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BUSS, Carl W., 84, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Bethany Home in Minden
Services: Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Pine Bluffs (Wyo.) Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 27, 1928, on the family farm near Lodgepole
Parents: Peter B. and Louisa J. (Sommer) Buss
Married: May 29, 1947, to Elaine A. Heiliger in Sterling, Colo.
Survivors include his wife; brother-in-law, Duane Heiliger and his wife, Betty, of Kearney; and several nieces and nephews
Attended grade school at District 32, was a graduate of American School
After marriage, farmed near Pine Bluffs; moved to Hawthorne, Nev., in 1965, was employed as an inspector at the Naval Ammunitions facility; moved to Kearney in 1974, worked at Crossroads Ford; retired in the mid-1980s
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Altar Guild
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Lee Buss; five sisters; and two brothers
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 22 October, 2012
COSNER, Eileen R., 79, of Shelton died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at Western Hall County Good Samaritan Center in Wood River
Services: Tuesday, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery near Wood River
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born April 28, 1933, in Wood River
Parents: Steve H. and Mary A. (Sassen) Lyons
Married: June 21, 1955, to Loyal V. Cosner in Wood River. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Kathleen A. Burklund and her husband, Larry, of Lincoln, Theresa M. Lemmer and her husband, Kelly, of Cozad and Angela M. Elliott and her husband, Matthew, of Lincoln
Grew up in Wood River, graduated from Wood River High School, 1950; then attended St. Francis Nursing School
After marriage: lived in Shelton her entire married life; was a registered nurse for 15 years in Shelton for Dr. Hieu and also raised her daughters
Activities: member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton; enjoyed reading, auctions, antiques and especially time spent with her family
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and a sister, Mary Ellen Arterburn
Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wood River Good Samaritan or to the Shelton Rescue Unit
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2012
DAY, Leo L., 85, of David City, formerly of Gibbon, died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, at her home
No services
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger-Miller Godberson Chapel in Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 8 September, 2012
FEESE, Roger Neal, 89, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Memorial services: Wednesday at First Christian Church in Alma
Burial of cremains: Alma Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Banta-Torrey in Alma
Born Feb. 15, 1923, in Alma
Parents: Cornelius A. and Pearl (Beyer) Feese
Survivors include his close friend and companion, Charlotte Bunn of Alma; several nieces and nephews; several grandnieces and grandnephews; other relatives; and many friends
Was the second child of two children in his family; was baptized at First Christian Church in Alma at age 12; attended schools in Alma; graduated from high school, 1940; then attended one year at the University of Nebraska Agriculture College at Lincoln and one year of Agriculture College at Colorado State University at Fort Collins
Military: April 16, 1943, entered the U.S. Army at Fort Crook; served with the 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe; received the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and the Bronze Arrowhead; was honorably discharged, Jan. 8, 1946, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Drove a semitrailer gasoline transport truck for 18 years; started farming in 1963, retired in 1988; except for the time spent in college and the military, resided in Alma; entered St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney on March 13, 2008
Activities: member of First Christian Church in Alma, Jachin Masonic Lodge 146 A.F. and A.M. at Holdrege and formerly Harlan Lodge 116 A.F. and A.M. at Alma and Melrose Lodge 60 A.F. and A.M. at Orleans before they demitted; member of American Legion Post 118 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5584, both of Alma, the 17th Airborne Association and the 82nd Airborne Association; loved his hometown community, gave donations to all the local churches, the local Boy Scouts, for a new wing at Colonial Villa, for playground equipment at the city park and to the Alma City pool, Special Olympics and the local Caring Cupboard, most giving was done anonymously; wanted to provide for the future of Alma's children and its residents
Was preceded in death by his father in 1973; his mother in 1958; and brother, George Feese on July 13, 2002, and his wife, June, in 1998
Kearney Hub, 8 October, 2012
GARRELTS, Wayne J., 82, of Kearney, formerly of Hildreth, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth
Burial: West Salem Cemetery south of Hildreth
Mortuary: Jelden-Layton in Hildreth
Born April 5, 1930, on the family farm south of Wilcox
Parents: John C. and Rena (Schmidt) Garrelts
Married: Sept. 6, 1952, to Charlotte Pihlcrantz in Orrington, Maine
Survivors include his wife; sons, David Garrelts and his wife, Diane, of Sutton and Daniel Garrelts and his wife, Roxanne, of Hildreth; daughter, Deb Gdowski and her husband, Ted, of Columbus; grandchildren, Johnanthon Garrelts of Hildreth, Rebecca (Garrelts) James and her husband, Adam, of Bancroft, Denise (Garrelts) Vargas of Lincoln and Deanna (Garrelts) Handrup and her husband, Brandon, of Hampton; great-grandchildren, Nolan Vargas of Lincoln, MaKenna James, Addison James and Jaylynn James, all of Bancroft, and Brooks Handrup, Deagan Handrup and Blaykley Handrup, all of Hampton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins
Moved with his family to Hildreth; graduated in 1947 from Hildreth High School; attended Kearney State College
