Timothy Neil Vanderford

Timothy Neil Vanderford was born October 19, 1963, into a nursery of 8 boys at the Wray Community Hospital. Unknown to Tim he would soon become nursery roommates with his future brother-in-law.

As he grew up in his young life, he was joined by two brothers Dan and Scott. Can you imagine the fun that the brothers had along with a tad bit, OK, a lot of orneriness. Like when one of the boys shook up a bottle of pop in the car and it sort of exploded all over. As Tim told the story that was most likely the maddest, they had ever seen their dad Kenneth and quite possibly the fastest ride home they ever had.

The years went by with boys being boys going fishing, camping, riding dirt bikes, and spending time with family and friends.

After high school, Tim worked at Simplot then went on to work as an oil derrick hand for Murfin Drilling Company. In 1988 Tim talked his soon to be “Love of His Life” Wendi, into going out on their first date. Over the next few years, the young couple worked and enjoyed life including listening to their favorite local band and dancing the night away. Tim loved to dance and always had music on except NO COUNTRY. Tim’s favorite saying, “It takes a lot of Rock and Roll to bring you out of a country induced coma”.

Tim and Wendi were married in Benkelman, NE on June 9, 1990. They were blessed with two gorgeous daughters Marissa Dawn and Kindra Rae. Tim was romantic at heart and showed his love for Wendi in the gentle way he always held her hand when they were out and about, sometimes even a sweet kiss on the cheek.

October 1993 Tim started work with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, this last year he was promoted to Crew Chief. October would have been Tim’s 30th year for the State. Tim took his job very seriously and was forever dedicated. He never thought any job was below him. He told Wendi in their nightly unwind about work hour, how he got so mad when some co-workers thought flagging was beneath them. He honestly thought that was one of the most important jobs there. He felt that the flaggers were the main protection for the other workers in a flagged work zone. Many times, over the past years, he would step up and volunteer to do the flagging especially if they were in a very hazardous highway intersection. We lost count on how many certifications Tim earned for different equipment over the years. He was very proud to work for the NDOT and enjoyed the time he spent with his co-workers.

Tim enjoyed fishing, camping, and of course riding the bike. Tim had to work a rotation system out for Wendi and the girls so they could take turns riding with him. Tim’s favorite pastime was going on Poker Runs, any run to raise money for a family in need. He traveled all over the area to participate.

If you ever needed anything Tim would be the first one to jump up and help. One just had to ask. His volunteer work included youth girls’ basketball coach, Dundy County 4-H Council member and a great passion as a member of the Patriot Guard— “Standing for those who stood for us.” Tim never served in the military, but he was proud to stand with his flag for anyone that ever did.

As the girls grew up the house was always full of kids. He may have been strict with his own girls and their friends but most of those kids still kept in touch with him, so it was not a bad thing. They all knew that they could call Tim at any time and talk to him about anything, and he would never pass judgement. They may not have liked what he told them, but he was honest and upfront. As the kids grew up and started their own lives Tim and Wendi started traveling with great memories for each adventure. Their first trip took Tim to the ocean for the first time. One minute was all it took for him to get hooked on the ocean. They went on adventures several times a year. Many included long bike adventures including riding the bike to the Gulf of Mexico. Trips may have been with just Tim and Wendi, family or with a group of friends. They just returned from their latest trip to Arizona two weeks ago.

Tim was a strong family man with great pride watching his little girls grow up into amazing strong women and giving Brandon and Ted his blessing when they each asked for the girls’ hands in marriage. Marissa and Brandon blessed Tim with the best birthday gift a man could get, his first grandbaby Kaiden who called Tim Papa and who already has the love of motorcycles in his blood. Their new baby is also due on Tim’s Birthday this year.

Tim was just as excited for Kindra and Ted for their upcoming wedding this year. Tim was a proud sponsor of Trumbo Racing with Kindra being the pit crew and Ted the driver. Tim tried to never miss a race. His love of racing started way back when he was a kid and got into Motocross and changed over to car racing taking the girls to their first race when they were little.

Tim was a simple hard-working man that loved with his whole heart. Family, friend, or stranger he would do all he could for you at the drop of a hat with no questions asked. We are all saddened with the loss of Tim on May 16, 2023. But rest assured Tim lived life to the fullest, with wisdom and a ton of laughter every day.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Vanderford.

He is survived by his wife Wendi, daughters Marissa and husband Brandon McGinnis and Kindra and fiancé Ted Trumbo. Grandson Kaiden McGinnis and new baby on the way. Brothers Dan and wife Carla Vanderford and Scott and wife Melisa Vanderford. Mother-in-Law Eunice Weed. Brother-in-Law Kerry and wife Cindy Weed. Nieces and Nephews Tammi, Javier, Eric, Aaron, Isaac, Austin and wife Kiana and McKayla. Great Niece and Nephew Jade and Kendall. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and countless lifelong friends.

May you all carry your memories of Tim with a smile in your heart.

Cremation was requested with a Memorial service being held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in the Ward Bond Memorial Park, 207 Dakota Street, Benkelman, Nebraska.

Memorials may be made to the Tim Vanderford Memorial Fund, c/o Pinnacle Bank, 602 Chief Street, Benkelman, Nebraska 69021.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.