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AKERSON, Bettie C., 82, of Grand Island, formerly of Holdrege, died of pancreatic cancer Monday, July 4, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Friday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege
Burial: Fridhem Cemetery in rural Funk
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: March 18, 1934, in Hastings
Parents: Claire N. “Ted” and Reba V. (Schnoor) Brown
Was the youngest of three children; received her primary education in Hastings; as a junior in high school, relocated with the family to Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School, 1952; majored in music at Kearney State College
Married: Sept. 5, 1954, to Dennis Akerson in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Axtell, moved to Holdrege in 1958
Worked for Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege for 45 years in Medical Records as the health information manager, retired four days before her 80th birthday; taught piano lessons at her home to many students throughout the years
Activities: member of Bethel Lutheran Church; most important in her life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Doug Brown and Dick Brown; and a great-granddaughter, Cali Hesser
Survivors include: her husband of almost 62 years, Dennis Akerson of Grand Island; one daughter, Cindy Sheffield and her husband, Al, of Grand Island; one son, Dr. Jeff Akerson and his wife, Tanny, of Bellevue; four grandchildren and their spouses, Chad and Kayla Sheffield of Grand Island, Amy and Aaron Bomgaars of Dakota Dunes, S.D., Courtney and Brandon Hesser of Lincoln and Adam and Mollie Akerson of Sidney; eight great-grandchildren, Caden, Chase and Alli Sheffield, Charlie and Jack Bomgaars, Braxton and Brenna Hesser and Collins Akerson; and one more great-granddaughter on the way; also a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 6 July 2016
ANDERSON, Evelyn, 95, of Kearney died Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Graveside service: Wednesday at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: 1920 in southern Iowa
Survivors include: her daughters, Sheila Armitage and husband Peter of Annandale, Va., Kirsten Carlson and husband Bruce of Mulvane, Kan., and Lisa Anderson of Wakita, Okla.; and son, Kenton Anderson and wife Nancy of Elkhorn
Was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyde, and daughter, Carol Sue
Kearney Hub, 2 July 2016
BEAM, Josephine D., 99, of Kearney died Thursday, June 16, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial service: June 25 at the First United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 31, 1916, in Baltimore
Parents: Donald and Mary (Roe) Thorne
Grew up in Catonsville, Md., and graduated valedictorian from Catonsville High School; attended college at Western Maryland
Married: Ralph Beam on Nov. 4, 1944, in Baltimore; shared 70 great years of marriage
After marriage, lived in Oklahoma City where Ralph worked for his brother; later moved to Denver, and then to Kearney in 1985 to be closer to family
Activities: enjoyed following her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities; was a fine lady all of her life
Survivors include: daughter, Mary Scott and husband Ron of Kearney; grandson, David Scott and wife Renée and their children, Callen, Vivien and Rowan, of Somerville, Mass.; granddaughter, Kathy Bokenkamp and husband Jon and their children, Jackson and Eleanor, of Kearney and Los Angeles
Was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or Kearney Community Theatre
Kearney Hub, 17 June 2016
BENSON, Jacqueline Anne, 60, of Overton died Thursday, June 16, 2016, at Lexington Regional Health Center
Graveside service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born April 28, 1956, in Lincoln
Parents: Jerry and Janice (Henderson) Trimble
Grew up in several communities as her father served in the U.S. Air Force
Graduated from Vandalia (Ohio) High School in 1974; attended Kearney State College; earned her degree in dental hygiene from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, in 1978
Married: to Herman Benson on Aug. 12, 1978, at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
For the majority of their married life, lived in Overton, worked as a hygienist for 36 years, including the last 26 years at Eagle Dental in Kearney
Activities: active member of the Overton Booster Club for many years, was a founder of the Overton Upward Scholars; enjoyed sewing, reading and gardening; most of all, enjoyed spending time with her family, especially loved attending the sporting events of her three daughters
Survivors include: her husband of 37 years, Herman of Overton; three daughters, Rachel Tietjen and husband Ryan of Lincoln, Rita Golka and husband Andrew of Overton, and Eva Benson of Overton; a granddaughter, Eleanora Tietjen of Lincoln; a sister, Julie Meier and husband Marty of Overton; and a brother, Forrest Trimble of Seattle
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Overton Upward Scholars
Kearney Hub, 17 June 2016
BOYD, Mary Lucille, 96, of Kearney died Monday, June 13, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Service: Monday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born May 7, 1920, southeast of Shelton in rural Hall County
Parents: Chester and Elsie (Lowell) Smith
Attended school in rural Buffalo County, moved to Gibbon when she was in the seventh grade; graduated from Gibbon High School, 1938
Married: to J. Everette Jensen on Oct. 4, 1940, in Norton, Kan.; he died in April 1965 from complications of multiple sclerosis
After marriage, lived in Lincoln and Los Angeles while Everette served in the military, then returned to Gibbon; worked for the school lunch program
for five years. Married: Sept. 8, 1968, to Charles Boyd in Vacaville, Calif.; he died in August 1984.
