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DAMME, Elva A., 87, of Kearney, formerly of Syracuse, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial services: Feb. 2 at Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse
Burial: Cook Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Oct. 8, 1925, near Vesta
Parents: John and Lena (Harms) Rulla
Married: Nov. 4, 1945, to Kenneth Damme. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Sheryl Behrens of Lincoln and Marcia Meyer and her husband, Aaron, of Curtis; son, Boyd and his wife, Barb, of Kearney; grandchildren, Tammy Overton and her husband, Calvin, and Zachary Meyer and his wife, Christina, all of Lincoln, Troy Behrens and his wife, Stacie, of Johnston, Iowa, Kelly Jelden and her husband, Josh, and Joshua Damme, all of Kearney, Jamie Abare and her husband, Mark, of Bellevue, Wash., Benjamin Damme and his wife, Stacey, of Omaha, Travis Damme and his wife, Jessica, of Kansas City, Mo., and Darin Damme and his wife, Kacie, of Salisbury, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Jessie and Brittany Overton, Raegan, Gage and Reid Behrens, Madison Meyer, Ava and Landon Abare, Faith, Rayna and Caleb Damme, Isaac, Moriah and Keziah Damme and Ransom, Avery, Hardison and Finley Damme; great-great-grandson, Jace Larson-Overton; sister, Alice Graber of Freeman, S.D.; sisters-in-law. Doris Rulla of Greeley, Colo., Vernelle Haertel of Waverly, Beverly Schroeder of Cook and Jacki Hubbs of Fort Smith, Ark.; cousin, Delton Panko and his wife, Fran, of Tecumseh; and nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends
Moved with family to Yuma, Colo., because of her mother's health; after both parents died in Colorado, she lived with her Aunt Ann and Uncle Albert Panko in Nebraska; graduated from Burr High School, 1944
Was married in a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Alice, and Jim Graber at the Lutheran Church in Sterling
After marriage, lived on the family farm near Cook, raised their three children; worked as a nurses aide and later became the central supplies tech at Community Memorial Hospital in Syracuse
Activities: belonged to the Meadowlark Extension Club for many years; enjoyed playing pinochle and taking many bus tours over the years; member of Grace Lutheran Church in Cook, and later of Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse; was a loving mother and a hard worker
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; an infant son; brother, Paul; and son-in-law, Denver Behrens
Kearney Hub, 19 January, 2013
DANIELSON, Alice W., 104, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Sept. 26, 1908, northwest of Gibbon at home
Parents: Charles and Hope (DeBrie) MacTavish
Married: June 25, 1927, to Walter Minor in Grand Island. He died in 1955
Married: Jan. 2, 1962, to Richard Danielson in Kearney. He died in 1995
Survivors include her grandchildren, Robin Mazankowski and her husband, Dennis, Dan Nichols and his wife, Deb, Dave Nichols and his wife, Tammey, Ronda Eastman and her husband, Rich, all of Kearney, Linda Callahan and her husband, Jake, of Bethlehem, Pa., Cheryl Oliver and her husband, Randy, and Kurt de laMotte and his wife, Cheryl, all of Jacksonville, Fla., Kim Solomon and her husband, Barry, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Julie Wolf and her husband, John, of Lincoln; 19 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
Attended Elkhorn District Country School
After marriage with Walter, lived on a farm in the Gibbon area; moved to Washington state and then to Keokuk, Iowa, for 13 years; returned to Kearney in 1950
With Richard, lived on a farm in the Upland area; moved to Kearney, 1973
Worked at Kaufmann-Wernert Department Store and at Good Samaritan Hospital in the cafeteria
Activities: enjoyed dancing, playing cards and visiting with friends
Was preceded in death by her husbands; daughters, Betty de laMotte and Patsy Nichols; great-grandson, Matthew Klaasmeyer; sons-in-law, Donald Nichols and Loren de laMotte; two brothers; and three sisters
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2013
DRIEWER, Stuart William, 83, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri
Services: Wednesday at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Forsyth
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Snapp-Bearden in Branson, Missouri
Born May 26, 1929, in Agra, Kan.
Parents: Werner and Ruth (Isernhegen) Driewer
Married: Feb. 2, 1968, to Cleo L. Schnacker-Dewey in Lexington, Neb.
