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BACON, Doris May, 92, of Kearney died Monday, May 30, 2016, at her home
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Nov. 3, 1923, in Fullerton
Parents: Leo J. and Ruby M. (Zimmerman) Brucker
Grew up in central Nebraska, was a 1942 graduate of Kearney High School
Married: Aug. 28, 1943, to Howard Bacon in Kearney
Activities: was active in the Salvation Army, a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and a member of the Directing Board of Mother Hull Home; enjoyed reading and doll collecting
Survivors include: sons and their spouses, Harold and Mary Bacon of Milford and Melvin and Raydene Bacon of Aurora; daughters, Dorothy Robinson and Emily Rogers, both of Kearney, Carole Bacon of St. Paul, Minn., and Ruby Bacon of Kearney; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; grandson, Timothy Robinson; and three brothers, Paul, Kenneth and Glen Brucker
Memorials: The Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2016
BROWN, Gifford E. “Brownie”, 75, of South Padre Island, Texas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, May 13, 2016, at his home
A memorial reception: Saturday in the Loper Room at the Kearney Holiday Inn
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 24, 1940, in Sumner
Parents: Charles and Leona (Horn) Brown
Married: Glenda McAuliff on July 3, 1965
Attended school in Cozad, moved to Kearney; then attended Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 1960
Military: two years in the U.S. Army
After discharge, attended and graduated from Kearney State College in 1968
Worked at GTE Telephone Co. and later owned his own business, The Dome Lounge; retired in 1998; moved to South Padre Island in 2000, remained there until his death; enjoyed fishing, boating and traveling
Survivors include: his wife, Glenda; sons, Shaun Brown of Texas and Chase and wife Penny Brown of South Dakota; four grandchildren, Olivia, Dawson, Cody and Adam; brother, Leon Brown of Kearney; sister-in-law, Charlotte Brown of Georgia; brothers-in-law, Dan McAuliff of Kearney and Tim and wife Joan McAuliff of Omaha, Neb.; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Rasmussen and Wilma Patsios, both of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Brown
Memorials: Kearney Goodfellows
Kearney Hub, 19 May 2016
BURNS, Christopher R., 35, of Kearney died Sunday, May 22, 2016, as the result of an automobile accident in Kearney County
Memorial service: Friday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 4, 1981, in Grand Island
Parents: Chuck and Kathy (Witthuhn) Burns
Grew up in Callaway, attended school there, later obtained his GED
Worked as a mechanic in the Kearney area
Activities: loved to hunt and fish, golf, work on cars and ride motorcycles; was a believer in Christ and enjoyed his “Life group” through the E-Free Church; family and friends were important to him
Survivors include: parents, Kathy and Jerry Hickenbottom of Kearney; sisters, Crystal Schuman and husband Jake of Minneapolis and Carrie Gumaer and husband Jeremy of Utica; brother, Tim Hickenbottom and wife Jen of Callaway; grandparents, Elmo Witthuhn of Callaway and Helen and Gerald Dorris of Kearney; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marjorie Witthuhn, Bill Hickenbottom and Bud and Arlene Burns
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church, The Storehouse
Kearney Hub, 25 May, 2016
CARLSON, Loisjean, 73, of Kearney died Friday, May 13, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Cemetery in Oshkosh
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born on Sept. 15, 1942, in Lisco
Parents: Merle and Lucille Carlson
Was the fifth of six children; graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Alliance
Entered into Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in Denver; education was in nursing, counseling and spirituality; had ministered in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, New York and New Jersey; had been a resident of Kearney since 1990
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include: the Sisters of St. Francis, as well as three brothers, Tom Carlson and his wife, Jacqueline, and Don Carlson and his wife, Susie, all of Wharton, Texas, and Charles Carlson and his wife, Carolyn, of Boise, Idaho; aunt, Marjorie Myles of Chappell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Jim and the Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Carlson
Memorials: Sisters of St. Francis, St. James Catholic Church and Crossroads Center
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2016
CARRANZA, Lupe "Grandma Lou", 82, of Kearney died Monday, May 30, 2016, at her home
Service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born May 25, 1934, in Faribault, Minn.
Attended grade school in Gibbon, then spent most of her life in Kearney; while growing up, helped take care of her 12 brothers and sisters
Married Mike “Emelio” Carranza in 1952
Did day care in her house so she could be there for her own sons; had cared for many more than 50 children and would have as many as eight at one time
Activities: member of Family of Christ Lutheran Church, was active in the Wednesday weeders group in Kearney and in 2006 was recognized at Fiesta Kearney with the Hispanic of Distinction Award
Survivors include her sons, Marc and wife Myfanwy of Plymouth, Minn., and Patrick of Kearney; brothers, J.R. Saldivar of Liberty Lake, Wash., and Edward Saldivar of Encino, Calif.; sister, Pauline Goody of Brighton, Colo.; grandchildren, Aaron Carranza and wife Meagan, Pamela Schwarze and husband Dustin, Heath Carranza and wife Lindsay, Christopher Carranza and wife Jessica, and Jerrad Carranza; eight great-grandchildren; and many pseudo grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her siblings, Lottie, Vincent, Bonnie, Raymond, Jesse, Frenchy, David, Joyce and Albert
Memorials: American Cancer Society or to AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2016
CATLIN, Sarah Elizabeth (Zeller), 34, of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Ravenna and Kearney, Neb., died of cancer Wednesday, May 11, 2016, at Columbine Skilled Nursing Facility in Fort Collins
Memorial service: Friday at New Life Church in Kearney
Born: July 22, 1981, in Grand Island
Parents: Rod and the late Diane (Gunia) Zeller
Grew up in Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and later from Regis University with a Masters in Business Administration
Married: June 23, 2013, to Joe Catlin
After marriage, lived in Fort Collins, worked as an account executive and manager until her death
Survivors include her husband; father and stepmother, Annette Morris-Zeller of Kearney; brother, Seth and his fiancée, Nicole Clements and her son, Mason of Holdrege, Neb.; stepbrother, R.J. Morris and wife Kathleen and their children, Caroline and Andrew, all of Fort Collins; stepsister, Shannon Davis and her husband, Reggie, and their children, Will and Ben, all of Kearney; grandfather, Ken Zeller of Cairo, Neb.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends
Kearney Hub, 17 May 2016
CLAAR, Kenneth Lee, 84, of Sheldon, Iowa, formerly of Gibbon, Neb., died Monday, May 30, 2016, at Sanford Sheldon Senior Care Center
Service: Monday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon. Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Gibbon
Born July 21, 1931, on a farm in rural Gosper County, Neb.
