Page 110
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
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ANDERSON, Amelia "Millie", 88, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at her home
Memorial services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell
Born March 11, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Parents: Roman and Kathryn Shahay
Married: Aug. 5, 1947, to Kenneth R. Anderson in Scottsbluff. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Robert Anderson and his wife, Lisa, of Kearney; granddaughters, Robyn Kendle and her husband, Steen, of Kearney and Casey Ford and her husband, Ed, of Lexington; great-grandchildren, Ella and Chandler Ford; sisters, Helen Kolsun of Sepulveda, Calif., Blanche Spak of San Luis, Calif., and Betty Nolan of Freedom, Pa.; and brother, Roman "Ray" Shahay of Chincoteague, Va.
Grew up in Preston, Pa.; received her education at Stowe High School in McKee Rocks, Pa.
Resided in Scottsbluff, then moved to Kearney in April 2008
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2011
BAGGETT, Bernadette E., 93, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at Cambridge Court, Kearney
Funeral Services: later in Stuart, Nebraska
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 4, 1918 in Stuart, NE
Parents: Henry and Lona (Kunz) Kruger
Attended St. Boniface and Stuart High School
Married: 1955 to Carl E. Baggett
Lived in Omaha; was a bookkeeper for fifty years, retired in 1988; moved to Kearney, 2010, to be near relatives
Survivors include: brother; Arby Kruger and his wife Helen of Las Vegas, NV, nephews; Tom Kruger and his wife Kim of Kearney and Dan Kruger and his wife Ginni of Las Vegas, NC, nieces; Nancy Krysl and her husband Dan of Atkinson, NE and Delores Steffen and her husband Dave of Parker, CO and many grand nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers; Jerome Kruger, Henry Kruger Jr. and sisters Maxine Kruger and Leocretia Kruger
Kearney Hub, June 23, 2011
BEAVERS, Betty J., 69, of Kearney died Sunday, July 3, 2011, in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 5, 1941, in Ong
Parents: Roy and Bertha (Boyer) Mosley
Married: May 13, 1961, to Robert "Bob" Beavers in Ong. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Robin Bennett and her husband, Scott, and Tiffani Young and her husband, Mike, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Chantelle Bennett, Rhiannon Bennett, Makayla Young and Brennan Young, all of Kearney; brother, Dale Mosley of Broomfield, Colo.; sister, Mary Higgins and her husband, Rolland, of Greeley, Colo.; and special friend, Wayne Olson of Kearney
Graduated from Ong High School in 1959; attended Kearney State College
After marriage, lived in Kearney; moved to Sioux City, Iowa, 1964; then Holdrege and Gibbon; returned to Kearney, 1986, owned and operated B&B Answering Service until her retirement; also worked at Platte Valley Medical Group as a medical secretary and at the Tye law firm as a legal secretary
Activities: active member of First United Methodist Church and several other community organizations; was a creative writer and an entrepreneur; enjoyed going to garage sales and auctions; enjoyed spending time with her family; was always looking out for her grandchildren; also enjoyed helping less fortunate families out in times of need
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one sister
Kearney Hub, 5 July, 2011
BEINS, Evelyn C., 78, of Kearney died Friday, July 8, 2011, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Tuesday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Burial: Armada Cemetery at Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 16, 1932, in Ainsworth
Parents: George and Frances (Howerton) Ottman
Married: Dec. 10, 1949, to Kenneth H. Beins in Lexington. He died in 2006
Survivors include her sons, Gary Beins and his wife, Lisa, David Beins and Daniel Beins, all of Riverdale, Larry Beins and his wife, Carole, of Alma and Bill Beins and his wife, Anne, of Arapahoe; sister, Dorothy Kincheloe and her husband, Alfred, of Grand Island; brother, Robert Ottman and his wife, Leona, of Kearney; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren
Grew up in the area, attended school in Overton then Amherst
After marriage, lived in Lexington and Naperville, Ill.; moved to Kearney in 1982, worked at Eaton Corp; retired in 1992
Activities: active member of the LDS Church; enjoyed traveling and visiting her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by husband, her parents, one granddaughter, two sisters and one brother
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Kearney Hub, 11 July, 2011
BLISS, Roy "Bob", 89, of Greeley, Colorado, died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at Bonell Good Samaritan Center in Greeley
Memorial services: Friday, Trinity Lutheran Church in Greeley
Mortuary: Moser in Eaton
Born May 8, 1922, in Miller, Neb.
