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AHRENS, Mary Jo, 71, of Ravenna died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial services: Monday at the Ravenna City Auditorium
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 23, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Elbert “Joe” and Marie “May” (Johnson) Lee
Was a graduate of Shelton High School
Married: Aug. 26, 1962, to Milton Ahrens in Shelton
After marriage, lived a farm south of Ravenna; worked for the U.S. Post Office; loved traveling with family and friends
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Monte and Carolyn Ahrens of Ravenna, Marc and Jennifer Ahrens of Hutchinson, Kan., Mike and Lori Ahrens of Grand Island, Matt and Tammy Ahrens of Doniphan and Heath and Tammi Ahrens of Ravenna; daughters and sons-in-law, Meri Lynn and James Pehrson of Ashland and Heather and Cory Ferralez of Mound Ridge, Kan.; 25 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ray Lee of Shelton
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband
Memorials: to the family for a scholarship fund
Kearney Hub, 7 February, 2015
ANDERSON, Loretta L. “Sue”, 76, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Services: Saturday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Blanche Cemetery in Chase County
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born in Elsie on April 5, 1938
Parents: James Albert “Bert” and Ruby (Kidd) Harris
Grew up on a farm outside Elsie with seven siblings
Married: 1956 to Bryce O. Anderson in Imperial; two children
Moved to Kearney in 1960; worked for the Kearney Daily Hub, a fabric shop and Baldwin Manufacturing until her retirement
Activities: volunteered in the surgical waiting room at Good Samaritan Hospital; member of Faith United Methodist church, was a preschool Sunday school teacher for many years; member of the Kearney Quilters Guild; hand stitched quilts and won many ribbons and awards
Survivors include her daughters, Debra Kay Anderson of San Diego and Ann Marie Anderson-Green of Silver Plume, Colo.; grandsons, Aaron Wicht and Austin Wicht, both of San Diego; granddaughter, Amy Green of Cotati, Calif.; brother, Larry Harris and wife Audrey of Ogallala; and sisters, Sharon Nutt and husband Tom of Holdrege and Freda Nutt and husband Wayne of Dix
Was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband; sister, Helen; and brothers, Jim, Keith and Ervin
Kearney Hub, 11 February, 2015
ASH, Ronald, 52, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial services: Monday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Gibbon
Born: Oct. 6, 1962, in Kearney
Parents: Lewis C. and Phyllis R. (Lyons) Ash
Survivors include his son, Macon Hehner of Kearney; daughter, Quincy of Long Pine; his mother of Gibbon; brothers, Russel and Donald, both of Gibbon; sister, Pamela Warrington of Gibbon; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 7 February, 2015
ATKINSON, James “Ed”, 80, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: June 17, 1934, in Elm Creek
Parents: James M. and Doris (Timmerman) Atkinson
Was raised primarily in the Elm Creek-Overton area with brief times in Kearney, Grand Island and Gothenburg, also at Camp Hood, Texas, now known as Fort Hood, while father was in service; attended school in Elm Creek, Gothenburg and Overton; graduated of Overton High School in 1952
Military: U.S. Air Force in 1952-1959, was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio; taught electronics and worked on a project that led to changing the “Manning Factor” in the Air Force
Married in 1955, had two sons
Married and had a third son
Lived in Colorado, owned Ed’s Little Lot; returned to Kearney in 1979
Married: Nov. 18, 1979, to Christine at First United Methodist Church in Kearney; family merged two daughters and three sons; founded Ed’s Auto Lot; retired in 2003 for health reasons
Survivors include his wife, Christine; sons, Patrick Atkinson and his wife, Sandra, of Wyoming, Mike Atkinson of Kearney and Tim Atkinson and his wife, Jennifer, of Belton, Texas; daughters, Teresa Williams and her husband, Randy, and Angela Helmke and her husband, Steve, all of Parker, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Deb Atkinson of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Linda Warren and her husband, Jon, of Auburn
Was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother
Kearney Hub, 7 February, 2015
BAYNE, Russell R., 83, of Eddyville died Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial services: Tuesday at United Church of Sumner
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born March 12, 1931, in Brunswick
Parents: LeRoy and Pearl (Stearns) Bayne
Lived in numerous communities during childhood; attended Ravenna High School, graduated in 1949
Worked construction for a couple of years with his brother-in-law, Truman Ludlow
Military: entered U.S. Army on April 4, 1952; served during the Korean War in Germany
Returned to Kearney, attended Kearney State College; then attended Denver University, earned his degree in business and finance in 1961
Moved to Kearney, 1966, worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in finance; became chief financial officer and chief operating officer; later was CFO at West Nebraska General Hospital, Scottbluff; also worked at Mercy Medical Center and St. Anthony’s in Denver and Citizens Medical Center in Colby, Kan.
