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ARNOLD, William H. Sr., 83, of rural Minden died Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at his home
Graveside services:Saturday at Kearney Cemetery, with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Aug. 9, 1931, in Wythe County, Va.
Parents: Hobart P. and Fanny (Dean) Arnold
Married: Elna Schneider on Nov. 27, 1954, in Marysville, Kan.
Military: U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War
Returned and worked for Bear Brand Hosiery Co., the Kearney Hub and finally West Co. in Kearney
Survivors include: wife, Elna Arnold of Minden; daughters, Marcia McMurty of Houston and Wilma and husband Leo Heinowski of Ravenna; son, Willy and wife Lee Ann Arnold of Papillion; three sisters; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters and one grandson
Memorials: Buffalo County Korean War Hero Flight
Kearney Hub, 23 May, 2015
BARNES, Derrell, 86, of Elm Creek died Friday, June 5, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at First Presbyterian Church
Burial with military honors: Ord Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born on Nov. 5, 1928, in Greeley
Parents: Ellis J. and Marie (McGuire) Barnes
Grew up in Greeley and Ord, moved with family to Central City; graduated from Central City High School in 1946; then worked on the farm with his dad
Military: U.S. Navy on Dec. 26, 1950 - October 1954; served on the USS McNair as a radioman during the Korean War, earned the rank of radioman third class
Married: to Artith Houchin on Nov. 3, 1956, in Gothenburg
After marriage, worked as depot agent in Fremont, Norfolk, Valley, Ord and Kearney; eventually settled in Elm Creek; retired in 1992 after 42 years with the railroad
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, a lifelong member of both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; member of the Eagles Club; enjoyed dancing, reading and playing cards, especially cribbage and pinochle; loved to garden and was known by residents of Elm Creek as the “Pumpkin Painter”
Survivors include: two sons, Gerald and wife Kelly Barnes of Elm Creek and Aaron Barnes of Wilcox; a daughter, Pamela and husband Rick Trampe of Lexington; grandchildren and spouses, Wendy and Andy Lanik, Jill and Jacques Smith, Becky and Luke Zakrzewski, Derek Barnes, Elizabeth and Tyson Atwood, Alex and Jerad Olsen and Ashley Trampe; and eight great-grandchildren, Karter Evans, Jacob Zakrzewski, Owen Zakrzewski, Aubrey Lanik, Kendall Trampe, Brecken Atwood, Avery Zakrzewski and Miles Lanik; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Lorraine Barnes of Grand Island and Robert and Carol Barnes of La Vista; and two sisters-in-law, LuEtta Barnes of Grand Island and Mary Barnes of Central City
Was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on Dec. 16, 2002; a son, Harold Barnes; three sisters, Helen Giesenhagen, Margaret Nelson and Patricia Barnes; and three brothers, Gerald, Earl and Donald Barnes
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2015
BERLEUE, Floyd Barron, 58, of Amherst died Thursday, May 21, 2015, at his home
Memorial services: Thursday at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born on Dec. 2, 1956, in Johnstown, Pa.
Parents: Robert A. and Delillius (Bender) Berleue
Grew up in Pennsylvania and attended college in West Virginia
Military: U.S. Navy, 1973-1979; served with the Navy SEAL teams
Following his discharge, lived on the East Coast
Married: Aug. 2, 2006 to Gloria Anne Ludwig in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Amherst
Activities: loved dogs, riding motorcycles, fishing, drawing and painting; loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren
Survivors include: wife, Gloria of Amherst; his children and grandchildren; and his mother, Delillius Berleue of Pennsylvania
Kearney Hub, 26 May, 2015
BRASS, Dennis Lee, 77, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at his home
Celebration of life: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born March 14, 1938, on the Brass Ranch west of Comstock
Parents: Ellwyn and Esther (Metcalf) Brass
Attended Coberg Rural School, arriving many days on horseback; graduated from Sargent High School in 1956, participated in football, basketball and FFA and was a member of the National Honor Society
Married: Aug. 8, 1959, to Maxine Bartu at Sargent United Methodist Church
Worked for the Sargent Co-op for a short time; then began raised cattle, was the first in the Comstock area to raise Chianina cattle, many of them selected for 4-H calves and shown at Aksarben and the Denver Stock Show; his love for the land prompted him to conserve it, maintain it and make improvements to enhance its productivity; loved animals and was very compassionate in caring for them
Moved to Kearney, 2007; enjoyed following the stock market, taking care of the yard, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends
Survivors include Maxine, his wife of 55 years; two daughters, Rhonda Wingo and her husband, Marshall, and Julie Young and Scott McElwee, all of Austin, Texas; grandson, Riley Wingo of Austin; sister, Betty Johnson of Lincoln; brother, Roy Brass of Alliance; brother-in-law, Bryce Bartu and his wife, Phyllis, of Grand Island; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Verne
Memorials: Aseracare Hospice or the Kearney Area Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2015
CAVANAUGH, Jack F., 74, of Fremont, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, June 7, 2015, at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont
Service: Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont
Burial: Calvary Cemetery in Fremont with military honors
