Page 75
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
FREW, John A., 93, of Gibbon, formerly of Eustis, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, United Methodist Church in Eustis
Burial with military honors: Westview Cemetery in Eustis
Mortuary: Berryman in Cozad
Memorials: Eustis or Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Born March 2, 1915, in Eustis
Parents: John and Katie (Helmkamp) Frew
During school years, worked on a farm and helped his father operate the family-owned creamery and Eustis Pool Hall and Bar; graduated from Eustis High School in 1933
Military: 1941, entered U.S. Army, served in the 73rd Engineer Company in Alaska and Canada, working to build bridges where the Alcan Highway now expands; shortly after marriage, was called back into the service, serving in Germany, England and other regions in Europe; received American Defense, Asiatic Campaign and European Theater of Operation Service Ribbons and one Bronze Service Star; honorably discharge, 1945.
On Aug. 2, 1943, he married Bessie Hoppes at the Methodist parsonage in Eustis, while on leave from Army. She died in April 2008
Returned home after WWII, owned and operated the Eustis Pool Hall and Bar for more than 30 years; retired in 1976; served as the rural substitute mail carrier in the Eustis area for 25 years; moved to Gibbon, 1989, to be closer to family
Activities: member of the United Methodist Churches in both Eustis and Gibbon; member of Hablitzel-Zwink American Legion Post 257; he and Bessie had been honored as the king and queen of Wurst Tag in Eustis; enjoyed reading and loved sports; was an avid baseball fan, loved the New York Yankees; especially enjoyed time with family
Survivors include his sons, Doug Frew and his wife, Mary, of Kearney and Jim Frew and his wife, Cyndee, of Niwot, Colo.; grandchildren, Robbie and Travis Frew, both of Gibbon, Kelly McDonald and her husband, Clayton, of Norfolk, Justin Lujan of Longmont, Colo., Venus King and her husband, Ryan, of Grand Island and Tessie Zeller and her husband, Bryce, of Arcadia; and great-grandchildren, Mason, Taylor, Perrin, Garret, Jenna, Nora, Landon, Payton and Addyson
Was preceded in death by his wife; infant son, Duane Lee; brothers, Harold and Robert; and sisters, Violet and Irene
Kearney Hub, 1 December, 2008
KEILIG, Erma, 90, of Ravenna died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna
Memorials: the church or the donor's choice
Born Feb. 12, 1918, at Pleasanton
Parents: Walter and Olive (Asher) Phillips
Was educated at Sunflower School, graduated from Pleasanton High School; attended one year of normal training at Kearney State College; taught at District 27 for two years and District 39 for two years
Married: June 23, 1940, to Merle Keilig in Ravenna
Lived on farm south of Ravenna; moved to Ravenna in 1985
Activities: member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, Dorcas Society and Major Neighborhood Club
Survivors include her husband; sons, Jerry Keilig and his wife, Wanda, of Ravenna and Roger Keilig and his wife, Shari, of Raymore, Mo.; daughters, Marilyn Hoppe and her husband, Randy, of Beatrice and Rene Radil and her husband, Ron, of Carson City, Nev.; brother, William "Billy" Phillips and his wife, Carol, of Pleasanton; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lee Nell Phillips of Pleasanton; and brother-in-law, Everett Hadwiger of Iowa Falls, Iowa
Was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Wilmetta Hadwiger and Audrey Royle; and brother, Ercil Phillips
Kearney Hub, 1 December, 2008
ABEL, Martha M., 95, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Mason City Cemetery
Memorials: St. John's Good Samaritan Center or The Salvation Army
Born March 3, 1913, in Elk Creek Community in Custer County
Parents: Anton and Josie (Devish) Knajdl
Graduated from Mason City High School in 1931; taught country school in rural Custer County
Married: Dec. 3, 1932, to Charles Abel in Mason City. He preceded her in death
With husband, farmed in Custer County; moved to Ansley, worked for BD in Broken Bow; moved to Emerson Place Apartments in Kearney, helped manage the apartments; moved into St. John's in 2000
Activities: enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, traveling and visiting
Survivors include her sons, Richard Abel and his wife, Barbara, of Montrose, Colo., and Robert Abel and his wife, Marilyn, of Belleville, Kan.; numerous grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughters, Mickey Lymber and Arlene Harnagel; and sisters, Helen Ibach and Lucille Cox
Kearney Hub, 2 December, 2008
BOLIN, Blanche E., 101, of Gibbon died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Aug. 23, 1907, at Gibbon
Parents: Alfred and Sadie (Griffin) Hibberd
Married: Dec. 28, 1927, to Mark Bolin in York. He died in 1982
Survivors include her sister, Alyce Keiper of Gibbon; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 December, 2008
OSTERHOUDT, Howard A., 82, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings
Services: Thursday, First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: American Cancer Society and Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Born Jan. 16, 1926, in Stockville
