Page 15
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
NOBLE, Wilma, 81, of Chicago died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004, at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago.
Services: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Chicago
Burial: Union Ridge Cemetery in Chicago
Born July 24, 1922, in Sterling, Neb.
Parents: Elvah and Beatrice (Foster) FITHIAN
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1940; graduated from Northwestern University, worked for the University Medical Department for many years
Married: June 1945, to William Noble; lived in Chicago
Survivors include: husband; sons, Robert of Waukegan and James of Chicago; daughters, Nancy Zorich of Napa, Calif., Patricia of Waukegan and Debbie of northern California; and sister, Evelyn Gilliland of Kearney, Neb.
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2004
PHILLIPS, Ronald Hal, 56, of Osceola, formerly of the Kearney area, died Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, at Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center in Osceola
Services: Thursday at Roberts-Dubas Funeral Home in Osceola
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Havens Chapel north of Kearney
Born March 19, 1947, in Alliance
Parents: Francis and Anna (Mahan) Phillips
Married: June 11, 1947, he married Jennifer Marlatt
Survivors include: wife; sons, Shannon and Matthew, both of Seward; and sister, Debora Herman of Alliance
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2004
ZOUBEK, Edward J., 91, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, United Methodist Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home of Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials suggested to the Elm Creek Rescue Squad or the Mount Carmel Home Keen's Memorial
Born May 19, 1912, in Western
Parents: John and Albina (Tuma) Zoubek
Grew up in Saline County; attended District 106 rural school
Married: Jan. 30, 1935, to Berneice Loos in Wilbur; lived in Western, farmed until 1958
Moved to Elm Creek; worked at the hay mill; retired in 1981
Enjoyed Nebraska football and listening to polka music
Survivors include his daughters, Lila of Clearwater, Fla., Pat TenEyck of Elm Creek, Shirley Reed of Lakewood, Colo., Sharon Lammers of Overton, Twila Lawson of Bailey, Colo., Suzanne Hakanson of Lincoln, Gladys Crosier of Bladen and Jeanette Sheen of Amarillo, Texas; brothers, Ben of Fairbury and Ernest of Western; sisters, Sylvia Kotas of Wilbur and Albina Vacek of Western; 19 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild; also sons-in-law, Jim Fowler of Clearwater, Ron TenEyck of Elm Creek, Melvin Lammers of Overton, Neal Lawson of Bailey and Jim Sheen of Amarillo
Was preceded in death by his wife, an infant son and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 31 January, 2004
SALTZGABER, Emmett, 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Memorial services: later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Born April 20, 1923, in Heartwell
Parents: LeRoy and Mary (Doyle) Saltzgaber
Grew up in Heartwell, graduated from Heartwell High School
Married: Nov. 24, 1954, to Frances Bennett in Kearney; lived near Kearney; was a lifelong farmer
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church
Enjoyed gardening and Big Red football and basketball
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Alison Buchanan of Valparaiso, Ind., and Shannon Perez of Tamarack, Fla.; also sons-in-law, John Buchanan of Valparaiso and Luis Perez of Tamarack
Was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 31 January, 2004
GOSS, Lucile Mary, 94, of Kearney, formerly of Dallas and Orleans, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Graveside services: Saturday at Orleans Cemetery
Mortuary: Mitchell Funeral Home in Orleans
Born Feb. 3, 1909, in Orleans
Parents: Robert and Minnie (Kluss) MITCHELL
Married: June 26, 1932, to George Goss in Denver
Survivors include nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 30 January, 2004
HAPPOLD, Debra A., 52, of Grand Island died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Saturday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island
Burial: Grand Island City Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel-Butler-Geddes Funeral Home in Grand Island
Memorials suggested to the Grand Island Education Foundation or Messiah Lutheran Church
Born Sept. 16, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Edward and Darlene (Hoffman) LEWIS
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1969
Graduated from Kearney State College, 1973; earned master's degree from the University of South Dakota in 1975
Married: Feb. 4, 1978, to Robert Happold in Grand Island
Was employed by educational services units at Superior and later at South Sioux City
Began working with the Grand Island Public School System as a speech pathologist at various schools, 1976
Lived in Grand Island, was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school
Activities: member of Grand Island Education Association, Senior High Booster Club, NSLHA, NEA, United Way, Saddle Club, Platt Duetsche Society; was active in American Legion baseball; member and past president of Alpha Phi Sorority
Enjoyed watching her children, family and students in their activities; enjoyed reading, flowers, the cabin in Estes Park, making afghans for her family and friends, Nebraska football and tailgating, bowling, and keeping in touch with family and friends
Was active with breast cancer support groups and was a participant in American Cancer Relay for Life
Survivors include: husband; son, Christian of Lincoln; daughter, Breanne of Lincoln; her mother of Kearney; and brothers, Edward and Dennis, both of Kearney; also sisters-in-law, Judy and Michaela, both of Kearney, brother-in-law, Gary Stromberg of Kearney and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father; and sister, Darla Stromberg who died from breast cancer Jan. 23, 2003
Kearney Hub, 30 January, 2004
RIPP, Robert D., 64, of Hollister, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004, at his home.