Had enjoyed farm work as a child; in 1995, purchased 160 acres west of Eddyville, enjoyed farming, restoring and working the land with his tractors
Married: April 1955, to Virginia Schaeffer in North Platte
Married: Feb. 26, 1977, to Sue Wright at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Activities: loved his family; insisted on prayers before each meal, prayed for his family and trusted God to see him through
Survivors are his wife, Sue of Eddyville; daughters and their spouses, Penny and Kurt Harmoney and Karen and Ken Vogel, all of Omaha; grandchildren, Thad and Philip Harmoney, Alex and Ben Koeppe and Josh Vogel, all of Omaha; brothers, Glen and wife Dorothy and Harold, all of Broken Bow; brother-in-law, Robert Trembly and special nephew Robert Trembly and his wife, Kathy, of Hershey; also many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceding in death by parents; brothers, Gerald and Kenneth; sisters, Zola Trembly and Pearl Ludlow and her husband, Truman; and sister-in-law, Doris Bayne
Memorials: Sumner Rescue Squad, Korean War Hero Flight, Eddyville Volunteer Fire Department or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2015
BERNHARD, Jane S., 96, of Shelton died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, at her home
Services: Saturday Feb. 7, at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery. Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 12, 1918, in Shelton
Parents: Evan and Bess (Echternacht) Smith
Grew up in Shelton, received her education from Shelton Public Schools, Brownell-Talbot High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: July 15, 1945, to Franklin V. Bernhard in Shelton
Was a homemaker, at her husband’s side while he pursued his naval career and in the subsequent years of raising her family
Activities: member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star past matron, Daughter of the Nile and a former Aksarben countess; attended services at Shelton United Methodist Church
Survivors include her son, Franklin V. Bernhard Jr., retired U.S. Navy commander, and his wife, Kim; daughters, Sandra J. Jensen and her husband, John, and Susan K. Drain; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Helen Smith
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brothers, Jacques and Evan Smith
Memorials: Navy Relief or the Wounded Warrior Project
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2015
BJORNSON, Donna V., 81, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at her home
Memorial services: Feb. 24 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Nov. 23, 1933, in Ogden, Iowa
Parents: Donald and Valentine (Furst) Linn
Grew up in Iowa, graduated from Pilot Mound (Iowa) High School in 1951
Married: Dec. 17, 1951, to Harold Bjornson in Pilot Mound
From 1959 to 2004, lived in California, worked as an office manager; moved to Kearney, 2005, to be closer to family
Activities: past president of the American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed computers, cooking and reading recipe books; her life was centered around her family and friends,enjoyed cooking and helping others
Survivors include: husband, Harold Bjornson of Kearney; daughters, Patricia Hoffman and husband Richard of Elm Creek and Judy Bjornson and Tom Parry of West Winfield, N.Y.; grandchildren, Casey and Erik Hoffman, Ricardo “Shorty” Hoffman and wife Suzanne, and Christopher and Allison Kusel; and great-grandchildren, Aysten Hoffman, Elani, Trenton and Anna Hoffman, Bradley Sexton and Lucas Drake, and several cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Crispin Aguirre; and son, Michael Bjornson
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2015
BREDENKAMP, Phyllis, 84, of Orange County, California, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, in Orange County
Services: Wednesday, Febr. 11, at Forest Lawn in Cypress
Born in 1930 in Hannibal, Mo.
Parents: Richard and Reita Sidwell
Spent her childhood in Kearney, Neb.
Married: Ray Bredenkamp of Lexington, Neb.
After marriage, moved to Long Beach in 1947
Survivors include: son, James Bredenkamp, who is married to Dana; and two grandchildren, Scott, 31, and Jennifer, 28
Memorials: Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2015
DAAKE, Floreine Y., 97, of Kearney, formerly of Sumner, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride &amkp; Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Dec. 15, 1917, in Elm Creek
Parents: Joseph “Bud” and Blanche (Moore) Fitz
Attended school at Elm Creek, graduated with the class of 1935
Married: May 18, 1938, to Harvey Daake in Elm Creek
Cooked at the Amherst and Sumner schools for 17 years, worked for Tub and Carol Hoos for 20 years and retired in 1995
Activities: enjoyed her card clubs, doing crossword puzzles and traveling with her friend, Margaret O’Neill; loved spending time with her family
Survivors include: son, Dennis Daake and wife Catherine of Elm Creek; daughter, Demaris Labs of North Platte; grandchildren, Kim Bullinger and husband Calvin, Krystal Keidel and husband Tim, and Rob Murrish and wife Renee, all of Mandan, N.D., Jeff Murrish and wife Julie, and Julie Murrish, all of North Platte, Lisa Lenhart and husband Matt of Loveland, Colo., Todd Daake and wife Chris of Sumner, Darin Daake of Odessa, Doug Labs and wife Kiley, and Dana Espersen and husband Jarod, all of Amherst, and Darcie Labs of Elm Creek; 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; daughter, Deanna Murrish; son-in-law, Russell Murrish; and grandson, Scott Murrish
Memorials: Elm Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 6 February, 2015
DELLENBACH, Linda Kay (Clark), 66, of Abbyville, Kansas, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, in Abbyville
Services: Feb. 7 at the Abbyville Community Center
Burial: Abbyville Cemetery
Mortuary: Elliott Mortuary in Hutchinson
Born Jan. 13, 1949, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Merle W. and Joy D. (Day) Clark
Married: Aug. 24, 1969, to Keith A. Dellenbach in Miller, Neb.
