Page 38
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
RHODE, Esther B., 100, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, York, Nebr.
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to the church or the Lutheran Hour
Born March 8, 1905, in Hampton
Parents: Henry and Mary (Parpart) Rhode
Was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Lincoln Creek; grew up and attended school at Zion Lutheran Parochial School at Lincoln Creek
Moved to Chicago, worked at Mandels for five years; moved to Colorado, worked as a nurses aide at Fitzimmons Army Hospital in Aurora for three years; moved to Lincoln, worked for Bankers Life and Casualty for 15 years; moved to Kearney in September 1970, worked at Klone's Sporting Goods for five years before retiring
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include her brothers, Carl of Seward and Ronald of Boulder, Colo.; also nephews, David Klone of Kearney, Paul Rhode of Longmont, Colo., David Rhode of Centennial, Colo., and Kevin Rhode of Fort Morgan, Colo.; and nieces, Cheryl Reynolds of Orlando, Fla., Carol Knisley of Utica and Michel Winters of Wichita, Kan.
Was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Norma Knight and Cora Klone; and nephews, Jaeris Rhode and Eugene Knight
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2006
SANDS, Scott R., 54, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon, military rites
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straat-mann-Apfel
Memorials: Scott R. Sands Special Project Fund or the Central Nebraska Humane Society
Born June 11, 1951, in Sidney
Parents: Bill and Virginia (Shiers) Sands
Was baptized at the Catholic church in Sidney; graduated from Grand Island High School, 1969; during high school, was an avid boxer and saxophonist
Married: Jan. 22, 1972, to Carol Green of Gibbon
Married: 1992, to Doreene Pollock in Kearney. She died in 2000
Married: Dec. 28, 2001, to Nita Hughes in Kearney
Military: U.S. Air Force, July 9, 1969 - late 1991; became a radio operator, initially specializing in foreign intelligence (Morse code interception); stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, and Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu; 1970, began combat tours in Vietnam; served just over 20 years in the Air Force, attained the rank of master sergeant; stations also included Turkey, Greece, the Azores, Portugal, Dallas and Oklahoma City; in 1990, was an airborne radioman in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 1990; returned to Nebraska after his discharge
Was a network technician at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Activities: with third wife enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing, cooking and traveling
Survivors include his wife; son, Michael of Omaha; brother, Brian of Grand Island; stepsons, Ben Matheny of Omaha and Chris Matheny of Kearney; stepdaughters, Jennifer Robinson and Haley Klinger, both of Kearney, and Heather Rogers of Pender; and seven stepgrandchildren; also sister-in-law, Kris Sands of Grand Island; and mother-in-law, Laura Hughes of Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by his second wife; parents; son, Nicholas Scott Sands; father-in-law, Don Hughes; and great-aunt and great-uncle, Adolph and Eva Brandt
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2006
THORNTON, Jay H., 84, of rural Kearney died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, at his home
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Memorials to the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Born Feb. 2, 1921, near Haven's Chapel in Thornton Township in Buffalo County
Parents: Harry and Olive (Turley) Thornton
Grew up and attended school in the area, graduated from Kearney High School in 1938
Military: US Army, World War II; was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart; was proud to have served his country, continued his patriotism throughout his life
Married: Oct. 23, 1952, to Doris Case in Fremont. She died in 2004
Wwned and operated Thornton Sheet Metal until 1983; was a craftsman of his trade, specializing in brass and copper fabrication
Activities: life member of Kearney Elks Lodge 984, American Legion Post 52, VFW Post 759 and was a 45-year member of Kearney Eagles Lodge 2722; had a lifelong passion for horses and German shepherds; enjoyed seeing friends, dancing, playing pool and spending time with his grandsons
Survivors include his daughters, Donna Caldwell of Oconto and Lori Farquhar of Elm Creek; also son-in-law, Mitch Farquhar of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Valerie Hendricksen and husband, Marc, of Oconto, Nathan and Cole Thornton, both of Lincoln, and Cale, Asa and Morgan Farquhar, all of Elm Creek; and great-grandson, Colby Pazdernik of Oconto
Was preceded in death by his wife; a son, Scott, in 1981, and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2006
DALLY, Earl E., 90, of Shelton died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, at Nebraska Veterans Home, Grand Island
Services: Thursday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann, Wood River
Memorials: the church
Born Nov. 14, 1915, in Shelton
Parents: John and Carrie (Maurer) Dally
Graduated from Shelton High School in 1933; joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 for two years
Married: Sept. 14, 1946, to Doris Hughes in Grand Island. She died in 2004
Learned water well drilling and worked for Galen Evans
Military: 78th Unit of the Navy SeaBees, 1942-1945
Wpent several years with J.H. Woodman Well Co.; became a partner in the business with the Woodman brothers in 1954; retired in 1977
Activities: enjoyed spending time in his shop with friends and working with wood, making picture frames and jewelry boxes, which he gave away; member of Shelton United Methodist Church
Survivors include brother, Harold of Lake Forest, Calif.; and sister, Blanche Dellert of Shelton; also brother-in-law, Albert Dellert of Shelton
Was preceded in death by his wife; brothers, John and Walter; and sisters, Laura Cosner and Emma Dally
Kearney Hub, 7 February, 2006
HOUSE, Betty Jean, 82, of Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebr.