Services: Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Prairie Center, Neb.
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery at Prairie Center
Mortuary: Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, Mo.
Born Dec. 9, 1939, in Poole, Neb.
Parents: Joseph and Matilda (Schram) Ripp
Graduated from the school system in Ravenna
Married: Dec. 6, 1975, to Lynn Garrett in Omaha
Lived in the Hollister area for 11 years after moving there from Topeka, Kan.; was a retired truck driver for the Frito-Lay Co. and for Conco Concrete Co.
Enjoyed being around children ; enjoyed Hollister basketball games; was known as the "Sucker Man" because he distributed candy suckers at the ballgames
He and his wife celebrated 28 years together this past winter
Survivors include: wife; son, Ryan of Lamar, Mo.; daughter, Tracy of Hollister; and brother, Gerald of Ravenna, Neb.
Was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Sylvester and Jerome; and sister, Phyllis Carlson
Kearney Hub, 30 January, 2004
WILLARD, William Joseph, Jr., 85, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004 in Mesa
Services: Feb. 10
Burial: Custer (S.D.) Cemetery
Mortuary: McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Custer
Memorials suggested to the memorial fund in his name at Eugene Bible College, 2155 Bailey Hill Road, Eugene, OR 97405
Born Jan. 25, 1919, in Kearney
Parents: William and Isabel (Zimmerman) Willard
Grew up in Kearney, attended Kearney High School, participated in many sports
Called to preach the Gospel, he pastored his first church in Ravenna, Neb., 1935; was ordained as a minister by the Open Bible Standard Churches, 1940
Married: Sept. 9, 1941, to Dona Beck near Custer. She preceded him in death
Pastored Open Bible churches in Bradford, Pa., Pierre, S.D., and Mansfield, Ohio; in Pierre, they hosted a popular daily radio program
Served as chaplain for the South Dakota Legislature for two years
Between pastorates, traveled as evangelists throughout the western half of the United States; relocated to Mesa, 1984, after having spent 65 years in the ministry
Survivors include: sons, Bill of Arizona and Jon of Mansfield, Ohio; daughters, Jean TerMeer of Arizona and Michelene of California; and sister, Hazel Gray of Nevada; also daughter-in-law, Mary of Mansfield; son-in-law, Paul TerMeer of Arizona; and grandson, Zachary of Mansfield
Was preceded in death by his wife and son, Michael
Kearney Hub, 31 January, 2004
LEE, Leona, 56, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 30, 2004, at her home
Services: Wednesday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials suggested to the Billy Graham Crusade or the donor's choice
Born Aug. 6, 1947, in Hastings
Parents: Eldon and Erma (Eloe) Lee
Grew up in the Amherst area; graduated from Amherst High School, 1967
Lived in Nebraska and Colorado; returned to Kearney in 1996
Worked at a variety of jobs; retired because of ill health
Activities: enjoyed sewing, reading and animals, especially her cats; enjoyed family reunions to see and visit with friends and family
Survivors include: mother of Kearney; brother, Roger of Riverdale; and sister, Ann Bartel of Youngstown, Ohio
Was preceded in death by her father, Eldon; sister, Wanda Bosshamer; and nephew, Bradley Bosshamer
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2004
CROCKER, Anna Marie, 71, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation for tuition assistance at the school
Born April 29, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Daniel and Erna (McDermott) WHALEN
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School, 1950
Attended Kearney State College
Married Bud Crocker in Denver; lived in Denver, moved to Kearney in 1966
Worked at Sexton Nursing Home, then was secretary at the School of Practical Nursing; later was the secretary at Newman Center in Kearney; was a teller at Platte Valley State Bank North until she retired
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending garage sales, collecting antiques, quilting and sports
Survivors include: sons, Ray Pruneda, Lee Pruneda and Jim and Steve, all of Kearney, Bob of Monticello, Ark., and Bill of Shakopee, Minn.; and 12 grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Becky and Joene Crocker, both of Kearney, and Julie of Shakopee; and sister-in-law, Irene Whalen of Aurora, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 5 February, 2004
GERRARD, Michael Dean, 53, of Gibbon died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004, at his home in Gibbon
Services: Jan. 27 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte
Burial: Plainview Cemetery south of Maxwell
Born May 25, 1950, in North Platte
Parents: Robert and Elsie Gerrard
As a boy, enjoyed fishing and camping at Lake Maloney and the surrounding area; graduated from North Platte High School, 1969, and from junior college, 1972
Moved to Kearney, attended Kearney State College
Married : 1983, to Rhonda Bennett of Kearney
Employment: had various jobs throughout his life, but most recently worked for Famous Fillmore's where he was known as "Outdoor Mike"
Survivors include: daughter, Rebekah of Kearney; his mother; and brother, Bobby of North Platte
Was preceded in death by his father
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2004
MOLINA, Jose Salvador, 47, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials will be designated by the family
Born May 9, 1956, in San Salvador
Parents: Jose Salvador and Maria (Guebara) Molina
Moved to Kearney in 1999
Had worked at Gibbon Turkey Plant and IBP; worked in construction, mainly as a roofer
Survivors include: son, Edwin of San Salvador; his mother of Kearney; brothers, Daniel and Ruben, both of San Salvador; sister, Betty of Kearney; and special friend, Caridad Martinez of Kearney; also brother-in-law, Carlos Mendez and nephew Carlos Mendez
Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2004
POFF, Lauryn Katha Jean, infant daughter of Kyle and Lisa (Mendez) Poff died at birth Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials to be designated later
Survivors include: parents; grandparents, Stan and Jan Poff of Kearney, Vincent and Shelly Mendez of Grand Island and Elray and Jean Myers of Oxford; and great-grandparents, Frances Hempe of Florida and Vincent and Rachel Mendez of Wood River; also uncles, Clayton and his wife, Kari, of Kearney and Vincent Mendez of Yankton, S.D.; and aunts, Kristina of Kearney, Korrinda Mendez of Omaha and Serita and husband, Chuy, Gamez of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by grandmother, Katha Poff; and great-grandparents, Melbourne and Norma Poff, Robert Hempe and Merle and Alice Elaine Gunderson
Kearney Hub, 5 February, 2004
BROBERG, Robert (Bob), 63, of Chadron and Ida Thomas BROBERG, 58, of Chadron, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, from injuries suffered in an auto accident west of Brady on Interstate 80
Services: Thursday at St. Patrick's Church in Chadron
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D.
