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ANTONOVICH, Bernice Zwiener,, 91, of Elmira, Californina, died Saturday, April 5, 2014, at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield
Services: Monday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Vacaville
Burial: Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery
Mortuary: Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home in Vacaville
Born Dec. 30, 1922, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Joseph and Mary (Paitz) Zwiener
Married: Sylvester “Tony” Antonovich of Nashua, N.H. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her children, John Antonovich of Elmira, Mary Ann Green of Brentwood, Donna Hepler and her husband, Robert, of Redding and Joan Antonovich and Royce Yokote of San Dimas; grandchildren, Michele, Amy, Anna, Bryan and Eric; great-granddaughter, Eavan; brother, Sylvester Zwiener of Colorado; and numerous extended family members
Was the eldest of four children, was raised in Pleasanton, Neb.
Was married for 57 years to Tony, a retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant; had four children, had been resident of Elmira since 1958. Was a beloved mother; was active at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Vacaville. taught religious education in Elmira in the 1960s for St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Vacaville; member of the Elmira Fire Sirens volunteer organization; enjoyed flower gardening, socializing with family and friends, and doting on her grandchildren and extended family
Was preceded in death by her husband and brothers, Louis Zwiener and Bernard Zwiener
Kearney Hub, 9 April, 2014
BARR, William Stephen, 89, of Kearney died Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services
Saturday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Winfield, Kan.
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born May 17, 1924, in Petrolia, Kan.
Parents: Vernon and Alice (Martin) Barr
Married Merle Steinberg. She preceded him in death
Married: 1997 to Christine Underwood in Ottawa, Kan.
Survivors include his wife, Christine Gangwish Underwood Barr and her children, Clark Underwood of Springfield, Mo., Douglas Underwood of Lawrence, Kan., Carol Underwood of Potomac, Md., Bruce Underwood of Indian Wells, Calif., and Jean Underwood of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and seven stepgrandchildren
As a child, moved from Chanute, Kan., to Augusta, Kan., attended public schools. He graduated from Augusta High School in 1942, earned academic and citizenship awards; was an Eagle Scout and a four-year band member; attended Ottawa University and had some credit hours from the University of Kansas and Wichita University
Military: U.S. Navy at Great Lakes, Chicago, and the Pacific during World War II
Completed dental school in Kansas City, spent a short time in Winfield, then returned to the Navy during the Korean War; served at NTC San Diego, MCAS El Toro, Korea and Japan with the U.S. Marines; participated in the Naval Reserve, retired after 35 years, continued for 12 more years as area coordinator (Kansas) for the Naval Academy Information Program (Blue and Gold)
Practiced dentistry in Anthony, Kan., until February 1957 when he married Merle and moved to Winfield
Activities: life member of the Naval Reserve Association, a longtime member of the Navy League and American Legion, and a life member of the American Dental Association and the Alumni Association of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry; was secretary-treasurer and president of the Southern District Dental Society, a member of the Wichita Chapter of the Academy of General Dentistry, president of the Kansas Academy of General Dentistry and fellow of the AGD; 35-year member of the Winfield Lions Cub; member of the National Audubon Society and on the board of directors of the Wichita Audubon and the Chaplin Nature Center; served a three-year term representing Cowley County on the board of Aging Projects Inc., a 10-county agency; supported several Native American charities, was a charter member of the National Museum of the American Indian; was a 26-year participant in the Harvard School of Public Health, Health Professionals Follow-up Study; longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield
Was preceded in death by his first wife, parents and a sister, Virginia Elizabeth Clark
Memorials: Southwestern College in Winfield
Kearney Hub, 28 March, 2014
BONNELL, Kathleen V., 73, of Kearney died Sunday, March 16, 2014, in Papillion
Services: Friday at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Nov. 29, 1940, in Queens, N.Y.