Military: Air National Guard, 1951-1954; while in Maine, met and married Charlotte Pihlcrantz; were married for 60 years
Farmed most of his life south of Hildreth; moved to Kearney in summer 2007
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth; enjoyed spending several winters in Arizona; enjoyed reading, westerns, gardening, playing cards, starting up a conversation with those he didn't know, traveling and spending time with all his family
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Esther Thomsen; and brother-in-law, Leland Thomsen
Memorials: Hildreth Public Library or Hildreth Volunteer Department
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2012
HAMMOND, Robert L. "Bob", 89, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial of cremains: Broken Bow Catholic Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Feb. 4, 1923, in Mason City
Parents: William and Agnes (Davolt) Hammond
Married: Feb. 22, 1947, to LaRue Hauck in Mason City
Survivors include his wife; sons, James and his wife, Judy, of Litchfield and Edward and his wife, Deborah, of Riverdale; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Marvin and his wife, Pearl, of Pennsylvania, Earl and his wife, Beverly, of Biloxi, Miss., Larry and his wife, Marlis, of Carmel, Ind., and Bill of Ceresco; sister, Angenette Adams-Denisa and her husband, Don, of Broken Bow; sister-in-law, Joan Hammond of Houston; and brother-in-law, Bruce Evans of Florida
Attended school in Berwyn, graduated in 1941
After marriage, farmed in Custer County; also was a crop adjuster and sold Pioneer Seed for 27 years; moved to Kearney in 1984
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; was a tinkerer, enjoyed fixing things; enjoyed the time spent in his garden and doing yard work
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven; daughter, Trudy Day; grandson, Brian Hammond; brothers, Jack and Leonard; sister, Alnetta Evans; and sister-in-law, Kay Hammond
Kearney Hub, 17 October, 2012
HUFF-FRANKS, Kelly J., 44, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at the University Medical Center in Omaha
Services: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, Rev. Don Franks officiating
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Sept. 13, 1968, in Broken Bow
Parents:Dennis and Sandra (Frank) Huff
Married: Sept. 11, 1993, to Steven Franks in Kearney
Survivors include her husband; son, Kaden of Kearney; daughter, Kaley of Kearney; her mother of Grand Island; grandmother, June Frank of Grand Island; and brothers, Troy Huff and his wife, Tamie, of Grand Island and Trent Huff and his wife, Penni, of Doniphan
Grew up in Taylor, received her education at Loup County High School, graduated in 1986; attended Kearney State College
After marriage, lived in Kearney, was the manager of Diamond Vogel Paint Store
Activities: pastimes included painting and decorating, fitness and marathons, spending time with family and friends, reading and collecting antiques; attended First United Methodist Church in Taylor as she was growing up
Was preceded in death by her father and a grandfather, Marion Frank
Kearney Hub, 2 October, 2012
JAHN, Delores A., 83, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born May 1, 1929, in Lexington
Parents: Edward and Esther (Carlson) Olson
Married: Oct. 3, 1948, to Adolph Jahn Jr. in Amherst. He preceded her in death
Survivors: daughters, Linda Jones of Cozad, Merri Doughty and her husband, Doug, of North Platte, Kathy McNeil and her husband, Larry, of Carrollton, Texas, Joy Lindholm and her husband, Lee, of Kearney, Rebecca Jahn Quick and her husband, Scott, of Newport, N.C., and Debra Jahn-Davidson of Clinton, N.C.; sons, Ricky Jahn and his wife, Vicky, of St. George, S.C., and Micky Jahn and his wife, Eileen, of Kearney; 20 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin Olson and his wife, Margaret, of Berwyn; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members
Attended Watertown Country School, was a 1946 graduate of Miller High School; earned a substitute teaching certificate while working at Sam's Market in Sumner; moved to Kearney in 1966
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Valerie Jahn; and brothers, Edward and Leslie Olson
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2012
KUTA, Emil L., 85, of Kearney, formerly of Grand Island, died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church, Kearney
Burial: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Broken Bow
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born March 30, 1927, at a farm house west of Loup City
Parents: John A. and Mary (Iwan) Kuta
Married: June 1950, to Goldie Koslicki
Married: 1967, to Mary McDermott. She died in 1996
Survivors include his sons, Larry of Grand Island, Loren of Elizabeth, Colo., and Doug of St. Libory; daughters, Linda Hornung of Grand Island and Julie Zavodny of Loveland, Colo.; sisters, JoAnne Sok of Grand Island and Burnadine Czaplewski of Uehling; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; stepson, Roger McDermott of Kearney; and stepdaughters, LeAnne Ellis of Hershey and Connie McDermott of Bloomington, Ill.
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2012
LANGE, Eleanor H. (Laue), 97, of Kearney, formerly of the Gibbon-Lowell-Newark areas, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelton
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Sept. 9, 1915, seven miles southwest of Kearney
Parents: Samuel and Louise (Nickel) Laue
Married: Feb. 26, 1936, to Dale Lange at the Buffalo County Courthouse in Kearney by County Judge J.M. Easterling. Dale died in 2007
Survivors include her daughters, E. Virgene Loeffelholz and Karen Hartman and her husband, Alvin, all of Gibbon, and Ginger Holl and her husband, Kent, of Elwood; sons, Richard Lange and his wife, Julia, of Gibbon and William Lange of Kearney; 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Jorgensen and Joyce Jameson and her husband, Rhodell, all of Minden; and brother, Bernard Laue and his wife, Alice, of Sun City, Ariz.
