Page 55
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
DeWEESE, Monte B., 36, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Saturday, Countryside Christian Church
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Lexington
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Memorials: his children's scholarship funds
Born March 2, 1971, in Kearney
Parents: Lonnie and Ellamae (Mizner) DeWeese
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: Dec. 22, 1990, to Kelly Wilson in Kearney
Lived in Kearney, worked for Dandee Construction and Wendy's
Activities: member of Countryside Christian Church, Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow and Sons of the American Legion; ejoyed spending time with his family, farming, scouting, hunting and fishing
Survivors include his wife; sons, Greg and Chris, both of Kearney; mother, Ellamae DeWeese and Tom McCoy of Kearney; his father of Amherst; brother, Buddy of Axtell; grandparents, Donna DeWeese of North Platte, Augusta Mizner of Ainsworth and Bill and Ladine Blevins of Amherst; half brother, Shayne of Amherst; and half sisters, Laci and Sheyenne, both of Amherst; also mother-in-law, Sue Ann Wilson of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Ray Wilson Jr.; grandfathers, Max DeWeese and Elmer Mizner; and an infant half-sister
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2007
WAGNER, Alvin E., 82, of Columbus, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Golden Living Center in Columbus
Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary Chapel in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel
Memorials: to the family
Born July 4, 1924, in Vernon Township, Beadle County, Wolsey, S.D.
Parents: John and Katherine Wagner
Married: Aug. 17, 1947, to Marie Dieatrick
Married: May 6, 1972, to Lura "Jennie" McCan Stengel. She died July 6, 1987
Farmed in the Winside, Pierce and Hoskins area, moved to Columbus in 1963; moved to Kearney, 1971
Farmed northeast of Kearney in the Prairie Center area, retired in 1986; returned to Columbus in 1994 to be close to family
Activities: enjoyed working with livestock and the soil, either in the field or in the garden; member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus
Survivors include his son, Steven of Houston; daughter, Barbara of Columbus; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Leona Valentine of Norfolk; also daughter-in-law, Dena Wagner of Houston; daughter Barbara's fiance, John Faltys of Columbus; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Valentine of Norfolk
Was preceded in death by his wife, one grandson and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2007
WARNER, Donald D., 58, of Kearney died Saturday, June 2, 2007, at his home
Services: Thursday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Arapahoe with military honors
Memorials: to the family
Born Jan. 16, 1949, in North Loup
Parents: Leonard and Royetta (Larkin) Warner
Grew up in Gibbon, attended school there
Military: U.S. Marines, 1968-1970; served during the Vietnam War; honorably discharged
Married: March 6, 1971, to June Weber in Gibbon
Lived in Kearney and Arapahoe, moved back to Kearney; was employed by Slack Truck Line of Gibbon
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe; enjoyed being a truck driver, also enjoyed hunting, fishing and his grandson, Michael
Survivors include his wife; son, Robert of Omaha; daughter, Carolyn Burtnett of Kearney; brother, Garold of Kearney; and sisters, Betty Stall of Gibbon and Marilyn Schachta and Rhonda Martenson, both of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Angela Warner of Omaha; grandson, Michael Burtnett of Kearney; sister-in-law, Janice Warner of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Ervin Stall of Gibbon and Tom Schachta and Albert Martenson, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 6 June, 2007
WILLIAMS, Norville Preston "Norv", 87, of Holdrege died Thursday, May 31, 2007, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Services: June 4, Faith United Methodist Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Memorials: to the family
Born May 5, 1920, in Kimball
Parents: Elmer and Ona (Gladson) Williams
Graduated from Gibbon High School in 1938
Military: U.S. Army, European Theater during World War II; and was attached to the Quartermaster Corps, was assigned to the 507th Field Artillery with the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne, Belgium, in the Battle of the Bulge; honorably discharged December 1945. Married: June 14, 1947, to Bonnie Meyer in Alma
Graduated from University of Nebraska, 1950, bachelor's degree in business administration; had a retail lumber business in Colorado; retired, moved to Holdrege
Actgivities: reading, writing, music, genealogy and traveling; graciously served God, his country and his family and was respected by all who knew him
Survivors include his wife; sons, David of Wichita, Kan., and Craig of Estes Park, Colo.; grandchildren, Robert, Christy, Casey and Michael Williams, Amanda (Jacobi) Larigan and Erica Jacobi; great-grandchildren, Andrea and Zachary Williams; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; and other family members
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clinton and Theodore; one nephew; four brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law
Kearney Hub, 5 June, 2007
GREEN, Robert L., 69, of Kearney died Sunday, June 3, 2007, at his home
Memorial services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Memorials: to the family
Born March 12, 1938, in Scottsbluff
Parents: John and Katherine (Neu) Green
Grew up in Henry and in Torrington, Wyo.; attended school through 11th grade in Denver
Married: Oct. 8, 1961, to Sharon McMullen in Colby, Kan.