Graduated from Sumner High School, Nebraska Christian College and Ft. Hays State University with her masters degree; was a family support supervisor with Social Rehabilitation Services of Kansas, working in the Pratt, Greensburg, Hutchinson and Wichita areas, retired in 2012; enjoyed working with her group of family support workers and friends at the Pratt SRS office
Survivors include her husband; children, Charity Lyon of Cherokee, Okla., and Josh of Abbyville; brother, LaMont Clark of Willard, Mo.; sister, Barbara Holliday of Bois D’Arc, Mo.; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2015 and http://www.elliottmortuary.com
DOBBERSTEIN, Jack D., 82, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Oct. 24, 1932, in rural Harlan County
Parents: Albert and Nora K. (Hodge) Dobberstein
Married: Dec. 2, 1956, to Ramona Peterson of Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Ramona; children and their spouses, Linette and Mike Horn, Brenda and Duane Rippe, Jed Dobberstein, and Gina Dobberstein and Rao Vedurumudi; grandchildren, Kaleigh Ferraro and spouse Shawn, Aaron Horn, Dustin Rippe and spouse Karla, Trevor and Chelsea Dobberstein and Sri Teja Vedurumudi; great-grandchildren, Blake Eadie, Andrew and Kara Ferraro and Kayden Rippe; brothers, Wayne and Dale Dobberstein; and numerous in-laws, nephews and nieces
Moved with family to Kearney, attended Kenwood Elementary School; graduated from Kearney High School in 1950
Military: U.S. Air Force, Dec. 24, 1951 - Dec. 10, 1955
Attended Kearney Teachers College, graduated with a bachelor of arts in math and physics in 1959
Taught high school math and physics for three years in Holdrege; then became a partner in the Dobberstein roofing business with his brother, Shorty, in June, 1962; retired in October 1994
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church and service organizations Elks, American Legion, VFW and Eagles; volunteered for the Goodfellows; enjoyed breeding and showing paint horses, hunting and fishing with his brothers, woodworking, searching for American Indian artifacts, feeding the birds, gardening, cooking and spending time with his children and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by parents; mother-in-law, Evelyn Peterson; brothers and sisters, Jim, Glenn, Shorty, Cole, Erma and Irene; and grandchildren, Alicia and Karson Rippe
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2015
ELSE, Helen Frances Palmer, 95, of Gilbert, Arizona, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, in Gilbert
Born: Aug. 9, 1919, on a farm five miles southeast of Franklin, Neb.
Parents: Earl Masters Palmer and Grace Ella Van Camp Palmer
Graduated from Franklin High School in 1936 at age 16; began teaching that fall
Married: Dec. 22, 1938, to Roy Else; he died May 20, 1984
After marriage, lived on a farm near Elm Creek; celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in December 1983. Taught in several rural schools of Nebraska; also taught Sunday school and Bible studies for many years; loved teaching and continued to teach in one way or another throughout her life; after husband's death, managed fthe farm
Was a devout Christian, an adoring wife, loving and dedicated mother, and a kind and generous grandmother; hobbies included china painting, oil painting, genealogy, gardening and reading
Was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Masters Palmer and Grace Ella Van Camp Palmer; sister, Ruth King; and husband, Roy of Elm Creek, Neb.
Survivors include: daughters, Linda Kaps and her husband, Gary, and Joan Kugler and her husband, Loel; five grandchildren, Chrystal DeCeglia, Tatiana Bargen, Tasya Peterson, Michael Kugler and Brian Kugler; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Leila Corkle; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Kearney Hub, 6 February, 2015
EPP, Morris Edward, 77, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Memorial services: Saturday, April 11, First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born May 1, 1937, in Henderson
Parents: Edward H. and Alma (Doell) Epp
Attended school in Henderson
Military: U.S. Army, 1963-1966, was stationed in Germany
Married: 1966 to Bonnie Neufeld
Worked various trades, in Henderson, Sidney and Pleasanton and eventually in Heathrow, Fla.
