Page 24
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
BERRYMAN, Geraldene Irene, 86, of Kearney, formerly of Cozad, died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Monday, Cozad Church of Christ
Burial: Cozad Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel, Lexington
Memorials: the Cozad Church of Christ, Countryside Christian Church in Kearney, Nebraska ALS Research or the Kearney Hospice
Born Feb. 27, 1918, at home in Smithfield
Parents: Charles and Elizabeth (Melosh) Carroll
Graduated from Lexington High School, 1934; worked as a member of the Telephone Operators' Association at the Lexington Telephone Co.
Married: Feb. 19, 1937, to Virgil Berryman in Ogallala. He died in 1971
Moved to St. Louis; husband graduated from the School of Mortuary Science
Moved back to Cozad, 1945; founded Berryman Funeral Home
Received her Nebraska Funeral Directors License, 1958; after death of her husband, she became president of Berryman Funeral Home; she continued to operate with her younger son, Richard; retired in 1983
Moved to Kearney, 1997; enjoyed extensive traveling, china painting, church activities and her family and friends
Survivors include her sons, James of Memphis, Tenn., William of Kearney and Richard of Long Beach, Calif.; daughters, Janet Thompson of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Betty Rowe of Smithfield; brother, Delbert Carroll of Lexington; sisters, Marjorie Burnett of Lexington and Carolyn Dorwart of Tucson, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Phyllis of Memphis and Karen of Kearney; son-in-law, Terry Rowe of Smithfield; sister-in-law, Doris Carroll of Lexington; and brothers-in-law, James Burnett of Lexington and Dick Dorwart of Tucson
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents; brother, Gene Carroll; sister-in-law, Alice Carroll; daughter-in-law, Nancy Berryman; and granddaughters, Tammi Rowe, Sandra Thompson and Amy Berryman.
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2004
GIBREAL, Richard J., 78, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2003, at Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney
Services: Monday,t Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Born March 15, 1926, in Kearney
Parents: Nicholas and Sadie (Shada) Gibreal
Grew up and attended school at Alfalfa Center west of Kearney
Married: Aug. 29, 1947, to Ora Peak in Omaha. She died in 1974
Lived in Omaha for two years, then moved to Central City where he farmed; moved to the Kearney area, 1952, farmed the family farm at Alfalfa Center
Activities: former member of Parents Without Partners and the Eagles Lodge; enjoyed gardening, dancing and visiting with family and friends
Survivors include his sons, Richard Jr. of Lakewood, Colo., Larry of Grand Island, Mike of Broomfield, Colo., Roger of Oak Harbor, Wash., Randy and James, both of Kearney, Timothy of Cedar Park, Texas, John of Minden and Gary of Austin, Texas; daughters, Carolyn Schmidt of Washington, Iowa, and Lori Gay of Carrollton, Va.; brothers, Gilbert of Omaha and James of Kearney; sisters, Esther Wingert, Isabel Runge and Cleo Freeburg, all of Kearney; 26 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Khristina of Oak Harbor, Janette of Austin, Jill of Kearney, Linda of Minden, Pamala of Cedar Park and Cindy of Broomfield; and sons-in-law, Richard Schmidt of Washington and Donald Gay of Carrollton
Was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers, two sisters, a grandson and a daughter-in-law, Bertie Gibreal in 2001
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2004
PLISCHKE, Neta V., 95, of Kearney, formerly of Amherst, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, at St. John's Center in Kearney
Services: Monday, First Lutheran Church, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or St. John's Center
Born July 15, 1909, in Amherst
Parents: Jacob and Bettie (Kenney) Schnoor
Graduated from Amherst High School in 1925, attended York College
Married: March 1932, to Frederick Plischke in Amherst. He died Sept. 27, 1981
Farmed in the Pleasanton and Amherst area; retired in 1980, moved into Kearney
Was presented the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Family Farm Award, given to families who have continually owned their farm for more than 100 years, at the Buffalo County Fair in 2001
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church
Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Heiden of Kearney; also son-in-law, Marlin Heiden of Kearney; grandson, Jeff Heiden of Kearney; granddaughter, Susan Beans and her husband, Chet, of Houston; and great-grandchildren, Heather and Brandon Beans of Houston
Was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, five brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2004
BRESTIN, Steven G., 59, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004, at his home
Services: Wednesday, New Life Assembly, Kearney
Burial: Saturday, Moravian Cemetery in Ephraim, Wis.
