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ADKINS, Kenneth, 69, of Shelton died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at his home
Services: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 29 October, 2013
ALTMAIER, Bertha A. “Byrde”, 103, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Monday at Mount Carmel Home
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel north of Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born September 20, 1910 in Kearney
Parents: Phillip and Mary (McCaulley) Altmaier
Grew up in the area and graduated from Kearney High School in 1928
Surviving relatives include many nieces and nephews. Worked as a secretary at Safeway Store in Kearney for many years, retired in 1973
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 6 sisters
Memorials: Mt. Carmel Home
Kearney Hub, 28 December, 2013
BEDKE, Jeremiah V. "Slugger," 18, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at his home
Services: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 22, 1995, in Kearney
Parents: Roger and Gemma (Darao) Bedke
Survivors include his father, Roger Bedke of Kearney and his friend, Jodi Swartz of Minden; mother, Gemma Gonzalez and her husband, Jose, of Kearney; sisters, Bruna Gonzalez and Yamila Gonzalez, both of Kearney; paternal grandmother, Margaret Bedke of Pleasanton; maternal grandmother, Rosario Vitales of the Philippines; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 2013
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; was a car enthusiast; enjoyed trips with his dad hauling cattle; was a die-hard Denver Broncos and Huskers fan; enjoyed playing video games, drawing and doing art
Was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert Bedke, and maternal grandfather, Artemio Vitales Sr. Kearney Hub, 8 January, 2014
BEST, Carol Ann, 58, of Kearney died of cancer Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at her sister’s home in rural Indianola
Memorial services: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: Memorial Park Cemetery near McCook
Mortuary: Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook
Born Oct. 23, 1955, in O’Neill
Parents: Merrill Jr. and Darlene (Blume) Best
Survivors include her sister, Sharon Conroy and her husband, Stephen, of Indianola; brothers, Jimmy Best and his wife, Brenda, of Buckeye, Ariz., Bryon Best and his wife, Gail, of McCook, Ronald Best and his wife, Sandra, of Blue Springs, Mo., and Gregory Best and his wife, Leigh, of Houston; sister-in-law, Helen Best of Mechanicsville, Md.; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and a host of family and friends
Passed away surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer
Graduated from McCook High School in 1974 and from McCook Community College in 1976 with an associate of arts degree; continued her education at Kearney State Teachers College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education
Worked for Kearney State College and later worked for the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a landscape assistant, main responsibility was taking care of the football field; devoted 34 years to the university until her health would not permit her to work
Activities: was an avid bowler and was a member of the Nebraska and National Bowling Association; was inducted into the Nebraska Women’s Bowler Association Hall of Fame; had been a member of the Nebraska Women’s Bowling Association for more than 35 years, won several competition trips to the national finals; also enjoyed playing pool, watching Husker football and volleyball, and spending time with her cat
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard Best; and nephew, Bradley Best
Memorials: American Cancer Society for research
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2013
BLUM, Mary Jean “Jeanie”, 83, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at her home
No services
Inurnment: Alma Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born July 29, 1930, in Gothenburg
Parents: Albert and Elda (Hussey) Conrad
Married: June 12, 1949, to Harold Blum Jr. in Holdrege. He died in 1978
Survivors include her sons, William and his wife, Jane, of Alma and John and his wife, Cathy, of Oshkosh; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Blum of Lincoln, Elaine Blum of Kearney, Amanda Prochnow and her husband, Joel, and their children, Adeline and Joseph Prochnow, of Hankinson, N.D., Nicole Carrizales and her sons, Trenton and Jacob, of Bayard and Zackariah Blum and Hannah Blum, both of Kearney; brother, Albert Conrad Jr. of Rapid City, S.D.; stepbrothers, Kenneth Lindquist and his wife, Bonnie, of Murphysboro, Ill., Kennard Lindquist and his wife, Janet, of Portland, Ore., and Keith Lindquist of Moody, Mo.; half-sister, Pat Storz and her husband, Dennis, of Holdrege; and sisters-in-law, Delpha Stover of Franklin and Phyllis Coffin and her husband, Ron, of Arvada, Colo.