Mortuary: Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont
Born July 19, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: John and Eileen (Ryan) Cavanaugh
Married: May 4, 1963, to Sally Reimers in Omaha
Survivors include his wife; sons, Dan of Claremore, Okla., and Jerry of Syracuse; daughter, Jackie Bovill of Fremont; brother, Jerry of Kearney; sister, Mary Ann Ahrens of Kearney; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two stepgranddaughters; and one stepgreat-granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2015
EBMEIER, Jerry Lee, 74, of Kearney, died Monday, May 25, 2015 at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Highland Cemetery in Bertrand
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born on May 21, 1941 in Holdrege
Parents: Walter and Anna (Langenberg) Ebmeier
Grew up on a farm between Holdrege and Bertrand; the family moved to Lincoln for a short time and later to Kearney where he worked various jobs
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church; loved watching Husker football, riding his bike, playing softball and playing with his beloved dog, Brownie
Survivors include: two sisters-in-law, Peg Ebmeier of Kearney and Glenna Ebmeier of Grand Island; two aunts, Dorothy Langenberg and Agnes Langenberg, both of Holdrege; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Richard Ebmeier
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2015
ERPELDING, Louise A., 80, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at her home
Services: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 4, 1934, in Cozad
Parents: John and Reba (Pierce) Houghtalling
Grew up in and attended school in Kearney and Amherst
Married: November 8, 1952, to Robert “Bob” Erpelding in Kearney
Worked at Good Samaritan Hospital then was a custodian at the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 26 years; retired in 2006, then worked part time at the Peterson Senior Activity Center in Kearney
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney and of the Eagles Auxiliary; loved reading the Bible, the outdoors, and her dogs; especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include her daughters, Karen Guy of Elm Creek and Pamela Oakley of Kearney; son, Kevin Erpelding of Kearney; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; sisters, June Dorsch of Pawnee City and Jackie Houghtalling of Hastings; and sisters-in-law, Phyllis Mauler of Kearney and Diana Wubbenhorst of Minden
Was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in 2005; daughter, Cheryl Kennedy in 2011; a son in infancy; son-in-law, Jim Guy; stepgrandson, Alen Anderson; three brothers; and five sisters
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2015
FINLEY, Agnes Genevieve, 93, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born on March 23, 1922, in Broken Bow, one of seven children (and six daughters)
Parents: Peter W. and Anastasia J. (Ryan) Mullen
Grew up in Broken Bow and graduated with honors from Broken Bow High School in 1939; attended business school in Denver and earned an associate’s degree
During World War II, worked for the government in Washington, D.C.
Married: to James Douglas Finley Jr. , Sept. 24, 1945, in D.C.
After marriage, moved to Seattle for James to complete flight school; moved to San Francisco and later to Lompoc, Calif.; moved to Kearney in 1966, at the same time as her sister, Patricia Cimfel
Activities: became very active in the Kearney Newcomers Club and eventually served as president; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital; enjoyed flower gardening, was an avid bridge player; was very proud of her Irish heritage, always looked forward to the annual family reunion; member of St. James Catholic Church, was active in Bible study and prayer group
Survivors include daughters, Mary and husband Mark Savin of St. Paul, Minn., and Renee Cuffe of Eugene, Ore.; four grandchildren, Anna Savin of St. Paul, Sonny and wife Raydeen Cuffe of Wellington, New Zealand, Marshall Cuffe of Salem, Ore., and Daniel Cuffe of Eugene; a sister, Rose McNamara of St. Louis; a sister-in-law, June Mullen of Omaha; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John Mullen; four sisters, Angela Cramer, Patricia Cimfel, Mary Dodd and Julia Porter; and a sister-in-law, Anita Purcell
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 11 June, 2015
JOHNSON, Alwyn, 97, of Kearney, formerly of rural Overton, died Friday, June 12, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Celebration of life: June 30, Westmark Evangelical Free Church in rural Loomis
Inurnment: Sandstrom Cemetery in rural Phelps County
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born March 22, 1918, on the family farm north of Bertrand in Phelps County
Parents: Carl Leonard “C.L.” and Nora (Nelson) Johnson
Was the second of four children; at age 6, lost his mother, and his father died seven years later; was raised by grandparents on both sides of the family; received his primary education at Riverview District 2 in Phelps County, then graduated fromHoldrege High School, 1936
Married: June 4, 1941, to Jeanne E. Johnson; she died in 1993; together had four children
Lived southwest of Overton, farmed and raised livestock until his semiretirement
Married: in 1997, to Dorothy D. Bernhardt; because of health issues, moved to Northridge Retirement Community in Kearney in September 2006; Dorothy passed on Oct. 22, 2009
Had a passion for farming, also enjoyed working with his draft horses and mules
