page 43
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
McCONNELL, Helen L., 90, of Montgomery, Alabama, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, June 4, 2006, in Montgomery
Services: Saturday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney or the Vista Care Hospice program, Montgomery, Alabama
Born Nov. 1, 1915, in Superior, Neb., to Fulton and Mary (Ashley) Chesnut
Graduated from Superior High School; received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing
Worked in the recovery room at Good Samaritan Hospital for many years; was an instructor for the local LPN program;e was a school nurse with the Educational Service Unit, traveled to small schools throughout Buffalo County; retired in 1980
Married: March 5, 1940, to James McConnell in Superior. He died June 4, 1999
Moved to Montgomery in 2002
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, various church organizations, Open Circle Sunday School class and the Nursing Alumni Association at UNL; was active in the Kearney Hospice program and the American Red Cross
Survivors include her daughter, Martha Galloway of Montgomery; sons, Richard of Rapid City, S.D., and Robert of Loveland, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters; also son-in-law, Tommy Galloway of Montgomery; and daughters-in-law, Linda McConnell of Rapid City and Shelley McConnell of Loveland
Was preceded in death by her husband, one brother and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2006
MEIER, Edward J., 79, of rural Elm Creek died Friday, June 9, 2006, at his home
Services: Tuesday, Immaculate Conception Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Elm Creek, military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials: American Legion Post 316 of Elm Creek and to the church
Born May 28, 1927, near Overton
Parents: Joseph and Irene (Brennan) Meier
Grew up in Elm Creek; received his education through the eighth grade from Elm Creek Rural School District 94
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, March 1945-March 1949, during World War II, working with the military police; was stationed in China for two years
Married: Oct. 10, 1953, he married Carol Ripp in Elm Creek. Farmed and ranched south of Elm Creek; also worked for Kearney Livestock
Activities: member of Immaculate Conception Church and American Legion Post 316 in Elm Creek; former member of the Elks Lodge in Kearney; hobbies included hunting, buying cattle, playing softball and coaching baseball
Survivors include his wife; sons, Joseph, James, Steven and Matthew, all of Elm Creek; and brothers, Jerome and Robert, both of Elm Creek; also daughters-in-law, Lorea Meier, Fauneil Meier, Robin Meier and Vickie Meier, all of Elm Creek; sister-in-law, Joan Meier of Elm Creek; and grandchildren, Crystal, Joshua, Stephanie, Todd, Candi, Scott, Nicole, Joe, Melissa, Shaley and Courtney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2006
RIMA, Robert L. "Bob", 84, of Shelton died Friday, June 9, 2006, at his home
Services: Monday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery, graveside services by Masonic Lodge 211 of Wood River
Mortuary: Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home of Wood River and Shelton
Memorials: family to be designated at a later date
Born Jan. 30, 1922, in Shelton
Parents to Vern and Mattie (Humiston) Rima
Grew up south of Shelton; received his education at Denman Elementary and Shelton Public Schools
Married W. Jean Ohlmann; lived at Shelton, where he farmed
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church and was a 32nd-degree Mason
Survivors include his wife, W. Jean of Shelton; daughter, Helen Landell of Shelton; sister, Thelma Yates of Pico Rivera, Calif.; and two grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his son, Richard; and his parents
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2006
WALLACE, Helen E., 79, of Lexington, formerly of Ravenna, died Sunday, June 11, 2006, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington
Memorial services: Thursday, Northside Church of Christ in Lexington
Burial of cremains: Ravenna Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Memorials: American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or the donor's choice
Born Aug. 1, 1926, in Ravenna
Parents: Joe and Lillian (Hurt) Kolar
Grew up in Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School with the class of 1946
Moved to Lexington in 1956
Worked at several places around Lexington; worked at Sperry New Holland, Plectron and Tri-County Hospital
Activities: member of the Northside Church of Christ and the VFW Auxiliary; enjoyed family reunions, being with the grandchildren and other family members; loved to fish, knit, flowers and John Wayne movies
