Page 134
Back to Index for Obituaries
ANDERSON, David B., 74, of Kearney died Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
A celebratory wake: Friday at Kearney Community Theatre
No burial
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Jan. 27, 1939, in Marshalltown, Iowa
Parents: Iva Ayres Anderson and Lester Anderson
Married: July 13, 1962, to Merilyn Leigh Moffit
Survivors include: his wife; daughters, Wendy and Amy; sons-in-law, Marc and Marcus; and granddaughter, Lucy
Grew up in Marshalltown, attended Marshalltown High School; graduated from University of Northern Colorado in 1960; returned to Iowa, taught public school until 1965; earned his master's degree at UNC, 1966
Began teaching English instructor at KSC, remained there for 48 years; received his Ed.D in 1977 from UNC and was promoted to full professorship in the English Department at UNK in 197, later became department chair for the English Department and assistant vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; authored several significant grants for UNK, created and ran the computer writing lab, served as university ombudsman and was chief negotiator for the UNKEA
Activities: supported Kearney Community Theatre from the late 1960s, worked behind the scenes on finance, facilities, sets, directing and occasionally performing as well; helped convert the former post office building into the Museum of Nebraska Art, was board member from 1999 to 2009; volunteered for Bob Kerrey, served on the Nebraska Arts Council board; designed and built the family's home and a couple of boats; enjoyed golf, the lake, jazz music and football
Memorials: Museum of Nebraska Art or Kearney Community Theatre
Kearney Hub, 23 May, 2013
BJORNSON, Michael R., 49, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at Golden Living Center in Grand Island
Memorial service: Friday, May 10, 2013, O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, Kearney
Memorials: Children's Miracle Network or the donor's choice
Born March 5, 1964 in Santa Monica, California
Parents: Harold and Donna (Linn) Bjornson
Grew up and received his education in Culver City, California
Worked at Carols O' Kelly's while living in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed Hockey, especially the Storm; playing his guitars, cooking and just enjoying life to the fullest
Survivors include parents Harold and Donna Vee Bjornson of Kearney; sisters Patricia Hoffman and family of Elm Creek, and Judy Bjornson and family of West Winfield, New York; Was preceded in death by grandparents; Crispin and Valentine Aguiere, Eva and Bernard Bjornson
Kearney Hub, 8 May, 2013
BLUMENTHAL, Jean A., 63, of Ravenna died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at her home
Graveside services: Saturday, Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Sept. 24, 1949, in Loup City
Parents: William and Bonnie (Davis) Feldmayer
Married: to Leroy Eckel
Married: to George Blumenthal. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Pete Blumenthal of Kearney, Denney Eckel of Denver, N.C., Lenny Eckel of Pleasanton and Kenny Eckel of Gibbon; daughter, Erin Blumenthal of Duncansville, Pa.; mother and stepfather, Bonnie and Paul Strieder of Ravenna; brother, Alan Feldmayer of Eugene, Ore.; and 11 grandchildren
Was a 1967 graduate of Ravenna High School; lived in the Gibbon and Ravenna areas; loved gardening, flowers and birds
Was preceded in death by her father; brother, Bill Feldmayer; and husband, George
Kearney Hub, 22 May, 2013
BURR, Ilis J., 82, of Gibbon died Monday, May 20, 2013, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Services: Friday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 25, 1931, in Sumner
Parents: Thomas and Agnes (Trumbull) Bowden
Married: Dec. 26, 1948, to Robert W. Burr in Sumner
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Vickie Power and her husband, Lee, Trudy Plautz and her husband, Dean, Cindy Nickel and her husband, Frank, Brenda Bendfeldt and her husband, Bob, and Stephanie Johannsen and her husband, Tim, all of Gibbon, and Becky Densberger and her husband, Don, of Malcolm; twin sister, Ila Roper and her husband, Zale, of Amherst; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Attended school in Sumner, graduated from Sumner High School
After marriage, settled on a farm in February 1949 on Kilgore Island near Gibbon; was involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm
Activities: was a 4-H leader for many years; enjoyed tending to her garden, fishing, camping, crafts and cards; treasured time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren; enjoyed attending Gibbon sporting events; dedicated member of Faith United Church in Gibbon
Was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas LaVern Bowden, and sisters, Pearl Vollmer and Myrna Todd
Memorials: Faith United Church in Gibbon or the Gibbon Public Schools Athletic Department
Kearney Hub, 22 May, 2013
CHERRY, LeVern Edward, 80, of Broken Bow, formerly of North Platte, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at Golden Living Center in Broken Bow
Services: Monday at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow
Burial: with military honors, Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell
Born Oct. 24, 1932, south of Mason City
Parents: Frank and Anna (Supanchick) Cherry
Married: Jan. 9, 1953, to Norma Shipley in Norton, Kan.
Survivors include his wife; sons, Mike of San Antonio, Randy of Sargent, Steve of Kearney and Pat of McCook; daughter, Diana Hopkins of Frisco, Texas; sisters, Deloris Smith of Chadron and Helen Young of Ansley; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 May, 2013
COSGROVE, Marion B., 89, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
No services
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born July 29, 1923, in Western Township near Fergus Falls, Minn.