Lived in Denver, was employed by Conoco Service Station; also lived in Grand Island, was employed by Massey Ferguson; moved to Kearney, 1974, with Massey Ferguson; retired and completed his life in Kearney
Activities: motorcycling, bowling and playing pool
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Bobette Root of Denver and Brenda Evans of Kearney; and four great-granddaughters; also grandchildren, Matthew Root, Jessica Evans and Mandy Root and her fianc‚, Sam McAtee, all of Kearney; aunts, Anna Green of Gering and Verna Green of Henry; and many other family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley Arnold of Jacksonville, Fla.
Kearney Hub, 7 June, 2007
DAY, Charles H. "Charlie", 57, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Friday, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: the American Cancer Association or to the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation.
Born March 4, 1950, in Lexington
Parents: John and Doris (Buettner) Day
Grew up in the Gibbon and Kearney area; graduated from of Kearney Catholic High School and Kearney State College
Married: Dec. 4, 1971, to Ann Rosenthal in Kearney
Lived in Kearney; was employed by Automatic Electric and General Telephone Electric Phone Co.; working with the phone companies, also lived in Grinnell, Iowa, and Streator, Ill.
Received his financial adviser's license in 2004, worked with Roger White and Associates; forced to retire by ill health
Activities: member of the church and the Knights of Columbus; enjoyed carpentry, woodworking and playing with his grandchildren; loved to fish, hunt and go camping
Survivors include his wife; sons, Ben and Don, both of Lincoln; his mother of Kearney; and sister, Connie of Kearney; also daughters-in-law, Sheila Day and Crystal Day, both of Lincoln; mother-in-law, Shirley Rosenthal of Grand Island; grandchildren, Gaylie, Madeline, Kiara and Oliver Day; and uncle, Pete Day
Was preceded in death by his father and his father-in-law, Don Rosenthal.
Kearney Hub, 7 June, 2007
HUMPHREY, Wayne A, 63, of Kearney died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, a Good Samaritan Hospital, where he had been a patient for five days
Services: Thursday Aug. 24, First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearny Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the church or the Ted Baldwin Soccer Field Lighting Project
Born Nov. 13, 1936, in Overton
Parents: Walter and Carol (Ewing) Humphrey
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1955
Military: U.S. Army National Guard; then U.S. Air Force, 1955-1959
Married: March 26, 1960, to Rosalie K. Freburg; she died on Dec. 26, 1986.
Married: April 2, 1988, to Donna Y. Erpelding; she died on July 2,1992
Received his Nebraska Registered Land Surveyor License, 1965; was employed by the Nebraska State Surveyors office, 1960-1966 on the Nebraska versus Iowa boundary dispute over the Missouri River; was appointed Buffalo County Surveyor in January 1967; was president of Buffalo County Surveying Corp. until his death
Activities: member of the church in Kearney, Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion, VFW and the American Quarter Horse Association; member of the Buffalo County Historical Society Board of Directors; active in the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce; member and past trustee of the BPO Elks Lodge 984 and chaplain for the Forty and Eight; member of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping and the Professional Surveyors Association of Nebraska, served as president in 1973 and 1974; member of the Engineers and Surveyors Association, 1971-1972; was past chairman and board member of the Nebraska Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors, 1980-1990; past member of the Examining Committee for the National Civil Engineering Examinations for surveyors
Survivors include sons, Mitchell, Mark and David, all of Kearney, and Todd of Chicago; mother, Carol Thomas of Kearney; sisters, Kay Linch of Lexington and Karen Parks of Hastings; stepsisters, Helen Demaree of Bentonville, Ark., and Shirley Frost of San Diego; stepsons, Mike Erpelding of Chandler, Ariz., and Greg Erpelding of Kearney; stepdaughter, Chris Keeler of Erwin, N.C.; three grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wives; father, an infant sister and his stepfather
Kearney Hub, 23 August 2000
LIVERINGHOUSE, Jerry L., 59, of Kearney died Monday, June 5, 2000, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Services: Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney Burial: Kearney Cemetery. Memorials: the church, Kearney Catholic Foundation or the University of Nebraska at Kearney athletic department
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born: March 25, 1941, in Tilden
Parents: Donald and Maxine (Meyer) Liveringhouse
Graduated from Tilden High School in 1958 and from UNK in 1962, where he played football
Married: Dec. 22, 1962, to Beverly K. Thomas in Kearney
Taught and coached in Chambers and Lynch; moved to Kearney, owned Jerry Liveringhouse Insurance Agency
Activities: member of the church, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Catholic High School Activities Association, Kearney Eagles and UNK Athletic Association
Survivors include his wife; sons, Kalin, Kearney, and Chad, Omaha; daughter Jodi Vanden Berge, Kearney; mother, Tilden; and six grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his father
Kearney Hub, 7 June, 2000
ROEDER, Lowell D. "Bud", 71, of Kearney died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at his home southwest of Kearney