Activities: was active in his community and in Westmark Evangelical Free Church; was a founding member of the Phelps County Feeders Association and Overton Rural Fire District; served on the Sandstrom Cemetery Board; received the 100-year Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family award in 1992
Survivors include: children, Larry Johnson and his wife, Judy, of Overton, Eleanor Greenwall and her husband, Robert, of Stromsburg, Elaine Mensching and her husband, Stanley, of Mexico, Mo., and Glenna Derr and her husband, Dennis, of Ashland; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Erma Kelly of Edina, Minn.; sister-in-law, Evie Johnson of Bertrand; Dorothy’s daughter, Barbara Holbein and her husband, Dean, of San Clemente, Calif., and her extended families; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his wives, Jeanne and Dorothy; his parents; two brothers, Morris Johnson at 16 years old and Roy “Bud” Johnson; and brother-in-law, Kerwood Kelly
Memorials: Sandstrom Cemetery or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2015
KARG, Victor W., 84, of Kearney died Sunday, May 24, 2015, at his home
Services: Friday at First Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, Colo.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: April 12, 1931, in Atwood, Colo. Parents: Conrad and Lydia (Schott) Karg
His early years were spent on the family’s farm near Atwood; attended Merino High School and graduated with the class of 1949
Married: Eleanor C. Lamb on March 4, 1951, in Sterling
After marriage, moved to California to attend Pasadena Nazarene College to become a minister; led a congregation at Eagle Rock Church of the Nazarene for 23 years; in the late 1970s, moved to Nebraska and began ranching and farming; also pastored the Arnold Baptist Church from 1981-2000; moved to Kearney and created Rural Crises, which cared for people needing counseling and legal and financial aid; also started Lighthouse Counseling Center
Activities: had a great love for people, laughter and nature; had a special quality of caring for people around him and also a gift of discernment and ability to minister to people with needs
Survivors include: wife, Eleanor Karg of Kearney; sons and daughters, Shirleen and Ronald Smith and Beth and Jerry Boxler, all of North Platte, Alan Karg and Darrell Karg, both of Kearney, Jim and Lynette Karg of Smith Center, Kan., Ellen and Neil Dutenhoffer of Riverdale, and Anthony and Zoanne Karg of Los Angeles; brothers, Albert Karg of Ogallala and Gerald Karg of Sterling; grandchildren, Jason Smith and his wife, Amy, Sheri Moore and her husband, Jonathan, Faylene Dancer and her husband, Jacob, Tiffany Weber, Timothy Smith, Shana Boxler, Vicki Neidhardt and her husband, Tommie, Jeremy Karg and his wife, Emily, Heather Russell and her husband, Jim, Faith Karg, Joel Karg, Hannah Karg, Noah Karg, Nathan Dutenhoffer, Alyssa Dutenhoffer, Chris Dutenhoffer, Aiden Dutenhoffer, Kiara Dutenhoffer, Brooklyn Marcellus, Dallas Dutenhoffer, Izzabelle Dutenhoffer, Hope Dutenhoffer, Jennifer Mesker and her husband, Patrick, Joey Karg and wife, Sara, and Tony Karg Jr. and his wife, Elaine; 23 great-grandchildren; many other foster kids; and many other extended family members
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Lighthouse Counseling Center or the First Baptist Church Building Fund
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2015
KEEP, Wilma “Jean” (Simmerman), 88, of Ogallala, formerly of Elm Creek, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant
Memorial services: Saturday June 6, 2015, at Ogallala United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: Draucker in Ogallala
Born July 3, 1926, north of Pleasanton
Parents: Delbert and Lora Simmerman
Was the oldest of six children; grew up in Proctor, Colo., Sterling, Colo., and finally on a farm outside of Elm Creek; graduated from Elm Creek High School at age 16 in 1942
Taught one year at a country school north of Kearney; then lived in town with an aunt; was accepted into radio school in Omaha, 1944, and received further training
Married: February 1945 to William “Bill” Keep; after husband's discharge from the U.S. Navy, spent a short time in Sidney then lived in Kearney, Albion and finally moved to Ogallala in 1958; was a homemaker and mother to five children, also worked at KOGA radio station for 14 years and Educational Service Unit 16 for three years; sold Avon for several years
Activities: volunteered for many community organizations: The Women’s Chamber of Commerce, RSVP, the American Red Cross, the Ogallala Ambulance Squad, Civil Air Patrol (Kearney branch) and as a driver for the Ogallala Handibus; was responsible for starting the Brothers Keeper program during her time as a member of the United Methodist Church; member of the Nebraska Literary Guild, Keith County Historical Society and the Ogallala Regional Arts Council; hobbies included reading, writing and working in her flower gardens
Was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; one son, Bruce; a son-in-law, Dean Schow; her parents, Delbert and Lora Simmerman; a sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Dean Cruise; a brother-in-law, Don Refior; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Simmerman; and a granddaughter, Matti Knox-Keep
Survivors include her children, Leah Schow of Paxton, Rex Keep and his wife, Carolyn, of Edwards, Colo., Mikki Lautenschlager and her husband, Mark, of Longmont, Colo., and Lisa Gray and her husband, Tad, of Valley City, Ohio; grandchildren and spouses, Kyle and Cheryl Schow, Kevin and Kim Schow, Korey and Roxy Schow, Chase Keep, Taylor Keep, Megan Lautenschlager, Ginna Goodenow, Spenser Gray, Caitlin and Cortney Gray, Hunter Gray and Jalin Brock; great-grandchildren, Bailee and Ben Schow, Karlee, Kaden and Keegan Schow, August and Ruby Schow, Emma and Pierce Goodenow, and Finnley Jane Gray; and siblings, Wayne Simmerman, Harlan Simmerman and Ardis Refior, all of Elm Creek, and Dick Simmerman of Overton