Parents: William and Betty Jean (Hausser) Kelly
Survivors include her son, Dale of Lincoln; daughters, Nancy Dobberstein and her husband, Scott, of Kearney, Dorine Blodgett of Papillion, Kelly Bonnell of Akron, Colo., and Julie Bonnell of Lincoln; brother, William H. Smith and his wife, Karen, of College Place, Wash.; sisters, Jo Ann Cason and her husband, Armand, of Winterset, Iowa, and Jane Mauk and her husband, Leonard, of Golden, Mo.; grandchildren, Chad D., Ashlie, Danielle, Chad P., Jordan, Tyler, Jesse, Michael, Sarah, Mackenzie, Andrew, Halie and Autumn; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Graduated from Roosevelt High School in Mitchellville, Iowa
Lived from 1960 to 1968 in Commerce City, Colo.; later moved to Kearney in 1968, worked for years at Grandpa’s Steakhouse where she was nicknamed, “Bubbles;” later attended nursing school in Kearney, received her licensed practical nurse degree; most recently worked for Mid-Nebraska as a caregiver
Activitiese: member of the church; had been active in PTA and was a campfire leader; enjoyed horseback riding
Was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; baby sister, Dawn Chiles; son-in-law, Ricky Blodgett; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Nickens
Kearney Hub, 19 March, 2014
BRANDT, J.F. “Jim”, 89, of Kearney died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 27, 1924, at home in Boone County
Parents: Fred and Irene (Barbee) Brandt
Married: Aug. 14, 1943, to June Michel in Hamburg, Iowa. She preceded him in death
Married: Dec. 27, 1997, to Teresa Kitt in Kearney. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Lean Brandt and his wife, Ardy, and Greg Brandt, all of Kearney; daughters, Sandy Harrison and her husband, Kurt, of Branson, Mo., and Amber Fangman and her husband, Steve, of Lafayette, Colo.; grandchildren, Brad Brandt and his wife, Sharon, Kylee Brandt, C.J. Brandt and his wife, Tina, Kully Harrison and his wife, Amy, Kasey Harrison, Cody Ochsner and her husband, Brad, Kasey Brandt and his wife, Tara, J.B. Brandt and his wife, Amity, Luke Brandt, Mike, Sam and Nate Fangman and Chad Moore and his wife, Casiana; brother, Kenny Brandt and his wife, Helen, of Grand Island; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Grew up in Loretto and attended Boone County School through the 10th grade, then graduated from Albion High School in 1942
Lived in Missouri then moved back to Boone County; in 1945, moved to Grand Island and worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant then worked for John Clausen & Sons Construction; helped build Spelts Lumber Co. in Kearney and then worked for Howard Rowe Construction; owned and operated Brandt Construction, 1950-1985; was board of directors’ president and an original stockholder of Kearney State Bank, owned and operated Countryside Mobile Home Park, also owned several rental properties in the Kearney area along with several small businesses
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, a 62-year member of Kearney Elks Lodge and a member of the National Rifle Association, Travelers Protective Association and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce; enjoyed spending time at his cabin at Johnson Lake; was an avid Cornhusker football fan; enjoyed watching college and NFL football; loved to hunt and fish, play five-point pitch and horse racing; especially enjoyed holidays and reunions with his family; in early retirement, wintered in Green Valley, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by his wives; parents; sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Jack Miller; and stepson, Mike Moore
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 9 April, 2014
BULLIS, Dewey LeRoy, 87, of Ravenna died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Services: Friday at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Westlawn Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born April 7, 1926, in Grand Island
Parents: Philip and Clara (Bobbitt) Bullis
Married: Oct. 10, 1948, to Norma Jean Clanton in Grand Island
Survivors include his wife; sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas and Julie Bullis of Lakewood, Colo., and Cordell and Carol Bullis of Bellevue; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Mike Rosenthal of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren
Attended school in Grand Island, received his GED in 1947
Military: U.S. Army from July 29, 1944, to June 24, 1946; served in the China, Burma, India Theater
Worked for Safeway Grocery in Grand Island and Ravenna for 17 years; worked at various other jobs before his retirement
Activities: attended the Congregational Church in Ravenna, was a volunteer firefighter in Ravenna for 15 years, was a past member of the Lions Club and was a member the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 17 March, 2014
CLELAND, Maynard E., 93, of Kearney died Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Mother Hull Home.
Services: Monday at Trinity Presbyterian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born June 8, 1920, in Kearney
Parents: Edgar and Annie (Peterson) Cleland
Married: Dec. 5, 1948, to Georgia Sharp in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; sons, Steven Cleland and his wife, Helen, of Union City, Calif., and Michael Cleland and his wife, Pam, of Aransas Pass, Texas; grandchildren, Scott Cleland, Angela Schmidt and her husband, Tony, Stephanie Cleland, Sheila Cleland and Michelle Theis; great-grandchildren, Nikki Stephens, Dale Mann, Leaf Mann, Scott Cleland Jr., Ethan Theis and Elijah Theis; great-great-grandson, Noah Stephens; and nieces, nephew and a host of friends
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1937
Farmed east of Kearney for many years, then worked at DeKalb for almost 25 years
Activities: member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney and served as a deacon and elder; for several years, served on the Stone School Board and the Center Township Board; especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren; in addition to his faith, loved spending time outdoors, gardening, crossword puzzles and poetry
Was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and three brothers
Memorials: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Kearney Hub, 14 March, 2014
