Page 92
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Back to Index for Obituaries
STONE, Robert L., 60, Elm Creek, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington
Services: Monday, Elm Creek High School gymnasium
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel in Elm Creek
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Unit
Born Nov. 5, 1942, Fort Mead Camp Post, S.D.
Parents: Lee and Rosella (Taubenheim) Stone
Attended grade school at District R-3, graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1962
Married April 7, 1963 to Sharon Sear in Elm Creek; she died Dec. 14, 1994
Lived in Elm Creek; worked for Rockwell and drove truck for Sear Transfer; had worked the past 30 years for Agri Co-op in Elm Creek
Survivors include son Mark of Elm Creek; daughter Michelle Head of Kearney; mother of Elm Creek; brothers, Donald and Leland, both of Elm Creek, and Lyle of Wilmington, Ohio; five grandchildren and four stepgrandsons
Was preceded in death by his wife, father, and an infant son
Kearney Hub, 14 December, 2002
BEANS, Joe M., 46, of Amherst, died Thursday (Dec. 28, 1972) at his trailer home in Auburn; his death was ruled as accidental, resulting from a gunshot wound
Services: Saturday, Amherst United Methodist Church
Burial: Stanley Cemetery at Amherst, military rites
Born April 25, 1926 at Lexington
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Chester Beans
Had been a resident of Amherst and Kearney for 31 years
Military: served two years in the airborne in World War II
Married March 21, 1947 to LaVon Taubenheim
Was a boilermaker on the Cooper Nuclear Atomic Plant at Brownsville, had been there for three years
Survivors include his wife; five daughters, Mrs. Janette Shumate of Kearney, Mrs. Loretta Owen of Miller, Mrs. Kathryn May of Gibbon and Patricia and Veronica, both at home; one son Chester L. at home; his father Chester E. of Kearney; two brothers, Yarrell of Bennington, Kan., and Lee of Kearney; three sisters, Mrs. Phyllis Becatel of Pompton Plains, N.J., Mrs. Carolyn Knight of Omaha, and Mrs. Jacquelyn Diller of Kearney, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Newton of Portland, Ore.
Was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Laurel Beans
Kearney Hub, December 29, 1972 and January 15, 1973
VAVRA, George and Joni, former Amherst residents, were killed Wednesday evening March 29, 1972, in a motorcycle accident near Hamburg, Iowa
Services: Saturday, First United Presbyterian Church, Kearney
Burial: Miller (Armada) Cemetery
Memorials: for youth work in the church
GEORGE was born June 10, 1929, Amherst
Graduated from Kearney State College with a B.A. degree, 1959, and earned his B.D. from Naperville Theological Seminary in 1963
Married Jan. 7, 1951, to Jeanette Stevens at Amherst
Served churches at Merna, Scotia, Cotesfield, Elba, Ewing, Madison, and Creston; had just moved to Hamburg, Iowa, in February, 1972, to serve churches there
Was active in community affairs
Survivors include: wife of Kearney; four children: Yolanda of Kearney; Heidi, Truth Ann, and Thadden Norris, all at home; mother of Amherst
Was preceded in death by daughter Joni and his father of Amherst and one sister
JONI, was eighteen years of age, a freshman at Platte College, Columbus, Nebr.
Was active in her community and choir
Survivors include, besides her mother, sisters and brother named above, also her fiance Will Harpster of Ewing, Nebr., whom she was to marry this summer
Kearney Hub, 30-31 March, and 5 April, 1972
LAVINGTON, Howard Henry, 89, of Gibbon died Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery, military rites
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Memorials: Gibbon-Shelton Community Center
Born Dec. 13, 1920, north of Gibbon
Parents: William and Sadie (Smith) Lavington
Attended District 18 school, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1938; worked at Lockheed Aircraft Factory at Burbank, Calif., then came back to Gibbon to farm
Military: U.S. Navy, Sept. 1944 - June 1946, was stationed in Seattle
Married: Aug. 18, 1945, to Charlotte Flory in Grand Island. She died in 2005
Lived in Auburn, Wash., worked in a war surplus store and truck body shop; moved back to Gibbon to farm, 1948
Activities: earned his pilot's license, flew more than 1,000 hours; later, built and flew remote-controlled airplanes, was a member of the Platte Valley Model Airplane Club; enjoyed playing cards; member of Faith United Church of Gibbon
Survivors include his sons, Robert and his wife, Brenda, of Emporia, Kan., Arnold and his wife, Mary, of Prescott, Ariz., and Glen and his wife, Candy, of Gibbon; grandchildren, Randal Lavington and his wife, Jeanine, Nora Henderson, Erik Lavington, Tim Lavington and his wife, Sabrina, Kristy Just and her husband, Joshua, Diana Kotas and her husband, Carter, and Kevin Raybon and his wife, Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Weston and Gabrielle Lavington, Paige Henderson, Blake Lavington and Taylor and Skya Kotas; and special friends, Alberta Grayek and Patty Primm
Was preceded in death by his wife, parents and a granddaughter, Amy Lavington
Kearney Hub, 24 March, 2010
URWILLER, Wayne Howard, 80, of Ravenna died Monday, March 22, 2010, near Sodtown in an all-terrain vehicle accident
Services: Friday, Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Sodtown Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: the church or Sodtown Cemetery
Born April 21, 1929, north of Shelton at his grandparent Wilks' farm
Parents: Irvin and Bernice (Wilks) Urwiller
Grew up in rural Ravenna, attended Sodtown District 48, graduated from Ravenna High School, 1946