Activities: loved music and was involved in church choirs and community choirs throughout her life; was accomplished at playing several different musical instruments over the years and enjoyed sharing her music with others
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Albert Conrad, Clydie Ruth Dickey Conrad and stepmother, Elda Conrad; sister and brother-in-law, Ella Mae and Ben Cooksey; half-sister, Linda Dennis; stepsister-in-law, Elaine Lindquist; and sister-in-law, Bev Conrad
Kearney Hub, 26 December, 2013
BRAMER, Linda Marie, 56, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Services: Friday at Fifty-Sixth Street Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Elk Creek Cemetery north of Miller. Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Nov. 20, 1957, in Kearney
Parents: Eugene B. and Fern M. (Baker) Adams
Married: Aug. 11, 1984, to Kyle Bramer in Kearney
Survivors include her husband; mother, Fern Adams of Kearney; brother, Larry Adams of Kearney; sister, Laurie Mosel and her husband, Donald, of Oklahoma City; 14 nieces and nephews; and a foster daughter
Grew up and received her education at Kearney High School
After marriage, lived in Kearney, worked for Powermate; also was a cook at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Cambridge Court and St. Luke’s Village
Activities: member of Fifty-Sixth Street Baptist Church; volunteered at the Salvation Army and had several opportunities to work with the young and elderly and also helped with the youths at Immanuel and Kearney Baptist Church in Kearney; hobbies included collecting clowns, Mickey Mouse and teddy bears; enjoyed camping with foster kids
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 30 December, 2013
CHARRON, Harold W., 87, of Ravenna died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Sodtown Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Oct. 22, 1926, in Central City
Parents: Luther and Doris (Clark) Charron
Married: Nov. 16, 1947, to Joan Zlomke in Grand Island
Survivors include his wife; children and their spouses, Linda Cone of North Carolina, Kathy and Dwight Hill of Kansas, Susan and Doug Allemang of Bartlett, Janet and Melvin Gideon and Bill Charron, all of Burwell, Marcia Cone and Joe and Jeni Charron, all of Ravenna, Laura and John Taylor of Brewster, and Dan Charron of Scottsbluff; 25 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Charron and his wife, Ruby, of Central City; and sister, Katherine Schick and her husband, Don, of Curtis
After marriage, lived near Central City; moved to a ranch near Ravenna, 1959
Activities: considered his family of nine children his greatest blessing; was a rancher who loved his cattle, horses and dogs
Was preceded in death by his brother, Max Charron, and grandsons, David Hill and Wes Gideon
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2013
DAY, Billy B., 86, of Loup City died Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Society in Kearney
Services: Friday at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City Burial with military honors: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Higgins in Loup City
Born March 12, 1927, in rural Miller
Parents: Glen and Alice (Boyd) Day
Married: Feb. 6, 1951, to LaVonne M. Brundige at Rockville. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his children and spouses, Dennis and Rhonda Day of Grand Island and Dacia and Jim Dzingle, Daniel and Susan Day and Douglas and Sharon Day, all of Loup City, and Doran Newberry of Kearney; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Glenola Kleckner of Kearney; and brother, Donald Day of Omaha
Moved to Custer County, grew up there
After marriage, lived in Rockville for almost a year, worked at the Grand Island Ordinance Plant; because of wife's illness, lived in Omaha for a year; moved to the Day family farm near Miller in 1953; moved to Loup City, became owner-operator of the Loup City Commission Co., 1963-1980; with nine other stockholders, built the new sale barn two miles west of Loup City; did order buying dairy cattle and dairy auction; moved to Wel-Life Assisted Living then to St. Johns Nursing Home when he needed more care
Activities: member, deacon and Sunday school teacher at Grace Bible Church in Loup City
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; great-grandson, Bradley Milbourn; brother, Bobby; brother-in-law, Weldon Kleckner; sisters-in-law, Connie Brundige, Verla Owings and Patricia Day; and LaVonne’s parents, Dwight and Violet Brundige
Memorials: Grace Bible Church, Homeward Trails Bible Camp, Sherman County Foundation or donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 1 January, 2014
ECKHOFF, Twila F., 82, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 9, 1931, in Mason City
Parents: E. Franklin and Mable J. (Lindner) Hawkins
Married: Sept. 7, 1950, to Don L. Eckhoff in Kearney. He died in 1998
Survivors include her children, Jerry Eckhoff and his wife, Linda, and Mike Eckhoff and his wife, Nancy, all of Kearney, Barbara Hird of Axtell, Linda Minnick and Diane Martenson and her husband, Jim, all of Osceola, Wis., and Debra Salisbury and her husband, Mike, of Arnold; sisters, Leatha Buchmann and her husband, Butch, of Kearney, Dorothy Powers of North Platte and Iva Pritchard and her husband, Bob, of Pleasanton; brother, Ivan Hawkins and his wife, Joyce, of Pleasanton; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren
Attended Amherst High School and graduated with the class of 1949
Worked in Kearney at Good Samaritan Hospital as a certified nursing assistant for many years
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed gardening and watching Husker football and also was an avid reader of the Kearney Hub; enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her grandsons, Brandon and Timothy
Kearney Hub, 9 January, 2014
FILBIN, Patricia “Pat,” 81, of Wood River died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River
Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery west of Wood River
Mortuary: Apfel
Born July 3, 1932, in Gibbon
Parents: Emil and Anna (Kriha) Novotne
Married: Aug. 2, 1956, to Richard Filbin in Shelton. He died in 1991
Survivors include her daughters, Michelle Irish and her husband, Larry, of Johnson Lake, Cindy Filbin of Kansas City, Mo., and Lisa Filbin and her fiancé, Greg Kantaras, of Wood River; grandsons, Jestin and Zieth Summers; and a special aunt, Rose Kriha Hauschild of Portland, Ore.
