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ANDERSON, Ethel L., 94, of Kearney, formerly of Blair and Omaha, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney with the Rev. Evan Ash officiating
Burial: Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha
Born on Dec. 23, 1921, in Johnstown
Parents: Willard E. and Bertha A. (Kline) Ash
Graduated from high school in Omaha and later married Finley C. Anderson on June 28, 1952
Worked a variety of jobs throughout the years, including preparing animal hair for brushes at Dinsmore, the Jewel Tea Co. as an order filler and Blooms Monument in design and layout for headstones; also worked at Omaha Steel pushing 155 mm shells for bombs up the production line during World War II
Activities: enjoyed Extension Club; belonged to several Bible study groups
Surviving relatives include her daughter-in-law, Jimmi Ann Anderson of Kearney; sister, Elouise Graves and her husband, Jerry, of Hickman; several nieces and nephews; and extended family
Was preceded in death by her husband, Finley; son, Marten Anderson; brothers, Evan Ash and Eldred Ash; and sisters, Edith Aken and Erma Cavanaugh
Kearney Hub, 14 September 2016
BACON, Rada Jewell, 79, of Sterling, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, in Sterling
Memorial service: Sept. 24 at First Christian Church in Sterling
Donated her body to the Colorado Anatomical Board
Mortuary: Chaney-Reager in Sterling
Born Aug. 5, 1937, in Sedan, Kan.
Parents: Lowell Castle Bryant and Lottie Jewell Hindman Bryant
Graduated from Topeka (Kan.) High School in 1955 , received her certification from the Minnesota Art Institute
Married: Richard M. Bacon in Topeka on June 30, 1957; moved from Kearney to Sterling in 2012
Was an artist; designed the state seal for the Kansas Young Farmers; was a lifetime member of Farm Wives; directed several art groups in Wichita and was an organizer of the Religious Arts Festival in Augusta, Kan.; had a private art showing at the Birger Sandzen Art Gallery in Lindsborg, Kan.; ministered to effectively communicate with children with art and humor, was an art teacher to housewives and young children; member of First Christian Church in Sterling and directed the Christian Women’s Fellowship Group in Kansas and Nebraska; was director of First Christian Church Women’s Retreat in Grand Island, Neb.; member of PEO for 48 years and was a board member at Cauty College
Survivors include: husband, Richard M. Bacon of Sterling; sons, Scott Bacon and wife Robin of Olathe, Kan., Michael Bacon and wife Kimberly of Peoria, Ariz., and Jeffrey Bacon and wife Alicia of Sterling; brother, John Bryant and wife Sharon of Mesa, Ariz.; and 10 grandchildren
Memorials: First Christian Church for a memorial scholarship fund
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2016
BURR, Robert W., 88, of rural Gibbon died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at his home
Service: Wednesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on July 29, 1928, in Eddyville
Parents: Christian G. and Frieda M. (Beth) Burr
Graduated from Eddyville High School with the class of 1946, later attended Kearney State Teachers College
Married: Ilis J. Bowden on Dec. 26, 1948, in Sumner
After marriage, lived on a farm on Kilgore Island near Gibbon; farmed for many years, finally retired in 1996
Activities: enjoyed attending sporting events together for children and grandchildren and were awarded the first-ever Gibbon Booster Honorary Fans Award; dedicated member of Faith United Church for many years; served as a member of the Gibbon School Board; enjoyed playing cards at the Peterson Senior Activity Center, horse racing and woodworking; was diligent with his visits to friends and family in area nursing homes and often left them with a homemade gift he had made from wood; greatly enjoyed his family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include: daughters, Vickie Power and husband Lee of Gibbon, Trudy Plautz and husband Dean of Gibbon, Cindy Nickel and husband Frank of Kearney, Brenda Bendfeldt and husband Bob of Gibbon, Becky Densberger and husband Don of Malcolm and Stephanie Johannsen and husband Tim of Gibbon; sister-in-law, Elaine Burr of Gibbon; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by his wife, Ilis; his parents; brothers, Roy Burr, William J. Burr and Walter Burr; and sisters, Sophia Mazenec, Ida Crawford and Louise Burr
Memorials: Fort Kearny Preservation, Restoration and Development Board, Hike-Bike Trail
Kearney Hub, 19 September, 2016
CARMAN, Gerald E. Sr., 82, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney
Service: Friday, September 23, 2016, Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born August 11, 1934, at home near Pleasanton
Parents: Edd and Bertha (Arp) Carman
Grew up in the Pleasanton and Poole area, moved to Ravenna in 1952
Married: March 5, 1954 to Helen Mrkvicka in Julesburg, CO.
