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BANCROFT, Barbara Ann, 75, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Memorial service: July 23, 2016, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on April 6, 1940, in Ishpeming, Mich.
Parents: Dorste and Helen (Mattson) Roos
Was raised in Negaunee, Mich., and graduated from Negaunee High School in 1958; in high school, was a cheerleader and a drum majorette, played the violin in the school orchestra; received her registered nursing degree from Presbyterian-St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago in 1961
Worked at the Presbyterian-St. Luke’s hospital
Married: Jan 5, 1963, to John H. Bancroft in Oak Park, Ill.
After marriage, lived in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where was was stationed with the U.S. Army; returned to the United States in June 1965 and settled in Kearney where John joined his father’s surgical practice; Barb earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 1983 from Kearney State College
Activities: member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, was active in the choir and the Altar Guild; member of PEO Chapter HB and a member of the Kearney Woman’s Club; enjoyed traveling within the U.S. as well as overseas; greatest joy was in taking care of her home and family; was an excellent cook and loved to entertain
Survivors include: John, her husband of 53 years; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Dave Lux of Norfolk; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Cynthia Bancroft of Plano, Texas; and six (really great) grandchildren, Paul Lux, Peter Lux, Alec Bancroft, Therese Lux, Abigail Bancroft and Raymond Lux
Was preceded in death by her parents, Dorste and Helen Roos; and her brother, Jerald Roos
Memorials: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Kearney Area Community Foundation or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 26 January 2016
BECKMAN, Lawrence, 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Graveside service: May 20 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors
Family service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Feb. 17, 1925, in Umbarger, Texas
Parents: Fred and Elizabeth (Hartman) Beckman
Grew up in Umbarger, graduated in 1942
Military: U.S. Navy on April 17, 1944, - June 19, 1946
Married: Josephine Ata on Nov. 29, 1947, in Raton, N.M. She died in 2005 after 58 years of marriage
After marriage, lived in Miami, N.M., Pueblo, Colo., and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; moved to Kearney in 1968; moved to Lincoln, 1976, worked for the State Department of Corrections, retired in 1991; then moved back to Kearney to be closer to family
Activities: longtime member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus; enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family
Survivors include: sons, Larry Beckman II and wife Pamela of Axtell and Richard Beckman of Lincoln; daughter, Helen Matzner of Aurora; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Henrietta Bednorz of Tularosa, N.M.
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Josephine; daughter-in-law, Glenda Beckman; and a brother, Harold Beckman
Kearney Hub, 29 January, 2016
BROWN, Larry L., 69, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln
Celebration of life: later
. Mortuary:O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born August 28, 1946 in Lexington
Parents: Albert F. and Gladys D. (Molthan) Brown
Grew up in Lexington, Bertrand, Humphrey, Kearney and Amherst
Military: U.S. Navy, May 1965 - March, 1969; served two tours
Married: February 28, 1970, to Karen Kay Prather in Kearney
Over the years, worked for Lederman’s, Kearney Crete and Block, Brown and Kirwan Tree Service; retired from Kearney Public Schools as a mechanic after 28 years of employment
Activities: enjoyed fixing anything with a motor; enjoyed the companionship of his dog Sissy
Survivors include his wife, Karen of Kearney; son Mike Mason of Holdrege; stepson, Brad Keith of Kearney; step-daughter Brenda McMurtrey of St. George, UT; 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; brothers Junior (Judy) Brown, Dennis (Shari) Brown, Donnie (Linda) Brown; sisters Sandy (Ron) Edson of Shelton and Kathy Vasquez of Kearney; many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and son Michael L. Brown
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2016
CONDON, Alice, 89, of Kearney, formerly of the Anselmo area, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo
Burial: Dale Catholic Cemetery near Merna
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born July 22, 1926, in Anselmo
Parents: Patrick and Alta (Clarke) Condon
Attended school in Anselmo until 1943; moved with her mother to live with her sister Ellen in Denver; finished high school at Cathedral High School in Denver graduating in 1944; attended the Mercy College of Nursing, graduated in 1947
Worked as a nurse in Alliance, NE and Houston, Texas working as a nurse; returned to Nebraska, 1950, was employed at the VA Hospital in Lincoln; graduated from Creighton University. 1955, with her Masters Degree in nursing; lived in California for a short time, then moved to Denver and worked for the Denver Public Health Department for 5 years; from 1962-1986, was employed at the VA Hospital in Denver, retired in 1986; volunteered at the Aurora, Colorado VA Hospital and the Catholic Church soup kitchen
Moved to Kearney in the spring of 2009, resided at the Regency Retirement Home