Survivors include her children, Larry Wallace of Manassa, Va., Archie (Colleen) Wallace of Piedmont, Okla., Linda (Michael) Luther of O'Neill, and Dennis (Lori) Wallace of Lexington; one sister, Eldine Sorenson of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Allen; one daughter, Carol Ann; and one brother, Edward
Lexington Clipper-Herald, 14 June, 2006
ELLESTAD, Brandy Rose, 26,
ELLESTAD, Jayden, 1,
WRIGHT, Gavin, 5, all of Kearney, died Monday, June 12, 2006, in an automobile accident on Interstate 80 near Gothenburg
Memorial services: Friday, Countryside Christian Church
Burial of cremains: later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Memorials: to the family to designate later
Brandy was born Aug. 30, 1979, in Kearney
Parents: Dennis and Barbara (Capshaw) Wright. Educated in Kearney Public Schools
Married: Aug. 8, 2002, to Aaron Ellestad in Kearney; lived in Kearney and Hastings before they divorced; Was employed by Joseph's College of Beauty in Kearney
Activities: talomg care of her mother until she died; lovingly nurturing her children
At the time of the accident, was nine months pregnant with Aaryn JoAnn
Survivors include Brandy's ex-husband and the children's father, of Scottsbluff; Brandy's father and stepmother and the children's grandfather and stepgrandmother, Dennis Sr. and Patty Wright of Kearney; Brandy's stepfather and the children's stepgrandfather, Mark Stevens of Overton; Brandy's brother and the children's uncle, Dennis Wright Jr. of Kearney; and Brandy's sisters and the children's aunts, Marti Forney of Sutton and Tonya Wright of Kearney; also Brandy's sister-in-law and the children's aunt, Brenda Wright of Kearney; Brandy's brother-in-law and the children's uncle, Brad Fornery of Sutton; and family and friends
Gavin was born Aug. 29, 2000, in Kearney
Parents: Aaron and Brandy Ellestad
Had just completed kindergarten at Bryant Elementary School in Kearney
Activities: playing video games and tee-ball, riding his bike, and spending time with his friends
Jayden was born May 5, 2005, in Kearney
Parents: Aaron and Brandy Ellestad
Had a very brilliant young mind; found great pleasure in teasing her brother; loved the comfort of her mother and her blanket
Were preceded in death by Brandy's mother and the children's grandmother, Barbara Jo Stevens; and by Brandy's grandparents, the children's great-grandparents
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2006
CUNNINGHAM, Charles E. Jr., 58, of Columbus, formerly of Kearney and Lexington, died Sunday, June 11, 2006, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln
Services: Wednesday, St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus
Burial: St. Patrick Cemetery in Eddyville
Mortuary: McKown Funeral Home in Columbus
Born Sept. 29, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Charles and Dawn (Brown) Cunningham
Educated in Lexington, graduated from St. Ann's High School in 1965
Worked for a ranch in the Sumner area; later worked at Monroe Auto Equipment in Cozad for 25 years; then worked at Big Valley in Lexington; moved to Columbus, worked at Behlen Mfg.
Activities: member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus; enjoyed fishing and his work
Survivors include one son, Chuck (Jody) Cunningham of Gothenburg; one sister, Katherine (Fred) Wooldridge of Bartlett, Kan.; one brother, Terry (Karolyn) Cunningham of Columbus; two grandchildren, Adam and Jenny; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marjorie Graff
Columbus Telegram, 14 June, 2006
BEEZLEY, Ada I., 73, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: the church, the American Cancer Society or Good Samaritan Hospice
Born July 6, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Samuel and Emily (Mishler) Forney
Grew up in Kearney; was a 1951 graduate of Kearney High School, was active in the Glee Club and elected FFA Sweetheart
Married: Aug. 15, 1950, to Dean Beezley in Kearney
Activities: member of the First Church of the Brethren, sang in the church choir; past member of the Sweet Adelines Chorus and the PTA at Glenwood School
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Rhonda Lehn and Cynthia Stones, both of Kearney, and Diane Loftis of Omaha; brothers, Samuel and David Forney, both of Kearney; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, James Lehn and Randall Stones, both of Kearney, and Michael Loftis of Omaha; and sisters-in-law, Mildred and Carolyn Forney, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her son, Dean Dwight; parents; and brother, Jay Dee Forney
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2006
BEDNAR, Leona L. Mitchell, 90, of Kearney died Monday, June 12, 2006, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Orleans Cemetery
Memorials: the First United Methodist Church in Kearney or to the Kearney Senior Hospitality Center
Born Aug. 18, 1915, in Yuma, Colo.