Survivors include his wife; sons, Terry Dewey of Hutchinson, Kan., and Rick Dewey; daughters, Pamela Norquest of McCool Junction, Neb., Patricia Kreifels of Lincoln, Neb., Shelly Hamling of Utica, Neb., and Sandy Herren of Kearney; sisters, Delores Friesen of Geneva, Neb., and Joyce Ediger of Aurora, Neb.; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 29 January, 2013
FIEDLER, Esther A., 94, of Gretna, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Prairie Center
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 9, 1918, in Pleasanton
Parents: Charlie and Martha (Roelle) Kirschner
Married: April 18, 1939, to Bill Vokoun. He died Nov. 20, 1963
Married: Aug. 9, 1966, to Jacob Fiedler in Pleasanton. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughter, Janet Oates of Gretna; daughters-in-law, Mary Miller of Grand Island and Jolene Kopf of Lexington; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Attended Prairie Bell School north of Pleasanton through eighth grade, then went to school in Pleasanton
With husband Jacob, farmed in the Prairie Center area, moved to Kearney in 1984
Activities: member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Prairie Center, St. Mary's Altar Society and served as secretary, and St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; loved to have family time, bake, play cards and sew; had many friends in her farm communities of Pleasanton, Prairie Center and Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husbands; sons, Steve Vokoun and Bob Vokoun; brother, Leonard Kirschner; and sister, Erma Vacek
Memorials: Josie Harper Hospice House
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2013
FREDERICK, Ellen Rae, 93, of Papillion, formerly of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Papillion Manor
Services: Monday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born May 17, 1919, in Liberty, Mo.
Parents: Raleigh R. and Alice (Whipple) Burke
Married: April 1939, to Don L. Frederick. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Don R. Frederick and his wife, Adrianne B.; daughter, Kathleen R. Hothan; grandchildren, Robin Davis and Donald J. Frederick and his wife, Jennifer; and great-granddaughter, Ashley
Grew up in Mound City, Mo., graduated from high school with honors; attended one year at Tarkio College in Missouri, transferred to Kearney State Teachers College
After marriage, moved to follow husband's construction jobs, then returned to the family farm, 1950; moved into Kearney in 1954; taught at the Boys Training School one year, at Riverdale High School for three years, and then returned to teaching at what was by then the Youth Development Center; retired in 1978; at YDC, won various honors, including Teacher of the Year in 1964 and directed an award-winning choir from YDC that toured the state; after retiring, had a successful Avon route
Memorials: Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2013
GANNON, William A. "Bill", 65, of Columbus died Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, in Columbus; had been courageously battling multiple myeloma since his cancer diagnosis in September 2011
Services: Friday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus
Burial: All Saints Cemetery at Columbus
Born July 6, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Emmett and Yvonne (Nelson) Gannon of Holdrege
Married: Ann Mendenhall
Survivors include his wife of 42 years; son, Chris and his wife, Katie, of Omaha and their daughter, Adison; daughter, Ellie Haag and her husband, Aaron, of Lincoln; son, Drew of Omaha; brothers, Dick and his wife, Cherie, of Holdrege and Bob and his wife, Kerry, of Kearney; sisters, Becky of Aurora and Barb and her husband, Jim, of Denver; and numerous nieces, nephews and additional family
Graduated from Holdrege High School in 1965; earned an education degree in mathematics from Kearney State College, 1970, and a master of education degree in school administration and a specialist of education degree in administration from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1984
Taught at Kearney Catholic High School, 1970-1972, then taught and/or served as administrator at Waverly, Schuyler, Scotus Central Catholic, Kenesaw Public Schools, Laurel-Concord Public Schools, and Alliance Public Schools; had lived in Columbus since 1997
Activities: served on the St. Bonaventure parish board, Columbus parks and recreation board and Central Community College Board of Governors; was part of the Chamber Commodores, Columbus Collaborative Team, Phi Delta Kappa and Nebraska Council of School Administrators; was active in the local Knights of Columbus council, CEC men's prayer group and St. Bon's men's choir; enjoyed coaching, golfing and cheering for the Yankees, but especially enjoyed his family
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: memorial fund to benefit church, education and the battle against cancer
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2013
HAINES, Myron E., 84, of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, in Athens, Georgia
Memorial services: Feb. 2, First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Whitlock in Toccoa, Georgia
Born July 6, 1928, in Casper, Wyo.