Parents: Albertus and Josephine (Gustus) Bliss
Married: Dec. 29, 1946, to Lois Ray
Survivors include his wife; children, Tom Athy and his wife, Jacqueline, Douglas Bliss and his wife, Jeanne, David Bliss and his wife, Marcia, and Robert Bliss; nine grandsons; and 10 great-grandchildren
Moved to Kearney, Neb., at an early age, went to Kearney Public Schools; graduated from Kearney High School in 1939
Military: U.S. Navy, June 1941-November 1945
Attended Kearney State College until 1946, graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1950 with a degree in business and accounting; had jobs in Cozad and Fremont; became an accountant for the cattle inventory with Monfort Feedlots in 1970; also worked for ConAgra and Swift for a short time; after retiring, worked at GoJo Sports
Activities: loved to travel; hobbies included golf, bowling, skiing, baseball and tennis; member of Trinity Lutheran Church, served in many positions, including treasurer, elder and president of the congregation; loved his family and loved to be with them
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church, Greeley, Colorado
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2011
BRAITHWAIT, Brian, 61, of Columbus, formerly of Elm Creek, died Friday, June 17, 2011 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Omaha
Services: Wednesday, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus
Burial: Roselawn Cemetery at Columbus
Mortuary: McKown in Columbus
Born May 2, 1950, in Columbus
Parents: Delton and Elizabeth "Bette" (Schwantje) Braithwait
Married: Sept. 1, 1973, to Deborah Dickenson in Columbus
Survivors include his wife; son, Darren of Kearney; daughter, Mindy of Columbus; brothers, Delton "Barry" of Hebron, Bill of Columbus and Bob of Arapahoe; sister, Barbara of Kearney; and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 20 June, 2011
DeBAETS, Benjamin, 70, of Elm Creek died Thursday, June 23, 2011, at his home
No services planned
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Born July 28, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: Arthur and Elizabeth (Eliker) DeBaets
Survivors include his special friend, Connie Branham
Grew up in and received his education in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School in 1958
Military: U.S. Navy, Feb. 25, 1959-Feb. 24, 1964; received the Antarctic Service Medal and Bronze Clasp and the Good Conduct Medal
After discharge, was a self-employed over-the-road truck driver
Activities: member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the National Rifle Association; enjoyed fishing and hunting
Was preceded in death by his son, Benjamin A. DeBaets II, and infant daughter, Cleta DeBaets
Kearney Hub, 25 June, 2011
EKHOLM, Alberta Bernice, 81, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday, Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell
Born July 8, 1929, in Cozad
Parents: John and Maltie (Estep) Orsborn
Married: May 28, 1948, to Jared LaWarren Ekholm. He died in 2010
Survivors include her son, Steve of Phoenix; brothers, William Orsborn of Kearney and Otto Orsborn of Wood River; sister, Jaunita Wenburg of Elm Creek; and one granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 28 June, 2011
FIRME, Robert L. "Bob", 72, of Gibbon died Monday, July 11, 2011, at his home
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 24, 1938, in Hastings
Parents: Francis and Alvina (Lenz) Firme
Married: Jan. 17, 1959, to Barb Erpelding in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Brenda Yockey and her husband, Dan, and Becky Hunnel, all of Gibbon, and Bridget Worm and her husband, Craig, of Kearney; grandchildren, Andrew, Jeff and Steve Yockey, Matt and Darren Hunnel and Zach and Emily Worm; sisters, Virginia Dearen of Dallas, Ardyce Pitke and her husband, Ira, of Eugene, Ore., and Bernice Crews of Kerrville, Texas
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1957
After marriage, lived in Gibbon, worked at Central Nebraska Co-op; became a partner at Mid-Nebraska Feed in 1978, then worked at Eaton Manufacturing in Kearney, retired in 2007
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, the Gibbon Jaycees, Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, Kearney Eagle's Lodge 2722, Valley View Golf Course in Gibbon and the Sons of Legion in Gibbon; was an avid Husker football fan, enjoyed watching his grandchildren's activities
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Laverne, Jerry and Donald; and grandson, Carter Yockey
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church, AseraCare Hospice or the Gibbon Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 14 July, 2011
FREBURG, Lloyd R., 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Holdrege Memorial Homes
Services: Saturday, Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Born July 10, 1924, in Loomis
Parents: Reno and Emma (Jacobson) Freburg
Married: Sept. 1, 1951, to Cleo Gibreal in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Nancy Freburg and her husband, Andrew Hoffmeister, of Kearney; grandchildren, Nicole and Danielle; sister, Luella Epping; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews
Grew up on a farm north of Loomis, received his education at a rural school outside of Loomis until eighth grade, attended Loomis High School for two years, then moved to Pasadena, Calif., when he was 14 years old; graduated from Pasadena High School in 1941, completed two years of college at Pasadena Junior College; also attended Kearney State College
Military: U.S. Navy, June 9, 1945 - July 20, 1946; served during World War II
Farmed south of Loomis; also served as Phelps County assessor for eight years and as Phelps County supervisor for an additional eight years; moved to Kearney in 1971, was employed by the Nebraska Department of Revenue as a field agent for the real estate division
Activities: member of Williamsburg Methodist Church in rural Phelps County, Faith United Methodist Church of Kearney, Farm Bureau and American Legion, and enjoyed gardening, traveling, his pets and following national politics
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Chester; and sister, Gladys
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2011
FRINK, Harold C. Jr., 70, of Unionville, Mo., formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Services: June 23, Playle and Jones Funeral Home in Unionville, Mo.