Services: Monday, First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials are suggested to the family
Born July 20, 1935, in Hastings
Parents: Daniel and Sophia (Schukei) Roeder
With family, moved to Kearney, July 1943; attended Zion Lutheran School and completed his education at Longfellow High School
Married: Nov. 20, 1955, to Carol Laue in Kearney
Farmed southwest of Kearney
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church and Kearney Elks Lodge 984; life was centered around his farm, family, children and grandchildren; enjoyed traveling, playing cards and his buddies
Survivors include his wife; son, Steve of Kearney; daughters, Kendra of Pine Bluffs, Wyo., and Jodi Bendix of Kearney; brother, Lyle of Mesa, Ariz.; sister, Glenda Moes of Kearney; and half-sister, Neola Einspahr of Hastings; also daughter-in-law, Julie Roeder of Kearney; son-in-law, Mitch Bendix of Kearney; special daughter, Sue Maxted of Pine Bluffs, Wyo.; and grandchildren, Evan and Justin Roeder and Keith, Samantha and Nicholas Bendix
Was preceded in death by three brothers, one infant sister, one half sister and one half brother
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2007
LARSON, Larry, 62, of Ravenna died Friday, June 8, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Dec. 4, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Leonard and Fern (Rummel) Larson
Graduated from Ravenna High School in 1963
Military: U.S. Army, 1965 - 1967; was stationed in Germany
Married: Nov. 28, 1965, to Beverly Bernet; lived near Ravenna
Was employed by Eaton Corp. in Kearney for many years
Survivors include his wife; son, Brett of Ravenna; daughter, Brook Wagoner of Axtell; brother, Roger Wagner of San Antonio; sisters, Helen Glinsmann of Gibbon and Linda Schultz of Ravenna; and stepfather, John Alkire of Ravenna; also granddaughter, Baily Wagoner of Axtell
Was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, brother and an infant son
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2007
NICKEL, Jeanette H., 80, of Kearney died Saturday, June 9, 2007, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Tuesday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Axtell Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Born June 12, 1926, in McCool Junction
Parents: Richard and Helena (Menke) Matthews
Graduated from McCool Junction High School in 1945; attended Kearney State College, graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1949
Married: June 3, 1949, to Donald Nickel in Kearney. He died March 28, 1986
Activities: member of Catholic Daughters; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital and Kearney Senior Center
Survivors include her son, Jeff of Salina, Kan.; daughter, Michele Northrop of Hastings; and sister, Mildred Judkins of Grand Island; also grandchildren, Alisha Nickel and Adam Nickel, both of Salina; niece, Sharon Schuett of Omaha; and son-in-law, John Northrop of Hastings
Was preceded in death by her husband, and son, Michael
Kearney Hub, 11 June, 2007
GARDNER, Gail Louise, 60, of San Jose, California, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at Santa Teresa (Kaiser) Medical Center in San Jose
Services: Wednesday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Jose
Burial: Kearney, Nebr.
Mortuary: Chapel of Flowers in San Jose
Born Sept. 5, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Dwayne and Opal (Karner) Anderson
Married: May 28, 1965, to Steve Gardner
Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Survivors include her sons, James and Shawn, both of San Jose; brothers, Roger of Utah, Craig of Chula Vista and Tyler Anderson of Omaha, Neb.; and sister, Rita Grover of Arizona; also daughters-in-law, Renee and Elin; grandson, Emrick; sisters-in-law, Janet Anderson and Amelia Anderson; aunt, Dora Day; cousin, Arlen Zimmer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 12 June, 2007
BUZARD, Robert A., 83, of Pleasanton died Saturday, June 16, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born June 24, 1923, in Seattle
Parents: Alfred and Mary Edna (Moore) Buzard
Grew up in Portland and attended school there until the 11th grade
Military: U.S. Navy in 1940 - 1962, served during World War II; honorably discharged as a chief petty officer
Married to Betty Coleman. She died in 1978
Activities: member of Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton, member of the American Legion
Survivors include his daughters, Shari Gee and Catherine Meyers, both of Portland, Ore.; and three grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife; friend, Helen Highfield; his parents; son, Robert Jr.; and sister, Frances
Kearney Hub, 18 June, 2007
JOHNSON, Delwin Hadeen, 86, of Kearney, formally of rural Loomis, died Friday, June 15, 2007, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Tuesday, Moses Hill Evangelical Covenant Church in rural Loomis
Burial: Moses Hill Cemetery in Phelps County
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born April 26, 1921, in Phillips County, Colo., near Haxtun
Parents: Roy and Hannah (Hadeen) Johnson
Married: Oct. 26, 1947, to Grace Duryea. She died Oct. 9, 1999
Survivors include his son, Ron of Red Oak, Iowa; daughter, Karen Smith of DeWitt; brother, Kermit of Holdrege; sisters, Merna Smith of Bertrand and LaVon Samuelson and Betty Jacobson, both of Holdrege; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 18 June, 2007
CHERRY, LaVern J., 68, of Miller died Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, Miller Christian Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller with military honors and fireman's honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: Miller Christian Church or Faith United Methodist Church
