Page 56
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
POWER, Ronald Earl, 74, of Ogallala, died Thursday, July 5, 2007, at Ogallala Community Hospital
Service: Monday, Ogallala First Baptist Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, military honors
Mortuary: Draucker in Ogallala
Memorials: First Baptist Church Building Fund and the Ogallala Community Hospital
Born Oct. 31, 1932, on the family farm near Gibbon
Parents: Tracil and Nella (Powell) Power
Was baptized and joined the First Baptist Church; attended school in Gibbon
Military: enlisted in January 1952, served in the Korean War; honorably discharge in January 1955, received many medals
Married Dorothy Hawkins in 1956
After discharge, returned to the family farm near Gibbon; worked at the Gibbon Co-op; moved to Ogallala, worked for TRW; purchased Power True Value Hardware in Grant, operated it for several years; became a delivery driver for Metz Bakery based in Hastings; retired for health reasons
Activities: was an outdoor enthusiast, loved animals; enjoyed fishing with family and friends; made several trips to Canada, Michigan and South Carolina and to Alaska in 2005; enjoyed having morning coffee with special friend Nibs Walburn
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Rhonda Chada of North Platte; sons, Randy of Lexington, S.C., and Steven of North Platte; brothers: LeRoy of Gibbon; Royal of Wichita, Kan., and John of Geneva; and sisters, LaBerta Olson of Gibbon and Jane Wiles of Seward; also son-in-law, Ron Chada of North Platte; daughter-in-law, Janet Power of Lexington, S.C.; Steven's special friend Anne Armstrong of North Platte; brothers-in-law, Dewayne Olson of Gibbon and Ernie Wiles of Seward; sisters-in-law, Janice Power of Gibbon, Mary Power of Wichita and Nancy Power of Geneva; grandchildren, Christopher Chada of Kearney, Kerry Chada of North Platte, Leah and Travis Power of Latta, S.C., Mathew Wilkins of Lexington, S.C., and Melissa Hubbard of Red Bank, S.C.; and great-grandchildren Skyler, Hanna and Danielle Hubbard of Red Bank
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 7 July, 2007
GARRIDO, Alvena Laurine, 80, of Kearney died Friday, July 6, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora
Burial: Aurora Cemetery
Born Sept. 15, 1926, in Aurora
Parents: Henry and Mabel (Mideke) Tuepker. Grew up on a farm near Aurora, attended School District 19 through the eighth grade; graduated from Aurora High School in 1944, and from Kearney State Teachers College; taught in rural schools and later in Aurora
Military: U.S. Force, July 1958 - July 1, 1961; was honorably discharged
Married: October 1, 1959 to Jose Garrido in Washington
Worked in the media centers for Kearney Public Schools; went on to teach both day and evening GED classes at Central Community College Kearney Campus, 1976; also taught classes at the Kearney Jail
Survivors include her son, Kenneth of Harleysville, Pa.; and sisters, Phyllis Willuweit of Kearney and Shirley Dyson of National City, Calif.; also daughter-in-law, Candy Garrido of Harleysville; grandson, Joey Garrido of Harleysville; brother-in-law, Clem Willuweit of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 7 July, 2007
DAY, James K. "Jim", 64, of Colorado Springs, formerly of Miller, Neb., died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at Pikes Peak Hospice Care Center in Colorado Springs
Services: Monday at Miller Christian Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller with military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Kearney
Memorials: designated later
Born May 21, 1943, in Lexington, Neb.
Parents: Kenneth and Zella (Rhoadarmer) Day
Lived his first seven years near Miller, moved north of Cumro, Neb., to a farm; attended grade school at Upper Cat Creek; graduated from Ansley High School in 1961; graduated from National Electronics Association School in Denver
Military: U.S. Air Force, May 18, 1964, - July 31, 1986; did numerous tours and was stationed in various countries; continued his education with the Air Force, received many degrees and honors
After discharge, moved to Colorado Springs, lived there for 20 years; worked for NAMCO Corp., operating several entertainment centers in Colorado Springs and then in Denver; retired in 2002; was a member of the NCO organization
Survivors include his son, Greg of Hastings, Iowa; daughter, Pam Weis of Omaha, Neb.; mother, Zella of Miller; sister, Kay Thomas of Roseland, Neb.; nine grandchildren; and stepdaughters, Rebecca Lee of Leesburg, Va., and Felicia Thomson of Hagerstown, Md.; also son-in-law, Robert Weis of Omaha; daughter-in-law, Patricia Day of Hastings; brother-in-law, Jerry Thomas of Roseland; and stepson-in-law, Errol Thompson of Hagerstown
Was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth
Kearney Hub, 7 July, 2007
LEDERMAN, Chaia "Helyn", 88, of Kearney died Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Tuesday, Mount Carmel Cemetery in Lincoln
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Memorials: Transitional Care Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital, to the TPA Scholarship Fund for the Deaf or Near Deaf, or to the donor's choice
Born Oct. 11, 1918, in Mogilleff, Russia
Parents: Joseph and Ann (Zlotkin) Shryer
Came to the US, 1923, at age 5; lived in Omaha, took the name "Helyn;" family lived with their Aunt Gertrude and Uncle Harry Soskin and their cousins
Attended elementary and high school in Omaha; graduated from Omaha technical school; moved to Hastings, worked in her uncle's clothing store
Married: May 31, 1938, to Jack Lederman. He died Feb. 3, 1987
Lived in Kearney; helped her husband with the family business and was a homemaker; was an honorary admiral in the Nebraska Navy; served as the first lady of the National Travelers Protective Association, 1973 and 1974
Survivors include her son, Joel of Parker, Colo.; daughters, Judy Lash and Brenda Rainwater, both of Kearney; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; also daughter-in-law, Nadine Lederman of Parker; son-in-law, Larry Rainwater of Kearney; and sister-in-law, Jennie Lederman of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Christopher Rainwater on Aug. 20, 1996; brother, Melvin Shryer in 2005; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Shryer on June 20, 2007
Kearney Hub, 9 July, 2007
DOLLENS, Verna V., 87, of Kearney died Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, First Baptist Church in Wister, Okla.