Moved to Kearney in 1974, worked for the Buffalo County Highway Department, 1959 – 1978, then for the Kearney County Highway Department from 1978-1998; then worked for Presco Sales, retired in 2009
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, the Nebraska Association of County Highway Superintendents, National Association of County Officials; past member of the Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department; enjoyed woodworking, fishing, bowling, attending pancake feeds and spending time with family and especially his grandchildren
Survivors include: son Gerald Carman Jr. and wife Kathleen of Riverdale; daughters, Pamela Sue Verbeck and husband Dennis and Barbara Einspahr and husband Jerome both of Kearney; 14 grandchildren; 24 greatgrandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife in 2011
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast Fund
Kearney Hub, 19 September, 2016
CARTER, Donald P., 76, of Wood River died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln
Memorial service: Saturday at Wood River United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Wood River Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel
Born June 4, 1940, in Grand Island
Parents: John James Jr. and Gladys (Deenier) Carter
Grew up in Wood River, received his education from Wood River Schools; attended Kearney State Teachers College (now University of Nebraska at Kearney)
Married: Gwendolyn Janice Shiers on Aug. 4, 1963, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, later moved back to Wood River to take over the family business, Carter’s Grocery; sold the business, then became an appliance service technician for Peter’s Hardware/Appliance; was joined by his oldest son, and together started Mid-Nebraska Appliance Service in Wood River and later expanded into HVAC service as well; was later joined by another son, and the company became Mid-Nebraska Service; was involved in the business until his retirement
Activities: enjoyed fishing, reading, vacationing in the Black Hills, woodworking, attending gun shows and spending time with his family
Survivors include: his wife, Janice Carter of Wood River; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Doug Carter, Greg and Michele Carter and Michael Carter, all of Wood River; as well as six grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 28 September, 2016
DOWSE, Shawn Steven, 44, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, as the result of an automobile accident in Sherman County
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger, Kearney Celebration of life: Oct. 1, at the farm near Comstock, with military honors
Born: Nov. 18, 1971
Parents: Ron and Lona (Fay) Dowse
Was raised in Comstock, was a star of the Comstock Pirate Pee Wee baseball team; loved the outdoors, enjoyed fishing at an early age
Married: Kristal Schneider in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Military: served six years in Iraq during Desert Storm and later in Germany, then joined the National Guard for four years, was honorably discharged as a sergeant E5
Attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, graduated with his Master of Arts in Education degree
Was the proud and devoted father to his daughter, and devoted husband to his wife
Activities: loved the Huskers and Royals; his passion was golf, loved coaching the Kearney Catholic High School boys golf team; second passion was beautifying his beloved childhood home — the first homestead in Custer County, and spent countless hours tending the land and caring for the buildings
Was preceded in death by Grandpa Philip and Grandma Eleanor Dowse and Grandma Lucille Fay
Survivors include: wife, Kristal and daughter, Rylee Dowse of Kearney; father, Ron Dowse and wife Leann of Comstock; mother, Lona Dowse of Bertrand; big sister, Stacie and husband Scott Schwarz of Bertrand; big brother, Shane Dowse and girlfriend Michelle Fausett of Grand Island; little sis, Stefanie and husband Brian Trollope of Holdrege; parents-in-law, Duane and Peg Schneider; and brother-in-law, Dan Schneider and wife Natalie, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends
Memorials: to family; a GoFundMe account has been established to help with funeral expenses and toward a college fund for his daughter, Ryle
Kearney Hub, 21 September, 2016
FAHRENBRUCH, Phyllis M., 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Axtell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Aug. 2, 1928, in Holdrege
Parents: Swedish immigrants Gunnar and Jennie (Nilsson) Erickson
Grew up in the Bertrand area, graduated from Bertrand High School
Taught country school north of Bertrand for two years
Married: 1946, to Harold Dean Fahrenbruch; he died in 1981
After marriage, lived briefly in Milwaukee, then moved back to Bertrand; later moved to rural Axtell to farm and raise their family
Worked at the KHGI television, and for 18 years at Anderson Bros. Plumbing and Heating
Activities: was the leader of the Axtell Maids 4-H club; enjoyed painting ceramics, and taught ceramic classes for a number of years; enjoyed sewing, knitting and quilting; after Harold’s death moved to Kearney and became an active member of Kearney Community Theatre, was on stage in 20 productions and won many awards for her acting skills; also volunteered behind the scenes and especially enjoyed the costuming; also volunteered in the box office; retired from theater at age 80; enjoyed traveling
Was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Fahrenbruch; parents, Gunnar and Jennie Erickson; sisters, Ruth Stewart, Elvera Dahlgren, Judy Schroeder and Brita Jane Erickson; and brother, Harold Erickson
Survivors include her daughter, Lynne and husband Steve Favinger of Kearney; sons, Ricke Fahrenbruch and husband Bill Dick of Lincoln, Mark Fahrenbruch and wife Phyllis of Yukon, Okla., and Jay Fahrenbruch and wife Diana of Kearney; sister-in-law, Verlyn Fahrenbruch Johnson of Holdrege; cousins, Brita Bergkvist, Beverly Nelson and Bonnie Nelson; six nieces; seven nephews; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Memorials: Kearney Community Theatre
Kearney Hub, 15 September 2016
FREAD, Russell E., 91, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 19, 1925, the second of seven children on a farm outside of Litchfield
Learned farming from his father, began working for other farmers after the eighth grade
Military: U.S. Army during World War II
Married: Ella Anderson in Port Townsend, Wash.