De La MOTTE, Dewane L., 88, of Holdrege, formerly of Kearney and Lexington, died Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Services: Thursday at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery near Ravenna
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Born Nov. 8, 1925, on a farm near Hazard in Sherman County
Parents: Lawrence and Alma (Beethe) de la Motte
Survivors include his sister, Venla Bartels of Holdrege; nieces, Sharon Sherbert and her husband, Mike, of Seward, Rebecca Partridge and her husband, Bruce, of Lincoln and Paula Fuestman of Axtell; nephews, John Bartels of Omaha, Larry Bartels and his wife, Ann, of Bertrand, Mike Bartels and his wife, Julie, and Rodney Bartels and his wife, Tori, all of Holdrege, David de la Motte and his wife, LaJean, of Grand Island and Tim Myers and his wife, Karen, of Axtell; and several grandnieces and grandnephews and a host of other relatives and friends
Was the first of four children born in his family; was baptized Nov. 22, 1925, at Trinity Lutheran Church near Hazard, was confirmed on April 6, 1941
Lived on a farm near Hazard and farmed with his father until 1957 when a tractor accident took his father’s life; moved with his mother to Kearney, 1960, worked for a farmer; then attended diesel mechanic school at Milford, worked for John Deere as a diesel mechanic in Kearney, Elm Creek and Lexington; retired, 1992, moved to Holdrege; moved into Holdrege Memorial Homes, 2005, because of failing health. Activities: member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles de la Motte and his wife, Dorothy; sister, Jeanet Myers and her husband, Ralph; brother-in-law, Delbert Bartels; nephew-in-law, Bob Fuestman; and grandnephew, Colt Bartels
Memorials: The Lutheran Hour
Kearney Hub, 11 March, 2014
DICKEY, Edward L., 45, of Pleasanton died Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: Sunday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kearney
Born March 1, 1969, in Alliance
Parents: Roy and Carol Dickey
Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Pamela; sons, Steven Dickey and his wife, Tiffany, and Justin Dickey, all of Kearney, and Shane Goscha and Jesse Dickey, both of Pleasanton; brothers, Donald Dickey of Sterling, Colo., Daniel Dickey and Austin Wells, both of Kearney, Steve Darnall of Sidney and Neil Scott of Chicago; and sisters, Penny Dickey of Kearney and Carolyn Lester of Minden; nieces and nephews and one granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 15 March, 2014
DLOUHY, Helen, 85, of Kearney died Friday, March 28, 2014, at Mount Carmel Keens Memorial Home
Services: Tuesday at Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born April 14, 1928, in Pilger
Parents: Edward and Bessie (Ourada) Sokol
Married: July 10, 1950, to Myron “Mike” Dlouhy in Lincoln
Survivors include her daughters, LaNette Bendix and her husband, Bob, and Stephanie Straatmann and her husband, Gary, all of Kearney, Jennifer Low and her husband, Kevin, of Chappell, Charlotte Zuniga and her husband, Mario, of Omaha and Karen Kirby and her husband, Scott, of Loomis; grandchildren, Angela Hiltner and her husband, Lennie, Kellie Pfeiffer and her husband, Galen, Katie Fiscus and her husband, Aaron, Abby Bittman, Cassie Wistrom and her husband, Matt, Andrea Zuniga and Nedim Hasanbegovic, Chelsea Chell and her husband, Matt, Aimee Zuniga, Mason Low, Steven Zuniga and Alex Kirby; great-grandchildren, Paige Hiltner and Zach Finkral, Blake, Brooke, Kiera, Madelyn and Gabrielle Pfeiffer and Andrea Fiscus; great-great-granddaughter, Gracelynn Finkral; brother, Edward Sokol Jr. and his wife, Wilma, of Pilger; and sister, Eleanor McIntosh and her husband, Paul, of Norfolk
Grew up in Pilger, graduated from Stanton High School in 1946; attended Midwest Beauty Academy in Lincoln and graduated in 1948
Worked as a hairdresser in Schuyler; later worked for Kearney State College in food service; worked for West Co. from 1969 until retiring in 1995
Activities: member of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Kearney, Eagles Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; enjoyed cooking, yard work and the times spent with her family, especially with her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Robert; and her best friend, Bernice Frauen
Memorials: the church or to Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2014
FUEHRER, Gerald L. “Jerry”, 70, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Sutton Cemetery
Born July 26, 1943, in Orlando, Fla.
Parents: Edwin and Laurietta (Burbach) Fuehrer
Married: Sept. 20, 1969, to Linda Curren in Ogallala
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Sasha Elizabeth Conrad of Kearney; sister, Dee Fuehrer of Lincoln; parents-in-law, Kenneth and Elaine Curren of Minden; and nephew, Scott Worster of Austin, Texas
Grew up in Sutton, member of the Sutton Federated Church and also an active member of Boy Scouts of America, achieving the level of Eagle Scout; graduated from Sutton High School in 1961, received his degree in electronic engineering from Southeast Community College in 1963
First worked as an engineer at KNOP-TV in North Platte, moved to Channel 3 in Omaha then returned to KNOP-TV in North Platte as chief engineer, served there 1964-1968
After marriage, lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, worked for KCRG-TV as assistant chief engineer(1968-1979); then next 35 years, served as chief engineer for Pappas Telecasting and NTV Network; was co-owner of the family business, Fuehrer’s Cheespred, made in his hometown of Sutton
Military: National Guard, 1964-1969
Activities: member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the Sutton Chapter of American Legion and the American Radio Relay League; maintained a ham-radio license since high school; hobbies included reading mysteries, watching TV documentaries, specifically of the World War II era; listening to music from the 1950s and 1960s; visiting with neighbors and co-workers; spending time in his home electronics shop
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 15 March, 2014
HAGADONE, Iris “Jean”, 78, of Peoria, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, March 17, 2014, in Sun City
Services were Tuesday at Regency Mortuary in Sun City
Burial: Cozad (Neb.) Cemetery
Born Oct. 4, 1935, in Gothenburg, Neb.