Activities: loved to travel the world with her friends and family; enjoyed play cards; enjoyed her friends at Regency Retirement Home
Survivors include many nieces and nephews and their families
Was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and brothers-in-laws; Mary (Chuck) Wilson, Kathleen (Richard) Christen, Ellen (Conrad) Schoppe and a nephew Milton Wilson
Memorials: a scholarship has been established in Alice’s name for a student that is studying medicine and in their second year of college
Kearney Hub, 29 January, 2016 CHECK DATE
EBERLE, Violet Sophia, 97, of Hildreth died Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth
Burial: St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Hildreth
Mortuary: Jelden-Craig in Hildreth
Born: Nov. 29, 1918 on a farm southwest of Upland
Parents: Fred and Katie (Westerbuhr) Bauer
Oldest of three children; was baptized on Dec. 28, 1918, and confirmed on April 9, 1933
Attended school at rural District 63 in Franklin County, graduated from Hildreth High School in 1936; then helped on the farm and also in other homes
Married: Reinhold Eberle on May 8, 1955, in her parents’ home by the Rev. J. Suter of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
After marriage lived north of Amherst until February 1957; then moved to a farm south of Hildreth; had one son
Activities: was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth and was active until her health declined; formerly was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hildreth, active in the Women’s Group of the WELCA, Bible study, and enjoyed the quilting and serving groups and Sunday school and Library Committee duties; enjoyed working around the house and gardening plants, especially her collection of irises; also made and decorated wedding and anniversary cakes for family and friends; celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 8, 2005
Survivors include her son, Dean of Hildreth; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Bauer of Hildreth and Milda Vavra of Kearney; 11 nieces and nephews; 14 grandnieces and grandnephews; 13 great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews; and many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Reinhold on Jan. 11, 2006; sister, Freda Wild; brother, Carl F. Bauer; brothers-in-law, Emmitt Wild and Verle Vavra; nephew, Craig Bauer; niece, Kathleen Riggs; grandnieces, Rikki York and Ryle Wolf; and grandnephew, Aaron Betty
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2016
EINSPAHR, Neola G. (Kate), 98, of Kearney, formerly of Hastings, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Thursday at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings
Burial: Wanda Cemetery near Juniata
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home in Hastings
Born: Dec. 1, 1917, at home on a farm near Kenesaw
Parents: Daniel and Amanda (Roeder) Einspahr
Married: Palmer Einspahr on Feb. 24, 1940. He died in 1993
Survivors: three children, Donna Kerr of Hastings, Darrell and wife Rojean Einspahr of North Platte and Delaine and husband Timothy Loewenstein of Kearney; one niece, Diane and husband Wayne Kollar of Troy, Mo.; one brother, Lyle Roeder of Mesa, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; 20 great-grandchildren; and seven stepgreat-great-grandchildren
Memorials: Zion Wanda Lutheran Cemetery Fund, near Juniata or First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Service Programs in Hastings
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2016
ESCANDON, Teresa, 81, of Gibbon died Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at Good Samaritan Society in Wood River
Service: Wednesday, Jan. 27, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Gibbon
Body will be cremated following service
Born on April 6, 1934 in Guanajuato, Mexico
Parents: Juan and Dolores (Rosas) Vega
Moved with family to Texas at age 13
Married: Oscar Escandon in Texas; he died in August 1996
After marriage, returned to Mexico; moved to Gibbon in 1981, worked for Nebraska Turkey Growers, retired due to a stroke a year later
Was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; loved to cook and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren; attended worship services at Assembly of God Church in Gibbon
Survivors include: three sons, Raul Escandon and wife Lilia of Gibbon, Ruben Escandon and wife Martha of Grand Island, and Ricardo Escandon and wife Maria of Gibbon; three daughters, Maria Reyes and husband Jose of Texas, Olga Grado (Ramon) of Gibbon, and Aleyda Yepes and husband Rodolfo of Gibbon; 33 grandchildren , 42 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild
Was preceded in death by two infant sons, her parents, her husband, two sisters, and two brothers
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FOX, Delight (Wimberley), 101, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Celebration of life: April 2 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Inurnment: church columbarium
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Sept. 30, 1914, in Riverdale
Parents: Wilson W. and Iva B. (Stafford) Wimberley
Was raised with seven siblings; graduated from Kearney Teachers College in 1934 with a degree in music education; received the outstanding senior girl of the college
Was a traveling music teacher in Wood River and North Platte; then taught full time in Kearney
Married: Howard W. Fox in 1938
With husband, bought the Corral Cafe in 1951 and retired in 1967