Born Dec. 7, 1938, in Kearney
Parents: Joseph and A. Blanche (Williams) Cherry
Graduated from Miller High School in 1956, attended Grand Island School of Business and Lincoln School of Commerce
Military: U.S. Army, 1958 - 1960
Married: Oct. 8, 1961, to Vilene Hutchins
Lived in Kearney; retired and moved to Miller in 2002
Worked for Bierman's Auto Electric, Roeder Brothers construction and Eaton Corp.; retired from Eaton in 2000 after 25 years of service; drove the school bus for Sumner-Eddyville-Miller until his illness in 2006
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney for more than 50 years, served as a board of trustees member; attended Miller Christian Church regularly after moving to the Miller community; member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, served as an emergency medical technician; member of the Eaton Fire Brigade, Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and Miller Senior Citizens; enjoyed the morning neighbor coffee club, attended the Willing Workers Club; was an avid carpenter; loved the outdoors, driving his "Green Acres" tractor, hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, softball and traveling; favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends; enjoyed telling grandchildren stories of the time that he served in the Army with Elvis Presley in Fort Hood, Texas, and Germany
Survivors include his wife; son, Craig of Beatrice; and daughters, Crystal Duester and Claressa Millsap, both of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Carolyn Cherry of Beatrice; sons-in-law, Mike Duester and Kevin Millsap, both of Kearney; grandchildren, Phillip, Joseph and Colton Cherry, Brett and Abbie Duester and AshLea, Blake and Madisyn Millsap; sister-in-law, Dolores Adelung and her husband, Roland, of Broken Bow; brother-in-law, Ron Hutchins and his wife, Cassandra, of Aurora, Colo.; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 16 June, 2007
GARD, Sharon K., 54, of Gibbon died Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born May 18, 1953, in Kearney
Parents: Maurice and Peggy (Sheen) Smallcomb
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School, 1971
Married: Nov. 27, 1973, to David Gard in Gibbon
Lived in Gibbon, was employed by Gibbon Transmissions
Activities: member of Faith United Church; enjoyed crafts, craft fairs, framing, her grandchildren and her horse
Survivors include her husband; sons, Scott of Lincoln and Dan of Gibbon; daughter, Diane Gillming of Shelton; her mother of Kearney; brothers, Jim Smallcomb and Chuck Smallcomb, both of Gibbon; sisters, Sheryl Mitchell of Gibbon, Judy Hayes of Cambridge and Cindy Bartholomew of Kearney; and seven grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Jessica Gard of Lincoln and Loree Gard of Gibbon; son-in-law, Brett Gillming of Shelton; sisters-in-law, Carla Smallcomb and Carolynn Smallcomb, both of Gibbon; brothers-in-law, Bob Mitchell of Gibbon, Leroy Hayes of Cambridge and Brent Bartholomew of Kearney; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles
Was preceded in death by her father; brother, Mark Smallcomb; and her Grandma Smallcomb
Kearney Hub, 16 June, 2007
PERRY, Mabel L., 82, of Kearney died Monday, June 11, 2007, at Mount Carmel Home
No services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: to the family
Born April 12, 1925, in Logan, Kan.
Parents: Calvin and Garnet (McDonald) Perry
Grew up in Lexington, graduated from Lexington High School in 1943
Worked for Best Western Motel in Kearney for 18 years; enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Larry Bacon and Dave Bacon, both of Kearney, Bob Bacon of Seattle and Scott Bacon of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughter, Janene Woehner of Las Vegas; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Coleen Bacon of Kearney, Deb Bacon of Seattle and Kandi Bacon of Virginia Beach; and son-in-law, Chris Woehner of Las Vegas
Was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Janet Smith
Kearney Hub, 13 June, 2007
SNELL, Chadwick L. "Chad", 74, of Jacksonville, Florida, died Sunday, June 10, 2007, at Palm Garden Nursing Home in Jacksonville
Graveside services: Friday, Arlington Park Cemetery in Jacksonville
Mortuary: Arlington Park in Jacksonville
Memorials: NE Florida Community Hospice
Born Oct. 3, 1932, in Sidney, Neb.
Parents: Glynn and Frances (Willis) Snell
Attended public school in Kearney, Neb.
Military: U.S. Marines during the Korean War; was awarded the Purple Heart
Was a retiree of the Local 177 IBEW Electrical Union
Survivors include his wife, Arlyss; sons, Kyle, Curtis and Troix, all of Indiana; daughters, Stephanie and Sarah, both of Indiana; and brother, Kenneth of Jacksonville; also daughters-in-law, Tracy Snell and Rhonda Snell, both of Indiana; sister-in-law, Reba Snell of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 13 June, 2007
JENSEN, Glen D., 61, of Kearney died Sunday, June 10, 2007, in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: later Memorials: Relay for Life
Born Oct. 8, 1945, in Loup City
Parents: Jens and Viola (Kuhl) Jensen
Attended and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1963; attended Kearney State College, earned a degree in business
Married: May 5, 1984, to Deb Hulinsky in Broken Bow
Worked as a sales manager for ADM Alliance Nutrition in central and western Nebraska; was also a member of the National Cattleman's Association and an avid golfer
Survivors include his wife; and sister, Velma Dunning of Litchfield; also brother-in-law, Alvin Dunning of Litchfield; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents.
