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BELSCHNER, James H. “Jim”, 87, of Amherst died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, at his home near Amherst
Services: Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Mortuary: Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: June 18, 1927, at home in Amherst
Parents: Floy (Swift) and Howard E. Belschner
Lost his hearing from a fever when young; attended school in Omaha from age 9-11, lived with two aunts, learned to read lips to compensate for his hearing loss
Returned home and resumed his education in Amherst; participated in basketball, track and football; graduated from Amherst high school in 1945; earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from Nebraska State Teachers College in May 1949
Married: June 1949 to Marilyn Fuller
After marriage, became owner-operator of the Belschner family’s business in Amherst, continued in that role for 53 years, then sold the business to his grandson; became an employee and remained so until his death; the business began as a gneral merchandise enterprise, and evolved with the needs of the communty, eventually specialized in meat processing
Activities: was very devoted to his community and family; enjoyed announcing for Amherst High football games, was a fan of the Huskers and the Yankees; was committed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Amherst Public Schools, Amherst Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Lions Club services and other community activities
Was preceded in death by his parents, Howard E. and Floy (Swift) Belschner; grandparents, Blighe and Effie (DeLaBarre) Swift and Karl Frederick Sr. and Meta (Ruppert) Belschner; 12 aunts; 11 uncles; and 10 first cousins
Survivors include: daughter, Vicki Papineau, husband Rick of Estes, Colo., and their son, Pepper and wife Elizabeth of York; daughter, Shawn Cogdill, husband Rex of Chadron and their children, Casey and wife Renae Mitchell of Amherst, Lea and husband Bobby Griese of Chadron and Samantha Weyers of Lincoln; eight great-grandchildren, Lainy, Libby and Londyn Mitchell of Amherst, Rowen, Jove and Reid Griese of Chadron and Harper and Lucy Weyers of Lincoln; and sister, Nancy Peterson and husband Rod of Shorewood Minn., their children, Jim’s five nieces and nephews, Sara Whicher, Megan Hill, Rod Peterson II, Katie Peterson and Thomas Peterson and their spouses and families; also five remaining first cousins and his former wife, Marilyn, of Chadron
Honorary pallbearers: Scott Gillespie and Steve Harmoney
Memorials: Amherst Alumni Association, the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department or Trinity Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 13 November, 2014
CATLIN, Alfred L., 82, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, at Tabitha Health Care in Lincoln
Services: Thursday at Countryside Christian Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Nov. 3, 1932, at home on a farm north of Gibbon
Parents: Alfred Clinton and Beulah Mae Catlin
Attended country school at District 53 and District 97, and Kearney High School; graduated from Gibbon High School in 1950
Military: U.S. Air Force for 4 years; served in England; serviced radar systems for fighter planes
Married: On June 27, 1959, he married Monica Taubenheim; she died 1992
Worked at Bear Brand Hosiery as a knitter for five years until it closed; worked part time for the postal service in Kearney as a city carrier; delivered mail for 14 years, then became supervisor of mail and deliveries and served six years; moved to Minden, served as postmaster for 12 years; retired in 1992 with a total of 37 years of public service
Married: Sept. 28, 1992, to Jill Molzahn; moved to Adams, served on the town council for six years; moved to El Charman Lake at Gibbon; later moved to Kearney where he built his home
Activities: enjoyed fishing, hunting, trap shooting, cribbage and bridge; also enjoyed flea markets and woodcarving, and selling antique tools and collectibles; was a member of First Christian Church, served as a diaconate; later joined Countryside Christian Church
Survivors include his wife, Jill Catlin of Lincoln; daughters, Catherine Catlin and Elaine Chapman and her husband, Frosty, of Lincoln; son, Brian Catlin and his wife, Christine, of Lincoln; stepchildren, Mark Molzahn and his wife, Vickie, of Craig, Colo., Allysyn Paap and her husband, John, of Dunbar and Johnathan Molzahn of Fremont; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Randy Catlin and his wife, Sue, of Beaver Crossing; sister, Carolyn Anson of Greensboro, N.C.; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Monica Catlin; and brothers, Robert, Larry and Warren Catlin
Memorials: the church
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2014
CURTIS, Lavern, 75, of Ravenna died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 10, 1939, in Ogallala
Parents: Harry and Mae (Smedra) Curtis
Was educated in rural grade schools in Sherman County and attended Ashton High School; graduated from Loup City High School in 1957
Worked for Nebraska Bag Co. in Omaha for 12 years and for Briggs Transportation in Omaha
Military: U.S. Army Reserve
Worked part time at the Dew Drop Inn in Ravenna for several years
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, past member of the South Omaha Eagles; enjoyed playing cards, shooting pool and bowling; was an avid sports fan
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Donna Curtis of Ravenna; and sisters and brother-in-law, Joan Summers of Austin, Texas, and Kathleen and Thomas Sobetski of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 4 November, 2014