Activities: was an avid reader, loved her church, was a 50-year-plus member of PEO Chapter GG, a member of the Buffalo County Republican Women, and enjoyed playing golf and bridge; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her; on her 100th birthday, Kearney Mayor proclaimed it Delight Fox Recofnition Day
Survivors include son, Kent and wife Janet of Lodgepole; daughter, Greer and husband Steven Good of Douglas, Wyo.; grandchildren Eric and wife Janelle Althen of Golden, Colo., and Bridgette and husband Brent Sweet of Denver; stepgrandchildren, Lacey and husband Justin Mitchell of Windsor, Colo., and Ryan and wife Jackie Good of Glenrock, Wyo.; great-grandchildren, Bo Dean, Chase and Maya Althen, Braanan, Karac and Echo Sweet, and Marley, Blakely Mitchell and Anton Good
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers, one sister, seven sisters-law and one brother-in-law
Memorials: to the church and Nebraska PEO Home
Kearney Hub, 26 January 2016
GRASSMEYER, Arvard "Dean," 92, of Gibbon died Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Memorial service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Gibbon
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: Dec. 29, 1923, in Riverdale
Parents: Frank and Ruby (Hardin) Grassmeyer
Grew up outside of Riverdale, helped with the family farm; graduated from Riverdale High School in 1941
Military: U.S. Navy, June 1941-December 1946
Worked many years as a heavy-equipment operator for Nebraska Irrigation Engineering and for G & S Farms; also spent several years in Mississippi as a project foreman for Morrison Farms followed by many years with Sahling Kenworth
Activities: longtime member of Gibbon American Legion Post 310 and Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Survivors include his daughters, Jill Lewis of Lincoln and Jeri McKeon and Jane Smith, both of Gibbon; grandchildren and spouses, Tate and Kerry Lewis, Ian Lewis, Dominic Lewis, Devin Lewis, Erika and Josh Madison, Kylee McKeon, Lindsey McKeon, Maggie McManus, Tara and Kurtis Venjohn and Justin and Kelli Smith; great-grandchildren Emma Dierwechter, Trevis and Brooklyn Madison, Jaci and Jordan Lewis, Riley Lewis, Stella Smith, Rylee Venjohn and Ayden Smith; brothers, Dale Grassmeyer of Haysville, Kan., Darrell and wife Lavonne Grassmeyer of Columbus and Doyle and Virginia Grassmeyer of Schertz, Texas; sister-in-law, Betty Grassmeyer of Tucson, Ariz.; as well as several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Peggy Palmer and Bonnie Gipson; brother, Donald Grassmeyer; grandson, Benjamin Lewis; and sons-in-law, Rodney Lewis and Allan McKeon
Memorials: Gibbon American Legion Post 310 or the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 16 February, 2016
HENRY, Patrick A., 35, of Ravenna died Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 7, 1980, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Kathleen (Zimmerman) Henry
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 2001
Worked as a sorter at the Goodwill Store in Kearney
Activities: loved to draw, watch movies and spend time with his family; loved to tell jokes and do anything to make people laugh
Survivors include: father, Robert Henry and his wife, Donna, of Kearney; sisters, Jennifer Mostek and husband Eric of Litchfield and Pamela Finch and husband Clinton and Kimberley Webster and husband James, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Henry
Kearney Hub, 30 January, 2016
HIGLEY, Eva “Fern”, 94, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: July 5, United Methodist Church
Burial: Seattle, Wash., in April
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: on her parents’ ranch at Rackett
Parents: Joseph and Tressie (Carr) Sherfey
Attended Box A School at Rackett, then Oshkosh High School
Married: June 1, 1937, to Ted Keenan; he died in 1970
After marriage, lived on a ranch north of Lewellen; moved to Minden in 1946 to open a Gamble’s Store, operated it until 1954; moved to the Seattle area, 1957
Married: Irv Higley in 1976; he died in 1983
Survivors include: her daughters, Wanetta Halbert and Barbara Harms, both of Kearney; son, Robert Keenan and wife Christine of Renton, Wash.; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ted Keenan and Irv Higley; son, Tom Keenan and his wife, Colleen; significant other, Bob Kline; sons-in-law, Brian Halbert and Paul Harms; five brothers; and one sister
Memorials: Historical Society of Garden County
Kearney Hub, 28 January 2016
HILTY, Merlin Frank, 90, of Lexington died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Monday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington
Burial with military honors: Greenwood Cemetery near Lexington
Born Sept. 10, 1925, near Gibbon
Parents: John C. and Mattie May (Rayback) Hilty
Married: Aug. 20, 1950, to Opal Rosentreader in Ansley
Survivors include his wife; son, Timothy of Campbell, Calif.; daughters, Susan of Hanover Park, Ill., and Joan Gestring of Holdrege; brother, Phillip of Kearney; sisters, Donna Webster of Loveland, Colo., Patty Peach of Bedford, Texas, and Phyllis Bennett of Kearney; and two granddaughters
Kearney Hub, 30 January, 2016
HUTCHINSON, Wanda May (Ohl), 55, of Doniphan died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island
Services: Friday at Christ’s Place Church in Lincoln
Burial: Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born Feb. 10, 1961, in Granite City, Ill.
Parents: James and Wanda (Whimberly) Ohl
Grew up and received her education in Maryland Heights, Mo.; graduated from Pattonville High School in 1979; attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo.
Married: Aug. 9, 1980, to Michael C. Hutchinson in St. Charles, Mo.