Burial: McCune Cemetery near Unionville
Born May 10, 1940, in Beloit, Kansas
Parents: Harold Sr. and Genevieve (Bussart) Frink
Married: to Catherine Curry. She died June 28, 1974
Married Nellie Gresham. They divorced
Married Janet Hurley
Survivors include his sons, Doug of Oklahoma City, David of Yuma, Colo., Jeremy of Lincoln, Neb., and Jeff of San Antonio; daughters, Mary Beth Reehl of Hickman, Neb., Marsha Hemmingsen of Elm Creek, Neb., and Teresa Vick of Akron, Colo.; 33 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Wilma McHugh of Akron and Cheryle Severin of Fort Collins, Colo.; stepsons, Phillip Garr of Ottawa Lake, Mich., and Jared Hurley and Doug Hurley, both of Unionville; and stepdaughter, Wendy Ripp of Creighton, Neb.; and adopted son, Billy of Unionville
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2011
GARD, James V., 76, of Kearney died Thursday, June 30, 2011, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Home
Graveside services: Tuesday, Gibbon Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann, Kearney
Born Sept. 25, 1934, in Kearney
Parents: Vern and Verna (Kelsey) Gard
Married: March 5, 1954, to Carolyn Blanchard in Grand Island
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Rebecca Burns and her husband, Todd, of College Station, Texas; sons, David Gard and his partner, Lorrie Foster, of Gibbon, Randy Gard and his wife, Vicki, of Grand Island and Rusty Gard and his wife, Decca, of Fort Worth, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Carol Sanders and her husband, Sid, and Virginia Wattles and her husband, George, all of Kearney
Was a 1952 graduate of Kearney High School
Werved as a brick tender at Kearney State College and as a bricklayer in Lincoln; was a wonderful builder; worked at Eaton Corp. in the computer lathe department for 19 years, retired in 1994
Activities: active as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for several years; served as a trustee at the Presbyterian Church and on the Community Council; earned his private pilot's license in 1984; loved all animals; always put his family first
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marilyn Wattles; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Gard
Kearney Hub, 2 July, 2011
HILL, Kristine L., 44, of Kearney died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday at First Christian Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Born Nov. 30, 1966, in Kearney
Parents: Gary L. and Janice (Barnes) Stephens
Married: July 16, 1994, to Dwight Hill in Kearney
Survivors include her husband; son, Daniel Fischer of Hastings; daughter, Misty Green of Kearney; her mother of Kearney; sisters, Janet Stephens, Melinda Schwarz, Cindi Bednarz and Susan Ballain, all of Kearney; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2011
HUGHES, Marjorie E., 76, of Kearney died Saturday, June 25, 2011, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Memorial services: Thursday, Faith United Methodist Church
Burial of cremains: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 10, 1934, in Minden
Parents: Walter and Myrtle (Sanders) Hughes
Grew up and attended school in Upland; moved to Kearney, attended Kearney State Teachers College and attended beauty school
Had worked at Faith United Methodist Church as a secretary
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 28 June, 2011
JACOBS, Doris L., 81, of Shelton died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born April 12, 1930, in Kenesaw
Parents: Delbert and Gertrude (Holl) Blue
Married: Oct. 8, 1950, to James B. "Jim" Jacobs at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Lowell
Survivors include her husband; son, Brian Jacobs of Gibbon; daughters, Renee Swearingen and her husband, Roger, of Gibbon and Connie Scarrow and her husband, Randy, of Kenesaw; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kelly Vincent and husband, Orville, of Sargent and daughters Sidney and Carsen and nephew Daniel, Tyler Swearingen and wife, Kim, of Gibbon and their little one arriving in August, Misti Smith of Kearney and children Devin and MaKennah, Brandon Jacobs and wife, Kim, of Grand Island and his daughters Brianna and Brielle; stepchildren, Danette Jacobs and her fiancé, Manuel Nunez, of Gibbon and daughters Desirae, Destiny and Josalynn, Seth Jacobs currently serving in Afghanistan and wife, Denise, Geoff Wieland of Gering, Reiley Wieland of Lincoln, Mallory Pinger currently serving at Fort Knox, Ky., and Jeremy Scarrow of Grand Island; sister, Della Wallace and husband, Selby, of Kearney and children Randy Wallace and Candi Michels, both of Kearney; sister-in-law, Nedra Blue of Grand Island and children Cary Blue of Shelton and Marcene Bauer of Spalding and a grandnephew and grandniece; niece, Trudy Jacobs of Sacramento, Calif.; a grandniece; and several cousins
Grew up on the family farm south of Shelton, attended first through eighth grades at East Lowell School in Kearney County; graduated from Shelton High School in 1948
After marriage, lived south of Gibbon
Taught kindergarten through eighth grades for several years at Denman, south of Shelton; was employed by Codner Insurance of Gibbon, co-owned and operated Flowers "R" Us floral shop in Gibbon and also worked at Bearcat Diner at Horizon Middle School in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed being with family and friends and loved her garden, flowers and taking care of her yard; was a great seamstress and cook
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Raymond Blue; and brother-in-law, Robert Jacobs
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or to the family
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2011
JANITSCHECK, Fern, 90, of Kearney, formerly of Ravenna, died Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday, New Life Assembly in Kearney
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 23, 1920, in Taylor
Parents: John and Nora Bell (Campain) Lewis
Married: Sept. 24, 1940, to Ben Janitscheck in Springview. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Dick Stacy and Maxine and Ken Huryta, all of Kearney; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Mildred Fales of Burwell
Grew up on the family farm near Taylor and attended Kent School