Parents: Everett and Frances (Richardson) Osterhoudt
Grew up in the Curtis area, attended Nebraska School of Agriculture at Curtis
Military: U.S. Navy
Married: Dec. 25, 1947, to Cora Shults in Curtis
Graduated from Kearney State Teachers College in 1955; taught industrial arts and helped coach the football and play teams; moved to Kearney in 1988
Survivors include his wife; sons, Marlin Osterhoudt and his wife, Linda, of Kenyon, Minn., and Dwight Osterhoudt and his wife, Joan, of Callaway; daughters, Cheryl Long and her husband, Jim, of Frederick, Colo., and Leslie Wolsleben and her husband, Perry, of Fremont; brothers, Royal Osterhoudt of Joplin, Mo., Vernon Osterhoudt and his wife, Regina, of Billings, Mo., Ronald Osterhoudt and his wife, Genevieve, of Buhl, Idaho, Franklin Osterhoudt of Emmett, Idaho, and Miles Osterhoudt and his wife, Pam, of Ketchum, Idaho; sisters, Leora Wood of North Platte, Betty Eldredge and her husband, Burl, of Wendell, Idaho, Barbara Besser of Fort Worth, Texas, and LeAnne Sullivan and her husband, Joe, of Albuquerque, N.M.; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister, one niece and two nephews
Kearney Hub, 2 December, 2008
WIDUP, Jolaine J., 47, of Shelton died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Memorials: the family for distribution to her preferred ministries
Born Sept. 23, 1961, in Columbus
Parents: Eugene and Edna (Marty) Muth
Grew up in various towns across Nebraska, moved to Shelton in 1976; graduated from Shelton High School in 1980
Married: May 16, 1981, to Clifford Widup in Shelton. Lived in Shelton, worked for Dority Chiropractic in Kearney for 24 years
Activities: enjoyed music and cooking, greatest pride and joy were raising her two children
Survivors include her husband; son, Seth Widup of Shelton; daughter, Allie Widup of Shelton; her father of Gibbon; and sisters, Kathleen Thonen of Kearney, Patricia Matulka and her husband, Marlin, of Seward and Jacqueline Trampe and her husband, Thomas, of Sumner
Was preceded in death by her mother and a brother-in-law, Wayne Thonen
Kearney Hub, 2 December, 2008
ROEPKE, B. June, 87, of Kearney, formerly of Arapahoe, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Mount Carmel Keens Memorial Home
Services: Thursday, First United Methodist Church in Arapahoe
Burial: Arapahoe Cemetery
Mortuary: Wenburg in Arapahoe
Born: June 12, 1921, south of Arapahoe
Parents: William and Hazel (Elston) McCoy
Married: Aug. 5, 1941, to Lyle O. Roepke in Detroit. He died April 7, 2006
Survivors include her son, Todd of Kearney; daughter, Tami Sculley of Kearney; brothers, Victor McCoy of Kearney and Neal McCoy of Arapahoe; sister, Mona Mousel of Edison; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 December, 2008
DAVID, Roger Wayne, 65, of Kearney, formerly of Bertrand, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at his home
Services: Friday, Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege
Burial of cremains: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Memorials: will be designated later
Born Aug. 21, 1943, in Holdrege
Parents: Everett "Bud" and Retha (Geer) David
Received his education at Loomis, graduated from Loomis High School with the class of 1961
Military: U.S. Army, Aug. 4, 1964 -Aug. 3, 1966, received honorable discharge
Married: Aug. 6, 1966, to Jane E. Kowalsky in San Antonio
Lived in Denver, worked in the parts department for General Motors, then managed a service station in Lakewood, Colo.; also worked in construction hanging drywall from 1971-1975; then began a long career in livestock feed sales selling for Moorman Manufacturing; moved to Nebraska, June 1977, lived in Bertrand; continued in livestock sales until 1996, then worked in various fields of sales; retireed and moved to Kearney in July
Activities: member of Hope Lutheran Church in rural Smithfield, then of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Kearney; member of American Legion Post 67 in Bertrand, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Holdrege and, while in Colorado, served as a volunteer fireman; loved time with the family, especially grandchildren
Survivors include his wife; sons: Todd David and his wife, Carla, of Gibbon, Troy David and his wife, Gretchen, of Brady and Roger Michael David and his wife, Mandy, of Stromsburg; daughters, Cassie Rider and her husband, Shane, of Burlington, Colo., and Katie Wiseman and her husband, Tom, of North Platte; grandchildren, Ella, Julia, Samson, Kamryn and Gannon David, McCrae and McClane Rider, Trevor and Elizabeth David, Reese David, and Sierra, Tommy and Michaela Wiseman; brothers, Dwayne David and his wife, Donna of Newark, Ohio, Paul David and his wife, Pat, of Russell, Kan., Johnnie David and his wife, Harriett, of Longmont, Colo., Larry David and his wife, Cindy, of Stromsburg and Mike David and his wife, Trish of Holdrege; sisters, Elaine Schell of Holdrege, Bonita Sturgis and her husband, Everet, of Axtell, Mary Johnson and her husband, Ed, of Alma, Mo., Retha Jo Luttrell of Fort Collins, Colo., and Peggy Piepanbrock and her husband, Eric, of Phoenix; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; twin brothers, Richard and Ronald David; sisters-in-law, Betty and Lois; and brothers-in-law, John Schell and Randy Luttrell