DWIGGINS, Catherine M. “Kae”, 87, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, at her home
Celebration of life reception, Dec. 4 at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born June 11, 1927, in Ulysses
Parents: Carl and E. Luetta (Gubser) Diers
Graduated from Ulysses High School in 1944, obtained her teaching certificate University of Nebraska-Lincoln; later graduated from Kearney State College
Married Nov. 23, 1947, tod Daniel Dwiggins in Ulysses
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Gibbon; taught kindergarten in Gibbon for 34 years, retired in 1987; lived at Johnson Lake for 10 years , has lived in Kearney since 2000
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, charter member of chapter HR of PEO in Gibbon, Eastern Star, Gamma Phi Beta and the DAR
Survivors include her husband, Daniel Dwiggins of Kearney; son, David Dwiggins and wife Janet of Gibbon; grandchildren, Michael Dwiggins of Portland, Ore., Olivia Dwiggins of Southern Pines, N.C., Sonie Munson and husband Jay of Leavenworth, Kan., and Travis Foster of Kearney; great-grandson, Bastien Lucas Munson; and brother, Robert Diers and wife Georgia of Phoenix
Was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Deborah Foster; grandson, Nicholas Foster; and brothers, Donald and Henry Diers
Memorials: Cottey College or to AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 21 November, 2014
ECKHOUT, Michael “Mike” Thomas, 18, of Lincoln died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, in Lincoln
Celebration of life services: Sunday at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home in Lincoln
Born: March 12, 1996, in Lincoln
Attended Bryan Community High School, enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles and enjoyed outdoor sports
Survivors: father Kevin Eckhout; mother, Teresa Wanser; brothers, Alan and Nick Eckhout; and sister, Jenny Eckhout, all of Lincoln; grandparents, Tom and Mona Wanser of Lincoln and Jerome and Jeanette Eckhout of Pleasanton; nephew, Braxton Brammeier-Eckhout; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends
Memorials: Madonna Foundation Traumatic Brain Injury Fund
Kearney Hub, 21 November, 2014
FAGNANT, Pam (Deist), 53, of Owasso, formerly of Rawlins, Wyo., died of cancer Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at her home
A celebration of life: Thursday at the Jeffrey Center in Rawlins
Mortuary: Carbon County Funeral Home in Rawlins
Born Aug. 30, 1961, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Alfred and Laura (Altmaier) Deist
Married: Sept. 10, 1983, to David Fagnant in Rawlins
Survivors include her husband; son, Karl; daughter, Jackie; parents, Al and Laura Deist; brothers, Jeff Deist and Eric Deist; and sisters, Jodie Fairhurst and Sara Deist
Kearney Hub, 7 November, 2014
FISH, Ruby Emma, 94, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Dec. 25, 1919, in Elm Creek
Parents: Robert Arnold and Ethel (Gillming) Reeves
Graduated from Elm Creek High School
Married: Jan. 7, 1944, to Robert Fish in Kearney
Graduated from Kearney State College, then taught in rural Elm Creek; over the years, worked at West Co., Baldwin Filters, Kaufmann-Wernert, Telstar and Statewide Home Improvements
Activities: charter member of the Eagles Auxiliary in 1952, served as an officer for many years; active in the Eagles Roustabout Camping group and Faith United Methodist Church; enjoyed playing cards with her friends at Homestead Assisted Living
Survivors include her son, Richard Fish and his wife, Claire, of Kearney; grandson, Brandon Fish of Kearney; sister-in-law, Betty Reeves of Omaha; nephews, Randy and Ryan Reeves; as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Judy Quiles; and two brothers
Memorials: Wounded Warrior Project Kearney Hub, 4 November, 2014
GRISS, Logan A., 25, of Litchfield, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, as the result of an automobile accident near Hazard
Services: Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 7, 1989, in Kearney
Parents: Jim and Sylvia (Sifuentes) Griss
Attended school in Overton, graduated from high school in 2007; played baseball for the Overton Bandits; attended college in York
Moved to Kearney, worked at The Buckle and Cash-Wa Distributing; began working in Ansley for Trotter Grain and Fertilizer, 2013; moved to Litchfield in October 2014
Activities: was an avid baseball fan and an Oklahoma Sooners football fan, and enjoyed watching scary movies and listening to music
Survivors include: father, Jim Griss and Lori Ryan of Kearney; sister, Renee Kearney and her husband, Thomas, of Elm Creek; brother, David Griss of Elm Creek; nieces, Taylin, Aiden and McKenna Kearney and Adelynn Griss; grandmother, Lupe Garcia of Kearney; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; extended family, Nichole Brooks, Christina and Marc Rabe, Erik Brooks, Andrew Rome and Tanner and Creighton Ryan; and special friend, Chelsi Robinson
Was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia; paternal grandparents; maternal grandpa; and uncles, David Sifuentes and Mike Evan
Memorials: Overton Community Center
Kearney Hub, 25 November, 2014
GRUNTORAD, Marilyn, 85, of Elm Creek died Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
No services
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born July 21, 1929, in Holdrege
Parents: Oscar and Goldie Carlson
Married: April 12, 1950, to Nicholas W. Gruntorad in Elm Creek. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Steven of Elm Creek and Mark of Oakwood, Okla.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 6 November, 2014