Parents: John and Louise (Daiss) Teets
Grew up in Lexington, graduated from Lexington High School in 1933
Married: Jan. 1, 1940, to Harry Mitchell in Orleans. He died Dec. 15, 1954
Worked at the J.C. Penney store for 20 years
Activities: member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, the Eastern Star and the Does; attended the Kearney Senior Hospitality Center and numerous activities at the church; did sewing, housesitting and baby-sitting
Survivors include her son, Harry Mitchell of Kearney; daughters, Laura Hill of Sioux City, Iowa, and Linda Scheuneman of Jacksonville, Ore.; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Gloria Mitchell of Kearney; and sons-in-law, Dennis Hill of Sioux City and Neil Scheuneman of Jacksonville
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sisters, Helen Alkire and Muriel Seig; and brothers, Fred, John "Jack" and James Teets
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2006
TAYLOR, Diana, 47, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at her home
Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Fredricksburg Cemetery south of Minden
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the family
Born: Dec. 22, 1958, in Kearney
Parents: Marvin and Amalia (Nielsen) Hanneman
Grew up in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School in 1977
Attended Central Community College in Grand Island; worked as a nurse's aide at Bethphage Mission in Axtell and at the deli counter at Boogaarts Grocery Store in Kearney
Survivors include her sons, Matthew of Kearney and Markcus of Oxford; her mother of Kearney; sisters, Ruthann Whatley of Willington, Kan., Deb Engler of Cozad and Lorelie Hanneman of Kearney; brother, Paul Hanneman of Kearney; and stepson, Pat Buethe of Alma; also brother-in-law, Carl Engler of Cozad; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins
Was preceded in death by her grandparents and her father
Kearney Hub, 17 June, 2006
BOYD, Esther I., 99, of Kearney died Thursday, June 15, 2006, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Eastern Star rites
Burial: Farnam Cemetery
Mortuary:Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born Oct. 13, 1906, at the family farm near Farnam
Parents: Arthur and Jenny (Fitch) Hicks
Grew up in Farnam; graduated from Farnam High School in 1924
Married: 1929, to Harlan E. Whitacre. He died in 1933
Married: April 2, 1936, to Ferris Boyd in North Platte. He died in 1978
Later attended Kearney State Teachers College; graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1959; taught in Farnam, Lexington, Curtis and North Platte; taught for 27 years; retired in 1968
Moved to Kearney in 1981
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, Open Circle Sunday school class and United Methodist Women; 76-year member of Eastern Star, a member of the Retired Teacher's Association, Literacy Council and Federated Women's Club and a 58-year member of American Legion Auxiliary; did volunteer work at Good Samaritan Hospital; enjoyed fishing, traveling, painting, needlework and playing cards and had a compassion for helping people
Survivors include her son, Don Whitacre of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Doris Whitacre of Kearney; grandchildren, Bruce Whitacre of New York, Ken Whitacre and his wife, Joann, of Bellevue, Mark Whitacre and his wife, Renee, of Kearney, Scott Kelso and his wife, Debbie, and Brady Kelso and his wife, Beth, all of San Diego; and great-grandchildren, Samantha and Adam Whitacre of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her two husbands, and a stepdaughter, Donna Kelso
Kearney Hub, 20 June, 2006
PIMPER, Al, 82, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Services: Monday, First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: to be established by the family
Born Oct. 8, 1923, in Howells
Parents: Alois and Beatrice (Chudomelka) Pimper Sr.
Grew up in Howells; graduated from Howells High School in 1941; received bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University
Military: U.S. Navy, 1943-1946 during World War II; after his honorable discharge, returned to Howells
Married: Sept. 16, 1946, to Viola Cross in Des Moines, Iowa
Moved to Fremont in 1962, owned a car dealership for the next 20 years; sold the dealership; moved to Rome, Ga., worked for a car dealership; lived there for 14 years; moved back to Nebraska in 2001
Activities: member of the church, past president of the Jaycees and Rotary Club in Fremont, head of the Chamber of Commerce in Howells, a member of the National Dealer Council for Chrysler, a member of Tangier Shrine and past commander of the American Legion in Howells; enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing bridge; was an avid reader and a fan of the Atlanta Braves and Cornhusker football; loved his dog Max and loved to travel
Survivors include his wife; sons, Mark of Longmont, Colo., and David of Fremont; daughter, Cindy Malone of Kearney; sister, Karen Humlicek of Dodge; and six great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Susan of Longmont, Colo., and Amy of Fremont; son-in-law, David Malone of Kearney; grandsons, Tony Pimper and his wife, Helen, of San Francisco and Sam Pimper of Fremont; granddaughters, Jamie James and her husband, Mike, of Longmont, Colo., Sara Malone of Kearney, Rachel Ulrick and her husband, John, of Springfield, Mo., and Liz Pimper of Fremont; and brother-in-law, Gene Humlicek of Dodge
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 17 June, 2006
BUTTON, Elma E., 91, of Kearney died Thursday, June 15, 2006, at her home
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: Good Samaritan Home Care Services or Kearney Public Library
Born March 29, 1915, north of Austin
Parents: Melvin and Orah (Hendrickson) Sickels
Grew up in Sherman County; graduated from Wiggle Creek High School in 1931
Married Melvin Haggard
Later married J. Donald Button
Graduated from Kearney State College, 1969; taught school most of her life, starting in rural schools near Loup City, and then in the Boelus, North Bend and Kearney areas; retired after teaching at Centura Public Schools in 1981
Activities: member of the Loup City Historical Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Baptist Missionaries, Wiggle Creek Club and various bridge clubs; primary interests were her family, traveling, cooking and watching her children's and grandchildren's sports and school activities; was an avid reader and bridge player
Survivors include her daughters, Sandra Fields of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Sue Cudaback of Kearney; sons, Rodney Haggard of St. Paul, Minn., Charles of Cornville, Ariz., and James of Boulder, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren; also her son-in-law, Roger Cudaback of Kearney; and daughters-in-law, Judith Haggard of St. Paul, Minn., Cynthia Button of Cornville, Ariz., and Linda Button of Boulder, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Glenn and Ellis Sickels; and sisters Wilma Rademacher and Luvona Janda
Kearney Hub, 17 June, 2006
GILMORE, Joel G., 43, of Amherst died Thursday, June 15, 2006, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington from injuries he suffered in an electrical accident
Services: Tuesday, Kearney Church of Christ
Burial: Immanuel Cemetery north of Amherst
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: to be designated later
Born Oct. 1, 1962, in Pawnee City
Parents: George and Dolores (Mason) Gilmore
Moved with family to Merna; attended Merna High School, graduated in 1981; lived in Lexington; moved to the Amherst area 12 years ago
Was employed by Marshall Engines as a mechanic for nine years and for the past two years for the weatherization department of Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska; was also self-employed landscaper
Married: Aug. 24, 2002, to Cynthia Bristol in Amherst
Survivors include his wife; sons, Joshua of Hastings and Ryan Fisher of Amherst; daughters, Stephena and Sarah of Hastings; mother, of Kearney; father, of Scurry, Texas; and brothers, Paul of Tucson, Ariz., and Kurt of Miller; also father- and mother-in-law, Max and Lenore Bristol of Kearney
Was preceded in death by two brothers
Kearney Hub, 19 June, 2006
WILSON, Allen L. Sr., 76, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at his home. Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: later
Born May 15, 1930, in Gibbon
Parents: Fred and Eulah (Allen) Pettit; was adopted at an early age and raised by Jess and Julia (Gillming) Wilson
Grew up in rural Kearney, graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney
Military: U.S. Army, 1949; served for one year
Married: Sept. 23, 1953, to Doris Roach in Long Beach, Calif.