After married, lived on the farm until husband's death; moved to Ravenna in 1971 and worked at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center until she retired
Activities: member of New Life Assembly; her greatest love was her family
Was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers, eight sisters and a great-grandchild
Memorials: Alzheimer's Foundation
Kearney Hub, 29 June, 2011
JENSEN, Cheri L. (Drake), 46, of Omaha died Thursday, June 30, 2011, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha
Memorial services: July 3 in Carter Lake, Iowa
Body was cremated at Good Shepherd Funeral Home in Omaha
Born Oct. 19, 1964, in Kearney
Parents: Albert and Deanna Drake
Survivors include her father, Albert Drake and his wife, Rosetta, of Kearney; her mother, Deanna of Omaha; brothers, John Drake of Aurora and Randy Drake of Omaha; sister, Valeri Drake of Omaha; special friend, Jake Jacobson; and nephews and nieces
Grew up in the Kearney area; especially loved her pets
Was preceded in death by her grandparents and her ex-husband, Jimmy Jensen
Kearney Hub, 11 July, 2011
JOHANNSEN, Duane E., 76, of Kearney died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born May 7, 1935, in Ogallala
Parents: Wilbur and Deloris (Helmer) Johannsen
Married: Jan. 15, 1955, to Patricia A. Wiebold in Fremont
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Deb Gifstad and Lori Jurgens, both of Kearney; sons, Steve Johannsen and Mike Johannsen and his wife, Carol, all of Gibbon, and Chuck and his wife, Carol, of Fremont; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie Skeen and her husband, Don, of Grand Island and Connie Wilcox and her husband, Dan, of Las Vegas; and brothers, Lowell Johannsen and his wife, Pat, of Ainsworth and Waldo Johannsen and his wife, Jan, of Ogallala
Grew up in Arthur, received his education at Gibbon High School
After marriage, lived in Fremont, was employed by Farris Transportation; also lived in Gibbon and was a self-employed farmer
Was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Mark Allen Johannsen
Kearney Hub, 21 June, 2011
LAHM, Murl Knox, 90 of Kearney died Friday, June 24, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, Church of Christ
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Born May 1, 1921, in Sumner
Parents: Harry and Hazel Belle (Knox) Lahm
Married: May 29, 1969, to Deloris L. Becker in Elm Creek
Survivors include his wife; sons, Stan Lahm and his wife, Sherri, of Grand Island, Chris Lahm and his wife, Dawn, of Joplin, Mo., Brian Burney and his wife, Marsha, of Houston and Raymond Burney of Lincoln; daughters, Murlona Austrum and her husband, David, of Hudson, Wis., Sheila Smith and her husband, Bruce, of Omaha, Lisa Moehlenhoff and her husband, John, of Lincoln; 17 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Glen and Lois Lahm of Becker, Minn., Stan and Lucille Lahm of Ames, Iowa, and Roger and Karen Lahm of Spirit Lake, Iowa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ila and Dale Wright of Elm Creek and Connie and Bob Hanson of Chicago; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Oldest of eight children, graduated from Sumner High School in 1940
Military: U.S. Army, Dec. 26, 1942 - June 11, 1946; served during World War II; earned the rank of corporal
Moved to Cozad, owned and operated the Mobil Standard Service Station; later lived in Kearney, owned and operated The Wash House laundromat
Activities: member of the Kearney Church of Christ; enjoyed coin collecting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Phyllis Savant and Naomi Newquist; and great-granddaughter, Katie Lahm
Kearney Hub, 28 June, 2011
LAMER, Beulah Irene, 75, of Kearney died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Thursday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Born Feb. 2, 1936, in Abilene, Kan.
Mother: Neva Arnold
Married: May 19, 1954, to Norman Lamer Sr. in Abilene
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Susan K. Lamer-Jones and Connie Jo Lamer-Stika, both of Kearney; son, Norman D. Lamer Jr. of Kearney; grandchildren, Thomas Jones and his wife, Anne, Michael D. Jones, Tammara Jones-Rice and her husband, Nicholas, Rachael Stika, Carrie Flores and her husband, Xavier, Steven Lamer and his wife, Amber, Stephanie Lamer and Robert Lamer and his wife, Dani; and nine great-grandchildren
Graduated from Abilene High School, earned her certified nurse assistant degree
Moved to Kearney in April 2006
Was preceded in death by her mother; grandson, John D. Jones; and grandparents, John and Carrie Arnold
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2011
LONG, Lyle B., 88, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at his home
Services: Wednesday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services, with miliatry honors
Burial: later
Born July 20, 1922, in rural Amherst
Parents: Roy and Maggie (Williams) Long
Married: June 2, 1943, to Betty Swain in Lexington. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Pat Long and Ruth Smith and David Long and his wife, Linda, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Jeremy Long and Jacob Long, both of Kearney, and Dale Long and his wife, Rebekha, and Edward Long and his wife, Kimberly, all of Kenesaw; girlfriend, Blanche Frederick of Kearney; friends, Charlie Legate, Bill Rea, Bob Duncan, Lance Legate, Paul Londer and Jodi Londer, all of Kearney, and Charles P. Huffman of Broken Bow; seven great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and numerous other nieces, nephews and a host of friends and family
Attended school in Amherst, was forced to quit and return home to help on the family farm
Military: U.S. Army, was honorably discharged in 1946
Worked the majority of his life as a bridge builder for the railroad
Activities: member of Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Kearney Eagles Lodge 2720; enjoyed reading, especially books and articles about health; also had a love for lapidary work and owned a stone saw
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Harlan Long; and sister, Alberta Arrants
Memorials: Hope Free Church
Kearney Hub, 21 June, 2011
MADDUX, Loree, 83, of Kearney died Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Born July 7, 1928, in Milburn, Okla.