Parents: Daniel and Betsy (Stillson) Haines
Married: to Evalyn Meabon. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons and their wives, Wayne and Teresa Haines of Toccoa, Gordon and Kathryn Haines of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Gary and Robin Haines of Belleville, Ill.; daughter, Marcia Lowe and her husband, Andrew, of Kearney; grandchildren, Alisha Lee and her husband, Turner, Michaela Haines, Mallory Haines, Brianna Haines, Nicholas Haines, Hunter Haines, Claire Haines, Caelyn Haines, Caleb Haines, Ryan Haines and Nathan Haines; and great-grandson, Noah Lee
Graduated from Hastings College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Was a life-long educator,dedicated his life to the advancement of education; introduced computers into the classrooms
Activities: elder in First United Presbyterian Church in Kearney, was active in Christian music and education; had many interests; was an outdoorsman, loved the mountains and streams, loved model trains and collected them; was a founder of the 1733 Barbershop Chorus and a charter member of Dobytown Kiwanis
Was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years
Memorials: Dobytown Kiwanis Club Kearney Hub, 19 January, 2013
HAYWARD, Ruth Lorraine, 99, of Kearney, formerly of Trenton, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Cambridge Court in Kearney
Services: Wednesday at Trenton United Methodist Church
Burial: Palisade Cemetery
Mortuary: Herrmann-Jones in Trenton
Born Jan. 6, 1914, in Hitchcock County near Stratton
Parents: Roy and Effie (Gagle) Spencer
Married: Dec. 24, 1936, Lawrence Hayward. He died May 5, 1980
Survivors include her grandchildren, Kim Clark and Bobbi Ehmke and her husband, Scott, all of Kearney, Scot Berger and his wife, Renee, of Azle, Texas, Max Plank and his wife, Jane, of Hollister, Calif., and Dan Plank and his wife, Susan, and Adam Plank, all of Fremont; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Scott and her husband, Everett, of Anaheim, Calif.; son-in-law, Bill Berger of Kearney; brother-in-law, Dan Doyle of Wichita, Kan.; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Spencer of Kearney
Graduated from Stratton High School, received her normal training in 1932; earned her bachelor of arts degree from Kearney State Teachers College in 1964
Taught school at Hayes County District 12 during World War II and later in Hitchcock County, including 25 years in Trenton; taught elementary school grades for more than 41 years, retired in 1980
After marriage, resided in Palisade, later moved to a farm south of Palisade; moved into Trenton in 1954
Activities: 85-year member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Chi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, Business and Professional Women's Club, and McCook Retired Teachers Association; enjoyed ceramic painting, crocheting, reading and traveling; lifelong love was teaching and caring for her family
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughters, Barbara Plank and Glenda Berger; grandson, Robert Plank; great-grandson, Daiten Horn; great-granddaughter, Amanda Plank; sisters, Helen Ekstrum, Esther Doyle and Favola Spencer; and brothers, Jim and Russel Spencer
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2013
HODGSON, Diane L., 65, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
orn Dec. 30, 1947, in Lincoln
Parents: Max and Vera (Frey) Ehrlich
Married: June 28, 1969, to Lennis Hodgson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lincoln
Survivors include her husband; son, Chad Hodgson and his wife, Melissa, of Gretna and Matthew Hodgson and his wife, Amy, of Minden; her parents of Kearney; and grandsons, William Hodgson of Minden and TrayJon Hodgson of Grenta
Grew up in Lincoln; attended both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kearney State College
After marriage, was then stationed in Alaska and then moved to various places throughout Nebraska; lived in Kearney for the last 34 years, was a homemaker, and an Avon representative
Activities: was active in her church; loved to travel and spend time with family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Arbor and Fern Hodgson
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church and School
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2013
HUERTA, Paul J., 42, of Scottsbluff, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Jan. 21. 2013, at his home
Memorial services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 2, 1970, in Kearney to Lawrence and Delores (Escutia) Huerta. Survivors include his mother, Delores Huerta of Kearney; his father, Larry Huerta and his wife, Linda, of Kearney; stepfather, Tom Turek of Kearney; brothers, Larry Huerta of Seattle and Chris Huerta of Lakewood, Colo.; nephew, Christopher; nieces, Kayla and Cheyenne; stepbrother, Brent Robison of Kearney; uncle, Anatolio Escutia of Mexico; aunts, Lupe Rodehorst of Kearney, Rosalie Silos of Lincoln and Anita Lindner of Hastings; cousin, Robert Gardner of Evergreen, Colo.; stepniece, Anna Lyons of Hastings; and numerous cousins
Gew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Army, veteran of Desert Storm
After discharge, worked at Eaton Corp. in Kearney in the forge shop; moved to Montana, worked as a troubleshooter for Walmart then was a driver for handicap people; moved to Scottsbluff in 2009, attended school at Western Nebraska Community College and graduated with a paramedic degree
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Josie Huerta and Floyd and Mary Turek
Memorials: Scottsbluff Humane Society or the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2013
JOHNSON, Sidney O. "Sid", 93, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 9, 1919, at the family farm south of Kearney
Parents: Oscar and Myrtle (Peckman) Johnson
Married: Jan. 26, 1939, to A. Jane Weist in Phillipsburg, Kan. She died in 1990
Married: Nov. 9, 1991, to Vienna "Vi" Krull in Kearney. She died in 2011
Survivors include his son, Herb Johnson and his wife, Linda, of Kearney and grandsons, Matt and Chris Johnson; daughters, Judy Hall of Lonetree, Colo., and grandsons, Jeffrey and Michael Hall, and Nancy Van Horn of Lincoln and granddaughters, Kristine Amack and Sarah Helvey; sister, Irene Moore of Kearney; stepsons, Gary Krull and his wife, Margaret, of Williamsburg, Va., and Ron Krull and his wife, Judy, of Huxley, Iowa; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren
Attended country school in Kearney County then graduated from Kearney High School in 1934; attended Kearney Normal School
After marriage, farmed south of Kearney in the Platte River Valley; moved to the McConnell Subdivision (Kearney County) in 1976
Activities: 50-year member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney; enjoyed farming, the Chicago Cubs, traveling south during the winter, listening and singing along to classic country music, and playing golf
Was preceded in death by his wives; grandson, R. Scott Hall; son-in-law, Jim Van Horn; brother, Norris Johnson and his wife, Beverly; and sister, Ardis Stanford
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 16 January, 2013
JORDAN, Marian A., 93, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at her home
Services: Tuesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born April 1, 1919, in Gibbon
Parents: Luther R. and Thelma (Nelson) Copeland
Married: Nov. 29, 1935, to Edwin J. "Ed" Jordan in Minden. He died March 31, 1995
Survivors include her daughter, Linda Schutte and her husband, John, of Kearney; grandsons, Randy Schutte and his wife, Sheila, and Rod Sinnard, all of Kearney, Cory Schutte and his wife, Vanessa, of Grand Island and Tim Sinnard of Oregon; granddaughter, Laura Sinnard of Kearney; sister, Bonnie Tucker of Fountain Valley, Calif.; 10 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren
Attended District 12 school in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1932
After marriage, lived in Kearney; husband worked for the city water department
Was a wonderful homemaker, devoted wife, mother and grandmother
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Gene in 1978; grandson, Edwin; two brothers; and four sisters
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice program
Kearney Hub, 14 January 2013
KEASCHALL, Marvin, 80, of Ravenna died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at the Grand Island Veterans Home
Services: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Nov. 21, 1932, in Buffalo County
Parents: Joseph and Eva (Rohrich) Keaschall
Married: June 2, 1955, to Delores "Dee" Rochford in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; sons and their wives, Joe and Deb Keaschall and Craig and Natalie Keaschall, all of Lincoln, and Kelly and Deb Keaschall of Rock Falls, Ill.; daughter, Mary Michael of Lincoln; nine grandchildren; sister, Clarice Riessland of Litchfield; and brother, Don Keaschall and his wife, Wilma, of Ravenna
Was educated in Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1950
Military: U.S. Army in Korea in the artillery division
After marriage, farmed south of Ravenna
Activities: lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Holy Name Society and the men's choir; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion; was a devoted husband and; enjoyed helping his neighbors
Was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Don Riessland
Kearney Hub, 22 January, 2013
KEIPER, Alyce Marie, 98, of Gibbon died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Services: Friday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: Apfel in Wood River
Born May 21, 1914, in Gibbon
Parents: Alfred and Sadie (Griffin) Hibberd
Marrid: Feb. 11, 1935, to Harlan C. "Mike" Keiper in York. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Shirley and Dale Skow of Grand Island, Robert of Bellingham, Wash., and Donald and his wife, Linda, of Gibbon; grandchildren, Julie Skow Hehnke and her husband, Jay, of Grand Island, Jolynn Skow Henry and her husband, Keith, of Junction City, Kan., Sherri Skow Gouse and her husband, Rick, of Richmond, Vt., Kelli Keiper Frew and her husband, Rob, of Ames, Iowa, and Michael Keiper and his wife, Jill, of Dallas; great-grandchildren, Madisen Peterson of Gibbon, Chandler Hehnke of Grand Island, Olivia Peterson and Paige Peterson of Ames and Lilly and Brady Gouse of Richmond; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Taylor Frew of Lincoln and Perrin Frew of Ames
Lived her entire life in Gibbon; with husband, farmed, raised livestock, ran their own dairy and raised their family of three
Activities: loyal and active member of Gibbon Baptist Church, served on numerous committees. was chairman of the Wedding Committee and member of the choir; in 2004 was an 80-year member of the Gibbon Baptist Church; was an 80-year alumna of Gibbon High School; directed the Gibbon's Kitchen Band; was instrumental in the creation of Good Samaritan Center of Gibbon and worked there for several years; loved to sew, crochet, embroider and knit; baked and decorated cakes
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Blanche Bolin; and Robert's wife, daughter-in-law Helen Keiper
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church or Gibbon Senior Center
Kearney Hub, 23 January, 2013
LANGE, Margaret C., 91, of Kearney, formerly of Boston, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, at her son's home in Kearney
Graveside services: Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, Mass.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born Oct. 1, 1921, in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
Parents: Herbert and Nina (Filmore) Johnson
Married: Sept. 6, 1947, to John W. Lange. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Bruce Lange and his wife, Karen, of Laramie, Wyo., Paul Lange and his wife, Helen, of Kearney, Mark Lange and his wife, Kim, of Amherst, Mass., Donald Lange and his wife, Sandy, of Windsor, Colo.; Craig Lange and his wife, Bonnie, of Scotia, N.Y., and Brian Lange and his wife, Valerie, of Aston, Pa.; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Immigrated with her family to the United States and settled in the Boston area; met her future husband, John, at the USO where she worked as a volunteer; as a young woman, received Christ as her Savior; her husband later became an American Baptist pastor
Activities: active in her church in various capacities; loved to play Scrabble and canasta and enjoyed visiting with people of all ages and backgrounds; enjoyed watching sports of any type
Was preceded in death by her husband and one brother
Memorials: Shepherd Hills Care Giver Retreat Center in Sharon Springs, N.Y.