Grew up in Gibbon and Ravenna; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1949
After marriage, lived in Wood River; was a rural postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service; after retiring, worked and volunteered numerous hours with the Salvation Army
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River, the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and the St. Mary’s Altar Society; loved reading, gardening and her cats
Was preceded in death by husband, her parents and a brother, James Novotne
Memorials: Central Nebraska Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 28 December, 2013
FINKE, Virgil L., 83, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Saturday at Mount Carmel Chapel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery before services; military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Sept. 13, 1930, on the family farm at Riverdale
Parents: Carl and Clara (Dauel) Finke
Married: Sept. 4, 1959, to Phyllis (Gray) Peterson. She died in 2006
Survivors include his daughter, Julie of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandson, Jonathan Harms of Houston; brother, Carl and his wife, Joan, of Kearney; sister, Mary Ann Eatherton and her husband, Dale, of Gibbon; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews
Attended school in Riverdale, graduated in 1948
Military: U.S. Army, communication specialist in Germany, 1951-1953 during the Korean War
After discharge, went to Milford Technical School and attained certification as a first-class engineer; then worked at Western Auto and later started Finke Radio and TV; later served as chief engineer at KGFW; eventually, sold his electronic business to L&W, and worked there until retirement
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church of Kearney, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Kearney Elks; enjoyed fishing throughout his life, and his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Dale and his wife, Charlotte; and niece, Verla Finke
Kearney Hub, 8 January, 2014
GAZA, Iva I., 95, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 5 November, 2013
GLOVER, Steven R. “Steve,” 67, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church
No burial; body was cremated
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
orn July 25, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Herbert and Helen Glover
Married: Nov. 27, 1985, to Connie Redfern in Holdrege
Survivors include his wife; uncle, Dean Grassmeyer of Gibbon; cousins, Linda Giddings, Larry Giddings, Jill Lewis, Jayne Ann Smith and Gerie Sue McKeon, all of Gibbon; and nieces and nephews, Pari Ford, Jim Fry, Marcie Ellis, Daniel Daire and Tricia Logston
Was raised by his grandmother, Anna Giddings, in Kearney; attended A.O. Thomas Elementary School, Kearney High School and Kearney State College
Military: U.S. Air Force
Attended seminary in Boston and was ordained as an Orthodox Church priest
Was the executive director of Kearney Jubilee Center; member of Buffalo County Community Partners, Positive Pressure, the Buffalo County Health Ministry and Kearney Ministerial Association and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the S.A.F.E. Center; was an avid golfer; enjoyed cooking for and sharing meals with his friends
Kearney Hub, 7 January, 2014
HANKS, Evelyn, 80, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village. Graveside services: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born March 21, 1933, at rural Mason City
Parents: Harry E. and Mabel B. (Hawkins) Whistler
Married: March 21, 1953, to Gerald L. Hanks in Oxford. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Ivan of Kearney; daughters, Krista of Plainview, Fonda of Columbus and Harriet of Kearney; grandsons, Bryton and Brady Hanks; and nephew, Wayne Whistler and his wife, Connie, of Spencer, S.D.
Grew up in Mason City, graduated from Mason City High School in 1951;
Worked as a beautician for Carol May Beauty Shop in Kearney; later worked at the Eagles Club and the Oasis Bar in Kearney; also managed the bingo games at the American Legion in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed time spent with her grandsons, traveling, and crossword and word search puzzles
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one brother
Kearney Hub, 21 December, 2013
HAZZARD, Arleen Opal, 91, of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Miller, Neb., died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Collins
Services: Monday at Miller Christian Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 16, 1922, in Kearney
Parents: Elmer and Mary (Novak) Ehresman
Married: Nov. 14, 1942, to Bernard Hazzard. He died in 1979
Survivors include her daughters and their husbands, Karen and Don Unger and Connie and John Pfeiffenberger; grandchildren and their spouses, Kevin and Stacy Unger and Kristi and Troy Bohlender; and six great-grandchildren, all living in Fort Collins; as well as many relatives and friends whom she carried in her heart
Had lived in Miller nearly all her life until she moved to Fort Collins 14 years ago
Attended grade school at Cherry Valley and graduated from Miller High School in 1939
After marriage, farmed near Watertown, Neb., most of their married lives until his health failed; moved into Miller in 1972; helped compile the Miller Heritage book
Was preceded in death by her husband, and brother, Roy in 1976
Memorials: Miller Christian Church
Kearney Hub, 21 December, 2013
HICKEN, Glenn F., 77, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Celebration of life: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home; military honors
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born April 15, 1936, in Gothenburg
Parents: Franklin and Dorothy (Lauer) Hicken
Married: Aug. 10, 1960, to Mumper in Las Vegas
Grew up in and received his education in Gothenburg
Military: entered U.S. Air Force on Oct. 19, 1954, served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars; retired after 26 years
Lived in Las Vegas; after retiring, moved to Kearney, worked for Eakes Office Products
Activities: enjoyed fishing, modeling and computers
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2013
HOLT, Erwin Herbert Jr., 87, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial.