Parents: John F. and Grace (Maeyers) Williams
Married: Oct. 29, 1961, to Eugene H. Maddux at St. John's Lutheran Church in Salina, Kansas. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Peter Glen Maddux and his wife, Cyndy, of Lincoln; daughters, Susan C. Lynch and her husband, Chandler, of Kearney, Cathy L. England and her husband, Michael, of Gibbon and Peggy A. Haslam and her husband, George, of Moreno Valley, Calif.; and four grandchildren
Graduated from high school at Salina; attended McCook Community College and Kearney State College
Husband was in the Air Force; lived in various places, including Plattsburg and Syracuse, N.Y., Atwater, Calif., Shreveport, La., and Wauneta
Activities: During husband's time in the U.S. Air Force, volunteered at Air Force bases and community organizations and was elected as the Officer's Wives Club representative to the BX Board as well as many terms as the Officer's Wives Club representative on the Commissary Board; also was active at various base hospitals as a Red Cross volunteer and military Family Service; in Kearney, was active in various local and state organizations and was Buffalo County Republican State committeewoman for several years and was vice chairman of the Congressional 3rd District serving as the vice chairman with Chairman Merlin Carlson; was also active in the Kearney and Lancaster Red Cross Chapters; also served as a Red Cross National Disaster volunteer and responded to more than 40 national disasters on the mainland, Puerto Rico and Hawaii; also worked in the volunteer program at Good Samaritan Hospital; was a past member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, David, Maurice, Elton and Roger; and stepbrothers, Bob and Chet Hein
Memorials: Red Cross Disaster Fund
Kearney Hub, 13 July, 2011
MARVIN, Tina R., 78, of Kearney died Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Golden Living Center in Cozad
Graveside services: Thursday, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Born Nov. 8, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Warren and Mildred (Barner) Marvin
After the death of her mother, Tina was moved to the Beatrice Developmental Center at age 5; returned to Kearney in 1976 and was a consumer of Mid-Nebraska Individual Services; worked at different businesses as well as sheltered workshop over the years; retired in 1999
Activities: enjoyed her retirement years, maintained her independence; attended the Salvation Army Church and was a member of People First of Nebraska and of the Buffalo County Arc Was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 6 July, 2011
McWATERS, Cheryl L., 71, of Kearney died Monday, June 20, 2011, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Memorial services: July 9, First Lutheran Church
Inurnment: in the church columbarium
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Born Oct. 29, 1939, in Edgar
Parents: Alwin "Bud" and Enid "Betty" (Overturf) Scism
Survivors include her father of Kearney; brothers, Tony Scism and his wife, Connie, of Aurora and Garth Scism and his wife, Vicki, of Kearney; sister, Mary Kulhanek of Kearney; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and one great-great-niece
Grew up in Edgar and Deweese, received her undergraduate degree from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, and her master's degree from Kearney State College
Taught school for 33 years, including several years in Nelson and Minden
Activities: member of the First Lutheran Church, Nebraska State Education Association and various civic organizations; was very active in her church until her health declined; loved children, volunteered at Northeast Elementary School in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her mother; brother, Mike Scism; and sister, Karen Anderson
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2011
MOLES, Maxine Marie, 91, of Colorado Springs, Colordao, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at Pike's Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs< Services: Tuesday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney
Born Feb. 25, 1920, in Darr, Neb.
Parents: Roy and Eva (Hennek) Sternberg
Married: Oct. 2, 1939, to Frank Moles. He died Jan. 17, 2006
Survivors include her sons, Robert and his wife, Nell, of Sedalia, Colo., and Richard and his wife, Maria, of Tyler, Texas; daughter, Connie Hagerman and her husband, Glenn, of Littleton, Colo.; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren
As a child, moved to Elm Creek, attended school in Elm Creek and graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1938
After marriage, lived first in Norfolk, Neb., and over the years lived in Redondo Beach, Wash., Elm Creek, Norfolk, Beatrice, Neb., Yakima, Wash., and Auburn, Wash.; retired to Kearney in 1984
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; moved to Village at Skyline in Colorado Springs to be near her children, but her heart was always with St. James, the Catholic Daughters of America and her family and friends in Nebraska; was a great wife and mother; loved the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and craft projects
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a brother, two sisters and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 July, 2011
MOORE, Barbara A., 57, of Kearney died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Thursday at Plainfield Cemetery in Bradshaw
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born March 24, 1954, in York
Parents: James and Sherry (Adams) Hill
Survivors include her daughter, Jacquelyn Moore of Kearney; sons, Robert Moore of Lincoln and Nuphet Moore-Insixiengmay of Dallas; grandsons, Dylan Feldman of Kearney and Aaron Moore of York; granddaughters, Morgan Moore of York and Vivianne Beck of Kearney; mother, Sherry Anstine of West Plains, Mo.; brother, Michael Anstine of Colorado; and sisters, Kathy Cooper of Nashville, Deedee Norton and her husband, Jack, of West Plains and Jenny Swanson and her husband, Brad, of Overland Park, Kan.