Memorials suggested to the American Red Cross or the church in Chadron
Robert: born Sept. 3, 1940, in Chadron
Graduated from Chadron High School. Military: U.S. Army, Oct. 17, 1963-Sept. 30, 1969
Lived in Gering, worked for Lockwood's; lived in Chadron, worked for the railroad
Activities: member of the church, Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Chadron.
His survivors include: son, Bryan of Gering; daughter, Robin Collins of Gering; mother, Mary Lecher of Chadron; brothers, Delbert of San Antonio, and Ted and Fred, both of Chadron; three grandchildren; and his stepchildren; also his daughter-in-law, Ethel of Gering; and son-in-law, Kevin Collins of Gering
Was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted father
Ida: born March 1, 1945, in Batesland, S.D.
Parents: John and Margret (Hilligas) HOSTLER
Married: Nov. 15, 1999, to Robert Broberg in Chadron
Grew up in Rushville, South Dakota, Kearney and Chadron; was a graduate of Assumption High School in Chadron
In Kearney, worked at Mount Carmel Home, Valentino's and Regis hair salon
Activities: member of the church and the National Cosmetology Association
Her survivors include her sons, John Hostler of Lincoln and Jerry Thomas of Manhattan, Kan.; daughter, Christine Messman of Great Falls, Mont.; mother, of Blunt, S.D.; brothers, John Hostler of Blunt and Roland Hostler of Fort Pierre, S.D.; three grandchildren; and her stepchildren; also daughter-in-law, Diane Hostler of Lincoln; son-in-law, Tom Messman of Great Falls; and sisters-in-law, Judy Hostler of Blunt and Louise Hostler of Fort Pierre
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2004
ENVICK, Stuart M., 35, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, at his home
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Services: Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: to the Keely and Colton Envick Education Fund established at the Broadway Bank in San Antonio or to the American Cancer Society
Born Sept. 6, 1968, in Canyon, Texas
Parents: Donald and Doris (Thorpe) Envick
Grew up in Canyon, graduated from Canyon High School in 1987
Graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1991
Married: June 9, 1990, to Brenda Boilesen in Albion, Neb.