Kearney Hub, 3 December, 2008
MONTES, Cristina Estrada, 37, and son
MONTES, Luis Antonio, 14, both of Kearney, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, as the result of an automobile accident east of Waco
Services: Saturday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: to the family
Cristina was born July 24, 1971, in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico
Parents: Pedro and Antonia (Ornelas) Estrada
Grew up in California, moved to Minneapolis, then moved to Kearney
Married: Feb. 14, 1991,to Daniel Cortez in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Luis was born Aug. 31, 1994, in Minneapolis; was a freshman at Kearney High School at the time of his death
Survivors include Cristina's husband and Luis' father, Daniel Cortez of Kearney; Cristina's son and Luis' brother, Daniel Montes Jr. of Kearney; Cristina's daughters and Luis' sisters, Maria Montes and Ana Montes, both of Kearney; Cristina's parents and Luis' grandparents, Pedro and Antonia Estrada of Jerez; Cristina's grandmother and Luis' great-grandmother, Manuela Carrera of Jerez; Cristina's brothers, Pedro Estrada, Antonio Estrada, Laureano Estrada and Jesus Estrada; and Cristina's sisters, Yolanda Tapia, Eva Estrada, Olivia Delgado, Imelda Quintero, Rosio Estrada, Rosa de la torre, Brenda Estrada and Lorena Estrada
Kearney Hub, 5 December, 2008
SMITH, Shirley F., 83, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
No services; body was cremated
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born Aug. 13, 1925, in Omaha
Parents: Mike and Dorothy (Goodwill) Beneires
Grew up in the area, graduated from Omaha South High School in 1944
Married Loren Colburn. He preceded her in death
Married: Feb. 13, 1981, to Aron Smith in Alma. He died in January 2001
Worked first with an insurance company, and later in various professions, last as a grocery checker in Fullerton, Calif.; retired in 1966
With second husband, resided in Grand Island
Activities: attended St. Leo's Catholic Church; loved to crochet
Survivors include her sons, David Colburn of Ridgecrest, Calif., and Mike McKean; daughter, Leslie Morrison of San Bernardino, Calif.; sister, Georgene Morris of Sidney, Iowa; four stepchildren; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husbands, and sons, Danny McKean and Steve McKean
Kearney Hub, 6 December, 2008
HARNAGEL, Alvin "Lee", 90, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at his home
Services: Friday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Born Feb. 3, 1918, near Miller in Buffalo County
Parents: Elmer and Ida (Ehresman) Harnagel
Grew up in the Miller area, graduated from Miller High School in 1936; attended Grand Island Business College for two years and then worked for the AAA (Agriculture) office in Kearney; meanwhile joined the Kearney Irishmen baseball team and played with them under the management of Mike Hollinger
Married: June 20, 1941, to Naomi Zalud
Received a Civil Service appointment, 1941, to work for the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C.
Military: entered Feb. 11, 1943; basic training was at St. Petersburg, Fla., with continuing training in California; went overseas Nov. 17, 1943, to serve in the CBI (China, Burma, India) Theater; returned to the United States Oct. 12, 1945, received honorable discharge Nov. 14, 1945
Farmed north of Miller for nine years; again played baseball, but with the Holdrege Bears as Walt Ibsen, pitcher, always wanted Lee to be on the team where he pitched; moved to Pomona, Calif., worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retired in February 1978; returned to Miller
Activities: president of the Miller Seniors Seniors Club until 1999, moved to Kearney, 1999; continued being involved in the club; enjoyed bowling; was active in his church; life member of American Legion Post 351; member of the Fort Kearny Genealogy Society and the 422nd Signal Corps Association
Survivors include his wife of 67 years; son, Gary and his wife, Sylvia, of Fort Collins, Colo.; brother, Haisel "Chub" Harnagel of Miller; sister, Evelyn Fees of Miller; grandchildren, Christina Nelson and her husband, Shad, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Kathleen Dexter and her husband, Mike, of El Dorado Hills, Calif., Rebecca McFarland and her husband, Mike, of Fort Collins, John Harnagel of San Jose, Calif., and Theresa Judd and her husband, Phillip, of Sacramento, Calif.; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Barbara Klein of Redlands, Calif., Margaret Zalud of North Platte and Betty Zalud of Northridge, Calif.; and many cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Opal Davis and Ruby Harnagel; and grandson, Richard Harnagel
Kearney Hub, 11 December, 2008
VEAL, Norman Kent, 89, of Medford, Oregon, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, in Medford
Memorial services: Dec 8, Eagle Point National Cemetery
Mortuary: Perl in Medford
Born Sept. 30, 1919, in Amherst, Neb.