Military: U.S. Army Signal Corps, 1951-1953; served 14 months in Japan repairing teletypewriters during the Korean War
Married: June 23, 1954, to Velma Foth at Mira Valley Evangelical United Brethren Church south of Ord
Returned home after the service, ran a cow/calf operation and farmed until the day he died
Activities: member of Zion United Methodist Church; Ravenna United Methodist Church; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Historical Society; Farmers Co-op Board, served as president for 27 years; Farm Bureau; 4-H, Lions Club; Sodtown Cemetery Board; and Sodtown Telephone Co. and helped with the Ravenna Armed Forces Memorial Wall and the Ravenna bowling team; enjoyed spending time with family, visiting with people and attending family functions; his grandchildren were a great joy; loved horses, rode for pleasure and in local parades; enjoyed his antique Minneapolis Moline tractors; loved God and his country
Survivors include his wife; son, Larry Urwiller and his wife, Lisa, of Ravenna; daughter, Lori Steer and her husband, Gary, of Denton; grandchildren, Colton and Ethan Steer of Denton; stepgrandchildren, Lacey, Tyler and Kendra Warta of Omaha; stepgreat-granddaughter, Eva Alexa Warta; sisters, Vivian Blomenkamp of Palo Alto, Calif., and Leola Schreurs and her husband, Ray, of Roseville, Minn.; and sister-in-law, Sharon Foth of Ord
Was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Haley Steer; and brothers-in-law, Robert Blomenkamp and Eldon Foth
Kearney Hub, 24 March, 2010
BEHN, Stephen M., 54, of Kearney died Monday, March 22, 2010, at Mother Hull Home
Services: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: local area hospice or Mother Hull Home
Born July 24, 1955, in Kearney
Parents: Harry and Frances (Richter) Behn
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1973
Moved to Maui after high school, started Mr. Sprinkler, a sprinkler and irrigation business; loved his work and also enjoyed surfing and sea fishing
Survivors include his mother, of Kearney; brothers, Richard Behn and Mike Behn and his wife, Cinda, all of Kearney, and David Behn and his wife, Pat, of Hemingford; sister, Teresa Meusch and her husband, Roy, of Kearney; special friend, Anna Tran of Maui, Hawaii; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Harry, in 1978
Kearney Hub, 24 March, 2010
OHLMAN, Loretta LaRee (Lammers), 79, of Seward died Saturday, March 20, 2010, at her home
Services: Thursday, St. John's Lutheran Church in Seward
Burial: Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery north of Shelton
Mortuary: Volzke in Seward
Born Nov. 20, 1930, at Pleasanton
Parents: Herbert and Alma (Kohls) Lammers
Married: Oct. 23, 1949, to Elton Ohlman. He died in 2002
Survivors include her sons, John of Kansas City, Mo., and Tim of Lincoln; daughter, Jan of Arvada, Colo.; brother, LeRoy Lammers of Hazard; sister, Pauline Lopeman of Aurora, Colo.; and nine grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; infant daughter, Marcia; and sister, Marcella Fisher
Kearney Hub, 24 March, 2010
SNOW, Karla Dee, 58, of Slayton, Minnesota, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, March 22, 2010, at Golden Living Center-Slayton
Services: Thursday, Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton
Burial: Saturday, Ainsworth (Neb.) Cemetery
Born Sept. 7, 1951, in Ainsworth
Parents: Dean and Samona (Wynia) Snow
Grew up on a ranch south of Ainsworth, attended Ainsworth High School; entered nurses training at Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha, Neb.; graduated July 1972
Worked at York (Neb.) General Hospital; moved to Kearney, 1991, continued working as a nurse until 2000; moved to Atkinson, Neb.; moved to Slayton, November 2008, because of failing health
Survivors include her mother, of Ainsworth; brothers, Garland Snow and his wife, Lorna, of Kearney and Meldon Snow and his wife, Camile, of Slayton; 10 nieces and nephews; six grandnieces and grandnephews; and a host of relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her father, Dean Snow, and a nephew, Colbie Snow
Kearney Hub, 24 March, 2010
KRUEGER, Erma Lee, 79, of Kearney died Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday, First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: the church, AIDS Foundation of Kansas City and the Alzheimer's Foundation
Born Oct. 25, 1930, in Harlan County
Parents: Albert and Nora (Hodge) Dobberstein
Received her education in Kearney; was a 1948 graduate of Kearney High School
Married: Oct. 30, 1949, to Rodney Krueger in Kearney
Lived in Kearney; worked for the S&H Green Stamps Store
Activities: member of First Baptist Church, served as a deaconess and Sunday school teacher; enjoyed time spent with family, cooking, crocheting and supporting her husband with the Boy Scouts
Survivors include her husband; sons, Monte and his wife, Cheryl, of Kearney, Kristen and wife, Jackie, of Kearney and Robert of Kansas City, Mo.; brothers, Jack and his wife, Ramona, of Kearney, Wayne and his wife, Cecilia, of Colorado and Dale and his wife, Barb, of Arizona; sister, Irene Leach and her husband, Paige, of Cozad; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Delores and Lorene Dobberstein and Vickie Appelgarth; brother-in-law, Jack Krueger of Lee's Summit, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; brothers, Glen, Al "Shorty" Jr., Jim Dobberstein and his wife, Ruth, and Cole; great-grandson, Jesse Snyder; and sister-in-law, Aletha Ann Krueger
Kearney Hub, 25 March, 2010
KIMLER, Dorothy R. "Dottie", 89, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Saturday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: First Christian Church or Mother Hull Home