Activities: enjoyed making new friends, playing cards and outings with his siblings; often broke out in song; enjoyed playing with his grandchildren
Survivors include his children, Jonathan Epp, Myra King and Sarah Steele; grandchildren, Robby McCraken, Sarah Brittany Epp, Katie Myers, Rebecca, Laura, Samuel and Joseph King and Bonnie, Connes, Tobias and Vincent Steele; and his siblings, Paul Epp, Ed C. Epp and Rachel Goosen
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; and sister, Barbara Williams
Kearney Hub, 5 February and April 8, 2015
FREESE, Harold E., 87, of Gretna, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, at SilverRidge Village Care Facility in Gretna
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born March 23, 1927, in Lincoln
Parents: Virgil and Ella (Hennessey) Freese
Grew up in Lincoln, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and played on the Cornhusker football team
Married: June 10, 1950, to N. Jean Sweeney in Lincoln
After marriage, lived in Lincoln, began his business career with the Nebraska Lumberman’s Association; moved to Kearney, 1957, joined Kearney Clinic as its administrator, was instrumental in growing the medical community of Kearney; retired in 1992
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, St. James Council Knights of Columbus 1728, American Legion Post 52; member of Kearney Elks Lodge, served as exalted ruler, 1970-1971; was on the Kearney City Planning Commission for several years, served on the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 1967-1970; was a fellow of the American College of Medical Group Administrators; was inducted into the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame with his 1943-1944 Lincoln High School football team in 2004; enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly enjoying their cabin at Johnson Lake, his faith, Husker football, and other outdoor activities
Survivors include: son, Rick Freese of Ashland and grandchildren Jack and Vanessa; son, Dan Freese and his wife, Jan, of Kearney and grandchildren Dru, Ali and Max; son, Scott E. Freese of Omaha; son, Jon Freese and his wife, Chelli, of Edmond, Okla., and grandchildren Haley and Hunter; and daughter, Kim Farrell and her husband, Curt, of Dakota Dunes, S.D., and grandchildren Katie, Cameron, Lance, Brad and wife Margo and great-grandchildren Arianna, Lucas and Colette, and John and wife Amanda and great-grandchildren Preston, Isla and Natalie
Was preceded in death by his wife on Feb. 16, 2011, and one grandson, Jarrett Freese
Memorials: National Parkinson Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Institute of America
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2015
GRACZYK, Cindy, 54, of Elm Creek died of cancer Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at CHI Good Samaritan Health in Kearney
Services: Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Aug. 3, 1960, in Lincoln
Parents: Lester and Arlene Thomas
Graduated from Palmyra High School in 1979
Married: Jaime Graczyk on April 25, 1981
After marriage, moved to Elm Creek
Worked tirelessly and loyally as a homemaker, mother and bookkeeper and finished her career working for Elm Creek Public Schools
Enjoyed working at the school; was kind and gentle; was devoted to her family
Survivors include: husband, Jaime; son, Joshua Graczyk and wife Kristen and their children, Case and Charley Graczyk, daughter, Stacie Brant and husband Nic and their son, Bear, and parents, Les and Arlene Thomas, all of Elm Creek; siblings, Marty Thomas and wife Barb of Lincoln, Sheri Thomas of Fort Collins, Colo., and Storm Thomas and wife Diane of Lincoln; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends
Was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Sherry Graczyk, and nephew, Benjamin White
Memorials: Elm Creek TeamMates Mentoring Program and the Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 6 February, 2015
HANSEN, Royce, 53, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial services: Thursday at Hope Evangelical Free Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 20, 1961, in Minden
Parents: Ingward and Mary (Frecks) Hansen; was the youngest of four children
Attended school in Minden; proudly earned his GED in 2006
Worked at Crossroads Center in Kearney
Activities: was a loving and mischievous person who loved a good joke; loved to cook and was very good at it
Survivors include: daughter Allie Nitz of Hickman; sister, Joyce Rundle and husband Greg of Mexico, N.Y.; brother, Ron Hansen and wife Barb of Minden; sister-in-law, Dee Hansen of Minden; niece, Dawn Gibbs and companion Richard Preeman of Maple View, N.Y.; nephews, Vincent and wife Becky Harris of Heartwell, Justin and wife Cheryl Hansen of Arlington, Tenn., and Samuel and wife Jessica Hansen of Minden; and many other relatives
Was preceded in death by his parents and one brother
Memorials: Crossroads Center in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2015
HEHNKE, Dal W., 77, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Monday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride ∓ Kuhl
Born Aug. 18, 1937, at home in Sherman County
Parents: John and Dorothy (Winkler) Hehnke
Graduated from Ravenna High School in 1955
Military:U.S. Navy, 1955-1958
Married: Oct. 26, 1957, to Thelma Tatem in Ravenna
After marriage, lived in Lincoln, was a mechanic for International Harvester; moved to Kearney in 1962,worked for International Harvester; later hauled bulls for Duane Nickel and Bernard Laue then was self-employed; also worked at New Holland and Fairbanks International; most recent occupations were driving combines for Keith Stafford and cutting hay for Tim Kelliher
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church and Kearney Elks Lodge 984; enjoyed reading Westerns and playing cards, was an avid Husker fan; especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their activities
Survivors include his wife of Kearney; son, Mike Hehnke of Boone, Iowa; daughter, Jodi Kreikemeier and husband Keith of West Point; grandchildren, Kirstin, Branson and Zane Hehnke, Micah Kreikemeier and wife Alexa, Tatem Edwards and husband Tony, and Isaac Kreikemeier; sister, Sharon Boucher and husband Red of Burwell; one nephew; and two nieces
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Errol and Blaine
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2015
JONES, Evelyn E., 89, of Amherst died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney
Services: Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery northwest of Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 19, 1925, on the family farm northwest of Amherst
Parents: Arnold and Ethel (Wolfe) Siebke
Attended Immanuel Parochial School, graduated from Amherst High School in 1942; attended Kearney State Teachers College
Taught at Redwing Country School, Watertown and Gibbon, all in Buffalo County
Married: Oct. 12, 1947, to Alvin R. Jones at Immanuel Lutheran Church
After marriage, lived on a farm northwest of Amherst; returned to teaching in 1965 and taught at Liberty Hill District 80, Sunnyside District 45 and then at Amherst for one year; retired in 1989
Activities: member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and later was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst; enjoyed teaching, housekeeping, gardening, traveling and reading and loved spending time with her family
Survivors include her daughters, Lana Gosch and husband Dean of Amherst, Kathleen Jones of Omaha, Rosalyn Jones of Lincoln, Laurie Wilkens and husband James of Omaha and Anita Havlena and husband Lalit Jha of Lincoln; sons, Chuck Jones, Jim Jones and wife Bambi and Bob Jones, all of Amherst; grandchildren, Vance Jones and wife Erin of Riverdale, Alex and Lia Havlena of Lincoln and Diego Wilkens of Omaha; sister, Helen Nelson of Kearney; and brother, Robert Siebke and wife Alberta of Litchfield
Was preceded in death by her husband in 1993; grandson, Jarel Gosch; brother, Bill Siebke; and sister, Lorraine Hadwiger
Memorials: the ARC of Buffalo County or Trinity Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 6 February, 2015
KANE, Jane Frances, 95, of Newport, Rhode Island, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at St. Clare Home in Newport
Services: Feb. 21 at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral in Kearney
Parents: Martin and Catherine (Kenny) Kane
Entered Corpus Christi Carmelites on Aug. 14, 1953, in Middletown, N.Y.; Kane made her first profession on Sept. 15, 1955, in Kearney; made her perpetual vows on Sept. 15, 1960, in Newport under Most Rev. Kilian Healy, O.Carm, Prior General and the Rev. Mother Mary Augustine, O.Carm.
