Page 100
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
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AYERS, Joan, 76, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Services: private
Born June 16, 1934, in York
Parents: Leonard and Helen (Huffman) Haried
Grew up in Hastings
Married: Feb. 21, 1953, to Art Ayers
Lived most of her married life in Kearney
Worked for Good Samaritan Hospital for more than 20 years, beginning as a respiratory therapist and ending as a telemetry technician in the intensive care unit
Activities: enjoyed family get-togethers, working in her flower garden, reading and Husker football
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Pam Paez and her husband, Willy, of Parker, Colo.; son, Mark Ayers and his wife, Debbie, of Kearney; son, Chuck Ayers and his wife, Pam, of La Vista; daughter, Andrea Gwynn and her husband, Robin, of Grand Island; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and brother, Andrew Haried of Colorado
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2010
BIERMAN, Edith M., 98, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: the church or the donor's choice
Born April 6, 1912, on a farm near Proctor, Colo.
Parents: Homer and Emma (Hammond) Cain
Grew up on a farm in Phelps County after family had moved back to Nebraska; attended a rural school through eighth grade and graduated from Holdrege High School in 1931; attended Normal College in Kearney for a year, then taught in Phelps County rural schools for six years
Married: Nov. 28, 1938, to W. Lester Bierman in Kearney. He died in 1993
Moved to Kearney where she lived the rest of her life; worked as a cashier and bookkeeper for J.M. McDonald's for more than 30 years; retired and helped with church bulletins at the church; moved to Cambridge Court in 2003
Activities: enjoyed crocheting doilies, bed spreads and, later on, baby caps for the Good Samaritan Hospital Volunteer Service League; member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney for over 50 years; was active in the church circle, Kearney Woman's Club and Good Samaritan Hospital Volunteer Service League
Survivors include her brother, Merlen Cain and his wife, Dorothy, of Kearney; sister, Alice Nelson of Casa Grande, Ariz.; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Marvin, Arlen and Bert Cain; and sister, Ardith Lee
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2010
CAMP, Harold Joseph, 90, of Bassett, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at Rock County Hospital in Bassett
Services: Friday, Zion Lutheran Church in Albion
Burial: Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Petersburg with military honors
Mortuary: Levander in Albion
Born Feb. 17, 1920, at David City
Parents: Okey Ross and Frances (Brocktrup) Camp
Married: Sept. 17, 1944, to Donna Rae Levos in Topeka, Kan. She died in 1999
Survivors include his sons, Tom of St. George, Utah, and Steve of Bassett; sister, Marge Seier of Petersburg; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 14 October, 2010
DETHLEFS, Leonard, 72, of Ravenna died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at his home east of Ravenna
Services: Friday, Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 9, 1938, in Curtis
Parents: Rueben and Mildred (Jensen) Dethlefs
Attended a number of schools, graduated from Rockville High School in 1956
Military: U.S. Marines
Married: Nov. 1, 1959, to Deloris Unger in Ravenna
Worked as a mechanic for several John Deere dealerships; later did mechanic work at his farm along with farming and milking cows
Activities: loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his family enjoying these sports; enjoyed bowling, bowled for many years in Cairo and Ravenna
Survivors include his wife; sons, Robert Dethlefs and his wife, Jodi, of Ansley and Rodney Dethlefs of Eddyville; daughters, Catherine Neville of Cairo and Karen Charron of Ravenna; 12 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Don Dethlefs and his wife, Audrey, of Brule and George Dethlefs and his wife, Bev, of St. Paul; and sister, Delores Jerabek and her husband, Joe, of Ashton
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2010
GRAHAM, Robert "Bob", 91, of Ravenna died Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Services: Friday, United Methodist Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: Ravenna Emergency Medical Technicians, United Methodist Church or Legion baseball
Born Oct. 5, 1919, in Centerville, Iowa
Parents: Homer and Bethel (Stroud) Graham
Was educated in Mullen, graduated from Hazard High School
Married: March 14, 1941, to Elvena Seifert in Kearney
Military: inducted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 15, 1942, at Camp Dodge, Iowa; served in the Pacific South Seas
After discharge, moved to Armour, S.D., operated a mink farm; returned to Ravenna, 1950; owned and operated Bob's TV Sales and Service, Graham Construction Co. and the Coin Corner
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, Ravenna Fire Department, Masonic Lodge and Central Nebraska Home Builders, was a past Ravenna School Board president and a member of Ravenna Economic Development
Survivors include his sons, Gary Graham and his wife, Meg, of Grand Island, Dennis Graham and his wife, Peg, of Lincoln and Kenneth Graham and his wife, Sue, of Ravenna; daughter, Barbara Brayton and her husband, Howard, of Kearney; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Seifert of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his wife and one sister
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2010
HARM, Andrew W. "Andy", 85, of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in Fruita, Colorado. Services: Friday, Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Neb., with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: VFW, American Legion, Zion Lutheran Church or the donor's choice
Born March 13, 1925, in Gosper County, Neb.