Born Nov. 17, 1920, in Madison
Parents: Thomas and Hazel (Williams) Grimes
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1939
Married: Aug. 1, 1947, to Warren "Kim" Kimler in Kearney. He died Jan. 23, 1988
Lived west of Kearney for 60 years in a small mobile home that she and Kim lovingly called "Hoot Owl Ranch"; with husband, owned and operated B&K Hosiery; sold the business, worked at Hellman's clothing for several years; also resided at Autumn Village, Cambridge Court and Mother Hull Home
Activities: member of First Christian Church in Kearney; enjoyed working in her yard and taking care of her flowers; loved visiting with family and friends
Survivors include her brother, Ralph Grimes and his wife, Emma, of Bradenton, Fla.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Grimes of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harry Grimes and Maurice Grimes; and sisters, Lois Glomski, Marian Johnson and Helen Greaux
Kearney Hub, 26 March, 2010
DUBBS, Anna Marie, 91, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Grace Fellowship Church
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park in Grand Island
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Memorials: Gibbon Fire Department
Born Jan. 1, 1919, at Duff
Parents: Ferd and Minnie (Seier) Wicht
Grew up on a farm south of Wood River; was educated in the rural school near the farm; then helped on the farm as well as helping others
Married: Nov. 28, 1940, to Benton Dubbs in Grand Island. He preceded her in death
Lived near Prairie Creek Hall north of Wood River; purchased their farm south of Gibbon, 1948, farmed until retirement
Survivors include her son, Larry Dubbs of Gibbon; grandson, Shawn Dubbs of Gibbon; and sisters, Juanita Kroll of Casper, Wyo., and Ileana Wicht of Douglas, Wyo.
Was preceded in death by husband; her daughter-in-law, Cathy; sisters, Pauline Kroll, Sophia Jolly and Evelyn Wicht; and brothers, Christian, Ferdinand, John, Eduard and William
Kearney Hub, 26 March, 2010
RODRIGUEZ, Tomás Ramirez, 30, of Pleasanton, Neb., died Friday, March 5, 2010, in Vera Cruz, Mexico
Memorial services: Saturday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: Purisima, Queretaro
Born Dec. 21, 1979, in Purisima
Parents: Efrain Ramirez Luna and Laura Rodriguez Rodriguez
Married: Sept. 1, 2007, to Jessica Schulte in Kearney
Owned his own construction company, was a very hard worker; loved life in the country and was an extremely accomplished horse rider and trainer
Survivors include his wife, Jessica Ramirez; his parents of Queretaro; brothers, Gavino of Queretaro, Marcelino of Lincoln, Neb., and David of Branson, Mo.; and sisters, Elvia of Branson and Laura of Spain
Kearney Hub, 26 March, 2010
SULEIMAN, Robert M. "Bob", 66, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney
Services: Monday, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: to be designated later
Born July 1, 1943, in Kirkuk, Iraq
Parents: Marco and Marganita (David) Suleiman
Was a graduate of high school in Kirkuk, attended Baghdad University; graduated with a bachelor of science degree in political science
Married: Sept. 28, 1978, to Virginia Elia in Iraq
Lived in Iraq, immigrated to the United States to Kearney on Feb. 16, 1993; was employed at the Centennial and Emerson apartments and later at Wal-Mart; retired due to ill health
Activities: member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
Survivors include his wife; son, Mennen Suleiman and his wife, Karen, of San Diego; daughters, Samaria of Omaha and Sidonya Fulton and her husband, Jeff, of Minot, N.D.; grandsons, Nicholas and Noah Suleiman of San Diego and Gabriel Fulton of Minot; brother, William Suleiman of Kearney; and sisters, Sorya and Gladys Suleiman, both of Kearney, Olga Steckel, Beauty Piccirilli, Carol Brennen, Dally Xenou and Wilhelmina Shmouel
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jennifer
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2010
DAAKE, Dolores M. "Dee", 78, of Kearney died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Cancer Center Memorial Garden
Born March 14, 1932, in David City
Parents: Carl and Helen (Turner) Holloway
Moved to Kearney with her family; graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney in 1949
Married: Aug. 3, 1950, to Del Smith in Kearney. They divorced
Married: July 19, 1969, to Richard Daake in Riverdale. He preceded her in death
Activities: member of the Eagles Auxiliary 2722 and the American Legion Auxiliary in Kearney; enjoyed playing cards and canning, was an excellent cook; loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends
Survivors include her daughters, JoDee Amato and her husband, David, and Nancy Zwink and her husband, Steve, all of Kearney; sons, Doug Smith and his wife, Carolyn, and Ron Smith, all of Kearney, and David Smith of Odessa; brother, Carl Holloway Jr. and his wife, Glenda, of Bartlesville, Okla.; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; infant sister, Marie; and grandson, Jeff
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2010
LAMMERS, John G., 68, of Pleasanton, died June 19, 1964 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: June 23, Grace Lutheran Church at Pleasanton
Burial: Grace Lutheran Cemetery north of Riverdale at the site of the former St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Born Dec. 17, 1895 in Buffalo County
Parents: Amo and Bertha (English) Lammers
In infancy was baptized in the Lutheran faith, remained a life-long member of Grace Lutheran Church, Pleasanton, Nebr.