Burial: Wister Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: to the family. Born April 12, 1920, in Wister
Parents: Joe and Callie (Bynum) Stewart
Attended school in Fanshawe, Okla., graduated from Fanshawe High School in 1936
Married: 1937, to Bob Carpenter. He preceded her in death
Married: 1968, to Fred Dollens. He preceded her in death
Worked at Poteau (Okla.) Food Market and at Carl Albert Junior College in Poteau; retired in 1986; moved to Kearney
Activities: member of First Baptist Church in Oklahoma and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kearney; past member of Eastern Star
Survivors include her sons, Ken Carpenter of Lincoln and Gerald Carpenter of Eugene, Ore.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Jan Carpenter of Lincoln and Carma Carpenter of Eugene
Was preceded in death by her husbands; three brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 10 July, 2007
DAVIS, Opal E., 82, of Kearney, formerly of Miller, died Sunday, July 8, 2007, at St. John's Center in Kearney
Memorial: Thursday, Miller Christian Church
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: Miller American Legion Auxiliary Unit 351 or the Miller Senior Citizens
Born March 21, 1925, north of Miller
Parents: Elmer and Ida (Ehresman) Harnagel
Grew up in the area, graduated from Miller High School in 1942; earned a diploma from the State Teachers College in Kearney
Married: Feb. 27, 1965, to Hugh Davis in Los Angeles. He died in 1995
Left Miller during World War II, worked in Washington, D.C.; resided in California for 30 years, worked for the city of Los Angeles and also for Lockheed Missile and Space Corp.; returned to Miller, 1978, lived there for 20 years; moved to Kearney after husband's death
Activities: member of Miller American Legion Auxiliary Unit 351 and the Miller Senior Citizens; loved dancing, being with her family for special occasions and playing cards with friends and family
Survivors include her brothers, Lee Harnagel of Kearney and Haisel Harnagel of Miller; and sisters, Evelyn Fees of Miller and Ruby Harnagel of Kearney; also sister-in-law, Naomi Harnagel of Kearney; and five nieces and nephews and their families
Kearney Hub, 11 July, 2007
CUDABACK, Lena E., 97, of Riverdale died Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Riverdale Christian Church
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born Sept. 4, 1910, in Holyoke, Colo.
Parents: Roy and Martha (Larsen) Johnston
At age 1, moved to Amherst for one year; lived at Seneca five years; moved to the Riverdale area; attended school in Riverdale, graduated from Riverdale High School in 1928
Married: July 26, 1928, to Maurice Cudaback in Riverdale. He died Sept. 6, 1977
Worked as a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital during the 1950s and 1960s; member of Riverdale Christian Church, Willing Workers at the church, Senior Swingers Band, Greenhill Kensington and Royal Neighbors
Survivors include her sons, Jack, Ron, Jim and Bob, all of Riverdale, and LaVern of Gering; daughter, Jane Rumbeck of Amherst; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-great-granddaughter; also son-in-law, Jerry Rumbeck of Amherst; and daughters-in-law, Jan Cudaback and Karen Cudaback, both of Riverdale, and Edie Cudaback of Gering
Was preceded in death by her husband, and by two brothers
Kearney Hub, 10 July, 2007
NELSON, Esther N., 55, of Kearney died Monday, July 2, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, Westmark Evangelical Free Church in rural Loomis
Burial: Ainsworth Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the family
Born Aug. 6, 1951, in Ainsworth
Parents: Gerald and June (Goslin) Childs. Attended Ainsworth High School, graduated in 1969; attended tech school in Omaha
Married: July 10, 1992, to Billy Nelson in Kearney. He died in 1995
Enjoyed spending time with friends and family, bike riding and swimming
Survivors include her daughters, Amber Altwine of Kearney and Mylissa Tolle of Chandler, Ariz.; brother, Ronn Childs of Summer Haven Lake; and sister, Carole Miller of Torrington, Wyo.; also grandchildren, Ashley Altwine and Shelby Altwine, both of Holdrege, and Bradyn Tolle of Chandler; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband and her parents
Kearney Hub, 6 July, 2007
SUTTON, Rosemary, 57, of Broken Bow, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, July 1, 2007, at Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow
Memorial services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born Oct. 15, 1949, in Alliance
Parents: John and Frances (Galvin) Sutton
Moved to Kearney in 1987; worked at various jobs while in Kearney; moved to Broken Bow in 2005; loved listening to music and visiting with family and friends
Survivors include her father of Kearney and sisters, Toni Barrier of Norman, Okla., and Mary Helen Deford of Salt Lake City; also brother-in-law, Allen Deford of Salt Lake City, and 43 nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her mother, one brother, one sister and one nephew
Kearney Hub, 13 July, 2007
MOTTIN, Clyde, 75, of Ravenna died Friday, July 6, 2007, at his home
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born July 5, 1932, in Oak Hill, Kan.