Survivors include many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters
Memorials: Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2015
KINKAID, William H.J. "Bill", 76, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 2, 1938, in Kearney
Parents: Frank W. and Anna May (Wagner) Kinkaid
Was the oldest of four children; grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1956
Married: Aug. 14, 1956, to Helen Bickford in Kearney on Aug. 14, 1956
Worked as a truck driver early in his marriage, as a roofer until a roofing accident in 1961 at Cushing Coliseum, for Kearney Floral; then was a plumber with Bamford Plumbing and also with his family; worked for Hales Show of Tomorrow Carnival; started his own company, Kinkaid Plumbing in 1976; also took over the family business, Kinkaid’s Greenhouse and Nursery, operated both businesses, retired in 2003
Activities: was a founding member of the Central Nebraska Woodcarvers Club, a hobby that he loved; was an avid hunter and fisherman
Survivors include his sons, William H.J. Jr. of Omaha and Scottie of Kearney; grandchildren, Justin Couton of Omaha, Viola Kinkaid of Arizona, Rodney Kinkaid of Arizona and Tiffany Wegman of Oklahoma; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters, Louisa Daily of Kearney and Rosslie Salisbury of Elwood
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Angela; son, Mike; and brother, Frank
Kearney Hub, 7 February, 2015
KONSELLA, Barbara Kay, 69, of Grand Island died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at the Grand Island Veterans’ Home
Memorial services: Monday, Feb 9, at All Faiths Chapel at the veterans home
Inurnment: Cedarview Cemetery in Doniphan
Born May 21, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: William and Thelma (Zimmerman) Loeffelholz
Survivors include her daughters, Roberta Pettinger of Lincoln, Kerry Heider and David Willard of Grand Island and Crystal Lewis of Omaha; brother, Laverne Loeffelholz and his wife, Kathie, of Missouri; grandchildren, Brandon, Miranda, Kimberly, LaKiesha, Jamin, Felicia and Meagan; and great-grandchildren, Trevor and Jordyn
Was preceded in death by her husband, Butch in 1985; her parents; brother, Robert; and sisters, Mary and Diane
Grew up in and attended school in Kearney
Married: Hugh “Butch” Konsella inKearney
After marriage, lived in several places, including Germany, while Butch was in the U.S. Army; eventually lived in the Kearney and Doniphan areas
Activities: enjoyed country music, board games, bingo and cards, always had a Seek-a-Word book nearby
Memorials: Veterans of Foreign Wars or the family
Kearney Hub, 7 February, 2015
LIESKE, Sophie, 96, of Ravenna, formerly of Minden, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery before the memorial service
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Born on Sept. 14, 1918, in Upland
Parents: Henry and Hannah (Bauer) Pollman
Grew up in the Upland area
Married: Jan. 29, 1939, to Carl F. Lieske; after marriage, lived on a farm in the Upland area; moved into Minden in 1966
Was a caregiver to her parents for many years; worked as a waitress at the City Café in Minden for many years; after retiring, spent her summers in Estes Park, Colo., working at various jobs
Activities: member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden; loved spending time with her family, always looked forward to the holiday gatherings
Survivors include: grandchildren, Barbara Morley and husband Rusty, Nicky Smith and husband Dan, Ruth Siebenaler, Ryan Lieske and Toni Brese and husband Jason; great-grandchildren, Cait Kendrick and husband Jacob, Riley Smith and Mya and Lucina Brese; and a daughter-in-law, Marian Lieske
Was preceded in death by a daughter, Marilyn Siebenaler and her husband, Dick; son, Marvin Lieske and wife Sherry; and a granddaughter, Maria Siebenaler
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2015
MILLER, James K. “Jim”, 74, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 27, 1940, in Oxford
Parents: Arvene and Verta (Mills) Miller
Moved to Kearney at age 9; graduated from Kearney High School in 1959
Military: entered U.S. Air Force in 1960 and served in Vietnam; achieved the rank of airman second class and served with special operations
After the service, lived in Alaska for three years; returned to Kearney, worked as a plumber for Anderson Bros. in Kearney
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church, Kearney American Legion Post 52, DAV, POW/MIA task force, Fort Kearney Rock Club, Lost Dutchman Mining Association, Gold Prospectors of America and the Fort Kearney Archery Club; enjoyed collecting stamps, rocks, training dogs, fishing and flying
Survivors: son, C.J. Miller of Kearney; daughters, Kimberly Matchett of Oregon and Niki Miller of Albion; sister, Joletta McLaughlin of Upland; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and niece, Michelle McCay-Broyles and grandniece of Holdrege
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2015
MOREAU, Antoni “Toni” J., 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Jan. 7, 1925, in Swanton, Vt.