Lived in Los Angeles, owned and operated a service station; moved to Sacramento, Calif., worked for the McKession Corp. as an accountant and controller; was transferred to Phoenix in 1981; retired from McKession, operated a salvage company
Me moved to Kearney in 1986; owned and operated Wilson Power Tool Service; poor health forced his retirement
Activities: enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, traveling, horseshoes, cars and playing cards; in California he was a member of the Lions and Elks clubs; was a barbershop singer in Sacramento
Survivors include his wife; son, Allen Jr. of Kearney; daughters, Julie Morse of Riverdale and Lynette Horn of Garner, N.C.; sister, Connie Froehlich of Elk Grove, Calif.; brother, Warren Fitzgerald of Gibbon; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and stepdaughter, Marde Stanfill of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Fred Pettit, Dick Pettit, Ross Pettit, Gilbert Pettit and Boyd Swartz
Kearney Hub, xx June, 2006
AVEY, Martha M., 87, of Ravenna died Saturday, June 17, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Ansley Christian Church
Burial: Kent Cemetery in Loup County
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Dec. 9, 1918, in Loup County
Parents: Otto and Stella (Gorny) Sanders
Married: May 10, 1937, to Ralph Avey in Dunning. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Pat of Kearney, Loren of Sidney, Clifford of Kearney and Ron of Mandan, N.D.; daughter, Shelba Jean Newby of Cameron, Mo.; sister, Margureite Turdik; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 June, 2006
BAKER, Melvin R. "Pete", 71, of Kearney, died Friday, June 16, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: columbarium at the Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Born Feb. 17, 1935, in Miller
Parents: Jess R. and Irene D. (Hess) Baker
Grew up in Miller, graduated from Miller High School
Lived in Kearney and Elm Creek
Married: March 19, 1962, to Rosa Dugan in Kearney. They divorced in 1975
Was an independent truck driver; was a salesman for Dick Hill Ford, Sahling Kenworth and Hansen International, all in Kearney; after retirement, drove occasionally for Ourada Trucking of Elm Creek
Activities: member of the Eagles Club, American Legion Post 52 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759, all in Kearney; enjoyed playing cards and loved sports and his family
Survivors include his daughter, Shelley Brandt of Kearney; stepdaughter, Bev Edson of Omaha; stepson, Robert Meyers of Loveland, Colo.; brother, Gordon of Kearney; and sister, Beulah Henderson of Kearney; also son-in-law, Mark Brandt of Kearney; stepson-in-law, Bob Edson of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Helen Baker of Kearney and Betty Baker of Cozad; and grandchildren, Colby, Jessica and Zane Brandt and Corey Edson
Was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Jess R. "Curly" Jr.
Kearney Hub, 20 June, 2006
BENJAMIN, Ernest I., 73, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel of Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials: to be designated later
Born March 16, 1933, in Cass Lake, Minn.