After marriage, lived in Kearney, later moved to Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha and Doniphan
Was an executive secretary at the Nebraska Assemblies of God District Office, State Farm Insurance and Wyuka Cemetery and Funeral Home with the Historical Foundation; served as a financial adviser and administrative assistant at New York Life and Hutchinson & Associates
Activities: loved people, enjoyed working for her family, community and the body of Christ; loved singing and playing with hand-bell choirs; was a past president of the Literacy Council of Grand Island and was instrumental in assisting with the Nebraska State Firefighter and Purple Heart Memorials at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln; supported the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; member of the Red Hat Society and NAIFA; her family was especially important to her
Survivors include her husband, Michael Hutchinson of Doniphan; her children and their spouses, Heidi and Jordan Adams of Grand Island and Adam and Erin Hutchinson and Heather Hutchinson, all of Omaha; her grandchildren, Brooke and Brock Adams and Madeline and Ava Hutchinson; her parents, James and Wanda Ohl of Maryland Heights, Mo.; her siblings, James and Donna Ohl of Foristell, Mo., and Linda Unterreiner of Florissant, Mo.; and her nieces, nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca (Ohl) Brown; grandparents; aunts; and uncles
Memorials: family or the Literacy Council of Grand Island
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2016
JONES, Carolina F., 79, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born March 17, 1936, in rural Odessa
Parents: Harry and Elva (Wright) Hasbrouck
Graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1954
Survivors include her four children, Jennifer Seip of Washington, Deborah Carroll and husband Michael of Lincoln, Jeffrey Reicks of Kearney and Delphine Erickson and husband Conrad of Axtell; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Josephine Benjamin of Minnesota, Harriet Ames of Wyoming, Eileen Skiles of California, Rose Hasbrouck of Colorado and Kathy Lybarger of Nebraska; and mother, Elva May Hasbrouck of Colorado
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2016
JURGENS, Elmer A., 97, of Gibbon died Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 29, 1919, in Wilcox
Parents: George and Alma (Rühs) Jurgens
Grew up in various communities, including Wilcox, Inavale and Red Cloud, then Gibbon
Married: Dec. 16, 1941, to Alice Schroeder in Smith Center, Kan.
Military: veteran of World War II, served as a medic in the U.S. Army Air Force, Feb. 18, 1942, - Sept. 12, 1945
After discharge, farmed in Dix then at two farms north of Gibbon; then worked as a propane salesman and serviceman for Central Nebraska Co-op in Gibbon for 29 years, retired in 1984; then worked part time at the Gibbon City landfill and also worked part time from 1992 to 2008 for his son, Lonnie Jurgens, in his carpentry business
Activities: member of American Legion Post 310 of Gibbon, past member of Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and the Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge; attended Gibbon Baptist Church and was an active member of the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department for many years; enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, gardening and fishing; loved kids and helped his wife, Alice, with her child-care business in their home; was known as the “Sucker Man” by many children on his propane route because he always had a sucker for them
Survivors include his daughters, Ellamay McCormick and husband Terry of Fontana, Calif., Ruth Galloway and husband Larry of Gibbon, Connie Shafer and husband Robert of Lincoln, Carol Wilkie and husband Russell of Anselmo and June Blumenthal and husband Joe, and Pamela Franks and husband Rick, all of Gibbon; sons, Lonnie Jurgens and wife Heather, and Paul Jurgens and wife Beth, all of Gibbon; 24 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Henrietta Hartge of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his wife in 1991; his parents; grandson, Michael Wilkie; great-grandson, Aaron McCormick; brothers, Henry, Lorance, Gerhard and Leslie; and sisters, Ann Bailey, Idella Carpenter and Velma Curry
Memorials: Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department or the Gibbon American Legion
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2016
KRUEGER, Nora F., 109, of New Prague, Minnesota, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in New Prague, just 2 1/2 weeks short of her 110th birthday
Celebration of life: Monday at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague
Graveside service: Friday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary:; Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born February 13, 1906 in Stiener [Steinauer], Pawnee County, Nebraska
Parents: Leonard and Anna (Runnels) Webb
Was the eldest of six siblings, lived in a sod house in the sand hills of Nebraska until the family moved to Kearney, in the early 1910's; graduated from Kearney High School
Married John H. Krueger on December 24, 1930, in Kansas
Had a son, Charles Oliver, in September of 1937 but also raised her brother, Richard's, daughter, Lela Webb, when Lela's mother died in childbirth; lived in the Nebraska area, then moved to New Prague, MN, in 2001
Was a homemaker until her husband died in 1957, then she worked in the laundry department in a Tuberculosis Sanitarium
Was noted for her enthusiasm and fierce independence
Survivors include: special niece, Lela Rust of Lincoln, IL; grandchildren, Cindy (Jim) Beno, Vicky (Andrew) Hansen, and Randy, all of Nebraska, John (Cara) Krueger and Lisa Roseland, all of Minnesota; brother, Dean Webb of Billings, MT; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2016
LONG, Lori Lynn, 62, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Jan. 2, 1954, in McCook
Parents: Neal and June (Missing) Billesbach
Grew up in Arapahoe and was a graduate of Arapahoe High School
Married: Nov. 24, 1973, to Richard Long in Arapahoe
Handled bookkeeping at the family business, Precision Import Repair
Activities: enjoyed all things Elvis, reading, her cats and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include: husband, Richard Long; sons and their spouses, Ryan and Amy Long, Adam and Melissa Long and Aaron and Robin Long, all of Kearney; seven grandchildren; mother, June Billesbach of Kearney; brother, Craig Billesbach of Pleasant Dale; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Greg Hauser of Phoenix; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Duane and Kathy Long of Holdrege, Dale and Kathy Long of Holbrook, Dennis and Jan Long of Lincoln, Rosemary and Kevin Johnson of Clive, Iowa, Sandy Long of Holbrook and Linda Long of Norton, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father, Neal Billesbach; parents-in-law, Faye and Derryl Long; and brothers-in-law, Dave Long and Doug Long
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2016
MAXCY, Ivory Rose, infant daughter of Jesse Johnston and Bethany Maxcy of Kearney, died Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at her home
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Gibbon
Born: Aug. 17, 2015, in Kearney
Brought an endless amount of joy to her family and friends
Survivors include: parents, Jesse Johnston and Bethany Maxcy of Kearney; her brother, Corben Maxcy of Kearney; her grandparents, Krystal and Bob Wright of Kearney, Megan Johnston of Howe and Troy Maxcy of Ogallala; her great-grandparents, Brent Garcia of Elwood, Jim Maxcy of Ogallala, Annette Bloom of Bismarck, N.D., and Glen and Pam Foricke of Ogallala; a great-aunt, Carey Stotts of Crookston, Minn.; and a great-uncle, Michael Garcia of Howe
Was preceded in death by two great-grandmas, Mary Bevard and Rena Zapata; a great-grandfather, Freddie Wright; and two great-uncles, Gregory Foricke and Troy Stotts
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2016
MEIER, Carol J., 83, of Elm Creek died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Service: Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Burial: at the church cemetery. Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Nov. 8, 1932, in Arapahoe, Colo.