Parents: Roy and Violette Weaver
Married: May 15, 1941, to Michael "Jim" Cosgrove. He died in November 1977
Survivors include her daughter, Janet Slack and her husband, Lynn, of Gibbon; son, Michael Cosgrove of Omaha; grandson, Chip Slack of Neosho, Mo., and Thomas Slack of Greenland, Ark.; sisters, Lou Etta and her husband, Jack Savoy, and Jeanette and her husband, Fred Kroog; and many cousins, nieces and nephews
Received her education in and around Fergus Fall
Worked at Gambles in Fergus Falls, Sears in Kearney and Fayetteville, Ark., and Ace Hardware in Grand Island; opened and operated her own hardware store in Rogers, Ark. until her retirement; moved from Kearney to Hearthside Cottage in Gibbon, 2008
Activities: enjoyed making of custom teddy bears; never tired of baking and cooking; enjoyed watching baseball, particularly the Minnesota Twins
Memorials: Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 21 May, 2013
CRUMM, Judith Ann Sealing, 65, of Shelton died Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Memorial services: Thursday at Apfel Funeral Home in Wood River
Born Sept. 24, 1947, in Hastings
Parents: James and Evelyn (Reimers) Partridge
Married: 1967, to Dennis Samuelson
Married: 1982, to Gaylord Sealing
Married: 2003, to Donald Crumm
Survivors include her husband; sons, Shane Samuelson of Tecumseh and Samuel Samuelson of Shelton; daughters, Shawna Samuelson of Shelton and Sandra Samuelson of Wood River; brother, Mike Partridge; sisters, Jackie Morman, Susan Dempf, Cheryl True, Shelly Earhart, Deb Partridge and Rhonda McMillen; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Grew up in Axtell and Grand Island; received her education at Grand Island, graduated from Grand Island Senior High School
Lived in Shelton, worked at L&N Enterprises, retired in 1998
Activities: loved to crochet blanket pillows and doilies for family and friends; baked cookies and shared them with the neighborhood kids
Was preceded in death by her parents and her maternal and paternal grandparents
Kearney Hub, 22 May, 2013
DOSEK, Joe Ann, 78, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, May 6, 2013, in Broken Arrow
No services at this time
Born Jan. 5, 1935
Parents: Mike and Mary Lee Snell
Married Richard "Dick" Dosek. He died Nov. 22, 1962
Survivors include her daughters, Laura Agee of Broken Arrow, Cheryl Brennan of Kearney and Carrie Dusoe of Omaha, Neb.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
Had been living in Broken Arrow with family for the past two years
Kearney Hub, 10 May, 2013
FARR, Loretta "Gail", 87, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born July 14, 1925, in Indianola
Parents: Francis and Lily (Wood) Madden
Married: June 1, 1945, to Emert Farr in Norton, Kan. He died in 1989
Survivors include her son, Tom and his wife, Nita, of Wamego, Kan.; daughters, Myrna Farr of Grand Island and Brenda Sheldon of Kearney; grandchildren, Ty, Kelly, Jared, Mathew, Nicole and Tara; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, William Madden and his wife, Ann, of Alpine, Calif.; sister, Denelda "Dennie" Schermerhorn and her husband, Bernie, of San Diego; and sisters-in-law, Lillian Sayer of Cambridge and Mildred Farr of Kearney
Attended grade school and high school at Havana, north of Indianola
After marriage, lived on a farm 13 miles north of Cambridge; moved to Boulder, Colo., operated the Boulder Cottage Court, 1958-1962; lived in Stockton, Kan.; moved to Kearney in 1964, purchased the El Rancho Trailer Court, then owned and operated the Ideal Motel; retired in 1976; then worked in the kitchen at Kearney High School for 30 years, retired in 2006
Activities: enjoyed gardening, canning, and making jelly, and enjoyed sharing the products; never missed a birthday of her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren; past member of the Kearney Eagles Lodge Auxiliary
Was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Arline Sorensen and Alice Walker; and brother, James Madden
Memorials: the Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 11 May, 2013
FITCH, Alva R.; Retired Army Lt. Gen. Alva R. Fitch, 82, a former deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, died Saturday, Nov. 25, (1989) in Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Born: Amherst, Neb.
Military: graduated in 1930 from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; was commissioned in the field artillery the same year; stationed in the Philippines as a battalion commander, World War II; prisoner of the Japanese, 1942-1945; served posts in El Salvador, Korea, Germany and the United States, then became assistant chief of staff for the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington in 1959, became deputy director in 1964, retired two years later; was awarded a Purple Heart, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit; retired from the Army
Was military editor of the Kiplinger Newsletter, then retired a second time in 1977; moved to Williamsburg, Virginia in 1987
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Shaw Fitch; one daughter, Carolyn Fitch Weiskirch of Alexandria; one son, John Albert Fitch of Charlottesville; three brothers, Theodore R. Fitch of Filmore, Calif., Eugene R. Fitch of Montclair, Calif., and Thomas R. Fitch of North Platte, Neb.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Funeral: Wednesday (Nov. 29) at Fort Myer Chapel
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors
Daily Press (Newport News, VA) - December 1, 1989
FITCH, Leon
Train Strikes Trailer
At Grand Island, Leon Fitch, driver of a transfer truck, was seriously injured Friday afternoon when the trailer on his truck was hit by a freight train. The truck caught fire and was practically demolished. Hospital attendants reported Fitch's condition critical. Attempts to get in touch with the youth's father, J. A. Fitch of Omaha, a Union Pacific railway employee were unsuccessful during the afternoon. The trucker's mother, an invalid, was at North Platte
The World-Herald, Omaha, NE, Saturday, January 2, 1937
FULCHER, Thomas Dale, 70, of Boulder, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Denver from complications from colon cancer surgery
Services: private
Born Aug. 21, 1942, in Dalton, Neb.