Was employed in various job roles in industrial sales, but most recently he was President of CB North American in San Antonio
Survivors include: wife; son Colton of San Antonio; daughter Keely of San Antonio; his parents of Kearney; brother, Christopher of Holdrege, Neb.; and sister, Brooke of San Antonio
Was preceded in death by his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 12 February, 2004
BRAGG, Clifford "LeRoy", 81, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors by Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and Kearney American Legion Post 52
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the church in Kearney or VFW Post 759 Firing Squad
Born March 14, 1922, in Phelps County
Parents: Clifford and Ruth (Lundeen) Bragg
Grew up in Kearney; graduated from Longfellow High School, 1940
Married: Aug. 3, 1946, to Rose Schake in Kearney
Worked for Carl Whitney Sand and Gravel
Military: U.S. Navy in August 1942-1945; volunteered for submarine duty and served on the USS Hancock for four patrols and the USS Kraken for four patrols in the South Pacific
Worked for Kearney Buick for 13 years, then for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier, 1960-1984; retired and worked for Zimmerman Printing part time
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church and VFW Post 759; active in the post's firing squad for 55 years, was a past commander; member of American Legion Post 52, U.S. Submarine Vets of World War II and National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 312
Enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping
Survivors include: wife; son, Cliff of Springtown, Texas; daughter, Frosty Ryan of Lake Forest, Calif.; brother, Robert of Kearney; and sister, Betty Mills of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Vicki of Springtown; sons-in-law, Richard Ryan of Lake Forest; grandchildren, Chris and Chadd Bragg and Kinley and Hailey Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Eric and Tyler Bragg
Was preceded in death by a son, Timothy, in 1995, his parents and a brother, Harold
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2004
SIGLER, Glenn H., 98, of Gibbon died Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at his home
Memorial services: Feb, 10 at Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Family graveside services will be later
Memorials: Gibbon Emergency Unit fund
Born March 30, 1905, in Gibbon
Parents: Willis and Anna (Stearley) Sigler
Grew up on a farm near Gibbon
Married: April 18, 1928, to Aileen Burchell in Kearney
Lived in Gibbon; owned and operated an automobile repair shop for more than 50 years
Activities: had served as chief of the Gibbon Fire Department and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Kearney; enjoyed fishing and hunting
Survivors include: wife; sons, John of Zebulen, N.C., and Alan of Madison, Ala.; daughter, Joan Westberg of Gibbon; and brother, Elton of McAllen, Texas; also daughters-in-law, Daisy of Zebulen and Lana of Madison; son-in-law, Marlin Westberg of Gibbon; grandchildren, Jeff and Bart Westberg, Vicki Harper and Darin, Shawna, Mark, Cassie and T.J. Sigler; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Kirsten, Josh, Hannah and Katie Westberg and Bailey and Riley Sigler
Was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 11 February, 2004
CLAAR, Joy Marilyn, 71, of Gibbon died Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at BryanLGH East Medical Center in Lincoln
Services: Tuesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon Born Jan. 9, 1933, in Minden
Parents: Paul and Gladys (Robb) MUSGRAVE
Married: June 13, 1954, to Kenneth Claar
Survivors include: husband; sons, Mikal of Sheldon, Iowa, and Mark of Overland Park, Kan.; daughter, Melody Torske of Lincoln; sister, Mavis Ganzel of Lincoln; and nine grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2004
APPLEGATE, Robert E. "Bob", 75, of Kearney, formerly of Superior, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church in Superior
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Superior
Mortuary: Williams Funeral Home in Superior
Born: April 20, 1928, in Peru
Parents: Everett and Desta (Allgood) Applegate
Survivors include: wife, Mary; sons, Rob of Lincoln and Jerry of Kearney; daughter, Peggy Aldrup of Hardy; brother, Sidney of Glenrock, Wyo.; sisters, Jane Henning of Peru, Vyril Adams of Seward and Ellen Allgood of Nebraska City; and five grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2004
HALL, Elizabeth Ann, 76, of Shelton died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Dec. 4, 1927, in Laurens, Iowa
Parents: Earnest and Lulu (Worth) COOK
Married: 1948, to Richard Hall in Laurens. He died in 1996
Survivors include: sons, Rich of Elk Point, S.D., Lee of Shelton and Jud of Yuma, Colo.; daughter, Leslie Chrisman of Wallace; sisters, Marylou Harrison of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and Leah Kane of Boone, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2004
NUTTER, Elva Rae, 88, of Gibbon died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Memorial services: Thursday at Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: later
Born Dec. 14, 1915, on a farm near Gibbon
Parents: Mirabeau and Lizzie (Hogg) Nutter
Survivors include: sister, Janet Nutter of Redmond, Wash.
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2004
PORTER, Jean, 81, of Fort Morgan, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, Feb. 9, 2004, at Valley View Villa Nursing Home in Fort Morgan
Services: Friday at Calvary Assembly of God in Brush, Colo.
Burial: Memory Gardens in Fort Morgan
Mortuary: Heer Mortuary of Brush
Born Sept. 17, 1922, in Gregory, S.D.
Parents: William and Effie (Kilbourn) SERR
Married: Nov. 1, 1946, to Leland Porter in Lexington, Neb.
Survivors include: husband; sons, Ronald of Norman, Okla., Robert of Chino Hills, Calif., and Lowell of Greeley; daughters, Barbara Brodrick of Tecumseh, Okla., Audrey Woods of Elkhorn, Neb., and Wendy James and Bonnelle Pagel, both of Omaha, Neb.; sister, Enid of Banning, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2004
GERDES, Myron A. "Mike", 72, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorial services: Saturday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: columbarium at First Lutheran Church
Memorials: the Heifer Project International, First Lutheran Church or a charity of choice
Born April 30, 1931, on the family farm in Raymond, Minn.