Parents: Beryl and Rosa (Genrich) Claar
Lived on farms in Gosper and Phelps counties while he was growing up; attended District 42 country school for first through seventh grades and Mascot for eighth through 12th grades; graduated from Mascot High School in 1948
Moved to Holdrege, worked for Braun Furniture for one year, then for Anderson Plumbing and Heating
Married Joy Marilyn Musgrave on June 13, 1954, in Minden
After marriage, lived Axtell, Holdrege, Shelton, and Gibbon; worked for Kansas Nebraska Gas Co. for 32 years; moved to Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon, Iowa, in 2012
Military: member of the Nebraska National Guard for nine years
Activities: served on various United Methodist Church committees and also as a trustee; was active on the Gibbon volunteer fire department for over 25 years; enjoyed doing things with his children and grandchildren; hobbies were bowling, gardening, travel, water skiing and fishing
Survivors include: children and their families: son, Mikal and Nancy Claar of Sheldon and their children, Joe and Megan Gross, Adam and Erin Balk, Paul Claar and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Conor Gross; daughter, Melody and Steve Torske of Lincoln, Neb., and their children, Kayla and Ashley Torske; son, Mark and Joan Claar of Overland Park, Kan., and their children, Nick and Stephanie Hoffmann, Amanda, Sara and Katie Claar and great-grandchildren, Caiden and Willow Claar; and a sister-in-law, Mavis Ganzel of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Marilyn; his parents; and two brothers, Keith and Beryl Jr. and his wife, Hazel Claar
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2016
DADY, Leroy O., 96, of Kearney died Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at New Life Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 1, 1919, in Kearney
Parents: Burt and Mabel (Bowker) Dady
Attended school in Kearney
Military: U.S. Army in February 1942-1945; served during World War II
Married: Alice Larson on Aug. 27, 1943, in Glendale, Calif.
After his discharge, moved back to Kearney, helped run Dadys Grocery with his father; then worked for Cash-Wa Candy in Kearney; moved to Denver and managed apartments; returned to Kearney; retired in 1985
Activities: attended New Life Church in Kearney; loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, also enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to music, watching Westerns and college football, especially the Huskers
Survivors include: daughters, Trudy Hasbrouck and Alicia Carey and husband George, all of Kearney, Beverly Rothgeary and husband Glenn of Loveland, Colo., Marlyce Havens and husband Dale of Aurora and Lori Wang and husband Solomon of Milford; son, Lee Dady and wife Cindy of Wells, Minn.; son-in-law, Daryl Kozel of Kearney; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife; daughters, Beth Kozel and Dixie Gideon; sons-in-law, Mike O’Connor and Art Hasbrouck; and granddaughter, Rebecca Carey
Memorials: New Life Church or Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2016
DUMMER, Charles “Chuck”, 76, of Kearney, died Saturday, May 28, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Sept. 28, 1939, in Racine, Wis.
Parents: Fred and Helen Dummer
Military: U.S. Army from 1957 to 1961
Married: Feb. 8, 1964, to Joan Alexander in Racine
Moved to Kearney in 1975
Worked as an executive recruiter in the lawn and garden industry until he retired
Activities: active member of St. James Church and Knights of Columbus; strong advocate for the Kearney community and the University of Nebraska at Kearney; volunteered in many organizations
Survivors include: wife, Joan; son, Jeff Dummer; daughter, Shelly Dummer and special friend John K; grandson, C.J. Gunther; and granddaughter, Kara Wimberley, all of Kearney; and his sister, Roxann Johnson and her husband, Ralph of Racine; along with nieces and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus or donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 2 June 2016
GEISLER, Shanon M., 26, of Kearney died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: later
Born Jan. 16, 1990, in Kearney
Parents: Jimmy H. and Karen S. (Wardenburg) Geisler
Survivors include her parents of Kearney; fiancé, Jeremy Beckman of Kearney; daughters, Jenna Beckman and Olivia Beckman of Kearney; and grandmothers, Frida Geisler and Louetta Wardenburg
Kearney Hub, 25 May, 2016
GRONE, Kay Elizabeth, 75, of Wymore, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Good Samaritan Center in Wymore
Graveside memorial service: June 18 at Wymore Cemetery
Mortuary: Laughlin-Hoevet in Wymore
Born on Feb. 19, 1941, in Wymore
Parents: Ada and Ivan Kohlmeyer
Attended Wymore Public Schools, graduated in 1959; in high school, held offices in the Pep Club, Y-Teens and band; was Wymore Band queen candidate for Harvest of Harmony in Grand Island; received the John Philip Sousa Band Award; was an attendant for homecoming queen; was active in the Luther League and was an organist at St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Married: Marvin Grone at Wymore, May 14, 1960
Moved to Kearney, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in special education; taught in public schools in Shelby, Stromsburg, Norfolk and Grand Island
Activities: was an avid reader, enjoyed discussing current events; artistic talents were constantly expressed throughout her life
Was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Jacqueline Jo Grone; and brother-in-law, Ron Johnson
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Julie and Tim Harned of Liberty, Mo., Jane and Eddie Pierce of Minden and Jeff Grone of Independence, Mo.; grandsons and spouses, Dallis and Elly Christensen of Shawnee, Kan., and Dakota and Ashley Christensen of Lincoln; and sisters, Mary Johnson of Longmont, Colo., and Monreve and husband Jack Klingebiel of Boulder, Colo.