Parents: Ralph and Florence “Suzie” Mann
Married: Sept. 1, 1955, to Don Hagadone of Cozad, Neb., in Gothenburg. He died in January 2013
Survivors include her daughters, Susan Zulkoski and Debbie Hickins and her husband, Ken; grandchildren, Ryan Zulkoski and his wife, Katie, Kara Zulkoski, Matthew Hickins and Jessica Johnson and her husband, Michael; great-granddaughter, Ryelle Greeson; and another great-granddaughter who is expected to be born to the family on June 26
While husband was in the U.S. Army they lived in Fort Sill, Okla., for boot camp and moved to Chicago for a two-year tour; moved to the Hagadone family farm, 1957, worked the farm and showed quarter horses throughout the United States
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2014
HANSEN, Marie R., 97, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 12, 2014, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial services: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Highland Cemetery near Ravenna
Born June 11, 1916, in the Ravenna area
Parents: Louis and Blanche (Macek) Fisher
Married: Eldon Hansen in Kearney. They divorced
Survivors include her son, Bob Fisher and his wife, Kathy, of Elm Creek; daughter, Monica Van Slyke and her special friend Dick Nikkila of Axtell; brother, Elmer Fisher of Grand Island; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren
Attended school in Ravenna
Lived in Ravenna, worked for Henningson Foods-Ravenna, the turkey plant in Gibbon and Baldwin Manufacturing in Kearney; moved to Kearney in 1982, worked 11 years for the foster grandparent program at Head Start and Good Samaritan Hospital Daycare
Activities: loved her cats, doing embroidery, counted cross-stitching, reading, word searches and polka dancing
Was preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, one grandson and one granddaughter
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 15 March, 2014
HILD, Jake, Jr., 66, of Smithville, Mo., formerly of Elm Creek, Neb., died Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas
Visitation: Saturday at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville
Born Aug. 16, 1947, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Jake Sr. and Delores (Wiemers) Hild
Married: Georgia Tucker. She died in 1984
His wife, Myrna, preceded him in death
His wife, Marsha, died in 2012
Survivors include his sons, Kelly, Travis and Josh; his mother; brothers, Jack, Darrell and Dan; sisters, Cindy, Debbie, Lori and Lynette; and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 March, 2014
HOOGE, Orpha R., 95, of Kearney died Thursday, March 27, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday at First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 31, 1918, near Woodbine, Kan.
Parents: Albert and Rosie (Zoschke) Brenner
Married: March 18, 1944, to John E. Hooge near Junction City, Kan. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her brother, Robert Brenner of Clovis, Calif.; sister, Kathryn Younkin and her husband, Don, of Manhattan, Kan.; sons, John R. and his wife, Claudia, and Dave and his wife, Pat, all of Lawrence, Kan.; daughter, Carol O’Neill and her husband, P.J., of Kearney; grandsons, J-D Hooge and his wife, Betsy, of Portland, Ore., and David O’Neill and his wife, Michaela, of Lincoln; granddaughters, Jenea Havener and her husband, Marc, of Lawrence and Brooke O’Neill of Hastings; and five great-grandchildren
Graduated from Woodbine High School in 1936, graduated from Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School in Minneapolis in 1941; also attended Northwestern Seminary and Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.; later in life, earned a bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College and graduated in 1967 at age 49
Taught school at Denman and Shelton and worked at the Kearney State College library, retired in 1980; with husband, served churches in Lebo, Wellsville and Fort Scott, Kan., and in Lincoln, Gibbon, Sumner, Fairhaven and Juniata, also served in interim ministry in eight additional communities
Activities: as a pastor’s wife, served as secretary, Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school leader, pianist, choir director, confidant and more
Was preceded in death by her husband, son, Don Hooge, and two brothers. Memorials: First Baptist Church Building Fund, or Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Kearney Hub, 29 March, 2014
KROTZ, Iris Fern, 85, of Litchfield died Friday, March 14, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday at Litchfield Christian Church
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Oct. 29, 1928, in Buffalo County
Parents: Raymond and Esther (Dailey) Reese
Married: March 18, 1948, to Bernard “Barney” Krotz in North Platte. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Dianne and Richard “Dick” Wendt of Hazard and Donna and Gary Guthard and Pat and Larry Rasmussen, all of Litchfield; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Susan Krotz of Litchfield; and sisters, Maurine Urwiller of Ravenna, Sharon Trampe of Amherst and Esther Lucas of Litchfield
Was educated at Brock School District 33 in Buffalo County, graduated from Pleasanton High School
After marriage, lived on a farm near Litchfield; moved into Litchfield in 1979
Was preceded in death by her husband; sons, Dale and Scot; brother, Keith Reese; sister, Betty Ohlman; and grandson, Bruce Rasmussen
Memorials: Litchfield Fire Department or Litchfield Emergency Unit
Kearney Hub, 15 March, 2014
LAMMERS, Ruby (Graf) Cordle,, 93, of Sun City, Arizona, died Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Sun City
Celebrations of life at Sun City Christian Church, and later in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: in Alma, Neb.