After discharge, settled on the farm outside Litchfield; retired and worked at the Eaton plant in Kearney for 20 years; was a good business man, a genuine friend, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband
Survivors include: his daughters, Mary Erazim, Cindy Collins and her husband, Bobby, and Lori Gould and her husband, Todd, all of Raleigh; sons, Kenneth Fread and his wife, Laura, of Houston and Monty Fread and his wife, Sue, of Kearney; son-in-law, Rex Lindaman of Portland; sister, Juanita Beckham of Pleasanton; brother-in-law, Earl Anderson and his wife, Gwen, of Pleasanton; and sister-in-law, Carol Supanchick and her husband, Bob, of Ravenna
Was preceded in death by his wife, Ella; daughter, Kathryn Lindaman; grandson, Alex Fread; son-in-law, John Erazim; one sister, Betty Brewer; and four brothers, Robert, John, LeRoy and Wilbur
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 13 September, 2016
FUENTES, Bessie H. Molina, 91, of Kearney died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at her home
Service: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Jan. 10, 1925, in Loving, N.M.
Parents: Angel and Vicenta (Franco) Hernandez
Worked at Mother Hull Home in Kearney; later worked at Baldwin in Kearney, and eventually retired from Baldwin
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney; enjoyed sewing, gardening, puzzles and spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her children and spouses, Mary and Ben Hernandez of Devine, Texas, Virginia and Don Wells of Apache Junction, Ariz., Tommy and Keith Johnson of Minden, Gilbert and Regina Molina and Christina and Gabriel Zapata, all of Kearney, Sylvia and Javier Rojas of Wood River, Eva and Tony Torres of Minden, George and Pam Molina of Kearney, Laura and Gil Winters of Pinedale, Wyo., and Fred and Mary Molina and Viola Morse, all of Kearney; sisters, Chuy Cate, Maria Vasquez and Elisa Ramirez; brothers, Sabas Hernandez, Richard Hernandez, Pablo Hernandez and Angel Hernandez Jr.; 33 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; previous husband, Manuel Molina; brothers, Ramon Hernandez and Vetito Hernandez; sister, Rosa Hernandez; stepmother, Eusebia Hernandez; grandson, Ricky Lee Molina; great-grandson, Moses Molina Morse; and great-granddaughter, Samantha Vanpool
Kearney Hub, 28 September, 2016
HANSEN, Marian Louise, 85, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at Life Care Center of Elkhorn
Memorial service: Friday at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn
Inurnment: private
Survivors include: her husband, Louis; sons, William of North Hollywood, Calif., and Robert and wife Darla of Dallas Center, Iowa; daughter, Barbara and husband Darrel Uhrmacher of Omaha; five grandchildren and spouses, Shannon and Brian Rotert of Sutherland, Andrew and Brooks Uhrmacher of Denver, Britnee Hansen of Portland, Ore., and Lauran Hansen and Dane Hansen, both of Dallas Center; three great-grandchildren, Drew and Maddyn Rotert of Sutherland and Archer Uhrmacher of Denver; sister, Nancy Filbert and brother, James Hufman, both of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Joan and husband Richard Nelson; and many loving nieces and nephews
Born Sept. 8, 1931, in Lincoln
Parents: Lewis and Virginia (Stanton) Hufman
Attended grade school in Omaha; graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1948; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kearney State College
Married: Louis L. Hansen on July 21, 1951, in Lincoln
Raised their family in Cedar Bluffs, Lincoln and York, then settled in Kearney in 1967; in 2008 moved to Omaha to be near their children again
Was a paraprofessional in the Kearney Public School system, retired for health reasons
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church for 40 years, United Methodist Women, Golden K Kiwanis and a member of the Blue and White Pottery Club and Chi Omega sorority; joined Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church in 2009; enjoyed camping with her husband and children and later traveling with Louis and their friends; enjoyed Husker football and watching the Chicago Cubs, golf and college football on TV; enjoyed antiquing, reading and working crossword puzzles, but time spent with family was always the most treasured