Attended the Old Fort Kearney school known as District 18 for eight years, graduated from Kearney Longfellow High School in 1932; was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lowell on June 13, 1982
In first year of marriage and farming, crops were hailed out; Dale then worked at the Newark sandpit seven days a week at 75 cents a day. Their corn crop was picked by hand that fall in a single-box wagon and then put in five-bushel baskets and carried upstairs to be stored for seed the following spring. Their total savings the first summer was $90, which was kept in a sugar bowl. They spent $1 a week for gas and 80 cents a week for groceries the first year
Lived entire married life farming in the Newark and Lowell communities; moved to Kearney in 2005
Always had a large garden; canned fruit and vegetables; enjoyed baking rolls and pies; other hobbies included quilting, crocheting and sewing clothes for her family; enjoyed Saturday night square dancing and card clubs; member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lowell
Was preceded in death by her husband; grandchildren, Lisa LaRae and Samuel Frederick Lange; great-grandchild, Krystal Marie Loeffelholz; brothers, Emil and his wife, Marian, and infant brother, Leo; sister, Evelyn Olson and her husband, Ralph; brother-in-law, Robert Jorgensen; and son-in-law, Ralph Loeffelholz
Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lowell or the Gibbon Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2012
LEWIS, Darlene F., 82, of rural Riverdale died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at her home
Services: Monday at Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger, Kearney
Born April 7, 1930, in Pleasant Valley
Parents: Frank and Cora (Hughes) Lammers
Married: June 5, 1949, to Carl B. Lewis in Ravenna
Survivors include her husband of 63 years; sons, Steve Lewis and his wife, Kay, of Haviland, Kan., and Dave Lewis and his wife, Jackie, of Kearney; daughters, Pat Turley of Arnold and Linda Cohn and her husband, Steve, of Omaha; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many close friends
Activities: greatest joy was her family; enjoyed quilting, gardening and cooking; took great pride in her collections; member of Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Will Lammers; sisters, Irene Thompson and Corilee McClurkin; and daughter-in-law, Cathy Lewis
Memorials: Pleasanton United Methodist Church, or AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 5 October, 2012
LIESKE, Joan, 70, of Charlotte, South Carolina, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at her home
Celebration of life: Friday at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Charlotte
Burial: Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill
Mortuary: Gaskin Services in Matthews
Born Nov. 19, 1941, in Kearney
Married: June 7, 1959, to Gary Lieske
Survivors include her husband; son, Michael; and daughter, Cheryl
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1959
Memorials: Make-A-Wish Foundation, or Easter Seals Foundation Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2012
LOFFER, Lorna Jean 83, of Grand Island, formerly of Shelton, died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Memorial services: Friday, United Congregational Church in Grand Island
Burial of cremains: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born June 8, 1929, in Shelton
Parents: Nelson and Verna (Wilcox) Freel
Married: March 30, 1946, to Lloyd Loffer in Smith Center, Kan. He died in August 2002
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert L. and Audrey Loffer of Marengo, Iowa, Bill L. Loffer and Shelly Mason of Vincennes, Ind., and Bradley L. and Kim Loffer of Bellevue; daughters, Kathryn A. Hunter and her husband, Jim, of Shelton and Jayn L. Lewis of Spokane, Wash.; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and special friends, Marcella Derricksen and Joe Hodges
Grew up in Shelton, graduated from Shelton High School in 1946
After marriage, lived in Shelton, then moved to Plattsmouth in 1954; after 30 years, returned to Shelton and remained there until the death of her husband
Worked as a child-care specialist at a state institution in Glenwood, Iowa, for eight years, regional director of ENCOR for 12 years, the Crisis Center in Grand Island for five years and then at CHRC for one year before retirement
Activities: member of the United Congregational Church and the Eagles Auxiliary in Plattsmouth; was a hospice volunteer; enjoyed camping, traveling and, especially, her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Leon "Sonny" Freel; and grandchildren, Nick Loffer and Rebecca Dasher
Memorials: United Congregational Church
Kearney Hub, 26 September, 2012
LOSEKE, Gilbert T., 91, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday, First Lutheran Church
Burial: Roselawn Cemetery in Columbus
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born April 11, 1921, in Columbus
Parents: Emil and Anna (Mueller) Loseke
Married: Aug. 3, 1942, to Anna "Panny" Pancoast. She died in October 1981
Married: April 22, 1994, to LaVonne (Schaefer) Kluck in Columbus