Parents: Ernest and Margret (Molash) Benjamin
Grew up in Cass Lake, graduated from high school there
Attended North Dakota State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Nov. 22, 1953, to Josephine Hasbrouck in Lincoln
Lived in Kearney, worked for a construction company and for Control Data
Military: U.S. Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars and the Bay of Pigs
Settled in Maple Lake, Minn., and later retired in Odessa
Activities: member of the Santa Clara (Calif.) Elks Club, Elm Creek American Legion Post 316, Santa Clara (Calif.) Kiwanis, Masons and Shrine; enjoyed woodworking, photography, softball, traveling and spending time with his family; held the state track record in the 440 in Minnesota for 10 years
Survivors include his wife; sons, James of Prince Frederick, Md., and Mike of Farmington, Minn.; daughters, Teri Schmidt of Annandale, Minn., and Sharon Tokkesdal of Buffalo, Minn.; two brothers; one sister; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Bruce Schmidt of Annandale and Wayne Tokkesdal of Buffalo; daughters-in-law, Julie Benjamin of Prince Frederick and Rhonda Benjamin of Farmington; and many other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2006
McMULLIN, Maxine, 88, of Gibbon died Thursday, June 22, 2006 at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Services: Monday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born June 16, 1918, in rural Merrick County
Parents: Wallace and Harriet (Kershaw) Carter
Married: March 14, 1936, to Archie McMullen in Smith Center, Kan. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Bob of Greenwell Springs, La.; daughters, Joyce Piehl and Janet Booton, both of Gibbon, Rae Bernt of Kearney and Kae Wiles of O'Neill; brother, Dale Carter of Las Vegas; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2006
BLEVINS, Ethel, 93, of Kearney died Thursday, June 22, 2006, at St. John's Center
Graveside services: Monday, McCain Cemetery west of Arnold
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born June 9, 1913, on the family farm near Stapleton
Parents: Arthur and Josephine (Gosnel) Clark
Attended rural school near Stapleton
Married: Dec. 4, 1933, to George Blevins in York. He died on July 12, 1996
Lived in Missouri, Wyoming and Alaska; moved to Lexington in 1974
After husband's death, she moved to Kearney in 2003
Survivors include her sons, Willie of Amherst and Frederick of Kearney; daughter, Mary Ellen Brammer of Kearney; brother, Joe Clark of Stapleton; six grandchildren; and 13 grandchildren; also niece, Mary Byington of Warsaw, Mo.
Was preceded in death by an her husband; infant son; a grandson; a great-granddaughter; and six sisters.
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2006
LEATHERS, Wilford Leo, 77, of Casper, Wyo., died Thursday, June 22, 2006, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper
Services: Monday, Newcomer Family Funeral Home in Casper
Burial of cremains: Hanna Cemetery
Memorials: Hanna Cemetery Fund, Hanna, Wyoming
Born: Aug. 24, 1928, in Vinta, Okla.
Parents: Albert and Lula (Woolman) Leathers
Moved from Vinta to Amherst, Neb., 1931; started working on the Union Pacific Railroad, 1945; Graduated from Amherst, high school, 1946; moved to Wyoming in 1948
Military: joined U.S. Army, January 1951; started basic training in Fort Riley, Kan.; joined the 28th Division connected to the Pennsylvania National Guard
Married: Sept. 8, 1951, to Dorothy While in Rawlins, Wyo. She died in 1981
Moved to Laramie, 1952; to Hanna, 1953; worked for the Union Pacific for 45 years, could operate any piece of machinery out there; retired in 1990
Activities: loved woodworking, was known around Casper as "Old Crooked Stick," and "The Maker of Doll Furniture;" member of the Hanna Lions Club was recognized nationally by the Lions Club for his work with charities and children
Survivors include two sons, Robert Leathers and his wife of Casper, Ronald Leathers and his wife of Laramie; a daughter, Janet Harnden of Casper; four brothers, John Leathers of Amherst, Neb., Albert Leathers of Topeka, Kan., Bill Leathers of Amherst, Neb., and Frank Leathers of Topeka, Kan.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, wife in 1981 and two sisters, Lillian and Marie Leathers
Casper (Wyoming) Star-Tribune, 24 June, 2006
LEIPHON, John, 79, of Kearney died Friday, June 23, 2006, at Grand Island Veterans Home
Memorial services: Thursday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney, military honors
Body was cremated
Memorials: the family
Born Sept. 6, 1926, in Esmond, N.D.
Parents: Joe and Frances (Kosson) Leiphon
Military: U.S. Army during the Korean War
Married: Oct. 1, 1971, to Agnes Carlson in Devils Lake
After retirement, lived in Riverside and Salton Sea, Calif.; moved to Kearney in 2006
Activities: was an avid sports fan, with baseball being his greatest passion because he pitched for the American Legion baseball team; member of the VFW, American Legion, Eagles and Lions Club
Survivors include his wife; brother, Joe; and 10 stepchildren; also many other relatives and close friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, a stepdaughter and a stepdaughter-in-law
Kearney Hub, 28 June, 2006
FOOTE, Marian D., 88, of Kearney died Monday, June 26, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery Columbarium
Memorials: Kearney High School Foundation or Cheyenne Central High School in Cheyenne
Born: Dec. 10, 1917, in Hastings
Parents: John and Mabel (Stroh) Shafer
Grew up in Hastings, graduated from Hastings High School; attended Hastings College for one year
Married: March 22, 1941, to E. A. Foote in Hastings. He died Jan. 5, 1999
Lived in Kearney; was a homemaker
Activities: member of Lakeside Methodist Church in Sun City, Ariz.; enjoyed playing golf and cards; loved her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her numerous friends
Survivors include her son, Jerry of Kearney; daughter, Mary Ann Anderson of Cheyenne, Wyo.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, "Al," and brothers, Mel and John Shafer
Kearney Hub, 28 June, 2006
HUERTA, Josephine "Josie" R., 87, of Kearney died Saturday, June 24, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Memorials: the family
Born June 1, 1919, in Tyron, N.M.