Parents: Ono and Irma (Wells) Fulcher
Survivors include his sons, Tay Fulcher, Bart "Bubba" Fulcher and Logan Fulcher; and granddaughters, Kate Fulcher and Addison Fulcher
Attended Colorado State University and Kearney State College
Lived in Kearney, 1968-1988; was a former business manager at Kearney Eye Associates
Activities: loved any time fishing with his children and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Janice Malone
Kearney Hub, 17 May, 2013
GIBREAL, Shane A., 45, of Shelton died Saturday, May 25, 2013, at his home
Services: Wednesday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger - Miller Godberson of Gibbon
Born Jan. 1, 1968, in Kearney
Parents: Richard Gibreal Jr. and Jacqueline (Garrett) Redding
Survivors include his mother, Jacque Redding of Gibbon; father, Richard Gibreal of Aurora, Colo.; sisters, Rachelle Luvian and her husband, Carlos, of Hulbert, Okla., and Whitney Hutton of Coto de Caza, Calif.; brother, Brock Gibreal of Morrison, Colo.; daughter, Whitney Krehmeyer and her fiancé, Joe Cole, of Shelton; his first granddaughter, little Allie; niece, Moriah Chavez and nephews, Darius and Lazarus Chavez, all of Hulbert; aunts and uncles, Tami Stewart, Glenda DeBrie, Mark Garrett, David Welch, Caroline Schmidt, Lori Newell, Larry Gibreal, Mike Gibreal, Roger Gibreal, Randy Gibreal, Tim Gibreal, John Gibreal, Jimmy Gibreal and Gary Gibreal; and many cousins and a host of friends
Attended Shelton Public School, was 1986 graduate; attended Kearney State College and Hastings Community College, earned two degrees in architecture
Loved cars at an early age and continued throughout his life, built and repaired his own racecars; founded Rocket Science Racing, spent weekends in the summer at Kearney Raceway Park along with his uncle, John Gibreal; loved his family, enjoyed music of all kinds, enjoyed cooking
Was preceded in death by his brother, Shawn; and grandparents, Glen J. Garrett and Patricia Ostrom, Richard Gibreal Sr. and Orie Gibreal, George Glen and Irene (Marks) Garrett and Charles and Audrey (Sharpe) Peak
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2013
GRAHAM, Richard L. "Dick", 81, of Shawnee, Kan., formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, May 3, 2013, at Hospice House of Kansas City
Memorial services: Saturday at Amos Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kan.
Born July 26, 1931, in Kearney
Parents: Lester and Margaretella (McDonald) Graham
Married: 1954, to Gloria Darling of Kearney. She died in 1995
Married: 2010, to Susan Heator
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Elizabeth Graham and Richard Brown, and Jennifer Graham-Calhoun Pihl and her husband, Tom; and stepsons, Ron Heator and Shawn Heator and Shawn's son, James
Grew up in Kearney, was reared by his grandmother, Josephine McDonald, and great-grandmother, Ella McDonald; was a graduate of Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Navy
Was a manufacturer's representative and owner and president of R.L. Graham Associates
Activities: appreciated music and the arts; hosted foreign exchange students; explored photography and wine making; was an Amateur Radio Operator; enjoyed genealogy and was proud of his Scottish heritage; was a master sailor, enjoyed scuba diving, and snorkeling; volunteered for a number of civic groups and clubs and at church; was a past president of the Leawood Lions Club, a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award and was Lion of the Year for his work in maintaining Pioneer Cemetery; was a Mason and member of Ancient Form 34 in Shawnee, and of Scottish Rite and Order of Eastern Star; was a founding member of Community Church of Shawnee Mission
Memorials: Wayside Waifs or Great Plains SPCA
Kearney Hub, 8 May, 2013
HARMON, Nora L., 82, of Kearney died Monday, May 13, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
No services planned at this time
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, Kearney
Kearney Hub, 13 May, 2013
HARTMAN, Fred J., 79, of Kearney died Saturday, May 4, 2013, at his home
Services: Wednesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born May 27, 1933, in Amherst
Parents: Oscar and Ruby (Knox) Hartman. Married: Sept. 13, 1980, to Louise McCarville in Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Lou; sons, Mike Hartman and his wife, Kay, of Tecumseh and Rick Hartman and his wife, Lynette, of Holmesville; stepdaughter, Julie Jones of Lincoln; brothers, Dick Hartman and his wife, Pat, of Scotia, Gary Hartman and his wife, Kathy, of Mesquite, Nev., and Dan Hartman and his wife, Beverly, of Omaha; sister, Faye Ann Dauel and her husband, Bob, of Cañon City, Colo.; grandchildren, Nate Hartman, Erin Sinclair, Dalton Hartman, Ashlee Cool and Katy Hartman; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews
Graduated from high school in Cairo
Through the years, worked for the railroad, owned and operated a service station, raised mink and sold feed, maintaining interest in livestock; encouraged his sons to compete in fairs and other livestock shows; formed the Hartman Cattle Co.; organized the first llama show and sale in the United States, 1983; the sale expanded to include alpacas, ostrich, camels, Boer goats, miniature donkeys and other miscellaneous exotic livestock
Activities: kept an immaculate yard, raised flowers, enjoyed his family and friends; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Nebraska State Fair Livestock Extension
Kearney Hub, 7 May, 2013
HEINZ, Michael J., 62, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, May 3, 2013, in Omaha
Services: May 7 at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Omaha
Burial: May 9 in Broken Arrow, Okla.