Memorials: Good Samaritan Society in Wymore
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2016
HANSEN, Russel E., 78, of St. Paul died Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Saturday at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Paul
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Mortuary: Jacobsen-Greenway in St. Paul
Born Aug. 31, 1937, in Farwell
Parents: Edison and Mary (Lassen) Hansen
W Was raised in Litchfield, attended District 25 school in Sherman County; graduated Litchfield High School, 1955, then attended Kearney State College
Worked for Rockwell in the tool shop in Kearney
Military: U.S. Army, 1959 - 1962; was stationed in France for 30 months
Returned to Kearney, again worked at Rockwell for two more years; later worked in the cafeteria at Kearney State College until 1973; drove a taxi in Kearney, 1977-1979, and did yard work in Kearney until 1982; retired, 1984, moved to St. Paul with his father; moved to Matelyn Retirement Community in St. Paul in December 2007
Activities: enjoyed listening to Nebraska football games, taking walks and going for drives; had a good memory, remembering events that occurred 50 years back; always had a smile on his face; member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. lifetime member of Carl Mogensen American Legion Post 119, both of St. Paul
Survivors include many cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother
Memorials: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 19 May, 2016
HENDRICKSON, William Wilson “Bill” III, 70, of Bluffton, South Carolina, died Friday, May 13, 2016, at his home
Service: Thursday at St. Gregory the Great Church in Bluffton
Mortuary: Sauls in Bluffton
Born Nov. 15, 1945, in Cleveland
Parents: William and Vera Hendrickson
Attended schools in Fairview Park, Ohio, and graduated from Fairview High School in 1963, from Ohio State University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and from George Washington University in 1973 with a master’s degree in health-care administration; was a Life Fellow through the American College of Healthcare Executives
Military: U.S. Air Force, 1965-1969
Held leadership positions at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Good Samaritan and Richard Young hospitals in Kearney, Neb., and St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Ky.; practiced as a health-care consultant for the last 11 years; retired to Bluffton in 2004 to the wonderful Belfair community
Activities: enjoyed participating in sports, especially golf; was a loyal fan of Nebraska and Ohio State football as well as of the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers; loved being with his family most of all, traveling, cooking and playing cards with friends and attending social events
Survivors include: Pat, his wife of 47 years; son, Michael Hendrickson of Dallas; daughter, Erin Washington and husband Tom of Chattanooga, Tenn.; grandsons, Brendan Hendrickson and Jayden and Cade William Washington; and brother, Robert Hendrickson and wife Jackie of Muskogee, Okla.
Memorials: Hospice Care of the Lowcountry and American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2016
JELKEN, Jeff, 50, of Kearney died Monday, May 16, 2016, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services, the Rev. Norman Jelken officiating
Born May 18, 1965, in Franklin
Parents: Arlen and Linda (Hendricks) Jelken
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1983
Worked at Lawn Builders and then at the distribution center at Baldwin Filters
Activities: was a black belt in karate and an avid collector of martial arts weapons; enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and listening to music
Survivors include: his son, Brandon Jelken, mother, Linda Jelken, and sisters, Julie Pedersen and husband Tim, and Jodi Weeder, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his father
Kearney Hub, 19 May, 2016
KALB, Mary C., 69, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at her home, after a 5-year battle with ovarian cancer
Service: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: April 15, 1947, in Dodge City, Kan.