Parents: Emil J. and Nell F. (Sullwold) Ripp
Grew up between Odessa and Elm Creek, was a 1950 graduate of Odessa High School; graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953
Married: Oct. 10, 1953, to Edward Meier in Elm Creek
Worked as a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital for 30 years; had a passion for nursing and taking care of people; retired, and continued to care for those in need by volunteering at the Red Cross
Activities: member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Altar Society and the American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed crocheting, canning and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include: her sons and their spouses, Joseph and Lorea Meier, James and Fauneil Meier, Steven and Robin Meier and Matthew and Vickie Meier, all of Elm Creek; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and their spouses, Emil and Kathy Ripp of Cairo and Charles and Sharon Ripp of Elm Creek; sisters, Frances Ione and husband Richard Crow of Kearney and Marion Broe of Elm Creek; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward Meier; brother-in-law, Ron Broe; stepmother, Mabel Ripp; brother, David Ripp; and nieces, Molly Ann Broe and Jennifer Joyce Crow
Memorials: the church
Kearney Hub, 26 January 2016
MESSBARGER, Merrill “Mick”, 54, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha
Service: Thursday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Omaha
Burial: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha
Mortuary: John A. Gentleman Mortuaries
Born March 26, 1961, in Kearney
Passed away peacefully after a five-year battle with cancer
Survivors include: wife, Amy; sons, Sam and Ben; parents, Sally and Gerry Messbarger; siblings and spouses, Terri and Vic Schutte, Jeff and Jan Messbarger, Sara Messbarger and Ann Erks; sister-in-law, Cathy Messbarger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sara and Mark Wilcox and Jack and Angie Creel; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his brother, Randy Messbarger; maternal grandparents, Milly and Helen Bloomberg; paternal grandparents, Fred and Anna Messbarger; and parents-in-law, James and Helen Creel
Kearney Hub, 26 January 2016
MILLER, Robert Henry, 71, of Phoenix, Arizona, died Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, at his home
Service: Monday at Heritage Funeral Chapel in Peoria
Burial with military honors: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix
Born June 23, 1944, and raised in Kearney, Neb.
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1962
Military: U.S. Army, 1966-1968
Graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1971; moved to Arizona, spent over 25 years in the banking industry
Was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Loretta
Survivors include: wife, Lois (Skorupa); daughter, Stephanie and husband Tom Gosselin; grandchildren, Anna Renee and Zander Robert Gosselin; sister, Kathryn Chavez of Mesa; brother, Richard and wife Annamae Miller of Glendale; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Kearney Hub, 12 February, 2016
MONROE, John F., 60, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at his home
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born April 23, 1955, in Kearney
Parents: George Freeman and Marcia (Johnson) Monroe
Received his education from Kearney Public Schools, graduated from Kearney High School in 1973; growing up, worked for his father at the Fort Theatre; later attended Kearney State College, earned his degree in criminal justice
Moved to California, worked for Delta Airlines as an equipment service employee from 1988 until retirement in October 2014
Activities: enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and traveling
Survivors include his brothers, Jeffrey Monroe of Lone Tree, Colo., and James D. Monroe of Kearney; sister, Jan Bernel of Newport Coast, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 29 January, 2016
O'BRIEN, William Guy “Bill” Sr., 69, of Glenwood, Iowa, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at his home
Cremation was chosen; family service: later
Burial: Overton (Neb.) Cemetery
Born Sept. 23, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Gerald A. and Twyla C. (Frink) O’Brien
Attended school in Leominster, Mass., and Portland, Maine; graduated from the Cumberland County School system
Married Patricia Lizer; had two children together; later divorced
Married Karen Bort; had a child togheter; later divorced
Moved to Glenwood, Iowa; married to Barb Barton
Enjoyed trips to the casinos, fishing and road trips with his beloved Barbara
Survivors include his mother, Twyla (Frink) O’Brien of Kearney; sisters, Linda and husband Butch Gant and Cinda and husband Denny Egge, all of Kearney, and Kelly and husband Chris Sieck of Iowa; brothers, Michael and his wife, Linda, and Steven and his wife, Ginger, all of Kearney, and Brett O’Brien Sr. of Lexington; children, Teresa (O’Brien) Kersting of Kearney and Leslie O’Brien of Omaha, Neb.; and Barb Barton of Glenwood; also grandchildren and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Gerald A. O’Brien; sister, Eva V. Smith; and son, William Guy O’Brien Jr. “Little Billy.”
