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AHRENS, Leonard M., 84, of Kearney died Saturday, March 12, 2016, at his home
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born May 23, 1931, on a farm near Shelton
Parents: Otto and Frieda (Ohlman) Ahrens
Graduated from Longfellow High School in Kearney in 1948; attended Kearney State College
Military: joined the U.S. Army in 1952, served during the Korean War until 1954
Moved to Kansas City, worked for the post office; moved to Kearney, 1960, worked and worked various jobs; retired in 1982; then was a caretaker for his mother until she passed away in 1993
Activities: enjoyed reading and collecting plates and stamps
Survivors include: brother, Harvey Ahrens of Kerrville, Texas; nephews, Bob Ahrens, Randy Ahrens, Terry Ahrens, Brad Ahrens, Michael Partain and Herb Partain; and nieces, Pat Squier and Vicki Ahrens
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Luella Partain
Kearney Hub, 15 March, 2016
BISHOP, Melvina Annette “Melly”, 89, of Grand Island died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Brookefield Park skilled nursing facility in St. Paul
Memorial service: Saturday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born on Aug. 7, 1926, in Manhattan, Kan.
Parents: Guy L. and Grace (Norvell) Jolley
Married: Nov. 23, 1948, to William E. Bishop in Clayton, N.M.
After marriage, lived in Gibbon for 50 years
Activities: member of Gibbon Baptist Church for nearly 70 years, was a Sunday school teacher; was a devoted mother and Scout leader; loved to cook, sew and do craft projects; was an excellent card player; in retirement, spent winters in McAllen, Texas; enjoyed her five grandsons, loved to take them camping, swimming or card playing
Survivors include her daughter and husband, Sandy and Dean Olson of Grand Island; her son and wife, Joe and Sandy Bishop of Worland, Wyo.; her five grandsons and spouses, Jeff and Sarah Bishop of Worland, Andy and Jenny Olson of Olathe, Kan., Ben and Sara Bishop of North Bend, John and Theresa Olson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jake and Robbie Bishop of Riverton, Wyo.; 19 great-grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Nelson of Manhattan, Kan.; and 49 nieces and nephews and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; three sisters; and her husband, Bill Bishop of Gibbon
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2016
BUTTERFIELD, Arlen A., 89, of Kearney, formerly of Phillipsburg, Kan., died Friday, March 11, 2016, at his home
Service: Wednesday at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg
Burial: Fairview Cemetery in Phillipsburg
Born Nov. 12, 1926, in Franklin County
Parents: Allen and Louise (Schnurle) Butterfield
Survivors include his wife, Angie; sons, Terry of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kent of Phillipsburg; daughter, Pamla Leidig of Hesston, Kan.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 14 March, 2016
CHAMBERLIN, Eldon Eugene “Zeke”, 94, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: Monday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Nov. 2, 1921, in Blue Springs
Parents: Warren E. and Estella (Rainey) Chamberlin
Graduated from Beatrice High School; attended Nebraska Wesleyan and later entered Officer Training School at Columbia
Military: U.S. Navy, June 20, 1943 - Feb. 25, 1946
Married: Phyllis Jones on Oct. 23, 1943, in Wymore; she preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 2006
After marriage, lived in Beatrice, worked for Beatrice Concrete; moved to Kearney, 1956, started Kearney Concrete on Avenue C; owned and operated the business until he retired in 1983
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, Tehama Shrine, the Masons, Jesters and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; hobbies included tools and woodworking
Survivors include: two daughters, Jeanne Chamberlin of Kearney and Ann Campbell and her husband, Doug, of Lincoln; three grandchildren, David Campbell and his wife, Suzanne, of Overland Park, Kan., and Amy Williams and her husband, Austin, and John Campbell, all of Lincoln; and six great-grandchildren, Maren Campbell, Emery Williams, Savanah Campbell, Jack Williams, Matchi Williams and Thabi Campbell
Was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister, Dorothy Savener
Memorials: First United Methodist Endowment Fund or the Shriners Hospitals for Children
Kearney Hub, 26 February, 2016
CROPP, Ronald J., 73, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Oct. 1, 1942, in Oxford
Parents: James Hobart and Idella (Gitt) Cropp
Earned his degree from Kearney State Teachers College and taught high school business and coached basketball in Venango; worked for 35 years with St. Paul Insurance Co. as a claim manager and medical malpractice specialist; after living in Indianapolis, South Bend and St. Louis, retired in 1999 and returned to Nebraska
Survivors include: his wife of 43 years, Julia Cropp of Kearney; sister, Denise and husband Larry White of Oxford; brother, Larry and wife Donna Cropp of Dallas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2016
DALENESS, Averelle, 49, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Ralph Wells Complex in White Shield, N.D.