Born June 15, 1950, in Springfield, Ill.
Parents: Max and Marion (Eggen) Heinz
Married: July 1, 1972, was Francie Rincker
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Beka and her husband, Barry Weaver, of Tulsa, Okla., and Sarah and her husband, Josh Smith, of Rawlins, Wyo.; granddaughter, Poa Smith; sister, Karen Roper of Kearney; brothers, Steve of Wheaton, Ill., Thom and Joel, both of Oak Park, Ill., Phil of Haslett, Mich., and Dave of Springfield, Vt.
Memorials: King of Kings Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska
Kearney Hub, 16 May, 2013
HIRD, Allen R., 62, of Minden died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at his home
Services: Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Minden
The body will be cremated
Mortuary: Layton-Craig of Minden
Born April 17, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Raymond and Bessie Hird
Lived in Kearney throughout his childhood and into adulthood
Military: U.S. Army, October 1968 - October 1974
Worked for Eaton Corp. for 26 years; retired and continued to help farm
Activities: enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and nephews; also enjoyed cooking
Allen is survived by his wife, Linda (Roberts) Hird of Minden; daughter, Robin Gannon of Wood River and her children, Blake Johnson of Kearney and Elizabeth and Grant Gannon of Wood River; son, Jeffrey Smith, his wife, Patty, and his children, Nicolas and Nathan, all of San Carlos, Calif.; his sisters, Wanda Haussermann of Kearney and Janice Lehman and her husband, Joe, of Midland, Texas; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew
Memorials: any Hospice organization
Kearney Hub, 23 May, 2013
HOLDT, Leland Lamar Stark, 83, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died of cancer Friday, May 10, 2013, at his home
Services with military honors: May 13, Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park
Mortuary: Roper and Sons in Lincoln
Born April 12, 1930, at Sweetwater
Parents: Arthur and Anna (Stark) Holdt
Married: July 13, 1952, to Mary Ellen Oelschlager at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney. She died in 2005
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Mary Lee and Paul Schudel, Candace and Kevin Kohnke and Mark and Sarah Holdt; grandchildren, Mike and Shannon Schudel, Meg and Jordan Higgins, Amanda and Natalie Holdt and Grace and Mary Kohnke; his widow, Darlene; brother, Merlyn; and many nieces and nephews
Was the third child born in his family; grew up on farms just north of Kearney where his family had a dairy business; graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney in 1947; attended Kearney State College
Military: U.S. Air Force trained in Texas, earned his pilot wings, was honorably discharged, returned to Nebraska
Sold life insurance for Security Mutual Life, worked at the same company for 57 years; retired in 1995; became a general agent and won the Best All Around Agency Award; became the first and only field agent to be named president and CEO of SML; was awarded positions of leadership - the governing boards of the American Council of Life Insurance, the Insurance Federation of Nebraska, the ACLI Forum 500 and the National Health Institute, to name a few
Activities: served the community as chairman of the United Way and of Goodwill Industries; active member of Christ Lutheran Church, served as elder and congregation president; completed his college degree by correspondence from Kearney in 1971, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree; enjoyed gardening, mountain climbing, Husker football, woodworking, bridge and fishing; especially loved his family
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Harold; and sister, Betty
Memorials: Holdt Family Foundation, which supports Christian organizations
Kearney Hub, 13 May, 2013
KUSTER, Martha, 91, of Ravenna died Friday, May 24, 2013, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Jan. 10, 1922, in Seward County
Parents: Louis and Ida (Stillhahn) Luebbe
Married: March 3, 1947, to Edwin Schinkel. He died in 1962
Married: March 19, 1983, to Clarence Kuster. He died in 1998
Survivors include her sons, Paul Schinkel and Eldon Schinkel, both of Kearney; daughters and sons-in-law, Elnida and Dale Chandler of Pleasanton, Karen and Gil Krajnik of Malcolm and Janis Keller of Martinsburg; grandchildren, Chris Chandler of Kearney, Neal Chandler and his wife, Lauri, and their children, Grady, Carly and Lily of Pleasanton, Todd Chandler of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Florida, Julie Strate and her husband, Caleb, and sons Nolan and Wyatt of Lincoln, Nick Krajnik of Raymond, Kelly Grotzinger and her husband, Todd, of Lincoln, Ivy Lux and her husband, Tony, and sons, Jack and Milo of Kearney, Celia Schinkel of Lincoln, Garrett Schinkel of Kearney, Raine Schinkel of Denison, Texas, Haley Keller of Lincoln and John Keller and Joshua Keller of Martinsburg; sister-in-law, Jeanette Carstens of Ravenna; and many nieces and nephews
Attended elementary school at Immanuel Lutheran School, received her GED from Ravenna High School in 1976
Lived in Sherman County until 1962; moved to Ravenna, worked at Scotties Cafe and the Good Samaritan Center
After marriage to Clarence, moved to the Kuster family farm in eastern Buffalo County; returned to Ravenna, 1999