Parents: Clarence and Margaret (Yorges) Harm
Military: served during World War II and for many years after as a career military man; was involved in the military in some form from the beginning of WWII until the beginning of the Gulf War; earned several honors while enlisted and was known as an excellent marksman; retired from active duty in 1975 after 32½ years of service
Married: Oct. 12, 1950, to Dolores Ulrich in Tacoma, Wash.
Activities: enjoyed collecting guns, was an accomplished gunsmith; also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, collecting and trading coins, and snow skiing; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, United States Armed Guard Association of WWII Veterans and the National Association of United States Army Sergeants
Andrew truly enjoyed his career with the military and was proud of the service he provided to his country. Survivors include his wife; son, Richard Harm of Las Vegas; sisters, Meredith Speck of Redmond, Ore., and Velma McClellen and her husband, Lysle, of Elm Creek, Neb.; and brother, Harold Harm of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Karianne Zeller in 1994; daughter, Kris "Lynn" Zeller in 1997; and brothers, Robert Harm and Larry Harm
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2010
HUNT, Robert, 75, of Ravenna died Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: Ravenna Emergency Medical Technicians or Alzheimer's research
Born Dec. 24, 1934, near Bloomington
Parents: Ira and Rixtie (DeReese) Hunt
Attended country schools, graduated from Edison High School in 1952
Military: U.S. Army
Married: Dec. 24, 1953, to Delores Coffey in Edison
Lived in Oxford, Holdrege and Hastings, moved to Ravenna in 1962; worked as an auto mechanic
Survivors include his wife; son, Terry Hunt and his wife, Judi, of Valentine; daughter, Laurie Kutchara and Nate Henry of Chappell; four granddaughters; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Willis Hunt of Hastings; and sister, Viola Luce of Pleasanton
Was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Harris, and a sister, Lois
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2010
JENSEN, Betty M., 79, of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday, Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Born May 24, 1931, in Kirwin, Kan.
Paents: Ralph and Helen (Newell) Gaines
Grew up in the Agra, Kan., area
Married: Oct. 23, 1955, to Ernest Jensen. He died in 1973
Lived in Minden; worked at Pioneer Village for a short time
Activities: enjoyed visiting with friends and family on the telephone, working in her flower garden, dancing to the polka and listening to country music, especially loved being around her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her daughters, Diann Jensen of Kearney and Denise Godtel and her husband, Lonny, of Clay Center; son, Dennis Jensen and his wife, Arlene, of Kearney; stepdaughter, Yvonne Gydesen and her husband, Orville, of Aurora; stepdaughter-in-law, Marcia Jensen of California; grandchildren, Laci, Dan, Jessica, Delsia, Holly, Zac and Brittany; stepgrandchildren, Rebecca, Kristi, Eric, Justin and Tanya; and great-grandchildren, Dominic and Ezra
Was preceded in death by her husband; stepson, Ernie Jr., two brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2010
JOHNSON, Violet Pearl, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Ravenna, died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at Northridge Retirement Community
Services: Monday, Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Memorials: Congregational Church or the Boys Ranch in Alliance
Born Nov. 16, 1921, in Pleasanton
Parents: Ed and Alice (Rubart) Talbot
Was educated at Johnson School north of Pleasanton, graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney in 1939; attended Kearney State College for two years
Married: 1942, to Glen Kroeger. He was killed in Italy on Jan. 31, 1944, during World War II
Married: March 19, 1945, to Milford Johnson in Smith, Kan. He preceded her in death
Lived north of Ravenna; worked as a secretary for Nebraska Public Power District until Feb. 28, 1985
Activities: liked to read, do crossword puzzles and volunteer at the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Survivors include her son, Rex Kroeger of Kearney; daughter, Glenda Smith of Sioux City, Iowa; brother, Laurel "Ike" Talbot of Pleasanton; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2010
LOEFFELHOLTZ-REED, Doris Fay (Stauffer), 59, of North Platte, Neb., died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at Denver Medical Health Center after an elevator wheelchair lift accident in North Platte
Memorial services: Tuesday, Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, Neb.