Mortuaries: Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary in Sun City, and Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born April 13, 1920, to Ernest and Ida May (Watson) Graf of Naponee, Neb.
Married: March 19, 1938, to Mick “Lester” Cordle. He died July 1, 1979
Married: Oct. 28, 1982, she married Melvin Lammers
Survivors include her husband; son, Jim Cordle of Homestead, Fla.; daughter, Jeanie (Cordle) Rayl of Sun City and Fargo, N.D.; daughter-in-law, Pat Woodside; stepsons, Randy and Greg Lammers, both of Kearney; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends
After first marriage, lived in Franklin, Neb., moved to Alma in 1943; was a stay-at-home mom until Mick was injured in a trucking accident in 1951, then worked at the telephone company: moved to Kearney, 1957, worked for GTE phone company in Kearney, was promoted to assistant and then chief operator in 1972; retired in 1983
After second marriage, continued to live in Kearney; lived in Orlando, Fla., 1985-2006, then moved to Sun City to be closer to family
Was preceded in death by her first husband, son, Bill Cordle; daughter, Roberta “Bobbie Ann” Cordle Longfellow; grandson, Mike Cordle; sons-in-law, Dick Rayl and Steve Longfellow; her parents; six brothers; and four sisters
Kearney Hub, 22 March, 2014
LEGATES, Charles Jr., 83, of Kearney died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: Friday at First Baptist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born July 18, 1930, in Harrington, Del.
Parents: Charles Sr. and Naomi (Melvin) Legates
Married: July 1, 1956, to Rose Lee Farson in Blair. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, John Legates and his wife, Jennifer, of Grand Island and Gary Legates and his wife, Jamie, and Charles E. Legates and his wife, Glenda, all of Kearney; daughters, Naomi Schwarz and her husband, Tony, Connie Blankenship and her husband, Brian, and Bonnie Volker and her husband, Bill, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Bryan Schwarz, Hannah and Isaiah Legates, Jared Blankenship, Samantha and Drew Volker and Elijah and Jaden Williams; great-grandchildren, Ema and Aaron Ayers and Ryhanna and Grace Simco; sister, Edith Wisseman of Virginia; and nephew, Richard Gerardi and his wife, Donna, of Delaware
Was employed as a mechanic for many years; enjoyed camping and fishing; member of First Baptist Church in Wilsonville
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; daughter, Charlotte Legates; sisters, Agnes Elliot and Myrtle Gerardi; brother, Oscar Legates; nephew, Eugene Gerardi; and niece, Christine Richords
Kearney Hub, 9 April, 2014
LEHECKA, Craig A., 56, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, at his home
Celebration of life: later
O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Kearney Hub, 21 January, 2014
LEWIS, Letha, 93, of Kearney died Sunday, March 16, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 1, 1920, in Buffalo County
Parents: H. Elmer and A. Gladys (Kincaid) Rose
Married: Nov. 12, 1943, to Orson E. Lewis in Kearney. He died Nov. 10, 1990
Married: April 25, 1992, to Ora E. Flynn in Kearney. He died Nov. 9, 1997
Survivors include her son, Stephen Lewis and his wife, Julia, of Kearney; daughter, Sandra Karsten of Kearney; grandsons, Scott Karsten and his wife, Stormy, of Severn, Md., and Darrin Karsten of Kearney; granddaughter, Krystal Moffett and her husband, James, of Kearney; and great-grandchildren, Drew and Derek Karsten of Reinholds, Pa., and Trae and Paige Moffett of Kearney
Was raised in rural Buffalo County, attended school in Kearney; was a graduate of Kearney High School in 1938
Worked in the Travis Air Force Base Commissary, 1961-1966, then in the McClellan AFB Commissary, 1974-1980, while Orson was in the Air Force; returned to Kearney, worked at the Safeway store; also was a bookkeeper for the Kearney Kamper Center
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; was a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout den mother; was active in the Senior Hospitality Center and served on the Governing Board for nine years, for three years on the Hospitality Committee, for one year as vice president and for one year as president
Was preceded in death by her husbands, and sister, Arlein Kreutzer
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or the Peterson Senior Activity Center
Kearney Hub, 19 March, 2014
LINDEN, Lucille E., 86, of Pleasanton died Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at her home near Pleasanton
Services: Saturday at Pleasanton Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Mason City Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born May 26, 1927, at home near Amherst
Parents: Joe and Rose (Ott) Cherry
Married: Feb. 14, 1948, to Frankie E. Linden in Loup City. He died in 2010
Survivors include her sons, Steve Linden and his fiancée, Faylin Henricksen, of Kearney and Terry Linden and his wife, Cheryl, of Pleasanton; grandchildren and spouses, Kevin and Rikki Linden of Overland Park, Kan., Todd and Sarah Linden of Lincoln, Christa and Tyler Anderson and Jennifer Linden, all of Kearney, and Kayla Linden of Pleasanton; stepgranddaughter, Lisa Christy of Chicago; great-grandchildren, Connor Linden, Tanner Linden, Ryder Linden, Cooper Linden, Maddox Linden and Reed Anderson; sisters, LaDean Chamberlin of Kearney and Frieda Bauer and her husband, Alfred, of Pleasanton; and sister-in-law, Sadie Linden of Grand Island