Parents: Frank and Mabel (Rumbeck) Veal
Graduated from high school in Miller, Neb., in 1936; attended the University of Nebraska
Military: U.S. Army, spent nearly four years in Iran
Married: 1947, to Maxine Burr. She died in 1976
Married Arlene Worland
Moved to Denver, 1946
Worked for the Rio Grande and Central Georgia Railroad for 10 years; loved music and played saxophone in a dance band in Nebraska; member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Elks Club and the American Legion, NARF, genealogy and computer clubs; worked for the IRS until his retirement in 1979; lived in Bailey, Colo.
In 1987, he was reunited with Arlene Worland, an old classmate, at their 51st high school reunion, and they were married soon after; spent many winters in Mesa, Ariz. in 1999, moved to the Rogue Valley Manor
Survivors include his wife; stepsons, Darrell Burr of Aurora, Colo., Ronald Worland of Medford and Richard Worland of Richmond, Va.; and stepdaughter, Bernice Casner of Arkon, Colo.
Was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bernice; and his brothers, John and Merle
Medord, Ore., Mail Tribune, 9 December, 2008
ELLINGTON, Judith Ann "Judi", 68, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died of cancer Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Arlington
Services: Dec. 3, Moore Funeral Home-Bowen Road Chapel in Arlington
Memorials: American Cancer Society or Integra Hospice
Born Jan. 5, 1940, in Sidney, Neb.
Parents: Rudy and Adnelle Eckel
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1958
Married Joe Ellington. He preceded her in death
Lived in Arlington for the past 32 years; enjoyed spending time with her many friends and family; was a devoted mother, grandmother and Cornhusker fan
Survivors include her son, Steve and his wife, Amy, and grandsons, Connor, Nick and Lincoln, of Arlington; daughters, Tracey and her husband, Rob, and grandsons, Alec and Cole, and Kris Timmeron and granddaughter, Abby, all of Arlington; sister, Carol Crumback and her husband, Randy, of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband and parents
Kearney Hub, 10 December, 2008
KLINGELHOEFER, Conrad A., 88, of Amherst died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Friday, Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Stanley Cemetery at Amherst
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: Buffalo County Hero Flight
Born March 1, 1920, in Amherst
Parents: Conrad and Emelie (Wuehler) Klingelhoefer
Graduated from Amherst High School in 1936
Military: joined U.S. Army in 1942, served during World War II
Married: May 29, 1943, to Maxine Chapin in Tucson, Ariz.
After discharge from Army, returned to Amherst, farmed; started Klingelhoefer well drilling service in 1964; worked at the Glenwood Hay Mill and Eaton Corp., retired in 1982; had his own sawmill that he used to cut lumber
Activities: enjoyed collecting and rebuilding Massey-Harris tractors, going to auctions, reading, gardening, music and dancing; was a good cook; enjoyed airplanes and flying; loved his grandchildren
Survivors include his sons, Robert Klingelhoefer, Kenneth Klingelhoefer and his wife, Sharon, and Steven Klingelhoefer and his wife, Melanie, all of Amherst; daughters, Carol Tjernagel and her husband, Luther, of St. Paul and Janelle Ward and her husband, Tim, of Frisco, Texas; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special friend, Berniece Slack of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 11 December, 2008
BROADFOOT, Vern D., 82, Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: to be established
Born Jan. 17, 1926, in a sod house near Miller
Parents: Lester and Clara (Mowrey) Broadfoot
Moved to Halsey at age 7; moved to Kearney at age 17
Military: U.S. Army Air Force, April 7, 1944-April 30, 1946; was honorably discharged; returned to Kearney
Married: April 6, 1944, to Margie Whitney in Kansas. She died in 1993
Worked for his wife's family business, Whitney Sand and Gravel; opened his own business, Broadfoot Sand and Gravel, 1960; was active in the business until his death
Activities: attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church; member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; enjoyed visiting the homestead near Halsey and hunting there; enjoyed nature and wildlife
Survivors include his son, Terry of Kearney; daughters, Mary Jo Lowe of Kearney and Debra Broadfoot of Phoenix; grandchildren, Michelle Sprague of Elm Creek and Ryan Broadfoot, Justin Broadfoot, Michael Lowe, Amanda Garringer, Aaron Broadfoot and Austin Broadfoot, all of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Stacia, Austin, Jacob and Trevor; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife; sons, Edward and Michael; and brother, Keith
Kearney Hub, 13 December, 2008
HOLT, Judith Jane "Judy", 68, of Kearney, formerly of rural Holdrege, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: Dec. 20, Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk
Burial of cremains: later
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer of Holdrege
Memorial: to be designated
Born Aug. 29, 1940, at Holstein
Parents: Bruce and Evelyn (Hemberger) Block
Moved with parents to Hastings; graduated from Hastings High School in 1958; attended Cosmetology School in Hastings; moved to Holdrege, worked as a cosmetologist
Married: Jan. 9, 1960, to Paul Holt
With husband, farmed north of Loomis, 1968-1972; purchased their home place east of Holdrege; remained on the farm, worked side by side with her husband; retired, 2007, moved to Kearney
Activities: member of Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk since 1972; family was the center of her life, enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and attending their activities and sporting events; loved to travel, decorating her home and working in her yard
Survivors include her husband; sons, Ryan Holt and his wife, Stephanie, of Holdrege and Matt Holt and his wife, Traci, of Holdrege; daughters, Deena Holt of Liberty, Mo., and Shanda Laflin and her husband, Mike, of Tecumseh; sister, Beverly Nelson and her husband, Gene, of Holdrege; grandchildren, Katherine and Sarah Black, Josh, Seth and Shelby Blum, Tyler and Katie Laflin, Celeena and Clayton Holt and Gage, Samuel and Hayden Holt; sisters-in-law, Virginia Holt and Doris Holt, both of Kearney, and Lois Holen and her husband, Don, of Bertrand; brothers-in-law, Roy Stapp of Omaha, Jerry Arnold of Cozad and Alan Holt of Overton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Block; and nephew, Bruce Nelson
Kearney Hub, 13 December, 2008
KLOTTHUR, Curtis Anthony "Curt", 23, of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, at his father's home in Sedona, Arizona
Memorial services: Friday, United Methodist Church in Alma, Neb.