Burial: Plenty Chief Family Cemetery at White Shield
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington. Born Dec. 1, 1966, in Grand Island
Parents: Arthur and Vera (Plenty Chief) Daleness
Married: 2001 to Patricia Day in Lexington
Survivors include his wife; sons, Miguel of Kearney, Nicholas of Grand Island and Kenneth Lewis of Red Cloud; daughters, Mary Tillemans and Colleen Lewis, both of Kearney, and Dawn Hock of Hastings; brothers, Finley Plenty Chief of Grand Island and Fenton of Lexington; sister, Dellarae of Lexington; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and stepfather, Swede Roberts of Lexington
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2016
ELLIOTT, Marie Louise “Marti”, 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Body was cremated
Private service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Feb. 13, 1927, in Denver
Parents: James and Margarite Wulff
Was a very successful businesswoman, sometimes became the first woman in her position of the companies she worked for; worked full time, but remained a loving and dedicated mother; after children were raised, enrolled in college and earned a bachelor’s and a Master of Arts Degree in psychology; conducted countless workshops through which she inspired hundreds of people; developed a popular radio show, “New Images,” which she hosted on local radio; was also an accomplished artist and sold many of her paintings, ink and pen works
Survivors include two sons, Mike Cook and wife Kathy of Greeley, Colo., and Jim Cook and wife Reba of Richmond, Texas; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Cathy Aldrige
Kearney Hub, 22 February 2016
FERGUSON, Arthur, 71, of Tarzana died Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at his home
Services: Feb. 26 in Los Angeles
Born in Kearney, Neb., on April 18, 1944
Parents: W. Ferguson and Bernardine (McEntee) Ferguson
Received his education at Kearney Public Schools
Married: Shari Frape at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Worked at the Kearney radio station KGFW; went on to become the well-known and loved disc jockey and radio personality “Charlie Tuna”
Settled in Los Angeles in the 1960s; will always be remembered for the joy, laughter and love of music he brought to many; is remembered for the 25 years and 6,000 radio shows on the Armed Forces Radio and the $2.5 million raised for the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles
Survivors: mother, Bernardine; wife, Shari; two sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Lisa Ferguson and Bryan and Liz Ferguson; two daughters and a son-in-law, Michelle and Steve Ignacio and Christina Ferguson; two grandchildren, Veronna and Luca Ferguson; aunt, Elaine O’Neill; many cousins; and many, many fans
Was preceded in death by his father, W. Ferguson
Memorials: Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles
Kearney Hub, 9 March, 2016
FICKENSCHER, Dean G., 71, of San Antonio, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, in San Antonio of complications from two post heart surgeries
Memorial service: Feb. 28 at Porter Loring North in San Antonio
Born Jan. 8, 1945, at Fort Sill, Okla.
Parents: Arthur and Erma Fickenscher
Married: June 12, 1976, to Carol Hansen
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Tara Gregg and Lisa Hill; sisters, Lynette Beerman, Connie Fickenscher and Gwen Davidson; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 March, 2016
FREDERICK, Curtis Wayne, 67, of Lincoln died Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at Homestead Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln
Graveside services: Feb. 27 at Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 8, 1948 in Kearney
Parents: W. Allen Frederick Sr. and Pauline (Sheen) Frederick
Graduated from Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War
Survivors include: son Andrew Frederick, Lincoln NE; brother Larry Frederick and wife Bets of Lincoln; sister Vianne Colgan and husband Bob of Aurora; nieces nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother William A. “Bill” Frederick
Kearney Hub, 20 February 2016
FRUHLING, Janis L., 74, of Broken Bow died Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at her home
Memorial service: Saturday at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow
Inurnment: Heritage Memorial Gardens in Broken Bow
Born on March 13, 1941
Parents: Carl and M. Lucille (Osborne) Rasmussen
Married to Larry Fruhling on Aug. 14, 1965, in Kearney; recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
Lived the majority of their lives in Kearney; Moved to Phoenix, 1986; returned to Nebraska in 1988; settled in Omaha, 1990, stayed there until retirement; moved to Broken Bow in 2011
Activities: became a member of the Broken Bow Lions Club and the Pacesetters and of Our Saviour Lutheran Church; especially enjoyed being a part of her grandchildren's lives; loved to travel in the US and overseas
Survivors include: her husband, Larry of Broken Bow; sons and spouses, Brad and Ann Fruhling of Gretna and Jeff and Koleen Fruhling of Cedar Bluffs; daughters and spouses, Denise and Jon Ruby of Omaha and Jodi Fruhling Smallcomb and Jeff of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Courtney and Brody Baer, Colton Fruhling, Nathan and Melissa DeLaet, Noelle and Elliott Wegner and Emily, Jackson and Jacob Smallcomb; four great-grandchildren, Keith, Kyle and Kollin DeLaet, and Frances “Frankie” Wegner; sisters and spouses, Rojane and Ron Catlin of Kearney, Carol and Len Prescott of Lincoln, Verla and Tom Walker of Houston and Linda Grassmeyer of Kearney; and a stepbrother and wife, Roger and Pat Standage of Poole
Was preceded in death by her father and mother; her brother, Duane; sister, Delores; and stepfather, Roy Standage