Survivors include his wife; son, Donn Loseke and his wife, Cathy, of Brevard, N.C.; daughter, Sheryl Loseke of Tacoma, Wash.; stepdaughter, Susan Russell and her husband, Rod, of Kearney; grandsons, Mike Loseke and his wife, Jenn, of Frederick, Colo., Shawn Loseke and his wife, Jaclyn, of Loveland, Colo., Aaron Chileski and his wife, Kelly, of Anacortes, Wash., John Russell and his wife, Stephanie, and Jim Russell and his wife, Heather, all of Kearney; granddaughters, Melissa Perry of North Carolina and Brenda Kitabatake and her husband, Yuji, of Kearney; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry Loseke and his wife, Karen, of Gainesville, Texas; sister, Ethel Madison and her husband, Kenneth, of Bellingham, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews
Grew up in Columbus, graduate from high school there
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, September 1942 - 1946, served in World War II in the Philippine Islands
Farmed most of his life in the Columbus area; after marriage to LaVonne, moved to Kearney
Activities: member of the Golden K Kiwanis; liked to work, worked very hard for years on the farm; enjoyed doing yard work, watching Husker football and traveling; with LaVonne went on many cruises and bus tours; active member of First Lutheran Church of Kearney and Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbus; served as secretary of Platte County's District 10 school board for 41 years, served on Columbus Rural Fire District, the Platte County Livestock Board and the Platte County Farm Bureau Board
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert in infancy, Harvey and Mervin; sisters, Florence in infancy and Evelyn Olson; sisters-in-law, Gladys Loseke and Darlene Loseke; and brother-in-law, Clarence Olson
Memorials: Building Fund at First Lutheran Church in Kearney, Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus or the Parkinson Foundation
Kearney Hub, 10 October, 2012
LYONS, Marvin L., 65, of Shelton died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Memorial services: Friday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home Miller Godberson Chapel in Gibbon
Born Nov. 26, 1946, in Sargent
Parents: Howard and Elsie (Bishop) Lyons
Married: July 1968, to Lois Lauhead in Elwood
Survivors include his wife; son, David Lyons and his wife, Denise, of Shelton; daughter, Sherry Fuller and her husband, Chris, of Kearney; granddaughters, Samantha Lyons, Sierra Fuller, Jaymie Lyons and Chalbie Lyons; sisters, Rose and Bernice; and brother, Clifford
Grew up and received his education in the Lexington area
Military: U.S. Army, Dec. 15, 1965 - Feb. 1, 1967; served during the Vietnam War
After marriage, moved to Cozad, drove a truck for an alfalfa mill; moved to Gibbon, 1978, and was a police officer for 20 years
Activities: enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family
Was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2012
MELROY, Charles Alan, 65, of rural Kearney died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at his home
Services: Saturday at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege with military honors
Born Sept. 6, 1947, in Holdrege
Parents: Alan and Betty (Osborn) Melroy
Survivors include his daughters, Kerry Case of Alliance and Traci Thomas and her husband, Brian, of Fort Worth, Texas; son, Charles Rieflin Jr. and his wife, Valarie, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; special friend, Susan Cleaver of Kearney; brothers, Steven Melroy and his wife, Teresa, of Minden and Rex Melroy and his wife, Debra, of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Eldest of four children in his family; attended school until able to enlist in the U.S. Army
Military: U.S. Army, Nov. 2, 1964 - Oct. 29, 1967; served in the Vietnam War; was awarded the Purple Heart and many other medals and honors
Worked as a self-employed contractor, owning his own business named CAMel Construction
Activities: enjoyed playing bingo, going fishing, going to the casino and playing pickle cards; loved his dogs and cats; especially enjoyed the Fourth of July
Was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents and a sister, Katherine Clark, in August 2009
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2012
MILLER, Woodrow, 98, of Kearney, formerly of Mason City and Callaway, died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Saturday at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow
Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway
Born Nov. 17, 1913, in Callaway
Parents: Hope and Eliza (Lichtenberger) Miller
Married: Nov. 19, 1939, to Margie Samson. She died in 1995
Survivors include his sons, Don Miller and his wife, Jan, of Loup City and Dale Miller and his wife, Karen, of Fordland, Mo.; daughters, Jane Herndon and Judy Smith, both of Gothenburg, and Susan Beck and her husband, Ron, of Mason City; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Bryce Miller and Ray Miller, both of Oregon, Morris Miller of California and Norman Miller of Mason City; and special friend, Wilma Jones of Kearney
Attended rural school near Callaway
After marriage, lived and farmed in the Callaway community; moved to Mason City, 1957, and raised cattle and repaired and serviced wells; retired in 1976
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sons, Michael and Lee; grandson, David; seven brothers and sisters; and two sons-in-law
Kearney Hub, 12 October, 2012
MURRAY, Olive R., 77, of Shelton died Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at her home
Services: Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in York
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born Feb. 2, 1935, in Seneca, Kan.
Parents: William and Rowena (Meade) Gilbert
Married: Nov. 27, 1954, to Gerald Murray in Seneca, Kan.