Parents: Robert and Verna (Grussing) Gerdes
Grew up in Clara City, Minn.; received his education there
Married: Sept. 14, 1951, to Beverly Agre in Sacred Heart, Minn. She died July 3, 1998
Lived with first wife in North Dakota, Minnesota and Glidden, Iowa
Married: June 24, 2000, to Bobbi Mowrey in Kearney
Was employed in the grain business for many years; worked at Delux Manufacturing in Kearney, 1990-retirement
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church, Kearney; enjoyed playing cards, was a great outdoorsman and avid fisherman; had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed sharing it; cherished the time he spent with children and grandchildren
Survivors include: wife; sons, Gene of Camano Island, Wash., and Joel of Moorhead, Minn.; daughters, Bonnie Ulmer of Plymouth, Minn., and Debbie Greteman of Carroll, Iowa; brothers, Allan of Addison, Ill., and Larry of Kearney; stepson, Lance Mowrey of Findley, Ohio; stepdaughter, Michelle McCaulley of Vienna, Va.; seven grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Anne of Camano Island and Patricia of Moorhead; sons-in-law, Chuck Ulmer of Plymouth and David Greteman of Carroll; sister-in-law, Mary of Addison; stepdaughter-in-law, Mary Beth Mowrey of Findley; and stepson-in-law, Rick McCaulley of Vienna
Kearney Hub, 26 February, 2004
JOHNSON, Peggy Marie (Meier) Johnson, 46, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004, at her father's home near Elm Creek
Services: Monday at Immaculate Conception Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Elm Creek
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home of Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials: to the family
Born Dec. 7, 1957, in Kearney
Parents: Jerome and Beverly (Vetter) MEIER
Grew up in Elm Creek; received her education at Holdrege High School
Received her bachelor of science degree in business from Kearney State College
Married: August 1979, to Dale Johnson; lived in Lincoln; she worked in retail sales
Activities: member of Immaculate Conception Church in Elm Creek; volunteered at the mission in Lincoln; enjoyed gardening
Survivors include: son, Blaze of Lincoln; her father of Elm Creek; and brother, Frank Meier of Elm Creek; also sister-in-law, Terri Meier of Elm Creek; nephews, Foster and Dalton Meier of Elm Creek; and grandmother, Amanda Vetter of Stapleton
Was preceded in death by her mother, Beverly Meier
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2004
SEED, Blanche M., 96, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Saturday May 22, 2004, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: the Blanche Seed Memorial Fund
Born Nov. 19, 1907, northwest of Newman Grove
Parents: Joseph and Margaret (Schmidt) DUBACHEK
Grew up northwest of Newman Grove; attended District 62 school; graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1926
Married: Jan. 18, 1953,to Orin Seed in Newman Grove. He preceded her in death
Employment: Montgomery Ward for 14 years; then Hellman's Ready-to-Wear
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, member of Mary Circle and Luther Anns and Andys; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Kearneyite Club, Jubilee Center Quilt Group and Alfalfa Kensington Club
Enjoyed sewing and making quilts for local and overseas relief
Survivors include: nephews, Art Duhachek of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Roger Lyon of Newman Grove, Royal Van Horn of Jacksonville, Fla., and Robert Van Horn of Kearney; and nieces, Caryl Kralik of Newman Grove and JaNahn Van Horn of Wymore; also nephew-in law, Bill Kralik of Newman Grove; nieces-in-law, Mary Duhachek of Council Bluffs, Karen Lyon of Newman Grove, Sharon Van Horn of Jacksonville and Vi Van Horn of Kearney; and numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother, Clarence; sisters, Florence, Eileen and Fern; a niece, Sonja; and a nephew, Jim
Kearney Hub, 17 February and May 20, 2004
GEIGER, Harold Louis, 81, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Riverdale, Neb., died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, in Ocala
Services: Feb. 11 at Forest Lawn Chapel in Ocala
Burial: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Ocala
Born May 9, 1922, in Riverdale
Parents: Louis and Mayme (Mary Wiesen) Geiger. Attended rural school in the Riverdale area, graduated from Riverdale High School
Mililtary: U.S. Army during World War II
He and his wife had been married for 53 years
Had retired from employment at Wright Patterson Air Base in Dayton, Ohio, in 1978 and moved to Florida
Survivors include his wife, Opal (Mankins); sons, William of Ocala and Louis of Montgomery, Ala.; daughter, Mary Ann Wagner of Bellbrook, Ohio; and brother, Raymond of Papillion, Neb.; also grandchildren, Matthew and Amy Geiger and Lori (Geiger) English and several relatives in the Kearney area
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2004
EASTERLY, Steven Craig, 50, of Red Cloud, formerly of Mason City and Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2004, near Red Cloud
Services: Saturday at Kohler Mortuary in Sutton
Burial: Sutton Cemetery
Born Nov. 22, 1953, in Henderson
Parents: William and Sarah (Reifschnieder) Easterly
Survivors include: mother of Sutton; and sister, Rosemary Friesen of Mason City
Kearney Hub, 12 February, 2004
SALAZAR, Jacqueline K. "Jackie", 65, of Hastings, formerly of Kearney and Minden, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, at BryanLGH Medical Center East in Lincoln
Services: Monday at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Hastings
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens in Hastings
Mortuary: Butler-Volland Funeral Home in Hastings
Born April 26, 1938, in Aurora
Parents: Jack and Pauline (Wood) ROSS
Married: Sept. 18, 1955, to Eugene Salazar Jr.