Kearney Hub, 23 February 2016
GALVAN, Merle J., 59, of Grand Island died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis
Celebration of life: Feb. 21 at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Born May 29, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Merle and Micaila (Huerta) Galvan
Graduated from Kearney Catholic, class of 1976
Served in the Job Corps
Married: Oct. 1, 1977, to Darla Stubbs
After marriage, lived in Grand Island, worked for Platte Valley Winnelson for the past 21 years
Activities: was a Denver Broncos fan; enjoyed fishing and gardening with the grandkids
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Darla; their children and spouses, Merle Dean Galvan, Aaron and Melissa Galvan and Kyle and Brandy Galvan, all of Grand Island, Brittany Galvan of Lincoln and Halie Galvan of Grand Island; grandchildren, Danyka, Caden, Skylar and Gage; his mother, Micaila Galvan of Omaha; brothers, John, Steve and Marty Galvan; and sisters, Vivian Johnson, Kathy Galvan and Juanita Galvan
Was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Carmen
Kearney Hub, 23 February 2016
GARY, Myrtle Jeannette, 88, of North Platte, a former longtime resident of Kearney, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at North Platte Care Center
Memorial service: Sunday at O’Brien, Straatmann, Redinger Funeral Home Chapel in Kearney
Inurnment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Adams and Swanson in North Platte
Born June 21, 1927, in South Dakota
Parents: Steener John and Clara Ruth (Hove) Carlson
Grew up on a farm near White Butte, S.D., and graduated from Lemmon (S.D.) High School; worked at a beauty shop and kept house in Lemmon for her two younger brothers while they attended high school
Married: April 23, 1947, to Harold D. Gary in Lemmon
Moved to Redfield, S.D., in 1955, baby-sat and then worked at JC Penney and later in an optometrist’s office; was an accomplished seamstress, specialties were prom dresses and wedding and attendants’ dresses; sewed the velvet robes for the RHS Homecoming Royalty; with Harold, owned and operated the Pioneer Motel in Kearney, 1970-1995, then retired; moved to Lincoln, 2010, then in 2013, moved to North Platte to be near family; had been a resident of NP Care Center since that time
Activities: helped start a newborn infant stocking cap program at CHI Health Good Samaritan, made hundred of crocheted caps; loved to dance, especially square dance and schottische; later took up bowling; proud to be Norwegian, she often used the words “ja” and “uffda” and cooked ludefisk for Christmas; enjoyed University of Nebraska at Kearney sports and attended many volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball games; followed their grandchildren’s school programs and sports
Survivors include: daughters, Myrna Liebig of North Platte and Melanie Gary and LaNae Gary, both of Lincoln; brother, Stener Carlson and his wife Fran of Loveland, Colo.; grandsons, Rory Kay of Las Vegas and Taylan Schoen of Lincoln; granddaughter, Audra West and husband Gordy of North Platte; and great-grandsons, Gage West and Kasen West
Was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Gail Ruth; husband, Harold in September 2011; son, Dallas in September 2012; four sisters; and one brother
Kearney Hub, 11 March, 2016
GRANTHAM, Theora E., 93, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born on Aug. 30, 1922, in Dix
Parents: Daniel and Hazel (Shottenkirk) Wilke
Married: Leon Edmonson on June 13, 1942
Married: Charles “Tim” Grantham in 1965 in Lincoln
Worked at a variety of places in Kearney, including Central Café, American Legion, Grantham Oil Co., Kearney Liquor and also Fast Phil’s Plaza
Activities: member of the B.P.O. Does
Surviving relatives include her son, Daniel Edmonson of Kearney; stepson, Charles Grantham of Raleigh, N.C.; stepdaughters, Virginia Skie of Minnesota and Laurie Mercer of Lincoln; and numerous nephews, nieces and other extended family
Was preceded in death by her husbands, Leon and Charles; stepson, Tom Grantham; three brothers; and two sisters
Memorials: Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 23 February 2016
HARDEN, Chester E., 92, of Miller died Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Service: Monday at Miller Christian Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 26, 1923, in Crawford
Parents: Harold and Minnie (Porter) Harden
Grew up in Alliance and Hemingford
Military: U.S. Army Air Force
Lived in Sidney and worked as a cook
Married: Dec. 31, 1953, to Caroline Swisher in Sidney
After marriage, lived in Cairo, did farm work; moved to the Gibbon/Lowell area and worked for Rayburn Trucking, then worked for Ace Irrigation in Kearney; moved to Miller, 1977, trucked for Stan Bowie; also was a self-employed carpenter
Activities: attended Miller Christian Church, member of the Eagles Lodge in Kearney; enjoyed camping, fishing, welding, and vegetable and flower gardening
Surviving relatives include his son, Harvey Harden of Miller; daughters, Ellen Boswell of Denver, Rita Hurt and husband Alan of Fremont and Linda Rickert and husband Terry of Wood River; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Dichute of Lebanon, Ore.; daughter-in-law, Elaine Hackbart of Hebron; and son-in-law, Marvin Serr of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his wife in 2004; son, Alan Harden; half-sister, Margaret; grandson, Cody Harden; and stepchildren, Ida Rose Serr and Loren and Roy Hackbart
Memorials: Good Samaritan Society-Ravenna or to Sumner Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 19 March, 2016
HASBROUCK, Donald L. “Donnie”, 41, of Elm Creek died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
No burial; chose cremation
Born on June 30, 1974, in Sacramento, Calif.