Memorials: First Christian Church in Kearney
Born Jan. 3, 1924, in Grand Island
Parents: J. William and Ethyl (Rogers) Gustin
Grew up in Grand Island, graduated from Grand Island High School in 1941
Worked at various war efforts in Grand Island during World War II, including the ordnance plant
Married: May 1, 1946, to R. Charles House in Marysville, Kan. He died in 1977
Lived in Grand Island, and raised her family; moved to North Platte in 1972; after husband's death, 1977, moved to York, lived with her twin sister, Betty Jane; moved to Kearney in 1993
Activities: member of First Christian Church in Kearney; former member of First Christian Church in Grand Island, served as church board secretary and as memorial chairman; taught Sunday school for many years; active in the Trainsmens Auxiliary and the Cub Scouts; lifetime member of the Nebraska Parent-Teachers Association; enjoyed tatting, knitting and crocheting; enjoyed traveling and was active in supporting the I.O.O.F. and Rebekah Lodges; also enjoyed spending time with family
Survivors include her sons, James of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Gary of Kearney; brother, William Gustin of Heartland, Wis.; sisters, Lois Alber of Davenport, Iowa, Dona Geerlings of Riverside, Iowa, and Betty Jane Hamilton of Kearney; and five great-grandchildren; also grandchildren, Aaron House and wife Mary of Kearney, Jason House and wife Jennifer of Kearney, Mike House of Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Jill Love and husband Taft of Cheyenne and Gina Hallada of Parker, Colo.; daughters-in-law, Sandy House of Cheyenne and Julie House of Kearney; brother-in-law, Harold Alber of Davenport; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter-in-law, Jocelyn House; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Letty Gustin; brothers-in-law, Wilmer Hamilton and Pete Geerlings; and sister-in-law, Eula Gustin
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2006
HORTON, Melvin E., 82, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or the Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice Program
Born Sept. 25, 1923, in Jewell County, Kan.
Parents: Royce and Nora (Beardslee) Horton
Attended school in Red Cloud, graduated from Red Cloud High School in 1941
Married: June 20, 1945, to Mildred Maruska in Smith Center, Kan. She died May 25, 1997
Lived in York for three years; moved to Kearney in 1948; worked as a route salesman for Debus Bread Co. and then for Old Home Bread Co.; he retired in 1980
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus
Survivors include her sons, Melvin Jr. of Omaha and James of Nashville; daughters, Beverly Hochberger and Katy Daly, both of Kearney; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Pauline Horton of Omaha and Donna Horton of Nashville; and son-in-law, Dan Daly of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 8 February, 2006
HOLLINGER, Oliver "Holly", 91, of Concord, California, died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, in Concord
Services: Feb. 1 at St. Agnes Church in Concord
Born July 24, 1914, in Amherst, Neb.
Parents: Samuel and Rose (Jameson) Hollinger
Married: 1938, to Bertha Rohrich in Pleasanton, Neb.
Moved to Concord from Nebraska in 1938; retired from Shell Chemical Co.
Activities: enjoyed fishing, bowling, billiards, pool, trap shooting and gardening, especially growing tomatoes; member of Concord Elks, Druids, Baypoint Sportmen's Club, St. Agnes Church and the Senior Center
Survivors include his wife; sons, Larry and Gordon, both of California; daughter, Cheryl Bauer of California; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Barbara Hollinger and Liz Hollinger, both of California; son-in-law, Jim Bauer of California; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mike and Percey; and sister, Leota Busch
Kearney Hub, 8 February, 2006
SCHROEDER, Esther, 98, of Bertrand, formerly of Miller, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at Bertrand Nursing Home
Services: Saturday, Miller Christian Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born Nov. 13, 1907, northeast of Miller
Parents: Emmett and Tina (Wells) Keyser
Early years were spent at Climax, then parents moved to the Arnold area where they farmed
Attended rural grade schools in the Arnold area; moved to Kearney, went to A.O. Thomas School; graduated in 1928
Married: April 7, 1935, to J. Henry Schroeder IV in Arnold. He died Aug. 23, 1996
Ranched north of Arnold then farmed in Arcadia; 1947, moved to and farmed in the Miller area; taught at Grandview School
Moved into Miller, 1950; was manager of Miller Independent Telephone Co., until the company was sold, 1962; moved to the nursing home in 2003
Activities: member of Miller Christian Church, Miller Senior Citizens and was a lifetime member of the Miller American Legion Auxiliary
Survivors include sons, J.H. of Elizabeth, Colo., and Shannon of Miller; daughter, Jane Woolley of Kearney; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; also son-in-law, Don Woolley of Kearney; daughters-in-law, Marlys Schroeder of Elizabeth and Bonnie Schroeder of Miller; and cousin, Joy Clark of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Roland and Melvin; and 81 cousins
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2006
STEVENS, Jeanne A., 83, of Miller died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at her home. Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary Chapel in Kearney