Services: Saturday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born July 26, 1926, in Midwest, Wyo.
Parents: Erwin and Bernice (Beech) Holt
Married: Aug. 18, 1949, to Dorothy Hannah. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Stephen Holt of Kearney; daughters, Mary Meduna and her husband, Jim, and Deborah Holt, all of Omaha, and Jennifer Schroeder and her husband, John, of Kearney; grandsons, John R. Schroeder, Jared Schroeder and his wife, Ashley, Joshua Schroeder and his wife, Holly, Spencer Meduna and Evan Meduna; great-grandchildren, Michael, Mozzie and Traven Schroeder; stepsister, June Pluimer of Spearfish, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews
Grew up on a ranch near Hoover, S.D.; was a 1944 graduate of Belle Fourche (S.D.) High School
Military: U.S. Army in September 1944-September 1946, served in the Philippines; was called back into active duty in September 1950, served in Alaska during the Korean War until August 1952; retired from the National Guard in 1965
Moved to Gordon, 1960, owned and operated Gordon Cleaners; moved to Kearney, 1975, owned and operated Modern Cleaners; retired in 1995
Activities: was active in the Lions Club, school board, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and Knights of Columbus
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; stepbrother, Wally; stepsister, Bonnie; and stepmother, Fern
Memorials: Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Kearney Hub, 2 January, 2014
KENNEDY, Doretta Kohlscheen, 88, of Pacifica, California, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Dec 13, 2013, in Pacifica from complications from heart disease
No services; body was donated to science
Born Nov. 17, 1925, in Vashti, N.D.
Parents: Bill and Helen (Hunt) Kohlscheen
Married: Everett William Kennedy. He died in 2002
Survivors include her children, Deidra and Reid, both of Pacifica, Roger of Hanalei, Hawaii, Tim of San Francisco, Alan of South San Francisco and Shauna of Independence, Mo.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, David Dingle and his wife, Alice, of Lincoln, Neb., Deb Dingle Mitchell and her husband, Jerry, of Kearney, Donny Dingle and his wife, LaNece, of Lincoln, Linda Janssen Gjere and her husband, Bob, of Omaha, Neb., Susie Janssen Meyer and her husband, Bruce, of Clovis, Calif., Brian Kohlscheen and his wife, Clarice, of Norman, Okla., and Ronn Kohlscheen and Jill Kohlscheen Burns and her husband, Cartland, all of Orlando, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Joyce Kohlscheen Bills of Holdrege, Neb.
Graduated from Jamestown High School, 1943; lived in Kearney, 1943-1947, worked at the Kearney Air Base; had many friends and relatives in the area surrounding Kearney; spent every vacation for more than 25 years visiting her parents, sisters, brother and their families; her mother had been head nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital; her father was an aviation mechanic at Kearney Air Base and later worked for Whitney Sand & Gravel
Continued to work for the U.S. government after moving to California; earned a top security clearance and played a vital part in the hydrogen bomb testing experiments in the Nevada desert, namely Operation Teapot in the mid-1950s
Activities: loved Kearney and told her children and grandchildren of the good times she had there; enjoyed visiting her siblings in Nebraska; enjoyed bowling with family and friends; wished to donate her body to science
Kearney Hub, 30 December, 2013
LINNER, Barbara, 55, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at her home
Services: Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Burial: Arapahoe Cemetery
Born Sept. 19, 1958, in Cambridge
Parents: Eldon and Charlotte (Warner) Linner
Survivors include her son, Tony Linner and his wife, Joyce, of Kearney; brothers, Jeff Linner and his wife, Tammy, and Scott Linner, all of Upland, and Craig Linner of Wimberley, Texas; sister, Chris Rubenthaler of Elgin; and grandchildren, Kayden, Kormick, Kali and Koldin, all of Kearney
Grew up in Holbrook, Gibbon and Kearney, received her education at Holbrook High School
Lived in Kearney, worked for Horizon Designs and Target
Activities: loved her grandkids with all her heart, enjoyed racing, loved NASCAR, Husker football, baking cookies with Kali and craft shows, and was an excellent seamstress
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Jack Rubenthaler
Kearney Hub, 4 January, 2014
LUCE, Elwood “Woody”, 78, of Ravenna died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born April 6, 1935, in Buffalo County
Parents: Dean and Gertrude (Gruhn) Luce
Married: Dec. 30, 1954, to Jean Ruzicka in Cairo. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Robin Luce of Plano, Texas, and Ron and Bobbie Luce of Utica; grandchildren and their spouses, Andy and Cathy Luce of Columbus, Paul and Kari Luce of Hickman, Brad and Chelsea Luce of York and Nick Luce and Carly Luce, both of Plano; great-grandchildren, Maggie, Charlie, Carter and Aimee; brother, Warren Luce of Ravenna; and sister-in-law, Vi Luce of Pleasanton
Was educated in Pleasanton; graduated from Ravenna High School
Military: U.S. Army in France
After marriage and military service, lived near Poole; worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Buffalo County Highway Department for more than 40 years; had lived at the Ravenna Good Samaritan Center since 2007
Activities: member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church
WWas preceded in death by his wife, one brother and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 17 December, 2013
LUDLOW, Pearl B., 91, of Gibbon, formerly of Eddyville, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Graveside services: Monday at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Oct. 3, 1922, in North Platte