Parents: Donald LeeRoy and JoAnn (Beasley) Hasbrouck
Grew up in Buffalo County and attended school in Elm Creek and Kearney
Was a knowledgeable mechanic, worked at Precision Imports
Activities: was a loving and big-hearted family man; loved the outdoors, especially camping and panning for gold; was an avid San Francisco 49ers and Husker football fan; was also a passionate fan of Tri-City Storm hockey
Survivors include: his wife of 18 years, Brandy Hasbrouck of Elm Creek; four children, Trisiti Anne of Kearney and Travis Andrew, Tranessa Annette and Daevon James, all of Elm Creek; his father, Don Hasbrouck; his father-in-law, Brian Reeves of Elm Creek; his mother-in-law, Jackie Reeves of Kearney; his grandmother, Freddie Mae Sullivan of Rio Linda, Calif.; his sister and spouse, Jodie Ann and Kelly Kathringberg of Salina, Kan.; sisters-in-law and spouses, Jennifer and Jeremy Shubert of Overton and Heather and Thomas Smith of Kearney; and brothers-in-law, Brian Reeves Jr., Christopher Reeves and Michael Reeves, all of Lincoln, and James Reeves of Kearney; and a large extended family
Was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn (Beasley) Hasbrouck; his grandfathers, Calvin Beasley, George Hasbrouck and Roger Mealman; and his grandmother, Arlene Hasbrouck
Kearney Hub, 25 February, 2016
HAZZARD, Walter W., 96, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at Brookdale Kearney Northridge
Service: Thursday at First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 15, 1919, at Watertown near Miller; recently celebrated 70 years of marriage
Parents: Raymond E. and Alice (Osborn) Hazzard
Was the fourth of nine children; attended country school at Wild Horse and Red Wing north of Miller; graduated from Miller High School in 1937; was always interested in farming and raising cattle; showed 4-H calves at the Kearney fairs for several years
With his brothers, spent a summer in Idaho and Oregon working for farmers because work was so scarce around Buffalo County; later worked for farmers and ranchers in Buffalo County; began farming for himself, 1941
Military: joined the U.S. Air Force, Sept 1941, served during World War II; was promoted to master sergeant and was in charge of a squadron of men to keep fighter planes in condition to bomb the Burma Road; his squadron kept the Flying Tigers Air Force Squadron in repair; returned to Denver, received an honorable discharge on Dec. 10, 1945; then returned to Nebraska and bought a farm northwest of Miller
Married: Feb. 2, 1946, to Geraldine “Geri” Robbins in Parkdale, Ore.
After marriage, returned to their farm northwest of Miller; spent 22 years in the Miller, Amherst and Elm Creek area farming and raising Black Angus cattle; sold the farm in 1968, then worked at Shofstall Hay, Bakers Skelly, moved to Colorado for a short time and returned to Lexington to work at Sperry New Holland plant for six years; retired in 1983; moved to Kearney and eventually moved to Northridge Retirement Community in March 2015
Activities: member of First Baptist Church, Kearney VFW and Kearney American Legion
Survivors include: his wife, Geri of Kearney; daughter, Kathleen Labs and husband Terry of Elm Creek; sons, Gary Hazzard and wife Karen of Kearney and Rod Hazzard and wife Charlotte of Lincoln; daughter-in-law, Shirley Hazzard of Kearney; brother, Raymond Hazzard of Miller; sister, Hazel Strickler of Papillion; brother-in-law, John Robbins and wife Bonnie of Lincoln; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one stepgreat-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by one son, Robert “Bob” Hazzard; three sisters; three brothers; and other family relatives
Memorials: First Baptist Church Building Fund
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2016
HEADLEY, Rosalie Sharron, 76, of Williamsburg, Iowa, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at her home
Celebration of life: March 26 at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg
Born July 14, 1939, in Merna, Neb.