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Born Aug. 8, 1922, in Miller
Parents: Harold and Mabel (Keyser) Day
Grew up in Miller, graduated from Miller High School; graduated with a bachelor's degree in teaching from Kearney State College, 1972
Taught at rural schools in the Miller area
Married: July 5, 1944, to Glen Stevens in Smith Center, Kan. He died in 2005
Lived in Miller, and raised her family; moved to Litchfield in 1964, taught country schools in the Litchfield area; moved to Miller in 1970, taught school in the area; retired in 1983
Activities: member of Grandview Church northeast of Miller, H.O.A. Club in Miller, Miller Senior Citizens and American Legion Auxiliary Post 351 in Miller; enjoyed quilting, crocheting and spending time with family
Survivors include her sons, Glen of Cozad, Gene of Diboll, Texas, and LeRoy of Lisco; daughters, Sharon Hill of Cozad, Donna Williams of Chapman and Helen of Overton; brother, Harold Day of Miller; sisters, Shirley McCullough of Broken Bow, Susan Underhill of Riverdale and Sara Graham of Miller; 15 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Joanne Stevens of Cozad, Di Stevens of Diboll and Peggy Stevens of Lisco; and sons-in-law, Dennis Hill of Cozad and Raymond Williams of Chapman
Was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Joseph in 1995; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; and one brother
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2006
BARTON, Merle H., 106, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, at Prairie View Gardens
Graveside services: Monday, Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon, with Masonic rites and military honors
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2006
FARQUHAR, Jeffrey L., 45, of Fort Collins, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, at his home
Memorial services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: donor's choice
Born Aug. 7, 1960, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Betty (Lizer) Farquhar
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1978; graduated from the University of Colorado at Fort Collins, in microbiology
Lived in various places, including Phoenix and Minneapolis; studied marine biology
Activities: enjoyed athletic activities such as running 10 to 12 miles a day; was an avid bicyclist, enjoyed repairing racing bikes
Survivors include his daughter, Erin of St. Louis Park, Minn.; his parents of Kearney; brothers, Gary Luther of Grand Island, Neb., John Luther of Minneapolis, Robert of Springfield, Mo., Richard of Bullshoals, Ark., Greg of Springfield and Mitchel of Elm Creek, Neb.; and sister, Beth Hogan of Standish, Maine
Was preceded in death by his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2006
RICHTER, Violet M., 87, of rural Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006, at her home
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the church and Good Samaritan Hospital Cancer Fund
Born April 28, 1918, in Buckeye Valley north of Gibbon
Parents: Nick and Anna (Weigant) Theis
With twin sister, Vera, attended St. James School and Kearney High School and graduated in 1936
Married: May 4, 1938, to Lawrence Richter; farmed northeast of Kearney
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, served as treasurer for Church Women United for six years; was active in the St. James Altar Society and served as secretary; served as funeral coordinator; was chairperson for the Women's Information Committee for the St. James Church Building Campaign; Red Cross volunteer; Buffalo County 4-H leader; treasurer for the 1936 Kearney High School reunions , helped plan and organize many class reunions
Survivors include her husband; sons, Jim of Kearney and Rick of Fort Collins, Colo.; daughters, Patricia Reinhardt of Littleton, Colo., Marcella Schulte of Pleasanton and Karen Clark of Kearney; 25 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Floyd Reinhardt of Littleton and Richard Clark of Kearney; and daughters-in-law, Jeni Richter of Kearney and DeAnn Richter of Fort Collins
Was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Spellman; son-in-law, Jim Schulte; one brother; and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2006
THOMAS, Ruth M., 89, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Saturday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the church
Born July 19, 1916, in Callaway
Parents: Albert and Josephine (Gustus) Bliss
Grew up in Miller, graduated from Miller High School in 1934; moved to Kearney in 1935, worked as a beautician. Married: Sept. 7, 1947, to Earl Thomas in Kearney. He died in 1973
Raised her family in Kearney; worked at Baldwin Filters, 1973-1988
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; played the piano with the Tommy Morgan Band and later the Dixieland Band
Survivors include sons, Ryan of Longmont, Colo., and Craig and Gary, both of Kearney; and brother, Bob Bliss of Greeley, Colo.; also daughters-in-law, Pam Thomas and Linda Thomas, both of Kearney; grandchildren, Jamie Thomas, Brandon Thomas and Laura Thomas, all of Kearney, and Brenton Thomas of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Lois Bliss of Greeley and Dorothy Shreve of Naples, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; one granddaughter, Jennifer, and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2006
HELLRIEGEL, Donald J., 82, of rural Elm Creek died Friday, Feb. 10, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Immaculate Conception Church, Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel of Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials: the church