Parents: Filimon and Constance (Ramirez) Rosales
Moved to Nebraska as a child; received her education in Gibbon
Married: Aug. 21, 1948, to Joseph Huerta in Grand Island. He died Feb. 23, 1992
Lived in Kearney; was employed in the housekeeping department at Good Samaritan Hospital, retired in 1984
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, the St. James Altar Society and the Latin Club in Grand Island
Survivors include her son, Larry of Kearney; daughters, Anita Lindner of Hastings and Rosalie Sillos of Kearney; brother, John Rosales of Running Springs, Calif.; sister, Irene Luna of Omaha; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Linda Huerta of Kearney; and son-in-law, Rick Lindner of Hastings
Was preceded in death by her husband, four sisters and a brother
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2006
NORRIS, V. Lee, 90, of Kearney died Friday, June 23, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: Bethphage Mission in Axtell or Christ for the Handicapped in care of First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Born July 4, 1915, north of Ashland
Parents: Marcus and Elise (Wagemann) Norris
Attended Wann School through the 10th grade; graduated from Ashland High School in 1932; worked mostly as a farmhand for several years; attended Wayne State Teachers College, 1937 - 1941, earned a bachelor's degree in education.
Military: U.S. Army during World War II; served July 19, 1941 to Dec. 23, 1945
Earned a master's degree in mathematics and physics at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1948
Married: June 7, 1948, to Alphadeen Campbell of Lincoln. She died Nov. 11, 2002
Taught physics and mathematics at Doane College in Crete, 1948 - 1951, then worked as an engineer at Westinghouse in Baltimore, 1951 - 1982; moved to Kearney, 1982
Activities: enjoyed traveling in this country and abroad; member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Christ for the Handicapped, Kearney Area Retired Teachers Association and the Golden K Kiwanis; assisted his wife in volunteer work in helping developmentally disabled children and adults
Survivors include his son, John of Bethphage Mission in Axtell; daughter, Nancy of Cullowee, N.C.; brother, George of Nemaha, Iowa; and sister, Maxine Gocken of Norfolk; also adopted grandchildren, Alana, John, Curtis and Gabrielle Baack; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife and one brother
Kearney Hub, 6 July, 2006
SMITH, Eugene L., 82, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island
Graveside services: Monday, Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island
Born June 16, 1924, near Oconto
Parents: Fred and Lilly (Koehler) Smith
Attended Montrose Grade School 214 in Custer County and High School 218 in Custer County; moved to Foxboro, Wis., in 1940; worked for the railroad
Military: U.S. Air Force for two years during World War II; trained at the Fairmont Air Base on the B-29, was stationed on Tinian Island in the South Pacific
Married: Oct. 24, 1945, to Norma Buchmeier in Geneva. She died in 2005
Was baptized and confirmed June 5, 1947, in the Lutheran church
Worked for Safeway Food Stores, then for the Buick and Chevrolet garages
Moved to Kearney in 1957, worked for Rockwell International for 11 years and then worked for Chicago Lumber Co. for 17 years; retired in 1992
Activities: member of the VFW
Survivors include his son, Roger of Kearney; daughter, Shirley Rhoades of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; sister, Joyce Riley of Fort Collins, Colo.; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; also daughter-in-law, Sharon Smith of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his wife and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 30 June, 2006
WINGER, Opal G., 93, of Kearney died Sunday, July 2, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Born Dec. 1, 1912, in Tina, Mo.
Parents: George and Emma (Wagy) Emmett
Grew up in and graduated from high school in Fort Morgan, Colo.; attended college at the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley, earned LPN degree in Fort Collins, Colo.
Married: July 2, 1935, to Marion Winger in Denver. He died June 21, 2004
Worked for the Eastern Morgan County Hospital in Brush, Colo., for more than 10 years; moved to Kearney in 1977
Activities: member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, member of the United Methodist Women for several years; enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting and reading
Survivors include her daughter, Elaine Glasser of Kearney; also son-in-law, Marvin Glasser of Kearney; grandchildren, Brian and Kevin, both of Kearney; sister-in-law, Ina Winger of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents, three brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 5 July, 2006
SWANSON, Merlyn, 82, of Longmont, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, June 30, 2006, at Boulder Community Hospital
Memorial services: Friday at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church in Kearney
Body has been cremated
Memorials: Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Newark, TX
Born: Aug. 18, 1923, in St. Paul, Minn.
Parents: Sigurd and Anna (Hellsevig) Jacobsen
Graduated from Aitkin (Minn.) High School in 1941 and from Trinity Bible College in 1945
Married: Aug. 24, 1945, to Walter Swanson in Malmo, Minn.