Parents: Clifford Leon and Virginia Bertha (Roerich) Ackley
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1957 and attended Kearney State Teachers College
Married: Robert Martin Headley on Aug. 29, 1957, in Kearney
Grew up in Kearney; lived in Glidden for two years, then moved to Williamsburg; worked for Peterson Drug, then Security Savings Bank for many years
Activities: member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Williamsburg; enjoyed golfing, quilting, baking, cross stitch and spending time with her family
Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia and Jack Geyer of Rapid City, S.D., and Diana and Ian Richardson of Eugene, Ore.; four grandchildren, Colin Geyer, Dylan Geyer, Caden Richardson and Henry Richardson; a sister, Roxanna Iosty; and a brother, Larry Ackley
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2016
HURYTA, Maxine, 74, of Ravenna died Saturday, March 12, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Wednesday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Dec. 16, 1941, in Sargent
Parents: Ben and Fern (Lewis) Janitscheck
Graduated from Litchfield High School in 1960; attended Kearney State College for one year
Married Kenneth Huryta in 1961
Activities: enjoyed hosting family gatherings and small group Bible studies at her home; after retiring from Leprino Foods, enjoyed growing a variety of flowers and gardening
Survivors include: husband, Kenneth of Ravenna; son, Kirk and wife Debbie Huryta of Kearney; daughter, Nicole and husband Kevin Avey of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister, Peggy and husband Dick Stacy; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Loraine and John Keehn of Kearney; and grandsons, Keegan and Karson Huryta
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Ravenna Emergency Medical Technicians
Kearney Hub, 14 March, 2016
JORDAN, Hazel M., 75, of La Verkin, Utah, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in La Verkin
Memorial service: later
Local mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 21 November, 2015
KLINGELHOEFER, Douglas Clair, 63, of Wooster, Ohio, formerly of Amherst, Neb., died of Alzheimer’s disease Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at his home
Private memorial service: Saturday March 12, at his home, with the Rev.Victor Rasmussen of Nebraska officiating
Services: Friday, May 6, 2016, at the Catholic Church in Amherst
Born Sept. 18, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Kenneth and Constance (McMahon) Klingelhoefer
Grew up on the family farm; was the oldest of six sons and had five sisters; graduated from Amherst High in 1970
Married: Jan. 16, 1971, to Michele DeTurk; together had three children
Earned two bachelor’s degrees from Kearney State College while working at Eaton Corp.; later became the quality control manager for the company; later received a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University of Michigan, then moved and became plant manager in Belmond, Iowa
Married Jamie Rasmussen on April 6, 1985; together had 2 children
Survivors include: children, Dana of Kearney, Joe Mosley and granddaughters Javin and Jilissa; Dan and wife Jen of Colorado, grandsons Zach and Brandon and daughter Tayber; Craig of Kearney; and from Wooster, his son, John and wife Brittany, granddaughter Braylee, his daughter Ashley and his stepson, David and wife Brandy and their children, Maven and Tannym; siblings Kerry Monif of Bellevue, Sally Florell and husband Arlin of Elm Creek, Kevin Klingelhoefer and wife Julia of Amherst, Susan Fuller and husband Tom of Maquoketa, Iowa, Sharon Kulhanek and husband Gary of Kearney, David Klingelhoefer and wife Ginny of Amherst, Donald Klingelhoefer of Omaha, Joseph Klingelhoefer and wife Kim of Amherst, Lisa Urwiller and husband Larry of Ravenna and Sidney Klingelhoefer and wife Anne of Amherst
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Amherst ambulance fund
Kearney Hub, 17 and 25 March and 2 May, 2016
LARSON, Donna L., 89, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial service: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 2, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: William and Mabel (Notz) Maeder
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1944; attended Kearney State Teachers College, obtained her teaching certificate
Married: Aug. 30, 1950, to Robert L. Larson in Kearney
After marriage, moved to Sutherland, both taught; lived in Denver for two years, in Norfolk for four years; moved to Kearney in 1958, taught at Odessa
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, was active in her church circle; member of Chapter EG PEO in Kearney
Survivors include: husband of Kearney; son, Eric Larson and wife Rhonda; grandchildren, Austin Larson and wife Kaile and great-grandsons, Peyton and Kaleb, and Anthony Larson and wife Heidi and great-grandson, Jaxon; sister, Patricia King of Ankeny, Iowa; and brother, William Maeder and wife Linda of Dallas
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Maeder
Kearney Hub, 29 February, 2016
LASICH, Donna Rae, 90, of Gibbon died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Celebration of life: Feb. 20 at Gibbon American Legion
Mortuary: Apfel
Born on Sept. 29, 1925, in Gibbon
Parents: Leone (Guthrie) and Ray Williams
Graduated as the valedictorian from Gibbon High School in 1943
Married: Feb. 23, 1947, to Erwin G. Lasich
Wtarted working after high school as a telephone operator, is best remembered as the elementary school secretary and sporting events ticket taker at Gibbon Public High School where she worked for 22 years; retired but continued to take tickets until she was 83 years old; was awarded the Nebraska State Athletic Administration Association’s Outstanding Service Award in 2005
Activities: member of the American Legion Auxiliary, volunteered for the Immunization Clinic, served on the Election Board Committee, was on the Cemetery Board for 15 years and helped to develop the Community Halloween Party; with her husband, grand marshals for the 2007 Fourth of July Parade; enjoyed her family, friends and the Nebraska Cornhuskers
Survivors include: her daughter, Patricia and husband Jim Manfull of Gibbon; daughter, Deb Lasich of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; daughter, Nancy Lasich and husband Dave Frazell of Littleton, Colo.; grandchildren, Craig Manfull of Littleton and Scott Manfull and Libby Manfull, both of Gibbon; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and LaNell Williams of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Pete Tannis of Altoona, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brothers, Rex and Bob Williams
Memorials: Gibbon Educational Foundation or the Gibbon Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2016