After marriage, lived in Robbins, Calif., then moved to Sacramento, Calif., bought and managed apartment complexes; sold the apartment complexes, 1980, returned to Gibbon, raised vegetables to sell at the farmers market; continued to make her home in Gibbon
Survivors include: son, Larry Jensen and wife Patricia of Omaha; daughter, Joanne Bryant and husband Murray of Woodland, Calif.; three sisters, Doretha Clevenger and husband Bob of Gibbon, Bernadean Wilke of Loveland, Colo., and Berniece Slack of Kearney; six grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; several stepchildren and stepgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, three sisters and two brothers
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 14 June 2016
BREWER, Klit A., 66, of Kearney died Friday, May 20, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 27, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Donald and Stephanie (Coggins) Brewer
Survivors include his sons, Jeremiah and Jonathon; sister, Kathy Smith; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 23 May, 2016
BROWN, Marian G., 91, of Fremont, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at Providence Place Assisted Living in Fremont
Service: Friday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 4, 1924, in Comstock
Parents: Cecil and Rosie (Krikac) Wardrop
Grew up in Comstock, graduated from Ord High School in 1941; earned her teaching degree from Kearney State College
Married: George Brown on June 1, 1947, in Kearney
Taught eighth-grade earth science for Kearney Public Schools, retired in 1983
Activities: member of Kearney First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, served as chairwoman of United Methodist Women Circle; member of Chi Omega and Mortar Board at Kearney State College, president of Kearney Symphony, AS P.E.O Chapter, Kearney Quilt Guild, Monday Book Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Crossroad Quilt Guild, Big Bend Audubon Society, Nebraska Ornithologists Union, N.S.E.A., K.E.A., junior high science teacher, Science Club sponsor, 4-H leader, Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, Campfire leader, Kearney Library Board Member for 10 years when the new library was built, volunteer at the Museum of Nebraska Art, Frank House and Trails and Rails, program presenter in Kearney and surrounding communities, Nebraska State Quilt Guild, gardener, Sertoma Yard of the Month winner, Kearney Hub Freedom Award winner and Nebraska District Family Award (Methodist Church); enjoyed traveling, cooking, entertaining friends and family, and getting together with her family during holidays
Survivors include: sons, Gary Brown and wife Jan of Waterloo and Randy Brown of Estes Park, Colo.; daughters, Linda Sabatier and husband Jim of Oxford, Miss., and Laurie Morales and husband Marco of Kearney; sister, Maxine Wardrop of Ravenna; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband
Memorials: First United Methodist Church; George and Marian Brown Biology and Life Science Scholarship Fund established at University of Nebraska Foundation-Kearney; or Rowe Sanctuary
Kearney Hub, 7 July 2016
CHISM, Ruth Caroline, 91, of Kearney died Monday, June 6, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial service: Tuesday at Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 12, 1924, on the home farm northeast of Kearney
Parents: Milton Mickelsen and Dorothy Fox Mickelsen
Was confirmed in Grace Evangelical Church, which later became Faith United Methodist Church; graduated from Kearney High in 1942 and attended Kearney State Teachers College, (University of Nebraska at Kearney)
Worked at many jobs which included being a nurse’s aide at Good Samaritan Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Kearney Air Base (27th Station Medical Group), Kearney Hub, Fort Kearney Hotel, Ramada Inn and Holiday Inn
Married: William D. “Bill” Chism on Aug. 29, 1964. He died May 12, 1978
Activities: lifelong member of Faith United Methodist Church, sang in the choir; member of the Sweet Adelines, enjoyed traveling with them to different places for contests over the years; as a Union Pacific Railroad employee widow, was fortunate to be able to travel to many wonderful places with the “UPRR Old Timers Group,” as well as being involved with the organization
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; niece, Julie Mickelsen; and brother, Ray Mickelsen
Survivors include: brother, Clyde and wife Joan E. Mickelsen; sister-in-law, Rosie Mickelsen; nephew, David Mickelsen; nieces, Jane and husband Keith Rasmussen and Krista Mickelsen and fiancé Shawn Harrison; stepniece, Angela and husband Tom Salestrom; and 11 grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as many friends and past co-workers
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church Building Fund
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2016
CROW, Richard Dean, 83, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at the Grand Island Veterans’ Home
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney Born Feb. 8, 1933, in Grand Island
Parents: Richard W. and Edna Mae (Robertson) Crow
Military: U.S. Army, March 1953 - March 1955; served in Germany
Married: Jan. 22, 1957, to Frances Iona Ripp at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Began working for Union Pacific Railroad at age 17; moved to North Platte in 1972; retired in 1995, returned to Kearney
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church and of Kearney American Legion Post 52
Survivors include his wife, Frances Crow of Kearney; son and spouse, Patrick and Coleen Crow of Bellevue; grandsons, Samuel and Gabriel Crow of Bellevue; brothers and spouses, John and June Crow of Topeka, Kan., and Ross and Sherrie Crow of Tennessee; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Charles and Sharon Ripp of Elm Creek, Emil and Kathy Ripp of Cairo and Marion Broe of Elm Creek; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jennifer Crow; brothers, Joseph and Paul Crow; brother-in-law, Dave Ripp; and sisters-in-law Carol Jo Crow and Carol Meier