Kearney Hub, 13 June, 2007
MAJER, Ave Maria, 83, of Ravenna died Thursday, June 14, 2007, at her home
Services: Monday, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 22, 1923, in Paris
Parents: Giulio and Clara (Mallucci) Galassi
Was educated in Rome; toured as a prima ballerina for the Royal Opera Theater of Rome
Married: July 20, 1946, to Roy Majer in Rome
Lived in Ravenna; taught ballet in central Nebraska for more than 40 years
Survivors include her husband; son, Dan of Gibbon; daughter, Loray Hastings of Ord; and five grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Joanne Majer of Gibbon; and son-in-law, David Hastings of Ord
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2007
LEATHERS, Albert Eugene, 80, of Topeka died Wednesday, June 13, 2007, in Topeka
Graveside services: Monday, Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka
Mortuary: Kevin Brennan Family in Topeka
Born Feb. 1, 1927, in Vinita, Okla.
Memorials: donor's choice
Parents: Albert and Lula (Woolman) Leathers
Graduated from Amherst High School
Military: U.S. Army
Married: July 23, 1953, to Mary Ann Larchick in Eddyville, Neb.
Worked as a land surveyor for Van Doren-Hazzard Stalling, 1955-1989; after retirement worked part time for Max Baker for 17 years
Survivors include his wife; sons, Anthony of Golden, Colo., and Terry of Topeka; daughters, Nancy Smith, Kelli Jannelle and Julie Hrenchir, all of Topeka; brothers, John and Bill, both of Amherst, Neb., and Frank of Topeka; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Greg Smith, Mike Jannelle and Dale Hrenchir, Dale, all of Topeka
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Leathers in 1978; brother, Leo Leathers; and sisters, Lillian Leathers and Marie Leathers
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2007
FRANZEN, Loretta B., 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at her home
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice Program
Born May 1, 1921, in Caldwell, Idaho
Parents: Lloyd and Blanche (Gepford) Severns
Moved to the Holdrege area, attended school and graduated from Holdrege High School in 1938; attended Chillicothe (Mo.) Business College
Married: Feb. 14, 1941, to Ardra Franzen in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He died June 26, 1995
Husband was discharged from the service in 1946; moved to the family farm north of Funk, 1947, farmed there for 38 years; spent winters in southern Texas from 1974 - 1995; moved to Kearney in 1980
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Altar Society in Holdrege
Survivors include her son, J.D. of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter, Paula Johnson of Comstock; and sister, Maria Seal of Bellevue, Wash.; also daughter-in-law, Sharon Franzen of Scottsdale; grandson, Paul Siebke and his wife, Julie, of Mitchell; brother-in-law, Ken Seal of Bellevue; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her huband, three brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 21 June, 2007
HEMMERLING, Bradley R., 58, of Gibbon died Tuesday, June 19, 2007, in Imperial. Services: Friday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton, military honors
Born April 23, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Derald and Patricia (Trimble) Hemmerling
Survivors include his sons, Broyce of Kearney and Kent of Lincoln; daughters, Bradette Varilek of Raymond and Brigitte of Lincoln; his mother of Gibbon; brothers, Barry and Nile, both of Lincoln; and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 21 June, 2007
EICKMEIER, Alvin "Al" L., 70, of Seward, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, June 16, 2007, in Lincoln
Services: Friday, Faith Lutheran Church in Seward
Burial: Seward Cemetery
Mortuary: Wood-Zabka in Seward
Memorials: Staplehurst Community Hall/Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department or the donor's choice
Born April 18, 1937, in Fairbury
Parents: William and Rose (Hoppe) Eickmeier
Graduated from Seward High School in 1954
Married: Oct. 15, 1960, to Margaret Conkling in Stromsburg
Was a retired automotive parts sales representative for Big A Auto and CarQuest Auto; member of Faith Lutheran Church in Seward
Survivors include his wife; son, Rick of Holmen, Wis.; daughter, Allison Kaplan of Tustin, Calif.; brother, Gerald of Seward; and sister, Valerie Jacobs of North Fork, Calif.; also daughter-in-law, Diane Eickmeier of Holmen; son-in-law, Phillip Kaplan of Tustin; sister-in-law, MaryAnn Eickmeier of Seward; grandchildren, Dylan Eickmeier, Jamie Eickmeier, Tyler Kaplan and Evan Kaplan; nieces; and nephews
Kearney Hub, 21 June, 2007
LAND, Dennis, 58, of Kearney, died Thursday, June 21, 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Aurora Cemetery
Memorials: to the family
Born April 24, 1949, in Aurora
Parents: Marvel and Betty (Grigsby) Land
Grew up in Aurora, was educated there
Married: June 27, 1970, to Carla Hansen in Hampton
Married: April 16, 2002, to Rita Joslin in Kearney
With second wife lived in Kearney, owned Heartland Sandblasting and Heartland Tree Service; enjoyed four-wheeling and camping; loved his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife; sons, Derick of Aurora and Dustin of Kearney; daughters, Janet Miller of Firth, Heather Telford of Scottsbluff and Destiny of Aurora; sister, Mary of Giltner; and stepdaughter, Jennifer Godfrey of Chicago; also sons-in-law, Shawn Miller of Firth and Dan Telford of Scottsbluff; stepson-in-law, Michael Godfrey of Chicago; sister Mary's special friend, Charlie Moore of Giltner; grandchildren, Brysen Godfrey, Wyatt Telford, Cole Miller, Rylee Miller and Breanna Telford; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2007
ARTHUR, Mabel Louise, 100, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at Ambassador Nursing Home in Lincoln
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: the family
Born Oct. 24, 1906, near Marysville, Kan.