Parents: Clyde and Martha (Cain) Mottin
Survivors include his wife, Virginia; sons, Richard of Fort Collins, Colo., and Kenneth of St. Libory; brother, Terry of Bountiful, Utah; and sister, Verda Pirrotta of McPherson, Kan.; also daughter-in-law, Patty Mottin of St. Libory; grandsons, Brandon Mottin and his wife, Ashley, and Travis Mottin; great-grandson, Remy Mottin; and numerous other relatives
Kearney Hub, 10 July, 2007
EASTABROOKS, Gwenivere M., 85, of Kearney died Thursday, July 12, 2007, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Born July 7, 1922, in Litchfield
Parents: Charles and Rose (Ellsworth) Swanson
Graduated from Litchfield High School in 1940; taught in the Litchfield and Pleasanton areas for one year; moved to California in 1941 to be with her fiance; worked at Cole's in Los Angeles and as a dietitian in the Los Angeles school district
Married, 1943, to Wendell Eastabrooks in Yuma, Ariz. He died in 1997
Lived in California; moved to Kearney in 1984
Survivors include her sisters, Norma Lammers of Kearney, Phyllis Rasmussen of Hazard, Bernadine Alexander of Des Moines, Iowa, and Patsy Aden of Bethalto, Ill.; also brothers-in-law, LeRoy Lammers of Kearney, Wendell Rasmussen of Hazard and Robert Alexander of Des Moines; and sister-in-law, Myra Snyder of Sheridan, Wyo.
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Rodney; brother, LaVerne; and brother-in-law, Merle Aden
Kearney Hub, 14 July, 2007
UNICK, Bertha, 100, of Pleasanton died Saturday, July 14, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: Pleasanton United Methodist Church or the Pleasanton Emergency Unit
Born May 27, 1907, east of Pleasanton
Parents: Henry and Frances (Hajek) Munster
Grew up in the area and attended District 109 Prairie Bell School
Married: Sept. 27, 1926, to Fred Unick in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He died in 1999
With husband farmed northwest of Pleasanton for 46 years; moved to Pleasanton, 1972; celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary together before his death in 1999
Was a homemaker and enjoyed many happy hours in her kitchen baking pies and kolaches; also enjoyed taking leisurely Sunday drives to look at the countryside
Survivors include her sons, Bob and Kenneth, both of Pleasanton; daughter, Bertha of Pleasanton; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandsons; also daughters-in-law, JoAnne Unick and Willa Vee Unick, both of Pleasanton; brother-in-law, James Unick of Kearney; sister-in-law, Rosanne Rightmire of Casper, Wyo.; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Beulah Unick in 2001; one daughter in infancy; one great-grandson; one great-great-grandson; three brothers; and four sisters
Kearney Hub, 17 July, 2007
PROCHASKA, James "Ven", 93, of Ravenna died Saturday, July 14, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Memorial services: July 28, Ravenna United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna Memorials: the church or the Ravenna Fire Department
Born Sept. 22, 1913, in Buffalo County
Parents: John and Rosalie (Kucera) Prochaska
Was educated in Buffalo County and graduated from Shelton High School; attended business school in Grand Island for two years
Married: March 6, 1937, to Ethel Vogt. She died Nov. 29, 2005
Farmed north of Shelton; retired to Ravenna in 1975
Activities: member of Zion Methodist Church of Ravenna; was involved in Lions Club for many years and in many other community activities; enjoyed fishing, working on the farm, playing cards with his family and spending time with his family
Survivors include his sons, James Jr. and Ronnie, both of Shelton; daughters, Ona Mae Adam of Ravenna, Dianna Chloupek of Omaha and Deanna Godfrey of Gibbon; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; also daughters-in-law, Julia Prochaska and Marilyn Prochaska, both of Shelton; sons-in-law, Jim Chloupek of Omaha and Larry Godfrey of Gibbon; and grandchildren, William Adam, Judeen Terrey, Wayne Chloupek, Joy Chloupek, Ronald Chloupek, Jerry Godfrey, Shannon Godfrey, Lean Kirchner, Joel Prochaska, Jenette Meyer, Aaron Prochaska and Brent Prochaska
Was preceded in death by his wife; son-in-law, William Adam; four brothers; one sister; and grandson, Ardean Godfrey in 1972
Kearney Hub, 17 July, 2007
URWILLER, Helen S., 93, of Ravenna died Sunday, July 15, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Friday, Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Was born July 13, 1914, in Hall County to John and Claudia Porter
Was educated in rural Hall County
Married: April 1, 1934, to Russell Urwiller in Bluff Center. He preceded her in death
Lived on a farm in the Sodtown area; moved to Ravenna in 1971
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church and Ladies Aid
Survivors include her son, DeWayne of Cozad; daughters, Adeline Prochaska of Ravenna, Marilyn Klein of Ralston and LaVonne Carter of Grand Ledge, Mich.; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Shirley Urwiller of Cozad
Was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 17 July, 2007
HOFFMAN, Gabrielle, infant daughter of Ricardo and Suzanne (Hampton) Hoffman of Elm Creek, was born at rest Thursday, July 12, 2007, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington
Service: private family service
Survivors include her parents; brother, Trenton of Elm Creek; sisters, Elani and Anna, both Elm Creek; grandparents, Richard and Patricia Hoffman of Elm Creek and Larry and Anna Stevenson of Culver City, Calif.; and great-grandparents, Sal and Anna Castellanos of Culver City and Harold and Donna Bjornson and Dorothy Hoffman, all of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 19 July, 2007
SVANDA, Donna, 100, of Ravenna died Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Saturday, United Methodist Church in Ravenna
Burial: later
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: the church or Ravenna Community Foundation
Born Feb. 8, 1907, in Newman Grove
Parents: Louis and Augusta (Brinkman) Melvard
Was educated in Arlington, graduated in 1925; graduated from Grand Island Community College, 1926; moved to Ravenna, was employed by Omaha Cold Storage and Ravenna Creamery Co.
Married: Feb. 9, 1929, she married Robert Svanda in Fremont. He died June 12, 1982
Lived in Ravenna; with husband, operated Svanda Drug
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star and the Garden Club; loved raising flowers
Survivors include her son, Robert of Ravenna; sisters, Evelyn Williams and Dorothy Sukstorf, both of Fremont; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Vernetta Svanda of Ravenna and Renate Svanda of Gering
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Donald Svanda, two brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 19 July, 2007
GEARHART, Dolly M., 88, of Gothenburg, formerly of Gibbon, died Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital
Services: Monday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Sept. 26, 1918, near Gibbon
Parents: Richard and Alma (Cooper) Lowell
Married: Nov. 21, 1936, to Donald Gearhart. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Howard of Gibbon; daughter, Leona Cline of Gothenburg; sister, Orpha Rockefeller of Gibbon; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson
Was preceded in death by her husband;
Kearney Hub, 20 July, 2007
SCHROEDER, Frederick Morris "Fred", Sr., 96, of Shelton died Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at The Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church and Nebraskans for Peace
Born Oct. 14, 1910, near Venus
Parents: Henry and Sadie (Clements) Schroeder
With family, moved to Galva, Iowa, 1912; started school there; March 1920, moved to a farm south of Shelton; graduated from Shelton High School in 1928; helped his father on the farm six miles north of Shelton; 1931, began farming on his own three miles north of Shelton; moved to the current home place, 31/2 miles north of Shelton, in 1934, with his widowed mother, sister, Alice, and brother, Milton
Married: June 15, 1941, to Maxine Hayman. She died in 1994
Farmed and fed cattle in the Shelton area; retired in 1978 to his wife's parents' farm west of Shelton; learned stained glass techniques, restored the stained glass windows damaged in the 1967 fire at the Methodist Church, also designed and created many new stained glass windows, hangings and lamps; taught others to work with stained glass as well
Activities: longtime member of Shelton United Methodist Church, served in numerous offices and on many committees; founding member in 1968 of Rural Nebraskans for Peace; was a strong advocate for peace, justice and civil rights; 1991, he and his wife received the 3rd District Nebraskans for Peace Peacemaker of the Year award; was honored again with the 2004 Peacemaking Award by Nebraskans for Peace
After wife's death, lived on the Hayman farm; moved to town in 1998; January 2007, moved to The Homestead assisted living in Kearney
Survivors include his sons, Fred of Shelton and Richard of Lincoln; and brother, Milton of Shelton; also daughters-in-law, Debbie Schroeder of Shelton and Lynne Schroeder of Lincoln; grandsons, Jim and Tom Schroeder of Lincoln; and sisters-in-law, Irma Schroeder of Shelton and Helen Schroeder of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by his wife; brothers, Floyd and Roy; and a sister, Alice Kilpatrick
Kearney Hub, 23 July, 2007
KITT, Laura H.L., 68, of Kearney died Friday, July 20, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Tuesday, Bayard Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born April 17, 1939, in Bayard
Parents: George and Ruth (Feather) McDaniel
Graduated from Bayard High School in 1957
Married: 1959, to Clarence Kitt in Hot Springs, S.D. He preceded her in death
Worked at the sugar beet factory in Bayard; moved to Kearney in April 2004
Activities: was a member of First Baptist Church; enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family, bowling and working in her garden
Survivors include her son, Ron of Kearney; daughters, Kathy Kitt, Karen Petersen and Inga Kitt, all of Kearney; and sister, Mary Ann Leseberg of Bayard; also daughter-in-law, Linda Kitt of Kearney; son-in-law, Jody Petersen of Kearney; brother-in-law, Paul Leseberg of Bayard; and grandchildren, Greg Kitt of Lincoln and Cara Kitt, Cory Kitt, Erin Kitt, Jordan Kitt, Keenan Kitt and Sean Kitt, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one brother