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2015
KEIM, Jaynette Marie, 68, of Bloomington died of colon cancer Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Memorial service: Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Franklin
Burial: Maple Grove Cemetery in Bloomington
Mortuary:Hutchins in Franklin
Born Nov. 28, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Jay and Marjorie (Wiles) Wright of Elm Creek
Married Gary Keim in Elm Creek
Survivors include her husband; sons, Jason of Ord and Brian of Rapid City, S.D.; sister, Margaret Wright of Omaha; and five grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2015
KILLION, Jagger Keith and Marek Keith, infant twin sons of Keith and Jenny Killion of Kearney, died at birth Monday, May 18, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Survivors include their parents; grandparents, Loren and Maggy Killion of Kearney, Randy Landen of Grand Island and Tracy and Sheila Adkisson of Farnam; great-grandparents, Dwayne and Betty Killion of Kearney and Marvin and Joyce Dowse and Keith Landen, all of Sargent
Kearney Hub, 23 May, 2015
LEA, Joe J., 92, of Mount Dora, Florida, died Thursday, June 11, 2015, at his home
Memorial service: Tuesday at Adventure Christian Church of Tavares
Burial with military honors: Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery
Born July 12, 1922, in Pleasanton, Neb.
Parents: Joe W. Lea and Ada Campbell Lea
Military: served during World War II; was retired from the U.S. Department of State
Survivors include: his wife of 49 years, Clytuce Lea; his children and their spouses, Joseph and Melissa Lea of Yuma, Ariz., Catherine “Katie” and Edward Loose of Woodbridge, Va., and Andrea and Michael Canaday of King George, Va.; his niece, Kay Kreutzer and her husband, Charles, of Kearney, Neb.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Helen M. Davis and Dorothy M. Lindner; and his brother, Gary Lea
Memorials: Cornerstone Hospice, Tavares, Florida, or to the Wounded Warrior Project
Kearney Hub, 13 June, 2015
LEWIS, Phyllis M., 78, of North Platte died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Linden Court in North Platte
Service: Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte
Born on Aug. 3, 1936, in Kearney
Parents: Joseph and Mary (Domandle) Miller
Graduated from Kearney High School; worked at Good Samaritan Hospital
Married: to Gary Lewis on Feb. 11, 1956
After marriage, lived in Kearney, Lexington and Broken Bow and settled in North Platte; built, owned and operated Cody Land Mobile Home Court
Activities: active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, lifetime member of the PTA; enjoyed bowling and was passionate about helping at the church; enjoyed following her grandchildren’s activities throughout the years, and visiting and traveling with her sister Carolyn; faith, family and friends were the center of her life
Survivors include: sons, Rick Lewis and wife Ronda and Randy Lewis and wife Donna, all of North Platte; grandchildren, Michelle Weigel and husband Jeremy of Lincoln, Amy McMurtry and husband Matt of Elkhorn, Terra Vejraska and husband Heath of Papillion and Tanner Lewis and wife Rachel of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kaylee, Taryn, Austin, Logan, Ty, Karsyn and Jack; and sister, Carolyn Zwibecker of Aurora, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Hank and Marge Hinrichsen
Memorials: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the North Platte Catholic School Endowment
Kearney Hub, 4 June, 2015
MAJOR, Crystal J. (Vinderslev), 29, of Kearney died Thursday, June 4, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday at New Life Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Oct. 21, 1985, in Kearney
Parents: Norm and Linda (Walters) Vinderslev
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 2004; graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2008 with a degree in fashion merchandising and marketing
Returned to Kearney, worked at the Buckle
Earned her master’s degree in community counseling; did an internship at The Crossing, New Life Rehabilitation Program in Denver then worked for Jefferson Hills in Denver; in 2013, took a counseling job with Volunteers of America in Denver; moved to Kearney in May 2014 and was working as a counselor at YRTC
Married: Oct. 31, 2014, to Danny L. Major in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Activities: enjoyed the outdoors, especially being around water; enjoyed her family and friends; was an avid Nebraska Husker, Denver Bronco and Boston Red Sox fan
Survivors include her husband of Kearney; son Malachi of Kearney; parents, Norm and Linda Vinderslev of Kearney; and grandmothers, Janice Rohrig Vinderslev of Friend and Thelma Wise of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 6 June, 2015
MARKUS, Christal Lynn, 50, of Riverton, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, June 7, 2015, at her home
Memorial service: Thursday at First Church of God in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Dec. 18, 1964, in Kearney
Parents: Raymond and Betty (Gleason) Markus
Grew up in Kearney, attended Kearney High School
Activities: enjoyed fishing, camping and being outdoors
Survivors include her brothers, David and Jim of Kearney; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna and James Kimmel of Hudson, Colo., Judy Payne of Grand Island, Mary and Raymond Panowicz of Kearney, Celia Goetschel of Hudson and Melonie Markus of Colorado.