Parents: Anthony and Lillian (Ferguson) Sells
Moved to Nebraska as a small child, lived in Custer County; graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1924
Married: April 16, 1925, Francis Arthur in Broken Bow. He died in 1965
With husband, farmed in Custer and Valley counties; moved to Kearney in 1960, worked in the dietary department at Good Samaritan Hospital, was a cook at Kearney Junior High School and then at Emerson School; retired in 1981; in 1997, moved to Clark Jeary, an independent living home in Lincoln; in 2002, moved to Ambassador Nursing Home
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, a charter member of Catholic Daughters, a member of World War I Barracks Auxiliary, being one of the oldest World War I widows; was active at Kearney Senior Hospitality Center; enjoyed her family and family reunions; enjoyed going to the Senior Hospitality Center, playing bingo, making pies for their evening bingo lunch and crocheting afghans for all of her grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Francis of Lincoln; daughters, Mary Kusek of Loup City and Catherine Evans of Florence, Ariz.; brother, Woody Sells of Kearney; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Marlyn Arthur of Lincoln; son-in-law, Raymond Kusek of Loup City; and sister-in-law, Peggy Sells of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; son Patrick in 1986; daughter-in-law, Ruth; son-in-law, Elwood Evans; brothers, Virgil, George and Raymond Sells; and sister, Viola Mattox
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2007
FLYGARE, Christine E., 55, of Vancouver, Washington, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, June 10, 2007, at Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver
Memorial reception: Friday at Holiday Inn in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Born: April 5, 1952 in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Parents: Wilson and Virginia (Leaf) Johansen
Attended Kearney High School, graduated in 1970; attended Grand Island School of Business for two years; was employed as a truck driver
Loved animals and enjoyed trucking
Survived by her mother, Virginia Johansen of Kearney, Neb.; sister, Carolyn (Gregory) Smith, nieces, Arika (Sean) Bussey and Ashley Smith and Nickolas Leake, and great-nephew, Austin Smith, all of Omaha, Neb.; her very dear friend, Ken Larsen of Vancouver, Wash. and a number of special relatives and friends. Was preceded in death by her father, Wilson Ray Johansen
Vancouver Columbian, 21 June, 2007, and Kearney Hub, 28 June 2007
FRANZ, Robert J. "Bob", 85, of Kearney died Thursday, June 21, 2007, at his home
Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery, military honors
Memorials: to the family
Born Feb. 18, 1922, in Grand Island
Parents: Jess and Ellen (Moll) Franz. Attended school in Grand Island and Alda
Married: July 28, 1943, to Betty McKibben in Grand Island
Military: U.S. Coast Guard during World War II
Worked as a carpet and flooring installer; owned B&B Floor Coverings, retired in 2004; former owners of the 5B's Antique Shop in Old Towne Kearney
Activities: member of the Barbershoppers, a former member of the Elks and a lifetime member of the American Legion; was appointed an honorary admiral in the Nebraska Navy
Survivors include his wife; son, Bill of Kearney; daughter, Barb Meyer of Riverdale; five great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren: also daughters-in-law, Terry Franz of Kearney and Betty Franz of Colorado Springs, Colo.; son-in-law, Larry Meyer of Riverdale; and grandchildren, Lisa Munoz of Johnstown, Colo., Angela Mach of Gothenburg, Eric Franz and Christy Franz, both of Kearney, and Jeff Meyer of Riverdale
Was preceded in death by a son, Barry; brother, Harold; sister, Irene; his parents; and grandparents, Theodore and Daisy Moll
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2007
PITT, Millard F., 86, of Elm Creek died Thursday, June 21, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Graveside services: Monday, Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Elm Creek
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Squad
Born Sept. 12, 1920, in Davenport, Okla.