At age 6, moved with her family north of Mason City; attended the new schoolhouse that had just been built and graduated 12 years later in 1945
Worked in Kearney at the Kearney Hub newspaper; later returned to Mason City and worked at the Farmers Store for Oscar Wilson
After marriage, moved to a farm northwest of Pleasanton; work in the home and on the farm
Activities: loved life on the farm with her family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; enjoyed music; member of South Loup Community Church; loved to read God’s word and promises in the Bible
Was preceded in death by her husband and parents
Memorials: Pleasanton Evangelical Free Church or the Pleasanton Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 4 April, 2014
LOEBIG, Ila G., 82, of Kearney died Monday, March 10, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Memorial services: Friday at Faith United Methodist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Dec. 13, 1931, in rural Sumner
Parents: Otto and Ida (Mellott) Sedergren
Married: 1950, to Paul “Ron” Loebig. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Terry Loebig and his wife, Connie, of Kearney; daughter, Rhonda Zuke and her husband, George, of Anchorage, Alaska; brother, Glen Sedergren of Kearney; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters
After marriage, lived in Hastings until 1980; lived in Kearney until 2007; moved to Pharr, Texas; was a longtime employee of the Buffalo County Assessor’s Office, and member of Faith United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by her husband and son, Greg
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 12 March, 2014
MORRIS, Gerald Lee “Jerry”, 74, of Tulalip Bay, Washington, died Saturday, March 15, 2014, at his home
A celebration of life: July 19 at his ranch in Sioux County, Neb.
Born Dec. 14, 1939, in Scottsbluff, Neb.
Parents: Gerald and Marie Morris
Survivors include his wife, Alice; daughters, MaryAnn McDowell and her husband, Mike Ferdig, Elizabeth David and her husband, Paul, Misti McDowell and her husband, Ken Ford, and Chrissy Morris and her husband, Michael Chateauneuf; sons, Russell Morris and his wife, Joy, and Robert Morris and his wife, Betsy Andersen; and grandchildren, Sam, Georgia, Luke, Simone, Mabel and Isadora
Graduated from Scottsbluff High School, the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical School; finished his formal education in 1964
Military: was drafted, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War with the First Cavalry Division
Practiced medicine in Kearney, from 1971 to 1992; established Central Laboratory Associates at Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating and antique auto restoration; was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patsy
Memorials: Providence Hospice and Home Care Foundation of Everett or a local hospice
Kearney Hub, 18 March, 2014
NELSON, Audrey Mae, 89, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, March 30, 2014, at Tabitha Journey House in Lincoln
Celebration of life: Thursday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 12, 1924, in Eustis
Parents: John and Mary Hueftle
Married: April 13, 1944, to William M. Nelson Union Theological Seminary on the campus of Columbia University in New York City
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Cynthe Staehr and her husband, Keith, of Kimball; sons, Bill and his wife, Coni, and Scott and his wife, Teri, all of Lincoln, and Randy and his wife, Jeanne, of Seward; grandchildren, Jon Staehr of Evans, Colo., Joel Staehr and wife Stephanie of Gretna, Jay and wife Kim of Overton, Kyle Nelson and wife Julie of Papillion, Krisa Smith and husband Jeff of Bennington, Tory Kerns and husband Will of Lincoln, TyRee Royal of Lincoln, Britney and Mogdi Nelson of Seward, Jason von Hoff and wife Lisa of Lincoln, Nici Ahrenholz and husband Todd of Willmar, Minn., and Kylie Wolford and husband Glen of Kearney; and 21 great-grandchildren
Graduated from Eustis High School, attended Hastings College
Worked at Harvard Air Base, moved to New York; after marriage lived in Los Angeles, while husband was in the Navy; after his discharge, moved to Hastings; also lived in Ord, Kearney, and Lincoln; in Kearney, taught piano and organ, served as organist at First Presbyterian Church and First Lutheran Church, also played for many weddings, funerals and other musical venues over the years; worked for Dr. F.L. Richards
Activities: was the first woman moderator of the Central Nebraska Presbyterian Churches and served many other service organizations in leadership roles, including PEO; was active in community organizations, and received awards from Kearney Sertoma, Kearney Hub Freedom Award and Nebraska Public Radio; had a strong faith in Jesus Christ
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church of Kearney, music department
Kearney Hub, 2 April, 2014
POTTER, Arabella L., infant daughter of Jeff and Misti Potter of Gibbon, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney shortly after birth
Services: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Survivors include her parents; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Judy Potter of Valparaiso; maternal grandmother, Jeanette Harlan of Rapid City, S.D.; maternal grandfather, Ward Harlan of Bassett; and numerous other family members and friends
Kearney Hub, 25 March, 2014
REYES, Miguel “Mike”, 89, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Grand Island. Services: Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Sept. 29, 1924, in Hastings, Colo.