Parents: Mary and Lawrence Tincher
Graduated from McCook High School in 1965, received a Bachelor of Science from Kearney State College in 1979
Married James Kalb in 1966
After marriage, lived in Chappell and McCook, relocated to Kearney in 1970; was a beautician instructor at Kearney Beauty Center; became a CPA in 1980. worked at McDermott & Miller, became the first female partner; retired in 2014
Activities: was active in several local organizations including Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Library Board, Kearney Business & Strategic Development Planning Committee, Kearney Little League Board, St. James Catholic Church Finance Committee, Kearney Housing Agency, Kearney Housing Development Corp., Autumn Village Board, and many committees on the Good Samaritan Hospital Board; enjoyed spending time with family, attending grandkids’ activities, cooking and jogging/walking with nature along the trail to Cottonmill Park
Survivors include: her husband of 50 years, Jim; sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Tonya Kalb of Omaha and Mike and Shannan Kalb of Kearney; and five grandchildren, Tanner and Tyler of Omaha and Easton, Lukas and Marissa of Kearney. She is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Lynda Tincher of Broken Bow, Charles and Elsie Tincher of Wichita, Kan., and Harold and Mary Tincher of Salt Marsh, Mass.; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church, Cottonmill Park and the American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 28 May, 2016
KIBURZ, Verna, 85, of Kearney died Sunday, May 22, 2016, at her home
Service: Friday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 3, 1931, in DeWitt
Parents: William and Lena (Tegeler) Brolhorst
Was baptized on Jan. 18, 1931, by the Rev. J.F. Kiesou and confirmed by the Rev. Hein on July 9, 1944
Married: June 18, 1950, to Jack L. Kiburz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dewitt
After marriage, lived in McCook; moved to Kearney in 1964; taught school for three years, became a licensed day-care provider for 25 years; retired as “sarge” of Gary’s I-80 Service in 2006
Activities: enjoyed gardening, canning and spending time with her family and friends; member of First Lutheran Church
Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Rouse and Sue Wright and husband Kim, all of Kearney; two sons, Scott Kiburz and wife Sarah of Paradise Valley, Ariz., and Steve Kiburz of Greeley, Colo.; grandchildren, Lindsey Wright and husband Shaun Mewes, Eliza Kiburz, Samuel Kiburz, Caleb Kiburz, Joshua Kiburz, Hannah Kiburz, Isabel Kiburz, Daniel Kiburz, Holli Huhman and husband Jay, Heidi Jarvis and husband David, and Heath Rouse and wife RaeLynne; great-grandchildren; Haley, Jessica and Jayme Huhman, Cassidy and Trista Tennant, and Brody, Riley and Wesly Rouse; and three stepgreat-grandchildren, MiKayla Jarvis, Ashton Kirkendall and Hailey Jameson
Was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and one sister
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2016
KUEBLER, Mildred E., 86, of Minden, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, May 29, 2016, at Bethany Nursing Home in Minden
Service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Aug. 5, 1929, in Lexington
Parents: Allen L. and Laura D. (Fox) Howe
Attended school at District 22 near Gibbon/Shelton
Married Everett M. Kuebler on Feb. 3, 1948, in Amherst
Settled on a farm near Gibbon, remained there the majority of her life
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney and the local extension club; enjoyed working with Everett and the rest of the family on the farm, having coffee with friends and neighbors, and also attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and 4-H activities
Survivors include: her daughter, Laura Thompson and her husband, Robert, of Minden; grandchildren, Corey Thompson and his wife, Lacey, of Huntingtown, Md., and Kristen Honea and her husband, Jason, of Grapevine, Texas; great-grandchildren, Sena and Eva Thompson and Alyssa Honea; sisters, Elnore Freeze, Edna Howe, Lucille Stevenson and Lois Jerome; sisters-in-law, Elaine Lee, Helen Hansen and Joyce Kuebler; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett Kuebler; son, Everett Kuebler Jr.; granddaughter, Stephanie Thompson; three brothers; and three sisters
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2016
LAHM, Deloris L., 80, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, May 28, 2016, in Omaha
Service: Friday at Kearney Church of Christ
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler in Omaha
Born Nov. 27, 1935, in Elm Creek
Was preceded in death by her husband, Murl K. Lahm; parents, Curtis and Marjory Becker; and sister, Fern Hinrichsen
Survivors include: children and their spouses, Brian Burney and Marsha, Sheila Smith and Bruce, Raymond Burney and Lisa Moehlenhoff and John; stepchildren and spouses, Murlona Austrum and David, Stan Lahm and Sherri, and Chris Lahm and Dawn; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and sister, Allaine Long and husband Roy
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2016
LEIPHON, Agnes (McKay-Carlson), 94, of Kearney died Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Memorial service: June 3 at First Baptist Church
Interment of cremains: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Jan. 10, 1922, in Churchs Ferry, N.D.