Born June 30, 1923, in Kearney
Parents: Jacob and Amelia (Freeze) Hellriegel
Grew up in Kearney, moved to Wyoming in 1942
Military: U.S. Army May 10, 1945 - Dec. 16, 1946; served as a sharpshooter in the Philippines during World War II; moved back to the Elm Creek area
Married: Feb. 4, 1948, to Dolores Weaver in Elm Creek
Worked as a foreman for the Buffalo County Highway Department for 47 years
Activities: member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek, Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks and American Legion
Survivors include his wife; son, William of Elm Creek; and daughter, Barbara of Elm Creek; also grandchildren, Eric Hellriegel and wife, Jaime, of Kearney, Ryan Hellriegel and wife, Patricia, of Elm Creek and Stacy Hellriegel of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cecil Hellriegel; and sisters, Rose Soderquist, Hazel Wempen and Anna Young
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2006
PETERSEN, James F., 82, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 13, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Body was cremated
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice or to the family
Born May 1, 1923, in Kearney
Parents: Holgar and Verna (Greyem) Petersen
Grew up in Riverdale, received his education there
Military: U.S. Navy, 1941-1943
Married: March 2, 1944, to Carolmae Krebs in Kearney. She preceded him in death
Lived in Kearney, worked at McCue's and Central Nebraska Co-op; retired from the co-op, worked at Shea's Barber Shop; retired in 1995
Activities: member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Kearney Elks Lodge, Oddfellows and Kearney Men's Bowling Association for many years and the Overton Golf Course; member of Gibbon Golf Course Club for more than 30 years; helped when the course started to put in grass greens; lifetime member of the National Rifle Association; was an avid hunter, bowler and golfer
Survivors include his son, Kern of Lincoln; daughter, Linda of Kearney; brother, Harry of Woodbridge, Va.; and two great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Marsha Petersen of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jeff Smith of Kearney, James Petersen of Grand Island and Lindsey Manandyk of Lincoln; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife and parents
Kearney Hub, 16 February, 2006
LUNGRIN, Lorraine M., 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Ogallala Cemetery, Ogallala, Nebraska
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel, Kearney
Memorials to be designated later
Born July 19, 1925, near Cedar Rapids
Parents: Frank and Bessie (Sronce) Steinwart
Grew up on farms near Cedar Rapids and Elsie; received her education at Grainton and Elsie Public Schools
Married: June 8, 1943, to Manfred Lungrin in Oberlin, Kan. He preceded her in death
Lived on farms near Elsie and Palisade; also lived in Imperial and Ogallala, where she was a nurses aide at Ogallala Community Hospital
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, served on various committees and was a member of Circle 5; was a volunteer for the American Red Cross; was an avid University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers fan
Survivors include sons, Dick of Mesquite, Nev., and Bob of Kearney; a daughter, Connie of Kearney; brother, Don Steinwart of Lexington; and sister, Marge Blaase of Ogallala; also daughters-in-law, Carol Lungrin of Mesquite and Cindy Lungrin of Kearney; grandchildren, Jeff and Brenda Lungrin of Watauga, Texas, Tracy Lungrin and Steve and Julinne Lungrin, all of Mesquite; Joel and Nichole Lungrin of Denver and Molly Lungrin of Kearney; and great-granddaughter, Madison Gonzales of Watauga
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and two brothers, Harold and Bob Steinwart
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2006
REESE, Ivan Richard, 73, of Chandler, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa
Services: 17 Feb., Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler
Mortuary: Valley of the Sun Mortuary
East Valley Tribune, Chandler, Arizona, 17 February, 2006
HALBEISEN, George Evans, 73, of Wentzville, Missouri, formerly of Shelton, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, at Lake St. Louis
Memorial services: Saturday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Body was cremated
Born July 18, 1932, in Litchfield, Neb.
Parents: John and Grace (Evans) Halbeisen
Married: Betty Lu Collins in Lincoln, Neb.
Survivors include his wife; brother, Lawrence of Murrieta, Calif.; sister, Helen Smith of Shelton; stepson, David Gaskins of Overland Park, Kan.; stepdaughters, Dee Ann Gaskins of St. Charles and Dori Smith of Wichita, Kan.; and a stepgranddaughter
Kearney Hub, 15 February, 2006
MURRISH, Rolan L., 73, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Wednesday, First Lutheran Church
Burial of cremains: church columbarium, with military honors and Fireman's Last Call
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: the church
Born Nov. 26, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: John Sr. and Bernice (Nickel) Murrish
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
Married: Dec. 14, 1952, to Vietta Simshauser in Amherst. She preceded him in death
Military: Nebraska National Guard, July 10, 1950, - May 1, 1974
Lived in Kearney, worked for Kearney Creamery, Jewell Tea Co. and Cash-Wa Distributing Co.