Born Feb. 4, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Aaron and Dollie (Scott) Stauffer
Was the youngest of five children
Spent most of her life in and around Kearney except for three years in Lead, S.D.; was most proud of her job as a train engineer in the gold mines at Lead
Married: March 1, 1971, to Herman Loeffelholtz in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Had three children, Michael, Mary Jo and Jennifer Loeffelholtz
Had moved from Off Broadway in Broken Bow to an assisted living center Sept. 27
Activities: enjoyed bingo, making bead bracelets, playing keyboards, and collecting stuffed toys and angels; liked helping out at the Salvation Army and Methodist churches
Survivors include her brother, Leroy Stauffer of Pensacola, Fla.; and sister, Patricia Selvedge of Mason City, Neb.; sisters-in-law, Carol Stauffer of Pensacola and Alberta Stauffer of Broken Bow, Neb.; brother-in-law, Richard Selvedge of Mason City; special nieces, Lori Stauffer of Broken Bow and Linda Welch of Odessa, Neb.; and other nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; infant sister, Carol; and brother, Gerald
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2010
NORMAN, Lela Myrth, 101, of Kearney, formerly of Atwood, Kan., died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Thursday, the United Methodist Church in Atwood
Burial: Atwood Cemetery
Memorials: United Methodist Church of Atwood
Born Jan. 13, 1909, in rural Venango
Parents: Alson and Sylvia (Watkins) Williams
Married: Aug. 22, 1927, to Virgil Norman. He died in 1971
She and Virgil were married for 44 years
Will be remembered for her three passions in life: her family, her farming interests and her beloved Virgil
Survivors include her son, Arden and his wife, Nancy, of McCook; grandsons, Chuck Norman and Gayle Norman Jr., both of Kearney, and Bill Norman of Oxford; granddaughters, Tami Teel of McCook and Jan Curtin of Atwood; daughter-in-law, Janet Norman of Atwood; 15 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Edwin; sisters, Thelma and Reva; and son, Gayle
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2010
POWELL, Dolores "Dee", 79, of Kearney, formerly of Grand Island, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Inurnment: later
Born Jan. 31, 1931, in Loup City
Parents: Peter and Julia (Zielinski) Kosmicki
Graduated from Loup City High School; lived in New York City and Denver; returned to Grand Island, worked as a telephone operator
Married: 1956, to Raymond Powell. He died in 1982
Lived in Central City; worked in advertising, selling signage for Art Kraft and Mayhew Signs; developed and operated Providence Advertising Co. for a number of years; moved to Grand Island, 1982, lived there until 2005
Activities: had a passion for thoroughbred horse racing, was a regular at Fonner Park; became a prolific artist, painter and paper sculptor; read extensively about ancient cultures and biblical archeology and was forever "seeking the truth"
Survivors include her daughters, Cindy Powell of Kearney and Anita Powell of Elberfeld, Ind.; son, Gregory Powell of Grand Island; grandchildren, Morgan, Mason and Mitchell Powell of Grand Island; and brothers, Richard and Delphie Kosmicki, both of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by her husband, siblings, Irene Bruha, Dorothy Hiser, Loretta Pierczyk, Evelyn Petrasor and Leo Kosmicki
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2010
SCHROEDER, Lawrence "L.J.", 88, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at Seneca Sunrise Assisted Living in Ravenna
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Havens Chapel
Born Nov. 6, 1921, near Gibbon
Parents: Alfred and Eva (Altmaier) Schroeder
Received his education at Elkhorn School District 50
Lawrence grew up and farmed and ranched in the Prairie Center, Havens Chapel area
Activities: enjoyed his horses and dogs
Survivors include many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2010
SHELDON, Nadine J., 67, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 10, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Jay and Viola (Muller) Marlatt
Attended school in Newark, graduated from Minden High School in 1962; graduated from beauty school in Lincoln then became a licensed beautician
Married: July 12, 1970, to Roy Sheldon in Kearney. He died in 1998
Worked in Kearney at various beauty shops for more than 30 years before retiring
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and Friendship Sunday School Class in Kearney; member of the B.P.O Does Drove 14 and Country Crossroads Quilting Guild and was a charter member of the Bead Guild; especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Bracken Sheldon and his wife, Sarah, of Minden and Cammon Sheldon and his wife, LaNita, of Newark; and grandchildren, Olivia Sheldon and Titus Sheldon of Newark
Was preceded in death by her husband; and brother, Arvon Marlatt, in 2007
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2010
SPRINGER, Donald D. "Don", 83, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Born Sept. 20, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Iva (Pettit) Springer
Attended school in Kearney and later earned his GED
Military: Merchant Marines, also the U.S. Army during World War II
Married: Jan. 22, 1946, Marie Graves; they divorced
Married: Oct. 28, 1955, to Edna Doudna in Franklin
With Edna, founded Springer Roofing in Kearney in 1956, owned the business for 45 years; retired due to his health; business was continued by his son, Mike
Activities: enjoyed his cabin at Sherman Reservoir fishing and boating with his family and friends; member of the VFW and also the Eagles Club; enjoyed woodworking and also making yard signs
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Shari Allen, of Pahrump, Nev., Sulin Hamik and her husband, Brad, of Elkhorn and Nancy Krueger and her husband, Doyle, of Kearney; sons, Tom Schlueter and his wife, Linda, of Mountain Home, Ark., and Michael "Mike" Springer and his wife, Robyn, of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Gladys "Peggy" Ball and Mary Jane Springer, both of Kearney, and Grace Smith and her husband, Delbert, of Aurora, Iowa; and grandchildren, David Anderson, Brett Springer, Jordan Springer, Dillon Krueger and Megan Krueger, all of Kearney, Thomas, Mikaela and Andrew Hamik of Elkhorn, T.J. Schlueter of Arkansas, Chad Schlueter and Aubrey Schlueter
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard Springer; and son, Gary Schlueter
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2010
STEFFEN, Eva (Romick), 85, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at her home
Services: Friday, Bates-Gould Funeral Home Chapel in Alliance
Burial: Oregon Trail Cemetery in Bridgeport
Memorials: Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alliance
Born July 16, 1925, in Ault, Colo.