LEFFLER, Sandra, 75, of Fremont died Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Shalimar Gardens in Fremont
Service: Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Beemer
Burial: St. Michael’s Cemetery in West Point
Mortuary: Stokely in West Point
Born Sept. 7, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: James and Iola (Osborne) Waugh
Married: June 10, 1959, to Marvin Leffler in Kearney
Survivors include her husband, Marvin of Fremont; children, Susan Niewohner of Beemer and Dan Leffler and Gary Leffler, both of Kearney; grandchildren Ashley Jindra, Justin, Megan, Adam, Shelby, and Morgan Niewohner, Ashley Arehart, Lindsay Wasser, and Tyler, Cory, Victoria, and Kirstyn Leffler; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 5 March, 2016
MARTENSON, Jerry Edward, 59, of Kearney died Thursday, March 3, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Oct. 9, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Gilbert M. and Anna H. (Grams) Martenson
Was the youngest of five children; baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney on Nov. 4, 1956; grew up in Kearney, attended Zion Lutheran School and graduated from Kearney High School in 1974
Worked with his brother, John, at Orlo Murrish Stables at the corner of Highway 30 and Cottonmill Avenue, trained horses and coordinated trail rides; later pursued his passion for baseball; was a team member of the Kearney Midgets in 1973 and was catcher for the Kearney Legion in 1974-1975, leading the way to many championships throughout his teenage years; was an expert at the rules of baseball and was never shy in sharing his knowledge of the rule book
Married: June 1, 1985, Jerry married Nancy Lynn Broadwell in Kearney; spent the next 30 years together; had four children
Achieved his lifelong dream of traveling to New York City to see the Yankees play in Yankee Stadium and a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., was shared with his wife early in their marriage
Was involved with his sons in Kearney Little League Baseball; coached many youths in the Kearney area, encouraged their skills, built teamwork and helped them to be their best
After high school, worked for Baldwin Manufacturing in the shipping department and for Delux Grain Dryers as a truck driver; graduated in 1983 from Central Community College-Hastings as a diesel mechanic, worked for Cummins Central Power in Kearney for 20 years; then worked part time doing home improvement projects with Steve Duennerman; for the past six years worked during harvest for Victor Rasmussen of Riverdale, enjoyed being outside and sharing a good joke with his boss; also worked for Craig Wietjes and Pioneer Seed, delivered orders to area farmers
Activities: was a huge fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees; enjoyed watching Western movies, his Black LTD, Cruise Nite, grilling, coaching baseball, collecting baseball cards, hunting, growing tomatoes, owning horses and cattle, the sale barn, chocolate, pizza and pasta; was a past member of the Wranglers horse club, enjoyed parking cars at the Buffalo County Fair; most of all, enjoyed raising his children and being an Amherst Broncos fan
Military: member of the Nebraska National Guard from 1976 to 1982, working first in radio communications and later in the vehicle maintenance section
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Martenson, sons, Tyler and Jacob Martenson and daughter, Katelyn Martenson, all of Kearney; his mother, Anna Martenson of Kearney; sisters and spouses, Judy and Randy Ahrens of Kearney and Jeanne and George Day of Amherst; brother, Jim and wife Diane Martenson of Holdrege; mother-in-law, Beverly Broadwell of York; sister-in-law, Rhonda and husband John Bills of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Grant Broadwell and wife Dee of Thatcher, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Judy Martenson Goss of Pleasanton; 17 nieces and nephews; 39 grandnieces and grandnephews; as well as numerous lifelong friends
Was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Haley Martenson; father, Gilbert Martenson; father-in-law, James Broadwell; brother, John Martenson; and brother-in-law, David Scott Broadwell
Memorials: Kearney Little League, Kearney American Legion Baseball or Amherst High School
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2016
McGRAW, Hans Kurt, 42, of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, in Hereford, Arizona, after a three-year, seven-month battle with cancer
Graveside memorial service and burial of cremains: Feb. 26 at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary:: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Aug. 22, 1973, in Grand Island, Neb.
Parents: Leland Jr. and Margarete (Roller) McGraw
Was raised in Louisiana, Arizona and Nebraska; was a 1992 graduate of Creighton Community High School; graduated with honors from Bahner College of Hairstyling in Fremont, Neb.; in 1994 he received his cosmetology and barber licenses
Continued to live in Fremont, worked for seven years at Cost Cutters in Omaha, Neb.; moved to Kearney, 1999, was assistant manager at Cost Cutters, manager at Les Cheveux Salon and Spa and finally worked for David’s Second Look Barbershop; was a Master Barber for 22 years and his work was his passion
Activities: was a soft-spoken, funny and compassionate person, cared deeply about so many others including his co-workers, clients and lifelong friends and family; was a true fan of all things “Star Wars” and enjoyed DC and Marvel Comics; hobbies were movies, comic books, TV shows, toy collecting and toy hunting
Survivors include: his siblings, their spouses and children: brother, Gary and Vonda McGraw, children Derek McGraw, Egan Harper, Dusty and Tonya Harper and children Aribella and Newt, all of Louisiana; brother, Leland III and Barb McGraw of Grand Island, Matthew and Lindsay McGraw of Omaha, David and Michele McGraw and daughter Aubrey of Boston; brother, Mike McGraw and children Ryan McGraw, Brianna McGraw, Jakob McGraw and daughter Amarie; and sister-in-law, Wanda Frink, all of Kearney; and sister, Nancy and Roger Cunningham and children, Roger Jr. and Allee Cunningham of Arizona and Stephanie and Greg Herdman of Florida; aunt, Carol Morket; cousin and spouse, LaDonna and Ricky Moore and their son, Joshua, of Texas; uncle, Peter and wife Waltraut Roller and cousins of Germany; special friends, Tessa Rome and her son, Konnor; and all of his lifelong friends and clients
Was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Margarete Ann
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2016
MEAD, C. Lanelle, 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born on May 11, 1929, in rural Fortuna, Mo.