Memorials: Peterson Senior Center or St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 16 June 2016
CURTIS, Patsy, 68, of Omaha, formerly of Pleasanton, died Saturday, July 2, 2016, in Omaha
Service: Tuesday at Braman Mortuary Chapel in Omaha
Burial: Gering
Born July 5, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Richard and Margaret (Anderson) Kreitzer
Grew up in Pleasanton; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1965, then graduated with a nursing degree in Kearney
Married: 1969, to James E. Curtis in Pleasanton
After marriage, lived in Omaha
Activities: was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt; family and friendships were very important; especially enjoyed watching her grandson grow into a young man
Survivors include her son and daughter, Gaven and Tracey Curtis of Omaha; grandson, Brett Curtis of Omaha; sisters, Judy Stubbs and husband Don, and Karen Albers, all of Pleasanton; sister-in-law, Sharon Johns and husband Norman of Gering; and 12 nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother-in-law Roland Albers
Kearney Hub, 4 July 2016
DAVIS, Evelyn M. “Evie”, 94, of Kearney died Saturday, June 25, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Wednesday at First Church of God
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug 1, 1921, in Mason City
Parents: Charles and Ines (Shoemaker) Willoughby
Graduated from Mason City High School in 1940, attended Kearney State College
Married David Davis on Feb. 28, 1953
Moved to Kearney, 1956, worked as a sales clerk at Kaufmann-Wernert Department Store until 1985; worked as a clerk and then greeter at Walmart, retired on Jan. 26, 2015
Activities: loved visiting with friends and customers, making new friends and remembering all her old friends at Walmart; attended First Church of God in Kearney; member of the Kearney American Legion Auxiliary, Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary and the 40 & 8 Auxiliary; volunteered her time at Good Samaritan Hospital Service League
Survivors include: son, Jerry Davis and wife Robin of Kearney; and grandson, Dustin Davis and Shera of Brighton, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her husband, one son and two brothers
Memorials: First Church of God
Kearney Hub, 27 June 2016
FECHT, William G. “Bill”, 85, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at his home southwest of Kearney
Celebration of life: later
Burial: Gothenburg Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Dec. 9, 1930, at home near Willow Island in Dawson County
Parents: Gerhardt and Viola Jungren Fecht
Grew up in and attended elementary and high school in Gothenburg; graduated from Gothenburg High in 1949
Military: U.S. Air Force, 1951-1954; veteran of the Korean War
Married: Aug. 19, 1956, to Frances “Fran” Stryker at Gothenburg
After marriage, moved to Kearney, owned and operated the White Spot Café for two years then ran Willie’s Drive Inn for a couple of years; worked as a superintendent/foreman for Mid-Nebraska Structures of Kearney and some other construction firms; was involved in many of the projects at the University of Nebraska at Kearney such as Bruner Hall of Science, Fine Arts Building and Centennial Towers; was superintendent on the round Platte Valley State Bank
Activities: loved fishing, hunting, trapping and bowling; bowled in many local and national tournaments; later in life, enjoyed visiting the Kearney Senior Center to visit with his friends and have lunch
Survivors include his son, William “Gary” Fecht Jr. of Vancouver, Wash.; grandchildren, Lyssa Fecht, Matthew Bethel, Jessica Fecht of St. Clair, Mo., and Joshua Fecht of Vancouver; brothers Stan Fecht of Ogallala, John Fecht of Cozad, and Ron Fecht of Gothenburg; and sisters, Betty Benson of Custer, S.D., Vicki Lutjemeyer of Lincoln and Jody Kotschwar of Curtis
Was preceded in death by his wife Fran; a brother at birth; sister, Jo-Ann shortly after birth; and his parents
Kearney Hub, 14 June, 2016
GEORGE, Helen L., 96, of Kearney died Monday, June 6, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born Nov. 11, 1919, to Guy and Dorothy (Zimpfer) Franklin at their home southwest of Ravenna
Grew up and attended country school in the area, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1936
Married: March 9, 1941, to Eli S. George in Smith Center, Kan.
After marriage, while her husband was in the U.S. Army, worked as a phone operator at several Army bases
After World War II, moved to Kearney, helped out at the family business, George’s Market in Kearney
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, Chapter FN PEO, BPO Does and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; received a lifetime membership in PTO; enjoyed her family, friends, neighbors, church family, playing pinochle, gardening and cooking
Survivors include: daughter, Mary Lange of Lincoln; son, Jim George and wife Mary Alice of Fort Morgan, Colo.; grandchildren, Shaun Lange of Lincoln and great-grandchildren, Shannon, Sherie and John, and great-great-grandchildren, Joshua and Elizabeth; Jim Lange and wife Joy of Lincoln and great-grandchildren, Mikaylah, Matthew and Myah; Brian George and wife Nong of Frederick, Colo., and great-granddaughter, Aleena; Kyle George and wife Jessie of Fort Collins, Colo., and great-grandsons, Landon and Jackson
Was preceded in death by her husband in 1995 and a sister, Becky Billeter
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church Construction Fund
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2016
GIBBONS, Kimberly A., 44, of Kearney died Sunday, June 19, 2016, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
Service: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 8, 1972, in Nebraska City
Parents: David and Ellen Waggoner
Attended school in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1990; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: July 7, 1999, to Mike Gibbons in Orlando, Fla.