Parents: Dave and Blanche (Meyer) Romick
Was baptized into the Christian faith on Aug. 23, 1925, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ault, and confirmed Jan. 30, 1955, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alliance
Married: Dec. 14, 1941, to Alex Steffen in Kimball. He died in 2001
Worked hard to help on the family farm and raise her two children; was a dedicated wife, mother, and community and church member; spent her last years enjoying family and being a great-grandmother to 15 little ones whom she adored
Survivors include her son, Larry Steffen of Kearney; daughter, Sandra Waldron and her husband, Steve, of Alliance; grandchildren, Randy Waldron of Scottsbluff, Libbie Puncochar and her husband, Michael, of Grand Island, Lance Steffen and his wife, Kara, and LaRae Flood and her husband, Michael, all of Kearney, and Rusty Waldron and his wife, Natalie, of Alliance; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Jerrod, Zachary, Kaleb, Joshua and Zane Puncochar, Sophia, Syler and Sladen Steffen, Sydnie, Nichalas and Ayvrie Waldron and Olivia, Josslyn and Leah Flood; sisters, Wilma Twombly and Phyllis Henkel; and brother, Howard Romick
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Carl, George and Dave Jr. Romick; and sister, Mable Vogel
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2010
THOMPSON, Martha G., 74, of Shelton died over the weekend at her home
No services
Burial of cremains: Alaska
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Kearney Hub, 28 September, 2010
WAGNITZ, Lloyd D."Wag", 82, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at his home
Services: Tuesday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Born Nov. 28, 1927, in Hurdsfield, N.D.
Parents: William and Martha (Brodehl) Wagnitz
Grew up in Hurdsfield, received his education at a country school there
Military: U.S. Army, 1952-1954 during the Korean War
Married: Sept. 30, 1956, to Cherie Livingston in Gibbon
Lived in Eustis, was employed by Monroe Auto Equipment; also lived in Minden and Cozad, was employed by Miller the Driller and Francis Schneider
Activities: member of Eustis United Methodist Church; enjoyed working in the yard, wood crafts, working with his hands, flowers, farm life, country music; loved spending time with his family and friends
Survivors include his wife; sons, Lloyd Wagnitz and his wife, Susan, of Grand Island and Keith Wagnitz and his wife, Kayla, of Brady; daughters, Cynthia Wolf and her husband, Mike, of Eustis and Janell Welborn and her husband, Larry, of Omaha; grandchildren, Sara Rohren and husband Cory, Rachel Wagnitz and fiancé Chase Burgess, Matthew Wagnitz, Cassandra Wolf, Michael and Melissa Welborn, Keith Wagnitz and fiancée Ashley Schelling, and Kevin, Brittanie, Brian, Robert, Annabell, Samaantha, Cherakey and Mavrik Wagnitz; great-grandchildren, Katrina Wolf, Emily Robinson, Ethan, Aidan, Braxton and Ray-Lynn Wagnitz, Chyanne Hernandez and Corey Bunger; sister, Rosella Rask of Minden; and aunt, Helen Roach of Norton, Kan.
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Lena Wagnitz; brothers-in-law, Milton Rask and George Livingston; and parents-in-law, George and Viola Livingston
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2010
WILSON, Edward A. "Ed", 59, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Born Sept. 8, 1951, in North Platte
Parents: Chester and Roberta (Hawes) Wilson
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1969, and from Hastings Tech with a degree in welding
Military: joined the Army in 1972; served in the National Guard until 1982
Worked as a welder for Chief Industries, retired 1994
Activities: loved his family and continually kept in contact with all the extended family as well, was known as the family historian; member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, was involved in children's ministry; was the treasurer of Shelton United Methodist Church; was active in Boy Scouts of America as a youth; enjoyed fishing, hunting, visiting family and friends; liked doing leatherwork and teaching leather craft at the YMCA and Cambridge Court
Survivors include his daughter, Amy Killin of Glenwood, Iowa; sisters, Mary Peters and her husband, Don, of Shelbina, Mo., Carla Hallstrom and her husband, Rich, of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Cindy Rasmussen and her husband, Lanny, of Albion; three granddaughters; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2010
BELAU, Kermit Ernst, 83, of Gibbon died Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at College View Assisted Living in Hastings
Services: Friday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Memorials: Gibbon American Legion, Gibbon Emergency Unit fund or Gibbon Educational Association
Born Nov. 25, 1926, in Champion
Parents: Otto and Christine (Koester) Belau
Grew up in the Champion area, graduated from Chase County High School in 1943
Married: Feb. 19, 1949, to Leona Booth in Hastings
Military: U.S. Army, 1945-1947 in Okinawa; joined the Army National Guard (ARNGUS) and served as platoon leader, company commander of the Hastings unit, assistant operations officer and executive tank battalion officer and taught OCS during the summers; attained the rank of major during this service; was discharged from active duty status in 1974
Lived in Hastings; graduated from Hastings College in 1953; attended the University of Nebraska, graduated with an advanced degree (master's) in school administration; taught school and was school superintendent in Roseland; became superintendent at Gibbon Public Schools, 1958, served there for 30 years; helped build the first outstate computer network in Nebraska; was president of the Nebraska Council for Educational Television for five years; was a longtime Gibbon resident
Activities; member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, School Masters Association, Retired Military Officers Association and the NESA educational organization