Survivors include: husband; daughters, Penni Holdeman of Grand Island and Cindi of Hastings; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2004
ANKENMAN, Beverly L. "Bev", 63, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at her home
Services: Tuesday at First Baptist Church
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Lincoln
Born Sept. 11, 1940, in Columbus
Parents: Machir and Ellen (Cotton) YOUNG
Received her early education in Hastings and Kearney; returned to Hastings, graduated from Hastings high school in 1958
Attended college in Kearney and Hastings; received teaching certificate
Taught school in the Wilsonville School District
Married: Aug. 6, 1961, to Donald Ankenman in Hastings; lived on the Ankenman family farm near Wilsonville
Later attended Central Community College in Hastings; received a degree in communications; was librarian at Wilsonville, was a substitute teacher and worked in food services at Cambridge Hospital
Moved to Kearney, 1985; worked as a cook for both Mount Carmel Home and the Kearney School District; also worked for Wal-Mart for a couple years
Was on the cleaning crew at Kearney Clinic; retired because of illness
Activities: member of First Baptist Church and the Women's Circle Take Out Group in Kearney; was a fantastic cook, an avid reader of history and fiction; enjoyed taking pictures and organizing them; enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren; enjoyed gospel music
Survivors include: husband; son, Glen of Aurora, Colo.; daughter, Jill Foree of Lincoln; brothers, Gordon Young of Raleigh, N.C., and Holms Young of Lincoln; and sisters, Betty Fuller of Franklin, Bonnie Rodgers of Lincoln and Barbara Little of Sacramento, Calif.; also daughter-in-law, Kris of Aurora; and grandchildren, Ben Foree of Lincoln and twins Steven and Sandra Ankenman of Aurora, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Wallace Young.
Kearney Hub, 16 February, 2004
KELSO, Lenore A., 79, of Holdrege died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Nelson-Harris Funeral Home in Holdrege
Born June 9, 1924, in Ravenna
Parents: James A. and Mary (Scrable) MACEK
Graduated from Ravenna High School in 1942; received associate's degree in business from Colorado Women's College in Denver; returned to Nebraska
Married: March 27, 1945, to Leo Kelso. He died Feb. 3, 1994
After husband's discharge from the U.S. Navy, the couple lived in Ravenna; moved to Holdrege, 1952; she raised their children and was involved in their activities; when children were older, she entered the work force and sold Avon for many years
Activities: member of the church; active in the Task Force and the Squire; volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at Phelps Memorial Hospital
Member of the Order of the Eastern Star at Ravenna, B.P.O. Doves Drove 161, the Elks Club and the Birthday Club; enjoyed attending community concerts, was a member of the Holdrege Community Concert Association
Survivors include: son, Greg of Fort Worth, Texas, and daughter, Annette Morris-Zeller of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Sue of Fort Worth; son-in-law Rod Zeller of Kearney; grandson, R.J. Morris and his wife, Kathleen, of Fort Collins, Colo.; granddaughters, Sharon Davis and her husband, Reggie, of Kearney and Linda Kelso of Austin, Texas; great-granddaughter, Caroline Morris of Fort Collins; stepgrandchildren, Seth Zeller of Great Lakes, Ill., and Sarah Zeller of Fort Collins; sisters-in-law, Maxine Boucher of Ravenna and Charlotte Fox of Grand Island; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents; son-in-law Bill Morris on July 16, 1999; and brothers-in-law, George Boucher and Merritt Fox
Kearney Hub, 16 February, 2004
NELSON, Elba "elbe" D., 77, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials suggested to the Salvation Army
Born Nov. 5, 1926, in Kearney
Mother: Hazel Nelson
Was raised by his grandmother, Fannie Nelson; attended Kearney Public Schools
Worked as a nurses aide for Good Samaritan Hospital and at local nursing homes; Later was an attendant for Nielsen Mortuary in Kearney; worked at the Kearney Elks Lodge for 32 years until he retired; during retirement, worked part time for Franca's Jewelry in Kearney
Well known in the Kearney area for his willingness to help people; was a volunteer with the Salvation Army; enjoyed walking and talking with people throughout the Kearney area
Survivors include: cousins, Ron and wife, Nancy, Larsen, Dennis and wife, Connie, Larsen and Steve Larsen, all of Kearney, Sharon and husband, Gary, Myers of Shelton and Linda and husband, Greg, Brodine of Gibbon; half brothers, Roger of Rio Linda, Calif., and Jimmy of Chico, Calif.; half sisters, Sandra Roberts of North Highlands, Calif., Virginia of Sacramento, Calif., and Betty of Chico; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends
Was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents and a brother
Kearney Hub, 20 February, 2004
SPECK, Gwendola Frances, 85, of Berthoud, Colorado, formerly of the Kearney, Neb., area, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, at McKee Medical Center Hospice Care Center in Loveland
Services: Feb. 6 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte, Neb.
Burial: Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in North Platte
Born: Oct. 10, 1918, in Funk, Neb.