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: Faith Christian School, Kearney, or the Dr. Steven Brestin Memorial Medical Scholarship at Sentinel Health Care, Kearney
Born Jan. 4, 1945, in Chicago
Adopted by Samuel and Rose Brestin
Married: March 20, 1965, to Dee Brown in Chicago
Attended Northwestern University, Indiana University Medical School; served in the Public Health Service; did his orthopedic residency in Akron, Ohio, and also studied an extra year of internal medicine in Fargo, N.D.; practiced medicine in The Seattle Public Health Service in the 1970s; moved to Kearney in 1980 to practice with Kearney Orthopedic
Activites: member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; sons, J.R. of Indianapolis and John of Kansas City, Mo.; daughters, Sally and Beth, both of Kearney, and Anne of Madison, Wis.; and brother, Paul of Los Angeles; also daughter-in-law, Julie of Kansas City; and grandchildren, Emily, Jessamyn, Simeon and Analise Brestin all of Kansas City
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2004
MARSTELLER, Myrna Pearl, 77, of Cottonwood, Arizona, and of Cake Lake, Minn., formerly of Kearney, Neb., died of cancer Oct. 8, 2004, in Flagstaff
Memorials: local Audubon Society or Northland Hospice, Flagstaff, Arizon
Born March 26, 1927, in Dorchester, Neb.
Parents: Ted and Pearl (Axline) Crick
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1944
Married: Jan. 18, 1948, to Jim Marsteller. He died in 1976
With husband, farmed at Wilcox, Neb., for many years; after his death, she worked in Los Alamos, N.M., from 1977 to 1997; moved to Cottonwood, 1997, to be closer to family
Activities: sas an avid walker, bird watcher and fisherwoman; took great pleasure in the beauty of nature, from the high deserts to the north woods of Minnesota
Survivors include sons, A.L. of Springfield, Mo., and Michael of Flagstaff; and brother, Jim Crick of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Eve (Ross) of Flagstaff; grandchildren, Dana Pearl and Jay Ross Marsteller, both of Flagstaff; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and two sisters.
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2004
PAVEL, Ella E., 85, of Kearney, formerly of Clarkson, died Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Services: Thursday at New Zion Presbyterian Church, Clarkson
Burial: Clarkson National Cemetery. Mortuary: Miller Funeral Home, Clarkson
Born June 26, 1919, in Colfax County near Leigh
Parents: Oscar and Pauline (Cattau) Loseke
Married: Sept. 3, 1940, to John Pavel in Fremont. He died May 4, 1984
Survivors include her sons, Adolph of Irving, Texas, and Norman of Kearney; brother, Norman Loseke of Columbus; sisters, Esther Moeller of Oakland and Frieda Veirs of Oldtown, Fla.; three granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2004
LINER, Vera M., 91, of Elwood died Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, at her daughter's home near Elwood
Services: Friday, Reynolds-Love Funeral Home, Lexington
Burial: Stop Table Cemetery in Callaway
Born Nov. 24, 1912, in Callaway
Parents: Carl and Myrtle (Lammert) Schukar
Married: June 1, 1933, to James Liner in North Platte. He died in 1964
Survivors include her daughter, Betty Jo Wicks of Elwood; brother, Lloyd Schukar of Gothenburg; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2004
BIERMAN, Robert L., 76, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, the Evangelical Free Church, Kearney
Burial: Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, with Masonic rites
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church, Hope Church of Kearney, Press On Ministries of Kearney
Born June 12, 1928, in Hastings
Parents: Lloyd and Blanche (Norton) Bierman
Attended school in Hastings; worked for Hastings Utilities and Dutton Lainson Co.
Married: Nov. 23, 1952, to Betty Ochsner in Hastings
Later moved to Minden, managed Pioneer Village Motel, 1962-1963
Moved to Kearney, worked for Holmes Plumbing and Heating Supply for 30 years; retired 1998
Activities: member of the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney, Master Mason Midwest Lodge 317, Scottish Rite 35 Tehama Shrine of Hastings, Acacia Chapter, and Order of the Eastern Star of Hastings; enjoyed ushering at church, electric trains, teasing people and making people laugh with his wit
Survivors include his wife; brother, Dale of Hastings; and sister, Betty Yeager of Hastings
Was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2004
PETERSON, W. Wayne, 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Services: Friday, First Christian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military rites by Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Unit at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney or First Christian Church in Kearney
Born Oct. 15, 1918, on the family farm west of Hazard
Parents: Christian and Lura (Zink) Peterson
Graduated from Hazard High School, 1936; attended Kearney Normal School; in high school, participated in track and field, setting a state record
Military: U. S. Army, 1942 - 1943; veteran of World War II
Returned to run the family farm; also raised Belgian draft horses and collies
Married: June 17, 1945, to Emma Jean Sheen in Kearney. She died in 1991
Married: March 7, 1992, to Wilma Fox. She died in 2003
With first wife, lived and farmed east of Kearney near Stone School; also had a custom harvesting operation; later drove semitrailer trucks hauling freight all over the nation and last worked for Kearney Crete and Block
With second wife lived in Kearney
Activities: lifetime member of First Christian Church and a past member of the Kearney Elks Lodge; enjoyed hunting, fishing, ice-skating and woodworking