Kearney Hub, 23 July, 2007
HOLMES, Harry G., 87, of Kearney died Saturday, July 21, 2007, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village nursing home
Graveside services: Wednesday, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Born Dec. 21, 1919, in Canada
Parents: Gilbert and Anna (Benzler) Holmes
Moved with family to the Kearney area in 1921; he and his sisters went to the orphan's home in Phelps County after mother's death in 1924; attended Holdrege High School, excelled at sports, began lifelong love of baseball; graduated in 1938
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, Aug. 30, 1941 - Sept. 30, 1945; served in the Pacific Theater in World War II; was awarded the Purple Heart
After discharge, returned to the Kearney area; was employed in road construction on Interstate 80 in Nebraska and Wyoming
Survivors include his nephews, Gale Larks of Walnut Creek, Calif., Gordan Larks of Berkeley, Calif., and Gary Larks of San Jose, Calif.; and niece, Janice Layton of Oxford; also nieces-in-law, Carol Larks of Walnut Creek, Linda Larks of Berkeley and Liz Larks of San Jose; nephew-in-law, Jerry Layton of Oxford; and numerous grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.
Kearney Hub, 24 July, 2007
SMYTH, Clyde Adair, 83, of Gibbon died Sunday, July 22, 2007, at the Gibbon Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon
Memorials: the church or Gibbon Emergency Unit Fund
Born Nov. 12, 1923, in Pittsburg, Okla.
Parents: James and Mattie (Griffith) Smyth
Grew up in Pittsburg, graduated from Pittsburg High School; attended Oklahoma State University, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1950; moved to Gibbon, taught veterans agriculture classes for three years and then began full-time farming southeast of Gibbon; retired in 1986
Married: Dec. 23, 1950, to Marilyn Riley in Phoenix
Lived in Gibbon area since marriage; member of Gibbon Baptist Church, enjoyed travel, reading and his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife; sons, Greg of Gibbon, Brad of Lusk, Wyo., and Todd of Gonzalez, La.; daughter, Brenda Saari of Garnet Valley, Pa.; brothers, Alph of Lufkin, Texas, J.N. of Pittsburg and Buck of Anchorage, Alaska; and sister, Vernie Young of Wichita, Kan.; also daughter-in-law, Angela Smyth of Gibbon; son-in-law, Leonard Saari of Garnet Valley; grandchildren, Cari, Scott, Stephanie and Collin, all of Gibbon, Andrew of Casper, Wyo., and Jessie Evans and husband, Chris, of Moscow, Idaho; and sisters-in-law, Velma Zwink of Gibbon, Dorothy Smyth of Pittsburg and Geneva Smyth of Anchorage
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Requil and L.T. Smyth; sisters, Mattie Jean Smyth, Juanita Doyle, Veava Straw, Jimmie Traughber and Sheila Cochran; brother-in-law, Wilson Young; and sister-in-law, Frances Smyth
Kearney Hub, 24 July, 2007
SOLOMON, Rhea Mae, 78, of Minden died Friday, July 20, 2007, at Kearney County Health Services-Long Term Care Unit in Minden
Services: Evangelical Free Church in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Memorials: Asera Care Hospice in Kearney
Born Sept. 17, 1928, northwest of Gibbon
Parents: Francis and Livonia (Canady) Hammans
Graduated from Gibbon High School in 1945; worked at the telephone company in Kearney for two years
Married: April 27, 1947, to Rollo Solomon. He preceded her in death
With husband, farmed northwest of Gibbon; was employed at Baldwin Filters Manufacturing Co. in Kearney for many years; moved to Minden in 1974
Activities: member of the Evangelical Free Church in Minden and the Minden American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; also enjoyed her flower garden and crocheting
Survivors include her son, Melvin of Shelton; and daughters, Sheryl Lehman of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and Aleda Younkin of Minden; also daughter-in-law, Sandy Solomon of Shelton; sons-in-law, Roger Lehman of Reynoldsburg and Steve Younkin of Minden; and grandchildren, Justin Solomon and his fianc‚e, Tracie Bankson, Cody Solomon and her fianc‚, Keith Meints, Christopher Lehman, Kevin Lehman and his wife, Samantha, Nicholas Younkin and Kyle Younkin
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Ardyce; grandson, Daniel Younkin; and brother, Cecil
Kearney Hub, 23 July, 2007
HEIDEN, Hubert W., 81, of Kearney died Sunday, July 22, 2007, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Services: Thursday, Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran School Foundation or VFW Post 759
Born Jan. 8, 1926, in York
Parents: Alvin and Rose (Reeh) Heiden
Was made a child of God through the washing of holy baptism on Jan. 17, 1926, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in York; with family moved to Kearney, 1930; confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, April 10, 1938; attended Zion Lutheran School, was in the first first-grade class at Zion when the school opened in 1930; attended Longfellow High School, graduated in 1943
Military: U.S. Army, April 7, 1944, - March 23, 1946; served in World War II; served again Oct. 3, 1950 -Sept. 4, 1951 during the Korean War; after discharge, he returned to Nebraska