Parents: Alfred E. and Marie (Messier) Moreau
Attended school at the St. Ann’s Academy in Swanton
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II
After the war, began a 32-year career with the United States Post Office,
Married Dorene Peterson on June 17, 1946, in Kearney
Retired from the Postal Service, then sold real estate and also drove the bookmobile
Activities: was involved with the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, NARFE and the Letter Carriers Union; member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Dorene of Kearney; sons, Roland Moreau and his wife, Barbara, of Kearney and Alfred Moreau and his wife, Elaine Eder, of Arlington, Va.; daughter, Colleen Nieman and her husband, James, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sisters, Alfreda Brown, Pauline Sheehan and her husband, Lawrence, and Anne-Marie Benjamen, all of Vermont; grandchildren, Jeff Nieman, Elizabeth Eder-Moreau, Andrew Eder-Moreau, Eileen Eder-Moreau, Robert Moreau and Allison Leonard; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Bernard Brown and Norman Benjamen
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church Building Fund
Kearney Hub, 5 February, 2015
MUIRHEAD, Mary Jane, 93, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Born May 4, 1921, on the family farm northeast of Sumner
Parents: Roy H. and Bessie N. (LaBar) Robbins
Married: March 6, 1944, to Neil Muirhead in Smith Center, Kan. He died Feb. 25, 1966
Survivors include her son, David of Overton; daughter, Jennifer Stover of Kearney; sisters, Geraldine Hazzard of Kearney and Bessie Ann Robbins of Nevada; brother, John Robbins of Lincoln; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2015
NUETZMAN, Raymond Ernst “Ray”, 92, of Estes Park, Colorado, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Estes Park
Services: private
Born: Nov. 16, 1922, on a farm north of Columbus
Parents: Ernest Julius and Katherine (Schroeder) Nuetzman
Graduated from Columbus High School in 1940; received his degree in religion and journalism from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1952
Married: Oct. 27, 1953 to JoAnn Chudomelka
Served churches in Brainard, Rogers and Schuyler, Neb., Colorado Springs, St. Edward, Seward, Kearney and Estes Park full time since 1991
Was the longest-serving pastor of Seward United Methodist Church; was the conference secretary for the Nebraska United Methodist Conference in Lincoln for many years; was appointed to serve as the Central District Superintendent of the United Methodist Conference with his office in Kearney, Neb., then remained in Kearney as the associate pastor at the First United Methodist Church for six years
Activities: was involved in many community and church organizations, countless church committees and collegiate organizations; served on the board of Methodist Memorial Homes in Holdrege; on the board of Camp Comeca in Cozad, Neb.; and conducted camps for youths at Camp Fontanelle in Nebraska; was a radio broadcaster for the Church of the Air in Estes Park with a Sunday morning music program; longed to retire in his beloved Rocky Mountains, loved to travel, enjoyed watching the Huskers and the Broncos, always did statistics while watching basketball games, enjoyed his puppies, wrote poetry, and was so proud and encouraging of his family
Survivors include: his wife of 61 years, JoAnn Nuetzman; his daughters, Suzie (Nuetzman) Mayo and her husband, Gerald, of Estes Park and Deborah Rae (Nuetzman) Soneson and her husband, Jeff, of Holdrege; grandchildren, Kirsten Rachel Soneson and her fiancé, Angel Hernandez III, of New York City and Evan Jeffrey Soneson of Lincoln, Neb.; a special great-grandson, Hudson Mayo of Whittier, Calif.; a sister, Lorine (Nuetzman) Mueller of Kansas; lifelong friend and classmate at Iliff, Uncle Frank Gunter of Estes Park; as well as neighbors, former members of his congregations, and dear and loving friends
Extracted from the Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2015
PERRY, Sylvia M., 93, of Ravenna died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Memorial services: later
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Sept. 1, 1921, in Paxton
Parents: William and Mae (Schleu) Schomer
Grew up on farms in the North Platte and Ogallala areas; graduated from North Platte High School; attended Luther College in Wahoo
Worked at a bank in North Platte; moved to California, worked for several years in the war finance office
Married: Aug 1, 1945, to Jack Perry
After marriage, moved to the family farm near Sweetwater, lived for 60 years Was devoted to her family, became very proficient at handling all the tasks required of a farm wife and mother; enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting and quilting; enjoyed traveling, fishing and camping with friends
Survivors include her daughters, Cheryl Acree of Knoxville, Tenn., and Linda Clark and her husband, Jim, of Red Lodge, Mont.; son, Jim Perry and his wife, Cher, of Hazard; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Sylvia Perry of Ravenna; sister, Alvina Speetzen of Arizona; and several nieces
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; son, Bill; and three brothers
Memorials: Ravenna Emergency Medical Technicians
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2015
RASMUSSEN, Ruby Mary, 81, of Bellevue died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at Bellevue Medical Center
Services: Monday at Church of The Holy Spirit in Plattsmouth
Burial: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Plattsmouth
Mortuary: Roby in Plattsmouth
Born Sept. 21, 1933, in Kearney
Parents: Anthony Herman and Emma (Schmitz) Loeffelholz
Married: Aug. 9, 1958, to Arlin Lee Rasmussen in Kearney
Survivors include: daughter, Pamela Rasmussen and fiancé Jason Rawlinson, and grandson, Joshua Rasmussen, all of Montgomery, Ala.