Was a very proud stay-at-home mom, enjoyed her family and home; volunteered at Meadowlark Elementary School when her children attended; also enjoyed flower gardening and visits to Estes Park, Colo., with her husband and children
Was a registered organ donor and the grateful recipient of a liver transplant on June 18, 2015; wanted to honor her children and her organ donor by staying strong and fighting hard
Survivors include: her husband of Kearney; son, Ross and daughter, Thea, both of Kearney; father, Dave Waggoner of Kearney; mother, Ellen Waggoner and partner Doug Lacy of Kearney; sister, Daniece Waggoner and husband Morris Hansen of Castle Rock, Colo.; brother, Jeff Waggoner and wife Shona of Kearney; nieces and nephew, Ashley, Madie and Colin Waggoner of Kearney; and many aunts, uncles and cousins
Memorials: Kearney Community Foundation or to the family
Kearney Hub, 22 June 2016
HOLZRICHTER, Elmer, 91, of Kearney died Thursday, June 9, 2016, at his home
Memorial service: Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 18, 1924 on his family’s farm on the west bank of the Little Arkansas River in Harvey County, Kan.
Grew up in the Depression with few possessions, developed a life-long commitment to stewardship of the environment and a respect for plants and animals; was greatly influenced by his nurturing mother’s warmth, appreciation and respect for nature
Was an artist and an educator; was motivated to pursue art by his elementary school teacher; graduated from Burrton High School and after a year of additional training, took his first job teaching in a country school in Kansas, earned a BFA from Wichita State University in 1949 and taught art at the junior and senior high schools in Dodge City, Kan.
Married: July 23, 1950 to Margaret Rowlands, the junior high music teacher, in Dodge City
Studied at the University of Colorado, completed his master’s of art at Fort Hays State University; then taught at Kearney State College for 26 years, retired in 1989 as an emeriti professor of art; his artwork included painting, drawing, collage, fiber banners, papier-mâché masks, assemblages and constructions, often including original poetry and recycled objects
Activities: had a passion for animals and plants, tending large gardens and caring for all God’s creatures; was a founding member and served as the first president of the Southwest Kansas Art Association and was heavily involved in vision and planning of MONA; participated regularly at Art in the Park; enjoyed Community Concert events
Was preceded in death by his parents John and Sara (Friesen), brothers Frank, Harvey and Irl Holzrichter; and sisters Esther Hook, Minnie Regher and Alvina Enns
Survivors include: his wife; son Eric Holzrichter of Charlotte, N.C.; daughters, Myfanwy and her husband, Marc, Carranza of Plymouth, Minn., Cathryn and her husband, Charles, Welch of Peterborough, N.H., and Bronwyn and her husband, Gary, Fees of Manhattan, Kan.; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and sister Doris Edwards of Perry, Okla.
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church or the Museum of Nebraska Art
Kearney Hub, 13 June, 2016
JONES, Susan Kay, 61, of Rich Hill, Missouri, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Breezy Meadows in Butler. Cremation was chosen
Private family memorial service: later
Mortuary: Mullinax in Butler, Missouri
Born Feb. 13, 1955, in Abilene, Kan.
Parents: Norman and Beulah (Arnold) Lamer
Survivors include her sons, Thomas of Kearney and Michael of Rich Hill; daughter, Tammara Rice of Rich Hill; father, Norman Lamer of Kearney; brother, Norman “Bud” Lamer Jr. of Kearney; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 24 June 2016
JOY-PICKERING, Aiden Lewis, infant son of Austin Joy and Tasha Pickering of Kearney, was born at rest Monday, June 6, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Private graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Survived by his parents; a sister, Genevieve; a brother, Tristen; his paternal grandparents, Earl and Cathy Joy of Norfolk; and an aunt, Sharidie Joy of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2016
KAHLE, Arelene E., 100, of Kearney died Friday, June 10, 2016, at her home at Brookdale Kearney Northridge
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born March 16, 1916, at Sartoria, north of Amherst
Parents: Frank and Verna (Eickmeier) Parrish
With family, joined the United Brethren Church in Amherst in June 1923; graduated from Amherst High School
Married: March 5, 1939 to Delbert Kahle of Kearney
After marriage, lived on a Gibbon farm for a few months, then moved to their own farm near old Fort Kearny; took pride in helping with the work in harvesting the crops, raising cattle and her flower gardens of irises; moved to Kearney in fall 1999; most recently was living at Brookdale Kearney Northridge Retirement Community
Activities: joined the Newark Methodist Church in 1944, then became member of Kearney First United Methodist in 1972; was active in the circles of both churches, a member of Open Circle, a longtime member of Newark Club and a volunteer with the Buffalo County Historical Society
Survivors include her nephews and a niece, Frank Parrish and wife Marcia of Denver, Jon Parrish and wife Linda of San Antonio, Candy Hadsell of Minneapolis, Bill Maul of Kearney and Gary Maul; great-nephews and nieces; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by Delbert on June 22, 1999, and by three brothers, Ken, Dale, and Frank; sister, Virginia; and sisters-in-law, including Alma Parrish
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 14 June 2016
KUEHN, Richard E., 84, of Pleasanton died Monday, July 4, 2016, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Graveside service: Friday at Pleasanton Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Aug. 10, 1931, in Minden
Parents: Frank W. and Mildred (Nabower) Kuehn
Military: U.S. Army during the Korean War
Drove a truck for Yellow Freight Lines, retired in 1994
Married Beatrice L. Wood on Dec. 22, 1972, in Goodland, Kan.