Graduated from York High School in 1971; moved to Kearney in 1986; graduated from Kearney State College in 1992 with a degree in English and an art minor
In Kearney, worked in sales and as a secretary at Y102; also worked as a cook at the Main Street Deli and delivered papers for the Kearney Hub
Activities: enjoyed cooking, crafting, gardening and knitting; enjoyed collecting yarn and knitting baby caps for Third World countries
Was preceded in death by her father; sister, Deborah Rosiu; and nephew, Trevor Cooper
Kearney Hub, 21 June, 2011
NOYES, Craig Williams, 54, of Kearney died Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Born May 23, 1957, in Omaha
Parents: Carlton and Gene (VanEvery) Noyes
Married: Feb. 14, 1991, to Tara McKenna
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Elizabeth and Cynthia, both of Kearney, and Virginia of Lincoln; brother, Kirk of Kearney; and sister, Cindy Konopik of Axtell
Kearney Hub, 15 July, 2011
O'MEARA, Helen Jean (Geist), 89, of Solvang, California, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, June 7, 2011, in Solvang
Born April 25, 1922, in Platte, Neb.
Parents: William and Leto (Hurley) Geist
Married: May 22, 1971, to Thomas J. O'Meara Jr. in Las Vegas. He died in April 2001
Survivors include her daughter, Trudy Way and her husband, Ron; step-children, Jeanne Anglin and Tom O'Meara; grandchildren, Lisa, Nick, Marnee, Katrine and Heidi; and seven great-grandchildren
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1940; moved to California, 1956; was a bank teller at Bank of America for 20 years in North Hollywood; retired in Ventura
Activities: member of the Elks Emblem Club in Ventura
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Frank, Bill, George, Tom, June and Sally
Kearney Hub, 19 July, 2011
PIERCE, Arthur James, 95, of Kearney died Monday, June 20, 2011, at his home
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
A gathering of friends: Thursday at Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Born Aug. 2, 1915, in Custer County
Parents: Asahel and Ethel (Cole) Pierce
Married: Oct. 4, 1947, to Hazel Beasley in Witt, Ill. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Stephen C. Pierce and his wife, Angela M., of Lincoln; daughters, Anne M. McCollister of Lincoln and Martha B. Pierce of Kearney; grandchildren, Kathleen P. Pierce, Jennifer L. Pierce, Alex A. McCollister and Megan M. McCollister; brother, Everett Browning and his wife, Laurel, of Peru; sister-in-law, Helen Browning of Grand Island; and nieces and nephews, Jeanne Salermo, Charles Garner, Brian Browning, Eugene Browning, Stanley Browning, Ann Browning and Barbara Browning
As a child, the family lived several years in a sod house in Lincoln County
Military: U.S. Army during World War II
After marriage, lived in various communities in Nebraska, settled in Holdrege, started Pierce Sign Co.; moved both company and family to Kearney in 1967; retired from the sign trade around 1981
Attended Kearney State College, Curtis Agricultural College, the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University and participated in several calligraphy workshops in London, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota and Illinois; was an artist-in-residence for the Nebraska Arts Council; conducted countless workshops for children and adults over the years of his retirement; was awarded honors for his calligraphy and civic contributions
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Alice E. Garner; and brother, Ellsworth Browning
Memorials: Rowe Sanctuary
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2011
RADKE, Ernest L. "Ernie", 69, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died of cancer Thursday, June 16, 2011, at Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs
Memorial services: June 19, High Plains Church Unitarian Universalist in Colorado Springs
Born May 22, 1942, in Big Springs, Neb.
Parents: Ray and Evelyn Radke
Married: April 15, 1967, to Dorothy Hamby in Sidney, Neb.