Parents: Mike and Annie (Bragg) McKay
Lived and attended school in Derek Township
Married: Carl A. Carlson on Sept. 14, 1940, in Middle River, Minn.; divorced in 1971
After marriage, settled in Edmore, N.D., worked for the Edmore Hospital, Johnson Store, Strand and Kunkel Café, and the Edmore Post Office; moved to Devils Lake, N.D., 1961, worked for Dairy Queen, Mann’s Department Store, Mack’s Bar, Happy Hour Café, Great Northern Hotel and the Elks Lodge; was a very successful saleswoman for Stanley Home Products, Sara Coventry Jewelry, home interior products and Avon where she won a number of Albee awards
Married: Oct. 1, 1972, to John E. Leiphon in Devils Lake; he died in 2006
After this marriage, lived in Devils Lake; when John retired from Burlington Northern Railroad in 1988, moved to Riverside, Calif., to be closer to Agnes’ family; eventually moved from Riverside to Salton City, Calif.; moved to Kearney, 1999; had been a resident of Mount Carmel Home for the past three years
Activities: May 4, 1987, became member of West Shores Baptist Church of Salton Sea, rededicated her life to Jesus Christ; crocheted many doilies and afghans and made many other crafts over the years; owned her own ceramics shop; was a member of many service organizations such as the F.O.E., the Eagles, Fraternal Order of the Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions International and the Salton City Senior Center and served in offices in all of these organizations
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, John and Sharon Carlson of Canyon Lake, Calif., Alvin and Meg Carlson of Langdon, N.D., Danny and Beth Carlson of Riverside, Debbie Sehm of Wasilla, Alaska, Joyce and Dave Voskamp of Bailey, Colo., Janice and Keith Kuebler of Kearney, Jamie and Dianne Carlson of Kearney, Dale and Dee Carlson of Dillon, Mont., and Doug Carlson of Denver; her daughter-in-law, Jeanne Carlson; son-in-law, Gary “Mack” Brinegar; 25 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three nieces; and two nephews
Was preceded in death by her former spouse, Carl A. Carlson; her husband, John Leiphon; son, Donn A. Carlson; daughter, Anita L. Brinegar; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Carlson; son-in-law, Doug Sehm; granddaughter, Yvonne Neiderhouse; grandson, Brent Sehm; her parents, Mike McKay and Annie (Bragg) (McKay) Freeman; one sister who died at birth; brothers, Marion “Mike,” Stanley, Meryl and Allen McKay; and sister, Eva Kalvik
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2016
LOWE, Kathleen Marie, 86, of Shelton died Sunday, May 15, 2016, at her home
Service: Friday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel
Born on Dec. 29, 1929, in Boelus
Parents: Edward and Marie (Hehnke) Moog
Grew up in Boelus and Rockville, moved to Shelton at age 12; graduated from Shelton High School in 1947
Married: James W. “Jim” Lowe on June 29, 1947, in Shelton
After marriage, lived on a farm in the Shelton area; retired in 1985, moved into Shelton
Activities: belonged to the Red Hat Society and the Our Nite Out Club; enjoyed bowling, oil painting, sewing, crafts and cake decorating; with Helen Widdowson, painted (inside and outside) and wallpapered houses for many years together
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Nancy Lowe and Ed and Peggy Lowe, all of Shelton; daughter and son-in-law, Leanne and Dan Riley of Shelton; grandchildren and their spouses, Amy and Greg Liss of Chicago, Mitchell and Sarah Riley of Marion, Iowa, Jill and Brian Schukar of Omaha, Katie Dubbs of Shelton, Becky Lowe of Omaha, Michael and Megan Lowe of Wood River, Brad and Casey Lowe of Hickman and Dan Lowe and his fiancée, Danielle, of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Marie, Jude and Turner Liss, Evan and Loren Riley, Eliza, Vivian and Riley Schukar, Emily Lowe and Anneliese Dubbs and Parker, Brooks and Creighton Lowe; sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and John McClellan of St. Paul; and sister-in-law, Nola Synovec of North Platte
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Delbert Moog; and an infant brother
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church or the Shelton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 18 May 2016
PEARSON, Beverly Jean, 89, of Kearney died Thursday, May 12, 2016, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney. Service: Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege
Born on Nov. 8, 1926, on the family homestead near Ragan
Parents: George and Frances (Florell) Johnson
Grew up in the Ragan area, attended school at the Ragan Consolidated School, graduated from high school in 1944
Married: Aug. 30, 1947, to Nelse Pearson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege
After marriage, lived in several towns in Nebraska, retired in 1993; then returned to Kearney
Activities: volunteered at First Lutheran Church and Good Samaritan Hospital; enjoyed camping, reading, sewing, square dancing and working crossword puzzles
Surviviors include: sons, Tim Pearson and wife Janis of Tabor, S.D., Jeff Pearson and wife Norma of Overton and Stacy Pearson and Jennifer of Alda; her daughter, Julie Keough and husband Nick of Kearney; her daughter-in-law, Carol Pearson of Wasilla, Alaska; eight grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; 19 great-grandchildren; six stepgreat-grandchildren; two brothers, Bruce Johnson and wife Mary Ann of Littleton, Colo., and Gary Johnson and wife Merry of Holdrege; nieces; nephews; and several other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Nelse; a son, Richard; a grandson, T.J.; her parents; her grandparents; a sister, Margaret; and an infant brother, Owen
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2016
PETERSON, Rodney Ola “Rod”, 75, of Ivanhoe, Texas, died Monday, June 6, 2016, at Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center in Sherman
Service: Friday at Wise Funeral Home Chapel in Bonham
Burial: Willow Wild Cemetery
Born June 22, 1940, in Grand Island, Neb.