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arlin; and brothers, Anthony Loeffelholz, Herman Loeffelholz and Henry Loeffelholz
Kearney Hub, 21 February, 2015
SCHWARTZ, Everett “Jim”, 67, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Wednesday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Aug. 26, 1947, in Grand Island
Parents: Everett W. and Marian (McLellan) Schwartz
Grew up in Cairo, received his education at Lincoln School of Commerce
Military: U.S. Army, April 25, 1966, 0 Jan. 24, 1970; served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War
Married Deanna F. (Cecil) Schwartz in North Platte
After marriage, lived in North Platte, worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort McPherson National Cemetery; retired and moved to Kearney
Activities: member of Golden K Kiwanis and First Lutheran Church; volunteered at Rowe Sanctuary near Minden; was an avid Husker football fan, attended every home football game; enjoyed Master Gardening, fishing, working at the family farm and spending time with his grandsons
Survivors include: his wife of 43 years, Deanna; children and spouses, Justin and Stacy Schwartz of Kearney and Jennifer and Justin Tallmon of Glenwood, Iowa; mother, Marian Schwartz of Grand Island; sister, Connie Gannon of Grand Island; and grandsons, Kamden, Ashden and Hayden Schwartz and Jonathan and Jace Tallmon
Was preceded in death by his father, Everett W. Schwartz of Grand Island
Memorials: Kearney Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2015
SEVERSON, Melvin Delaine, 81, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at his home
Celebration of life: March 14 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Oct. 6, 1933, in Newman Grove
Parents: Sever and Maime (Olson) Severson
Grew up in Newman Grove, received his education from Newman Grove High School, graduated in 1951
Married: April 22, 1977, to Patricia Gemmer in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Werved as a senior vice president at the Eaton Bank in Eaton, Colo.; enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and spending time with his family
Survivors include his wife, Pat of Kearney; son, Scott Severson and wife Lee of Eaton; daughters, Darla Berger and husband Steve of Omaha, Jill Haave and husband Rick of Lincoln and Paula Parizek and husband Andy of Omaha; stepchildren, Tom King and wife Rhonda of Stanton and Dale King and wife Sara of Kearney; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Dolores Pospisil; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Billie and Terry Mann; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters
Memorials: National Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2015
SMITH, Larry D., 80, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at his home
Services: Friday, Feb. 6, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Hewitt Cemetery in rural Lexington
Born on May 10, 1934, in Lexington
Parents: Lloyd R. and Isabelle (Johnston) Smith
Graduated from Cozad High School in 1952
Military: U.S. Army, was stationed in Okinawa; honorably discharged in 1957
Earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; was a certified flight instructor; resided in Lincoln, 1960-1998, then moved to Kearney; worked at various times as an electrician and handyman, drove a delivery truck and drove a taxi, but his lifelong passion was art
Survivors include: brother, Robert Smith and wife Joan of Plano, Texas; sister, Deanna Clary and husband Robert of Cheyenne, Wyo.; and brother, Rick Smith and wife Jane of Gainesville, Fla.
Memorials: Kearney Public Library or Calvin T. Ryan Library at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2015
SNELL, Winona "Winnie" Rae (Duncan), 96, of Chatsworth, California, died of heart failure Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at Northridge Hospital
Memorial services: Friday, Feb. 20, at Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna, Neb.
Burial: Majors Cemetery in Nebraska, next to her husband
Born April 10, 1918, in Poole, Neb.
Parents: Walter Ray Duncan and Pearl Eva (Whitcomb) Duncan
Grew up on a farm in Poole, graduated from Ravenna High School and attended Teachers College in Kearney, Neb.
Taught in rural one-room Nebraska schools for three years; spent her entire working life as a teacher
Married: July 6, 1942, to John Snell in Eugene, Ore. He preceded her in death
Activities: had a passion for life, loved to travel and paint, was a prolific writer. In her own words she would like to be remembered as: “a good companion to my husband; a caring mother of my children; a proud grandparent of my grandchildren; and, a true and trustworthy friend. She sincerely wanted to (and did) make a difference in the lives of many children.”