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Kearney Eagles Club and Kearney Elks Lodge; enjoyed woodworking and camping
Survivors include his sons, Gary of St. Louis and Randall of Denver; brothers, Larry of Merritt Island, Fla., Dan of Verona, Wis., and Bernie of Kearney; sister, Della Botts of Weatherford, Texas; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by his wife; a daughter, Diane Driver; and brothers, John and Keith
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2006
WATSON, Shirley L., 76, of Kearney, formerly of Hastings, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial: Grand Island City Cemetery
Memorials`to the family
Born Sept. 18, 1929, in Burlington, Iowa
Parents: Edward and Alice (McNealey) Lite
Grew up in and received her education in Burlington
Married: Oct. 27, 1951, to Ellis Watson in Burlington. He died in 2004
Lived in Hastings for 44 years; moved to Kearney in 2004 after her husband's death
Activities: 50-plus-year member of Eastern Star; enjoyed traveling, listening to music, and playing the piano and organ; enjoyed ballroom dancing and roller-skating
Survivors include her sons, Dennis of Grand Island, Dan of Ontario, Calif., Perry of Broomfield, Colo., and Andrew of Kearney; daughter, Catherine of Loveland, Colo.; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Sue Watson of Ontario, Rhonda Watson of Broomfield and Lynn Watson of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, John Lite and Keith Lite; and one great-grandchild
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2006
FISH, Robert "Wayne", 78, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, United Methodist Church in Oxford
Burial will be at Oxford Cemetery
Mortuary: Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer in Oxford
Born April 4, 1927, in Elwood
Parents: Fred and Anna (Leggott) Fish
Married: Feb. 15, 1948, to Bonnie Lee
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Judy Harms of Crete and Lisa Buchholz of York; brother, Paul of Halma, Minn.; sister, Donna Jensen of Arapahoe; and 10 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2006
DINEEN, Bernadine "Bernie" G., 78, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2006
PEARSON, Ronald "Red", 61, of Shelton died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Memorial services: Monday, Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Wood River
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Born Oct. 31, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Cecil and Louise (Felps) Pearson
Survivors include his mother, of Shelton; and brothers, Jon and Russ, both of Shelton
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2006
OLSON, Fay Deen, 78, of Lansing, Kansas, formerly of Holdrege and Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, in Lansing
Memorial services: Monday, Scandinavian Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Nebraska Prairie Museum in Holdrege
Born Aug. 20, 1927, in Elm Creek, Neb.
Parents: James and Blanche (Kimpton) Randall
Graduated from Elm Creek High School
Married: 1945, to F. Neil Olson. He preceded her in death
Lived in Holdrege, 1946-1957; lived in Kearney for more than 15 years, was a dental assistant; moved to Shenandoah, assisted with the family business, Mr. Automotive Auto Parts in Shenandoah
Was a resident of Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Lansing
Survivors include her sons, Michael of McDonough, Ga., and Kevin of Platte City, Mo.; her brother, James Randall of Mission, Texas; and sister, Joan Kenagy of Shenandoah, Iowa; also grandchildren, James Olson, Theresa Dominick, Kelsey Lambert, Andrew Olson, and Faith Olson; and great-grandchildren, Cierra Dominick and Haden Dominick
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2006
HAUSERMAN, Doris Mildred, 96, of Alma died Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at Colonial Villa Good Samaritan Center in Alma
Services: Thursday, Alma United Methodist Church
Burial: Alma Cemetery
Mortuary: Banta-Torrey Funeral Home in Alma
Born Sept. 23, 1909, in Gibbon
Parents: Clyde and Nelle (Webster) Scott
Attended rural school near Gibbon and high school in Gibbon, graduated in 1927; completed Normal Training during high school, received a teaching certificate and started teaching at a rural school near Minden; taught at Huntley Public Schools and later at Cozad Public Schools for nine years; also attended Kearney State Teachers College
Married: June 8, 1938, to Frederick Hauserman in Gibbon. He died Jan. 14, 1995
Lived on several farms near Huntley; moved to Alma, 1965; celebrated 50th wedding anniversary in June 1988
Was baptized April 6, 1947 with her two children at Huntley United Methodist Church; was also confirmed and joined the church; transferred her membership to the United Methodist Churchin Alma
Activities: member of the WSCS, which is now the United Methodist Women; served as a district and conference officer; member of the Chapter BJ P.E.O. Sisterhood at Alma, the Alma Book Club, various women's clubs and card clubs
Survivors include her son, Larry of Golden, Colo.; daughter, Marlys Waldo of Republican City; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Deborah Hauserman of Golden; son-in-law, Jerry Waldo of Republican City; and other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, who died in a car accident in March 1962; three brothers, Kenneth Scott and his wife Lucy, Arlie Scott and his wives Dorothy and Neta, and Robert "Bob" Scott at age 30; and two sisters, Jessie Scott at age 5 and Bernice Scott and her husband, Lee