Parents: LeRoy and Pearl (Steans) Bayne
Married: Dec. 6, 1945, to Truman Ludlow in Colby, Kan. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughter, June Ludlow of Lincoln; brothers, Harold Bayne and Glen Bayne and his wife, Dorothy, all of Broken Bow, and Russ Bayne and his wife, Sue, of Eddyville; son-in-law, Vic Smith of Shickley; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Grew up in North Platte and received her education at North Platte public schools
After marriage, lived in Oakley, Kan., and in North Platte and in several towns in Nebraska; after retiring, Pearl and Truman were full-time RVers for 15 years
Activities: member of the North Platte and Eddyville United Methodist Churches
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Joan Smith; brothers, Gerald and Kenneth; and sister, Zola Trembly
Memorials: donor’s choice or a local food pantry
Kearney Hub, 21 December, 2013
MARSHALL, Benjamin “Dean,” 92, of San Diego, formerly of Elm Creek, Neb., died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at his home
Celebration of life, Dec. 27, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in San Diego
Born Dec. 23, 1920, in Elm Creek
Parents: Benjamin and Venus Marshall
His wife, Louise, preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Rick, and daughter, Deanna
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2013
MATHEWS, Beverly “Kay”, 71, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Thursday Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Born July 22, 1942, in Scottsbluff
Parents: Marshall and Gwendolyn (Todd) Flinn
Married: Oct. 29, 1961, to Steve Mathews in Kearney
Survivors include her husband; sons, Dale Mathews of Omaha and Scott Mathews, Todd Mathews and his wife, Dawn, and Jason Mathews, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Macey Mathews, Cassie Mathews, Madison Riskowski, Brooke Mathews, Audrey Mathews, Dillon Riskowski, and Aaron Mathews; brothers, Tom Flinn and his wife, Verna, of Loup City, Gary Flinn of Grand Island and Chuck Polka of Kearney; and special friend, Liz Josjor of Holdrege
Grew up and attended school in Kearney
Worked in the cafeteria at Northeast Elementary School; also worked as a secretary for Mathews Roofing, which she and Steve owned and operated
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, reading and doing crossword puzzles
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Salvation Army or the Good Samaritan Hospital Cancer Center
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2013
RICHTER, Bernard J., 92, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center. Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel north of Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 20, 1921, in Kearney
Parents: John and Gertrude (Altmaier) Richter
Married: Oct. 10, 1942, to Jean Wolf in Osborne, Kan. She died in 2013
Survivors include his son, Tim Richter and his wife, Eileen, of Kearney; daughters, Barbara Fuller and her husband, Jim, of Lincoln, Teresa Jackson and her husband, John, of Clemmons, N.C., Jennifer Emanuel of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Julie Vitosh of Beatrice; grandchildren, Kristen Richter of Kearney, Brent Richter and wife Hannah of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Stephanie Richter of Redding, Calif., Melissa Tompkins and husband Joel of Syracuse, Jaime Cartwright and husband Luke, and Michelle Jackson, all of Omaha, Alex Emanuel of Santa Monica, Calif., Elizabeth Emanuel of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Delanie and Austin Vitosh of Beatrice; great-grandchildren, Colton, Camryn, Charys and Chessa Tompkins and Josalinn and Dean Richter; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Neva Richter of Kearney, Dale and Clarice Wolf of Wilmington, Del., Donna and Glenn Kegley of Kearney and Norma and Dick Spady of Hastings; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews
Attended rural school in Buffalo County and graduated from Kearney High School; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduated from Kearney State College
Served as superintendent at Riverdale and principal at Tilden Public Schools; Bernard purchased a farm north of Kearney, 1949, farmed and resided athere all of his life; was a pioneer in bringing deep-well irrigation to Buffalo County and in promoting the construction of a main line (Kansas-Nebraska) to power the deep-well irrigation; his well was the first deep well drilled in the area to be powered by natural gas; was a licensed broker for insurance, securities investments and real estate; was active in real estate for more than 25 years and was involved in many farms being developed for pivot irrigation by farmers throughout Nebraska
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, served on the school board and was a 4-H leader
Was preceded in death by his wife, and his brother, Robert in 1974
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or to the Staff Assistance Fund at Good Samaritan Society-St. John’s
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2013
RUNGE, Garold R. “Gary”, 75, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, at his home
Services: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Born July 14, 1938, in Sherman County
Parents: Roy and Grace (Anderson) Runge
Married: Sept. 22, 1963, to Donna Shafto in Amherst
Survivors include his wife; son, Craig Runge and his wife, Shannon, of Waco and their children, Michael, Michelle and Mikaela; son, Brett Runge and his wife, Andrea, of Axtell and their children, Jade and Curt Olson, Bryce, Brandt and Brennan; son, Darby Runge and his wife, Traci, of Kearney and their children, Taylor, Liam, Dayton, Caden, Jackson and Darby Jr.; and sister, Diane Bunger of Orlando, Fla.