GRUNTORAD, Mark Alan, 58, of Oakwood, Okla., died Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, in Alma, Nebraska
A celebration of life service: Saturday at Oakwood Auditorium
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: Bauer-Torrey and Mach Funeral Home in Alma
Born Dec. 11, 1955, in Kearney
Parents: Nicholas and Marilyn (Carlson) Gruntorad
Married: 1978, to Cheryl Foster in York
Married: Sept. 20, 2008, to Tina Carpenter
Survivors include his wife; son, Scott of Austin, Texas; daughters, Nicole Wagner of Omaha and Chelsea Rector of Sheldon, Iowa; brother, Steve Gruntorad of Elm Creek; two grandchildren; stepchildren, Derrick Mignard of Dora, N.M., Justin Mignard of Portales, N.M., and Jonathan Mignard of Oakwood; and nine stepgrandchildren
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2014
HAEBERLE, John G., 78, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Saturday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Inurnment: church columbarium; Masonic rites
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born May 12, 1936, in Omaha
Was adopted at 3 months by loving parents Harold and Ruth (Kennedy) Haeberle
Grew up in Kearney; graduated from high school at Shattuck Military School in Faribault, Minn.; graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Pharmacy College
Married: June 16, 1957, to Mary Martha Kuncl in Beemer
After marriage, lived in Kearney; owned and operated the Neighborly Haeberle Drug Store, Grand Central Pharmacy and Apple Market Pharmacy
Activities: member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; was active in many organizations, including being a 50-year member and PER of Kearney Elks Lodge 984, a member of Fort Kearney Shrine and was active in the Razz Tazz parade unit, being a 50-year member of Rob Morris Masonic Lodge 46 in Kearney, a 50-year member of the Nebraska Pharmacy Association and serving it as president and the National Community Pharmacists Association, Kearney Cosmos, past Job’s Daughters associate guardian and Senior College; volunteered at the Classic Car Collection, Good Samaritan Hospital and Kearney Community Theatre
Survivors include: wife of Kearney; son and daughter-in-law, John and Yvette Haeberle of Laramie, Wyo.; daughters, Susan of Denver and Martha Lawton of Omaha; and grandsons, Alex and Joe Haeberle and Bobby, Luke and Jay Lawton
Was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Earl and Margaret Kuncl; son-in-law, Bob Lawton; sister, Nancy York; and niece, Lori York
Memorials: Kearney Community Theatre, Shriners Children’s Hospital transportation fund or to the church
Kearney Hub, 21 November, 2014
HANDY, Ann E., 61, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Private burial later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 11, 1952, in Grafton, N.D.
Parents: William and Evelyn (Witasek) Machart
Graduated from Lankin (N.D.) High School in 1970; earned her nursing degree from Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, N.D.; moved to Kearney, 1984, worked at Mount Carmel Nursing Home
Activities: loved to follow and attend her grandson sporting events and activities; enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, camping and being outdoors; member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Survivors include: daughter, Dawn Handy of Kearney; grandson, Caleb Handy of Kearney; sister, Rosey Gudmundson and her husband, Lee, of Kearney; brothers, James Machart and his wife, Maria, of Citrus Heights, Calif., and Michael Machart of Kearney; and nieces and nephew, Wendy Starzec and her husband, Jeremy, and Amy Johnson and her husband, Jerred, all of Kearney, Erin Haussermann and her husband, Jon, of Centennial, Colo., Joseph Machart of Citrus Heights and Krisitanne Bailey and her husband, Brett, of Los Angeles
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 8 November, 2014
HERVERT, Robert H., 79, of Ravenna died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, at his home near Ravenna
Memorial services: later
Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Born Nov. 28, 1934, in Buffalo County
Parents: Frank J. and LaFern (Hendrickson) Hervert
Attended Antelope Valley School, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1952
Military: U.S. Army, 1954-1956, was stationed mainly in France
Married: Jan. 23, 1955 to Nancy Zimpfer
After military service, farmed southeast of Ravenna; was in a truck accident, 1974, and lost his sight; with the help of family, remained active in farming until later when his two sons took over
Activities: enjoyed raising cattle, hunting and fishing; enjoyed gambling trips to Nevada; loved his family dearly and so enjoyed all of his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Ravenna; daughters, Kris Behrendt of Kearney, Linda Pfortmiller of Pacifica, Calif., and Carol Hahn and her husband, Toby, of Hampton; sons, Doug Hervert and David Hervert and his wife, Carrie, all of Ravenna; grandchildren, Kellie Behrendt, Brian Behrendt and wife Denise, Britni Wieck and husband Phil, Brandi Axmann, Emily Hervert, Austin Pfortmiller, Paige Hahn, Lainey Hervert and Aubree Hervert; great-grandson, Brayden Behrendt; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marvel and Ed Buettner of Hay Springs and Adarene and Lawrence Miigerl of Ravenna; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Macel Hoppe; infant daughter, Sherl Lynn Hervert; and niece, Monica Miigerl
Kearney Hub, 18 November, 2014
HLADKY, Joe, 96, of Ravenna died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Services: Monday at Litchfield Christian Church
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Sept. 7, 1918, in Olivia, Minn.