Parents: Ola Herman Peterson and Hilda (Quandt) Peterson
Was a graduate of Zion Lutheran School and Kearney High School in Kearney, Neb., and attended Milford Technical School (Southeast Community College) in Nebraska
Military: U.S. Army, veteran of the Vietnam War
Married: April 6, 1966, to Linda Roblee
Married: Dec. 27, 1993, to Virginia Mae “Ginny” Palmer Gorman
Was the owner and operator of Peterson Construction in Bonham for many years; most recently, owned and operated Rogi Tree Farm, while he continued to enjoy the outdoors and construction
Activities: member of Boyd Baptist Church; was instrumental in forming The Masters Hands of Bonham and managed it for many years; was involved in the mission field and made several mission trips to India and Kenya, Africa, was instrumental in building orphanages; was associate minister at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bonham from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s
Was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Ricky Eugene Peterson in 1985 and Johnny Wayne Peterson in 1991; and a granddaughter, Sophia Peterson in 2009
Survivors include: his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Peterson; sons, Randy Eugene Peterson and wife Margie, Kevin Ola Peterson and wife April, Andrew Dean Peterson, David Allen Peterson and wife Chris, and Jose Gonzales; daughters, Kathy Lynn Peterson Kizer, Melissa Ellen Peterson Veronie and husband Steve, and Kathryn Metta “Katie” Peterson Dunlap and husband Saul; sister, LaVonne Peterson of Kearney; stepsons, Daniel Gorman and wife Claudia, Seth David Gorman and wife Rian, Timothy John Gorman and Andrew Peter Gorman and wife Lauren; stepdaughters, Rebekah Ann Gorman Hartwell and husband Barry, and Ruth Helen Gorman Tuggle and husband Dave; grandchildren, Krystal Ann Peterson Crace, Sara Marie Peterson Dirickson, Kristina Marie Nelson, Victoria Sulin Nelson, Braden Charles Veronie, Nicholas Ola Peterson, Daine Lee Dunlap, Haidyn Paige Peterson, Jonathan David Peterson and Jeremy Wayne Peterson; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Ann Dirickson, Alica Lynn Dirickson, Luke Wayne Peterson and Emily Brooke Peterson; stepgrandchildren, Dylan Kyle Gorman, Gabriella Nicole Gorman, Julianne Lea Blomeke, Haley Nichole Gorman, Taylor Christine Gorman, Brody Kyle Gorman, Leighton Ryan Hartwell, Trevor Dale Hartwell, Corey Gene Hartwell and Brae Andrew Gorman; and a number of cousins, extended family and a host of friends
Pallbearers: David Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Andrew Gorman, Jeremy Peterson, Daine Dunlap and Leighton Hartwell
Memorials: Children of Promise International, Tim and Dena Stromstad or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 8 June, 2016
POWER, Janice Butin, 87, of Kenesaw, formerly of Shelton, died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings
Service: Wednesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger of Gibbon
Born Nov. 22, 1928, in Grand Island
Parents: Roy Elmer and Geneva Elizabeth (Reed) Wolford
Graduated from Shelton High School with honors in 1946, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1949; loved music and was the accompanist to various choral groups throughout her school years
Married: Tracil Leroy Power, Oct. 9, 1949; he died in November 2008
After marriage, lived in Gibbon and Shelton, worked as a bookkeeper for Gangwish Farm & Grain at Shelton and later as credit department secretary/bookkeeper at Woolco Department Store in Grand Island as well as H&R Block
Activities: loved of antiques, was an enthusiastic flower and vegetable gardener; was active in her church’s women’s groups, was one of the first woman trustees of her church in Gibbon; member of the PEO Sisterhood Chapter BI and Daughters of the American Revolution-Shelton Chapter
Survivors include: her son, Robert Lee Power and wife Vickie of Gibbon; daughter, Nancy Elizabeth Holl and husband John of Shelton; daughter, Tricia Louise Gangwish and husband Duane of Lincoln; son, Tracil Al Power and wife Kim of Shelton; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia J. McMullen of Lancaster, Calif.; brother-in-law, Royal and wife Mari Power of Wichita, Kan.; sister-in-law, LaBerta and husband DeWayne Olson of Gibbon; sister-in-law, Dorothy Power of North Platte; brother-in-law, John and wife Nancy Power of Geneva; as well as numerous nephews and nieces and their families
Was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Robert Wolford and wife Lillian; brother-in-law, Ron Power; and sister-in-law, Jane Wiles and husband Ernie
Memorials: Faith United Church or the Spina Bifida Association
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2016
ROBISON, Donald D. "Robi", 75, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Monday at First Baptist Church
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: First Baptist Church
Born May 28, 1940, in Hardin, Mont.
Parents: Ralph and Ida (Doane) Robison
Grew up and attended school in Hardin
Married: Aug. 17, 1963,to Sheryl Prather in Kearney
Military: veteran of the Vietnam War; U.S. Air Force, 1960-1980; was stationed in various locations around the world; worked as a communications specialist for the Department of Defense; moved to Kearney in 2011
Activities: member of First Baptist Church in Kearney and Kearney American Legion Post 52; enjoyed time with his family and especially with his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Sheryl of Kearney; daughter, Dee Stutz and husband Roy of Kearney; grandchildren, Dawson and Eliza Stutz of Kearney; sisters, Carol Fox and Linda Edwards, both of Montana; and brothers, John, Bill, Jim, George, Tom and Ray Edwards, all of Big Horn County, Mont.
Was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Bruce Edwards
Memorials: First Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 21 May, 2016
ROHDE, Joyann Louise “Joy”, 85, of Ozark, Missouri, formerly of Miller, Neb., died Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Ozark
Service: Monday at the Miller Community Building
Burial: Armada Cemetery near Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney, Neb.