Grew up in the Litchfield and Amherst area; attended school and graduated from Riverdale High School
Military: U.S. Navy, 1956 - 1959
After marriage, lived in Axtell and Kearney; worked in the maintenance department at West Co. in Kearney for many years, retired in 1995
Activities: member of the Lutheran Church and the Eagles Club in Kearney; enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycle riding and the times spent with the McDonald’s coffee club
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lonnie; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Erv Bailey; and sister-in-law, Pam Baird
Memorials: Make-A-Wish Foundation or Good Samaritan Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 17 December, 2013
SCHROEDER, Naomi Faye, 87, of Dodge City, Kansas, formerly of the Overton, Neb., area, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Good Samaritan Society in Dodge City
Services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Born Dec. 25, 1926, in rural Miller, Neb.
Parents: Orlin F. and Ethel M. Robinson
Married: March 10, 1944, to Donald Schroeder. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Jack L. Schroeder and his wife, Donna, of Ohio and Jimmy L. Schroeder of Dodge City; daughter-in-law, Nancy Schroeder of Sylvania, Ohio; grandchildren and their spouses, Amy and Rich Adams, Katie Miller, Brian and Mandy Schroeder, Kelly and Shawn Carmona, Krista Wales, Jeremy and Melissa Schroeder and Emily and Rudy Lapoint; 15 great-grandchildren; and brother, Kenney Robinson and his wife, Sharlene, of Kearney
Attended school at Miller, Cherry Valley and Watertown, all in Nebraska, and graduated from Miller High School in 1944
After marriage, lived northeast of Overton; had an Overton address for 55 years, moved to Dodge City in 1998
Worked along side her husband on the farm, retired from farming in 1994; was a farm manager for five more years; worked at Platte Valley Bag Factory in Overton, the Overton Observer and the Dawson County Courthouse in the assessor’s and clerk’s offices; Activities: accepted Christ as her savior; became a member of First Christian Church in Overton, took an active part in the church functions; member of Hi Ho Club and served as treasurer of the Overton Community Center Board and the Overton Senior Citizen Board for many years; enjoyed country and gospel music, garage sales, was a doll collector; collected wonderful Christmas items and kept them on display all year; enjoyed traveling; loved her family
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Orva
Kearney Hub, 10 January, 2014
SCHULTZ, Margaret A., 97, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington
Born June 8, 1916, in Cambridge
Parents: Charles and Mary Jane (Carpenter) Crapser
Married: Feb. 25, 1942, to Paul Schultz in Beaver City. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Margaret Seidlitz and Ruth Solomon, both of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2013
SCHUTTE, Tommy R., 54, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Chapel in Kearney
Burial: Freewater Cemetery near Ragan
Born Jan. 24, 1959, in Friend
Parents: Otto Sr. and Marie (Halhweg) Schutte
Married: July 25, 1987, to Deborah Arehart in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; children, Tiffany Loeffelholz and her husband, Chris, and Tyler Schutte, all of Kearney; granddaughter, Gabrielle Loeffelholz; brothers; Charles Schutte and Loretta Nugent, Otto “John” Schutte Jr. and his wife, Linda, and Robert Schutte and his wife, Lisa, all of Kearney, and Dennis Schutte of Harrison, Ark.; and sisters; Mary Livingston and her husband John, Diane Schutte and Karen Schutte, all of Kearney
Was the seventh of eight siblings and the youngest son; attended high school and earned his GED in 1978
Worked a variety of jobs, including at Tex’s Café, Landmark Implement, the oil fields in Oklahoma and for several farmers in the area; eventually purchased his own rig and established Wild Card Trucking; moved to an acreage north of Kearney in 2011 and enjoyed the quieter life that came with the move
Activities: enjoyed football, wrestling, Westerns, camping, boating and fishing in his backyard pond; enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Gabrielle; was anticipating the arrival of his second grandchild in the early months of the New Year
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Ida; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald and Rosalie Arehart
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2013
SOHRWEID, Donald E., 59, of Amherst died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery northwest of Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 5, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Howard and Romona (LeBar) Sohrweid
Married: Sept. 7, 1974, to Jani Sattler in Amherst
Survivors include his son, Greg Sohrweid and his fiancée, Karri Boston, of Riverdale; daughter, Tami Sohrweid of Amherst; grandson, Ethan Sohrweid of Amherst; and mother, Romona Sohrweid of Amherst
Was baptized Sept. 19, 1954, and confirmed June 2, 1968, at Trinity Lutheran Church; grew up in Amherst and graduated from Amherst High School in 1972