Survivors include her husband; son, John and wife, Dana, of Goodland, Kan.; daughters, Kay Epp and her husband, Cary, of Minden and Brenda Austin and her husband, Dave, of Shelton; grandchildren, Jessica Hassler and her husband, Brandon, of Omaha, Travis Epp and his wife, Monica, of Kearney, Abby Murray of Willows, Calif., Emily Lohr and her husband, Brock, of Lincoln, David and Matthew Murray of Goodland and Cory and Jarrett Austin of Shelton; and great-grandchildren, Kelsey and McKenna Hassler, Rileigh Epp and Copper Lohr
Grew up in Seneca and graduated from Seneca High School
After marriage, lived in York; with husband, owned and operated Jerry's Shoe Service; retired to Clarkdale, Ariz.; moved to Shelton, 2005, to be closer to family
Activities: member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in York for 35 years and of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton for the last seven years; loved to sew for herself and others, enjoyed growing plants and flowers, and family get-togethers
Was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Jeffrey Drapal; brother, Norman Gilbert; and sister, Eula Schultz
Memorials: Health Connect At Home Hospice
Kearney Hub, 8 October, 2012
OTTO, Norman A. "Norm", 94, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at his home
Services: Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church in Walton
Burial: Valley View Cemetery in Torrington, Wyo.
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser & Love in Lincoln
Born July 5, 1918, in Gering
Parents: J. Arthur and Pauline Otto
Married: May 25, 1941, to Vera Eklund in Kearney. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Steve Otto and Jim Otto and his wife, Beth, all of Lincoln; grandson, Rich Otto of Lincoln; granddaughter, Lori (Otto) Olson and her husband, Seth, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; grandson, Michael Otto of Chicago; great-grandchildren, C.J. Olson and Josie Olson of Sioux Falls and Vera Otto and La-Isha Otto of Chicago; sisters, Ellen (Otto) Smith of Yoder, Wyo., and Martha (Otto) Greene of Lincoln; and brother, Paul Otto of Kearney
Grew up in the Yoder area and graduated from Torrington (Wyo.) High School in 1936; attended University of Wyoming in Laramie, then taught in the Yoder area
Military: flew bombing missions over Germany as a B-17 navigator in World War II
Returned to Kearney, obtained his bachelor's degree from Kearney State Teachers College (now the University of Nebraska at Kearney) on the GI Bill; taught and served as superintendent of schools in Amherst until 1952; worked as a building contractor in the 1950s and early 1960s in the Kearney area; was elected to the Nebraska Legislature from the 34th Legislative District, represented Buffalo and Sherman counties in the Unicameral from 1955 to 1961; named as Gov. Frank Morrison's chief of staff, 1962; became Nebraska director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, 1964; was elected to the State Board of Education and served as its president during this period; served as Gov. Jim Exon's chief of staff, 1972-1980; then joined Austin Realty (now Home Real Estate); went back into public service, joined Jim Exon's Senate staff as state director; in 1991 Gov. Ben Nelson appointed him to the newly formed Coordinating Commission for Post Secondary Education; was recognized as one of UNK's Distinguished Alumni, 1992
Was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Carl Otto; and sisters, Lorraine (Otto) Clawson and Nellie (Otto) Jackson
Memorials: the Center for People in Need in Lincoln and to Grace Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 2 October, 2012
PULS, Vada L., 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Elwood Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born Sept. 19, 1932, in Gosper County
Parents: Clarence and Myrtle (Whisler) Moncrief
Married: Aug. 17, 1952, to Corvin G. Puls in Elwood. He died Feb. 11, 1993
Survivors include her sons, Michael Puls and his wife, Jill, of Norfolk and Darren Puls and his fiancée, Debra Brandt, of Kearney; granddaughters, Melissa Puls of Chicago and Tiffany Monroe of Norfolk; grandsons, Jeffrey Puls of Omaha and Nathan Puls, Christian Puls and Caleb Brandt, all of Kearney; five great-grandchildren; close friend, Jennifer Puls of Kearney; sister, Guiva Weisman of Elwood; brother-in-law, Darrell Puls and his wife, Myrna, of Fremont; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Ringenberg of Elwood
Was a graduate of Elwood High School in 1950, attended the University of Nebraska Agricultural College
After marriage, moved to Kearney in June 1960; was employed in the insurance business with various insurance companies in Kearney; retired in January 2003
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Mary Martha Guild at the church
Was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son, Daniel; one sister and three brothers.
Memorials: Radio Broadcast fund at Zion Lutheran Church or the congregate meal fund at Kearney Manor
Kearney Hub, 28 September, 2012
REAL, Melvin E., 86, of Shelton died Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at his home.