Parents: Francisco and Leonor (Luviano) Reyes
Married: Oct. 26, 1947, Esperanza Vargas in Lexington. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Vincent of Kearney, Ruben and Tony, both of Scottsdale, Ariz., Ramon of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Mario of Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Gloria of Scottsdale; brothers, Frank and Antonio “Ben” of Kearney, Salvador of El Paso, Texas, and Gilbert of St. Paul, Minn.; and sisters, Beatrice Gomez and Emilia “Emily” Hernandez, both of Kearney, and Amalia Canas of Cozad
Grew up in the mining towns of Hastings and Delagua, near present-day Trinidad, Colo.; moved with parents to Dawson County in Nebraska in the late 1930s
Military: entered U.S. Navy, 1944; served on the USS Salamaua aircraft carrier in the Philippines and Pacific Ocean. The ship suffered a kamikaze hit and sustained major damage. But worse than the hit were the two typhoons that they had to go through. The ship was in Tokyo Bay the day Japan surrendered in World War II
Returned to Nebraska; after marriage, worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 32 years, retired in 1984; lived in Kearney, 1987-2013; moved to the veterans home in Grand Island
Activities: enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family
Was preceded in death by his wife, five brothers and two sisters
Memorials: the church
Kearney Hub, 20 March, 2014
RICHTER, Arthur F. “Rick”, 94, of Seattle, Washington, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Kline Galland Nursing Home in Seattle
Services: 1 April at St. Edward Catholic Church in Seattle
Burial: Calvary Cemetery
Mortuary: Columbia in Seattle
Born Jan. 3, 1920, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Philip and Eva Richter
Married: to Helen Cvitkovich. She preceded him in death
Survivors include several nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 1 April, 2014
SCHMITZ, Irene E., 93, of Kearney died Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Homestead Assisted Living
Services: Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Prairie Center
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 6, 1921, on the family farm in Sherman County
Parents: John and Maggie (Kowalski) Mazankowski
Married: Feb. 16, 1944, to Ralph Schmitz at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Hazard. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Kenneth Schmitz and his wife, Janet, of Riverdale; daughters, Elaine Hull and her husband, John, and Karen Lindsay, all of Lincoln, Judy Kirschner and her husband, David, of Pleasanton and Madeline Schmitz of Kearney; brother, Delphie Mazankowski and his wife, Phyllis, of Colfax, Calif.; sisters, Florence Stephens of Boring, Ore., Rita Moore and her husband, Bill, of Albany, Ore., Dorothy Fox and her husband, Jerome, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Marietta Perlinger of Grant; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren
Attended Johnson School near Litchfield until the eighth grade, and then Pleasanton High School
Worked as a farm wife, St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Prairie Centermilked cows and raised chickens, hogs and cattle; gardened, cooked and baked
Enjoyed crocheting, crafts and refinishing furniture; member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Prairie Center, served in the Altar Society; belonged to the community card club and enjoyed senior citizens activities
Was preceded in death by her husband, two infant brothers, one brother and four sisters
Memorials: Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney or Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Kearney Hub, 22 March, 2014
SCHONING, Esther S., 94, of Minden died Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Bethany Home in Minden
Memorial services: Wednesday at Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Born March 22, 1919, in Kearney County
Parents: Herman and Ida (Schukei) Pockrandt
Married: April 18, 1954, to Ernest Schoning at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney. He died Dec. 6, 1999
Survivors include her daughter, Ila Schoning of Kearney; sister, Lydia Kahle of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Grew up in and attended school in the Minden area; was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden
Lived in Kearney until she moved to Bethany Home in Minden
Member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 18 March, 2014
SCHWARTZ, Gregg Wayne, 62, of Omaha, formerly of Shelton, died Friday, March 14, 2014, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha
Services: Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born Feb. 13, 1952, in Grand Island
Parents: August and Faye (Behrens) Schwartz
Married: Sept. 11, 1971,to Sharon Cyboron in Rockville
Survivors include his wife; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra K. and Todd Sutton of Shelton, Kelli R. and Nathan Reeder of Vacaville, Calif., and Lori A. and Adam Foote of Ridgefield, Wash.; six grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Deb Schwartz of Grand Island
Grew up in Wood River, attended elementary school there; moved to Boelus, graduated from Centura High School in 1970
After marriage, lived in Shelton, worked for Gibbon Pack;then lived in Dakota Dunes, S.D., worked for IBP; moved to Alexandria, Minn., 2002, worked for Rosen Meat Group; moved to Omaha, 2006, and has lived there since; in Omaha, worked at XL Four Star until 2011; was self-employed as a commodities trader at the time of his death
Activities: was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton; enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, hunting and watching football, Food Network and the History Channel; was especially dedicated to his dear friends and his loving family
Was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and a brother-in-law, Jim Hulme
Kearney Hub, 17 March, 2014
SCHWEITZER, Lucile, 103, of Kearney died Monday, March 17, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Thursday at Osborne (Kan.) United Methodist Church
Burial: Kill Creek Cemetery in rural Osborne County, Kan.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 16, 1910, in rural Osborne County
Parents: Dale and Sarah (Landis) Lockhart
Married: May 28, 1933, to Louis C. Schweitzer at Rose Valley Church near Downs, Kan. He died in 1985
Survivors include her daughter, Esther Burgland of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Blondeane Schweitzer of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren
Attended Osborne High School, graduated with the class of 1930
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney; enjoyed being an active member of the church; also enjoyed farming, needlework and the company of her family
Was preceded in death by her husband; two sisters, two brothers and a son, Raymond
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 19 March, 2014
SHEAGLEY, Fay, 95, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born April 13, 1918, on a farm near Cutler, Ind.