Lived in Amherst and worked for National Construction of Lincoln; later lived in Lexington and then in Sumner and worked for Sperry New Holland in Lexington and then in Grand Island; most recently, had worked at Eaton Manufacturing in Kearney for the past 27 years
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst; enjoyed hunting and fishing, working on old cars and riding motorcycles
Was preceded in death by his father in 2011 and sister, Judith Sohrweid in 1993
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst or the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2013
STEARLEY, Donald E., 85, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Aug. 31, 1928, in Scotts Bluff County southwest of Gering
Parents: Ernest and Iola (Saul) Stearley
Married: 1950, to Violet Beans. She died in 1973
Married: 1975, to Mary (O’Brien) Wilson
Survivors include his wife; son, Michel Stearley and his wife, Kathy, of Fredericktown, Mo.; daughter, Melonie Ress and her husband, Rick, of Colby, Kan.; stepdaughters, Catherine Cummins and her husband, John, of Colby and Ann Wilson of Kearney; seven grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Janice Wolf of Minatare; and several nieces and nephews
Attended Cedar Valley School, was a 1947 graduate of Gering High School; was accepted by Civil Service
Military: U.S. Army, served in Korea for two years
Attended Scottsbluff Junior College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soils in 1957
Was in charge of the SCS office in Curtis, 1958-1973; was transferred to Lexington, 1974; ; moved to Kearney, 1988, sold lawn products for John Deere
Activities: past member of the Curtis Volunteer Fire Department, a master Mason, a member of Curtis Rotary Club and Curtis Chamber of Commerce, and served on the curriculum advisory board for the Curtis School of Agriculture; loved to travel, visited Germany, Italy, France and Austria; volunteered for crane tours and Archway Monument tours; enjoyed boating, spending time with his grandchildren, Nebraska football, reading and watching Professional Bull Riding; 50-year member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion
Was preceded in death by his first wife; parents, two brothers and a sister
Memorials: Kearney Community Theatre, Kearney Concert Association, the Arbor Day Foundation or the church
Kearney Hub, 2 January, 2014
STEPHENS, Vicky Jeanne, 65, of Bertrand died of heart disease Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at her home
Graveside services: Thursday at Highland Cemetery in Bertrand
Mortuary:Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born July 21, 1948, at Lexington
Parents: Grant and Jeanne (Stanford) Reddick
Married: Jan. 17, 1970, to Craig Stephens at Kearney
Survivors include her husband; her mother, Jeanne Gibson of Lexington; sons: Craig of Pleasanton, William of Gunnison, Colo. and Jason of Bertrand; brother, Terry Reddick of Hillrose, Colo.; and eight grandchildren; sister-in-law, Arlys Lange and her husband, Roger of Overland Park, Kansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Received her primary education from Lexington Public Schools, completed her education at Westminster, Colorado
After marriage, moved to Bertrand, 1979; focused her entire life on caring for the family, raising their sons and in retirement years she loved caring for their grandchildren
Activities: enjoyed sewing, reading, fishing, and traveling with her husband
Was preceded in death by her father and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2013
THOMAS, Kimberly R., 45, of Gibbon died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Services: Wednesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger-Miller Godberson of Gibbon
Born July 7, 1968, in North Platte
Parents: Gene and Barbara (Wolfe) Waugh
Married: Dec. 31, 1999, to Frank H. Thomas
Survivors include her husband; son, Zachary of Gibbon; her parents of North Platte; sisters, Janell Arneson of Lincoln and Jodi Condo of Florida; brother, Russ Waugh of Grand Island; half-sisters, Susan, Deborah and Rhonda; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Todd and Sylvia Thomas of North Carolina; several nieces and nephews; and friends
Attended elementary school, junior high school and senior high school in North Platte
Worked at Merricks while she lived in North Platte; attended two years at Mid-Plains Community College and then received her degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Kearney; then worked for the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office for many years; retired and worked for Nebraska Central Telephone Co. in Gibbon
Activities: pastimes included scrapbooking, camping, and time spent with family and friends; former member of the Gibbon Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library and Buffaloes in Action
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Grace Waugh and Elmer and Frances Wolfe; and parents-in-law, Frank Thomas Sr. and Patricia Young
Memorials: Leukemia Foundation
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2013
TOURNEY, Susan J., 61, of Shelton died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at her home
Services: Monday at Apfel Funeral Home in Wood River
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Born Aug. 28, 1952, in Klamath Falls, Ore.