Married: Nov. 4, 1951, to Ruth Giebelman at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hampton; She died May 22, 1997
Married: June 14, 2003, to Evelyn (Berg) Scarborough at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Lived in Kearney; owned and operated Heiden Oil Co.; retired in 1992; continued to work part time as a parts delivery man for NAPA auto store
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church, Lutheran Laymen's League, Zion Senior Citizens and VFW Post 759, and had served on the honor guard firing squad since 1988; also served on various boards, church offices and committees of the church; enjoyed spending time with family and friends; had a great love for his country and animals; above all were his deep faith and tremendous love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Survivors include his wife; sons, Norman of Kearney and Kenneth of Lincoln; daughters, Sandra of Kearney, Debra Matasovsky of Storm Lake, Iowa, and Marsha Hansen of Grand Island; brothers, Marlin of Kearney and Virgil of Greeley, Colo.; sister, Joyce of Kearney; stepsons, Bob Scarborough of Kearney, Jim Scarborough Jr. of Lincoln and Mark Scarborough of Bartlett; and stepdaughters, Cheryl Scarborough of Kearney and Marsha Fowler of Norton, Kan.; also grandchildren, Melissa, Bob and Angela Heiden, Amy, Thomas and Haley Heiden, and Kristin, Tim, Katie and Ryan Matasovsky; stepgrandchildren, Melissa Troutner, Kyle Fowler, Kassidi Blackmon and Sadie Scarborough; stepgreat-grandchildren, Kristen Liebhart and Lillian Blackmon; daughters-in-law, Lorraine Heiden of Kearney and Rebecca Heiden of Lincoln; sons-in-law, Harlan Matasovsky of Storm Lake and Dana Hansen of Grand Island; stepdaughter-in-law, Jewel Scarborough of Kearney; and sisters-in-law, Cheryl Heiden of Kearney and Esther Heiden of Greeley
Was preceded in death by his first wife and one sister
Kearney Hub, 25 July, 2007
HARVEY, Josephine N., 90, of St. Charles, Missouri, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, July 12, 2007, at her home
Memorial services: July 27, First Christian Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: St. Louis BJC Hospice Patient Fund or the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children
Born April 12, 1917, in Elmore City, Okla.
Parents: Joseph and Lela (Harmon) Farber
Attended high school in Paul's Valley, Okla.
Married: June 4, 1939, to Hassel Harvey in Medicine Lodge, Kan. He preceded her in death
Was a Kearney resident for almost 60 years; moved to her daughter's home in St. Charles, Missouri, in fall 2004
Activities: member of First Christian Church, past worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 35 in Kearney and Circle 2 at First Christian Church; enjoyed serving dinners for Kearney Volunteer Fire Department celebrations for many years; was a wonderful baker and cook
Survivors include her son, Benjiman of Fremont, Neb.; daughter, Virginia Steinmeyer of St. Charles; brother, Clyde Farber of Moore, Okla.; and sister, Louise Jones of Newark, Okla.; also son-in-law, Randy Steinmeyer of St. Charles; daughter-in-law, Chalice Harvey of Fremont; sisters-in-law, Clara Farber of Moore, Mildred Harvey Barmore of Florence, Ore., and Virginia Farber of La Crescenta, Calif.; grandchildren, Daniel and Kathy Steinmeyer of Lincoln, Neb., Michael and Tonya Steinmeyer of St. Peters, Sharra and Michael Smith of Bellevue, Neb., and Erik and Anita Harvey of Leadville, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Alex, Sam, Reid and Kaylee Steinmeyer, Ainsley and Nelson Smith and Raymond Harvey; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents, three brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 25 July, 2007
HERVERT, Amiel J. Jr., 91, of Ravenna died Monday, July 23, 2007, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Thursday, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Nov. 29, 1915, in Buffalo County
Parents: Amiel and Elizabeth (Chop) Hervert
Was educated at Antelope Valley
Farmed his entire life in Antelope Valley; moved to Ravenna Good Samaritan Center in 1997
Member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the Rural Fire Board
Survivors include his sister, Mary Bullock of Laramie, Wyo.; also his sisters-in-law, Sylvia Hervert and Sara Ann Hervert, both of Ravenna; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred and Jim; and sister, Elsie Guzinski
Kearney Hub, 24 July, 2007
HARDER, Wilma A., 92, of Gibbon died Thursday, July 26, 2007, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Shelton
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Born Dec. 26, 1914, in Big Springs to Gustave and Therese (Greinke) Harder
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Rita Harder of Kirkland, Wash., and several nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 28 July, 2007
CISNEROS, Ruth, 89, of Kearney died Friday, July 27, 2007, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the family
Born Dec. 10, 1917, in Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico
Parents: Trinadad and Herminia (Jimenez) Gallardo
Spent the majority of her life in Colorado and Nebraska
Married: 1945, to Luis Cisneros. He died Oct. 29, 1959, from a farm accident.