Survivors include two brothers, Wilbur Kuehn of New Mexico and Charles Kuehn of Minden; five children, Peggy Thompson, Mary Jepsen, Robert Kuehn, Ronald Kuehn and Roger Kuehn, all of Colorado; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beatrice; and brother, Bill Kuehn
Kearney Hub, 7 July 2016
LARSEN, Marjorie Ann “Marge”, 82, of Hazard died Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Service: Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Burial: Sweetwater Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born March 31, 1934, at home in Litchfield
Parents: William and Beulah (Conrad) Sigler
Attended District 3 in Sherman County and Hazard School, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1951; was baptized into Christ at age 16 at the United Methodist Church in Hazard
Married: Oren Larsen on June 3, 1951, at Faith Lutheran
After marriage, lived on a farm near Hazard for 55 years; worked at the Hazard Café and at the Ravenna Sale Barn; later worked at Baldwin Filters in Kearney for 23 years; retired in 1998; they moved into Hazard in 2006
Activities: member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard and the Women of Faith, LWML; found great strength and comfort in knowing her heavenly Father throughout her 10-year battle with cancer; was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, selfless, loving and resolute; enjoyed quilting, sewing, baking, gardening, softball, bowling and Husker football; most cherished times were spent with her family, and her great-grandchildren were her pride and joy
Survivors include her husband, Oren of Hazard; daughter, Diann and husband Kenny Bock, and son, Lealand “Squeek” and wife Wanda Larsen, all of Ravenna; grandchildren, Corey and Melissa Larsen of Hazard, Dena Bock and Greg Brown of Lincoln, Heather and Randy Wright of Windsor, Colo., and Amy Larsen and Jeff Mundorf, Kelly and Nikki Bock, and Keith and Trisha Bock, all of Ravenna; great-grandchildren Madisen, Caleb, Makenna, Austin, Taylor, Kaden, Jordyn, Haylee, Emily, Clayton, Hayden, Ali, Ebony, Adleigh and Maylee; brothers-in-law, Byron “Broek” Broekemeier of Ravenna and Marvin Zinnel of Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sigler of Ravenna, Norma Sigler and Janice Vermeer of California, Henny Larsen of Kearney and Marlys Larsen of Minnesota
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roy and wife Fern Sigler, Dave Sigler, Russell and wife Ruth Sigler, Bobby Sigler, Lyman and wife Margaret Sigler and Dick Sigler; sisters, Elayne and husband Bob Young and Jean Zinnel; sister-in law, Mardell Broekemeier; brothers-in-law, Dale Larsen, Dean Larsen and Verle Fox; niece, Gracia Gillming; and nephew, Barry Young
Kearney Hub, 01 July 2016
LEWIS, Bettelee Mary F., 92, of Kearney died Thursday, June 16, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Celebration of life: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Born Dec. 14, 1923, in Blue Hill
Parents: Arthur and Hazel (Lovitt) Frahm
Was raised on a farm near Blue Hill; after father died in 1934, relocated to Kearney and then to Fairfield; graduated from Kearney State College in 1947; obtained her graduate degree in physical education and dance from the University of Wyoming in 1950
Married: 1947 to Robert L. Lewis
Began teaching in Amherst Public Schools while a student at Kearney State Teachers College; taught in Shelton, Grand Island and Campbell, then Wilcox; introduced a string program during her tenure at Wilcox, making Wilcox one of the smallest schools to have such a program; also taught physical education, home economics and biology, and coached volleyball in Wilcox; orchestra director and string specialist for Kearney Public Schools, 1977-1989; also taught part time at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Activities: member of the Hastings Symphony Orchestra for 78 years and a member of the Kearney Symphony Orchestra since 1941; was inducted into the Nebraska Music Educators Hall of Fame in 1990 and was awarded the Kearney Hub Freedom Award in Education in 2015; was an avid golfer at the Kearney Country Club, did volunteer work at The Archway and was a board member at the Kearney Family YMCA; member of the EG Chapter of PEO
Survivors include: daughter, Mary Lynn Lewis Sands of Topeka, Kan.; son, Ronald Lee Lewis of St. Simons Island, Ga.; and grandchildren, Britton and Amanda Lewis of Tampa, Fla.
Was preceded in death by her parents and her former husband, Robert L. Lewis
Memorials: Hastings Symphony Orchestra, Kearney Symphony Orchestra, The Archway and Kearney YMCA
Kearney Hub, 20 June 2016
MACHART, Michael W., 56, of Kearney died Saturday, June 4, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born Dec. 27, 1959, in Grafton, N.D.