Survivors include his wife; daughter and her husband, Celina and Michael Arsenault; son and his wife, Michael and Janene Radke; grandchildren, Patrick, Jaclyn and Natalie; brothers, Bob, Vern, Loren, Kenny and Denny; and sisters, Karen, Janet and Barb
Graduated from Big Springs High School in 1962
Military: U.S. Navy, then joined the Navy Seabee Reserve and served for 16 years
Worked for Nebraska Public Power District for 21 years, then was a truck driver for Dahlsten Truck Lines for the last 22 years
Lived in Norfolk, Neb., and Grand Island, Neb.; had lived in Gibbon, Neb. for 16 years, served as a volunteer fireman and emergency medical technician, then briefly lived in Sidney; enjoyed living in Colorado Springs for the last 14 years
Was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Rodney; and niece, Raedee
Memorials: Pikes Peak Hospice
Kearney Hub, 25 June, 2011
SCHULTZ, Olive, 93, of Ravenna, formerly of Arcadia, died Thursday, July 14, 2011, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Wednesday, Arcadia Baptist Church
Burial: Arcadia Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Feb. 25, 1918, on the family farm near Ansley
Parents: Ernest and Stella (Phillips) Bristol
Married: Nov. 21, 1942, to Edgar Schultz. He died April 25, 1996
Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Harvey and her husband, Don, of Lincoln and Sandra Martin and her husband, Lynn, of Pleasanton; sons, Ken and Schultz and his wife, Sandy, of Norton, Kan., Don Schultz and his wife, Debra, of Shickley and Dick Schultz of Lincoln; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; half sister, Phyllis Branstiter and her husband, Loy, of Overton; half brother, Max Bristol and his wife, Lenore, of Kearney; half sister-in-law, Maxine Bristol of Ansley; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends
Grew up in the Ansley area, attended rural school up to the eighth grade; graduated from Ansley High School in 1935; taught in rural schools around Ansley and Sumner for three years, then attended Kearney State Teachers College for two years
After college, taught in rural schools around Arcadia and then Ansley
After marriage, lived southwest of Arcadia; continued to teach in rural schools after her children were born
Received her college degree in 1972; taught in Arcadia, retired in 1977
Moved to Arcadia in fall 1975
Activities: member of the Arcadia Calvary Baptist Church, taught Sunday school and Bible school, belonged to the Ladies Missionary Society, and helped with Adventure Club; belonged to the Thursday Morning Ladies Coffee Club and an extension club for many years; enjoyed traveling, took many trips with family and friends; enjoyed seeing her grandchildren; loved to be host to family gatherings for special events and holidays
Was preceded in death by husband; brothers, Wilbur and Phillip; half brother, Dean; sisters, Evelyn Leach and Esther Trueman; and half sister, Melva Florea
Memorials: Calvary Baptist Church of Arcadia or the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 15 July, 2011
SHOEMAKER, Beverly Jean, 71, of Kearney died Saturday, July 2, 2011, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
No burial: Born Feb. 13, 1940, in Wapello County, Iowa
Parents: George and Wilma (McCormick) LeBow
Married: Nov. 30, 1958, to Ronald Shoemaker
Survivors include her sons, Dale Shoemaker of Overton and Shane Shoemaker and his wife, Misty, of Elm Creek; daughters, Ronda Burson and her husband, Kenneth, of North Loup and Holly Robinson and her husband, Samuel, of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Dustin and Travis Robinson, Levi, Cody and Jessica Burson, Brandon and Austin Shoemaker and Jeremiah and Emmett Shoemaker; great-granddaughter, Taylor Robinson; and best friend, Nell Johnson
Received most of her education at Ord
After marriage, lived on a farm west of North Loup; moved to the Elm Creek area, 1980, and later to Kearney
Worked has a cook in North Loup, Scotia and several places in Kearney; was custodian at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; cooked at Good Samaritan Hospital and worked at various nursing homes
Activities: helped with 4-H, Girl Scouts, Job's Daughters and various clubs her children were involved in; loved horses and would attend as many horse shows with her daughters and grandsons as she could; also loved dogs and cats
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 5 July, 2011
SIZER, Margaret J., 99, of Russell, Kansas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, July 10, 2011 in Russell
Services: Saturday, First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: White Hill Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 28, 1912, in Hastings, Neb.
Parents: Charles and Margaret (Andreson) Rutherford
Married: April 22, 1938, to Charles Sizer Jr. in Agra. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Janet Deines and her husband, Jerry, of Russell, Susan Bogue and her husband, Jeff, of Golden, Colo., and Sharon Griffith and her husband, David, of Greeley, Colo.; son, Charles Sizer III and his wife, Collette, of Westford, Mass.; sister, Phyllis Heuer of Sacramento, Calif.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Matt Dassow and wife, Lynn, of Lake Charles, La., Beth Perry and husband, Gene, and their daughters, Kate, Sierra and Cheyenne, all of Axtell, Craig Dassow and wife, Joy, and daughter, Elina of Wichita, Tyler Dassow and wife, Rachel, of Sunnyvale, Calif., Zachary Bogue and wife, Marissa Mayer, of San Francisco, Katie Bogue Miller and husband, Troy, of Pasadena, Calif., Bryan Kuntz and wife, Candy, of Kearney, Ben Kuntz and wife Sarah Angstman of Bethel, Alaska, and Charles Sizer IV and Kimberly Sizer, both of Boston
Graduated from Hastings High School in 1930 and Hastings College in 1934; taught school for many years in the Kearney area and later at the Youth Development Center
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Tuscan Chapter, Eastern Star, and Chapter EG of P.E.O.