Survivors: sons, Jeff and Jay; grandchildren, Jennifer Marie (Snell) Ward and Ryan James Snell; and three great-grandchildren, Abigail Sabrina Ward, Ellen Marie Ward and Reagan Amelia Snell
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2015
STANSBERRY, Sylvia Rose, 74, of Ravenna died Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Memorial services: Saturday, Feb 14, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Inurnment: Grand Island Cemetery
Born Feb. 4, 1941, in Algiers, French Algeria
Parents: Fildelfo and Concetta (Ragazzi) Ponte
Received her education in Goudex, France, and in Grand Island when her family moved in 1956
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and Jim Finney of Gibbon and Michelle and Ryan Stevens of Atlanta; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Wendy Riesland of Belen, N.M., Daniel Stover of Kearney and Andrew Stover and wife Lisa of Lubbock, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Esther Ponte of Lincoln and Carol Ponte of Detroit; also numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and France
Married: in 1958 to Charles Riesland of Wood River; had two children
Married: in 1966 to Ron Stover of Grand Island; had three children
Moved to Arkansas after tornadoes destroyed her home in Grand Island in 1980
Married Leonard Stansberry; lived in Hobbs, N.M.; retired in 2004 and moved to Gibbon
Her businesses included Flowerama in the Conestoga Mall, Tropical Paradise in downtown Grand Island, Hobbs Greenhouse and Sylvia’s plants and produce at the Kearney farmers market, and her daisy “Rosarita.”
Activities: was an avid gardener, had a passion for reading the Bible and going to church; especially enjoyed the holidays and spending time with special friends and family
Was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; parents; and brothers, Robert of Lincoln, Alfred of Michigan and Henry and Rene, both of France
Kearney Hub, 11 February, 2015
WHITEHEAD, Bernetha R., 96, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, at her home
Services: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Nov. 29, 1918, on the family farm near Hewins, Kan.
Parents: Clarence C. and Lazetta P. (Loftin) Stout
Attended East High School in Wichita, Kan., graduated with the class of 1936; attended Wichita University and graduated from the Business Preparatory College
Married: Dec. 30, 1939, to Jerome S. Rash in Wichita; moved to Kearney in 1954; Jerome passed away in 1957
Married: Sept. 14, 1969, to Delwin Whitehead in Kearney. Delwin passed away in 2003
Owned and worked at Kearney Hardware/Ace Hardware for many years
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, member of the UMW Open Circle Class; volunteered for the Cub Scouts and the youth baseball and basketball teams; enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s athletic events, cooking and baking, especially holiday meals, bowling, golf and playing pitch; was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan
Survivors include her son, Larry Rash of Kearney; grandchildren and spouses, Jerry Rash and wife Jeanne of Kearney, Deb Knutson and husband Andre of Waterloo, Kevin Rash and wife Ginger of Springfield, Mo., Brenda Griess and husband Bret of Waterloo and Kami Balthazor and husband Jamey of Gering; great-grandchildren, Stephanie Wetovick and husband Ryan, Jordan Boston, Dylan Boston, Keithan Karn, Regan Karn, Megan Rash, Drew Rash, Ashden Karn, Ben Rash, Natalie Rash, Jenna Balthazor, Jerod Balthazor, Julia Balthazor and Carson Knutson; and sister, Darlene Witke and husband Roger of Des Moines, Iowa
Was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Jerome and Delwin; son, Jerome Rash Jr.; and brother, Gilbert Stout
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice
Kearney Hub, 19 February, 2015
WRIGHT, Dale Robert, 91, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney and in Elm Creek
Born May 10, 1923, near Amherst
Parents: Jesse “Jack” and Grace (Rumbeck) Wright
Grew up in the Elm Creek area; attended rural schools and Elm Creek High School; graduated in 1940
Married: Aug. 9, 1944, to Iliea Lahm, in Norton, Kan.; celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2014
Military: entered the U.S. Air Force in 1942 but was not called to serve due to a heart murmur; entered the U.S. Army in March 1945, served in the Philippines, was honorably discharged in 1946
After marriage, lived on the family farm; built their home and lived there until 2012; moved to Northridge in Kearney; later moved to St. John's Care Center
Activities: enjoyed playing softball, baseball and football; active member of Elm Creek First Christian Church, served as elder, board member, Sunday school superintendent and teacher of many classes; served on numerous county and community boards, and received awards and honors
Survivors include: wife, Ilia of Kearney; children and their spouses, Gary and Sandy Wright of Broken Bow, Janice and C.J. Hanner of Lincoln and Sue and Russ Bayne of Eddyville; grandchildren and spouses, Stacy and Rod Baillie of Broken Bow, Stephanie and Tony Wright of Merna, Geoff and Brooke Wright of Ravenna and Jared Hanner and Jeremy Hanner of Lincoln; stepgrandchildren and spouses, Penny and Kurt Harmoney of Omaha, Karen and Ken Vogel of Omaha and Kim and Andy Winter of Connecticut; great-grandchildren, Paige, Olivia and Mya Wright of Ravenna and Owen and Colin Wright of Merna; stepgreat-grandchildren, Jessey and Jenna Baillie of Omaha, Kiersten Winter of Connecticut and Thad and Philip Harmoney, Alex and Ben Koeppe and Josh Vogel, all of Omaha; brother, Kenneth of Kearney; sister-in-law, Joan Wright of Kearney; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends
Was preceded in death by: brother, Deane; sister, Betty and her husband, Roy Kolar; and sister-in-law, Eddis Wright
Memorials: First Christian Church in Elm Creek, Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Unit, and Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2015