Parents: Frank and Josephine (Stejkal) Hladky
Was educated in Oconto, graduated from Oconto High School; then farmed with his brother, Frank
Military: U.S. Army in 1942; entered the European Theater with the 2nd Division, served from June 7, 1944, until late 1945
Married: Dec. 19, 1942 to Alice June Dunn Broken Bow
Farmed near Oconto for five years, then moved to a farm near Litchfield in spring 1951; moved to Litchfield in 1960, worked as a rural mail carrier for more than 20 years
Activities: member of Litchfield Christian Church and the American Legion
Survivors include his sons and daughter-in-law, Victor and Betty Hladky of Lincoln and Bob Hladky of Kearney; daughter, Judy Jones of Mason City; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sister-in-law, Wilda McCaslin; brother-in-law and his wife, Floyd and Barbara Dunn; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife, June; two brothers, Victor and Frank; and three sisters, Dorothy, Violet and Rose
Memorials: the Litchfield Fire Department and emergency medical technicians
Kearney Hub, 1 November, 2014
HOOD, Zellamae Compton Hoffman, 92, of Sun City West, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, near Sun City West
Memorial services: Nov 13, Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Sun City West
Cremains: interred in the church’s columbarium
Born April 22, 1922, near Larned, Kan.
Parents: Mattie and Wiley B. Compton
Attended country school for eight years, graduated from Larned High School; earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State in Kansas and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado
Married: June 7, 1944, married Harry H. Hoffman; he died Dec. 24, 2000
Married: Feb. 20, 2004, to Russ Hood; lived in Sun City West; he died May 18, 2014
After first marriage, lived in North Carolina, Kansas and Wyoming, then settled in Kearney; worked in education; her husband eventually became a vice president at what was then Kearney State College; retired to Arizona in 1987
Activities: member of Chapter EG, P.E.O. for 65 years, as well as of the American Association of University Women and the United Methodist Church; enjoyed traveling and took hundreds of college students on study-abroad trips to Europe; visited all but a few of the United States and six of the seven continents
Survivors include: her sister and her husband, Gene and Bill Mount of Sun City West; her daughters and their husbands, Jan and Dean Swingle of Peoria, Ariz., Celia and Chuck Seastone of Loveland, Colo., and Sara Hoffman and Randy Myers of Fort Collins, Colo.; her grandchildren, Jeff Seastone and his wife, Sara, Shayne Swingle and his wife, Ellie, Lindsay Swingle, Kelsey Myers and Morgan Myers; and her two great-grandchildren, Ava Seastone and Varah Swingle
Was preceded in death by a brother, Stan Compton; a sister, Eleanor Kale; and a grandson, Erik Hoffman Myers
Memorials: University of Nebraska Foundation for the Harry H. Hoffman Endowed Scholarship Fund
Kearney Hub, 13 November, 2014
JACOBS, Corban Taylor, infant son of Jason and Melissa Jacobs of Kearney, was born at rest Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: private
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Survivors include his parents; brothers, Christian, Malachi and Benjamin; and grandparents, Alan and Carol Sanger, Cindy Jacobs and Dale Jacobs, all of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2014
JOHNSON, Barbara P., 90, of Greeley, Colorado, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at Hospice of Northern Colorado inpatient unit in Greeley
Services: Thursday at Bethel Baptist Church in Greeley
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens in Greeley
Mortuary: Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley
Born on March 8, 1924, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Harry C. and Lucille (Norton) Overhiser
Graduated in 1942
Eloped: 1942 with Albert Johnson in Phillipsburg, Kan.