Married March 16, 1919 to Frieda Mueller
Was a lifelong farmer near Pleasanton
In the past year he endured declining health and underwent several operations
Survivors include his beloved wife Frieda: a son, Ruben of Pleasanton; a daughter, Mrs. Edna Nelson of Warren, Ohio; son-in-law, Richard Nelson and three grandchildren; brothers, Richard of Alta, Ia., Ralph, Pleasanton, Herbert, Riverdale, Henry, Portland, Ore., sisters, Mrs. Sophie Peters, Barrington, Ill., Mrs. Tillie Wuehler, Cozad, Mrs. Marie Belfrage, Fremont, Calif., Mrs. Frieda Schmidt, Poole, and Mrs. Alma Marshall, Stoughton, Wis., and many other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, June 1964
MAUL, Martin G. "Mike", 84, of Kearney, formerly of Riverdale, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2002, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday, Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the church
Born Nov. 7, 1917, in Amherst
Parents: George and Louise (Rusch) Maul
Graduated from Amherst High School in 1936
Worked at Gambles in Broken Bow and Kearney
Military: U.S. Marines in 1941-1945, served in the Pacific
Married: Jan. 8, 1946, to Ada Symmonds in Amherst
Was a lifetime resident of the Amherst/Riverdale area
Was employed at First National Bank in Amherst, 1946-1950, then at the State Bank of Riverdale and was also an independent insurance agent; retired in 1983
Activities: member of the church, the Lutheran Layman's League, VFW Post 759 and the American Legion Post 52; was a volunteer for the Good Samaritan Hospital Service League in Kearney for many years
Survivors include his wife; sons, Thomas of Columbus and Jerry of Eugene, Ore.; daughters, Kathleen Carmann of Littleton, Colo., and Georgia Rime of Oceanside, Calif.; brother, Emmett Maul of Gibbon; sister, Rumilda Lantis of Kearney; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by three brothers and three infant grandchildren
Kearney Hub, February, 2002
KWIATKOWSKI, Catherine L., 51, of Kearney died Sunday, March 28, 2010, in Hastings
Memorial services: Wednesday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: the family
Born Sept. 30, 1958, in North Platte
Parents: Richard and Catherine (Still) Piontkowski
Graduated from North Platte St. Pat's High School, 1976; attended Kearney State College
Began a career at Baldwin Filters in Kearney
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney; enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and also camping with friends
Survivors include her sons, Ryan Kwiatkowski of Kearney and Scott Kwiatkowski and his wife, Allison, of Lincoln; daughter, Marissa O'Dell and her husband, Craig, of Rawlins, Wyo.; her mother, of Grand Island; brothers, Richard Piontkowski of Grand Island, Jerry Piontkowski of North Platte and Tom Piontkowski and his wife, Yvonne, of Aurora; sister, Carol Hagemann of Hastings; and grandchildren, Rylee Kwiatkowski, Keely Kwiatkowski, Gracie Triplett, Ella O'Dell and Keygan O'Dell
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 30 March, 2010
RAMSEY, Leila M. "Lee", 88, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, March 19, 2010, in Mesa
Memorial services: Wednesday, Arborville Cemetery near Polk, Neb.
Mortuary: Mariposa Gardens in Mesa
Born Sept. 2, 1921, in Stromsburg, Neb.
Parents: Henry and Alvina Reeb
Lived on a farm until parents moved to Polk when she was a little girl
Married: June 10, 1945, to D. Wayne Ramsey at her parental home in Polk. He died in 1999
Farmed in the Polk area; moved to Kearney, 1972, and to Mesa in 2004
Activities: was a charter and faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Polk; member of the ULCW and served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer over many years, was also nursery roll superintendent, Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher and was active in choir; was a member of First Lutheran Church of Kearney, Kearney Elks Lodge and Kearney Country Club
Was a loving wife and mother
Survivors include her daughters, Patricia of Mesa and Shelly of Florence, Ky.; son, Lyn of Elkhorn, Neb.; son-in-law, Mike Stachar of Mesa; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Ramsey of Elkhorn; grandchildren, Tricia Lee of Cape Coral, Fla., Craig Carlson of Florence, Wes Ramsey of Elkhorn and Amber Ramsey of St. Louis; great-grandsons, Gabriel and Quinlan Ramsey, Cole Carlson and Michael and Mathew Enke; great-granddaughters, Kelly and Emily Enke; granddaughters-in-law, Julie Carlson in Kentucky and Cindy Ramsey in Nebraska; grandson-in-law, Mike Enke of Florida; and sister-in-law, Caroline Ramsey of Salina, Kan.