Parents: Jake and Carrie (Hill) Pitt
Grew up in Winfield, Kansas; attended Winfield High School
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, Sept. 19, 1942- Jan. 19, 1946; honorably discharged
Married: Aug. 5, 1946, to Dolores Shehan in Winfield, Kan. She preceded him in death
Worked in civil service in Salt Lake City for two years, operating a crane and loading explosives; also worked for H.E. Clark Alfalfa Mills in Winfield for five years; moved to Elm Creek, worked for Western Alfalfa in Elm Creek for 15 years; retired in 1985
Activities: attended First Christian Church in Elm Creek; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Udall, Kan.; traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada since retiring
Survivors include his son, Millard Jr. of Cabool, Mo.; daughters, Linda Rutter of Elm Creek and Sharon Maas of Windsor, Colo.; sisters, Elrena Gardener of San Antonio and Alta Mae Young of Hutchinson, Kan.; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Cherryle Pitt of Cabool; son-in-law, Joe Rutter of Elm Creek; and brothers-in-law, Marvin Gardener of San Antonio and Loy Young of Hutchinson
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents, one brother and two grandsons
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2007
SCHROEDER, John P., 75, of Kearney died Thursday, June 21, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel, military honors
Memorials: to the family
Born March 27, 1932, at Prairie Center
Parents: Alfred and Eva (Altmaier) Schroeder
Attended school at Elkhorn District 50
Military: U.S. Army May 1, 1953, - April 26, 1955; honorably discharged
Married: Nov. 18, 1955, to Melvagene Wimarth in Shelton. She preceded him in death
Lived and farmed on the family farm; enjoyed horses
Survivors include his son, John of rural Gibbon; daughters, Marilyn Price of Grand Island, Judy Harnagel of rural Miller, Jean Wild of David City, and Carolyn Slater of Riverdale; brother, Lawrence of rural Gibbon; sister, Alice Behrendt of Ravenna; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; sons-in-law, Rich Price of Grand Island, Jay Harnagel of rural Miller, Jeff Wild of David City and Terry Slater of Riverdale
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents and one sister
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2007
REIDY, James Kenneth, 72, of Boulder, Colorado, died Thursday, June 21, 2007, at his home
Services: Tuesday, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Boulder
Burial: Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery
Born Jan. 5, 1935, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Thomas and Mildred (Murphy) Reidy
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1952; served as an apprentice machinist for Union Pacific Railroad for two years; returned to Kearney, attended Kearney State College; received bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Aug. 24, 1957, to Donna Catterson in Arnold, Neb.
Was employed by Bendix Corp. in Kansas City for six years, also earned his master's degree at the University of Missouri in Kansas City; moved to Ball Aerospace in Boulder, was employed there for 30 years
Military: U.S. Navy Reserve
Enjoyed hunting, fishing and telling stories, enjoyed his family
Survivors include his wife; son, Thomas of East Wakefield, N.H.; daughters, Anne of Boulder and Carol Reidy-MacLaughlin of Colorado Springs; sister, Barbara O'Neill of Pleasanton, Neb.; and five grandchildren; also one niece and four nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Dick O'Neill; and daughters, Paula and Terese Reidy
Kearney Hub, 25 June, 2007
REITER, Janice C., 74, of Kearney died Saturday, June 23, 2007, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center nursing home
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Haven's Chapel United Methodist Church
Born Jan. 10, 1933, in Elm Creek
Parents: Robert and Thelma (Young) Peterson
Received her schooling in Riverdale; graduated from Riverdale High School in 1950; attended Kearney State College
Married: Dec. 24, 1950, to Darrell Reiter in Riverdale
Worked at Antelope Bookstore for many years
Activities: member of the Riverdale and Haven's Chapel United Methodist Church, served as church organist for more than 45 years; member of United Methodist Women, Our Afternoon Off and TOPS; worked as a volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages in Kearney for many years; enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; hobbies included gardening, working with flowers, china painting, oil painting, quilting, sewing and playing the organ and piano
Survivors include her husband; sons, Dan of Beatrice, Steve of Kearney and Roger of Clarinda, Iowa; daughters, Julie Meyers of Kearney and Mary Long of Louisville; brother, Bob Peterson of Riverdale; sister, Marilyn Drew of Trumbull; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Holly Reiter of Beatrice and Mickey Reiter of Kearney; sons-in-law, Dan Meyers of Kearney and Dave Long of Louisville; sister-in-law, Loris Peterson of Riverdale; and brothers-in-law, Eldon Reiter of Kearney and Kenny Drew of Trumbull
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 26 June, 2007
MOWREY, Ruth E., 94, of Kearney, formerly of Miller, died Sunday, June 24, 2007, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Thursday, Miller United Methodist Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: Miller American Legion Auxiliary
Born Nov. 1, 1912, in Miller
Parents: William and Jennie (Quail) Muller
Grew up in Miller, graduated from Miller High School in 1930
Married: March 23, 1932, to Melvin Mowrey in Kearney. He died in 1988
With husband, farmed near Eddyville; moved to Miller, 1948, where she raised her family; with husband, owned and operated Mowrey Grocery Store for 23 years; retired in 1975; moved to Kearney in 2000
Activities: member of the Miller American Legion Auxiliary and the Miller Senior Citizens; enjoyed gardening, crocheting and quilting and especially loved helping others in the Miller community
Survivors include her sons, Gary of Kearney and Kenneth of Port St. Joe, Fla.; daughter, Linda Larchick of Oklahoma City; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Barbara Mowrey of Kearney and Mona Mowrey of Port St. Joe; and sons-in-law, Ron Larchick of Oklahoma City and Harold Baker of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son, Myron; daughter, Melva Joan Baker; infant grandson, Damon Mowrey Larchick; grandson, David Mowrey; one brother; and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2007
SWARTWOOD, Lyle L., 72, of Elm Creek died Monday, June 25, 2007, at his home
Services: Thursday, First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Elm Creek Memorials: American Cancer Society
Born Feb. 17, 1935, in Broadwater
Parents: Marvin and Alice (Beavers) Swartwood
Grew up in Odessa, received his education there
Military: U.S. Army Jan. 17, 1955 - Jan. 4, 1958; served during the Korean War; was honorably discharged
Married: Feb. 21, 1959, to Betty Cure in Elm Creek
Married: Dec. 6, 1976, to Doris Robertson in Reno, Nev.