Kearney Hub, 19 January, 2013
LENTZ, Janet, 95, of El Rancho Cucamonga, California, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at Kindred Hospital in Ontario, California
Services: Jan. 19 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born April 4, 1917, in Milford, Kan.
Parents: Fred and Oma (Mellinger) Walters
Married: Dec. 7, 1953, to Clemon "Clem" Lentz in Holbrook, Ariz. He died in January 1983
Survivors include her daughter, Marilyn Spargo and her husband, Leroy, of California; and her large and loving family of five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren
Began her schooling in Studley, Kan.; moved at age 8 to Edmond, Kan., elementary and high schools; married (divorced) and had two daughters; later graduated from White's Beauty Academy in Wichita, Kan.
Worked in beauty shops in Kansas and Nebraska; lived in Kearney 1949-2011
Activities: 50-year member of Tuscan Chapter 29 Order of Eastern Star, a past noble grand and 50-year member of Naomi Rebekah Lodge 12, and past president and life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 759; enjoyed many crafts, including quilt making and crocheting
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; great-grandson, David Spargo; and daughter, Carolyn Thurston, sister, Freda Blume, and brother, Wallace Walters, all of Kearney, Nebr.
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2013
LOEWENSTEIN, Hilda A., 82, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at her home
Memorial services: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: later
Born July 16, 1930, in Fort Thompson, S.D., on an Indian reservation
Parents: Otto and Margaret (Pratt) Stimple
Married: Feb. 13, 1994, she married Ralph Loewenstein in Kearney
Survivors includes her husband; daughters, Candace Peterson of Kearney and Pam Loewenstein of Lincoln; two grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and brother, Orville Stimple and his wife, Shirley, of Sundance, Wyo.
Worked as a maid for various agencies
Activities: member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mother Hull Women's Temperance Union and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota; enjoyed quilting and collecting antiques
Was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2013
MARVEL, Richard M., 90, of rural Gibbon died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at his home
No services
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger - Miller Godberson in Gibbon
Born Sept. 14, 1922, in Comstock
Parents: Jess and Freida (Ohlsen) Marvel
Married: Sept. 4, 1946, to Eunice E. Anderson. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Robert of Crete; daughters, Mary Critchfield of Gibbon and Billie Walker of Gothenburg; and one grandchild
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2013
MURPHY, M. Barbara, 91 of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at her home
Services: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born Nov. 14, 1921, in Greeley
Parents: Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Tracy) Murphy
Married: Charles E. Murphy. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her children, Thomas of Maui, Hawaii, Charlene Moats and her husband, Bruce, of Weeping Water, Charles Edward and his wife, Vera, of Wakeeney, Kan., John, Jane Moody and her husband, Brian, and Patrick and his wife, Veronica, James, Kathryn "Kate" and Sheila Barger and her husband, Troy, all of Kearney, Mary Dady of San Antonio, Martin of Denver, Michael and his wife, Sandi, of Baker, Fla., and Joseph and his wife, Recilla, of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren, Shane Moats and his wife, Natalie, of North Platte, Annie Moats Novacek and her husband, Andrew, of Kearney, Ben Moats of Kansas City, Mo., Chad Murphy and his wife, Lynda, of Fort Atkinson, Wis., Keith Murphy and his wife, Amelia, of Nevada, Mo., Jason Dady and his wife, Crystal, and Jacob Dady and Shyler Leon, all of San Antonio, Nicholas Moody and Stacy Butner, Jackson Murphy and Zoey Barger, all of Kearney, Amy Moody Fred and her husband, Jim, of Sargent, Ryne Moody and Molly Walsh of Missoula, Mont., Paige Murphy and Rich Floyd, Emma Murphy and Mario Chavez and Seamus Murphy, all of Denver, Reniel Suba, Charlie Murphy and Maria Murphy of Chandler, Ariz., and Mattie Traphagan of Omaha; and 18 great-grandchildren
Was raised in Greeley, graduated from Greeley Sacred Heart High School
Went to Washington, D.C., worked in the U.S. Pentagon during World War II; after the war, returned to Greeley
After marriage, moved to Chicago, then to Grand Island; moved to Kearney, 1946; raised 13 children
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and her brother, Richard Murphy
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice
Kearney Hub, 29 January, 2013
NELSON, Gerenia I., 92, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Monday, January 21 at Fairview Cemetery in Lincoln
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born December 3, 1920 in Odell, Nebraska
Parents: Elmer and Clara (Kostal) Novotny
Married: May 8, 1955 to Lester L. Nelson in Beatrice. He preceded her in death
Survivors include: daughter Karen Nelson of Kearney, NE, son: Lester Nelson of Kearney, NE, step-son Ken Nelson and his wife Louisa from Junction City, KS, and brother-in-law Merle Nelson of Beatrice, NE., 6 step grandchildren, and 7 step great grandchildren
Attended Banner school in Gage County, graduated from Beatrice High School in 1937
Worked as a federal inspector of grain and seed for 14 years, last 5 of those years as treasurer of the corporation; then attended St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lincoln, graduated in 1955