Born July 9, 1930, at Miller on the family farm
Parents: Charlie and Laura Robbins
Was the youngest of six children; was raised on the family farm and attended school in Miller
Married: Oct. 12, 1947, to Vernon Rohde of Ansley, Neb. He died July 31, 2013
After marriage, raised their family on the farm north of Miller; moved to Camdenton, MO., 1981, owned and operated 5-81 Motel and Campground; moved to Ozark, MO., in 2001; sold her home, 2015, and moved across the street to live with her daughter Kim and grandchildren Pryce and Evan; lived there until her death
Was the Ultimate Domestic Engineer, worked hard on the farm, preparing meals, gardening, raising chickens, and helping in the field; enjoyed family time camping and water skiing, to motor sports; enjoyed dancing; was a Cub Scout Den leader, active in the American Auxiliary Club, a Blue Star Sister and elected first women president of the Camdenton Chamber of Commerce
Was proceeded in death by her parents, Charlie and Laura Robbins, four brothers, Dan Robbins, Carl Robbins, Irvin Robbins, Greeley Robbins and one sister, Hazel Ehersman, one son, Victor Rohde and her husband of 66 years, Vernon Rohde
Survivors include: three children, Tom Rohde of Springfield, MO., Kim Rohde of Ozark, MO., and Holly Rohde of Kansas City, KS; four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 4 June, 2016 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
ROSS, Michael J. “Mick”, 69, of Gibbon died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at his home
Service: Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 14, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: John William and Theresa (Judge) Ross
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1964; attended Kearney State College
Military: joined U.S. Army in 1966; served for two years in Germany
Married: Sept. 11, 1976, to Anita Person
After marriage, lived in Gibbon; was a financial planner for AXA Advisors; retired in 2014
Activities: was a master gardener, enjoyed cooking for family and friends; member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton; was very active in the American Legion in Gibbon, served on the Buffalo County Veteran Service Committee as chairman
Survivors include: his wife, Anita; son, Kristopher Ross and special friend Shannon of Omaha; foster daughter, Brenda Bennett and husband John of Waddell, Ariz.; brother, William Ross and wife Jeanne of Kearney; sister, Monica Perkins and husband Hank of Raleigh, N.C.; brother-in-law, Neil Person and wife Jamie of Columbus; five grandchildren; and foster grandchildren, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Myles Ross
Memorials: Gibbon American Legion Post 310
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2016
SCHLUNTZ, Everett A., 91, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford and rural Stamford, died Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life: June 3 at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma
Inurnment: Alma Cemetery
Mortuary: Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer in Oxford
Born Nov. 14, 1924, in Naponee
Parents: Albert and Dora (Muir) Schluntz
Married: Norma Jean Haeker in Alma, in spring 1944
Survivors include his wife; sons, Gerald of Stamford and Brent of Oxford; four granddaughters; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 May, 2016
SHADA, Marsha A., 68, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center Celebration of life: Friday at Living Faith Fellowship Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Aug. 31, 1947, in Osceola
Parents: Dr. Francis “Mike” and Margaret A. (Yanney) Shada
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1965. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Kearney State in 1968; earned a master’s degree in counseling from Kearney State in 1971
Taught in Bellevue Public Schools, later worked for the Department of Education; also worked for the University of Nebraska, the State Court System and was also a real estate agent for Century 21 before her retirement
Activities: in college, was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, served in several offices; member of St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney
Surviving relatives include her brother, Michael Shada of Kearney; sister-in-law, Fran Shada of Omaha; nephews, Luke and Adam of Omaha; niece, Whitney of Wichita, Kan.; aunts, Mildred Shada of Omaha, Lena Yanney of North Platte and Gail Yanney of Omaha; uncles, Michael Yanney of Omaha, Paul Steinbrink of Kearney and Paul and wife Marge Shada of California; also many beloved cousins and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Mark Shada
Kearney Hub, 26 May, 2016
SHERER, Arnold L. “Lea”, 81, of Kearney died Friday, May 27, 2016, at his home
Service: Thursday at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege
Born Aug. 2, 1934, in Wagner, S.D.
Parents: Carl Floyd and Opal Dell (Walker) Scherer
Married: July 21, 1957, to Louise Elaine Brown
Married: Sept. 16, 1968, to Emily Mae Lervig
Survivors include his son, Roger of Washington state; stepdaughter, Roxann Mauer of Trumbull; four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 30 May, 2016
SHOEMAKER, Melvin Kenneth "Mel", 68, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at his home
Service: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on June 22, 1947, in Broken Bow
Parents: Ross and Hazel I. (Sorensen) Shoemaker
Grew up near Ansley, graduated from Ansley High School in 1965, then attended Kearney State College, graduated in 1968
Married: June 9, 1967, to Arlene Kleeb in Broken Bow
After marriage, lived in Scotia, taught speech and theater at North Loup-Scotia High School for 26 years; moved to Kearney, 1994, and continued his teaching career as the theater director at Kearney High School; retired in 2012 after 44 years of teaching; was a dedicated play production and speech judge for the NSAA and continued to do this after retiring
Activities: was passionate about theater throughout his life, had been part of numerous theater productions; member of First United Methodist Church, was active in choir and served on several committees; member of the Nebraska Association of Community Theatres, the NSEA, NEA and KEA; enjoyed traveling, playing the piano, singing and raising flowers; especially enjoyed time with his friends and family, and loved attending the various activities of his grandchildren