Survivors include his daughters, Jan Sawyer of Kearney and Linda Peterson-Sawyer of Salt Lake City; also sons-in-law, Randy Sawyer of Kearney and Rodney Sawyer of Salt Lake City; and granddaughters, Abigail of Denver and Alison of Kearney. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2004
SMITH, Carl E., 56, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare Park Place in Grand Island
Services: later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel, Kearney
Born Jan. 22, 1948, in Eureka, Kan.,
Parents: Lorance and Mabel "June" (Guisinger) Smith
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Army, 1968-1972; served during the Vietnam War
Was a painter
Survivors include: son, Jessie of Plattsmouth; mother of Gibbon; and sister, Judy Spindler of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 22 October, 2004
HELMICK, Lowell, 78, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, military rites by the Hastings Veterans Group
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2004
BARTH, Lloyd H., 70, of Kearney, formerly of Sumner, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, at St. Luke's Home in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Trinity Lutheran Church, Amherst
Burial: Sumner Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to be designated later
Born July 13, 1934, on the Barth farm and ranch near Rushville
Parents: Henry and Iva (Lawrence) Barth
Was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church; attended a small country school through eighth grade; graduated from Rushville High School, 1951
After high school, worked on a ranch in the Overton/Sumner area
Married: Oct 10, 1953, to Mary Ann Wempen
Moved to Scottsbluff for a year and one-half; returned to the Sumner area and lived on what was known as the Blackburn Place; worked for 11 years for J.C. Rogers doing farming and well repairs; moved to Sumner, 1965, worked for Abels Well Drilling of Amherst
Established his own business, Barth's Well Service, 1973; worked many hours servicing, repairing, and drilling stock, house and irrigation wells throughout the area until 1979, when he had a stroke
Was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner
Survivors include: son, David of Sumner; daughters, Marcia Berg of Broken Bow, Cheryl Saathoff of Franklin, Brenda Wilson of Bertrand and Tammy Kenton of Lexington; brothers, Lyle of Rushville and Glen of Elkhorn; and sisters, Vernetta Watson of Rushville and Vi Hoos of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Tamra of Sumner; sons-in-law, Marlin Berg of Broken Bow, Daren Saathoff of Franklin, Jay Wilson of Bertrand and Chuck Kenton of Lexington; and grandchildren, Mandy, Misty, Mick and Megan Berg; Cegie Richards; Jessica and Jamie Wilson; Kody and Kolin Kenton; and Darin and Courtney, Heather, Tina and Aaron
Was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jane Barge; sister-in-law, Iola; brothers-in-law, Ralph Watson, Paul Hoos and Henry Wempen Jr.; and a grandson, Matthew Berg
Kearney Hub, 27 October, 2004
FREEMAN, Shona M., 34, of Kearney, formerly of Kenesaw, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Kenesaw United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Jackson-Wilson Funeral Home, Kenesaw
Born Aug. 29, 1970, in Hastings
Parents: Sylvan and Velda (Tammen) Roberts
Married: Sept. 10, 1999, to Dennis Freeman. They later divorced
Survivors include: sons, Dustin, Dalen and Devin, all of Kearney; her father of Lexington; mother and stepfather, Velda and Henry Wilson of Kenesaw; sister, Ronda Frank of West Point, Miss.; and brother, Shannon Roberts of Kenesaw
Kearney Hub, 25 October, 2004
WORTHING, Mary V., 89, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Thursday, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Elm Creek
Memorials: the church
Born Jan. 13, 1915, in Elm Creek
Parents: Pat and Jane (Pflaum) Fitzgerald
Lived her entire life in Elm Creek; attended and graduated from Elm Creek High School, 1933
Married: Aug. 18, 1933, to Caleb Worthing. He died in February 1981
Worked outside the home for a number of years at Arnold's Drug Store, Jack and Jill Grocery and the True Value Store, all in Elm Creek
Main priorities in life were a good marriage, raising her children with Christian values and playing an active role in the functions of her church
Was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, Elm Creek
Survivors include her sons, Dan of Omaha, Greg of Venango and Pat, Dave and Matt, all of Elm Creek; daughter, Helen Cruise of Salem, Ore.; 16 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Peg of Omaha, Elaine of Venango and Blanche and Sue, both of Elm Creek; and son-in-law, Dale Cruise of Salem
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother and two grandsons
Kearney Hub, 27 October, 2004
FREEMAN, Golda J., 95, of Aurora, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at Shalon Park Nursing Home in Aurora
Graveside services: Thursday, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske- Horner, Kearney
Memorials: First United Methodist Church of Kearney
Born Nov. 20, 1908, in Shelton
Parents: George and Lydia (Skeen) Stearley
Graduated from Shelton High School, 1927; attended Kearney State Teachers College; taught school for several years at District 21
Was an accomplished musician, had many piano students
Married: July 21, 1935, to Verne Freeman. He preceded her in death
Lived in Kearney; owned and managed the Freeman Nursing Home, 1947-1975
Became a licensed practical nurse, 1961
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, Lioness Club and Toast Mistress Club, all of Kearney