Mortuary: Banta-Torrey in Alma
Born July 17, 1985, in Alma
Parents: Kenneth and Cheryl (Purple) Klotthor
Survivors include his father and stepmother, Kenneth and Julie Klotthor of Sedona; his mother, Cheryl Purple of Kearney; brother, Casey of Alma; half-sister, Marci Purple of Kearney; grandparents, Jimmie and Mary Lou Klotthor of Republican City, Neb., and Valeta Goll and her husband, Merv, of Beaver City, Neb.; and great-grandparents, Fred and Jessie Klotthor of Republican City
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2008
BRAY, Merissa Ann, daughter of Douglas and Sarah (Newbrey) Bray of Kearney, was born at rest Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: later Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Survivors include her parents; brother, Holden Bray of Kearney; sister, Sky Bray of Cozad; grandparents, Ted and Cheryl Bray and Elizabeth and Rick Popken, all of Overton, Crystal Brown of Floral, Ark., and Brian Newbrey of Eustis; great-grandparents, Dick and Arleen Newbrey of Eustis and Jon and Elizabeth Kister of Beverly Hills, Fla.; and uncles, Mike Bray of Overton and Shawn Newbrey of Floral
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2008
MIODOWSKI, Frances Mary, 92, of Kearney, formerly of Loup City, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, St. Josaphat's Catholic Church in Loup City
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Higgins in Loup City
Born Jan. 22, 1916, in Loup City
Parents: John and Sophia (Silver) Miodowski
Survivors include many nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 17 December, 2008
FINN, Judy M., 60, of Lincoln died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, in Lincoln
Memorial services: Monday at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home in Lincoln
Memorials: American Cancer Society for Research
Born Aug. 31, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: Earl and Doris (Erpelding) Mays
Married Tom Finn
Was a former computer administrator with Pathology Medical Services
Survivors include her husband; sons, Judd and his wife, Victoria, of Austin, Texas, and Nathan of Lincoln; daughter, Jodi Dennison of Kearney; her mother, of Lincoln; brothers, Steve Mays and his wife, Lorrie, and Kent Mays and his wife, Chris, all of Kearney; sister, Sharon Laughlin and her husband, Steve, of Omaha; nine grandchildren; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2008
FRUHLING, Gerald H. "Pete", 64, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at Callaway District Hospital
Services: Friday, Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth
Burial: St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Jelden-Craig in Hildreth
Born Dec. 30, 1943, in Campbell
Parents: Garhart and Mattie (Jurgens) Fruhling
Grew up in the Macon-Hildreth area, graduated from Hildreth High School in 1962
Military: U.S. Navy, 1964-1968
Returned to Nebraska, lived in Ogallala; moved to Denver, worked for Pepsi-Cola as a route driver; retired and moved to Arizona, then to Kearney
Activities: member of the American Legion and the Eagles, both in Kearney; loved visiting with relatives and friends; enjoyed playing cards
Survivors include his sons, Greg Fruhling and his wife, Kris, of Keenesburg, Colo., Gary Fruhling, Grant Fruhling and Glenn Fruhling, all of Thornton, Colo., and Gavin Fruhling and his wife, Phyllis, of Cortez, Colo.; sisters, Luyre Bertrand and her husband, Leon, of Hildreth and Phyllis Kulhanec and her husband, Al, of Kearney; and six grandchildren. Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2008
GARRISON, Merla E., 66, of rural Fremont died Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, at Fremont Area Medical Center
Memorial services: Saturday, Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont
Burial: Ridge Cemetery in Fremont
Born Oct. 2, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Lloyd and Olive (Brestel) King
Grew up in Kearney, except for two years spent in Tacoma, Wash.