Activities: was honored in 2012 by the Ravenna Girl Scouts for her service as a leader; volunteered with the ESL program in Grand Island, chaired the local chapter of Lutheran Brotherhood for years and was a member of the Dorcas Society of Bethlehem Lutheran Church; member of the North Shelton ladies group
Was preceded in death by her husbands; sister, Ida Schildt; brothers, Paul and Harold Luebbe; and son-in-law, Scott Keller
Memorials: Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna or Zion Lutheran Church, North Shelton
Kearney Hub, 25 May, 2013
LAMBERTUS, Patricia Louise, 73, of Kearney died Sunday, May 26, 2013, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Grand Island Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger, Kearney
Born Nov. 18, 1939, in Grand Island
Parents: Martin and Catherine (Powers) Caffrey
Survivors include her sons, Christopher Edens of Omaha and Brian Landis and his wife, Tracy, of Kearney; daughter, Melissa Sweiss and her husband, Murad, of Orlando, Fla.; and sisters, Eileen Atherton, Rose Mary Victor and Catherine Caffrey. Pat was proud of her nine grandchildren
Was a graduate of Grand Island Central Catholic, then attended beautician school
Worked as a quality control technician for West Co. for 33 years
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Blanche; and brothers, Steve, Joe, Jim, Bob and Dave
Memorials: Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2013
LIGGETT, Harold Dean, 95, of Kearney, died Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Northridge Place
Services: Tuesday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger - Miller Godberson
Born July 5, 1917, in Almena, Kan.
Parents: James and Mary (Wendel) Liggett
Married: Dec. 29, 1939, to Leona Hunsberger in Washington, D.C. She died Feb. 18, 1995
Married: Aug. 3, 1996, to Agnes King
Survivors include his wife; daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Lynn Bombeck of Shelton and Patricia and Donald Stienike of Fremont; stepsons and stepdaughter-in-law, Larry and Judy King of Kearney and Terry King of Harrisburg, Pa.; grandchildren and their spouses, Lori and John Revesz of Centennial, Colo., Richard Bruce and Julia Bombeck of Grand Island, Doran and Kristie Stienike and Wanda and Craig Stumpff, all of Elkhorn, and Steven and Lindsey Stienike of Omaha, deployed to Afghanistan; great-grandchildren, Megan Bombeck of Omaha and her fiancé, Danny Zegers of Lincoln, Jared Bombeck of Lincoln, Anna, Ellie and Jon Stienike, Alex, Sean and Ryan Stumpff, all of Elkhorn, and Piper and Cooper Stienike of Omaha; brother, Francis Liggett and his wife, Rosalie, of Vancouver, Wash.; sister, Freda Hanke of Ballwin, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Lois Liggett of Winfield, Kan., Ione Seifer and her husband, Fred, Alice Morgan and Irene Seifer
As a child in 1923, moved with his family to Flagler, Colo.; then in 1933 to Shelton, finished high school and graduated in 1935
Moved to Shelton in 1943; remained there with Leona, and also after marriage to Agnes; moved to Kearney in 2009
Was a government employee, 1939 - 1986, the last 34 years with the Postal Service; traveled and wintered in Apache Junction, Ariz., and Texas for many years; enjoyed woodcarving, woodworking projects, rock hunting, traveling and reading; was baptized at the Flagler Congregational Church in 1929, transferred to the Shelton Methodist Church, was a member there since 1933; member of Masonic Lodge for more than 60 years
Was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; brother, Robert M. Liggett; brother-in-law, Orville Hanke; and stepdaughter-in-law, LaDonna King
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church, Shelton Lions Club or to The Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 25 May, 2013
MITCHELL, Betty Alice, 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Sept. 21, 1926, in Lexington
Parents: William and Flo (Gardner) Luedeman
Her first husband, Arnold Hesser, preceded her in death
Married: Nov. 20, 1959, to James E. Mitchell. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Bill Mitchell and his wife, Sherry, of Kearney; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Duane Pearson of Linden, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews
Graduated from Eustis High School in 1943; attended business school in Lincoln
Worked at the Buffalo County Courthouse in the Registrar of Deeds office for 2½ years and the city of Kearney Park and Recreation Department for six years; retired from The Buckle as a seamstress in 1991, then continued her seamstress work out of her house
Activities: member of the First Lutheran Church; enjoyed bowling, dancing, reading, bingo and traveling
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Sandra Pearson; brother, William Luedeman; and sister, Doris Goettsch
Memorials: to the church
Kearney Hub, 22 May, 2013
OHLMAN, Charles, 70, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, April 26, 2013, in Mesa
Services: May 3 in Chandler
Born Jan. 27, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Erwin and Ruth (Buehler) Ohlmann
Survivors include his wife, Judy; daughter, Leslie; son, Micheal; four grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Deloss Trampe of Riverdale, Neb.; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Karen Ohlmann of Omaha, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law
Kearney Hub, 22 May, 2013
RANDALL, Stella Rae, 97, of Gibbon died Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Graveside services: Friday at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger - Miller Godberson in Gibbon