Survivors include: his wife, Arlene of Kearney; two daughters, Toni L. Heimes and husband Matt of Lincoln and Jaci D. Pohl and husband David of Kearney; a son, Chad A. Shoemaker and wife Megan of Lincoln; five grandchildren, Kameron Heimes, Ella Hamilton, Brooklyn Shoemaker, Dylan Pohl and Sydney Pohl; and two sisters, Elaine Anderson and husband Norman of Broken Bow and Lois Jameson and husband Clifford of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Kaleb Matthew Heimes; two brothers, Eldon and Ralph Shoemaker; and two sisters-in-law, Eunice Shoemaker and Linda Shoemaker
Memorials: First United Methodist Church, Merryman Performing Arts Center or Crane River Theater
Kearney Hub, 27 May, 2016
SMITH, Darnell Bradley, 64, of Columbus died Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at his home. Graveside service: May 27 at Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Gass Haney in Columbus
Born Feb. 3, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Emma (Burchell) and Victor Smith
Was raised on a small farm outside of Shelton; had a deep drive to learn more of the world around him, enjoyed reading the World Book Encyclopedia for hours; attended school at Denman through eighth grade, graduated from Shelton High School in 1970, was awarded the region scholarship to attend Wesleyan University in Lincoln
Returned to Shelton to help with the family farm and work with his brother Kirk’s construction company; graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1987; in 1992 received his doctorate degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Worked at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, from 1992 until he retired; worked on many projects, including the agriculture bill passed by Congress and World Hunger Projects; after retirement, moved to Columbus, became a caretaker for a young man with Down syndrome and found this to be his most rewarding time
Survivors include: two sons, Cory Smith and Robin of Washington and Casey Smith of Iowa; one brother and spouse, Vaughn and Cathy Smith of Arkansas; and two sisters and spouses, Josephine and Bob Britton of Arizona and Verene and Dave Bilbery of Washington
Was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Smith; father, Victor Smith; brother, Kirk Smith; and infant grandchild, Kyle Smith, son of Cory
Kearney Hub, 20 May, 2016
SMITH, Sharon K., 74, of Grand Island died Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Celebration of life service: Monday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grand Island
Burial of ashes: Grand Island Cemetery
Mortuary: All Faiths of Grand Island
Born Aug. 2, 1941, in Kearney
Parents: Clarence and Verna (Cox) Shubert
Was raised on the family farm near Elm Creek; graduated from Elm Creek High School, 1958, and later from the Grand Island Beauty School
Married: Aug. 23, 1959, to Ronald Lee Smith in Elm Creek
After marriage, lived in Grand Island, worked in the insurance and real estate business with her husband; was sales manager for Town and Country Reality and owned Sunshine Reality; was proud that she held an ICC Practitioner License
Activities: enjoyed wintering at their home in Yuma, Ariz.; enjoyed sewing, quilting, golfing, art work and writing; most of all, enjoyed family, especially her grandkids
Survivors include: her husband of 56 years, Ronald; children, C.D. Smith and fiancée Shellie and Richelle and husband Curtis Cellar, all of Grand Island; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Helen Shubert of Kearney and Dean and Phyllis Shubert and Jack Shubert, all of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Shane, Brandon, Kaylee, Paige, Jaydn and Salina; great-granddaughter, Acelyn; and nieces and nephews. Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Richard Shubert
Memorials: Nebraska Children’s Home in Omaha
Kearney Hub, 13 May 2016
TIMMONS, Larry, 56, of Kearney, formerly of Wolbach, died Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in Kearney as the result of an accident
Service: Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolbach
Burial: Hillside Cemetery in Wolbach
Mortuary: Jacobsen-Greenway in St. Paul
Kearney Hub, 8 April, 2016
VARGAS, Jose Francisco, 19, of Gibbon died Thursday, May 19, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: May 24, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Gibbon
Born: April 6, 1997, in Purandiro, Michoacan, Mexico
Parents: Isabel and Macario Vargas
Came to the United Statesat age 6 months; grew up in Lexington and Gibbon; graduated from Gibbon High School on May 14 this year; planned to attend Central Community College and later attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Survivors include: younger siblings, Cristian Vargas, Fernando Vargas, and Bryan, and his twin brother, Jorge Vargas, and his parents, Isabel and Macario Vargas, as well as his beloved family and friends
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2016
WIEBE, Lorma Lee, 78, of Kearney died Monday, May 16, 2016, at her home
Memorial service: May 28 at First Presbyterian Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on June 9, 1937, in Madrid
Parents: Henry and Lena Kroeker
At age 12, moved with her family to Reedley, Calif.; attended Immanuel High School in California, graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., with a Bachelor of Arts in English and teaching
Married: June 23, 1961 to David Wiebe, son of missionaries to India
After David completed medical school in Kansas City, moved to the Panama Canal Zone; later spent time in India, Colorado, and the Canal Zone; moved to Kearney, 1973 and remained there for the next 40-plus years
Opened the Ten Thousand Villages store, under the original name of Brass and Jute Works, on 24th Street in 1983; was able to donate more than $130,000 over the years to relief and development projects around the world
Activities: enjoyed meeting people throughout the 20 years she managed the store; had a wonderful gift of hospitality at home and in the community; was instrumental in starting the International Student Friendship program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; taught and played piano beautifully, loved to knit, sing, take long walks and linger over coffee and conversation; faithful member of Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Survivors include her husband, David; son, David Paul and wife Kendra (Debban) of Lincoln, granddaughters, Claire and Victoria; son, Eric and wife Kristin (Janzen) of Scottsbluff, grandchildren, Ben, Jon and Anna; daughter, Kristin and husband Sonny Lacey of Baltimore; sisters, Alice Jantzen and her husband, Frank, of Grant and Donna Enns and husband Jim of Fresno, Calif.; sister-in-law, Norma Jean Kroeker, wife of Lorma’s late brother, Harold Kroeker, of Grant; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and an older brother, Harold
Memorials: Crossroads Center in Kearney and MCC Mennonite Central Committee
Kearney Hub, 20 May, 2016