Parents: William and Evelyn (Witasek) Machart
Grew up in Grafton and graduated from Grafton State School
Moved to Kearney in 1984; was involved with The Arc of Buffalo County and Mid-Nebraska Individual Services, where he worked
Activities: loved spending time with family and attending their sporting events; also enjoyed bowling, bingo, music and dancing
Survivors include: his sister, Rosey Gudmundson and husband Lee of Kearney; brother, James Machart and wife Maria of Citrus Heights, Calif.; nieces, Dawn Handy and fiancé Joe Danhauer of Riverdale, Wendy Starzec and husband Jeremy, and Amy Johnson and husband Jerred, all of Kearney, Erin Haussermann and husband Jon of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kristianne Bailey and husband Brett of Los Angeles; nephew, Joseph Machart of San Francisco; and several grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ann Handy
Kearney Hub, 11 June, 2016
MORGAN, Ellis N., 98, of Miller, Neb., died Sunday, May 8, 2016, in Houston
Service: June 18 at the United Church of Sumner East Campus in Sumner, Neb.
Burial: Box Elder Cemetery at Cumro, Neb.
Born Feb. 24, 1918, in Cumro
Parents: N.C. George and Ella (Taylor) Morgan
Married: June 18, 1945, to C. Marie Nichol of Oklahoma City. She died Feb. 1, 2009
Survivors include his son, Dale of Houston; daughters, Carol Whitesel of Miller and Lori Erwin of Sumner, Neb.; brother, Loyd of Burlington, Wash.; sister, Verla Neeman of Kearney, Neb.; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2016
MORRISON, Eleanor R., 93, of Kearney died Monday, June 27, 2016, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Alliance
Born Sept. 10, 1922, in Holbrook
Parents: Edgar and Minnie (Henderson) Curry
Grew up in Arapahoe, moved to Kearney during her senior year, graduated from Kearney High School in 1940; earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Louis Eugene “Gene” Morrison in 1948
Worked as a surgical nurse for Dr. John Bancroft Sr. for several years following World War II; served as the director of nursing for the LPN School in Kearney, 1963-1970
Married Edward Morrison in 1970
Activities: in retirement years, enjoyed dancing, oil painting, sewing, reading and traveling with her family; was an active member of First United Methodist Church and a longtime member of P.E.O.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Steve Walters of Kearney; son, Dave Morrison of Charleston, S.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Nelda Morrison of College Station, Texas; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Morrison of Moundridge, Kan.; grandchildren, Matt Walters, Lisa Carstensen, Jenny Barker, Jeff Morrison, Gresham Morrison and Amber Hancock; as well as 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husbands, Louis Eugene “Gene” Morrison and Edward Morrison; her son, Jim Morrison; and sister and brother-in-law, Lela and Harlow Faudel
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 29 June 2016
MULLEN, Roger, 67 of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Sept. 2, 2015, at his residence
Graveside service: June 21, 2016 at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 3, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: James F. and LaVaughn (Hadwiger) Mullen
Was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School through eighth grade; was a 1965 graduate of Kearney High School
Worked as a CPA in Omaha for several years
Survivors include: his sister, Vicki of Kearney; uncle, Ken Hadwiger and his wife, Jerri, of Kearney; and numerous cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 18 June 2016
MULLEN, Vicki, 62, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at her home
Graveside service: June 21, 2016 at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: July 15, 1953, at Kearney
Parents: James F. and LaVaughn (Hadwiger) Mullen
Was baptized as an infant at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney and was confirmed there on May 17, 1967; graduated from Kearney High School in 1971 and from Central Community College in Hastings in 1973
Was an original member of the “Theater Gang” working at the World Theater and the Kearney Drive-In Theater while in high school and college; also worked at Grandpa’s Steak House and the Cellar Bar & Grill; worked at Baldwin Filters for many years first in the IT department then became the credit manager; later worked as an independent research analyst for a number of retail businesses on the East Coast and completed her working career at Cabela’s in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed playing on softball teams and bowling leagues; liked reading, traveling and socializing with friends and family
Survivors include: uncle, Ken Hadwiger and his wife, Jerri, of Kearney; numerous cousins; and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Roger
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 18 June 2016
OKERLUND, Alpha Gronfor, 99, of The Willows retirement center in Mason City, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa
Service: Friday at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Frost, Minn.