Worked 1961 - 1981 at Bethphage Mission in Axtell while raising her six children; became a U.S. citizen 1965
Activities: enjoyed watching baseball games on television; also enjoyed shopping with family members; faithfully attended Mass, said her Rosary every night; enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Frank and Charles, both of Kearney, Marion of Minden and Benny of North Platte; daughters, Ramona Mackrill and Linda Holguin, both of Kearney; sister, Margaret Jimenez of Fort Collins, Colo.; 16 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Alice Cisneros of Kearney, Elosia Cisneros of Minden and Jody Cisneros of North Platte; and sons-in-law, Ron Mackrill and Casimiro Holguin, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husbnad, one brother and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 30 July, 2007
SZUMOWSKI, Anthony J., infant son of Nichole Szumowski of Kearney, died Thursday, July 26, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lincoln
Burial: Calvary Cemetery in Lincoln
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born July 5, 2007, in Kearney
Survivors include his mother; and grandmother, Dee Hart of Kearney; also aunt, Renee Szumowski of Kearney; uncle, Edward Szumowski of Kearney; and cousin, Athena Adams of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 28 July, 2007
BISSELL, Idell, 79, of Kearney died Friday, July 27, 2007, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the family
Born born Feb. 22, 1928, in Kearney
Parents: Glenn and Bertha (Ball) Stafford
Graduated from Riverdale High School in 1945 and attended Kearney State College
Married: Nov. 5, 1950, to Robert Bissell in Riverdale; farmed southeast of Riverdale, retired in 1992
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Riverdale Better Homes Extension Club, Riverdale Rebekah Lodge and the Women's Society of Christian Service; was a 4-H leader
Survivors include her husband; son, Roger of Kearney; and daughter, Vicki of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Jackie Bissell of Kearney; grandson, Samuel Bissell of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Stafford of Riverdale and Jo Bissell of Kearney; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 30 July, 2007
SNYDER, Bernadine N., 89, of Gibbon died Friday, July 27, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: Kenesaw Cemetery
Memorials: Gibbon Emergency Unit Fund
Born June 6, 1918, near Prosser
Parents: Bert and Estella (Bailey) McCall
Grew up near Prosser, graduating from District 81 Prosser High School in 1934; was a member of a very successful softball team in 1935 in Prosser
Married: July 15, 1936, to Bernard Snyder in Smith Center, Kan. He died in 2004
Lived on a farm north of Prosser; moved to what is known as the Boyd House just west of Gibbon, 1954; were the last to live in the house before it was moved to Trails and Rails Museum in Kearney; retired in 1990, moved into Gibbon to her present home; loved to garden
Survivors include her sister, Faye Hughes of Hastings; also many nieces and nephews and a host of Gibbon friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Ralph, Lawrence and Leslie; and sister, Adeline Carlson
Kearney Hub, 30 July, 2007
BEHRENDT, Alice Louise, 81, of Ravenna died Sunday, July 29, 2007, at her home
Services: Wednesday, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born July 27, 1926, in Buffalo County
Parents: Alfred and Eva (Altmeier) Schroeder
Educated at Rose Hill and Hartman schools, graduated from Kearney High School and Kearney State College; taught at a rural elementary school for one year
Married: Nov. 14, 1947, to Dee Behrendt at Prairie Center
Lived on a farm south of Ravenna; retired to Ravenna in 1989
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Altar Society; loved her flowers, garden and family
Survivors include her husband; sons, Robert, Donald, David and James, all of Ravenna; daughters, Betty Wietjes of Amherst and Janet Mueller of Gibbon; brother, Lawrence Schroeder of Gibbon; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Marjorie Behrendt of Ravenna; sons-in-law, George Wietjes of Amherst and Rick Mueller of Gibbon; nieces; and nephews
Was preceded in death by her son, Daniel; one brother; and one sister
Kearney Hub, 30 July, 2007
REFIOR, John H., 65, of Odessa died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday, Odessa Community Church
Cremation later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born Feb. 2, 1942, in North Platte
Parents: Harold and Georgia (Lymber) Refior
Grew up in the Elm Creek area, attended school in Elm Creek and Sumner
Married: Nov. 20, 1962, to Beverly Schleeter in Elm Creek
Lived in the Elm Creek area, was employed by Werner Enterprises; was a truck driver for 23 years
Enjoyed fishing with his granddaughters
Survivors include his wife; sons, Jeffery of Sumner and John of Las Vegas; daughters, Tammy Boyer of Oxford, April of Kearney and Toni of Odessa; brother, Charlie of Minden; and sisters, Marlene Olmsted of Overton, Edith Rains of Dallas, Ore., and Charlotte Wion of South Gate, Calif.; also daughter-in-law, Heidi Refior of Las Vegas; son-in-law, Mark Boyer of Oxford; brothers-in-law, Glenn Olmsted of Overton, Terry Rains of Dallas and Chuck Wion of South Gate; grandson, Curtis Refior of Lexington; and granddaughter, Samantha Refior of Las Vegas