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a sister, Arvilla
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2010
RODEBAUGH, Phyllis Eloise, 83, of Kearney, formerly of Marquette, died Friday, March 26, 2010, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Services: today (March 29) at Higby-McQuiston Chapel in Aurora
Burial: Richland Cemetery
Born Jan. 2, 1927, in Grand Island
Parents: John and Cecelia (Roesch) Grotzky
Grew up in Grand Island, graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1945
Worked at Consumer's Public Power District as a secretary for several years
Married: May 8, 1949, to Emery Rodabaugh at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Grand Island. He died April 2, 2005
Lived in Laramie and Rock Springs, Wyo., and Pierre, S.D., where husband worked for the FAA as an electronics maintenance engineer; returned to the Marquette area; stayed at home to raise their four children; received care for her Alzheimer's at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney after Emery's death
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school and Bible school and was in various church circles
Survivors include her sons, Tom Rodabaugh and his wife, Vickie, and Bruce Rodabaugh and his wife, Glenda, all of Marquette; daughters, Pat Brouillette and her husband, Gary, of Elm Creek and Soni Grint and her husband, Rick, of Mount Juliet, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Don Grotzky and his wife, Reinette, of Norfolk
Was preceded in death by her husband and parents
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2010
JACOBS, Susan Marie, 56, of Grand Island, formerly of North Loup, died Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, North Loup United Methodist Church
Burial: Hillside Cemetery in North Loup
Mortuary: Ord Memorial Chapel
Born Sept. 20, 1953, in Loup City
Parents: Leonard and Ardith (Day) Jacobs
Survivors include her mother, Ardith "Betty" Jacobs of North Loup; son, James Brown of Meeker, Okla.; daughters, Brandi Fowler of Meeker, Alisha Albright of Kearney and Whitney Adams of Lincoln; brothers, Dennis and Duane, both of North Loup; sisters, Sandra Timm of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Patricia Robertson, DyAnn Hoppes and Michelle Stobbe, all of North Loup; and seven grandchildren. Kearney Hub, 2 April, 2010
McCARTY, Elsie M., 95, of Minden, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, April 2, 2010, at Kearney County Health Services in Minden
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Precept Cemetery near Beaver City
Memorials: Elsie's special friend Lori Dobesh's medical expense fund
Born March 4, 1915, in Norton, Kan.
Parents: Charles and Theresa (Nolan) Knapp; mother died during childbirth when Elsie was 3 years old
Was adopted by Frank and Ella (Harding) Wright
Attended Spring Green country school, southwest of Beaver City, through eighth grade; helped her family with chores around the farm and loved being outside
Married: Jan. 6, 1932, to Emery McCarty in Alma. He died in 2006
Lived south of the homestead; left the farm because of a drought, 1934, and moved to Beaver City; then moved to Colorado, 1939, and worked in various jobs related to farming; in 1944, moved to a farm that was homesteaded by Emery's grandparents 12 miles southeast of Beaver City, lived there 22 years; moved to Kearney; lived in Kearney Manor for 27 years and moved to Bethany Homes in Minden in 2005
Activities: lifelong member of the Assembly of God Church in Beaver City and Kearney; enjoyed time spent in the Tuesday night Bible study at Bethany Homes
Survivors include her son, Don McCarty and his wife, Benardina, of Boulder, Colo.; daughters, Delores Broweleit and her husband, Carl, of Kearney and Esther Flessner and her husband, John, of Boulder; grandchildren, Bob Broweleit and his wife, Connie, of Seneca, Jim Broweleit of Burwell, Roger Broweleit of Kearney, Roxy Stonerook and her husband, Bob, of Upland, Judy Hefner and her husband, Troy, and Paul Flessner, all of Longmont, Colo., Peg Goehringer of Boulder and Cat Wechsler and her husband, Dave, of Lyons, Colo.; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Rusty McCarty; great-grandson, Justyn Broweleit; and all of her natural and adopted brothers and sisters. Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2010
PEISTER, Ila L., 96, of Kearney died Friday, April 2, 2010, at her home
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: the church or the Nebraska Children's Home in Omaha
Born May 9, 1913, in Ogallala
Parents: Ed and Rose (McMullen) Luckinbill
Grew up in Ogallala and Lexington; received her education in Lexington and Kearney
Married: Nov. 18, 1934, to Fred Peister in Kearney
Lived in Lincoln, Hastings and Kearney; was a member of First United Methodist Church and a china painting club
Survivors include her husband; son, Craig and his wife, Betty Jo, of Kearney; daughter, Jacquie Harsin and her husband, Dale, of Alma; grandchildren, Darren Harsin and his wife, Sue, of Blair, Brent Harsin and his wife, Regan, of Syracuse, Stephanie Pilus and her husband, Joe, of Ralston, Cameron Peister and his wife, Lana, of Kearney and Kaysi Peister of Omaha; and great-grandchildren, Zachry, Joshua and Drew Harsin, Haley, Emily, Tanner and Peyton Harsin and Caleb, Alec and Austin Pilus
Was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2010
WILLIAMS, Robert Teed "Bob", 82, of Gibbon died Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon, military honors
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Memorials: the church, Gibbon American Legion, the Community Center or library
Born Aug. 10, 1927, in Gibbon
Parents: Raymond and Leone (Guthrie) Williams