Kearney Hub, 16 February, 2016
OLIVER, Jerry Lee, 63, of Columbus, formerly of Shelton, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in Columbus
Services: Monday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Apfel
Born March 13, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Elton and Lillian Oliver in Kearney
Graduated from Shelton High School
Married: Grace Ann Van Winkle on June 13, 1970
Worked for Frontier and retired in 2014
Married: Cyd Hedrick on June 21, 2008, in Shelton
Activities: member of VNEA as well as the Columbus Pool Community; was an avid outdoorsman, gardener and baker; will be remembered as a loving man, a friend to everyone around him
Survivors include his mother, Lillian Oliver; wife, Cyd Oliver; son, Scott and wife Jeni Oliver; grandson, Zachary Oliver; granddaughter, Kelsey Oliver; Grace Ann Oliver; a sister, Judy and husband Dennis O’Brien; his cousin and best friend, Mark Oliver; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Elton Oliver; uncle, Ben Oliver; paternal and maternal grandparents; and grandniece, Ariel O’Brien
Memorials: Shelton High Booster Club
Kearney Hub, 6 February, 2016
PERALES, Earl Wilburn, 89, of Kearney died of cancer Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
No services; body was cremated
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Dec. 28, 1926, in Wichita Falls, Texas
Parents: Elton Howard and Onie Lee (Flippin) Perales
Military: entered United States Navy on Feb. 24, 1945, at Casper, Wyo., and served during World War II; was honorably discharged on July 8, 1946, at Bremerton, Wash.
Married: Betty June Eisenbarger on July 27, 1947, in Casper, Wyo.
After marriage, lived in Casper, worked as a carpenter, retired in 1989 and moved to Kearney
Activities: loved fishing Wyoming streams; camping with his wife, children and grandchildren; and playing his harmonicas with jammers at nursing homes; enjoyed flying model airplanes, woodcarving and gardening; member of First Christian Church of Casper for 42 years and First Christian Church of Kearney since 1989; recently had attended Faith United Methodist Church of Kearney; member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Casper Lodge
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Betty J. Perales of Kearney; a son, Kenneth and wife Amy Perales of Rosenberg, Texas; two daughters, Becky and husband Jack Wilkins of Kearney and Leslie and husband Andy Norris of Walden, Colo.; three granddaughters, Lea Anne and husband Ed Stefan of Cumming, Iowa, Jill and husband Tim Tolleson of Dothan, Ala., and Kimberly and husband Miles Maddux of Gibbon, and two grandsons, Joe and wife Larisa Wilkins of San Diego, Calif., and Richard and wife Elizabeth Perales of Richmond, Texas; and 11 great-grandchildren, Trevor, William, Samuel, Zackary and Peter Tolleson, all of Dothan, Ala., Matthew, Mark and Laura Stefan of Norwalk, Iowa, Richard L. and Emma Perales of Richmond, Texas, and Jackson Maddux of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Burien Perales; and three sisters, Stella Davies, Clara Williams and Nora Clark
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church, Kearney
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2016
ROPERS, Henry O., 79, of Gibbon died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Buffalo First Lutheran Cemetery in Dawson County
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Gibbon
Henry O. Ropers, 79, of Gibbon died Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney. Born July 29, 1936, in Colome, S.D.
Parents: John Otto and Elsie (Swartz) Ropers
Received his education from Ansley High School and graduated in 1954
Married: May 2, 1964, to Wanda Babcock at Buffalo Lutheran Church near Lexington
After marriage, lived in Sargent, worked at the alfalfa mill and the auto body shop; also worked as a mechanic in Loup City for several years; worked in the maintenance department from Ore-Ida Foods in Grand Island until his retirement
Activities: enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and gardening
Survivors include: wife, Wanda Ropers of Gibbon; children and spouses, Joseph Ropers of Anselmo, Inez and Dave Swanson of St. Paul, Katie Ropers of Boelus, Ida and Darren Morgan of Gibbon, Harriet and Terry Winchester of Guymon, Okla., Harold Ropers of Chapman and Jody Ropers of Boelus; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Helen Barta of Lexington and Annie and husband Ed Graczyk of Sumner; brother-in-law, Harmon Barta of Lexington; sister-in-law, Deloris Ropers of Sargent; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Minnie Hansen and Betty Barta; and a brother, Louie Ropers
Kearney Hub, 16 February, 2016
SIMMERMAN, Kay, 78, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Saturday at Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Chapel in Elm Creek
Born Dec. 15, 1937, in Ord
Parents: Charles and Fannie (Milhoan) Cross
Was a 1956 graduate of Overton High School; later attended Nebraska Teachers College, taught for several years at District 48, South 17 and East 12 in Dawson County and at Smithfield Grade School in Gosper County
Married: Harlan Simmerman on June 14, 1959, at Overton United Methodist Church
Worked at Elm Creek Public Schools, 1976 - 2003
Activities: longtime member of Hillcrest Extension Club; enjoyed crocheting and gardening and baking
Survivors include her husband, Harlan Simmerman of Elm Creek; sons and spouses, James and Stacy Simmerman of Grand Island, Brian and Kris Simmerman of Clay Center and Kevin and Cathy Simmerman of Seward; grandchildren, Logan and Baillie Simmerman, Morgan, Mason and Mitchell Powell, Wyatt Simmerman and Erin and Jaxson Simmerman; sister, Janet Gibson of Pensacola, Fla.; nephews, Craig, Brent and Aaron Turner; sister-in-law, Ardis Refior of Elm Creek; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Simmerman of Elm Creek and Dick Simmerman of Overton
