee. He grew up in rural Nance County, attending District 34 grade school and graduating from Fullerton High School in 1957. After high school, Jack served in the United States Army from 1957 until 1959.

Following his military service, Jack returned to Central City, where he began a long career with the Union Pacific Railroad. On August 24, 1969, he married Marlene Sue Jorgensen.

After their marriage, the couple lived in North Loup in the depot before settling in Central City.

Throughout his career with Union Pacific, Jack traveled extensively to small towns across central Nebraska and to St.

Louis. Jack and Marlene later made their home in Omaha before retiring together and returning to Central City. Jack retired from the railroad in 2001.

Jack was an active member of American Legion Post 6 and the Union Pacific Employees Club, where he served as secretary, vice president, and president.

He was also a member of the Eagles Club in Fullerton since returning from the service. On Wednesday afternoons, he enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the Independent Club in Central City. In his quieter moments, Jack enjoyed bird watching— the feeders were never empty. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was their biggest fan.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Marlene Lee of Central City; son, Jay (Brenda) Lee of Central City; stepson, Monte (Peter) Young of Columbus, Ohio; sisters, Ruby Burns, Bonnie Vigna, Shirley Hatten, Carol Swanger, Gladys Mead, Millie Mustard, and Doris Fleek; four grandchildren and one great-grandson; brotherin- law, Daryl Jorgensen (Patty); sister-in-law, Janis Theiler (Gary); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Lee; daughter, Janis Jo Lee; and brothers, Donald, Richard, William, and Jimmie Lee.

The Central City Republican-Nonpareil | February 5, 2026