Was an over-the-road truck driver for many years for KAT, Ourada Trucking, Ben Debates and Fox Trucking; was a counselor at the Youth Development Center in Kearney for three years; worked for Baldwin Manufacturing of Kearney for a number of years; final job was for Sperry-New Holland Manufacturing in Lexington; retired in 1984
Activities: enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodcarving and camping; was a Husker fan; enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife; sons, Tim and Doran, both of Overton, Kenny of Eddyville, Scott of Elm Creek and Shane of Rapid City, S.D.; brothers, Darrell of Saratoga, Wyo., and Delmar of Laramie, Wyo.; sisters, Hazel Smith of Elm Creek and Bonnie Johansen of York; and 17 grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Colleen Swartwood of Overton and Sheri Swartwood of Rapid City; sister-in-law, Margaret Swartwood of Laramie; brother-in-law, David Johansen of York; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2007
ROEDER, Jill Senee, 51, of Denver died Saturday, June 30, 2007, at her home
Services: Tuesday, First Lutheran Church in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: Minden (Neb.) Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Memorial fund has been established
Born Oct. 21, 1955, in Minden
Parents: Richard and Marlene (Jorgensen) Hansen
Attended grade school in Minden, moved to Kearney in 1965; graduated from Kearney High School in 1973; attended Central Community College-Grand Island
Married: June 30, 1973, to Dan Roeder in Kearney
Received her real estate license; moved to Denver, 1999
Survivors include her daughters, Meggan of Omaha, Neb., and McKenzie and Kaiti, both of Kearney; her mother, Marlene Foglesong of Kearney; brother, Sam Foglesong of Grand Island, Neb.; and sister, Tara Foglesong of Kearney; also sister-in-law, Lisa Foglesong of Grand Island; nephew, Jack Foglesong; and niece, Abbey Foglesong
Was preceded in death by her father, "Dick"; stepfather, Robert "Bob" Foglesong; and grandparents, Martin and Sena Jorgensen and Carl and Ethel Hansen
Kearney Hub, 2 July, 2007
STRAIN, Patricia Lynn "Pat", 56, of Genoa died Sunday, July 1, 2007, at Columbus Community Hospital
Services: Friday, Genoa United Methodist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Rice in Genoa
Memorials: Genoa United Methodist Church
Born: May 6, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: James and Winifred (Russell) Widdowson
Grew up on a farm north of Gibbon; attended District 8 Country School through the seventh grade; graduated from Gibbon High School in 1969; graduated from Kearney State College, 1973, with a degree in elementary education; moved to Genoa and taught school there for six years, two years at Shady Nook and two years at St. Edward; also had an in-home preschool for several years
Married: March 22, 1975, to Jack Strain in Gibbon
Lived in and around Genoa her entire married life
Activities: member of PEO, Eastern Star and a Bible study, and served two terms on the Genoa School Board; member of Genoa United Methodist Church, was active with the United Methodist Women, served as the financial secretary for many years; loved to travel, scrapbook, quilt, attend church functions and especially attend family gatherings with her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her husband; son, Ryan of Genoa, daughter, Marissa Kunkee of Duncan; and brothers, Joe Widdowson and Bradley Widdowson, both of Gibbon, Russell Widdowson of Lincoln and Robert Widdowson of Omaha; also daughter-in-law, Julie Strain of Genoa; son-in-law, Brian Kunkee of Duncan; grandsons, Jackson and Evan Strain and Garrett Kunkee; sisters-in-law, Jean Widdowson and Nancy Widdowson, both of Gibbon, Karen Widdowson of Lincoln, Lisa Widdowson of Omaha and Sandi Niemann of St. Edward; father- and mother-in-law, Tom and Shirley Strain of Genoa; brothers-in-law, Terry Strain and his wife, Vicki, and Kenny Strain and his wife, Myrna, all of Genoa; many dear friends; and a host of nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 4 July, 2007
WHITNACK, Eugene E., 94, of Kearney died Thursday, July 5, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Born Nov. 9, 1912, in Lincoln
Parents: Charles and Lora (Kern) Whitnack
Grew up in Lincoln, graduated from high school there; attended college in California
Married: 20 Sep 1949, to Opal Walters, in North Platte
Lived in North Platte; moved to Kearney in 1956; was a wholesale produce distributor
Member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Nancy Lyons of Kearney; and sister, Elizabeth Hornbacher of Florida; also grandchildren, Kelly Sommer, Kendra Sommer and Bambi Staab, all of Kearney, Jeff Lyons of Garden City, Kan., and Stephanie Stones of Colby, Kan.; and great-grandchildren, Nicole and Zack Stones, Kaitlin and Kory Staab, Levi and Abbie Lyons and Kortney and Jamie Sommer
Was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two sisters and son-in-law Jim Lyons
Kearney Hub, 7 July, 2007