Survivors include: son, John; daughters, Kathryn Bullard of Portland, Ore., Lucille Gregory of Kearney and Kathleen Taylor of Aurora; 20 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by her husband and a grandchild
Kearney Hub, 2 November, 2004
WISE, James "Jim" A., 73, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Make A Wish Foundation
Born July 24, 1931, in Humphrey
Parents: Ralph Sr. and Gertrude (Whitney) Wise
Moved to Kearney with parents and family, attended school and graduated from Kearney High School in 1950
Married: June 26, 1952, to Lavonne Markus in Kearney. She died Sept. 25, 2004
Moved to Lincoln; was in the Nebraska National Guard for several years
Returned to Kearney; was employed as a body shop and fiberglass repairman for Buzz's Body Shop and Marine Supply; retired in 1997, then worked part time as a truck driver for Buzz's; also owned Jim's Rod and Reel Repair Service for the past 10 years
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church and the Eagle's Club
Survivors include: daughter, Coleen Towery of Kearney; and sisters, Grace Adams of Kearney and Leila Smith of Grand Island; also grandson, Shawn Towery of Kearney; granddaughter, Stacy Towery of Kearney; and great-grandson, Taylor Towery of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his wife; a son, James; brother, Buzz; sisters, Bonnie Williams, Betty Henderson and Phyllis; and a brother in infancy
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2004
FLEMING, Edith M., 90, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery. Born Jan. 20, 1914, in Ord
Parents: William and Lena (Rice) Mess
Grew up in and attended school in Ord
Married: Sept. 26, 1933, to Kenneth Fleming. He died in 1968
Lived in Kearney; moved to Lincoln in 1950; worked at the Cornhusker and Hilton hotels until she retired; returned to Kearney in 1999
Survivors include son, Eugene of Lincoln; sisters, Gladys Tinsley and Leona Anderson, both of Kearney; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, three brothers and a sister
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2004
URWILLER, John F., 84, of Coeur D'Alene, formerly of Ravenna, Neb., died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004, in Coeur d' Alene
Burial: Olinger's Mausoleum and Memorial Gardens in Denver, Colorado
Mortuary: Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Born March 17, 1920, in Ravenna
Parents: Charles and Elizabeth (Hanover) Urwiller
Married: Harriette Yates 59 years ago
Survivors include his wife
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2004
YOUNG, Wayne B., 43, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Memorials: Nina E. Hammer Park, in care of Kearney Community Foundation, to use for trees
Born Feb. 21, 1961, in Seattle
Parents: Stanley and Valerie (Johnson) Young
Grew up in Seattle; lived and traveled throughout Canada before moving to Kearney, April 1995; was employed by Valley Forklift Sales
Lived his life in the Jewish faith
Survivors include special friends Robert and Pat Burge and their family
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2004
DRYDEN, Hallie Smith, 100, of Tempe, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, July 17, 2004, at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona
Memorial services: Aug. 28, Tempe
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Born Oct. 31, 1903, in Belgrade, Neb.
Parents: Charles and Alice (Kliese) Smith
Moved with her family to Kearney, 1920, where she finished high school: attended Kearney State Teachers College (now UNK); taught in North Platte for four years
Married: June 14, 1928, to Kenneth Dryden. He preceded her in death
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Chapter EG in Kearney, held office in local, district and conference levels in the Women's Society of Christian Service (now United Methodist Women); was the conference president, 1961-1963; was a delegate to two jurisdictional conferences of the United Methodist Church, was an alternate to one general conference
Volunteer work in Kearney included the Hospital Auxiliary and the Bloodmobile during World War II; Moved to Friendship Village, a retirement community, in Tempe, 1980; was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Health Services Auxiliary and Friends of the Library Association in the Village; did volunteer work for Health Services Auxiliary, the Village Gift Shop and the Village Library
Survivors include: daughters, Margaret Michalski of West Chicago, Ill., and Martha Crowe of Fremont, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Larry Michalski of West Chicago and Bill Crowe of Fremont; and two sisters-in-law
Was preceded in death by her husband; a son, John Kenneth; a sister, Margaret Howard; and brothers, Harold, Earle, Allan and Donald Smith
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2004
PAUL, Evelyn L., 81, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 29, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday at Zion Lutheran Church, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: the church or the Radio Broadcast Fund
Born Feb. 13, 1923, at home, Pleasant Valley area north of Pleasanton
Parents: Arthur and Lena (Carman) Dehm
Grew up in the Pleasant Valley area; graduated from Pleasanton High School
Married: May 13, 1947, to William Paul at St. John's Lutheran Church north of Riverdale. He died in 1997
Worked at Consumers Public Power; also worked with her husband, who started Peerless Machine and Manufacturing Co. in the early 1960s; retired in 1997
Lived in Kearney for more than 55 years
Activities: lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, was active in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League; enjoyed league bowling for more than 40 years with her friends