Worked for the Orthopedic Hospital until it closed, transferred to the Nebraska State Hospital in Lincoln; moved to Kearney, 1970, and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in the Intensive care unit; retired in 1986
Activities: loved Morgan horses, attended clinics and show horses with her daughter; member of the Missouri Valley Morgan Horse Club, was awarded an AMHA Master’s Certificate; enjoyed fishing and traveling around the United States, Canada, Mexico, Korea, and Japan
Was preceded in death by her husband and step-daughter Lucille Kaeding
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 21 January, 2013
OHLMAN, Verna A., 92, of Lexington died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center
Services: Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born Aug. 18, 1920, near Ayr
Parents: Herman and Christine (Krueger) Plautz
Married: Oct. 19, 1941, to Otto Ohlmann in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, William Ohlmann and his wife, Jackie, of Lexington; daughters, Marilyn Sinsel and her husband, Loren, and Cynthia Callahan and her husband, Bill, all of Lexington; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way; two great-great-grandsons with one on the way; sister, Lucille Fuss of Grand Island; sister-in-law, Elaine Plautz of Alda; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Grew up in the Ayr area, then moved to Shelton; moved to Kearney, 1938
Moved to Lexington, 1968; worked for her son, Bill Ohlmann, at the Lexington Animal Clinic as the office manager; retired in 2007 at age 87
Activities: very active in her church; past member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, was past president of the Zion Lutheran Ladies Aid and a Sunday school teacher; member of Trinity Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school and confirmation classes and served in the Altar Guild; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; loved to cook; enjoyed family get-togethers
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Alan; and brothers, LaVerne and Carl Plautz
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Parochial School in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 19 January, 2013
PITKE, Ardyce "Kate", 85, of Eugene, Oregon, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Eugene
Memorial services: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Eugene
Born Jan. 4, 1928, in Hastings, Neb.
Parents: Francis and Alvina (Lenz) Firme
Married: to Ira Pitke of Gibbon, Neb. He died Dec. 27, 2011
Survivors include her daughters, Mary Lynn Fenner and her husband, David, of Eugene and Diane Woods and her husband, Jeffrey, of Turlock, Calif.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Graduated from Gibbon High School, was head majorette and cheerleader
Memorials: Bethesda Lutheran Church in Eugene
Kearney Hub, 17 January, 2013
REED, Shirley A., 77, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 28, 1935, in Nemaha
Parents: Clinton and R. Blanche (Brown) Bolejack
Married: Oct. 23, 1955, to Robert "Bob" Reed in Nemaha
Survivors include her husband; son, Mitchell Reed and his wife, Joan, of North Platte; daughter, Susan Bielenberg and her husband, Ron, of Kearney; granddaughter, Kristin Hoerle and her husband, Jeremy, of Ogallala; grandsons, Juddson Reed and his significant other, Stevie Swedberg, of North Platte, Robert Bielenberg and his wife, Kelly, of Lincoln, James Bielenberg and his wife, Patty, of Houston and Mark Bielenberg of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Madalynn and Gavin Hoerle of Ogallala, Samuel and Sarah Bielenberg of Lincoln and Rachel, Andrew and Erin Bielenberg of Houston; brother, Robert Bolejack of Louisville, Ky.; sisters, Delores West and Janice Bolejack, both of Nebraska City; and many nieces and nephews
Graduated from Nemaha High School in 1953
Worked at the telephone company in Auburn; moved to Stapleton, 1958, worked at the Bank of Stapleton; moved to Arnold, 1978, and worked at Production Credit Services/Farm Credit Services until retiring
Activities: lifetime member of the Weight Watchers organization, became a leader and opened a branch in Arnold; loved watching movies, enjoyed baking, cooking; especially loved her family; member of the Nemaha Christian Church, the United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Ryan Reed
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2013
ROBINSON, Caroline M., 103, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday at Trinity Presbyterian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 4, 1910, in Kearney
Parents: Herman and Ida (Perrsdotter) Mattson
Married: May 16, 1935, to Sidney C. Robinson in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Scott Robinson and his wife, Bonita, of Manning, Iowa; daughter, Judy Blevins of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Josephine Robinson of Hammonton, N.J.; grandchildren, Mike Blevins and his wife, Deb, of Kearney, Michelle Adams and her husband, Brian, of Bellevue, Sara Trampe and her husband, Todd, of Kearney, Christopher Robinson and his wife, Bliss, of Alexandria, Va., Robin Robinson and her husband, Brian Sugent, of Trenton, N.J., and Tiffany Carson and her husband, Jeff, of Grundy Center, Iowa; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews
Grew up in and attended school in Kearney; had to quit at about age 16 to help her mother care for her nephew and niece when her oldest sister died
After marriage, owned and operated "The Steeple House" tourist home located at East 25th Street and Avenue E for many years