Born at home in Gibbon in a small three-room house; grew up in Gibbon and graduated from Gibbon High School in 1944 at age 16; was active in band and vocal chorus, was valedictorian of his class and received a Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Enlisted in the Navy when he was 17; was in boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., and in the regimental drum and bugle corps, playing bugle; later went to Madison, Wis., for radio operators school and was on the way to the Philippines when the first A-bomb was dropped; was then stationed on the island of Samar at a U.S. Army Air Force base, was discharged just before his 19th birthday
Married: September 1949, to Marilyn Rasmussen; had two children, Randy and Marcy; later adopted Kristi as a baby; Marilyn died Jan. 2, 1978
Married: Aug. 5, 1980, to Joan Gibbons; lived in Gibbon
Returned home from the Navy and was hired as a substitute rural mail carrier, soon hired as permanent carrier and retired from that after 42 years
Activities: member of Gibbon Library Board for 50 years, Faith United Methodist Church, Rural Letter Carriers and National Association of Federal Employees
Survivors include his wife; son, Randy and his wife, Julie, of Kearney; daughter, Kristi Kunce of Hemet, Calif.; stepdaughter, Mary Gibbons of Pleasanton; son-in-law, Dan Weismann of Elwood; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard and his wife, LaNell, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sisters, Donna Rae Lasich and her husband, Erwin, of Gibbon and Jane Tannis and her husband, Pete, of Eau Claire, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his first wife; daughters, Trudy in infancy and Marcy Weismann; and a brother, Rex
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2010
GIFFORD, Mike D., 59, of Kearney died Friday, April 2, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Wednesday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Memorials: Kearney High School Career Student Organizations: FBLA, FCCLA, HOSA, Skills USA and DECA
Born May 17, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: George "Bud" and Millie (Tobler) Gifford
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1968
Military: U.S. Marines, 1969-1972, was a veteran of the Vietnam War
Married: May 12, 1973, to Kathy Ourada in Kearney
Lived in Sutton, attended Hastings Community College; moved to Wood River, 1974, attended Kearney State College; in Wood River served as the fire chief and on the ambulance crew for several years; moved to Kearney in 1981, worked as a contractor on projects all across the United States for 12 years; then worked at Builders Warehouse in Kearney then was a self-employed handyman
Activities: lifetime member of Kearney VFW Post 759, enjoyed playing Santa, was an avid Husker and local sports fan, and was a proud grandfather
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Tennille Gifford of Kearney; son, Travis Gifford and his wife, Angela Fanoele-Gifford and grandson Jax of Omaha; and sister, Georgia Mae Fetterly and her husband, Russell, of Mitchell, S.D.
Was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Edgar and Robert
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2010
COWLEY, Leatha V., 96, of Gretna, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, April 2, 2010, in Gretna
Memorial services: Thursday, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Superior
Burial of cremains: Evergreen Cemetery in Superior
Mortuary: Megrue-Price in Superior
Born Oct. 13, 1913, in Superior
Parents: Henry and Ina (Yearsley) Register
Married: March 24, 1935, to Edward "Ted" Cowley in Osborne, Kan. He died in 1982
Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Bradrick of Omaha and Susan Morley of Venice, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2010
LITTLE, Ramon W., 90, of Hastings, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, April 2, 2010, at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings
Memorial services: Tuesday, First St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hastings
Mortuary: DeWitt in Hastings
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2010
KEUP, Gail N., 64, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Monday, April 5, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Memorials to be designated later
Born Feb. 1, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Archie and Opal (Adams) Keup
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1965; graduated from Grand Island School of Business
Worked at Miller & Paine in Lincoln, Good Samaritan Hospital and Kearney Clinic in Kearney, and Barnes Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri
Was active in the Little People of America, St. Louis Chapter; a member of the B.P.O.E. Does of Kearney; and a member of Faith United Church in Gibbon; was a creative seamstress; was proud of being a member of a large family
Survivors include her brothers, Rodney of Gibbon, Eldon of Puyallup, Wash., and Alan of Kearney; sisters, Marylin Broekemeier of Gibbon, Judy Rose of Arnold, Mo., Nita Krueger and Kathy Murr, both of Kearney, and Suzanne Hawke of Broken Bow; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brother, Dennis; and sister, Linda Spellman
Kearney Hub, 6 April, 2010
DAVIS, Paul M., 65, of Kearney died Monday, April 5, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial graveside services: May 30, Greenwood Cemetery in Franklin, with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Born Aug. 13, 1944, in Chadron
Parents: Rolland and Belva (Morrison) Davis
Grew up and received his education in Franklin; attended Kearney State College
Military: U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, 1965-1967
Married: 1969, to Maria Pinho in Grand Island
Lived in Grand Island, was employed at the ordnance plant; moved to Kearney, worked at Eaton Corp.