Moved to Colorado, 1955; was a homemaker; began working for Kmart, 1969, continued there for 15 years; retired, and spent many years caring for her grandchildren
Activities: enjoyed sewing; camping; traveling to Germany, Israel, London, Greece, Hawaii, New York and many other destinations; playing cards; puzzles; baking; and spending time with her family
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Lonnie and Janet Johnson of St. George, Utah, Mari and Jack Van Den Elzen, Dannie Chris and Shawn Johnson and Lori and Randy Bucklen, all of Greeley; grandchildren, Donnie Johnson, Dane and Sandi Johnson, Danell and Kipp Myers, Dawn Van Den Elzen, Scott and Alyssa Van Den Elzen, Heather Johnson and Dave Sudekum, Chris Johnson and Ashley Kendrick, Dustin and Praewpailin Johnson, Lindsey Johnson, Dane Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Ashlie and Daniel Clark and Darren and Stephanie Bucklen; great-grandchildren, Danny, Brandy and Aaron, Chase, Chelsea, Brittney and Jade, Brett and Jamie-Ann, Jaquell, Kialee, Preston, Hannah, Beccy, Tyler, Josh, Shawn, Matthew, Emily, Jessamyn, Gabriel, Peace, Ryland, Jack, Evelyn, Talitha and Brynlee; great-great-grandchildren, Burklee, Michael and Emmett; and many cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Chris Johnson Jr.; son, Roger Lawrence Johnson; grandchild, Deenie Bump; sisters, Maxine Whitaker and Nadine Hilmer; and brother, Harry Dee Overhiser
Kearney Hub, 18 November, 2014
KOLAR, Betty Marie Wright, 89, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at Living Faith Fellowship Church in Kearney
Burial: in Wolbach. Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Oct. 20, 1925, in Elm Creek
Parents: Jesse M. and Grace (Rumbeck) Wright
Married: Feb. 18, 1951 to Roy Kolar in Elm Creek; had made her own wedding dress
Grew up on the family farm during the Depression; attended a country school; graduated from Elm Creek High School; because of her mother's illness, she did most of the family’s cooking by the time she was 8 years old
Worked for seven years in Kearney with the State Employment Office as a stenographer, where she worked for the next seven years
After marriage, lived in Cushing; moved to Roy's hometown of Wolbach in 1960; was known around town for her baking and cooking skills; was also an expert seamstress, even sewing her son’s suits
Activities: was active in the Wolbach United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school, baking casseroles and pies, planning funeral dinners and doing all the tasks needed to keep a small community church going; enjoyed attending her sons' football and basketball games
After husband's death in 1979. remained in Wolbach another 10 years, working for the Tri County Parish in St. Paul and the Wolbach School District, then moved to Kearney to be closer to her brothers and the amenities of a larger town; became active in First Christian Church, played in bridge groups and made many good friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Deane Wright; and sisters-in-law, Eddis Wright and Shirley Kolar
Survivors include sons, Barry Kolar and his wife, Sheri, of Nashville and Dennis Kolar and his wife, Crystal, of Greensboro, N.C.; her brothers, Dale Wright and Kenny Wright and sisters-in-law, Ilia Wright and Jo Wright, all of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Glen Kolar and Earl Kolar and his wife Imogene; sister-in-law, Helen Kolar; and numerous nieces and nephews
Memorials: Wolbach United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 3 November, 2014
MAJER, Fern E., 88, of Ravenna died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Services: Monday at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 19, 1926, in Lowell
Parents: Henry and Bertha (Patterson) Schlattmann
Was educated in Pleasanton, graduated from Pleasanton High School
Married: Sept. 5, 1946 to John “Jack” Majer
After marriage, lilved in Ravenna; worked for Dr. Bauman in Ravenna and later worked for Guzinski Implement in Ravenna
Activities: member of the Congregational Church and Ladies Auxiliary
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Connie Majer of North Platte; two granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Phil Burch of Atlanta; brother and sister-in-law, Henry “Dode” and Norma Schlattmann of Kearney; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Paul Moritz of Omaha; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Jackie; and 10 brothers and sisters
Memorials: to the church or AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 21 November, 2014
MERCER, Richard W. “Dick”, 87, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Wednesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Born Oct. 27, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Elmer and Ruth (Swanson) Mercer
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1945, then delivered Debus bread
Military: U.S. Army, 1946-1947
Married: to Eileen Crawford on Nov. 7, 1948; she died on April 1, 2003, from ALS
After marriage, Eileen’s father offered to rent them 80 acres he owned southeast of Kearney. Dick had never driven a tractor, planted any crops or milked a cow; received an M Farmall tractor, some chickens and turkeys for wedding presents; drove around and watched what the neighbors did on their farms and then went home and tried to duplicate how to do it on his own; spent the next 55 years farming and feeding cattle
Activities: serving on numerous boards and commissions in the community; served on the Board of Directors of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, president of the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association, the National Cattlemen’s Association and the Nebraska Environmental Trust; served on the Central Platte Natural Resources District Board of Directors for 41 years, the Nebraska Natural Resources Council and the National Resources Commission; received the Aksarben Court of Honor for Agriculture, Farm Bureau Silver Eagle and the Nebraskaland Wagonmaster award, and also received the Kearney Hub Freedom Award; was named to the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement
Married: Alice Kegley on Nov. 27, 2004; moved into Kearney; enjoyed traveling with Alice; enjoyed friends, cards and family; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include: wife, Alice; son, Steve and wife Jackie of Kearney; daughter, Sandy Navarro and husband Bill of Aurora, Colo.; son, Scott and wife Becky of Gibbon; grandchildren, Chad and wife Angie Mercer and Karl and wife Karena Mercer, all of Kearney, and Samantha and Christopher Mercer of Gibbon; great-grandchildren, Carson and Kinley Mercer and Allyson and Trent Mercer, all of Kearney; stepchildren, Debbie Bell and husband Fred of Seneca, S.C., Brian Kegley and wife Brenda of Omaha; stepgrandchildren, B.J. Navarro of Denver, Brad and wife Erin Navarro of Norman, Okla., Randy Navarro of Denver, Raquel LaMay of Baltimore, Stephanie Trumpower and fiancé Darrin Buck of Hughesville, Md., Ashley and husband Brian Matheny of Ashburn, Va., Tracy Bell of Fairfax, Va., and Kylie and husband Daniel Negrete of Omaha; 12 stepgreat-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Stella Mercer of Montgomery, Ala.; and a number of nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; his parents; sister, Rosalie Sheen; brother, Jerry Mercer; and two infant brothers