Married: May 1959, to Earl Lammers
Married Lee Yager
Married: June 1980, to Jerome Garrison
Survivors include her husband; sons, Kim Yager and his wife, Cindy, of Pleasanton, Kerry Yager and his wife, Janet, of Grand Island and Duane Garrison and his wife, Lori, of Omaha; daughters, Cheri Uhlik and her husband, Doug, of Fremont and Esther Garrison of California; brother, John King and his wife, Cheryl, of Shelton; and 11 grandchildren
Activities: member of Kearney Eagles Aerie 2722 for more than 40 years
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2008
DAVIS, James R. Traver, 79, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at his home
Memorial services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: later
Memorials: the family
Born April 30, 1929, in Bainbridge, Mich.
Parents: Clare and Florine (Hammond) Davis
Grew up in Hartford, Mich., received his education there
Military: U.S. Army during World War II
Activities: member of the American Legion; loved gardening, fishing and tinkering with anything he could get his hands on
Survivors include his special friend, Val Gant of Kearney; sons, Paul Davis and wife, Debbie, of Illinois and James Traver of Kearney; daughters, Diana Moll and her husband, Larry, of Illinois, Debra Vittettow and her husband, Steve, of Durango, Colo., Nancy Johnson and her husband, Larry, of Litchfield, Lori Bailey and Sharon Geisler and her husband, Steve, all of Kearney; brothers, Wally Traver and his wife, Nancy, of Michigan; and sisters, Arletta Meachum and Muriel Fellows, both of Michigan, and Margaret Everett of Alaska
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, William Traver; and son-in-law, Kevin Bailey
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2008
ECKEL, Velma, 84, of Wood River, formerly of Ravenna, died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at Western Hall County Good Samaritan Center in Wood River
Services: Tuesday, Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Born Jan. 19, 1924, in Sherman County
Parents: Clarence and Mary (Smith) Criffield
Married: Oct. 4, 1944, to Sylvester Eckel. He died in 1983
Lived on the family farm; retired, 1980, moved to Ravenna
Survivors include her sons, LeRoy of Ravenna and Loren of Torrington, Wyo.; daughter, Rita Sonnenfeld of Kearney; brother, Eli Criffield of Loup City; sister, Lila Munster of Gothenburg; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2008
GLAZE, Lester "Keith", 88, of Broken Bow died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at Golden Living Center in Broken Bow
Services: Saturday, Govier Brothers Chapel
Burial: Broken Bow Cemetery
Memorials: Presbyterian Church, VFW, American Legion or the Broken Bow Historical Museum
Born June 15, 1920, in Kearney
Parents: James and Marie (Cepal) Glaze
Attended Kearney schools, graduated from Kearney High School in 1937
Worked at Pat's Booterie in Broken Bow and North Platte
Married: 1941 to Maxine Smith
Military: entered U.S. Air Force October 1942; graduated as an aviation cadet from the University of Missouri; graduated from flight training at Altus Airfield, Okla., in June 1944 as a pilot and officer; flew The Hump from India to China; served in Korea for two years; remained in the Air Force Reserve for the next 35 years, retired as a colonel in April 1978; was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Clusters, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and others
After the war, returned to Broken Bow with his family; bought the Pazderka Furniture Store, operated Glaze Furniture Store for 38 years
Activities: member of the Presbyterian Church of Broken Bow for more than 50 years; belonged to Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Club, Elks, Reserve Officers Association, CBI Hump Pilots, Altus Aces and the Civil Air Patrol; was the chairman for the Custer County Republicans for several years; was active in civic affairs and served on numerous committees, boards and organizations for community betterment
Survivors include his wife; son, Terry Glaze of Mullen; daughter, Nancy Kneipple and her husband, Stephen, of Centennial, Colo.; granddaughter, Sarah Cantor and her husband, Steven, of Portland, Ore.; grandson, John Kneipple and his wife, Lima of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Shayla Kneipple and Cyrus Kneipple of Pagosa Springs; brother, Alan Gibbons of Oklahoma City; sister, Ardith Wait of Burlington, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2008
KISHKUNAS, Ellen J., 81, of Kearney, formerly of Iowa, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at her daughter's home in Kearney
Memorial services: Tuesday, Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Glenwood, Iowa
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney for local arrangements
Memorials: the church, Ascera Care Hospice or to the American Cancer Society
Born Sept. 28, 1927, in Rapid City, S.D.
Parents: Ernest and Grace (Steel) Martin
Married: Aug. 19, 1947, to Louis Kishkunas Jr. in Chicago. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughter, Ruth Ann of Kearney; sister, Marilyn O'Connell of Encinitas, Calif.; and three grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, son and one brother
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2008
LONG, John Francis, 58, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at his home
Services: Tuesday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: St. Michael's Endowment c/o McManaman Fund in Spalding, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation or Diabetes Education Fund
Born Feb. 4, 1950, in Kansas City, Mo.