Survivors include: sons, W. Rex of Kearney and Robert of Sargent; daughters, Ardith Nickel of Axtell and Michelle Wiezorek of Humbolt; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; also her sons-in-law, Dennis Nickel of Axtell and Michael Wiezorek of Humbolt; daughters-in-law, Margie of Kearney and Susan of Sargent; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her husband; a brother, Eldon Dehm, and one great-grandson, Carter in 2002
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2004
GIBBONS, Victor "Vic" R., 53, of Elm Creek died Monday Nov. 1, 2004, at his home
Services: Friday, First Christian Church, Elm Creek
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery, military rites by the North Platte Veterans Group
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel, Elm Creek
Memorials: First Christian Church or American Legion Post 316 in Elm Creek
Born Nov. 17, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Ross and Yvonne (Andreasen) Gibbons
Graduated from Elm Creek High School
Military: U.S. Air Force, Jan. 2, 1970 - December 1974; was a sergeant in the Air Force Honor Guard; attended the funeral services for President Lyndon B. Johnson and for J. Edgar Hoover, served in many details at the White House and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery
Learned the meatcutting trade at his parents' store and followed the trade
Activities: member of American Legion Post 316 in Elm Creek, was serving as commander
Survivors include: parents of Elm Creek; and brothers, Clark of Estes Park, Colo., and Mike of Kearney; also sisters-in-law, Joan of Estes Park and Kimberly of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 4 November, 2004
BABEL, William "Bill" A., 83, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, New Life Assembly Church, Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary, Kearney
Memorials: Press On Ministries or the church
Born July 2, 1921, in Archer
Parents: Charles and Veda (Hansen) Babel
Graduated from Arcadia High School; attended business college
Married: July 9, 1943, to Lois White in San Francisco. She died on Jan. 26, 1973
Military: U.S. Navy, July 17, 1940 - July 18, 1946, served as a radioman during World War II
After discharge, lived in California for a few years until returning to Nebraska; lived in the Kearney/Gibbon area, was employed as a ticket agent for Union Pacific Railroad; retired in the early 1970s
Moved to Tulsa, Okla.,1974, attended and graduated from Ramah Bible College; worked as a janitor at Oral Roberts University; returned to Kearney, 1985
Activities: member of the church in Kearney, lifetime member of the Full Gospel Businessmen
Survivors include: son, Charles of Luray, Va.; daughters, Karen Frey of Kearney and Carol of West Richland, Wash.; sister, Joselyn Kimberly of Malad City, Idaho; half brother, Calvin Delano of Jerusalem; half sister, Mattie Soukup of Grand Island; and five grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 2 November, 2004
LUTHER, Jack Alan, 57, of Denver, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004, at his home
Services: Wednesday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Northglenn
Burial: Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheatridge. Born April 6, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Boyd and Jane (Day) Luther
Grew up in both the Kearney and Denver areas, graduated from Kearney High School, 1965; in high school, enjoyed debate, football, baseball and most sports
Married: Nov. 16, 1973, to Carol Marcott in Grand Forks, N.D.
Was employed in the family sand and gravel business for may years, drove over-the-road trucks professionally, and recently owned and operated his own rig
Activities: enjoyed his family; was an avid Denver Bronco football fan; enjoyed fishing competitions
Survivors include: wife; sons Paul and Jay, both of Denver; daughter, Katie Sulley of Denver; brother, Joey Luther of Denver and sister, Jill Metcalf of Denver; also grandsons, Kyle of North Dakota; and Paul Jr. of Denver; daughter-in-law, Mary Hudson of Denver; granddaughter, Makayla Sulley of Denver; son-in-law, Joseph Sulley of Denver; nieces, Lisa (Anderson) Chacone, Lauren and Lana, all of Denver; brother-in-law, Al Metcalf of Denver, stepnephews, Christopher and Brian Metcalf of Denver; sister-in-law, Luchelle (Marcott) of Denver and nephew, Michael of Denver
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 1 November, 2004
RODEHORST, James R., 69, of Nelson died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior
Services: Thursday, Nelson Community United Church of Christ
Burial: Clay Center Cemetery, with military rites
Mortuary: Klawitter-Price Funeral Home in Nelson
Born April 19, 1935, on his parents' farm near Sweetwater
Parents: Ray and Dorothy (Stover) Rodehorst
Married: June 6, 1953, to Leola Gavin in Clay Center
Survivors include: wife; sons, Ronald of Harvest, Ala., James of Wichita, Kan., and Thomas of Kearney; daughters, Sharon Koch of Crete, Karen McCollum of Guangzhou, China, and Kristi Morales of Harrison, Tenn.; sisters, Nancy Wick of Amherst and Kathleen Hanna and Margaret, both of Riverdale; 21 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 3 November, 2004
ECKHOFF, Anne Signa Viola, 92, of Hershey died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004, at her home
Services: Thursday, Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte
Burial: Riverside Cemetery north of Hershey
Born Dec. 27, 1911, in Kearney
Parents: Ernest and Bentha (Nielsen) Hultman
Married: May 21, 1946, to Verda Eckhoff in Oberlin, Kan.