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 14 July, 2011
STEARLEY, Lizzie Wibkie, 92, of Kearney, formerly of Shelton, died Thursday, June 23, 2011, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Services: Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Shelton
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born July 16, 1918, in Franklin
Parents: Jerry and Tina (Bienhoff) Tobiassen
Married: Oct. 13, 1940, to Elwyn A. Smith in Franklin
Married: Aug. 3, 1966, to Everett Stearley. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her children, Elaine Wiseman and her husband, Byron, of Kearney, Ellen Luehr and her husband, William, of Wood River and Michael Smith and his wife, Judy, of Omaha; grandchildren, Le Anne Wiseman of Columbia, Mo., Bruce Wiseman and his wife, Marci, of Tarzana, Calif., Karla Wiseman of Long Beach, Calif., Sherri Wiseman and Dominick Esposito of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Mark Wiseman and his wife, Katie, of Grapevine, Texas, Tonya Luehr of Denver, Cydney Callanan of Redondo Beach, Calif., Stephanie Perry and her husband, Christian, of New York City, Whitney Smith and his wife, Sara, of Tekamah and Ashley Smith of Waterloo; great-grandchildren, Jillian Wiseman of Tarzana, Shannon Fox of Columbia and Christopher Smith of Tekamah; sisters, Martha Lang of Hastings and Dora Griffin of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews
Attended a country school until the eighth grade; helped on the family farm, then worked in the Creamery in Franklin; worked at the Gibbon Turkey Plant, Reeder's Paint and Flooring and in the lunch program at Shelton school; was an excellent seamstress and cook
Was baptized in the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church at Macon and confirmed on March 25, 1934
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; stepdaughter, Evelyn Fothergil; and brother, Albert
Memorials: St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2011
SULEIMAN, Glades M., 74, of Kearney died Thursday, June 23, 2011, at her home
Services: Tuesday, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 1, 1936, in Kirkuk, Iraq
Parents: Marco and Marganita (Ishow) Suleiman
Survivors include her brother, William M. Suleiman and his wife, Kathy, of Kearney; sisters, Soreya "Suri" Suleiman of Kearney, Beauty Piccirilli and her husband, Daniel, of Orchard Lake, Mich.; Caroline Brennen and her husband, Tony, of Philadelphia, Dally Xenou and her husband Phillip, of Athens, Greece, Wilhalmina Shmouel and her husband, Raphael, of Hamilton, Ontario, and Olga Steckel and her husband, Matthew, of New Orleans; and 17 nephews and nieces
Attended Kirkuk Assyrian School and later attended Tailoring School; owned her own sewing and tailoring shop in Iraq and was a master tailor; sewed elaborate baptismal and bridal gowns as well as vestments for priests and altar boys and sewed altar cloths and church curtains; was also well-known for her beautiful embroidery and crocheting
Activities: was a gifted singer and a Shakespearean actress for the Assyrian Drama Guild; championed many fundraising events for the Assyrian Fun Fair in Kirkuk to benefit widows, needy families and to provide scholarships to students; was honored to have served the Patriarch Mar Shimon; was also an excellent cook and baker and was often in charge of the communion bread; was multilingual and spoke Aramaic (Assyrian), Armenian, Greek, Turkish and Arabic
Will be remembered by family and friends for her constant love, kindnesses and powerful words of encouragement; was a devoted member of St. George Orthodox Church and the St. George Ladies Society in Kirkuk and also in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob "Baba"; and sister, Jennifer Memorials: St. George Antiochian Church
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2011
TAYLOR, Sandra, 47, of Beatrice, formerly of Axtell, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center
Memorial services: May 23, All Faiths Chapel at Beatrice State Developmental Center
Graveside services and burial of cremains: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, Stanley Cemetery at Amherst
Mortuary: Harman-Wright in Beatrice
Born Jan. 15, 1958, in Beatrice
Parents: Eugene and Barbara (Jameson) Taylor
Survivors include her brother, Mark of Pearl City, Hawaii, and sister, Diana Jones of Grand Island
Kearney Hub, 20 June, 2011
THOMPSON, Giles Christopher, 33, of Elm Creek died Friday, July 15, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: Thursday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Born June 26, 1978, in Kearney
Parents: Larry S. and Mary Ann (Damratowski) Thompson
Survivors include his special friend, Jessica Streeter; father, Larry Thompson and his wife, Karma, of Grand Island; mother, Mary Ann Thompson of Elm Creek; brother, Steven of Lincoln; grandmother, Alice Thompson; stepbrother, Larry M. Lucas Jr. of Phillips; and stepsisters, Melissa Sorensen of Hastings and Tiffany L. Lucas of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 19 July, 2011
VanWINKLE, Karen (Hixon), 61 of Pleasanton, formerly of Chappell, died Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at her home
Services: Saturday, Chappell United Methodist Church
Burial: Chappell Cemetery
Mortuary: Holechek in Chappell
Born Oct. 14, 1949, in Holdrege
Parents: Harry A. and Dorthy E. (David) Huffine
Married: Sept. 1, 1968, to Leonard Hixon in Chappell. He died Dec. 31, 1988
Married: May 25, 2002, she to Dennis VanWinkle in Ogallala
Survivors include her husband; son, Chad Hixon and his wife, Marla, of Chappell; sister, Sharon Bonsack of Grand Island; stepsons, Todd VanWinkle and his wife, Kate, of Ravenna, Jeffrey VanWinkle and his wife, Heather, of Silver Creek and Darren VanWinkle and his wife, Paige, of Kearney; niece, Lori Dibbern and her husband, Phil, of Wood River; nephew, Jeff Hayes and his wife, Cyndi, of Grand Island; and 14 grandchildren
Lived in Holdrege until she was in the sixth grade, moved to Chappell; graduated from Chappell High School in 1967, then attended X-ray school
Worked for Sidney Medical Associates in Sidney for 13 years before she married Dennis VanWinkle, then lived in Pleasanton
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church of Chappell and bridge club; enjoyed doing crafts; tried to be at every grandchild's event; also enjoyed keeping in touch with her special friends in Chappell
Was preceded in death by her first husbanb and her parents
Memorials: Diabetes Foundation
Kearney Hub, 30 June, 2011