Parents: Orrie and Neva (Campbell) Hofstetter
Moved with her family to Kearney when she was 13, graduated from Kearney High School, 1947
Married Paul Henry Mead on Nov. 14, 1947, in Kearney
Activities: family meant everything to LaNelle, and it truly was her life
Surviving relatives include her sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Marlene Mead of Wood River and David Mead and Jim and Debbie Mead, all of Kearney; daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Ed Mach of Kearney; brother and sister-in-law, James and Marcia Hofstetter of Omaha; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Rolland Lindgren of Kearney; grandchildren, Lt. Col. Clinton Mead and his wife, Jennifer, of Clarksville, Tenn., Clayton Mead and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Mead, of Bladen, Sara Hernandez and her husband, Aaron, of Lincoln and Josh Mead of Kearney; and great-grandchildren, Christopher Hernandez, Dahrin Hernandez, Jordyn Mead, Lauren Mead, Anna Mead, Harrison Mead and Norah Mead
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; and sister, Earlene Stealey
Memorials: American Cancer Society or Gideons International
Kearney Hub, 5 March, 2016
MESSMAN, Warren B., 100, of Papillion, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Hillcrest Garden Estates in Papillion
Service: March 19 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 11, 1915, in Strang
Parents: Jesse and Iva (Brown) Messman
Grew up on a farm near Hebron, attended Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney, 1936-1937; taught at country schools in Thayer and Fillmore counties for two years, returned to NSTC in 1939; in 1941 was assigned to the War Department as an instructor of aircraft maintenance and later in flight engineering; returned to Kearney in 1946 to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Education
Married: May 20, 1942, to Mable M. Clark in Lewellen; she passed away in 2012
Taught several years in Aberdeen, S.D.; returned in 1953 to what is now the University of Nebraska at Kearney as an instructor in the Industrial Arts Department; completed his doctorate, 1963, served as professor of industrial education at UNK, teaching industrial arts and safety education; was department head from 1969-1973 and served on the Graduate Council from 1963 until retirement in 1981
Activities: longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney; member of the National Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, American Industrial Arts Association, Nebraska Industrial Education Association, Buffalo County Historical Society and the Fort Kearney Genealogical Society
survivors include: daughters and sons-in-law, Lorene Marie and Sam Bliss of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Marcia Fae and John O’Donovan of Omaha; four grandchildren and spouses, Kember and John Kane of Silver Spring, Md., Freeman White III of Venice, Calif., Jessica and Jason Scheopner of Omaha and Betsy O’Donovan of Boston; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Faye Van Boskirk of Omaha; sister-in-law, Neva Richter of Kearney; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Memorials: Messman Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund at UNK or First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 12 March, 2016
MUELLER, John Carl, 51, of Kearney died Monday, March 14, 2016. Service: Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 19, 1964, in Detroit Parents: Carl and Diane (Arbanas) Mueller Grew up in Brighton, Mich.; was a 1982 graduate of Brighton High School, was a stand-out athlete; earned his bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale (Mich.) College
Married: Nov. 28, 1987, Joanne Minogue in Nashville Had a passion for coaching youth sports, spent the past 18 years positively impacting many young athletes; most recently, was the head coach of the Kearney Catholic boys soccer team, also previously helped with the Tri-City Jr. Storm hockey club
Activities: was an avid Denver Broncos and Detroit Red Wings fan; member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, was a man of strong faith; was never far from Joanne’s side, family meant the world to him; refurbished distressed wood and had a mission to increase awareness of how things or people that may appear to have no purpose, can be transformed into works of beauty, has a recent project displayed at BarVino in Lincoln
Survivors: wife, Joanne Mueller of Kearney; sons, Michael Mueller of Toledo, Ohio, and Jack Mueller of Kearney; daughters, Gina Mueller of Texas, Megan Mueller of Kearney and Heather Shepard of California; parents, Carl and Diane Mueller of Brighton; brother, Francis and wife Ashley Mueller of Macomb, Mich.; sister, Marjorie Mueller-Harwood of Brighton; mother-in-law, Josephine Minogue of Toledo; sister-in-law, Donna and husband Kenny Gaughan of Bartlett, Ill.; brother-in-law, George and wife Mary Jane Minogue of Lake in the Hills, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Minogue
Kearney Hub, 18 March, 2016
NUTTELMAN, Damon Michael, 7, of Amherst died Saturday, March 12, 2016, at his home
Service: Saturday at Amherst Public School
Burial: Immanuel Cemetery near Amherst
MOrtuary: Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell
Died after a lifelong battle with cancer; final days were spent at home with his family and friends