Memorial services: Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial of cremains: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born July 27, 1926, in Ansley
Parents: Ivory and Harriett (McCollough) Real
Married: April 10, 1951, to Lois Hirsch in Wood River
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Sharon Gutierrez of Columbus and Beverly Shuken of Santa Barbara, Calif.; brother, Carl Real of Seattle; sisters, Esther Newman of Lincoln and Zella Newman of Cheyenne Wyo.; and grandchildren, Kristen and Ryan Shuken of Santa Barbara and Andrew, Jake and Jaisa Gutierrez of Columbus
Was raised and attended school in Ansley
Military: entered U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Nov. 13, 1944; served during World War II with the 19th Replacement and Depot Company
After marriage, lived in Shelton for the past 61 years; was self-employed as a mechanic, owned and operated Real's 66
Was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and seven brothers
Memorials: The Salvation Army, AseraCare Hospice or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Kearney Hub, 8 October, 2012
RICHARDSON, George I., 99, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Monday at Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Oct. 2, 1912 in Kansas City, MO
Parents: Halfred Dewey and Clara Pauline (Thompson) Richardson
Graduated from Kearney High School and then Kearney State Teacher’s College
Taught at a rural sandhills School, Chadron Grade School, then was a physics instructor at Pennsylvania Military Academy in Philadelphia; in Pennsylvania, earned his pilot’s license
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, served during WWII from 1942 – 1944
Returned to Kearney and farmed
Married: April 21, 1961 to Ilene Pinn in Kearney; lived on an acreage along the Platte River
Survivors include his wife; nephews Fred (Sharon) Richardson of Lincoln; Jim of Longmont, Colorado; Max (Jan) Richardson of Kearney; Steve and Mary Ann Johnson of Tucson, AZ; nieces Virginia (Larry) Hinrichs of Omaha; Sue (Steve) Wickham, Kearney; sister-in-law Marguerite Richardson of Kearney; also also survived by Ilene’s nephews and wives: Ron and Patsy Pinn of Kearney and William and Sheila Pinn of Aberdeen, Scotland and many nieces and nephews, good friends and good neighbors
Activities: attended many farm auctions over his years in Kearney; was a direct descendant of the famous Admiral Dewey; supporter of the Goodfellows in Kearney; loved and raised many animals on the homestead over the years; had been a member of the Philadelphia Methodist Church and the Kearney United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Richardson, sister Mary Richardson Johnson, and brother-in-law Thomas Johnson
Memorials: Kearney Goodfellows or the Kearney Animal Shelter
http://hlmkfuneral.com/Obituaries
ROUSE, George L. Sr., 84, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Tuesday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Nov. 26, 1927, in Alda
Parents: Warren and Mary (Weinrich) Rouse
Married: Sept. 5, 1950, to Bonnie Goodwin in Grand Island. She died in 2008
Survivors include his sons, George Jr. of Flemington, Pa., and Gary of Kearney; daughter, Peggy of Tucson, Ariz.; brothers, Bob of Tucson and Gerald of Seward; sister, Laura Makie of Green River, Wyo.; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Attended school in Alda
Military: U.S. Army during the Korean War
Worked for Texaco in Grand Island and hauled fuel to farmers; moved to Kearney, had three service stations: Texaco, Sinclair and a Shell station; built the R&S Car Wash, now Super Shine Car Wash, on Second Avenue
Activities: enjoyed riding motorcycles and weekend getaways with his wife; was a good boss and successful businessman; member of Faith United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by his wife, and brother Duane in 2000
Memorials: to the church, Mother Hull Home or AseraCare of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2012
RUDER, Marcella M., 83, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Memorial services: Oct. 13, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Collyer, Kan.
Born Jan. 7, 1929, in Collyer, Kansas
Parents: John and Julianna (Brungardt) Romey
Married: Sept. 11, 1944, to Celestine "Rudy" Ruder in Hays, Kan. They divorced
Married: 1980, to Darrel Woodside. He died in 2010
Survivors include her sons, Ronald Ruder of Kearney and Lawrence Ruder of Atlanta, Ga.; daughter; Kathleen Herrick of Kearney; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Grew up in and attended school in Collyer
After marriage with Darrel, lived in Kearney; worked at Baldwin Filters, 1961-1992
Activities: member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary in Kearney; enjoyed crocheting, embroidery and sewing; collected of old cookie jars, Avon bottles, teddy bears, country music records and movies
Was preceded in death by her husband and a brother, Don Romey in 1983
Kearney Hub, 10 October, 2012
SHELDON, Stanley Earl, 89, of Webster City, Iowa, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at Southfield Wellness Community in Webster City
Services: Sept. 26 at the Foster Funeral Chapel in Webster City
Burial: Graceland Cemetery
Born June 13, 1923, at Taylor, Neb.
Parents: Earnest and Viola (Byerley) Sheldon
Married: July 6, 1946, to Marjorie Adcock in Kansas
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Sue Schwarz of Polk City; brothers, Carroll and Sidney Sheldon, both of Kearney, and Darrell Sheldon of Alamagordo, N.M.; and several nieces and nephews
Was the eighth of 12 children, moved to Kearney in 1924; received his education from the Kearney Community Schools and graduated in 1941
Military: U.S. Army Air Force February 1943 - 1945, served with the 435th Troop Carrier Group, 76 Tactical Squadron in seven major battles, including Ardennes and South Europe
After marriage, moved to Jefferson in 1948, then to Webster City in 1951, was a livestock feed salesman with the Moorman Manufacturing Co. for 35 years; retired in 1987
Activities: loved sports, was an accomplished softball player; won the decathlon event at the Senior Olympics in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1973; during retirement, became active in political interests; liked going for walks; moved to Southfield Wellness Community in November 2008; was a longtime member of the Church of Christ in Webster City, American Legion Post 191, former member of the Webster City Elks; was a Nebraska Cornhusker football fan, and attended many games in Lincoln
Memorials: Church of Christ in Webster City
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Floyd, Merl, Harold and Leon Sheldon; and sisters, Beulah Brust, Verna Sands, Doretha Griffin and Violet Smithburg
Kearney Hub, 12 October, 2012
SMITH, Anita Helen, 86, of Gibbon died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Services: Friday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home - Miller Godberson Chapel of Gibbon
Born Feb. 12, 1926, in Grand Island
Parents: George and Bernice (Carpenter) Ruby
Married: Dec. 12, 1951, to Elton L. Smith in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Susan Calvit of Dixon, Calif., and MaryEllen Smith of Gibbon; sons, Michael Smith of Rockwall, Texas, Alan Smith of Bennet, Gary of Missouri and Neil Smith of Lincoln; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Ann Weed of Bella Vista, Ark.; and brother, Eldon Ruby of Kirkland, Wash.