Kearney Hub, 21 February, 2006
PRITTS, Timmy "Tim" G., 46, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at his home
Memorial service: Thursday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: later
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice, the Kearney Police Department or the family
Born March 31, 1959, in Giltner
Parents: Duane and Sharon (Crawford) Pritts
Grew up and attended school in the Shelton and Gibbon areas
Married: Feb. 3, 1979, to Jackie Stonecipher in Kearney
Was maintenance director for Kearney's Hilltop Mall until ill health forced his retirement
Activities: enjoyed building birdhouses, working in his yard and spending time with friends and family
Survivors include his wife; sons, Blake and Adam, both of Kearney; his parents of Kearney; and sisters, Deb Mortensen of Gibbon and Barb Bickford of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Heidi Pritts; and granddaughter, Reagyn Ford-Pritts
Was preceded in death by his sister, brother and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 23 February, 2006
REEDER, Ralph, 87, of rural Shelton died Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at his home\
Services: Friday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann of Wood River and Shelton
Memorials: American Heart Association or the church
Born June 22, 1918, near Shelton
Parents: Thalbert and Emma (Buckman) Reeder
Attended District 27 at Denman; graduated from Wood River High School, 1936
Married: Nov. 20, 1943, to M. Marie Burmood in Wood River
Lived at Wood River; farmed with his father; lived on the farm from 1946 until his death
Activities: member of the church and of Honorary Chapter Farmer of FFA; was past member of the District 37 School Board
Survivors include his wife; sons, Lloyd of Atlantic, Iowa, James of Windsor, Colo., and Bruce of Shelton; daughter, Sharon of Lincoln; brothers, Archie of Prescott, Ariz., and Junior of Imperial; sisters, Mary Ellen Barker of Wood River and Emma Brauckmiller of Portland, Ore.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Delores Reeder of Atlantic and Jean Reeder of Windsor and Susan Reeder of Olathe, Kan.
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Cecil; brothers, Billie and Marv; and sister, Viola Whitten
Kearney Hub, 22 February, 2006
RICHARDSON, Lena, 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at Northridge Retirement Community
Graveside services: Friday, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice
Born April 29, 1919, in Denver
Parents: Tony and Amelia (Ciancio) Dio
Grew up in the Denver area; received her education from North Denver High School
Married: Sept. 24, 1938, to Ted Richardson in Denver. He preceded her in death
Lived in Denver where she was a homemaker; also lived in Omaha and Kearney
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; was a Red Cross volunteer
Survivors include her sons, Tim of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Terry of Phoenix; daughter, Judy Patrick of Murrieta, Calif.; brothers, Bill Losacco and Anthony Losacco, both of Denver, and Joe Losacco of San Diego; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren: also daughters-in-law, Maggie Richardson of Colorado Springs and Linda Richardson of Phoenix; son-in-law, Joe Patrick of Murrieta; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine Losacco and Margie Losacco, both of Denver
Was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and one brother
Kearney Hub, 23 February, 2006
STEVENS, Barbara Jo, 52, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 17, 2006, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln
Memorial services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Memorials: family
Born: Jan. 7, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Harry and Arlene (Best) Capshaw
Grew up in Kearney, received her education in Kearney
Married twice before marrying her soul mate, Matthew Stevens
Married: April 1, 1983, to Matthew Stevens in Kearney
Was employed by various agencies, but enjoyed being a home-maker and stay-at-home mother
Activities: member of the Baptist faith; enjoyed her grandchildren
Survivors include her husband; son, Dennis Wright Jr. of Kearney; daughters, Marti Forney of Sutton and Brandy Ellestad of Kearney; sister, Margaret Brunson of Layton, Utah; and 12 grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Brad Forney of Sutton and Aaron Ellestad of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Brenda Wright of Kearney; brother-in-law, Larry Brunson of Layton; aunt, Charlotte Diggions of Stillwater, Minn.; uncle, Ervin Best of Oregon; two nieces; two nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; aunts; uncles; and niece, Kelly (Brunsen) Fenstermaker
Kearney Hub, 21 February, 2006
LORENZ, Vern L., 79, of Shelton died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, at his home
Services: Thursday, Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Born May 7, 1926, in Mead
Parents: Julius and Martha (Case) Lorenz
Married Jeanette Foster Sept. 22, 1950, in Shelbyville, Ind.