Survivors include his wife; sons, Tom and his wife, Chris, of Hastings and Ron and his wife, Deb, of Gibbon; grandchildren, Michael Belau and his wife, Tina, of Cleveland, Tenn., Adam Belau of Grand Island, Jason Belau and his wife, Danielle, of Lakewood, Colo., Laci Bentley and her husband, Ken, of Gibbon, Lindi Samuelson and her husband, Ryan, of Phoenix and Bekka Simpson and her husband, Jay, of Wichita, Kan.; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and sister, Iola Kohout of Hastings
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2010
BURNS, Chad Everett, 39, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, at his home
Memorial services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Feb. 26, 1971, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Rilda (Feikert) Burns
Grew up in Fort Collins, Colo., and Kearney; attended Kearney Public Schools
Married: Sept. 15, 2001, to Angel Dellalo in Kearney
Was employed at Perkins Restaurant in Kearney and Best Western Motel in Hastings
Activities: member of the Church of Christ in Hastings; enjoyed being with his children and friends, fishing, and hunting
Survivors include his wife, of Norfolk; daughters, Madison Burns of Norfolk and Samantha Samuelson of Kearney; his parents, of Kearney; brothers, Hal and his wife, Angela, of Kearney and Brian of Elm Creek; and nephews and nieces
Was preceded in death by his grandparents and an uncle
Kearney Hub, 6 November, 2010
DCEBACA, Robert J., 49, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at his home
Private arrangements
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2010
EHLY, Joyce H., 86, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Services: Wednesday at First Christian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: First Christian Church
Born Feb. 13, 1924, in Hastings
Parents: Harry and Anna (Aabel) Anderson
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1941, attended Nebraska Teachers College in Kearney
On Oct. 27, 1943, she married Keith Cottrell in Kearney. He died in August 1979.
Married 1985 to Reiney Ehly. He died in 2009
Lived in Wauneta and Ravenna, moved to Kearney, 1951
Activities: member of First Christian Church, Christian Women's Fellowship C.W.F., PEO chapter FN, Gamma Phi Alumnae, Shrines' Auxiliary, Goodfellows, Red Cross volunteer and Grey Ladies, and worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital Gift Shop; enjoyed her grandchildren; also enjoyed painting, crafts, candle making, gardening, growing pansies and roses, and playing bridge
Survivors include her daughters, Kristi Lammers and her husband, Jack, of Minden, Connie Jo Fiddelke and her husband, Rod, of Ravenna, Jennifer Reeves of Phoenix and Carole Sue Cottrell of Kearney; sister-in-law, Bernadette Anderson of Port Huron, Mich.; grandsons, Terry Johnson and his wife, Joy, of Omaha, Scott Fiddelke and his wife, Karalee, Greg Fiddelke and his wife, Misti, all of Ravenna and Joel Swartsley and Mark Swartsley, both of Kearney; granddaughters, Kim Schelling of Kearney, Joell Penney and her husband, Jay, of Petersburg, N.J., Joanna Denny and her husband, Sean, of Scottsdale, Ariz., Elizabeth Reeves of San Diego and Megan Lange and her husband, Colby, of Gibbon; great-grandchildren, Faith Johnson, Taylor Venema, Hannah and Cassidy Schelling, Jarek, Jaide and Jonah Penney, Sadie, Wil and Wyton Fiddelke, Brooklyn, Jordyn, Ashlyn and Morgyn Fiddelke, Emma, Gabriel, Chloe and Logan Denny; special niece, Carmelle Beveridge of Denver; stepdaughters, Beth Heuermann and her husband, Ken, of St. Louis and Kristen Swenson and her husband, Jon, of Kearney; and stepgrandchildren, David and Sara Heuermann and Ryan and Joseph Swenson
Was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; sisters, Reva Beveridge and Judy Barth; and brothers, Norris and Lyle Anderson
Kearney Hub, 1 November, 2010
EVERS, Jill K., 30, of Lincoln died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at her home
Services: Tuesday, New Life Assembly in Kearney
Burial: Hildreth Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Born Jan. 26, 1980, in Holdrege
Parents: Wayne and Cynthia (Sahs) Evers
Graduated from Hildreth High School; received a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Lived in Kearney, Omaha and Lincoln; was employed as a pharmaceutical sales representative
Activities: had special affection for her recovery friends and loved her nieces and nephews
Survivors include her fiancé, Doug Goodwin of Lincoln; mother and stepfather, Cynthia and Stan Smidt of Kearney; brother, Chris Eynon of Omaha; sisters, Jennifer Lorenzen and her husband, Dave, of Ceresco and Jane Langan of Lincoln; and nieces and nephews, Garret and Sawyer Lorenzen, Allison and Grace Langan and Sabrina Eynon. Was preceded in death by her father and her paternal and maternal grandparents
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2010
FEURT, Verna Etta Ohlman, 77, of Wood River, formerly of Gibbon, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, at Wood River Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday, Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: later
Memorials: Wood River Good Samaritan Alzheimer's Unit or the family
Born April 4, 1933, in Hazard
Parents: Elmer and Etta (Giffin) Smith
Grew up in Hazard, graduated from Ravenna High School; had lived in Culbertson then moved to Loomis
Married: 1994, to William Feurt in Hastings. He died in 2004
Was a homemaker, also had worked at Bethphage Mission in Axtell for some time, later was employed at the Artistic and BD in Holdrege; moved to Gibbon, Good Samaritan Center; later worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; retired while working at the Armour plant in Hastings; had been baptized in the Lutheran faith
Survivors include her sons, Donald Ohlman of Amherst, Rich Ohlman of Shelton and Jonathan Ohlman of Illinois; daughters, Sandra Luther of Fremont, Janice Allen of Trumbull and Peggie Crawford of Kearney; brothers, Clinton Smith of Kearney, David Smith of Gibbon and Delbert Smith of Cozad; sisters, Leota Klein of Grand Island, Erma Howell of Phillipsburg, Kan., and Margie Walker of Lincoln; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 2 November, 2010
GONZALES, Alfredo "Fred" III, 49, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born June 15, 1961, in Mercedes, Texas
Parents: Alfredo and Francis (Briones) Gonzales Jr.