Activities: held a Bible club for the students on their way home from school at her home; enjoyed doing mission work through White Cross; charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Jack L. Robinson; grandson, Matthew Robinson; and nine brothers and three sisters and their spouses
Memorials: Trinity Presbyterian Church, Press On Youth Center Ministry or St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Kearney Hub, 6 February, 2013
SHADA, Leo W., 90, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney
Burial: Shelton Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 15, 1922, in Kearney
Parents: John and Helen (Karam) Shada
Married: Aug. 20, 1966, to Lois A. Allen in Kearney. She died in 2005
Survivors include his brother, Tony Shada and his wife, Bessie, of Kearney; sisters, Victoria Applegarth of Kearney and Maxine Greever of Fort Worth, Texas; stepson, Lloyd Neeman and his wife, Judy, of West Point; and many stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren, nieces and nephews
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1940
Worked for Whitney Sand and Gravel for a couple of years
Military: US Army, 1942-1945, veteran of World War II; received teh Purple Heart and Bronze Star
After discharge, returned to Kearney; worked at McCue's Store for many years until he retired
Activities: member of St. George Orthodox Church, Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and Kearney Eagles Lodge 2722; enjoyed gardening, playing bingo, fishing and hunting
Was preceded in death by his wife; brothers, Nick, George, Victor and John Jr.; and sisters, Norma Shada, Mabel McCauley, Josephine Wetzig and a sister in infancy
Memorials: St. George Orthodox Church or St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 23 January, 2013
STRAATMANN, Phyllis J. "P.J.", 87, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Thursday, O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: West Salem Cemetery south of Hildreth
Born Feb. 20, 1925, on a farm near Ogden, Kan.
Parents: Ellsworth and Anna (Nelson) Walters
Married William Tramel
Married: 1941, to Jack Henry in Denver. They divorced
Married: July 13, 1952, to Martin Straatmann in Kearney. He died in 1980
Survivors include her sons, Darold Henry and his wife, Belva, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Larry Henry and Charles "Chuck" Henry and his wife, Marcia, all of Scottsbluff, and Gary Straatmann and his wife, Stephanie, of Kearney; daughters, Gail Traver of Ravenna, Betty Douglas of Gering, Anita Smith and her husband, Harold, Judy Miller and her husband, Steve, Kristy Schneider and Kim Rothemeyer, all of Kearney, and Marcia Anderson and her husband, Steve, of Minden; stepbrother, Don Peters of Shelbina, Mo.; stepsister, Irene Shiers of Kearney; 27 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and stepsister-in-law, Madie Peters and her special friend, Bob Peterson, of Kearney
Family moved near Manhattan, Kan., and later to Denver
After marriage to Jack, lived in Kearney
After marriage to Martin, lived in Kearney; with husband, owned and operated Straatmann TV and Watch Repair; after husband's worked at Baldwin Manufacturing until her retirement
Activities: pastimes included gardening and playing cards with family and friends; member of First Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary; served as a 4-H leader while her children were in school; was active in the Buffalo County Security System in the 1960s
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; stepfather, Harry Peters; one son; two daughters; two brothers; two sisters; four grandchildren; three stepbrothers; and one stepsister
Memorials: First Lutheran Church, Camp Comeca or Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 22 January, 2013
TAYLOR, William R., 83, of Yankton, South Dakota, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Yankton
Services: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege, Neb., military honors
Born March 20, 1929, in Holdrege
Parents: Curby and Mildred (Egley) Taylor
Survivors include his niece, Patty DeGroff and her husband, Tom, of Crofton, Neb.; grandnephew, Perry DeGroff and his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Tyler, Dylan and Jessica DeGroff; grandnephew, Matthew DeGroff; grandniece, Amy (Taylor) Greengard and her husband, Mike, and their children, Maddie and Zach Greengard; and grandnephews, John D. Taylor II and Josh Taylor and his daughter, Kelsi Chesny
Received his education from Holdrege High School, graduated from the University of Nebraska
Worked for the Holdrege REA
Military: U.S. Air Force
After discharge, started his career with the Internal Revenue Service, lived in California; retired to Nebraska
Activities: enjoyed attending auctions, solving "world affairs" over coffee with friends and spending time with family; moved to Yankton, April 2012, to be closer to his niece, Patty DeGroff, and her husband, Tom
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Bill Roberson; nephew, John Taylor; sister, Marjorie Roberson; brother, Jack Taylor; and sister-in-law, Alice Ann (Vandell) Taylor
Kearney Hub, 17 January, 2013
TEEL, Delazon Laverne "Del", 83, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Born Jan. 3, 1930, in Farnam
Parents: Carroll and Martha (Harwood) Teel
Married: 1950, to Cecelia Wiese. They divorced
Married: Bonnie Flint
Survivors include his daughters, Deborah Best of St. Paul, Minn., and Tami Maruska and Kathy Hunt and her husband, Bob, all of Kearney; son, Roger Teel and his wife, Suzanne, of Minden; grandchildren, Nicolle Best, Brad Best, Ryan Best, Michael Dowson, Gina Whiteford, Amanda Bristol, Chris Hunt, Chase Hunt, Alex Hunt, Adasen Hunt, Brandon Teel, Brock Teel, Dane Teel and Colby Teel; many great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Marion Teel and his wife, Jean, of Shawnee Mission, Kan., and Marlyn Teel and his wife, Joan, of Lexington; sister, Jeanne McCain and her husband, Dennis, of Gothenburg; and many nieces and nephews