Survivors include his wife; sons, Bob of Casper, Wyo., Rich of Littleton, Colo., and Mike of Shelton; daughters, Mary Kay Morgan of Beatrice and Cindy Lorenz of Shelton; brother, Kenneth of Florida; sister, Minnie Sanks of Sidney; and eight grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 21 February, 2006
DIMOND, Harold T., Jr., 45, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: later
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born Jan. 15, 1961, in Milwaukee
Parents: Harold Sr. and Helen (McCleary) Dimond
Moved with family to Federal Way, Wash., was educated there
Married: Jan. 15, 1982, to Penny Bratten in Norfolk
Military: U.S. Army, Jan. 25, 1982 - July 10, 1987
Lived in Tilden, 1988-1995, moved to Pacific; moved to Kearney two years ago
Survivors include his wife, of Grand Island; son, Christopher of Kearney; daughters, Megan Porter and Lacy, both of Wilcox; his father, of Tacoma, Wash.; his mother, of Pacific, Wash.; brother, James of Pacific; and sisters, Jennie Tuson of Quilcene, Wash., and Alberta Graham of Pacific; also son-in-law, Nathaniel Porter of Wilcox; and grandson, Evan Porter of Wilcox
Kearney Hub, 22 February, 2006
BANAS, Eva Belle, 85, of Yuba City, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, in Marysville, Arizona
Services: Sierra View Memorial Park in Marysville
Mortuary: Sierra View Mortuary
Born Feb. 22, 1920, in Gibbon, Neb.
Parents: Lloyd and Martha (Buss) Williams
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1938
Married Joe Banas in Denver
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Pam Thornton of Yuba City and Marsha Conroy of Shererville, Ind.; brothers, Garnsey Weed and Gordon Weed, both of Kearney; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Frank Weed; and a sister, Goldie Heckman of San Antonio
Kearney Hub, 22 February, 2006
NICOLARSEN, Neva A., 100, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Services: Monday, First Presbyterian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Kearney Senior Hospitality Center or the church
Born Dec. 11, 1905, northeast of Kearney
Parents: Edward and Jessie (White) Prindle
Married: 1923, to Ross Browne of Riverdale
Married: Feb. 9, 1946, to Carl Nicolarsen. He died in 1982
Attended school north of Kearney for 10 grades, graduated from Kearney High School in 1922; attended Kearney State College
At age 16, began teaching; completed 40 years; taught at country schools in the area then taught at Odessa, Riverdale and Amherst
Worked at the Kearney Air Base during World War II, at the Buffalo County Social Services office and for two years in the Buffalo County Superintendent of Schools Office
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church, attended church and Bible study classes for many years; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, B.P.O. Does, Kearney Woman's Club and the Kearney Area Retired Teachers Association; was a contestant in the Mrs. Senior Nebraska Pageant and was chosen to represent Nebraska in the Mrs. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., 1961; was a sports enthusiast, was interested in Nebraska Cornhusker football; golfed and bowled for many years; bowled on ladies leagues for 50 years, was inducted into the Kearney Women's Bowling Hall of Fame in 1995
Survivors include her daughter, Virginia Lantz of Kearney; sister, Gladys James of Kearney; and stepdaughter, Jeanne Ackerman of Kearney; grandson, Rodney Lantz, and his wife, Judy, of Kearney; granddaughter, Joni Murray, and her husband, Tom, of Miller; great-grandchildren, Aaron and Lynsey Murray of Miller; many stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren and stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and stepdaughter-in-law, Virginia Nicolarsen of Sun City, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by three brothers, five sisters, one stepson and four stepgrandchildren
Kearney Hub, 25 February, 2006
ROBERTS, Phyllis, 96, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary Chapel
Burial: Park View Cemetery in Hastings
Memorials: University of Nebraska Foundation Phyllis Roberts Endowed Scholarship
Born Feb. 6, 1910, in Hastings
Parents: James and Irene (Harris) Roberts
Graduated from Hastings High School in 1927; graduated cum laude from Hastings College, 1931, majors in French, English and Spanish; later received a master's degree in education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles; earned a second master's degree in French from UCLA; studied at Middlebury French School in Vermont, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the Sorbonne and Alliance Francaise in Paris; was also a scholarship student at the Shakespeare Seminar at Stratford-on-Avon in England
Taught in Hastings junior and senior high schools, Salt Lake City and San Diego; taught French, English and speech at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; was chairman of the foreign language department
Was an active member of numerous local and national organizations; was presented the Distinguished Service Award by UNK in 1984 and was the second faculty woman to receive it; was honored for organizing alumni chapters of the university in California, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and for other alumni work; after 1984, served as secretary of the retired faculty of the school
Survivors include a niece, Allison Stuchlik of Chipita Park, Colo.; great-nephew, Bart Stuchlik of Chipita Park; and cousins, Kenneth Ellis of McCook, Paul Ellis of Cambridge, Agatha Walker of Alma, Louanne Guthrie of Ragan, Charles Meisenbach of North Platte, Velma Cray of Albany, Ore., Phyllis Colgan of Holdrege and Lulu Harris of Grand Island; also Allison Stuchlik's husband, Walter, of Chipita Park; many other cousins; and a world classroom of former students