Parents: Frank and Bertha (Branch) LAWSON
Married: Dec. 31, 1936, to Harry Speck in Kearney. He died in September 1999
Survivors include her son, Frank of North Platte; daughter, Pat Stone of Berthoud; sisters, Hazel Wilson of Kearney and Myrtle Loyd of Omaha, Neb.; three grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2004
WROBLEWSKI, George J., 56, of Gibbon died Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, at his home north of Gibbon
Services: Friday at the Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Born March 26, 1947, in Loup City
Parents: Harry and Clara (Sekutera) Wroblewski
Married: June 25, 1965, to Gloria Sorensen in St. Paul
Survivors include: wife; son, Bryan of Kearney; daughters, Kim of Gibbon and Kristie Glines of Phoenix; brothers, Dominic of Boelus, Leo of Arcadia and Ted of Ord; sister, Helen Brown of Council, Idaho; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 February, 2004
KEEP, William Franklin, 78, of Ogallala, formerly of Elm Creek, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, at Perkins County Hospital in Grant
Services: Friday at Ogallala United Methodist Church; Masonic rites Ogallala Mason Lodge 159 AF&AM
Mortuary: Gubser Funeral Home in Ogallala
Born March 10, 1925, in Chappell
Parents: William and Vera (Shawkey) Keep
Married: Feb. 24, 1945, to Wilma Simmerman
Survivors include: wife; sons, Rex of Edwards, Colo., and Bruce of Eagle, Colo.; daughters, Leah Schow of Paxton, Mikki Lautenschlager of Ogallala and Lisa Gray of Lake Elsinore, Colo.; brother, Charles of Elm Creek; sister, Mary Holmes of Hermiston, Ore.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2004
COON, Hazel, 73, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at Emerald Coast Nursing Home in Fort Walton Beach
Memorial services and burial: Shelton, Neb., at a later date
Mortuary: Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach
Born July 9, 1930, in Buffalo County, Nebraska
Parents: Lester and Lula DeBRIE
Married: Cecil Coon. He preceded her in death
Survivors include: son Thomas of Omaha, Neb.; daughters, Becky Floyd of Fort Walton Beach and Mary Jo of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brother, Lester DeBrie of Greenwood, Neb.; sister, Birdie Davis of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 February, 2004
MARTIN, LaVon E., 76, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to the grandchildren's education fund
Born Sept. 20, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Edward and Esther (Wolf) Winkler
Attended Kearney High School; was a lifetime resident of Kearney
Employment: cleaned private homes; worked in housekeeping at St. Luke's and St. John's care homes; retired from housekeeping at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1993
Was a loving mother and grandmother who always placed her children and grandchildren first in her life
Survivors include: son, Curt of Grand Junction, Colo.; daughters, Sharon Kolymago and Judy, both of Kearney; and brother, Carl Winkler of Omaha; also daughter-in-law, Laurie of Grand Junction; son-in-law, Calvin Kolymago of Kearney; and granddaughters, Sara and Michelle Kolymago, both of Kearney, and Racheal Martin of Grand Junction
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 21 February, 2004
GILTZ, Anna Frieda, 93, of Wood River died Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, at Good Samaritan Center in Wood River
Memorial services: Saturday at Faith United Methodist Church in Grand Island
She donated her remains to the Nebraska Anatomical Board
Mortuary: Kleine Funeral Home in Grand Island
Memorials suggested to the Alzheimer's Association for research or the Grand Generation Center
Born April 29, 1910, in Riverdale
Parents: Louis and Katherine NAU
Spent her childhood in Riverdale; received her education there
Married: Sept. 14, 1933, to Nicholas Giltz. He died in 1982
Lived in Kearney, worked as a housekeeper for several families; cooked at the Plainview and the Streamliner cafes in the Kearney area
Activities: enjoyed music, listening to older church hymns and country songs; liked tasty meals, bingo, and greeting old and new friends
Spent many hours at the Grand Generation Center; had a special gift for touching the hearts of many friends there and of the residents and staff at the Good Samaritan Center in Wood River
Survivors include: son, Donald of New Mexico; daughter, Dorla Bickford of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Linda of New Mexico and Alma of Kearney; and son-in-law, Ron Bickford of Grand Island
Preceded in death by her husband, a son, Harold; brothers, Carl, Henry, Julius and Albert; sisters, Christine, Rosie, Marie and Clara; and a grandson, Jason
Kearney Hub, 20 February, 2004
THOMPSON, Denly J., 83, of Grand Island, formerly of Kearney and Culbertson, died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004, at the Veterans Home in Grand Island
Services: Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Culbertson
Burial with military honors: Culbertson Cemetery
Mortuary: Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook
Born Feb. 23, 1920, in Morrisvale, W.Va.
Parents: Earl and Norma (Estep) Thompson
Married: Sept. 20, 1945, to Joye Heizenreter in Oberlin, Kan.
Survivors include: wife; sons, Denly of Hastings, Timothy of McCook and Matthew of Greeley, Colo.; daughters, Sarajane Grandia of Loveland, Colo. and Marijill Nickerson of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 20 February, 2004
GRASS, Kenneth D., 82, Kearney, died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2004, at Tri-County Area Hospital in Lexington
Services: Wednesday, First Baptist Church, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: First Baptist Church or the Plum Creek Care Center's special needs unit care givers
Born March 2, 1921, in Holyoke, Colo.