Parents: Jim and Savannah (Shanklin) Humes
Married: Sept. 2, 1939, to Robert E. Sheagley. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Ann Weber and her husband, Willie, of Kearney; son, Andy Sheagley and his wife, Paula, of Canon City, Colo.; nieces, Lois Johnston and Joanna Rainwater; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several stepchildren, stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren and stepgreat-great-grandchildren
Grew up in the Cutler community at the generational homestead; attended school and graduated in the same community
Was a student missionary to Nebraska for the Presbyterian Church; married a fellow student missionary; together they spent a lot of years serving churches in this area, as well as where he pastored churches in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Nebraska
Activities: loved making quilts, reading and being with her friends; enjoyed entertaining family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband and son, Mark Emerson
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 13 March, 2014
VANNIER, Elnor L., 83, of Kearney died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at First Lutheran Church
Interment: church columbarium
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Aug. 1, 1930, in Deshler
Parents: Otto and Lida Kiehl
Married: 19 June 1948, to Kenneth Vannier
Survivors include: her husband, twin sister, Elaine Hawkinson of West Hills, Calif.; son-in-law, Don Roth of Lincoln; son, David and his life partner, Kevin Marion, of Plano, Texas; daughter, Denise and her husband, Dennis Scott, of Malcom, Iowa; and daughter, Jolene and her husband, Jay Jelinek of Omaha; grandsons, Tim Roth and his wife, Sharleen, and Nick Roth, all of Lincoln, and granddaughter, Amber and her husband, Paul Thygesen, of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Jonathan and Alivia Thygesen, and Emma Lou Roth
In childhood, moved to Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School, 1948
Worked several years at Safeway Stores in Kearney; retired as the cafeteria manager at Park School in Kearney
Activities: member and past state president of the Kearney Eagles Club Auxiliary; was a Gold Star member and past state president of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary; was active in her Circle Group at First Lutheran Church; enjoyed her Monday afternoon coffee group; was especially excited to see her youngest great-granddaughter, Emma Lou Roth, just a week before her death
Was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Mary Lou Roth in 2004, one sister and her two brothers
Memorials: the church or Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 9 April, 2014
WILKEN, Lois M., 96, of Kearney died Monday, March 31, 2014, at Mother Hull Home. Services: Friday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 12, 1918, in a sod house near Taylor
Parents: Garrison and Elda (Patterson) Hyde
Married: June 1, 1941, to Walter W. Wilken her parents’ home near Taylor. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Warren Wilken of Primm Springs, Tenn.; daughters, Judith Sherrerd and her husband, David, of San Marcos, Texas, Charlotte Webb and her husband, Lonnie, of Mandeville, La., and Lucinda Mays and her husband, Roger, of Chadron; grandchildren; William and Rachel Sherrerd, Katherine Sherrerd and Steven Voldase, Margaret Sherrerd, Maraike Cochran, Rebecca and Ben Pomajzl, Nathan and Jessica Webb, Asher and Anna Webb, and Walt Mays; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Meredith Sherrerd, Anna Voldase, and Darby, Colby, and Ellie Pomajzl; sister-in-law, Marcia Hyde of Des Moines, Iowa; and many special and beloved nieces, nephews and friends
Youngest of three daughters, seventh of nine children; graduated from Spring Creek District 25 and Loup County High School, studied at Kearney Normal School from 1936-1938
Taught Madison Square School in Loup County, then at Hildreth; while husband served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, Lois followed him to Canada and Washington state
Returned to college, 1960, and renewed herteacher's certificate; became a substitute teacher and also taught seventh grade in Amherst; began working as a receptionist for a local optometrist, Dr. Fitch, 1968
Activities: was active in the Parent-Teacher Association and received lifetime membership award, was a Girl Scout leader, an assistant 4-H leader, and attended piano recitals and band concerts for all four children; active member of First Lutheran Church; sewed for her family, made school clothes, prom dresses and wedding dresses for the girls; volunteered at the 10,000 Villages store, Trails and Rails Museum and the Red Cross; was active in the Kearney Area Retired Teachers Association, Town and Country Extension Club, First Lutheran’s Mary Circle, Ladies Auxiliary of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Ladies Auxiliary of the Kearney Area Barbershoppers, and Kiwanis; enjoyed baking, growing fresh flowers; appreciated the Sunday radio broadcasts from First Lutheran Church
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Henry, Wayne, Dallas, Gary, Don and Keith Hyde; and sisters, Mildred Hyde and Blanche Bohy
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or the Loup County Museum
Kearney Hub, 3 April, 2014