Memorials: National Kidney Foundation, ALS Association or Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 25 November, 2014
MEYER, Everett Lavern, 93, of Ravenna died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln
Services: Apfel Funeral Home in Cairo
Burial: Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cairo
Born March 29, 1921, at St. Michael
Parents: Henry and Dora (Putscher) Meyer
Attended County School District 52 in Buffalo County
Military:U.S. Army, Sept. 2, 1942 - Feb. 26, 1946; entered at Fort Crook, was honorably discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Married: Sept. 17, 1946 to Dorothy Urbanek in Ravenna
After marriage, farmed near Ravenna and raised cattle and sheep his entire married life
Activities: enjoyed playing baseball, hunting and fishing, and, above all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren
Survivors include: wife, Dorothy of Ravenna; sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Barb Meyer of Riverdale and Wayne and Diane Meyer of Cairo; grandchildren, Wendy Meyer Jerke of Cairo, Sherry Meyer of Houston, Jeff Meyer of Riverdale and Angie and Willy Foster of Callaway; great-granddaughter, Bailey Mach of Gothenburg; great-grandson, PFC Josh Peterson of Korea; three stepgreat-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandson; and brother, Alvin Meyer of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Ray Johnson; brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Gertrude Meyer; and sister-in-law, Gerry Meyer
Memorials: Grand Island Chapter of the American Red Cross or Senior Center of Cairo
Kearney Hub, 13 November, 2014
MILLER, Dorothy A. "Dolly", 93, of Kearney, formerly of the Gibbon and Shelton area, died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Chapel in Gibbon
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Born Aug. 7, 1921, on a farm in rural Shelton
Attended school in Gibbon
Married: April 13, 1940 to Forrest E. Miller in Kearney
After marriage, lived on farms in the Gibbon and Wood River area where they farmed; retired and moved to Gibbon in 1977
Activities: member of Shelton United Methodist Church; was active at the Gibbon Senior Center as a volunteer; enjoyed her flowers, gardening and dancing; was a great cook and loved to play the piano
Survivors include her sons and their spouses, Gary and Pat of Burlington, Ky., Dale and Pat of New Mexico, Tren and Linda of Ravenna and Marvin and Teresa of Kearney. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1994; son, Dennis; four brothers; and one sister
Memorials: Mount Carmel Home
Kearney Hub, 5 November, 2014
MILLER, Jean, 69, of Colorado Springs, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died of lung cancer Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Pike’s Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs
Celebration of life and burial of cremains: Friday at Kearney Cemetery
Born Jan. 9, 1945, in Kearney to Arlene Schultz
Survivors include her daughter, Dawn Davidson Cooper of Colorado Springs; and sisters, Jan Jamrog and Tammie Kirkwood, both of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 8 November, 2014
PETERSON, Thomas Lee, 46, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery in Scotia Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 18 November, 2014
ROBINSON, Kenneth O., 80, of Kearney, formerly of the Overton area, died Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial services: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born July 27, 1934, in Miller
Parents: Orlin and Ethel (Clark) Robinson
Graduated from Overton High School in 1952
Married: Dec. 7, 1952, to Sharlene Biehl at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington
Farmed south of Elm Creek for most of his life
Activities: served on the District 48 and R3 School Boards for many years; coached baseball and basketball for many years, was active in bowling, softball and demolition derby; was inducted in the Nebraska Demolition Derby Hall of Fame in 2011; enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona
Survivors include his wife of almost 62 years, Sharlene of Kearney; daughter, Jenny Meier and her husband, Mike, of Elm Creek; sons, Mike Robinson and his wife, Peg, and Bill Robinson and his wife, Dallas, all of Kearney, and Brent Robinson and his wife, Dina, and Sam Robinson and his wife, Holly, all of Elm Creek; 19 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Larry and Dean Biehl; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Naomi Schroeder and Orva Schroeder
Memorials: Overton/Elm Creek Legion Baseball or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 3 November, 2014
SCHADE, Angela K., 28, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, in Gibbon
Memorial services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Dec. 13, 1985, in Holdrege
Parents: Ronald and Cindi (Wyman) Schade
Grew up in Kearney, received her education at Kearney High School
Lived in Kearney, worked at Subway
Activities: loved spending time with her son; enjoyed listening to music, drawing and watching NASCAR
Survivors include: son, Braiden Schade of Kearney; parents, Ron Schade of Hastings and Cindi Berg of Lincoln; brothers, Jason Schade and Matthew Berg, both of Lincoln; sisters, Ronni Schade of Grand Island and Misti Berg of Lincoln; grandparents, Jean and Larry Schade of Kearney and Karen Rood of North Platte; and many aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by her grandfather, Bob Wyman
Kearney Hub, 7 November, 2014
SCHULLER, Lura Mae, 89, of Ravenna died Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Memorial services: Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born May 13, 1925, in Primghar, Iowa
Parents: Jess and Lura Ellen (Albers) Fellows
Grew up with 10 brothers and sisters in the Amherst, Pleasanton and Ravenna areas
Married: Feb. 7, 1944, to Harry Schuller, in Eddyville; he died in 1988
After marriage, lived on a farm south of Ravenna; had five children; enjoyed caring for her family and the farm animals
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna, taught religious education classes for many years; loved her family; enjoyed traveling with friends to bingo, casinos and yard sales; especially enjoyed traveling to Idaho and Oregon to visit her siblings at family reunions
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Shirley Schuller of Ravenna, Jon Schuller of Gilbert, Ariz., and Cory and Jodie Schuller of Imperial; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Doug Frew of Kearney and Molly and Don Pandorf of Callaway; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Vivian Pierce of Ontario, Ore., Barbara Whaley of Payette, Idaho, Irene Thomas of Filer, Idaho, and Lois Loveland of Wellton, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Beatrice Fellows (died as an infant) and Nellie Montgomery; and brothers, Earl, Virgil, Harold and Eugene Fellows
Kearney Hub, 5 November, 2014
SHADE, Kathleen A., 81, of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, in Fort Collins
Memorial services: Saturday, First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Born: July 26, 1933 in Clark, S.D.