Was a minister's wife; for the past eight years had been a home health care provider; moved from Kearney to Longmont in May 2006
Activities: member of the Spirit of Life Open Bible Church of Kearney; was a home Bible study leader for many years; enjoyed cooking, baking, canning and gardening
Survivors include her husband; son, Arden of Oak Park, Ill.; daughter, Laurie Swanson-Guzman of Longmont; brother, Gerald Jacobsen of California; and sister, Pearl Utterman of St. Cloud, Minn.; also daughter-in-law, Sandra Swanson of Oak Park; daughter's fianc‚, Eric Taylor of Longmont; sister-in-law, Ruth Jacobsen of California; grandchildren, Doug Swanson, Brad Swanson, Michael Guzman, Tracie Lechman and her husband, Brandon Babeon, and Sherry Pulcino and her husband, Roarke; and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Naylen, Ella and Hailey
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Elwood Jacobsen
Kearney Hub, 5 July, 2006
PAUL, Alfred P. "Butch", 55, of Kearney, formerly of Broken Bow, died Saturday, July 1, 2006, at St. Luke's Care Home in Kearney
Memorial services: Wednesday, Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg
Burial of cremains: later
Born Dec. 3, 1950, in North Platte
Parents: Alfred and Darlene (Ward) Paul
Survivors include his father and stepmother, Alfred and Marge of Gothenburg; sisters, Jody Ovenden of Craig, Colo., and Debbie Burris of Sylva, N.C.; half-brothers, Eric Meakins of Loveland, Colo., Carl Meakins of Waterloo, Iowa, and John Paul of Gothenburg; and half-sisters, Bobbie Labusky of Cleveland and Deb Bacon of Gothenburg.
Kearney Hub, 4 July, 2006
QUILES, Judy, 61, of Kearney died Friday, June 30, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice or American Cancer Society
Born Nov. 3, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Ruby (Reeves) Fish
Married: 1971, to Victor Quiles in Florida. They divorced
Graduated from Kearney High School, was the front-page editor of the school newspaper; went to Miami, did books and records for beauty salons; later worked for Southern Bell Telephone Co., worked her way up to first-level manager in work service; retired from a second-level manager position after working there for more than 22 years
Traveled to Australia and Great Britain with Kenneth Copeland Ministries; to Israel with Hilton Sutton Ministries; and to mainland China with Nora Lam Ministries
Returned to Kearney, October 1995; five weeks after her return, found she had breast cancer, which later went into remission; later, the cancer metastasized into her liver
Wrote and successfully published a book, "Faith Conquers Fear of Cancer." Had planned to write another book
Survivors include her mother of Kearney; and brother, Richard Fish of Kearney; also sister-in-law, Claire Fish of Kearney; nephew, Brandon Fish of Kearney; uncle, Melvin Reeves and family of Omaha; close friend of 30 years, Caroline Robinson; friend, Sandi Royle; and many other relatives and friends. Was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 3 July, 2006
CARLSON, G. Glen, 83, of Grass Valley, California, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005, at Auburn Sutter Faith Hospital
Graveside memorial services: Sunday, Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon, Neb.
Born: March 11, 1922, in Gibbon
Parents: LaVergne and Lavina (Nelson) Carlson
Married: Sept. 17, 1959, to Jeanann Cass in Berkeley
Survivors include his wife; son, Rick Buschmann of Grass Valley; sisters, Vernetta Svanda of Ravenna, Neb., and Shirley Swift of Omaha, Neb.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 1 July, 2006
POTTER, G. William "Bill", 84, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, First Baptist Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: First Baptist Church or Nebraska Children's Home Society
Born June 14, 1922, in Syracuse, N.Y.