Survivors include: sons, Richard of Alliance and Thomas of Hershey; brother, Harold Hultman of LaCenter, Wash.; sisters, Sina Knoll of Kearney and Ruth MacDonald of Riverside, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 3 November, 2004
LOEFFELHOLZ, Ralph J., 69, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Memorials: the church in Kearney or to the family
Born June 20, 1935, in Poole
Parents: Frank and Eva (Schmitz) Loeffelholz
When young, moved to the Riverdale/Amherst area
Attended rural schools, graduated from Amherst High School, 1954
Married: Dec. 27, 1958, to Virgene Lange at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Lived in Kearney,l moved to the Gibbon area, 1966
Worked as a mechanic and maintainer operator for the Kearney County Road Department; retired in 1994 due to injuries he received in a motor vehicle accident east of Minden on April 11, 1994
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney and the Kearney Eagles
Survivors include his wife; son, Tim of Kenesaw; daughters, Deb Nourse of Elm Creek, Jeanne Harms of Hildreth, Brenda Marker of Kearney and Chelle Bombeck of Shelton; brother, Don of Kearney; sisters, Mary Andersen of North Platte, Lucile Vest of Erie, Pa., and Evelyn Combs of Houston; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandson; also Michelle of Kenesaw; sons-in-law, Dennis Nourse of Elm Creek, Lynn Harms of Hildreth, Raymond Marker of Kearney and Jeff Bombeck of Shelton; sister-in-law, Sandy of Kearney; and brothers-in-law, Glenn Vest of Erie and Hollis Combs of Houston
Was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 6 November, 2004
EPLEY, James "Jim" H., 72, of Pleasanton died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, at his home
Services: Monday, Grace Lutheran Church, Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery, military honors by Pleasanton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9481 and Pleasanton American Legion Post 321
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: Lutheran Hour or Lutheran Extension Fund at Grace Lutheran Church
Born June 26, 1932, in Arapahoe, Colo.
Parents: Elmer and Mildred (Hird) Epley
Moved as a child to the Pleasanton area; graduated from Pleasanton High School, 1950
Military: U.S. Army, Feb. 13, 1951, - Feb. 17, 1953,; veteran of the Korean War
After discharge, he returned to Pleasanton
Married: June 2, 1954, to Loretta Lammers at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Was self-employed as a carpenter
Activities: member of the church, was a lifetime member of the VFW, both in Pleasanton
Survivors include: wife; sons, Dave of Wood River and Doug of Pleasanton; daughter, Deanne DeTurk of Amherst; sister, Norma Peterson of Kearney; brothers, Don and Max, both of Pleasanton; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Kris of Wood River and Marche' of Pleasanton; son-in-law, Steve DeTurk of Amherst; and sisters-in-law, Roberta and Beverly, both of Pleasanton
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 6 November, 2004
STENGEL, Marie G., 81, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery. Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or the Good Samaritan Hospital Dialysis Unit
Born May 24, 1923, in Kearney
Parents: William and Mary (Erpelding) Markus
Graduated from Kearney High School
Married: Sept. 6, 1956, to Ed Stengel in Lincoln. He died Jan. 25, 2002
Lived and farmed north of Kearney. Following husband's death, she moved to Kearney
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, the Altar Society, the Soil Sisters Garden Club and the Eagle's Auxiliary; enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family
Survivors include nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, brothers, Maynard, Pete, Clarence, Raymond and Laverne and sisters, Rosella Grimes and Lavonne Wise
Kearney Hub, 8 November, 2004
THORPE, Ruth L., 87, of Gibbon died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, at her home
Graveside services: Nov 5, Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Nov. 16, 1916, in Hamburg, N.Y.
Parents: Thomas and Ethel (Hutchinson) Heineman
Married: Aug. 17, 1940, to Eugene Thorpe. He died in January 2001
Survivors include: sons, W. Keith of Sacramento, Calif., David of Caracas, Venezuela, and Phillip of Rochester, N.Y.; daughter, Sandra Borden of Gibbon; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 5 November, 2004
LARSON, Ruth E., 91, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, at Immanuel Fontenelle Home in Omaha
Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Evangelical Free Church in Kearney
Born April 12, 1913, in Trolhahan. Sweden
Parents: Harold and Hulda (Larson) Olson
Attended school in Sweden before emigrating to the United States with her parents in 1926; graduated from Broadway High School in Seattle; attended Multnoma Bible Institute in Portland, Ore.
Married: Dec. 29, 1935, to Ralph Larson in Seattle. He died in 2001
Served with her husband for more than 60 years in ministry; lived in Tumwater, Wash., Vancouver, Wash., and Salt Lake City; moved to Nebraska in 1956, husband served as minister at the Evangelical Free churches in Stromsburg and Central City and the Congregational Church in Clarks; then moved to Woodland Park, Colo., served at Woodland Park Community Church for four years; moved to Kearney, 1978, husband was on staff at the Evangelical Free Church for 13 years
Moved to Omaha in 2002
Activities: member of the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney, taught Sunday school at the churches her husband had served
Survivors include her son, Daniel of Omaha; daughter, Marsi Benson of Sebring, Fla.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 6 November, 2004
FREAD, Wilbur C., 77, of Litchfield died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island
Services: Tuesday, Rasmussen Mortuary, Ravenna
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Born March 18, 1927, in Buffalo County
Parents: Howard and Gail (Grant) Fread
Attended District 116 Brown School
Military: U.S. Army, June 30, 1945 - Nov. 26, 1946; was an auto mechanic in the occupation force in Germany
Returned home to farm
Married: Oct. 28, 1951, to Jennie Hawkins of Mason City
Farmed east of his parents on the McCurry place; moved to Litchfield in 1958
Also worked at Rockwell in Kearney, the Cornhusker Ammunition Plant in Grand Island and the Kearney Livestock Commission Co.