Parents: Cecil and Ardath (Wilson) Grass
grew up in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School, 1938
Graduated from Kearney State College, 1942
Married: Jan. 30, 1944, to Bea Sandberg in Phillipsburg, Kan.
Lived in Kearney; owned and operated Grass and Son House Moving with his father; later farmed south of Minden and in Franklin County
Had been at the Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington since September 2003
Activities: member of First Baptist Church in Kearney, American Legion Post 52, Kearney Elks Lodge 984, Eagles Fort Kearney Aerie 2722 and the United Commercial Travelers
Survivors include: wife; son, Gerald of Minden; and daughter, Linda Nuttelman of Kearney; also son-in-law, Craig Nuttelman of Kearney, daughter-in-law, Hazel Grass of Minden; grandchildren, Kenneth and his wife, Kathryn, of Atlanta, Jamin and his wife, LaNette, of Denver and Katherine Nuttelman of Kearney; and great-grandchildren, Brennan and Alexa of Denver
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 24 February, 2004
SKOV, Dolores J. (Dee), 69, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials suggested to First Baptist Church, Himanchal Educational Foundation or the University of Nebraska Foundation for the Spillway Park Project
Born May 24, 1934, in Holbrook
Parents: Jesse and Lucille (Cooper) McCONNEL
Lived in Holbrook and McCook before moving with her family to Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School, 1951; attended Kearney State College
Married: June 6, 1954, to Leonard Skov in Kearney
Lived in Kearney, Red Cloud, Wilcox and Lincoln; returned to Kearney, 1968
Was a proud and committed mother, was active in community organizations and churches where she lived; was church organist in Red Cloud, Wilcox and Kearney; served on the Board of Directors of the YWCA in Lincoln
Was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Kearney, served as church secretary for many years; was active in the ministries of American Baptist Churches of Nebraska, was secretary of the General Board of ABC-Nebraska; was active in American Baptist Women's Ministries, was especially committed to the First Baptist Church-Kearney Prayer Circle; loved the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ since childhood; mmember of the University of Nebraska at Kearney Faculty Wives organization
Survivors include: husband, Leonard; sons, Steve (wife, Susan, and daughter Alison) of Lake Tapawingo, Mo., Randy (wife, Jinda, and children, Brendon, Jarrett and Kristen) of Fayetteville, Ga., Jeff (wife, Judy, and children, Eric, Kevin, Amy, Laurie and Jacob) of Olathe, Kan., and Mike of Alexandria, Va; brother, John (wife, Venita) of Mount Carroll, Ill.; sister-in-law, Marian Skov Fisher (husband, Dick) of Kearney; and brother-in-law, Charles (wife, Ann) Skov of Monmouth, Ill.
Was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Edith
Kearney Hub, 24 February, 2004
CHOPLIN, Michael, 42, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2004, in Kearney
Services: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice
Born Oct. 19, 1961, in Fort Belvoir, Va.
Parents: Dennis and Peggy (Weidner) Choplin
Grew up in a military family, lived in Virginia, North Carolina, Kansas, Germany, Minnesota and Nebraska; received his education at military bases and Sumner-Eddyville-Miller; had lived in Kearney since 1980
Married: July 20, 1996, to Gwendolyn Keen in Minden; renewed their marriage vows Feb. 21, 2004
Lived in Kearney, was employed by Chief Industries
Activities: attended Open Bible Church and New Life Assembly; was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden
Enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children
Survivors include: wife; sons, Matthew, Bryce, Kevin and Scott, all of Kearney; daughters, Hannah and Claire, both of Kearney; his parents of Kearney; brother, Mark of Shelton; sister, Denise Miller of Kearney; and grandfather, Orville Weidner of Ravenna; also sister-in-law, Michelle of Shelton; brother-in-law, Neil Miller of Kearney; granddaughter, Kelsey of Kearney; nephew, Alex Miller; and nieces Makayla and Madison
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jean Weidner and Wesley and Irene Choplin
Kearney Hub, 26 February, 2004
MOLINA-MORSE, Moses E., 3-month-old son of Ryan Molina-Morse and Andrea Garza of Kearney, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born Nov. 13, 2003, in Kearney
Survivors include: parents; brother, Josiah of Kearney; and grandparents, Soyla Garza, Keith Morse and Viola Morse, all of Kearney, and Reynaldo Garza Jr. of Phillipsburg, Kan.
Kearney Hub, 26 February, 2004
BRAGG, Joan E., 64, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery. Memorials suggested to the Good Samaritan Hospital Heart Fund or the Good Samaritan Hospital Cancer Fund
Born Oct. 6, 1939, in Grand Island
Parents: Milton and Irene (Franz) HARDEKOPF
Moved to Kearney, 1945; graduated from Kearney High School, 1957
Married: Aug. 4, 1976, to Harold Bragg in Kearney; he died Oct. 31, 2003
Survivors include her brother, Jim Hardekopf of Centennial, Wyo.; also niece, Stacey Hardekopf of Great Bend, Kan.; an uncle, Bob Franz and his wife, Betty, of Kearney; and several cousins
was preceded in death by her husband and parents
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2004