Received graduated from Gibbon High School, 1943; moved to Idaho for a brief time, returned to Gibbon to work at the bank
After marriage, lived on a farm south of town; moved to Gibbon, 1968, and Elton worked at Rockwell International Plant in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed traveling, reading, crossword puzzles, baseball and Elvis
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Tommy, and one infant son
Memorials: Gibbon Fire/Rescue or the National Parkinson's Foundation
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2012
STAFFORD, Dorothy Elizabeth "Dottie", 96, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, in her home at WEL-Life in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday at First Baptist Church in Oxford
Burial: Oxford Cemetery
Mortuary: Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer in Oxford
Born May 24, 1916, in Dayton, Idaho
Parents: Howard and Mary (Manby) Holcombe
Married: Nov. 29, 1935, to Edward H. Stafford. He died in 1987
Survivors include her children, Jeri Rankin and Don Stafford and his wife, Bev, all of Lakewood, Colo., and Trudy LaFollette and her husband, Dennis, of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Fran Stafford of Billings, Mont.; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and many friends
Was the second of four children; moved to Wheat Ridge, Colo., and graduated with the class of 1934
After marriage, lived in Oxford; devoted herself to being a mother and homemaker; as the children grew older, worked part time at various businesses - Loper's IGA, Bundy Stores and Oxford Hardware Store
Activities: member of Oxford Baptist Church for more than 70 years, was a Sunday school and Bible school teacher and Youth Group sponsor and completed various other duties for the church; volunteered as Cub Scout Den mother, Girl Scout leader, served on PTA Board, Library Auxiliary, Walker Post Auxiliary and Senior Center Board; belonged to Order of Eastern Star, Emanon, Wednesday Club and Pinochle Club and was a Gold Star Mother; enjoyed sewing, ceramics, traveling and working in her yard, golf, tennis, and biking
Was preceded in death by her husbnad; parents; sons, Ronald and Edward Jr.; grandchildren, Jeanette Bowers and David Stafford; brother, Howard; and sisters, Marion and Alice
Memorials: First Baptist Church, the Golden Generation Center or the donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2012
STEVENS, Eldon Warren, 68, of Alto, Michigan, formerly of Miller, Neb., died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Alto
Services: Wednesday at Harvest Baptist Church in Hudsonville
Burial: Holy Corners Cemetery in Caledonia
Born Dec. 26, 1943, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: William and Deldee (Martin) Stevens
Married: June 6, 1964, to Rose Mary Snakenberg
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years; sons, Timothy of South Bend, Ind., Andrew of Galloway, Ohio, and David Scot of Brown Summit, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Leslie Stevens and Wendell Stevens, both of Kearney, Mike Broadbent of Green Bay, Wis., Virginia Butler of Elm Creek, Neb., and Geneva Sickler of Lincoln, Neb.
Was a native of Miller; was introduced to Jesus Christ and was born again at age 19; served as a pastor and an evangelist; became the president of COME International Baptist Ministries, 1995, and continued on in that role until the time of his death
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Harvest Baptist Church or COME International Baptist Ministries
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2012
STICKNEY, Robert J. "Bob", 88, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at Seneca Sunrise Assisted Living in Ravenna
Services: Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Oct. 29, 1923, in Poole
Parents: Walter and Frances (Mendyk) Stickney
Married: Oct. 25, 1946, he married Glendoris Basnett in Beloit, Kan. She died in 2009
Survivors include his daughters, Kristi Fisher and her husband, Ken, of Ravenna and Sheri Eatherton of Kearney; son, Rich Stickney of Alliance; grandchildren, Melisa (Fisher) Dobish, Marcus Fisher, Wendy (Shaw) Paulsen, Shawn Eatherton, Tye Eatherton, Sage Stickney, Amy (Stickney) Johnson, Emily (Stickney) Theiler, Logan Stickney and Cory Stickney; and great-grandchildren, Kasidy Dobish, Nolan and Easton Eatherton, Tyler, Trevor and Travis Paulsen, Madison Stickney and Emma Stickney
Grew up on the family farm near Pleasanton, graduated from Pleasanton High School
Loved baseball; played for and managed numerous teams throughout the state of Nebraska; was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, September 1942-January 1946; served in the European Theater in World War II and spent two years in England, France and Germany
After marriage, lived in Schuyler, Holdrege, Ravenna and Kearney; worked in a variety of trades, then opened his own flooring business; operated Stickney Custom Floors until his retirement
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, Kearney Elks Club, Kiwanis, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Friends of Legion Baseball; volunteered at Head Start, worked with various baseball and softball teams, called bingo; enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, writing poetry, bowling and dancing
Was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Floyd; sister, Gwen Gaymon; son, Steve Stickney; and son-in-law, Steve Eatherton
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2012
VOY, Tillie Esther (Serr), 82, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church in York
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in York
Mortuary: Metz Mortuary in York
Born May 20, 1930 at Scotland, S.D.