Married: April 16, 1981, to Teresa Contreras in Fort Morgan, Colo.
Worked as a truck driver for Hinz Trucking for more than 25 years; also worked for Lewis Feedlot as a truck driver
Activities: loved spending time with his grandchildren, going to the movies, watching TV and reading the newspaper
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Monica Bravo and her husband, Victor, of Roggen, Colo., and Lori Gonzales of Fort Morgan, Colo.; son, Nathan Gonzales of Fort Morgan; brothers, Pete Gonzales of Louisiana, Joey Gonzales of Texas and Rick Gonzales of Washington; sisters, Viola Retana of Fort Morgan, Yolanda Avila of Gibbon, Gloria Gonzales of Garden City, Kan., and Zuelema Rubio of Sterling, Colo.; and grandchildren, Teresa, Emily, Isabella, Kevin, Michael, William and Natalie
Was preceded in death by his mother
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2010
HARRIS, Robert Milton, 86, of Gering died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, in Scottsbluff
Memorial services: Monday, First United Methodist Church in Gering
Burial of cremains: West Lawn Cemetery
Crematory: Sunset Memorial Park Crematory in Scottsbluff
Mortuary: Gering Memorial Chapel and Cremation Service
Memorials: First United Methodist Church of Gering, the American Bible Society or the Nebraska Children's Home
Born April 27, 1924, on the family farm near Amherst
Parents: Oliver and Ada (King) Harris
Was raised on the family farm; attended a one-room school, graduated from Amherst High School; attended Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney
Military: entered U.S. Army Air Force, 1943; served for three years in North Africa and Italy
After discharge, resumed his education at Nebraska State Teachers College, graduated in 1947 with a bachelor of arts in education, pursued a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and graduated with the degree of juris doctor
Married: June 4, 1954, to Jean Pierson in Lincoln
Became assistant professor of law and law librarian at Stanford University in California; returned to Nebraska and entered private law with Hans Holtorf in 1951, also served as deputy county attorney of Scotts Bluff County for two years; joined the law firm of Mothersead, Wright & Simmons; eventually had his own private law practice; held many other positions in the law field, including police judge for the city of Gering, justice of the peace and deputy county attorney of Banner County
Activities: member of the American Bar Association; served as president for the Western Bar Association, Scotts Bluff County Bar Association and Committee on American Citizenship of the Nebraska State Bar; was runner-up two times for Nebraska Supreme Court justice; was a scholar and active community volunteer; served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the West Nebraska General Hospital, participated in the program of private probation officers for juvenile offenders, was a delegate to the Governor's Conference on Youth, enjoyed judging many Gering High School speech competitions, and supported the arts, music and library organizations of the valley; active member of Gering United Methodist Church, taught Bible studies, was a leader of several committees
Survivors include his wife of more than 56 years; son, Karl Harris of Lincoln; daughter, Judy Harris Bouc of Lincoln; grandchildren, Matthew, Sean and Ashley Harris and Anna, Alisa, Molly and Moriah Bouc; sister, Margaret Harris Davidson of Belen, N.M.; and brother-in-law, Don Davis of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by his parents; older sister, Dorothy Harris; brother-in-law, James Davidson; sisters-in-law, Wilva Pierson and Mabel Davis; and nephew, Mark Davidson
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2010
HENDRICKSON, Oren R., 90, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Thursday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Memorials: First Christian Church in Kearney
Born Oct. 22, 1920, in Kearney
Parents: Russell and Lelia (Patterson) Hendrickson
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1938
Military: U.S. Army, 1942-1945, during World War II
Married: 1947, to Leola Wenzlick. She died Nov. 20, 1982
Farmed northeast of Kearney for many years
Married: Dec. 14, 1987, to Wauneta Miner in Alma; lived in Kearney
Activities: lifetime member of VFW Post 759 and Legion Post 52; former member of Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and Kearney Eagles Lodge 2722; enjoyed dancing and gardening
Survivors include his wife; sons, Ronald Hendrickson and his wife, Deb, and Donald Hendrickson, all of Kearney; stepdaughter, Sally Rice and her husband, Connelley, of Kearney; grandsons, Justin Hendrickson and his wife, Maria, of Denver, Josh Hendrickson and his wife, Kari, of Rapid City, S.D., and Seth Hendrickson and his wife, Kelley, of Kearney; stepgrandchildren, Jared Rice of Epworth, Iowa, and Amy Rice of Kearney; eight great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandson; brother, Duane "Buck" Hendrickson and his wife, Audrey, of Kearney; sister-in-law, Bonnie Kuhnel of Crete; and brother-in-law, Harrison Speck of Gulfport, Miss.