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: American Diabetes Association or the Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2016
SWEARINGEN, Junius, 83, of Ogallala died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at Indian Hills Manor Nursing Home in Ogallala
Graveside service: Saturday at Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 6, 1932, in Sumner
Parents: Clyde and Priscilla (Wood) Swearingen
Attended Victory Hill and Wild Horse Schools
Worked for several farmers and for several hay mills, including ones in Odessa and Elm Creek
Married: to Marlena, on Sept. 16, 1985
Survivors include his wife, Marlena; brother, Leonard and wife Janice Swearingen of Litchfield; sister, Carolyn and husband Allen Richards of Riverdale; sister-in-law, Marjorie Swearingen of Hastings; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Francis, Bill, Bernard and Clarence; and sisters, Norma, Leota, Deloris, Ellen, Gaylene and Bonnie
Kearney Hub, 5 February, 2016
TREADWAY, Walter Emerson, 88, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Jan. 29, 1927, in North Platte
Parents: Clyde L. and Irene A. (O’Dea) Treadway
Graduated from school in 1944
Military: U.S. Coast Guard, 1944 - 1946
Married: 1947, to Fyrne Ingram in Hastings; had met while working at Western TV; she died in 1993
Later moved to Yankton, S.D., helped build Gavins Point Dam; returned to Kearney, worked as a carpenter for Amos Wedell; spent the next 25 years as a route manager for Sunshine Biscuits; also worked at Liebers and Stumbo Heating and Air for several years before retiring
Married: 1995 to Colleen Gove
Activities: member of VFW Post 759, the Eagles and the Elks Club; attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church; enjoyed carpentry and spending time with his family; enjoyed his conversations with family and friends
Survivors include: wife of 21 years, Colleen Gove of Kearney; sons and spouses, Dan and Lynn Treadway of Kearney, Rick Treadway of Holdrege and Mike and Nellie Treadway of Kearney; daughters and spouses, Teresa and Mike Reeder and Shelly and Brad Dimmitt, all of Kearney; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Robert and wife Norma Treadway of Council Bluffs, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Fyrne Treadway; brother, Claire Treadway; sisters, Margie Anderson and Connie Brown; son, Lonni Treadway; and grandson, Brad Reeder
Memorials: National Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 25 January 2016
VANCURA, Nicole M., 31, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at her home
Memorial service: Monday Feb. 15 at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on June 24, 1984, in Alliance
Parents: Ronald A. and Kelley A. (Hesson) Rosburg
Attended school in Lincoln and Omaha;earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married Brady Vancura on March 14, 2006, in Ajo, Ariz.
Worked at Advance Services Inc. as a human resource specialist
Activities: member of Kearney Evangelical Free Church; devoted herself to her husband, children and family
Survivors include her husband, Brady Vancura of Kearney; daughters, Aubrey and Ashtyn Vancura of Kearney; mother, Kelley Rosburg of Omaha; father and stepmother, Ron and Julie Rosburg of Lincoln; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Larry Danczak of Bellevue; niece, Josslyn Danczak of Bellevue; father-in-law, Loren Vancura of Elwood; mother-in-law, Carol and husband Dick Tobler of Elwood; brother-in-law, Brandon and wife Karen Vancura of Trumbull; grandmother, Elaine Rosburg of Lincoln; and grandfather, Al and Liz Rosburg of Ajo
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Al and Nancy Hesson
Memorials: to establish an educational fund for her daughters
Kearney Hub, 11 February, 2016
VOHLAND, Richard Dale, 66, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at his home
Service: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Oct. 4, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Evelyn (Halkyard) Vohland
Received his education from Gibbon High School and graduated in 1968
Married: Vicki E. Rayburn on Sept. 21, 1968, at Bethel United Methodist Church in rural Gibbon
Worked more than 33 years in the maintenance department for Eaton Corp.; moved to Estes Park, Colo., 2001, was resident managers of Castle Mountain Lodge; returned to Kearney in 2003, worked for Grayson Tool in Minden until his health no longer allowed him to work
Activities: was an avid hunter. enjoyed competitive trapshooting, was a master at reloading and was remarkable at billiards; member of the NRA, National Wildlife Foundation; was active in Boys Scouts of America, was proud to have reached the level of Eagle Scout
Survivors include his wife, Vicki Vohland of Kearney; daughters, and spouses Susan and Dave Grove of Kearney and Kathy and Cory Hoagstrom of Lincoln; son, Mike Vohland of Omaha; grandchildren, Shaun Dorsett, Andy Hanna, Allison Grove, Kristine Hoagstrom, Lexi Vohland and Delaney Vohland; parents, Robert and Evelyn Vohland of Gibbon; sister and spouse, Cindy and Bob Crouch of St. Paul; daughter-in-law, Kelli Vohland; and several nieces and nephews
Memorials: Angel Flight Central, Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Ill., and Outdoor Buddies
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2016
WEED, Merlon Lee “Mert”, 84, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, in Fayetteville.