Graduated from high school in Syracuse, attended Syracuse University
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps; completed part of his training at the Kearney Air Base; was shot down over Germany on Jan. 11, 1944, while serving as navigator on a B-17; was one of only four of his crew to survive; was captured and spent 16 months as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany; was liberated from the camp at the end of World War II
Married: July 23, 1945, to Marjorie Hothem in Kearney
Lived in Syracuse, continued his college education and worked for Sun Oil Co.; returned to Nebraska and purchased a farm north of Sumner
Attended Kearney State Teachers College while farming, graduated with a teaching degree in 1959; continued farming and also taught and served as principal at Sumner Public Schools; later worked at Security State Bank of Sumner; moved to Kearney, 1982
Activities: member of First Baptist Church of Kearney, the Masonic Lodge, the 8th Air Force Historical Society and the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association
Survivors include his wife; and daughters, Lisa Atchison of Holdrege and Valerie Gwin of Kearney; also sons-in-law, Dan Atchison and Rob Gwin; granddaughters, Katie Atchison of Kansas City, Kan., Sarah Atchison of Omaha and Becky Atchison of Kearney; and grandsons, Matthew Atchison of Omaha and Will Gwin of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 30 June, 2006
SERR, Linda K., 56, of Elm Creek died Sunday, July 9, 2006, in Lexington
Services:Wednesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: later
Memorials: to the family
Born April 6, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: George and Arlene (Zimbelman) Hasbrouck
Worked for Blue Diamond Almond Growers in California; later worked a variety of jobs upon her return to the Kearney area until she became disabled
Survivors include her son, Gene Renfro of Phoenix; daughter, Tona Cortney of Sacramento, Calif.; her mother of Elm Creek; brothers, Don Hasbrouck and Lawrence Blattel, both of Elm Creek, and Frank Blattel of Sacramento; sister, Evelyn Doyle of Elverta, Calif.; and six grandchildren; also an aunt, Jeanie Yonker of North Platte and an uncle, Roy Rogers of Creighton
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 11 July, 2006
WILLIAMS, Judy Ann, 65, of Greeley, Colo., formerly of Kearney, died of cancer Wednesday, July 5, 2006, at Heritage of Bel Air in Norfolk
Services: Saturday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Sutherland Cemetery
Memorials: Robert Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney and the American Cancer Society
Born March 6, 1941, in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Parents: Lloyd and Vera (Peister) Boland
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1959
Married: October 1977, to Jerry Williams in Hastings. He preceded her in death
Obtained a degree as an addictions specialist from Central Community College-Hastings in 1977; practiced in her field in Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, Oregon and Washington; for about the last 15 years, worked at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley; was a member of the ART team and an addiction counselor
Survivors include her son, Jeff Weavers of Doniphan; and daughters, Deanna Reed of Hastings and Pam Chandler of Norfolk; also daughter-in-law, Tricia Weavers of Doniphan; sons-in-law, Rick Reed of Hastings and Dave Chandler of Norfolk; and grandchildren, Mandi Reed of Wichita, Kan., Kala Reed of Longmont, Colo., and Dan and Nick Chandler, both of Norfolk
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and a granddaughter, Chloe Weavers
Kearney Hub, 7 July, 2006
ARNOLD, Nicholas "Nick" R., 22, of Norfolk, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, July 6, 2006, in Norfolk
Services: Thursday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Memorials: the family
Born Oct. 25, 1983, in Kearney
Parents: William Jr. and Donna (Daire) Arnold
Moved with parents to Omaha, Neb., 1987; graduated from South High School on May 21, 2002
Military: enlisted in U.S. Navy at the Omaha MEPS on Dec. 18, 2001; transferred to Service Schools Command, Naval Training Center in Great Lakes on Oct. 25, 2002; served on USS George Washington; was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
Married: Oct. 25, 2004, to Danielle McCormick in Omaha
Survivors include his wife, of Greenwood, Neb.; his father, of Omaha; his mother, Donna Centz of Ottumwa, Iowa; sisters, Leslie Carrico of Fayetteville, N.C., and Shelby of Omaha; and grandparents, William and Elna of Minden, Neb., and Delbert and Shirley Daire of Alma, Neb.; also many relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 12 July, 2006
NORMAN, Heather Lea, 35, of Kearney died Saturday, July 8, 2006, in Wausa
Services: Saturday, Thabor Lutheran Church in Wausa
Burial: Lutheran cemetery in Wausa
Mortuary: Brockhaus Funeral Chapel in Wausa
Born Oct. 17, 1970, in Creighton
Parents: Darrel and Carol (Schuett) Norman
Attended Wausa Public Schools, graduating in 1989, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, graduating in 1993
Began her career with Cable USA in Kearney; then worked for Charter Communications as the data processing coordinator
Was baptized and confirmed and a member of Thabor Lutheran Church in Wausa
Survivors include her parents of Wausa; brother, Heath of Denver; and grandfather, Marvin Schuett and his wife, Dorothy, of Bloomfield; also boyfriend, Bradley Hansen of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 14 July, 2006
JOURNEY, Edward "Ed" James, 60, of Scotia died Monday, July 10, 2006, at his home
Memorial services: Friday, All Faiths Funeral Home Chapel in Grand Island
Body was cremated
Memorials: to the family
Born March 28, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Rose (Miller) Journey
Graduated from Elm Creek High School
Military: U.S. Army, 1965 - 1967, was honorably discharged
Lived in Angel Fire, N.M., for many years; moved to Eagles Nest, N.M., then to Scotia seven years ago
Activities: member of the Catholic faith; was a self-employed carpenter
Survivors include his brothers, Ralph of Holdrege, Jerry of Georgetown, Texas, and Wayne of Grand Island; sisters, Josephine Orsborn of Wood River, Blanche Worthing of Elm Creek and Marilyn Schukar of Omaha; and his former wife, Jeana Romero of Albuquerque, N.M.; also sisters-in-law, Bonnie Journey of Holdrege, Joann Journey of Georgetown and Susan Journey of Grand Island; and brothers-in-law, Otto Orsborn of Wood River, Patrick Worthing of Elm Creek and Russell Schukar of Omaha
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Stephen Edward Journey; brother, Ervin; and infant sister, Alice Marie
Kearney Hub, 13 July, 2006