Born June 1, 1915, in Lexington
Parents: Frank and Ollie (Whilcott) Blackstone
Married: Jan. 6, 1936, to Mark Randall. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Joel Randall Sr. of Seymour, Mo.; grandchildren, Roxanne Oldfather and her husband, Dave, of Kearney, Joel Randall Jr. of Gibbon, Rochelle Brown and her husband, Donnie, of Pahrump, Nev., Robert Randall and his wife, Becky, of Gibbon; great-grandchildren, Kristin Pegan and her husband, Matt, Katie Randall, Justin, Michael and Patrick Brown, Marlana Randall, Tiffany Hurrell and her husband, Preston, Timmari Byrn and her husband, Alan, Sarah Oldfather and Anne Oldfather; and great-great-grandchildren, Jada and Kaid Byrn and Levi Hurrell
Attended elementary school in Lexington, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1933; attended Normal School in Kearney, then earned her nurses certificate in Minnesota
Worked for Dr. Johnson at Kearney General Hospital
After marriage, lived on a farm northwest of Gibbon
Activities: past member of the Rebekah Lodge; attended Bethel United Methodist Church; was an award-winning artist
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, John Randall; two brothers; and three sisters
Memorials: Bethel United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 9 May, 2013
RANSOM, Bonnie Jean, 83, of Kearney died Thursday, May 2, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born March 6, 1930, in Kenesaw
Parents: Walter and Barbara (Blue) Montgomery
Married: Oct. 27, 1947, to Gene A. Ransom in Minden. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, John Ransom of Kearney, James Ransom and his wife, Ruth, of Franklin; daughter, Jackie Mercer and her husband, Steve, of Kearney; grandchildren, Chad Mercer and his wife, Angie, and Karl Mercer and his wife, Karena, all of Kearney, and Jennifer Trompke and her husband, Jerry, Patricia Schurman and her husband, Ed, and Terri Wenninghoff and her husband, Chris, all of Franklin; 15 great-grandchildren; and brother, Rex Montgomery and his wife, Amy, of Cherokee Village, Ark.
Graduated from Minden High School in 1947
After marriage, lived in Kearney; with husband, ran Ransom's Body Shop for 30 years and Ransom's Mr. Ice for nine years; worked for Kearney Public Schools for 24 years; resident of Prairie View Gardens Alzheimer's Unit for seven years and Mount Carmel Angel Wing for four months
Activities: member of Kearney First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary 52, 8 and 40, Eagles Auxiliary 2722 and Golden K Kiwanis; enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and spending time with family; enjoyed making and decorating cakes
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and an infant son
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church or AseraCare Hospice of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 4 May, 2013
REEVE, Joy E., 90, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Friday at Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born May 22, 1922, in rural Elm Creek
Parents: David and Effie (Vath) Reeve
Survivors include his niece, Lois Buchanan and her husband, Bill, nephew, Keith Zimmerman, and grandnephews, Kent and Ray Buchanan, all of Elm Creek
Grew up and worked on his family's farm; attended the District 94 country school; enjoyed spending time with family, lived a simple life on the farm; loved his farm equipment, especially his Case tractors
Was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and a brother
Kearney Hub, 23 May, 2013
RING, Oliver Charles, infant son of Jacob and Danielle Ring of Kearney, died soon after birth Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Survivors include his parents and his grandparents, Jason and Sandy Abbott of Kearney, Dennis and Denise Songer of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Terrence and Lani Ring of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 21 May, 2013
RIZER, Margaret Anna, 87, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Kearney County Health Services in Minden
Services: Friday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 28, 1925, in Wilcox
Parents: George W. and Dine (Driefholt) Gifford
Married: Feb. 22, 1942, to J. Robert Rizer in Kearney. He died in 2009
Survivors include her daughters, Marlene Nelson of Longview, Texas, Dona Casper and her husband, Gene, of Hildreth and Pat Nansel and her husband, Kevin, of Grand Island; sister, Maggie Rizer of Omaha; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Later moved to Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
After marriage lived in Kearney, worked as a nurses aide at the Tuberculosis Hospital, then worked in the respiratory department at Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church and church circles, a lifetime member of the Kearney American Legion Auxiliary, Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Girl Scouts, and was active at the Kearney Senior Hospitality Center
Was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers and eight sisters
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or the Kearney Senior Hospitality Center
Kearney Hub, 16 May, 2013
RODRIGUEZ, Daniela, 15, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, as a result of a motor vehicle accident near Shelton
Services: Monday at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Lexington
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born July 28, 1997, in Oxnard, Calif.