Was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith; with family, moved to the Nebraska City area, attended Catholic school; worked loading barges on the Missouri River
Military: U.S. Army
After discharge, worked as an iron worker
Married: Nov. 18, 1977, to Ann Cockerill. She died Nov. 9, 2008
Lived in Omaha, moved to McPherson, Kan.; moved to Kearney in 1987; had a repair shop in Kearney for a short time, then worked as a truck driver
Enjoyed spending time with his family, socializing with friends and the local bar; was especially fond of his grandson Colton
Survivors include his sons, Kyle and Liz, and Kevin, all of Kearney, and Brad of Omaha; daughter, Lisa Horak of Blair; grandson, Colton of Kearney; two other grandchildren; brothers, Michael Hall of Nemaha and Bill Hall and his wife, Sylvia, of Sabetha, Kan., David Hall and his wife, Julie, of Pawnee City; sisters, Peggy Phillips of Nemaha, Mary Beth Hall of Lincoln and Judith Snyder and her husband, Farrell, of Fairview, Kan.; mother-in-law, Patricia Cockerill of Spalding; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; several nieces, nephews and relatives; and many, many friends
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents, Jeannine Long and Edward Hall; brother, Dennis; sister, Lisa Diane; and grandmother, Lovelle Stowell
Kearney Hub, 22 December, 2008
KEGLEY, Merle J., 73, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at his home
Services: Wednesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church or Kearney Eagles Lodge Fort Kearney Aerie 2722
Born Sept. 13, 1935, in Kearney
Parents: Edley and Ella (Bowman) Kegley
Military: U.S. Navy, 1954-1958
Married: Sept. 13, 1960, to Hazel White
Married: August 1977, to Linda Wempen-Mason
Worked in maintenance at Eaton Corp. for a number of years
Activities: member of the American Legion and Eagles Club and a past member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed gardening and fishing
Survivors include his sons, Danial Jameson and his wife, Joanna, of Riverton, Leon Jameson of Lincoln and Tommy Jameson and his wife, Kathleen, of Naponee; sisters, Orpha Boody of Lincoln, Joyce Hadwiger and her husband, Loren, of Kearney and Karen Axtell and her husband, Ray, of Axtell; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Carl Rasmussen of Pleasanton; sister-in-law, Alice Mercer of Kearney; and special friend, Lucille Knox of Kearney
Was preceded in death by one son, one daughter, one brother and four sisters
Kearney Hub, 23 December, 2008
MERCIER, Loren, 71, of Grant, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at Perkins County Community Hospital in Grant
Services: Friday, Trinity Lutheran Church north of Grant
Burial: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
Mortuary: Bullock-Long in Grant
Born Oct. 20, 1937, near Campbell
Parents: Lloyd and Bessie (Meyer) Mercier
Married: Jan. 4, 2003, to Lorene Woodhead north of Grant
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Michelle Moore, of Pleasanton, Calif.; sister, Karen Mosel of rural Ogallala; and two granddaughters
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2008
WILSON, Cherie L., 65, of Hazard died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Born July 10, 1943, in Stromsburg
Parents: Harry and Rosalie (Anderson) Clement
Moved to Kearney at a young age, graduated from Kearney High School in 1961; graduated from Kearney State College in 1966.
Married: Aug. 12, 1962, to Bill Wilson in Kearney
Lived in Kearney, moved to Hazard in 1971; later worked at USA Steak Buffet, retired in 2001
Activities: member of Hazard United Methodist Church and the Ladies Aid at the church; member of PEO, Red Hat Society, Quilters Guild and the Hazard Card Club; loved her flowers and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her husband; sons, Mike Wilson and his wife, Carla, of Hildreth and Matt Wilson and his wife, Kim, of Hazard; daughters, Carmen Hoelck and her husband, John, of Giltner, Barbara Andrews and her husband, Chris, of Gretna and Susan Bonilla and her husband, Vidal, of Dorchester; sister, Carmen Chaney of Kearney; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Paul Chaney
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2008
ANDERSON, Richard P. "Dick", 73, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Monday, Faith Baptist Church, military honors
Burial: later Memorials: American Cancer Society or American Heart Association
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner of Kearney
Born: Oct. 11, 1935, in Kearney
Parents: Jackson and Esther (Prather) Anderson
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1954
Military: U.S. Air Force, July 1954 - May 1962
Married: Aug. 22, 1965, to Georgiann Johnson in Kearney
Received his master's degree in education from Kearney State College in 1965; taught business and math in Ruskin and Campbell, was principal in Wakefield, Battle Creek and Valentine; retired from education in 1978; moved to Kearney in 1978, worked for Kincaid Plumbing, Anderson Brothers Heating & Air and Shoftstall Alfalfa
Activities: enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting, and loved being a grandpa and spending time with his family
Survivors include his wife; sons and daughter-in-law Keith of Kearney, and Jeff and Raina of Holt, Mo.; daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Jerry Anderson of Kearney and Chris and Mike Stratman of Florence, Ariz.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Peggy and Bill Dugger of Banning, Calif., and Pat and Bob Hillman of Gardenville, Nev.; grandchildren, Travis Anderson, Alecia Nichols, Justin Richards, Toni Piscorski-Briggs, Nikki Anderson, Zach Stratman, Chance Anderson and Gage Anderson; sister-in-law, Eileen Anderson of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2008
BICAK, Laddie J., 84, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Bohemian National Cemetery in Dodge, military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: University of Nebraska Foundation for the Laddie and Iris Bicak Scholarship fund at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Born July 23, 1924, in Dodge