Activities: a member of the American Legion; enjoyed golfing
Survivors include his sons, Jon Davis and his significant other, Katie Brozek, and Bruce Davis, all of Kearney; daughter, Michelle Howe and her husband, Brian, of Aurora, Colo., and their daughter, Aubrey; brother, Stephen and his wife, Helen, of Orchard; sister, Ann Raish and her husband, Don, of Montrose, Colo.; aunts, Wilma Simmons of California and June Morrison of Washington; uncle and aunt, Ken and Jean Morrison of Glenvil; and several nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 8 April, 2010
OLSON, Evelyn Rosella (Laue), 96, of Northridge Retirement Community in Kearney died Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Minden United Methodist Church
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Memorials: United Methodist Church in Minden
Born Feb. 22, 1914, in northern Kearney County
Parents: Samuel and Louise (Nickel) Laue
Attended grade school at Old Fort Kearney Country School, graduated from Kearney Longfellow High School in 1931
Married: Feb. 22, 1935, to Ralph Olson at her family home. He preceded her in death
Farmed in the Lowell and Newark areas of the Platte Valley, raised their four children
Activities: raised a large garden, later raised acres of watermelons; led 4-H sewing clubs; enjoyed painting china; especially enjoyed her family and friends; member of the United Methodist Church in Minden and the Kountry Klub
Survivors include her son, Eugene and his wife, Marj, of Minden; daughters, Janice Garrett and Sylvia Hansen and her husband, Stan, all of Minden, and Sheryl Bratten and her husband, Don, of North Platte; 12 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard and his wife, Alice, of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; and sisters, Eleanor Lang of Kearney and Doris Jorgensen and Joyce Jameson and her husband, Rhodell, all of Minden
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Emil and infant Leo; son-in-law, John Garrett; and granddaughter-in-law, Sheryl Garrett
Kearney Hub, 7 April, 2010
SEGARD, Harold Glen, 89, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, April 5, 2010, in Tahlequah
Services: Thursday, Go Ye Village Chapel in Tahlequah
Burial: Tahlequah City Cemetery
Mortuary: Green Country Funeral Home in Tahlequah
Memorials: Golden Years Assistance Society (Go Ye Village, Tahlequah)
Born Feb. 17, 1921, in Omaha, Neb.
Parents: Nels and Jessie (Short) Segard
Military: U.S. Army during World War II, served in the 95th and 97th Infantry Divisions in the European Theater
Married: 1947, to Dorine Dunton
Lived in Kearney for almost 30 years; was Baldwin Filters' advertising manager for 20 years
Activities: ran an Awana Club and taught Sunday school, was awarded the Henrietta Sunday School Teacher of the Year in 1993
Moved to Go Ye Village in Tahlequah more than 10 years ago
Survivors include his wife, two sons, one sister and three grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and six sisters
Kearney Hub, 7 April, 2010
WILLIAMS, Marilyn K., 68, of Kearney died Monday, April 5, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Thursday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials will be designated later
Born March 11, 1942, in Las Animas, Colo.
Parents: Homer and Evelyn (Richeson) Rogers
Grew up in Denver, attended Denver Public Schools
Married: 1960, to Wayne Olson in Denver; moved to Kearney
Married: 1977, to Dalvin Williams
Worked as a secretary for Boulder County Schools in Colorado
Activities: always enjoyed the interaction with children; was an advocate for the handicapped and was state chairwoman for the Nevada Special Olympics during the 1980s; loved to travel; enjoyed crochetkng dolls; especially enjoyed video games; was a Denver Broncos fan; had multiple sclerosis, but always had a positive and supportive attitude
Survivors include her daughters, Christine Ius and her husband, Don, of Las Vegas and Tiffani Olson of Kearney; sons, Gregory Olson and his wife, Shannon, of Ragan, Troy Olson of Kearney and Darren Williams of Provo, Utah; sisters, Donna Berberat and her husband, Charlie, of Lakeland, Fla., and Patricia Doud of Denver; grandchildren, Jarod Alex, Bridger Abeta and Chamonix Young, Ethan Olson, Sarah Olson, Hope Goodwin and Grace Goodwin, all of Kearney, and JJ Shambach of Las Vegas; great-grandchildren, Jarod and Arienna Alex; and partner, Scott Meyers
Kearney Hub, 7 April, 2010
PATSIOS, Elvia "Helen", 101, of Kearney died Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Monday, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: to the church
Born Feb. 22, 1909, in Kearney County
Parents: James and Stella (Boicourt) Cover
Attended grade school in Kearney County
Married: March 4, 1925, to Don Patsios in Smith Center, Kan. He preceded her in death
Lived in Kearney, was a homemaker
Activities: enjoyed crocheting, knitting, family reunions, and watching her sons and grandchildren playing sports; loved to bake Greek food for her family and friends; member of the church and its Ladies Society, Greek Hellenic Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars Women Club, Eagles Club and the Good Samaritan Service League
Survivors include her sons, James and his wife, Arlene, and Nick, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Pete, Tyler, Mark, Danny, Cindy, Athena, Matthew, Patric and his wife, Linda, Paula Diaz-DuLanto and her husband, Luis, Nick, Mick, John, Joanie Klein and her husband, Mark, Nancy Surina and her husband, John, and Stephanie; and 18 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; and sons, Bill, Tony and William