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Danny Markus; and sister, Bobbie Jo Markus
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2015
MARTINEZ, Imelda “Emily”, 73, of Citrus Heights, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in Roseville, California
Services and burial were May 23 at Lakeside Memorial Lawn in Folsom
Born April 3, 1942, in Pearsall, Texas
Parents: Refugia Gonzales and Antonio Cordova
Was raised in Kearney, Neb.
Married to Joe Martinez in July 1963
Survivors include her son, Joe, and daughter, Christina, both of Sacramento; grandchildren, Alex, Emily Jo, Riley and Heather and great-grandson, Logan, all of California. Emily’s sisters, Josephine Borjon and Ruth Bose, both of Kearney, Lucy Munoz of Sacramento, Helen Rivera of Omaha, Neb., and Isabel Martinez of Kansas; brothers, Benny Medina of Oregon and Rudy Gonzales of Utah; best friend, Donna Carson of Kearney; aunt, Soledad Zamarripa; and many cousins, nieces and nephews
Ws preceded in death by her parents; her husband, who passed in 2011; sisters, Evelyn Kouba and Neomi Gonzales; and nephew Travis Antillon
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2015
McMAHON, Patricia J. “Pat”, 78, of Amherst died Monday, May 25, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 12, 1936, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Hazel (Kenney) McMahon
Graduated from Amherst High School in 1955; attended Kearney State College, was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
Began working at the USDA A.S.C.S. office in Buffalo County as program assistant, 1958; retired after 33 years of service and continued to live on the family farm southwest of Amherst
Activities: member of St. John Capistran Catholic Church in Amherst and of the National Association of A.S.C.S Employees and was past director of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority; enjoyed going to Florida in the winter, playing cards with friends, bowling and reading; loved sports and loved to follow the Amherst Broncos; because of her Irish heritage, enjoyed watching the Notre Dame football team; greatest love was living on her farm and caring for her animals
Spent her last year at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Survivors include: her nieces and nephews, Doug Klingelhoefer and his wife, Jamie, of Wooster, Ohio, Kevin Klingelhoefer and his wife, Juli, David Klingelhoefer and his wife, Ginny, Joe Klingelhoefer and his wife, Kim, and Sidney Klingelhoefer and his wife, Anne, all of Amherst, Don Klingelhoefer and Carrie Monif and her husband, Giles, all of Bellevue, Sally Florell and her husband, Arlin, of Elm Creek, Sue Fuller and her husband, Tom, of Maquoketa, Iowa, Sharon Kulhanek and her husband, Gary, of Kearney, Lisa Urwiller and her husband, Larry, of Ravenna, Robert McMahon and his wife, Shelly, and Teresa Guilday and her husband Bill, all of Fort Meyers, Fla., 40 great-nieces and great-nephews; and 35 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Robert McMahon and his wife, Lillian; one sister, Connie Klingelhoefer and her husband, Kenneth; and one niece, Linda Shapiro
Memorials: Amherst Rescue Unit
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2015
NIELSEN, Linda A., 66, of Kearney died Saturday, June 6, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 28, 1948, in South Euclid, Ohio
Parents: Albert and Dorothy (Holsing) Richter
Attended St. John Lutheran School until eighth grade; graduated from Lutheran High East of Cleveland Heights
Moved to Kearney in 1969; worked for the phone company until 1984 and then at Cabela’s as an administrative assistant for 30 years Married Randy Nielsen on June 17, 1995, in Kearney
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church, was involved with the radio broadcast and was a midweek confirmation teacher; enjoyed swimming, reading, bowling and canning vegetables out of the garden
Linda is survived by her husband, Randy Nielsen of Kearney; parents, Al and Dorothy Richter of Ravenna; daughter, Melissa Young and her daughters, Morgan Lomax and Kaetlyn Young of Aurora; brother, Jeff Richter of Casper, Wyo.; stepson, Matthew Nielsen and his wife, Rachel, of Kearney; stepdaughters, Tina Heiger of Redfield, S.D., and Jessica Boyle and her husband, Brent, of Clay Center, Kan.; and 13 stepgrandchildren
Was preceded in death by her grandparents
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church School or the Zion Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast fund
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2015
OURADA, Daniel Richard, 63, of Elm Creek died Sunday, May 31, 2015, at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln
Services: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Catholic Cemetery
Born Nov. 28, 1951
Parents: Richard and Floralee (Fagot) Ourada
The oldest of seven children, graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1970
Owner and operator of Ourada Logistics LLC, spent his professional life as a driver, dispatcher and broker;had a passion for the trucking industry and enjoyed the many acquaintances he made over his career
Survivors include: his mother, Floralee Ourada of Elm Creek; wife, Pat Ourada of Elm Creek; sons, Nathan and wife Jill of Lenexa, Kan., and Jacob Ourada of Broken Arrow, Okla.; daughters, Angela Levin of Loveland, Colo., Andrea Ourada of Lenexa and Katie Gibson and husband Daniel of Chelsea, Okla.; stepdaughters, Tanya Dana and husband Adam of Dorchester and Tara Fouts and husband, Morgan of Elm Creek; brothers, Stan Ourada and wife Pat of Kearney, Bill Ourada and wife Denise and J.C. Ourada and wife Amy, all of Elm Creek; sisters, Vickie Sullwold and husband Dick of Elm Creek, Ginger Blunk and husband Rick of Omaha and Valerie Otto and husband Mitch of Ceresco; 21 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his father and his maternal and paternal grandparents
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department or Maple Manor in Elm Creek
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2015
PAHL, Benjamin H., 93, of North Platte died Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Linden Court in North Platte
Graveside service: Monday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on a farm near Eddy, Okla., on Sept. 12, 1921
Parents: Fred John and Gertrude Mary Ritter Pahl
Was a student at the University of Nebraska Dental College when World War II began. His class was the only one to complete the entire curriculum in three years
Married: Aug. 29, 1943, to Eula (Billie) Warehime in Ingersoll, Okla.