Received his education in Elwood
Military: U.S. Army, September 1948 - August 1951
Was a longtime employee of Eaton Corp.; served on its Fire Brigade
Activities: member of American Legion Post 52, VFW Post 759, and the Eagles Club; enjoyed woodworking and cabinet making
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Blake Teel; and great-great-granddaughter, Ailey King
Memorials: VFW Post 759 of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 24 January, 2013
TIFF, Ardith "Vee", 73, of Franklin, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Golden Living Center in Franklin
Services: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Dec. 19, 1939, in Burley, Idaho
Parents: Rex and Nelda (Curtis) Rollstin
Married: April 22, 1961, to Roy Tiff Sr. in Grand Island
Survivors include her husband of Ravenna; sons, Marty Tiff of Kearney and Dennis Tiff and his wife, Jane, of Houston; daughters, Barbara Galles and her husband, Mike, of Pocatello, Idaho, Gina Felton and her husband, Fred, of Winnsboro, S.C., and Katie Schaub and her husband, Jason, of Ravenna; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Jim Rollstin of Doniphan
Grew up in Aurora and Grand Island; attended Grand Island Senior High School
After marriage, lived in Chapman: moved to Kearney in 1974, worked for Costal Mart for many years
Was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Roy Tiff Jr.
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2013
TUSHICK, Wayne, 80, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Kearney Hub, 19 November, 2012
VOHLAND, Arleen J., 69, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home - Miller Godberson Chapel in Gibbon
Born Nov. 14, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Harley and Lucile (Bilslend) Robinson
Married: April 2, 1961, to Larry L. Vohland at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shelton
Survivors include her husband; sons, Lonny Vohland and his wife, Mindy, of Laramie, Wyo., Kyle Vohland and his wife, Daniele, of Shelton and Korry Vohland of Minden; grandchildren, Kellen and Emerson Vohland of Laramie, Kylee, Remington and Drake Vohland of Shelton and Jessa Vohland of Minden; stepgrandson, Tyson Schroeder of Kearney; her mother of Shelton; brother, Lanny Robinson and his wife, Beverley, of Cairo; twin sister, Eileen Hansen and her husband, Gene, of Grand Island; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends
Lived in several central Nebraska communities and rural Laramie; attended grade school in Shelton; worked at the Shelton Café for many years while going to school
After marriage, moved to Gibbon, transferred to Gibbon High School, graduated with the class of 1962
Worked at the local doctor's office and in several cafés in the area; became the manager/operator of the cafeteria at the Gibbon Nebraska Turkey Growers Processing plant, 1973, made arrangements that the cafeteria could be opened to the public; acquired the IOOF building in downtown Gibbon, converted it from the Gibbon Meat Market into Arlene's Café and Catering Service, 1980; owned and operated this business for a total of 31 years, retired due to health issues
Activities: member of Faith United Church, past president of the Gibbon Chamber of Commerce and a past member of the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department's Auxiliary
Was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Darrel
Memorials: Faith United Church, Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2013
VOPAT, Van J., 98, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 14, 2013
Services: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born March 19, 1914, in Wolbach
Parents: James and Stazie (Cerny) Vopat
Married: Nov. 10, 1942, to W. Minnie Bruha in Ord
Survivors include his wife; sons, Frank and his wife, Gudrun, of Redding, Calif., and Gary and his wife, Sue, of Austin, Texas; daughters, Dorothy Nutter and her husband, Doug, of Kearney and Shirley May and her husband, Bruce, of Tampa, Fla.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Eleanor Rohla of Winner, S.D.
Grew up at Wolbach, received his education in Nebraska and South Dakota
After marriage, lived in Sargent; was self-employed and was involved in various professional ventures
Activities: member of many clubs and organizations
Was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister
Kearney Hub, 17 January, 2013
WEMPEN, Virginia, 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Dec. 11, 1932, in Oconto
Parents: Ira and Alfa (Gilkerson) Lovitt
Married: July 2, 1950, to Merl Wempen in Phillipsburg, Kan.
Survivors include daughters, Linda Morgan and her husband, Dell, of Minden, Patty Wallace and her husband, Gaylen, of Minden, and Angela Runnells and her husband, Scott, of Kearney; son, Jerry Wempen and his wife, Robin, of Kearney; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Viola Dean of Borneo, Texas; and son-in-law, Frank Wright of Kearney
Grew up in the Sumner area, attended Sumner High School
After marriage, moved to Kearney; cooked at area schools and also drove a mail truck for six years
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; enjoyed camping and fishing and spending time with her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Carol Wright; son, David Wempen; five brothers; four sisters; and three great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2013