Parents: Glenn and Anna Donahue
Was preceded in her death by her parents and her three sisters, Dorothy Dillingham of Memphis, Tenn., Nadine Lantz of Indianapolis and Ruth Burkett of Richmond, Ind.
Survivors: brother, Robert of Salt Lake City; Philip, her husband of 55 years; her five children, Susan Ehrlich of Denver, Dennis of Louisville, Ky., Cindy Campbell of Missoula, Mont., Patrick of Memphis and Christopher of Hastings, Neb.; and 14 grandchildren
Graduated in 1955 from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., with a degree in musical education; then a vocal music teaching position at Ashland Junior High in Denver
Married: Aug. 8, 1959; after marriage, lived in Lexington, Mo.,; taught at a new school for handicapped and trainable children in Independence, Mo. until her first child was born the following spring
Lived in Kansas, Indiana, and Fort Collins, Colorado; was a stay-at-home mom and taught piano lessons to hundreds of children in the next 40 years; moved to Kearney, 1983, and husband took a position at Kearney State College; retired to Fort Collins in 2000
Activities: sang in church choirs, was active in the Larimer County Women’s Chorale in Fort Collins; helped create a “Shepherd’s” program in the mid-1990s for First Presbyterian Church; enjoyed knitting, made many afghans as gifts for others; instilled the love of music in her children and grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 November, 2014
SHIERS, Lonnie W., 67, of Gibbon died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride &amkp; Kuhl in Kearney
Born on April 25, 1947, in Broken Bow
Parents: Clifford W. and Lois A. (Johansen) Shiers
Attended Gibbon High School, graduated with the class of 1965
Married to Kindra Mead on Dec. 18, 1989, in Minden
Was a lifelong farmer; enjoyed outdoor activities, including hunting, trapshooting, fishing and snowmobiling; collected guns, enjoyed woodworking, gardening and raising pheasants; attended auctions and collected antiques and old toy farm equipment; especially enjoyed his family
Survivors include: his wife, Kindra Shiers of Gibbon; mother, Lois Shiers of Kearney; children and spouses, Hydie Shiers of Kearney, Matt Shiers and his wife, Bobbie, of Gibbon, Heather Shiers of Scottsdale, Ariz., Tyler Shiers of Gibbon and Westley Shiers and his wife, Audrey, of Kearney; sisters, Dianna Frew of Gibbon, Karen Shiers of Kearney and Pam Rasmussen and her husband, Steve, of Gibbon; brothers, Bill Shiers and his wife, Lynn, and David Shiers and his wife, Carol, all of Gibbon; grandchildren, Brady, Jacobi, Gage, McKenna, Alexis and Harlo; parents-in-law, Marlene Mead of Gibbon and Lloyd Mead of Kearney; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Kalvin and Marilyn Mead of Shelton and Kenny and Diane Mead of Holdrege; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Eugene Shiers
Kearney Hub, 22 November, 2014
SIGLER, Ruth E., 80, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Graveside service: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride &amkp; Kuhl
Born: February 11, 1934 in Gibbon
Parents: George and Mabel (Jackson) Riley
Graduated from Gibbon High School in 1951
Worked at Coleman-Powermate in Kearney for over ten years
Activities: member of the First Baptist Church in Gibbon; enjoyed oil painting and was a dog lover all her life
Survivors include: daughter Victoria Harper and her husband Dan of Kearney, son Darin Sigler of Cozad, granddaughters Bailey and Riley Sigler of Cozad, and sister-in-law Marion Riley of Center, TX.
Was preceded in death by two brothers Harlan and Kenneth Riley
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 22 November, 2014
SWANSON, Christine L. “Kristi”, 63, of Cheyenne, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at Cheyenne Regional Hospital
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: March 19, 1951, in Kearney to Carl and Evelyn (Dittmann) Swanson
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1969; earned her bachelor of science in business from Nebraska Wesleyan and graduated in 1979, was a member of Kappa Delta sorority
Moved to Cheyenne, worked at Taco John’s as an accountant for 26 years
Survivors: brother, Roger Swanson and his wife, Meg, of Albuquerque, N.M.; nephews, Randy Swanson of Regina, Saskatchewan, Chad Swanson of Harlan, Iowa, Barry Swanson of Lincoln and Cale Swanson of Albuquerque; and aunt, Winona Ketelhut of Lincoln, Neb.