Kearney Hub, 12 April, 2010
SWANSON, Vernon E., 91, of Kearney died Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: to the church
Born Nov. 1, 1918, in Shickley
Parents: Gustav and Anna (Hendrickson) Swanson
Grew up in and received his education in Shickley; graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1952
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, 1942-1945 during World War II
Married: Aug. 30, 1952, to Adeline Carlson in Lincoln
Lived in Kearney; was employed as a sales manager by the JC Robinson Seed Co. with Funks G Hybrid and later with Golden Harvest Hybrids; retired in 1984
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church, a charter member of the Buffalo Ridge golf course; loved the time spent with his family
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Marcia Nelson and her husband, Alan, of Fort Collins, Colo.; and grandchildren, Stephanie Nelson of Lebanon, N.H., and Greg Nelson and Kim Nelson, both of Fort Collins
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Arline Fitzgerald, Melva Thirtle and Ruth Brodman
Kearney Hub, 12 April, 2010
DEETS, Doris L., 79, of Kearney died Friday, April 9, 2010, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Tuesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: Press On Ministry in Kearney or to St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Born Nov. 30, 1930, in Axtell
Parents: Roy and Ruth (Johnson) Haury
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1948
Married: Aug. 5, 1948, to Herbert Deets. He died in 1986
With husband owned and operated H&D Grocery Store in Kearney; moved to a farm by the fairgrounds then in 1970 to a farm north of Kearney; worked in food service at Kearney Public Schools for 35 years, retired in 2004 as a bookkeeper for the lunch program
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, sang in the church choir; member of the B.P.O. Does, was awarded a life membership in PTA; served as a Scout leader
Survivors include her sons, Allen Deets and his wife, Patricia, of Kearney and Tom Deets and his wife, Laura, of Pleasanton; daughter, Cindy Kaestner and her husband, Dave, of Gibbon; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Cathy in 1994; and grandson, Chad in 1986
Kearney Hub, 12 April, 2010
WATSON, Marie Frances, 90, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kimball
Burial: Kimball Cemetery
Mortuary: Cantrell in Kimball
Memorials: St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Born March 9, 1920, in Abie
Parents: Josef and Marie (Kolar) Culek
Graduated from Kimball High School in 1938
Worked as a welder for two years during World War II
Attended Venus Academy at Wichita, Kan., received her cosmetology degree; returned to Kimball and worked as a hairdresser for 30 years
Moved to Kearney in 2007 to be closer to her daughter
Activities: enjoyed gardening, bird watching and baking; loved spending time with family, especially her grandsons; member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kimball
Survivors include her daughter, Jean Kasson and her husband, Charles, of Amherst; brother, Joseph Culek of Kimball; and grandsons, Charles, Josef and Lucas Kasson
Was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother and sisters, Libbie Trotter and Vera Homer
Kearney Hub, 12 April, 2010
HANSEN, Bobby E., 70, of Kearney, died Friday, April 9, 2010, at Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Hastings
Memorial services: Saturday, April 17, Faith United Methodist Church, Kearney
Body was donated to the Nebraska Anatomical Board
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: Alzheimer's research or AseraCare Hospice
Born Dec. 23, 1939, in Bellflower, Calif.
Parents: Elvin and Irene (Spors) Hansen
Grew up in Minden, received his education at Minden High School
On Oct. 30, 1959, he married Marilyn Huffman at the United Methodist Church in Minden
Lived in Kearney, was employed by West Co.
Activities: member of Elks Lodge for 30 years, social member of the American Legion
Survivors include his wife; son, Steve Hansen and his wife, Teri, of Kearney; daughter, Michele Norton and her husband, Milan, of Hastings; brother, Dennis Hansen and his wife, Donna, of Kearney; grandchildren, Kylie Ensrud of Lincoln, Brittney Hansen of Kearney and Zane and Breann Norton of Hastings; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 14 April, 2010
RAYBACK, James Lee, 83, of Grand Island died Saturday, April 10, 2010, at his home
Memorial services: Friday, Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial of cremains: Shelton Cemetery
Memorials: to the family
Born Sept. 19, 1926, in Shelton
Parents: Walter and Mary (DeVall) Rayback
Grew up in Shelton, received his education at Shelton Public School; graduated from Grand Island Business School
Military: U.S. Army on Jan. 17, 1945-Aug. 27, 1946; served during World War II, was honorably discharged
Married: Sept. 3, 1948, to Barbara Hendrickson in Shelton
Lived in Kimball, was employed by the Army Ordnance Depot; moved to Scottsbluff, was a car salesman; moved to Kearney, 1965, founded and was chief executive officer of Silose Corp.; moved to Grand Island, 2002
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; sons, Randy Rayback and his wife, Cindy, of Arvada, Colo., Terry Rayback and his wife, Kathy, of San Diego and Greg Rayback of Grand Island; daughter, Susan Leeper and her husband, Paul, of Grand Island; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Maryjane Reinhard and her husband, Karl, of Callaway
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 14 April, 2010