Parents: Dean and Geneva (Stiles) Hughes
Married: Dec. 11, 1971, to Michael Tourney in Bend, Ore. He died May 28, 2013
Survivors include her sons, Ivan Tourney and his wife, Rachel, and Mickey Tourney, all of Shelton; daughter, Tana Tourney of Shelton; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Robert Hughes and Jim Hughes, both of Burns, Ore., Pat Hughes and Danny Hughes, both of Bend, Glen Hughes of Alliance and Dennis Hughes of Sisters, Ore.; sisters, Dorothy Cillis, Bessie Wilson and Carol Purvis, all of Klamath Falls, Ruth Cook and Jane Shackleford, both of Burns, Grace Auzenne of Cave Junction, Ore., and Peggy Briley of Bend; and several nieces and nephews
Grew up in Bend and Klamath Falls, attended school in both communities
Moved to Gibbon, 1976, worked at Eaton’s in Kearney and then for Nebraska Turkey in Gibbon; moved to Shelton in 1985; returned to Eaton’s in 1993; had been caring for her husband for the last five years until his death
Activities: enjoyed Café World on Facebook, reading, watching “Days Of Our Lives,” camping and especially time spent with her family
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a brother, Don
Kearney Hub, 28 December, 2013
VASQUEZ, Gustavo “Gus” Jr., 50, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 6, 1963, in Kearney
Parents: Gustavo and Henrietta (Rodriquez) Vasquez
Survivors include his father, Gustavo Vasquez Sr. of Kearney; mother, Henrietta Vavra of Kearney; sisters, Lisa Sawin and her husband, Mike, and Michelle Eynon and Matt Boyce, all of Kearney; nieces, Sarah Sawin, Sabrina Eynon and Isabella Boyce; and nephews, Thomas Sawin and Jamie Boyce
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1983
Worked in the cafeteria at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, retired in October 2006
Activities: enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and watching Husker football
Was preceded in death by his grandparents and his brother, John G. Vasquez, in 2005
Memorials: St. John’s Good Samaritan Society, Health Connect at Home Hospice or the ALS Association
Kearney Hub, 2 January 2014
WARNER, Joe E., age 83 of Beaver City, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, at Beaver City Manor
Memorial service: Jan. 4 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Arapahoe Cemetery
Mortuary: Gubser in Ogallala
Born April 24, 1930, in Holbrook
Parents: Robert and Rose (Hilker) Warner
Married: 1950 to Eunice Bowers
Survivors include his daughters, Sonia Altman and her husband, Walt, of Sebring, Fla., and Sally Ferguson and her husband, Doug, of Kearney; son, Doug Warner and his wife, Rachelle, of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Pat Ferguson and his wife, Sara, of Omaha, Cole Ferguson of Kearney and Megan Warner and Luke Warner of Elm Creek; great-grandchildren, Noah and Stella Ferguson of Omaha; former spouse, Eunice Warner of Kearney; brothers and spouses, Robert and Marjorie Warner Jr. of Arapahoe and Jerome Warner of Denver; sister-in-law, Pat Warner of Raleigh, N.C.; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives
Graduated from Holbrook High School with the class of 1948
After marriage, lived in Holbrook, Hastings, McCook, and Imperial; then moved to Kearney in the late 1960s, later spent about 30 years in North Platte; spent most of his career in sales, sold cars, appliances and furniture; returned to Kearney, 2009, to be closer to his family
Activities: enjoyed interacting with many types of people; was an animal lover; past member of the Elks Lodge
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Warner; twin sister, Joan Reiland; sister, Norma Jean Layman, brother-in-law, Robert Layman; sister-in-law, Phyllis Warner; infant niece, Ann Elizabeth Reiland; and nephew, Damian James Warner
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2013
WELCH, Shari L., 47, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha
Memorial services: Saturday at the Spirit of Life Open Bible Church in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 6, 1966, in Kearney
Mother: Delilah Steele
Married: June 1985, to Michael Welch in Kearney. They divorced
Survivors include her mother, Delilah Staab and her husband, Robert, of Bellevue; son, Nathen Welch and his wife, Kendra, of Kearney; daughter, Megan Welch of York; brother, Jason Schaub and his wife, Katie, of Ravenna; grandmother, Marguerite Steele of Kearney; and grandchildren, Atticus, Sparrow and Harlow Welch of Kearney
Attended school in Kearney and then at the Grand Island School of Business
Was the general manager of the south Burger King in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed spending time with family and friends, listening to music and the Colorado mountains; member of Spirit of Life Open Bible Church
Was preceded in death by her grandfather, Vernon Steele
Memorials: Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha or to the family
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2013