Parents: Phillip and Anna (Neth) Serr
Was baptized on July 20, 1930 at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotland; grew up on the family farm in Bon Homme County, S.D.
Married: March 1, 1953 to Gerald Voy
After marriage, lived in Chicago, Ill. while Gerald attended college; moved to Seward, 1968, an in-home day care; moved to York, 1974, continued her day care business until 1990, then cared for her husband; after his death, worked at the Hearthstone Nursing Home and most recently at Grand Central Grocery Store; moved to Kearney in June 2012
Activities: was devoted to her family, took great joy in her grandsons; was an avid gardener and a faithful friend taking neighbors regularly to shop and appointments; long standing member of Faith Lutheran Church in York
Survivors include: daughter, Kathleen Nickman of Riverdale; five grandsons, Rob Nickman and wife Jessica of Grand Island, Aaron Nickman and wife Laura of Neola, Iowa, Michael, Terence, and Brandon Nickman of Riverdale and great-grandson, Leo Bahrke of Neola, Iowa. Also surviving are sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Virginia and Phillip Neuharth of Meno, S.D., Harold Voy of Calif., Myrna Voy of Holland Mich.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; son-in-law, Ronald Nickman; and sister, Laura Kort
Memorials: Faith Lutheran Church
York News Times, 2 October, 2012
WERNER, Thomas E., 27, of Kearney, formerly of Norman, died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at his home
Graveside services: Thursday, Osco Cemetery southeast of Minden
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Born March 10, 1985, in Minden
Parents: Walter and Candace (Edwards) Werner
Survivors include his parents of Norman; brothers, David Werner of Minden and Roy Werner and his wife, Angie, of Hastings; sisters, Gidget Werner of Grand Island and Jennifer Verbeck and her husband, Erick, of Minden; two nieces; five nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Grew up in the Norman area, attended Minden High School
Worked as a roofer for a short time and then worked for his father at Werner Welding
Activities: enjoyed hunting, fishing, skateboarding and being with his friends
Was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca, and his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 1 October, 2012
WEST, Mona M., 78, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Born Nov. 18, 1933, south of Litchfield in Buffalo County
Parents: Raymond and Beulah (Crosley) Lindner
Married: Dec. 9, 1950, to Charles "Smokey" West in Ansley
Survivors include her husband; sons, Chuck West of Thornton, Colo., and Rick West and his wife, Gaylene, of Loveland, Colo.; brothers, Lonnie Lindner and his wife, Judy, of Ansley, Lester Lindner and his wife, Pat, of Kearney and Larry Lindner and his wife, Barb, of Pleasanton; sister, Pat Valentine of Pleasanton; seven grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren
Grew up in rural Buffalo County, attended Pleasant Valley Grade School; graduated from Litchfield High School in 1951
After marriage, lived in Mason City, then moved to a farm near Ansley in 1960; moved to Kearney in 1981, worked at Glenwood Corners Convenience Store
Activities: enjoyed attending her grandchildren's sporting events and especially loved softball; enjoyed doing genealogy; was an avid Cornhusker football fan
Was preceded in death by her daughters, Linda Lee in 1958 and Kathy Hurlburt and her husband, Dennis, both in 2009; sister, Beverly Epley in 2012; and one great-grandson
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2012
YOUNG, Kelly 70, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 18, 1941, in Ravenna
Parents: Harold and Myrtle (Hansen) Young
Married: June 2, 1963, to Lee Ann Nansel in Ravenna
Survivors include his wife; sons, Chris Young and his wife, Kricket, of Hutchison, Kan., and Eric Young and his wife, Ann, of Lexington; brothers, Roger Young and his wife, Deb, of Ravenna and Ron Young of West Union, S.C.; brother-in-law, Larry Nansel and his wife, Bert, and Lane Nansel and his wife, Barb, all of Kearney; sister-in-law, Linda Lawrence of Callaway; grandchildren, Cole, Easton, Kennedy, Eli, Carter and Ella Young; 15 nieces and nephews; and many friends
Graduated from Ravenna High School in 1959; earned his bachelor of science degree from Kearney State College in 1963
Was a retired vocal music teacher; moved to McPherson, Kan., in 1999, worked at the radio station and also sold shoes; returned to Kearney, 2001
Activities: loved music, enjoyed watching his grandchildren play in sports; enjoyed playing cards and games at family reunions; member of Faith United Methodist Church and Kearney Elks Lodge 984
Was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one niece, one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law
Kearney Hub, 25 September, 2012