Burial: Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery
Mortuary: Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake
Born: April 2, 1917, Frost, Minnesota
Lived on the Gronfor family farm
Married: 1937 to Orvis Okerlund
Together operated a telephone exchange in Frost and later in Lehigh
Lived in Pocahontas and Manchester, husband served as city manager; worked at the ASCA office in Manchester and then as secretary to the superintendent of the Manchester School District, also served as state president of the Iowa Business Professional Women’s Association; moved to Nebraska in 1965, she and Orvis became nursing home administrators for many years with Good Samaritan Society; served on several community boards and was very active in Toastmasters International; moved to Mason City 11 years ago to be closer to her family
Survivors include: her sons and their wives, Gene and Rennitta of Fargo, N.D., Neil and Debbie of Minneapolis and David and Twila of Clear Lake; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, a sister and a daughter, Lois
Memorials: Bethany Lutheran Church, Frost, Minnesota
Kearney Hub, 30 June 2016
OSTERMEYER, Larry Dale “Hawker”, 60, of Shelton died Sunday, June 26, 2016
Service: Friday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery at North Shelton
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Sept. 29, 1955, in Kearney
Parents: Dale and Margaret (Klinkacek) Ostermeyer
Grew up in the North Shelton area of Buffalo County; was educated at District 65, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1973
Married Mary Leth on Aug. 27, 1976, in Cairo; had four children together
Married Anne Lyons on Sept. 28, 1985, in Grand Island; had two children
Lived his entire life north of Shelton, farmed and drove a semitrailer truck
Was full of life and always filled the room with his unforgettable laughter, dropped everything to lend a hand to anyone in need; was a hard worker; enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, water sports and being with family and friends; member of Zion Lutheran Church North Shelton
Survivors include his wife, Anne of Shelton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Johnnie and Robyn Ostermeyer of Crofton and Craig and Kammy Ostermeyer of Kearney; four daughters, Anna Ostermeyer and Andy Stapleton of Omaha, Robyn and Jim Bruning of Omaha, Amy Ostermeyer and John Behrendt of Ravenna and Laura Ostermeyer and Ray Taylor of Taylor; 20 grandchildren; his mother, Margaret Ostermeyer of Shelton; and brother, Wayne and wife Linda Ostermeyer of Shelton
Was preceded in death by his father, Dale Ostermeyer; brother, Craig Ostermeyer; parents-in-law, Dale and Mary Lyons; and aunts and uncles, Arthur and Patsy Klinkacek and Martin and Arline Ahrens
Kearney Hub, 29 June 2016
PAYNE, Robert Leslie Sr., 82, of Kearney died of Alzheimer’s disease Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Born Nov. 10, 1933, in Oconto
Parents: W. Ellsworth and Blanche (Martin) Payne
Married: Dec. 21, 1958, to Marie Newman in Merna
After marriage, lived in Broken Bow and later in Kearney, drove taxi and worked at West Co. for over 20 years; retired 1996
Activities: loved to write poetry and music, sing, play the guitar and harmonica and collect old phonograph records; favorite music was gospel and country-western; also operated Kearney’s Littlest Radio Station out of a studio in his basement, and spent countless hours playing music for others’ enjoyment
Survivors include: his daughter, Anna Payne-Polson and husband Rob Polson of Kearney; his son, Robert Payne Jr. and his special friend, Alicia, and her son, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Breanna Payne and Robby Polson, both of Kearney, and Haleigh Polson of Lincoln; brothers and wives, Eldon and Margit Payne of Lincoln, William and Edith Payne of St. Paul, Arthur and Nancy Payne of Arab, Ala., and Cecil and Jackie Payne of Kansas City, Mo.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Marie; brother, Vernon Payne; and sister, Dorothy Zacarias
Kearney Hub, 11 June, 2016
PITTZ, Fern Ruth, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Holstein, died Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Holstein
Burial: St. Paul Lutheran Churchyard Cemetery in Holstein
Mortuary: Apfel in Kenesaw
Born July 4, 1928, to in rural Kenesaw
Parents: Christian and Louise (Aufdenkamp) Einspahr Graduated from Trumbull High School in 1945
Married Lester Pittz on June 15, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hastings. Lester passed away on June 10, 2002
Was a homemaker and farm wife
Activities: loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, vegetable and flower gardening, cooking, and caring for animals; member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Holstein, Dorcas Society/LWML and was a Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher; serving her church was her passion
Survivors include: two sons and spouses, Larry and Debbie Pittz of Gibbon and Donald and Joan Pittz of Holstein; one daughter and spouse, Carolyn and Jim Nelson of Beatrice; nine grandchildren and spouses, Jennifer Pittz, Larry Jr. Pittz, Janelle Pittz, Karen and Jeremiah Johnsen, Philip and Andrea Nelson, Mark and Jordan Nelson, Joseph Pittz, Shanda and Jordan Lukow and Chantel and Greg Winz; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lorraine Pittz of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester; four brothers, Palmer, Everett, Victor and Orville Einspahr; and three sisters, Naoma Van Boening, Olinda Einspahr and Grace Pittz
Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Holstein or The Lutheran Hour
Kearney Hub, 6 July 2016
RICHTER, Albert S. “Al”, 91, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Service: Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born May 17, 1925, in South Euclid, Ohio
Parents: Arthur and Blanche (Bookman) Richter
Graduated from Brush High School in 1943
Military: U.S. Navy in 1943-1945; served in the Pacific Theater during World War II
Returned to Cleveland, worked for Ohio National Bank
Married: Dorothy Holsing on May 3, 1947, in South Euclid
Began working for Eaton Corp. in 1949, moved to Kearney in 1969 to be the plant manager for Eaton’s; was transferred to Arkansas to help open another plant, 1973; returned to Kearney, 1975, worked as plant manager; retired in 1987