Survivors include her parents, Fidel Rodriguez of Omaha and Maria Basquez of Kearney; and sisters, Daisy and Virginia, both of Kearney, and Adilene of Broken Bow
Kearney Hub, 11 May, 2013
RUBY, Eldon L. "Pinky", 88, of Kirkland, Washington, formerly of Gibbon, Neb., died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at Hospice Care Center in Kirkland
Memorial services: Saturday, May 26, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger - Miller Godberson in Gibbo
Born July 5, 1924, in Kenesaw, Neb.
Parents: George and Bernice Ruby
Wife, Leta, preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Warren of Kirkland and Keith of Woodinville; daughter, Karen Carter of Arlington; sister, Shirley Anne Weed of Arkansas; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 1 March and 21 May, 2013
RYAN, Madeline E., 92, of Axtell died Friday, May 3, 2013, at Kearney County Health Services in Minden
Services: Monday at St. John's Catholic Church in Minden
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 22, 1920, in Kearney
Parents: Pete and Stella (Williamson) Ripp
Married: Oct. 23, 1944, to Patrick Ryan in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Patrick Ryan Jr. and his wife, Adell, and Michael Ryan and his companion, Karen Chiarbos-Warner, all of Axtell; daughters, Kathleen Hartless and her husband, Scott, of DeSoto, Texas, Mary Delka and her husband, Mike, of Red Cloud and Christine Ruhter and her husband, Ron, of Waco, Texas; son-in-law, Phil Bentz of Blue Hill; daughter Rita's friend, Terry Tole of Haysville, Kan.; sister-in-law, Mona Ripp of Kearney; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
Graduated from Riverdale High School, attended Kearney Normal School
Moved to Oakland, Calif., worked in the shipyards as a welder during the war
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Axtell; also worked at J.C. Penney in Kearney as a clerk for 25 years
Activities: member of St. John's Catholic Church in Minden and the Altar Society; enjoyed baking, dancing and playing cards; enjoyed her relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband and daughters, Rita Fries and Jeanne Bentz; and brother, Kenneth Ripp
Kearney Hub, 4 May, 2013
SALL, Clifford E., 84, of Kearney died Monday, May 6, 2013, at his home
Services: Saturday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Dec. 27, 1928, in Chicago
Parents: Elmer and Lilly (Freburg) Sall
Married: 1953, to Midge Manthe. She preceded him in death
Married: April 23, 1976, to Jean Divan
Survivors include his wife; son, Bryan Sall of Kearney; stepchildren and spouses, Sue and Rick Penney of Surprise, Ariz., Ron Hinz of Cheyenne, Wyo., and John and Susan Divan of Kearney; sister, Shirley Dannehl of Holdrege; nephew, Dennis Dannehl of Sun Lakes, Ariz.; nieces, April Green of Holdrege and Julie Doolittle of Omaha; grandnephews, Derrick Doolittle of Rochester, Minn., Drake Doolittle, Britain Doolittle and Kristen Green, all of Omaha, and Mitchell Green of Lincoln; nine stepgrandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and business partner, Bob and Patti Nordhues
Grew up in Holdrege, graduated from Holdrege High in 1947; attended Kearney State College and received a bachelor's degree in business
Military: U.S. Army, July 10, 1951 - June 18, 1953; served during the Korean War
Lived in Kearney, owned Cliff's Men's Wear for 32 years
Was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; brother-in-law, Marvin Dannehl; stepgrandchild, Chris Hinz; stepdaughter, Shirley Divan-Hinz
Memorials: Kearney Humane Society, Shriners Children's Hospital and the Travelers Protective Association for the deaf
Kearney Hub, 9 May, 2013
SUNDERLAND, Lois M., 92, of Kearney died Sunday, May 12, 2013, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Graveside services: Friday at Vermillion (Kan.) Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger of Kearney
Born June 17, 1920, in Richmond, Kan.