Was preceded in death by his first wife; sisters, Lois Kain and Arlene Speck
Kearney Hub, 27 October, 2010
HOLL, Troy A., 72, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at Cambridge Court in Kearney
Memorial services: Friday, St. Paul's Lowell Lutheran Church southeast of Gibbon
Body was cremated
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Sept. 13, 1938, in Hastings
Parents: Julius and Deloris (Wilcox) Holl. Married: March 19, 1961, to Dorothy Swedlund
Survivors include his ex-wife, Dorothy of Kearney; son, Mike of Gibbon; daughter, Wanda Salmon of Greeley, Colo.; brothers, Kent of Elwood and Randy of Kenesaw; 11 grandchildren; stepmother, Ruth (Katzberg) Holl of Kearney; stepbrother, Alan Katzberg of Lincoln; and stepsister, Rogene Clark of Glendale, Ariz. Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2010
KREUTZER, Roland "Sonny", 72, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, at his home
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 8, 1938, in Riverdale
Parents: Emil and Bertha (Schwab) Kreutzer
Graduated from Riverdale High School in 1955
Married: Dec. 10, 1971, to Ruth Loeffelholz at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Farmed and drove for Kreutzer Trucking in the Riverdale area for 25 years; moved to Kearney in 1981, worked for Eaton Corp.; retired in 2000 because of his health
Activities: Sonny and Ruth were foster parents for 30 children before adopting three of their own; enjoyed going to coffee at Bob's Superstore and working word search puzzles; member of St. James Catholic Church and past member of the Kearney Elks Club
Survivors include his wife; sons, John Kreutzer of Fremont and Brent Kreutzer and his special friend, Amber Lewis, of Kearney; daughter, Betty Jean Sowles and her husband, Bill, of Minden; grandchildren, Anais, Sonny, Billy, and Kalista Sowles of Minden; sisters, Twila Bosshamer and her husband, Loren, and Luella Wuehler, all of Amherst, Marilyn Bailey and her husband, Bill, of Lexington and Lois Lee of Riverdale; brother, Alan Kreutzer and his wife, Charlene, of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded death by his parents and two brothers, Bobby and Larry Kreutzer
Kearney Hub, 4 November, 2010
MILLER, Ruth Harris, 91, of Camarillo, California, died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010, at Country Villa in Oxnard, California
Memorial services: Nov. 6, Charles Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura, California
Burial: Kearney (Neb.) Cemetery, with her husband Robert
Born Oct. 23, 1919, in Lincoln, Neb.
Married Robert Miller. He died in 2001
Had been a resident of Ventura County for 15 years
Activities: enjoyed baking, cake decorating, sewing and taking care of and loving her family
Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Freeman and her husband, Kenn, and Barbara Olson; grandchildren, Christopher Flores and his wife, Bonnie, and Craig Flores and his wife, Irene; and great-grandchildren, Maggie, Charlie, Estella and Miller
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2010
PERRY, Allen L., 92, of Kearney, formerly of Cozad, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Church of Christ in Cozad
Burial with military honors: Cozad Cemetery
Mortuary: Berryman in Cozad
Born July 23, 1918, at Cozad
Parents: Ernest and Mildred (Parkin) Perry
Attended Cozad Public Schools
Married: Aug. 29, 1939, to Mamie Griffith at Cozad
Worked as an over-the-road truck driver for many years, which resulted in the frequent moves for the family
Military: U.S. Army, 1944-1946, served in World War II
Following discharge, lived in Cozad
Worked with Paulsen Inc., for nearly 40 years
Activities: longtime member of the Church of Christ in Cozad, the Cozad Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 890 and American Legion Post 77; also had served as a volunteer firefighter
Activities: loved jigsaw puzzles, was an avid hunter and fisherman; liked gardening, bowling and spending time with his family; was a tinkerer, loved being outdoors
Survivors include his wife of 71 years; son, Jim Perry and his wife, Jan, of Georgetown, Texas; daughter, Jane Perry of Kearney; brother, Percy Perry and his wife, Mary, of Fremont; grandchildren, Todd, Darin, Erin and Nichole; great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Nathan, Tanner, Abigail, Sydne, Jack, Madelaine, Max and Olivia; brother-in-law, Dick Franzen of Lincoln; and a host of other relatives and friends. Was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Arlene; brothers, Neil, Jake and Herb; and sisters, Bernice, Velma, Kathleen, Jean and Lucille
Kearney Hub, 2 November, 2010
STICKNEY, Steve Robert, 55, of Kearney died of cardiac arrest Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, at his home
Celebration of life: Saturday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Born Nov. 8, 1954, in Ravenna
Parents: Robert and Glendoris (Basnett) Stickney
Baptized in the Methodist Church in Ravenna on April 3, 1955; grew up in Ravenna, moved to Kearney in 1969; graduated from Kearney High School in 1973
Married: Sept. 6, 1975, to Debra Musil in Kearney
Lived in Grand Island and Lincoln; attended Southeast Community College in Milford, graduated with a degree in auto body repair in 1978; returned to Kearney; worked at Eaton's, Kearney Body Shop and Killion Motors and worked at Turner's Body Shop at the time of his death
Activities: loved classic cars, was most proud of thr 1955 Chevy Nomad he restored at age 16; member of Central Nebraska Auto Club; served as chairman of Kearney's Cruise Nite for nearly two decades; member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include his sons, Logan and his fiancée, Holly Prehn, of Lakewood, Colo., and Cory and his wife, Erin, of Omaha; sisters, Kristi Fisher and her husband, Ken, of Ravenna and Sheri Eatherton of Kearney; brother, Rich of Alliance; his father of Ravenna; special friend, Rose Wilke of Kearney; and many extended family and dear friends
Was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents and brother-in-law, Steve Eatherton
Kearney Hub, 5 November, 2010
THURSTON, Carolyn, 73, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Memorials: Kearney Humane Society
Born Nov. 22, 1936, in Edmond, Kan.