Survivors include: loving parents, Megan and Brandon Nuttelman of Amherst; his brothers, Cayson and Korbin Nuttelman; his grandparents, Jan and Mel Gideon of Burwell and Clark Nuttelman of Amherst; aunts and uncles, Shane and Brittany Gideon and Beth Gideon, all of Burwell, and Daren Nuttelman of Lincoln; great-grandparents, Evelyn Gideon of Burwell and Joan Charron of Ravenna; and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his uncle, Wes Gideon; his grandmother, Kathy Nuttelman; and great-grandparents, Cash Gideon, Harold Charron, Gerald and Verna Nuttelman and Kenneth and Betty Lewis
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church or the Amherst School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 14 March, 2016
ROBINSON, Mary “Jody”, 79, of Gibbon, formerly of McCook, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at her son’s home in Gibbon
Service: Saturday at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook
Burial: Wellfleet Cemetery
Born Aug. 16, 1936
Parents: Arley R. and Lucinda M. (Ewing) Daley Steinhour
Married: 1954, to Ronald Robinson in McCook. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Ronald H. Jr. of Gibbon and Jimmy L. of East Wenatchee, Wash.; brothers, Arley Steinhour of Bartley, Jack Steinhour of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Richard Steinhour of Colorado and Nathan Steinhour Oakes of Independence, Ore.; sisters, Joyce Walsh of Scottsbluff, Patricia R. Kaughman of Gering, Linda Gerdes and Rosalie Steinhour, both of Oregon, Colleen Williams of Kennewick, Wash., Kathy Kersey of McCook and Becky Breese of Dallas, Ore.; many grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2016
SHIERS, Lois Ann, 87, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 7, 1928, on the family farm southwest of Heartwell in Kearney County
Parents: George and Anna (Torske) Johansen
Graduated from Heartwell High School in 1946
Married: Sept. 7, 1946, married Clifford “Wayne” Shiers in Phillipsburg, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Broken Bow for a short time, then moved to Kearney in 1947; moved to rural Gibbon, 1947, farmed until they retired in the early 1980s; moved into Gibbon, 2006
Activities: loved taking care of her children and grandchildren; enjoyed cooking, baking, working in her flowers and embroidery; made each of her children quilts
Survivors include: daughters, Dianna Frew of Gibbon, Karen Shiers of Kearney and Pamela Rasmussen and husband Steven of Gibbon; sons, Bill Shiers and wife Lynn and David Shiers and wife Carol, all of Gibbon; daughter-in-law, Kindra Shiers of Gibbon; sisters, Verla Steiner of Inavale and Viola Sinsel of Minden; 18 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; sons, Eugene in 1968 and Lonnie in 2014; five brothers; and four sisters
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or to the family
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2016
SMITH, Hulda Margarete, 96, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Monday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Oct. 15, 1919, the third oldest of nine children, on the family farm near Minden
Parents: John and Martha A. (Janke) Grams
Attended rural school near Minden
Married: Lucas W. Smith on Oct. 3, 1945, in Williamson, W.Va.
After marriage, lived in Kearney, worked at Baldwin for over 30 years, retired in 1993; then worked for Cash-Wa and retired in 2003 at age 84
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Altar Guild, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the Bible Study Group; enjoyed Storm hockey, crocheting, flowers, playing sudoku and baking; was especially known for her fudge and her Christmas cookies
Surviving relatives include her sons, Lucas and Merna Smith, and Bruce and wife Joan Smith; daughter, Sherry Campbell; grandchildren, Jason Campbell and Todd, Scott and Stacy Smith; and three sisters, Anna Martenson, Judy Corlis and Pauline Thornburg
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lucas W. Smith on July 4, 1988; one sister; and four brothers
Memorials: Zion Lutheran School
Kearney Hub, 5 March, 2016
STEELE, Scott V., 53, of Shelton died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Monday at Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born May 23, 1962, in Kearney
Parents: Vernon and Marguerite (Chism) Steele
Married: June 27, 2003, to Christine Nevitt in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Kassidy Hurlbutt of Kearney and Briean Dragoo of Lincoln; son, Zachariah of Kearney; sister, Delilah Staab of Omaha; brothers, Mike of Kensington, Kan., and Danny “Pete” of Washington; 19 grandchildren; and stepdaughters, Angela Garvey of Beatrice, Brandy Cervantes of Lincoln and Kelly Cervantes of Texas
Kearney Hub, 17 March, 2016
WILSON, Lana E., 69, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 19, 1946, in Auburn, Calif.
Parents: Elton and Mary (Hughes) Sells
Grew up and attended school in Grass Valley, Calif.
Moved to Elm Creek in 1970 and worked at Becton Dickinson in Holdrege
Married: May 1, 1971, to Edward Wilson at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
After marriage, lived in Elm Creek; moved to Kearney in 2000
Activities: member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, was very active in various church activities; in Kearney, belonged to St. James Catholic Church; loved to read, draw and paint, and to write
Surviving relatives include her husband of Kearney; daughters, Linda Terry and husband Michael of Shelton and Karen Lucero and husband Doug of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Laura Sharsmitt and husband Rick of Sweet Home, Ore., June Dearden of Auburn, Calif.; and brothers, John Chormicle and wife Deb, and David Sells, all of North San Juan, Calif.
Was preceded in death by two brothers
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 2 March, 2016