Military: U.S. Navy
Moved to Kearney, where he practiced for 42 years, retired in 1989; moved to North Platte, 2012, to be near their daughter.
Activities: hobbies included building radio-controlled airplanes, fishing, hunting, golfing, woodworking, gardening and yard work
Survivors include: daughters Bobbie Welty and her husband Jon of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Jackie Lashley of North Platte; four grandchildren, Ben A. and Libby Lashley, Amy Jo and Brian Johnston, all of North Platte, Phillip P. and Amanda Welty of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Mitchell J. and Amy Welty of Brentwood, Tenn.; and great grandchildren, Morgan, Maggie and Maya Lashley, Skyler and River Johnston, and Megan, Michael and Jackson Welty
Was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years in 2012, his parents, a brother, Harvey Ritter Pahl and a sister Juanita June Pahl Frost
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 30 May, 2015
PIERCE, George W., 77, of Gibbon, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger of Gibbon
Born Feb. 24, 1938, in Sargent
Parents: James “Gard” and Minnie V. (Loyd) Pierce
Received his education from Sargent High School and graduated in 1955
Married: Nov. 30, 1957, to Diane Walker
Began working at Nebraska Central Telephone Co. as a lineman in 1959; retired as the plant superintendent after 45 years of employment
Married: Dec. 4, 1987, to Kathy at Faith United Church in Gibbon; couple enjoyed 27 years of marriage
Activities: had many hobbies, including building cars, especially his 1929 Roadster, 1914 Ford Speedster and a CJ Jeep; also enjoyed rebuilding lawn mowers
Was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Diane; and his brother, Jim Pierce
Survivors include: his wife, Kathy Pierce; son, Bruce Pierce and wife Krista; daughter, Kasey Parr and husband Todd, all of Gibbon; stepchildren, Justin Robinson and wife Anna, and Jason Robinson and wife Joy; grandchildren, Kyla Earll, Timeree Smith, Tyson Pierce, Tate Pierce, Emilee Parr, Addison Parr and Nolan Parr; stepgrandchildren, Sam, Simon, Sawyer and Spencer Robinson and Mindzie Madsen; great grandchildren, Izabella and Brayden Earll, Kaden, Jace and Tinley Smith and Hadley Pierce; sister, Charlene Travis and husband Richard of Kohler, Wis.; sister-in-law, Darlene Pierce of Fairbury; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Kearney Hub, 4 June, 2015
PIERCE, Vivian Lerneda, of Kearney, 90, formerly of Stratton, died Friday, May 22, 2015, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Wednesday at the Stratton Church of Christ
Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton
Mortuary: Carpenter Breland in McCook
Born Jan. 20, 1925, in Stratton
Parents: Clarence and Ora (Miles) Richards
Graduated from Stratton High School in 1942
Married: March 7, 1946, to Richard Charles Pierce in Atwood, Kan. They had three children
After marriage, lived on a farm south of Stratton; with husband, bred registered Angus cattle for 56 years; also worked as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service; moved to Kearney in 2008 to be near family
Activities: member of the Church of Christ in both Stratton and Kearney; was a Gold Member of the American Legion Auxiliary and of Piecemakers Quilt Guild of McCook; loved to quilt and garden; greatly enjoyed traveling to Europe and Hawaii
Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Pierce and wife Avis of Kearney and Rodney Pierce and wife Candace of Windsor, Colo.; six sisters, Shirley Hudson and husband Neal of McCook, Donna Jesch and husband Eugene of Stratton, Eula Carroll of Hutchinson, Kan., Wilva Harchelroad of Wauneta, Dorothy Birks and husband Keith of Laramie, Wyo., and Beverley Dailey and husband Neil of Las Cruces, N.M.; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ora Richards; her husband, Richard Pierce; her daughter, Geraldine Pierce; and two brothers-in-law, Bill Carroll and Gene Harchelroad
Memorials: Stratton Church of Christ or a charity of choice
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2015
SCHMID, Kathryn “Kaye” Babbitt, 93, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, May 24, 2015, in Mesa
Memorial services: later at the Church of the Transfiguration in Mesa
Born Jan. 9, 1922 in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Parents: Clair Francis and Irene Marie Babbitt
Graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs
Married to Charles Christian Schmid; had three children
Activities: in Kearney, was active in St. Luke’s Church, the Newcomers Club and was the Welcome Wagon Lady, and the Community Playhouse; in Mesa, was an active member of the Church of the Transfiguration and served in the Altar Guild, the Vestry and Women of the Episcopal Church; enjoyed playing bridge and golf and was a volunteer for the Mesa Arts Center; was a world traveler with her last journey a trip to Africa at age 85; celebrated her 90th birthday by skydiving and had planned on it again at age 95
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; longtime companion, Anthony “Pat” Morello; grandson, Christopher; and brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Bette Babbitt
Survivors include: son, Stephen and wife Linda of Mesa; daughters, Christine Haeker and husband Allen of Alma, Neb., and Clair Bogard and husband Tom of Marietta, Ohio; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2015
SNIDER, Frederick Elvin, 60, of Kearney died Thursday, June 4, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Wood River Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born March 3, 1955, in Grand Island
Parents: Ernest E. and Esther M. (Zimmerman) Snider
Military: served several years in the Nebraska National Guard
Most recently, had worked for Kearney Cab Co.
