COTANT, HAROLD FAMILY

William Harold Cotant was born

1932, near Mullen, Nebraska in Cherry County on his grandparents ranch (Stephen Willis). His parents are Elva and the late Harvey Cotant. Harold attended grade school in Cherry County, Nebraska, finishing the eighth grade at the Reigle School. All four years of High School were spent at Mullen High. Harold graduated in 1950.

Harold worked on local ranches until June 1953. He served in the Army from June 1953 to April 1955, spending sixteen months of this time in Germany. He then attended Nebras-ka State Trade School at Milford, Nebraska, receiving his diploma in Carpentry and cabinet making in June 1956. He worked around Mullen until the fall of 1958. Then he went to Grand Island and built houses until the spring of 1961 when he returned to Mullen to work on different ranches.

Harold married Delores Gasseling at Hem-ingford, Nebraska August 21, 1961. Harold and Dee lived in the Mullen area following their marriage. During this time Harold was involved in the ranching business and Dee taught rural school, elementary K-8, schools in Cherry County.

In the spring of 1969 the family moved to Hemingford and went into farming and ranching. The business consists of an Angus cow – calf operation; raising alfalfa for hay and small grain crops, such as wheat, oats and millet.

Harold and Dee's children are Stephen Thomas born 1963 at Mullen. Sarah Lynne, born 1967 at Mullen and Marc William born at Scotts-bluff, Nebraska 1980.

Steve and Sarah received their elementary education in Dawes County, rural schools. Their High School years were spent at Harrison, Nebraska. They both graduated from Sioux County High School. Steve furthered his education, by attending and graduating from the Auto Mechanics pro-gram at West Nebraska Trade School at Sidney, Nebraska. He also spent a couple summers in Oklahoma working for farmers. He is currently employed with UPS in Alliance, Nebraska.

Sarah is currently living in Chadron, Nebraska and is a Junior at Chadron State College, pursuing her interest in business and vocal music. She has worked at Fort Robin-son during the summer as a wrangler, giving trail rides to tourists.

Marc began his education in the Chadron School system in the fall of 1986. His kindergarten was spent at Kenwood. He is a first grader at East Ward this year – same school system, just a different location. Marc enjoys school and has been playing soccer.

While Harold tends the ranch, Dee has been pursuing a College Degree at Chadron State College and is in her Senior year.