Was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Roland “Rolly” Swanson
Memorials: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Kearney Hub, 26 November, 2014
WATSON, Samuel Joe, 38, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at Hospice House in Omaha
Services: Friday at the Federated Church in Sutton
Burial: Kearney Cemetery Mortuary: Sutton Memorial Chapel
Born: July 27, 1976, in Kearney
Received his education in Kearney and Grand Island; worked for Millard Electronics until his illness
Survivors include: daughter Elizabeth; mother and stepfather, Mike and Carol Finley of Sutton; brother, Vince Watson and his wife, Samantha, of York; sisters, Jessica Watson of Lincoln and Jordane Finley of Sutton; grandmothers, Pat Journey of Kearney and Marjorie Finley of Sutton; aunts and uncles, Karen and Dave Job, Linda and Alan Cranford and Deb, Terry and Shala Journey; cousins, Josh, Matt;, Lacy, Cory, Jered, Jeremy and Summer; and nephews, Dakotah, Jacob and Nathan
Was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lester Journey and Charles Finley; his great-grandparents; and cousin, Darin Crumm
Kearney Hub, 20 November, 2014
WEISS, Rosalee Jolene (Sullwold) Weiss, 62, of Grand Island, Neb., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, as a result of a plane crash in Paulding County, Ohio. Her husband, Wayne Allen Weiss, 65, was also killed in the crash
Memorial services: Monday at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island
Inurnment: Grand Island Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born Feb. 7, 1952, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Phillip and Irene (Witmer) Sullwold
Grew up in Elm Creek, Neb., received her education at Elm Creek Public Schools
Married: Jan. 30, 1971, in Elm Creek, to Wayne A. Weiss
After marriage, resided in numerous communities while Wayne was serving in the U.S. Air Force; lived in Enid, Okla., Panama City, Fla., Colorado Springs, Colo., and Concordia, Kan.; moved to Grand Island in 1978; husband was involved in the banking industry, agricultural services and was a pilot instructor
Activities: members of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island; enjoyed bowling and gardening; especially enjoyed caring for their grandchildren
Survivors include: daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Mark Fonyonga of Papillion, Neb., and Patricia and Bryan Bydalek of Grand Island; and grandchildren, Natalee, Braxton and Rebecca Fonyonga and Spencer and Fletcher Bydalek; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Joyce Sullwold and Karl and Lana Sullwold, all of Kearney, Neb., and Richard and Vicki Sullwold of Elm Creek; and sisters and brother-in-law, Phyllis Broadfoot of Kearney and Nancy and Leland Stone of Elm Creek
Was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Irene Sullwold, and brother-in-law, Ed Broadfoot
Memorials: Civil Air Patrol, Peace Lutheran Church of Grand Island, Crisis Center of Grand Island
Kearney Hub, 13 November, 2014
WILLIAMS, Arlene L., 93, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Saturday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Chapel of Gibbon
Born on Aug. 8, 1921, in Gibbon
Parents: John and Ella (Patterson) Bauer
Attended school and graduated from high school in Gibbon
Married: to Clinton Williams in Gibbon on Jan. 26, 1941
After marriage, lived on a farm south of Gibbon; worked at the Gibbon Turkey plant before retirement
Activities: member of the church, played the organ; member of the Nebraska Cushman Club; pastimes included playing the piano and organ, sewing, selling potato bags, Swedish weaving and cross stitching tablecloths for all of her kids and grandkids
Survivors include: daughters and their spouses, Pat Struss of Grand Island, Lewise and Terry Hopkins of Shelton and Joy and Jack Hughes of Citrus Heights, Calif.; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; and special friend, Margy Trambly of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Neil; one brother, Keith; and son-in-law, Ralph Struss
Memorials: the church or to Gibbon Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 26 November, 2014
WINSLOW, Linda E., 56, of Arlington, Tennessee, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Arlington
Services: Monday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 18, 1958, in Ord, Neb.
Parents: Kenneth and Betty (Burson) Sautter
Grew up and attended school in Lexington; graduated from Lexington High School in 1977
Married: March 26, 1983, to David E. Winslow in Kearney
Worked at Coleman Powermate in Kearney for 30 years; moved to Arlington in 2008, worked as a purchaser for Grace Medical Equipment
Activities: enjoyed cooking and baking
Survivors include: son, Joel of Arlington; sisters, Lois Doty and her husband, Ray, of Somerville, Tenn., and Becky Sautter Wagner and her husband, Ralph, of Fremont, Neb.; and brothers, Gary Sautter and his wife, Shelley, of Peru, Ind., and Alan Sautter and his wife, Donna, of Central City, Neb.
Was preceded in death by her husband in 1998
Memorials: New Life Church
Kearney Hub, 22 November, 2014