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Paul, David and George; and granddaughter, Tarah Refior
Kearney Hub, 1 August, 2007
BAHNSEN, Catharine E., 98, of Kearney died Monday, July 30, 2007, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Friday, First Christian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: First Christian Church or the Buffalo County Historical Society
Born May 31, 1909, in Kearney
Parents: Harry and Nancy (Toole) Boyle
Was baptized at First Christian Church in 1920; graduated from Kearney High School in 1925; attended Kearney State College for three years; taught at Emerson School for six years
Married: July 8, 1934, to Lorand Bahnsen in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Taught in Buffalo County rural schools from 1936 to 1940, worked at the Kearney Air Base during World War II; finished her degree in 1955, taught again in Kearney Public Schools; retired in 1971
Activities: was an active member of First Christian Church in Kearney, served as the church organist for more than 50 years; member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Xi Phi Honorary Society, Orphean Music Honor Society, Delta Kappa Gamma, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Kearney Retired Teacher's Society, Nebraska Retired Teacher's Society and the Buffalo County Historical Society
Survivors include her daughter- and son-in-law, Judith and John Koski of Wildwood, Mo.; granddaughters, Tyleen Stults and her husband, Don, of Monte Vista, Colo., and Marci Koski of Escondido, Calif.; grandsons, Brett Bahnsen of Denver and Paul Koski and his wife, Anne, of Portland, Ore.; great-granddaughters, Grace and Faith Stults, both of Monte Vista; and great-grandsons, Evan, Isaac and Owen Stults, all of Monte Vista; several cousins; and many friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, and son, Larry
Kearney Hub, 2 August, 2007
BEESON, LaVerne J., 77, of Gibbon died Monday, July 30, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Jan. 26, 1930, in El Paso, Texas
Parents: David and Elvera (Larson) Humiston
Married: Feb. 1, 1960, to John Beeson in Pueblo, Colo. He died in 2002
Survivors include her sons, Danny Thomas of Bloomfield, N.M., Kenny Thomas of Holdrege, Victor Thomas of Sidney, David of Gibbon and Richard of Sterling, Colo.; daughters, Janice Carman of Gibbon and Gloria Hinricks of Bigelow, Mo.; 23 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 31 July, 2007
MARLATT, Arvon L., 68, of Kearney died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at his home south of Kearney
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Heart Fund
Born Dec. 18, 1938, in Minden
Parents: Jay and Viola (Muller) Marlatt
Attended school at Newark and Minden High School
Married Diana Erpelding
Military: U.S. Army, 1962 - 1963; honorably discharged
Returned to farm the family farm after his father's death; also did custom farming and trucking
Survivors include his daughter, Lanise Barber of Lincoln; and sister, Nadine Sheldon of Kearney; also special friend, Jo Ann Epping of Kearney; her daughters, Kristi Carlson and husband, Brad, and Jennifer Epping, all of Kearney; her son, Tim Epping of Kearney; her grandchildren, Amie Bell and husband, Kyle, of Holdrege, Spencer Smith of Minden, Jon and Tyann Epping of Sutherland; her stepgrandchildren, Chelsea, Grant and Bryce Carlson of Minden; her great-grandson, J.J. Bell of Holdrege; his nephews, Bracken Sheldon and Cammon Sheldon, both of Kearney; friend, Jeff Smith of Holdrege; and many other friends and relatives
Was preceded in death by his son, Arlen; his parents; and his brother-in-law, Roy Sheldon
Kearney Hub, 2 August, 2007
PIASECKI, Dorothy I., 93, of Kearney died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, at her home
Reception: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial of cremains: later
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice, the American Cancer Society or Kearney Golden K Kiwanis
Born May 21, 1914, in Dowling, Mich.
Parents: Fay and Ethel (Matteson) Whitworth
Grew up in Dowling, received her education at Battle Creek (Mich.) Central High School
Married: July 31, 1937, to Walter Piasecki in Auburn, Ind.
Lived in Battle Creek, was employed by HB Sherman Co.; moved to Kearney in 1969
Activities: member of the Randa Vista Club in Battle Creek; in Kearney, was a volunteer at the Red Cross and the Children's Museum; member of the Kearney DOES and Golden K Kiwanis; enjoyed needlepoint, flowers, gardening, traveling and spending time with her family
Survivors include her husband; son, Roger of Kearney; daughter, Cyndy VanAutreve of Kennesaw, Ga.; and brother, Leon Whitworth of Hastings, Mich.; also daughter-in-law, Judy Piasecki of Kearney; son-in-law, Tom VanAutreve of Kennesaw; grandchildren, Trevour and Carrie Kelleher of New Jersey, Sally and Darren Disler of Colorado, Ben Piasecki and fianc‚ Molly Ryan of Tennessee, Erica VanAutreve of New York and Sarah and Paul MacRae and Kristen VanAutreve, all of Georgia; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Nicholas Kelleher of New Jersey, Lauren Disler of Colorado and Genna Ryan of Tennessee
Was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
Kearney Hub, 2 August, 2007