Memorial services were Friday at First United Methodist Church in Bella Vista with military honors.
Mortuary: Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers
Born Jan. 17, 1932, in Alliance, Neb.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley (Ruby) Weed; daughters, Jeri Lee of Sand Springs, Okla., and Linda Jones Ponca City, Okla.; son, Steve of Owasso, Okla.; sister, Shirley McConnell of Arvada, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2016
WOODRUFF, Wilma, 86, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Jan. 21, 1930, in rural Beaver City
Parents: James W. and Melissa Mae (Harding) Wright
Grew up in rural Stamford, received her education from Stamford High School and graduated in 1947
Married: Nov. 2, 1947, to Gayle Woodruff
Worked as a nurses aide at Oxford Hospital, then worked 22 years as a secretary/bookkeeper for Oxford Community Schools and another 10 years at Southern Valley High School; also helped her husband with farming and ranching duties
Activities: will be remembered for hospitality and her ability to cook and bake; enjoyed gardening and embroidering and was an avid sports enthusiast; cherished time spent with her family; lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church in Stamford and then in Kearney after retirement; was active in Presbyterian Women
Survivors include her husband, Gayle Woodruff of Kearney; children, Tom and wife Diane Woodruff of Denver, Jerry and wife Peggy Woodruff of North Platte, Kathy and husband Don Ulrich of Kearney, Dennis Woodruff of Holdrege, Denise and husband Jay Bird of Ocklawaha, Fla., and Lissa Woodruff and husband Evan Kinney of Kearney; grandchildren, Phillip, Jeffrey and Melanie Woodruff, Laura, Michael and Beth Woodruff, Scott Ewing, Christy McKeeman, Jenifer Hovland, Melissa and Brandon Ulrich and Ethan Kinney; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Ryan, Mariah, Connor and Christopher McKeeman, Breyden Geyer, Brenner Ewing, Ulrike Hovland and Jocelyn Ulrich; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Nellie Weaver, Ruby Brand and Hazel Tull; and brother, Floyd James Wright
Memorials: Southern Valley High School Scholarship Fund in memory of Wilma Woodruff or to Kearney First Presbyterian Church
Kearney Hub, 13 February, 2016
YANNEY, Vernon George, 88, of North Platte died Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in North Platte
Memorial service: Saturday at First United Methodist Church in North Platte
Graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte
Had been in declining health for many years
Born: July 6, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Elias K. Yanney and Mary H. (Abraham) Yanney
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1945; was a lifelong drummer and as a young man was a member of the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. The corps won state competition to represent Nebraska in national competition in New York City. Vernon won national awards as a drummer
Military: drafted shortly after graduation from high school; Air Corps in the Pacific Theater, 1945-1946, served as a teletype operator for most of that time
Returned and enrolled in what was then Kearney State Teachers College, obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in education in 1950 and later his Master’s Degree in 1958; completed his Specialist Degree in educational administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1965
Married: Lena K. Jacob on Oct. 19, 1952, at St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney
Worked for Safeway Stores in Kearney, 1950-1953; moved to Aurora, worked for Metropolitan Insurance Co. for one year; obtained a teaching position in Red Cloud for the next two years; moved to North Platte, was a high school teacher and later guidance counselor, taught history and driver’s education, 1956-1962; then was appointed principal of the “new” Madison Junior High in 1962, retired in 1989; also taught night classes at North Platte Junior College when it was in its infancy
Activities: was active in many church, civic and professional organizations throughout his life; was a past president of Nebraska Schoolmasters Club, past president of North Platte Area Retired Teachers Association, and served on the Alumni Board of Directors of the University of Nebraska at Kearney; proud member of the Buffalo Bill Kiwanis Club, received the Kiwanian of the Year Award for 1990-1991; member of First United Methodist Church of North Platte; had earlier been a member of St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney, which was founded by his grandfather, Nicola Yanney; was honored on April 29, 1988 -- V.G.Y. Day -- in recognition of his serving as Madison’s first and only principal for 25 years; received numerous awards from education associations throughout his career; favorite hobby was gardening, was very active with the Lincoln County Historical Society and Museum
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Martha Abraham and husband George, Madeline Shada and husband Eli, Margaret Shada and husband Mike, and Minnette Steinbrink; and brothers, Harvey Yanney and E.K. Yanney and wife Shirley
Survivors include: wife, Lena; son, Wayne of North Platte; daughter, Brenda of Blue Springs, Mo.; sister, Milly Shada of Omaha; brother, Michael Yanney and wife Gail of Omaha; brother-in-law, Paul Steinbrink of Kearney; sister-in-law, Shirley Jacob of Buffalo, Wyo.; several nieces and nephews and their families; and many cherished friends
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in North Platte, Lincoln County Historical Museum, St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney or Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2016