Parents: Foster and Zula (Reed) Evans
Married: Nov. 20, 1943, to Herbert Sunderland. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Gary Sunderland and his wife, Barbara, of New Castle, Colo., and Donald Sunderland of Kearney; and two grandsons
Grew up and received her education in Vermillion
After marriage, lived in Utah for 30 years, moved to Kearney in 1992
Was preceded in death by husband, her parents, one brother and one sister
Kearney Hub, 13 May, 2013
TACL, Irene E., 94, of Burwell, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, May 13, 2013, at Burwell Community Health Center
Services: Friday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Graveside services: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 28, 1919, in Grand Island
Parents: William and Julia (Leiser) Vocke
Married: June 19, 1951, to Frank J. Tacl in St. Paul. He died in 1982
Survivors include her son, Louis Tacl and his wife, Mary, of Burwell; grandson, Eric Tacl and his wife, Jana, of Blanchard, Okla.; granddaughter, Shannon Shuck and her husband, Tracy, of Chadron; great-grandchildren, Blaze and Brynlee Tacl and Haliegh and Keegan Shuck; and sister, Marian Maciejewski of Broken Bow
Received her early education at Sherman County Public Schools District 74
After marriage, lived on a farm west of Hazard for 30 years; was a homemaker and helped her husband with farm work and chores; lived in Pleasanton, moved to Kearney in 1989, and to Burwell in 2001
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney; loved cooking, gardening, flowers, playing cards and being with grandkids and great-grandkids
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Rosaline Tacl in 2013; and brothers, Robert, William II and Frank
Kearney Hub, 16 May, 2013
TOOL, Ethel Rose, 91, of Elm Creek died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday at Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home of Kearney and Elm Creek
Born Dec. 3, 1921, on a farm in the upper Buckeye Valley near Gibbon
Parents: James and Pansy Winslow
Married: 1938, to Donald L. Tool in Kansas. He died in August 1984
Survivors include her daughter, Ginny Bennert of Elm Creek; sons, Dick Tool and his wife, Pam, and Jerry "JL" Tool, all of Elm Creek, and Dan Tool of Kearney; grandsons, Trace Tool, Tobian Tool and his wife, Heather, and Tanner Tool; and great-grandchildren, Trista, Aspen, Emerson and London Tool
Was the youngest of eight children; mother died when Ethel was 3 years old; resided with her aunt and uncle until she married; attended School District 77, Overton, Odessa Public and Elm Creek School; later obtained her GED, was very proud of her accomplishment
Activities: was very family oriented; loved to cook, sew and crochet; enjoyed playing pitch and pinochle; member of the Jolly Dozen Group, Senior Citizens, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary and a 59-year member of the Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by her husband and son-in-law, Ray Bennert
Memorials: the church or to the Elm Creek Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 7 May, 2013
WALKER, Marvin LeRoy, 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial services: Saturday, O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Beatrice
Born Dec. 28, 1936, in Beatrice
Parents: William and Ruby (White) Walker
Married: Aug. 10, 1958, to Louise Bingeli. She died in 1987
Married: June 2, 1990, to Ann Nicholes in Beatrice
Survivors include his wife; sons, Marc Walker of Fort Polk, La., and Kyle Simodynes and his wife, Sue, of Kearney; daughters, Kim Walker of Grand Island and Sarah Armbruster and her husband, Craig, of Kearney; and four grandchildren
Worked for Hoover Universal as a draftsman; was the district stores keeper for Nebraska Public Power District for 38 years; relocated to Kearney in 1988, became a regional stores keeper; remained in Kearney and retired in fall 2002
Activities: was a talented woodcarver, especially enjoyed woodcarving workshops and conventions
Was preceded in death by his wife Louise, his parents and a brother, Robert Walker
Kearney Hub, 10 May, 2013
WALKER-LUNA, Carolyn,36, of Omaha died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha
Services: Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Born June 24, 1976, in Kearney
Parents: Michael "Mike" and Jane (Schilz) Walker
Married: Oct. 27, 2001, to Homero Luna
Survivors include her husband; sons, Colin and Calvin Walker Luna, all of Omaha; her parents of Elm Creek; brothers, Brandon Walker and his wife, Stephanie, and Loren Walker, all of Elm Creek; grandmother, LaDonna Walker of Elm Creek; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins
Graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1994, earned her bachelor's degree in interior design from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1998
Was a sales design consultant for Universal Granite and Marble in Omaha
Activities: member of M.O.P.S., A.S.I.D., Marble Institute of America and the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church; enjoyed crafts, cooking, gardening and spending time with her family
Was preceded in death by two grandfathers and one grandmother
Kearney Hub, 10 May, 2013
WHITE, Vernon A., 84, of Kearney died Monday, May 6, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Jan. 19, 1929, in Farley, Iowa
Parents: Bernard and Leona (Kirsch) White
Married: May 11, 1962, to Mary Lou (Wessels) Rahe at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna
Survivors include his wife; sons, Patrick Rahe and his wife, Teri Jo, Paul Rahe and his wife, Kimberly, Daniel White, David White and his wife, Cheryl, and Steven White and his wife, Sharon, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Andrew Rahe and his wife, Mandy, Jacob, Colten and Bailee White and Ryan Sparks, all of Kearney, Michelle Friedrich and her husband, Corey, of Aurora, S.D., Alex Rahe and his wife, Melissa, of Omaha, Tori Hatcher and her husband, Shawn, of Marysville, Wash., Dane Johnson and his wife, Kara, of Minatare, Josh Johnson of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed overseas, Cody Sparks and his wife, Katie, and Ross Sparks, all of Lincoln, and Trevor Sparks of the U.S. Navy of San Diego; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Cale, Krason, Cannon, Coy, Hayden and Logan; brother, Allan White and his wife, Dee, of Guttenberg, Iowa; and sisters, Ethel Jacque of Dyersville, Iowa, and Gloria Marolf of Farley
Attended Farley Elementary School, was a graduate of Xavier High School in Dyersville, Iowa
Military: U.S. Army, 1951-1953, received honorable discharge
Was employed by General Telephone Electric with 33 years of service
Activities: member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Arie 2722, American Legion Post 137, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus; loved his family; enjoyed fishing and his time at the cabin at Harlan County Lake
Was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Anna Wessels; infant daughter, Mary White; brothers-in-law, Ralph Marolf and Richard "Dick" Jacque; and a great-grandson, Blake Rahe
Kearney Hub, 9 May, 2013