Received her education in Kearney, was a graduate of Kearney High School
Married: Dec. 27, 1955, to Bill Thurston in Kearney
Lived in Metz, France, with her husband who was in the U.S. Air Force, 1955-1959; rsided in Minden, 1959 to 1967, then moved to Kearney
Worked at West Co. and the Kearney Police Department; was co-owner with her husband of Thurston Heating and Air Conditioning in Kearney
Activities: greatest joy was her grandchildren
Survivors include her husband; sons, Craig and his wife, Kim, and Todd and his wife, Cheryl, all of Kearney; and six grandchildren, all of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 2 November, 2010
WEMPEN, David Merl, 54, of Minden died Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Memorial services: Saturday, Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Born April 24, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Merl and Virginia (Lovitt) Wempen
Graduated from Kearney High School
On June 5, 1976, he married Denise Sorensen in Kearney. She died April 5, 1989. Operated Sonic in Cozad and Lexington for a few years; worked for Interstate Structures building grain bins, for Dandee Construction for several years, for Roy John Nelson doing construction and for several other construction companies; then was a self-employed construction contractor until his death
Activities: loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, several of whom he witnessed coming into this world; loved riding his Harley-Davidson, enjoyed going to Sturgis in South Dakota, collecting coins, building things with his hands and teaching others his carpenter skills
Survivors include his daughters, Denesia Raymundo and her husband, Mario, Dina Silvrants and her husband, Scott, Danielle Wempen and Deanna Wempen; grandchildren, Devyn, Dylan, Tyler and Maddisyn Silvrants, Timothy, Michael and Isabell Wempen, Jaina, Trystan, Sabastyen, Selena and Evelynn Raymundo and Julian and Jeremiah Wempen; his mother; sisters, Linda Morgan and her husband, Dellano, Patty Wallace and her husband, Gaylen, and Angie Runnells and her husband, Scott; brother, Jerry Wempen and his wife, Robin; nieces, Christina, Ashley, Jessica, Cindi, Sarah, Mkayla and Brenda; nephews, Steven, Skylar, Nicholas, Matthew, Jared, Trygan and Scott; one aunt; and several cousins
Was preceded in death by his wife; granddaughter, Jasmyne May Silvrants; his father; sister, Carol A. Wright; and maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 27 October, 2010
WICK, Carla R., 38, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Immanuel Cemetery northwest of Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church or to establish a college fund for Carla's nieces and nephews
Born Jan. 28, 1972, in Kearney
Parents: Harold M. and Nancy S. (Rodehorst) Wick
Attended Amherst High School, was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities; received the Abilities Award from the governor of Nebraska; received many superior awards while in high school for her performances in speech and in vocal and percussion solos; graduated from Amherst High School in 1990; earned a bachelor's degree and later a master's degree from UNK, graduated summa cum laude
Worked for a number of years as a customer service representative for the Kearney Hub
Activities: member and officer of the UNK Mortar Board; was involved in the Amherst Community Choir and Trinity Lutheran Church
Survivors include her parents of Riverdale; sister, Cindy Stone and her husband, Mark, of Elm Creek; brother, Charles Wick and his wife, Korina, of Pleasanton; nephews, Jordan Daake of Lincoln, Justin Daake of Omaha and Jarrod Daake of Elm Creek; nieces, Kara Stone and Haley Stone, both of Elm Creek, and Aspyn Wick and Breckyn Wick, both of Pleasanton; aunts and uncles, Margaret Rodehorst and Kathleen Hanna, both of Riverdale, Leola Rodehorst of Nelson, Darlene Pfeiffer of Kearney and Joe and Donna Zimmer of Gibbon; and numerous cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Raymond and Dorothy Rodehorst and Carl and Gladys Wick; aunt, Ida Lou Pfeiffer; uncles, Richard Rodehorst, James Rodehorst and Dennis Rodehorst; and nephew, Joshua Daake
Kearney Hub, 8 November, 2010