Activities: enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities
Survivors include: children, Derek Snider and wife Kathryn of El Paso, Texas, Nicole Snyder and husband Daniel of Grand Island and Mitchell Snider and significant other Joy Jones of Omaha; grandchildren, Evelyn and Kristine Snider, Benjamin Snyder and Kara Snider; the love of his life, Lynn McMichael of Kearney; brothers, Kenneth Snider and John Snider, both of Grand Island, David Snider and wife Paula of Dannebrog; sisters, Millie Weavers, Lucy Peterson, Marilyn Rice and husband Wayne and Carolyn Newberry and husband Chuck, all of Grand Island; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Pete Peterson
Kearney Hub, 6 June, 2015
THOMAS, Walter Lynn, 90, of Kearney, died Saturday, May 23, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Monday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial:Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Feb. 11, 1925 on a farm outside of Gibbon
Parents: O. Verner and Anna (Piper) Thomas
Was the ninth of 11 children; affectionately known to some as “Bub”; contracted polio at age 5, spent much of his youth in and out of the Orthopedic Hospital in Lincoln; had to spend his life on crutches and in a wheelchair, but never let his physical limitations stand in the way of his dreams; graduated in 1944 from Kearney Public Schools; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Beverly Jean Nelson; had four children
Worked a number of jobs in Kearney; eventually bought a little storefront business named Ace Irrigation Equipment, a company he grew into the thriving irrigation and culvert business Ace Eaton Metals located at the Kearney Airbase
For the past 10 years, had been married to Mary Ann deNeveu Shanahan
Had an apartment connected to the business office, was able to remain active at the company by wheeling his wheelchair over to the office every day
Activities: had a beautiful voice and loved singing the popular songs of his youth; played chess and collected many unusual chess sets; enjoyed watching sports on TV, enjoyed documentaries and history; grew cat-tails in the ditches around the office, and loved watching the red-wing black birds nest there; possessed an incredible memory for everything; member and supporter of Rotary, 4-H, Kearney and Gibbon volunteer fire departments, Law Enforcement of Buffalo County, Special Olympics, Lions, Eagles, Republican Party, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Crossroads Mission, and many others; was awarded the Small Businessman of the Year Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the key to the city of Kearney, was an Honorary Fireman of the Kearney Fire Department; served on the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors; with daughter, co-authored and published his biography, titled “Pipe Dreams.”