Parents: Joseph and Mary (Vlach) Bicak
Was educated in the Dodge Public Schools and graduated in 1942
Married: April 1951, to Iris Kauffold in Dodge
Military: U.S. Army in 1943 - 1946; served as a medic in the 16th Armored Division attached to General Patton's 3rd Army in Europe during World War II
Returned to school, earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Wayne State College; began his teaching career at Dodge High School; taught science to high school and college students for more than 40 years; earned a master of science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a doctorate in science education from the University of Minnesota; was a professor of biology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1962-1989; served as dean of the graduate school for nine of those years
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, a past president of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, was involved in the publication of The Platte Valley Review, was a past member of the Kearney City Library Advisory Board, and was a member of American Legion Post 122, Knights of Columbus and Good Samaritan Hospital Service League
Survivors include his wife; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Marylin of Austin, Texas, Jim and Sherry of Oak Park, Ill., and Peter and Karen of Shawnee, Kan.; daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Mark Dresselhaus of Wichita, Kan., and Molly and Joe Lang of Omaha; grandchildren, Nate and Libby Bicak, Tess, Sam and Nick Bicak, Rebecca, Lucas and Zane Bicak, Seph, Sara and Owen Lang, and Rachel Dresselhaus; and brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Janet Bicak of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2008
BONSACK, Harriet G., 75, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at St. John's Care Center in Kearney
Graveside services: Friday, Lone Tree Cemetery near Weissert
Mortuary: Grovier Bros. in Broken Bow
Memorials: St. John's Care Center in Kearney
Born June 10, 1933, at Weissert
Parents: Clarence and Nora (Govier) Pracht
Received her education in Weissert and later in Broken Bow
Married: Sept. 17, 1958, to married Bernard Bonsack
Lived in Anselmo for several years; was well-known for her musical talents; taught accordion and guitar lessons over most of central Nebraska in the 1960s and from 1970 to 1975; family spent 15 years farming in the Oconto area; moved into Eddyville, 1978; suffered a crippling stroke, 1996, and had been a resident at St. John's Care Center in Kearney since that time
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Bernard of Eddyville; son, Ray Bonsack of Lexington; daughters, Nora Jean Bonsack and Mary Alice Bonsack, both of Eddyville; four nephews; and one niece
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Karla; her parents; one brother; one sister; and one nephew
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2008
LUCE, Edna, 83, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: the church or Kearney Jubilee Center
Born June 1, 1925, in Kearney
Parents: Oliver and Hannah (Nielsen) Bolt
Grew up in and attended school in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1942
Married: Oct. 6, 1945, to Glenn Luce in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Lived in Kearney, worked as a secretary for Buffalo County Social Services for 10 years and at Kearney State College for 15 years
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney and of DAR for 25 years, was a leader for 4-H and Cub Scouts, was a lifetime member of PTA, Nebraska Navy, Judicial Nominating Commission, U.S. Daughters of 1812, National Society of Colonial Dames, IVII Century, Buffalo County Historical Society and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; pastimes included crafts, genealogy and volunteer work
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Joel Fie of Kearney; daughter-in-law Betty Luce of Kearney; grandchildren, Adam Joel Fie and his wife, Wendy, of Waverly, Minn., Alicia Cavenee and her husband, Michael, of Norfolk, and Andrew Fie, Ashley Salinas and Benton Luce, all of Kearney; and great-grandchildren, Kylee Fie, Michaela Fie, Adam Joel Fie Jr., Sukanya Reeves, Bishop Reeves, Alex Cavenee, Kellen Kelch, Kannor Kelch, Gabrielle Salinas and Ellianna Salinas
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Terry; and sister, Milly Boyer
Kearney Hub, 26 December, 2008
STRIEDER, Deena L., 34, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Kearney Area Humane Society or Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation for infant bereavement
Born March 1, 1974, in McCook
Parents: Leiton "Swede" and Debra (Jaeger) Anderson
Began her education in the McCook Public School system;at age 15, mved to Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School, 1992; earned a nursing degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center at Kearney, 1999; was employed as a registered nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney until 2005
Married: November 2002, to Rodney Strieder in Kearney
Was highly respected as a nurse; enjoyed dancing, swimming, traveling and having fun with her friends; during high school, was a cheerleader, a competitive swimmer and a member of a synchronized swim team
Survivors include her husband; her parents, of Kearney; aunts and uncles, Jan Banks and her husband, Don, and Duke Jaeger, all of Imperial, Sheila Johnson and her husband, Barry, of North Platte, Sid Jaeger of Lexington, Carole Chur and her husband, Bob, of Clarence, N.Y., and Ronnie Jaeger of Axtell; and numerous cousins
Was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Gabrielle; aunt, Connie Jaeger; and grandparents, Wayne and Ruth Jaeger and Richard and Elsie Anderson
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2008