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church, Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and the Kearney Country Club; in retirement, enjoyed golfing, gardening, cooking and bowling
Survivors include: wife, Dorothy of Ravenna; son, Jeffrey Richter of Casper, Wyo.; granddaughters, Melissa Young of Aurora and Megan Richter of Lincoln; grandson, Daniel Richter and wife Kaci of Omaha; and seven great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Richter Nielsen; three brothers; and two sisters
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 23 June 2016
SPELLMAN, Calvin L., 79, of Phillips died Saturday, June 25, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island. Celebration of life: Saturday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial: Phillips Cemetery
Born: June 11, 1937, in Wood River
Parents: Herman and Mildred (Oswald) Spellman
Grew in several Nebraska towns, graduated from Kearney High School in 1955
Worked for Union Pacific Railroad and traveled to many nearby states; then was on the construction crew to build Interstate 80
Married: Oct. 16, 1965, to Shirley Hansen
Worked as a guard at the State Penitentiary in Lincoln; moved to Grand Island, worked for Case New Holland, retired in 1992; in retirement, worked for the city of Phillips
Activities: had several hobbies and was always on the go; enjoyed woodworking, made numerous cedar chests for friends and family; was a wonderful cook and canned the produce from his garden; always had a beautiful garden and yard; loved the outdoors; enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid gun enthusiast; liked to read a good Western; loved to spend time with his family
Survivors include: his children, Ramona and husband Ralph Lucas and Ronald D. Spellman, all of Grand Island, Corey Spellman and wife Tammy of Aurora and Darrell Spellman of Phillips; brother, Douglas Spellman of Elmwood; grandchildren, Shane Lucas and wife Nicole, TadRalph Lucas, Cheyenne Lucas, Matthew Lucas, Codey Spellman, Michael Spellman and Madalyn Spellmen; stepsister, Linda Popert of Grand Island; great-grandchildren, Calvin and Theodore Lucas; along with numerous extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father; wife; brother, Larry Spellman; sisters, Twyla Stevens; infant sister
Kearney Hub, 28 June 2016
TAYLOR, Donna Gayle Mousel, 68, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at her home
Memorial services: Wednesday at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge
Chose cremation
Born in McCook on Sept. 12, 1947
Parents: C.K. and Dorothy (Cotton) Mousel of Edison
Attended District 7 rural school in Gosper County for her early years of education, then entered Edison Public School, graduated in 1965; recieved her Bachelor of Arts degree in education at Kearney State College
Began teaching at Litchfield Public Schools, taught first and second grades for the next 42½ years
In her growing-up years, spent a lot of time on her palomino horse, Jackie, with her brother, Danny, helping out with the hereford cattle on their parents’ ranch north of Edison on Turkey Creek
Married: May 28, 1985, to Howard Taylor of Minden
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Activities: member of NSEA; loved going fishing, gardening and her flowers, and in more recent years enjoyed reading
Survivors include her husband, Howard of the home; two stepchildren, Brenda Taylor and friend B.J. of Gibbon and Ron Taylor of Kearney; one stepgranddaughter, Paige Meyers; and one stepgreat-grandson, Landon Meyers; brother, Dan and wife Mona Mousel of Edison; nieces, Allison Jacquot of Merna and Diane Swayze of Mesa, Ariz.; nephew, Kirby Mousel of Central City; and a host of cousins, other relatives and special friend, Gail Perdue
Preceding her in death: parents; sister, Jo Elizalde; nephew, Scott Swayze; and a brother-in-law, Gary Swayze
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2016
VOGT, Arthur, 104, of Ravenna died Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at his home
Service: Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Nov. 22, 1911, on a farm south of Ravenna
Parents: George Vogt Sr. and Bertha (Kutz) Vogt
Was educated at District 107; began farming at age 9 and retired at age 94
Married: Birdean Roth on Feb. 24, 1937, in Ravenna
Lived on a farm near Ravenna
Activities: enjoyed horses, fishing, dancing, polka music and growing flowers; farming was his life
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Jeanette Vogt of Grand Island; daughter, Marlene Pick of Coleridge; daughter-in-law, Ann Vogt of Council Bluffs, Iowa; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dewey and Bennie Roth of Ravenna
Was preceded in death by his wife, Birdean; son, Gary Vogt; son-in-law, David Pick; grandson, Richard Vogt; grandson-in-law, Mark Sherman; five brothers; and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 30 June 2016
WALCOTT, Lester, 89, of Shelton died Saturday, June 4, 2016, in Lincoln
Memorial service: Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, North Shelton
Inurnment: the church cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born March 2, 1927
Parents: Herman and Anna (Frank) Walcott
Grew up in Shelton, graduated from Shelton High School
Married: Aug. 16, 1953 to Wilma Meyer; enjoyed life together for 62 years
Took over the family farm when he was 27 years old, lived on that farm throughout his married life; enjoyed farming and particularly enjoyed raising pigs; took great care with his farm and buildings his entire life.
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church, North Shelton; lived his life with great faith and hope, boldly demonstrating both in his words and actions; invested his resources where he felt it mattered most; cared about people, was an avid supporter of local and global missions and those less fortunate than he
Survivors include his wife, Wilma of Shelton; son, Mike Walcott of Shelton; daughters and sons-in-law, Deb and Mike Nigbur of Phoenix and Judy and Don Leidy of Littleton, Colo.; two grandsons, Brad and Brandon Nigbur of Phoenix; and a sister, Marie Binfield of Morrison, Colo.
Was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Lynn Brady; and a brother-in-law, Glenn Binfield
Memorials: Mission Central, which supports missions around the world
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2016