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann of Kearney; daughters, Lynda Frye Brookes and husband Mike of Kearney and LeAnn Thomas of Kearney; sons, Michael Thomas and wife Sue Ann of Gibbon and Richard Thomas and wife Monica of Kearney; stepdaughter, Ryan deNeveu of Omaha; grandchildren, Kasey Frye and wife Karen, Jenae Frye Curtis, Bryan Frye, Jesse McNew and wife Chelsea, Heather Wright and husband Lucas, Dustin McNew, Chancey Thomas and significant other Ryan West, Laura Ritterbush, Kimber Kinstler and husband Todd, Nicole Ritterbush, Justice deNeveu and Rowan Norman; great-grandchildren, Serenity, Quincy, Damien, Huxley, Saber, Savannah, Dylan, Rylan and Hailey; as well as many nieces and nephews and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Lloyd, Loren, Merle, Lucile Musil, Dorothy Musil, David, Roy, Edith Cure, Arthur, and Beverly; son-in-law, Patrick Frye; and first wife and mother of his children, Beverly (Nelson) Thomas
Memorials: Kearney Rotary for polio eradication, the Salvation Army, Crossroads Mission or the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 30 May, 2015
VOLLMER, Joyce E., 65, of Gibbon died Friday, June 12, 2015, at Park Place Nursing Home in Grand Island
Service: Tuesday at Faith Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Feb. 4, 1950; at a young age, she and brother Dennis became part of the Douglas and Louise Peterson family
Grew up on the farm east of Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School in 1968, completed two years at Kearney State College
Married: Oren Vollmer on Nov. 14, 1970, in Kearney
After marriage, helped husband with farming, cattle and sheep west of Kearney, south of Kearney and then south of Mason City; retired between Kearney and Gibbon
Activities: member of Faith Baptist Church, taught Sunday school, children’s church and sang solos in small groups; loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and also enjoyed gardening
Survivors include husband, Oren Vollmer of Gibbon; sons, Michael Vollmer and his wife, Angie, of Aurora, Kirk Vollmer and his wife, Melinda, of Kearney and Jeffery Vollmer and his wife, Kristi, of Sumner; daughter, Lisa Rickman of Gibbon; brother, Wayne Andersen and his wife, Betty, of Elkhorn; aunt, Lorena Peterson of Kearney; uncle, Jack Peterson of Kearney; sister-in-law, Janet Botsford of Kearney; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Dennis Peterson
Memorials: Faith Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 15 June, 2015
WALKER, Myra C., 86, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Hattiesburg Health and Rehabilitation Center
Services: Monday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Cozad Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 3, 1929
Parents: Harm and Emma (Cross) Franzen
Attended country school at District 88, was a 1946 graduate of Gothenburg High School
Worked as a secretary for the Stanton Maytage Co. in Gothenburg for two years
Married: Oct. 3, 1948, and was a stay-at-home mom until 1981
Lived in Cozad for over 43 years, then moved to Kearney in 1992
Directed tours for North American Tours, a division of Lincoln Tour and Travel until 1985, then directed tours for Allied Tour and Travel; retired in 1997
Activities: member of Cozad Woman’s Club, served as president; member of the Cozad Toastmistress Club, served as president in 1973; taught fifth grade Sunday School at American Lutheran Church in Cozad and Bible School
Survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law, Kerry and his wife, Peg, of Tulsa, Okla., and Grant and his wife, Nancy, of Hattiesburg, Miss., and three grandchildren, Ash, Joshua and Hope
Was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Lorraine Crawford, Evelyn Feist and Vernice Adle
Memorials: The Gideons International
Kearney Hub, 30 May, 2015
WICE, Paul C., 70, of Kearney died Thursday, June 4, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 30, 1944, in West Branch, Mich.
Parents: Clinton H. and Viola R. (Potratz) Wice
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1962; enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Kearney,received a master’s degree in speech communications
Worked at KGFW Radio as the news director for more than 40 years, retired in 2007; also taught speech at the University of Nebraska Kearney for almost 20 years
Married: to Dolores “Dee” A. Janovec on Sept. 30, 1967, in Kearney
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; honrary member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Surviving relatives include his wife, Dee, of Kearney; one sister, JoAnne Campbell and husband Paul of Colwich, Kan.; two nieces, Jennifer Williams and husband Alan of Kansas City, Mo., and Heather Thimnesch and husband Steve of Colwich; and seven-great nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 6 June, 2015
WOLF, Beverly J., 88, of Kearney died Thursday, June 11, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Clebration of life service: June 27 at First Lutheran Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Nov. 3, 1926, in Hastings
Parents: Siebelt H. Goldenstein and Doris (Soller) Goldenstein
Married: Dec. 18, 1948, to John DeWayne Wolf in Smith Center, Kan. He died on May 12, 2015
After marriage, lived in Kearney; was a mother and homemaker, and DeWayne was an attorney and state district judge; were married for 65 years; DeWayne died on May 12 at Good Samaritan Society-St. Luke’s where they spent the last three weeks of his life together
Grew up in Hastings, Orleans and Kearney; graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1944, attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln for two years, then attended Kearney State College for two years; because of a shortage of teachers during World War II, was issued a teacher’s certificate prior to graduation, taught history and geography classes in Gothenburg
Was baptized at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings in 1926 and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Kearney in 1940; member of Concordia Society and Mary-Martha Guild at Zion Lutheran Church, Holy Cross Guild at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and W.E.L.C.A. at First Lutheran Church
Activities: was the first woman to chair the Buffalo County Extension Board; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital and in the American Red Cross bloodmobile; served on the Board of Directors for both the American Red Cross and the Frank House; member of PEO for more than 50 years
Survivors include her sons, Chuck Wolf and wife Melanie Miller of Sugar Land, Texas, and John Wolf of Kearney; and daughters-in-law, Pam Wolf of Lincoln and Nancy Wolf of Monroe, Wash.; seven grandchildren: Angela Tullos and husband Jimmy of Flower Mound, Texas, Amy Sayre and husband Herb and David Wolf and wife Christina, all of Frisco, Texas, Sarah Collinge and husband Max of Bothell, Wash., Bethany Robinson and husband Craig of Snohomish, Wash., and Andrew Wolf and fiancée Anna Claire Stearns, and Becca Wolf, all of Lincoln; and eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn; and her youngest son, Stephen Wolf
Memorials: First Lutheran Church, Good Samaritan Society-St. Luke’s, or UNK Wolf Family Scholarship Fund
Kearney Hub, 13 June, 2015