Kearney Hub, 24 February, 2006
SUKSTORF, Marilyn J., 64, of Kearney, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at her home
Memorial services: Friday, First Lutheran Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straat-mann-Apfel
Memorials: the church or the American Cancer Society
Born Dec. 13, 1941, in Hildreth
Parents: William and Minnie (Bunger) Eden
Grew up in the Hildreth area; attended and graduated from Wilcox High School in 1959
Married: June 28, 1964, to Gordon Sukstorf in North Platte
Lived in Denver, worked for Central Bank; moved to Kearney, worked at Platte Valley State Bank for 30 years, at the time of death, was an assistant cashier
Activities: member of the church; served as treasurer for the Buffalo Chapter of the American Cancer Society; was a member of two bridge clubs; was a loving wife, mother and grandma
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Kim Jatczak of Papillion, Kara Myers of Geneva and Jodi of Omaha; brother, Gary Eden of Hildreth; sisters, Darlene Noren of Alma and Nancy Mietzner of Hildreth; and six grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Mark Jatczak of Papillion and Kevin Myers of Geneva
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 23 February, 2006
ARENDELL, Joy Mae, 76, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at Mount Carmel Nursing Home
Services: Friday, Carpenter Breland Funeral Home Chapel in McCook
Born April 24, 1929, in Holbrook
Parents: Francis and Ollie (McClellan) DeOss
Married: Oct. 8, 1948, to married Ralph Burton
Married: Sept. 27, 1976, to Gilbert Arendell. He died Oct. 5, 1985
Survivors include her sons, Ralph Burton of Idaho Springs, Colo., Max Burton of McCook and William Burton of Lexington; daughters, Jacque Shepherd of Kearney and Joy Solko of Herndon, Kan.; brothers, Jack DeOss of Holbrook and William DeOss of Garden Grove, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 23 February, 2006
CHRISTENSEN, Lena, 105, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, formerly of the Litchfield, Neb., and Kearney, Neb., area, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, in Ocean Springs
Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Memorials: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Biloxi, MS
Born Nov. 12, 1900, in Custer County, Neb.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bosle
Was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended Willow Dell School
Married: Feb. 28, 1933, to John Christensen. He preceded her in death
Lived in the Litchfield area; moved to Kearney Manor, July 1969; has lived the past 15 years in Ocean Springs to be near her family
Survivors include her daughter, Beverly Hammond of Biloxi; and seven great-grandchildren; also son-in-law, Earl Hammond of Biloxi; grandchildren, Kim Kennedy and husband, Chris, of Nobelsville, Ind., Tammy Borosky and husband Michael of Walnut Creek, Calif., Randy Hammond and wife, Keely, of Biloxi and Shandi Nodurft and husband, Eric, of Wheeling, W.Va.
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents, two brothers, five half brothers and one half sister
Kearney Hub, 25 February, 2006
COOVER, Betty L., 82, of Littleton, Colorado, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, in Englewood
Burial: Kearney, Nebraska
Mortuary: Drinkwine Mortuary in Littleton
Memorials: Littleton United Methodist Church music department or the church music department of the donor's choice
Born June 21, 1923, in Amherst, Neb.
Parents: A.T. and Emma (Walther) Reynolds
Graduated from Barnes College in Denver
Married: June 4, 1965, to Donald Coover in Kearney
Worked as a cashier in the Arapahoe County Clerk's Office for 23 years; husband was a teacher and counselor at Littleton Public Schools for 25 years
Survivors include her husband, of Littleton; and her sister, Norma Ahrendts of Kearney; also nephew, David Ahrendts of Los Angeles
Kearney Hub, 25 February, 2006
MINOR, Valeria "Ve" Marie Minor, 92, of Wellington, Kansas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006, in Wellington
Graveside services: Monday, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Day Funeral Home in Wellington; O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel in Kearney
Memorials: Hannah and Rachel Minor's Educational Fund, Lincoln, Nebr.
Born: May 5, 1913, in Omaha5 Parents: George and Ellen (Nelson) Sprague
Graduated from high school in Omaha, worked for Mutual of Omaha and then for United Airlines as a financial analyst
Married: July 6, 1946, to Ward Minor. He died in July 1995
Husband practiced law with his father in Kearney
Was an avid golfer and bridge player; served as treasurer for Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary for many years; enthusiastic Cornhusker football fan, attended all home football games for 30 years
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Fagan of Wellington and sister, Mary Wall of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.; also son-in-law, Ronald Fagan of Wellington; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Minor of Lincoln; grandchildren, Hannah and Rachel Minor, both of Lincoln, John Fagan of Topeka, Stacy Fagan of Wichita and Chris Hawkins of Overland Park; great-grandchildren, Brandon, Brett and Blake Hawkins, all of Overland Park, and Eli Fagan of Topeka; stepgrandchildren, Angie Gerdes of Lenexa and Bethany Blades of Chicago; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Austin and Connor Gerdes and Owen and Leta Blades
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Michael of Lincoln; and brother, Jack Sprague of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 25 February, 2006