Was baptized in the Church of Brethren, was a member of the United Methodist Church
Activities: enjoyed watching football and baseball; enjoyed calling and talking to his friends and hunting and trapping on Muddy Creek
Survivors include: wife; sons, Craig of Litchfield and Curt of Kearney; daughters, Jana Fread and Alta Kramer, both of Litchfield; brothers, Laroy of Kearney and Russell of Grand Island; and sister, Juanita Beckham of Pleasanton; also grandchildren, Ashley Brink, Michael and Farrah Lee, all of Litchfield and Mathew of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Brewer; and brothers, John and Robert
Kearney Hub, 8 November, 2004
PETERS, Dolores C., 69, of Gibbon died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Services: Thursday, Faith United Church, Gibbon
Burial: Prospect View Cemetery in Pierce
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary of Gibbon/Shelton
Born May 11, 1935, in Dodge City, Kan.
Parents: Arthur and Verna (Marine) Cook
Married: June 1, 1952, to Edwin Ralston
Married: December 1982, to Larry Peters. He preceded her in death
Survivors include sons, Lester Ralston of Crete, Virgil Ralston of Deshler, Phillip Ralston of Fayetteville, Ark., and David Ralston of David City; daughters, Sherry Zwink of Gibbon, Cindi Rudder of Fremont, Lori Olson of Norfolk and LoRita Rudder of Greenwood; brother, Archie Cool of Gibbon; sister, Doris Eckhardt of Chesapeake, Va.; 30 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 8 November, 2004
ADAMSON, Esther E., 75, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, at her home
Services: Friday, First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to be designated later
Born Aug. 26, 1929, at home in Cherry County
Parents: Alfred and Hulda (Liebers) Guppner
Grew up and graduated from high school in Norfolk
Worked at the State Hospital in Norfolk
Married: June 9, 1950, to Donald Adamson in Norfolk. He died in 1992
Lived in Minden and Kearney; moved to Blair, worked for Campbell's Soup and later for Western Electric
Moved to Kearney in 1968; worked at Kaufmann-Wernert Department Store for one year; was a chiropractic assistant for Dr. M.A. Meredith for 29 years; then worked for Dr. Steve Engen; retired in 2003
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, the Eagles' Auxiliary and was a social member of the Kearney American Legion; enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling and playing cards
Survivors include: daughters, Robin Fisher and Carol Francis, both of Kearney; also son-in-law, Roger Fisher of Kearney; grandchildren, Jason Fisher, Mary Beth Fisher, Donald Fisher and Kelly Kantaras; great-granddaughter, Lauren Kantaras; and dear family friends, Albert Blocher of Lexington and Lyla Snider of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband, three infant children and a sister
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2004
MILLER, Warren A., 83, of 524 W. 18th St. died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, at his home
Services: Friday, Faith United Methodist Church, military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and American Legion Post 52
Burial: later. Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: VFW Post 759 or Faith United Methodist Church
Born Feb. 11, 1921, in Cherry County near Erik
Parents: Francis and Edna (Bolin) Miller
Qttended rural school in Cherry County
Military: U.S. Army, Sept. 27, 1943 - Feb. 2, 1946
Married: Dec. 28, 1952, to Betty Johnson in Kearney
Was employed as a postal worker for the U.S. Post Office in Kearney for more than 25 years, retired on Jan. 30, 1981; drove for the Bookmobile in Buffalo County
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church, VFW Post 759, American Legion Post 52 and AARP. He was a longtime member of the Honor Guard and Firing Squad and helped conduct military rites at veterans' funeral services; enjoyed fishing and hunting, gardening, wildlife watching and was a volunteer driver for the Inter-Faith Caregivers Group in Kearney
Survivors include: wife; and sister, Evelyn Robertson of La Mesa, Calif.; also a number of nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by a stepson and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2004
PONTICELLO, Nick C., 86, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors by Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and American Legion Post 52
Memorials: University of Nebraska at Kearney athletic department
Born Oct. 22, 1918, in Vineland, N.J.
Parents: Charles and Rosemarie (Yacovelli) Ponticello
Grew up in Vineland and graduated from Sacred Heart High School
Military: U. S. Air Force, 1942-1947 and again 1957-1958, veteran of World War II
Married: Aug. 2, 1947, to Rose Lamb in Vineland
Ran a general store in Wellfleet for 16 years; organized and coached a boy's baseball team there
Moved to Omaha, worked for Metro Drug for two years; moved to Kearney in 1965, bought the Covered Wagon west of Kearney, owned and operated it until retirement
Was an avid Kearney State College and University of Nebraska at Kearney fan; attended Kearney State College at age 70 and lettered as baseball and basketball student manager; graduated from KSC, 1984
Activities: president, organizer and coach of Kearney's Businessmen's fast-break basketball team, coached Kearney State alumni teams as well as several teams of KSC graduate players to championships in independent basketball tournaments
Survivors include his wife; and sister, Loretta of New York, N.Y.
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2004
KLINKACEK, Lester, 79, of Cairo died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Friday at Zion Lutheran Church North Shelton
Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church North Shelton
Born March 22, 1925, in St. Michael
Parents: Joe and Ruth (Schmidt) Klinkacek
Was educated at District 52 School, graduated in 1938
Military: U.S. Merchant Marine, Dec. 7, 1941,-Aug. 15, 1945; U.S. Army Air Force, May 8, 1946-Oct. 21, 1947
Married: June 16, 1949, to Zella Smith at North Shelton. She preceded him in death
Lived and farmed north of Shelton; retired and moved to Cairo on Oct. 9, 1999
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church North Shelton; enjoyed hunting and fishing
Survivors include: daughters, Marilyn Hermann of Humble, Texas and Patty Hill of Lyons, Colo.; and sister, Josephine Denman of Grand Island; also sons-in-law, Steve Hermann of Humble and Don Hill of Lyons; grandsons, Kyle Hill and Kevin Hill, both of Lyons, and Jake Hill of Longmont, Colo.; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife and a brother, Alvin
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2004
ALTWINE, Jessie Allen, 14, of Lincoln, formerly of Shelton, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, at his home
Memorial services: Monday, Elm Creek Christian Church
Burial of cremains: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love Funeral Home, Lexington
Memorials: the family for the Shelton Wrestling Club
Born Nov. 11, 1989, in Lexington
Parnets: Rodney and Wendy (Wood) Altwine
Moved with his family to Lincoln this summer; was an eighth-grader at Lux Middle School in Lincoln
Liked to hunt, fish, wrestle, listen to music and spend time with friends; enjoyed NASCAR racing; especially enjoyed spending time with his special friend, Whitney
Survivors include his parents, Rodney of Elm Creek and Wendy of Lincoln; brothers, Zachary and Nicholas, both of Lincoln; grandparents, John and Stephanie Wood of Overton, Jackie of Elm Creek and Donald of Pierce; and great-grandparents, John and Evelyn Cummins of Casper, Wyo.; also aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by great-grandparents and cousins, Chris and Chase
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2004
MINOR, Michael W., 56, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004, in Lincoln
Services: Monday, Christ United Methodist Church, Lincoln
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser & Love, Lincoln
Memorials: education fund for his daughters, Hannah and Rachel, or to Christ United Methodist Church
Born March 20, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: Ward and Valeria (Sprague) Minor
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1966; earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science, 1970, from University of Nebraska-Lincoln; was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and a linebacker wearing No. 48 for the Nebraska football team in 1968
Military: U.S. Marine Corps as a 1st lieutenant until 1974
Earned a master of arts degree in accounting from UNL in 1976; was certified as a public accountant, 1977
Was a businessman; worked as a chief financial officer and consultant; was partner/manager of Directory Services LLC in Lincoln
Activities: member of Christ United Methodist Church and sang in the choir; also belonged to Gateway Sertoma
Married: Aug. 14, 1995, to Kathleen Deany; were foster parents for eight years
Diagnosed with liver cancer in September
Survivors include: wife; daughters, Hannah and Rachel of Lincoln; his mother of Kearney; and sister, Mary Ellen Fagan of Wellington, Kan.; also brothers-in-law, Ron Fagan of Wellington, Michael Deany of Lincoln, Thomas Deany of St. Maries, Idaho, and Arlyn Hanseling of Milford; sister-in-law, Jo Theis of Lincoln; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Nancy Deany of Lincoln; seven nieces; and seven nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Ward, and sister-in-law, Cindy (Deany) Hanseling
Kearney Hub, 12 November, 2004
ULDALL, Elizabeth Theodora Anderson, 90, of Edinburgh, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died June 23, 2004, in Edinburgh
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Born Nov. 30, 1913, in Kearney
Parents: Alfred and Alma (Wickstrom) Anderson. Graduated from Kearney High School, 1931; studied phonetics at Barnard College in New York City and later at University College, London
Married: July 4, 1939, to H.J. Uldall. He died in 1955
With her husband, a Danish linguist, spent many exciting years during World War II as employees of the British Council in Athens, Tel Aviv, Baghdad, Cairo and Alexandria. She was known as "Betsy" Uldall
Took a position at the University of Edinburgh in 1949 in the new phonetics department, distinguished herself as an ingenious researcher on the human vocal tract as well as a respected teacher
Adopted Edinburgh as her home, remained there following her retirement, devoting herself to travel, to correspondence with friends collected throughout her life and to many and varied intellectual interests; viewed Kearney as her hometown, attended the 60th reunion of her high school graduating class, chose her eventual resting place to be with her family of origin in Kearney
Survivors include her daughter, Anne Uldall Martz; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; also nephews, Robert, John and Roger Worlock, sons of her sister, Miriam Worlock, a lifelong resident of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 13 November, 2004