Was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Virginia
Memorials: Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2016
HEMMERLING, Dewayne G. "Squirt", 70, of Gibbon died Saturday, Aug. 7, 1999, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Omaha
Service: Wednesday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, with military graveside rites
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Nov. 24, 1928, at Wood River
Parents: Elmer and Ruth (VanHoosen) Hemmerling
Moved with parents to Gibbon in 1936, graduated from Gibbon High School that same year
Military: U.S. Navy, 1950-1954, served during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Salisbury Sound
Returned to Gibbon to enter the farming and cattle feeding business with his family
Married: Joan Vohland on June 12, 1955, in Gibbon
Activities: served on the City Council and the Gibbon School Board, and was a lifetime member of the Kearney V.F.W. Post No. 759; member of the Gibbon Fire Department for 20 years
Survivors include his wife of Gibbon; three sons, Kevin and Brian of Gibbon and Kyle of Wellington, Kan.; one granddaughter; and his mother, Ruth of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by a brother, Derald
Grand Island, The Independent, 9 August 1999
HERVERT, Lon, 51, of Ravenna died Saturday, Aug. 7, 1999, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Service: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: the church
Born Nov. 18, 1947, at Kearney
Parents: Fred S. and Sylvia (Schuller) Hervert
Graduated from Ravenna High School in 1966; later attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney for two years
Military: U.S. Army for two years, stationed in Vietnam in the 35th Scout Dogs
Married: Leann Kriha Feb. 5, 1977, in Ogalla
After marriage: farmed south of Ravenna
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the Holy Name Society; lifetime member of both the V.F.W. No. 5820 and Legion No. 332; member of the M.O.C. and a past member of the Rural Fire Board
Survivors include his wife of Ravenna; one son, Thomas Hervert of Ravenna; two daughters, Jennifer Hervert and Catherine Hervert both of Ravenna; his mother, Sylvia Hervert of Ravenna; one brother, Randy Hervert of Ravenna; and one sister, Christine Geisler of Pleasanton
Grand Island The Independent, 9 August, 1999
KRUSE, Bruce, 59, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 1, 1956, in Minden
Parents: John and Rose (Casper) Kruse
Graduated from Hildreth High School in 1975; earned a bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College
Married: Sheryl Harrington on May 30, 1981, in Kearney
Had a 37-year career as a financial adviser for Central Financial Services in Kearney
Activities: loved his family, enjoyed special times with his children and wife; loved golf outings with his brothers, going to Husker football games with family and friends, and spending time at his favorite place, his cabin at Harlan County Lake; was a hard worker
Survivors include: his wife, Sheryl of Kearney; sons, Jared Kruse and his wife, Marissa, and Jason Kruse, and daughter, Jenae Loschen and her husband, Jared, all of Kearney; brothers, Ron Kruse and his wife, Sandra, Don Kruse and his wife, Judy, of Kearney, Gary Kruse and his wife, Ardie, of Grand Island and Tom Kruse and his wife, Deb, of Hildreth; sister, Jane Vanderbeek and her husband, Steve, of Wahoo; mother-in-law, Betty Harrington of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Doug and Dan Harrington of Kearney and Kevin Harrington and his wife, Christy, of Beatrice; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jessica; parents; and father-in-law, Charles Harrington
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church, or toward an outdoors project in Bruce’s name later at Harlan County Lake
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2016
LAMMERS, Patricia, 84, of David City, formerly of Lewellen and Kearney, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at her home
Private graveside service: later
Mortuary: Chermok in David City
Born on May 14, 1932, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha
Parents: Margaret (Walford) and S. Pierce Allen of rural Fort Calhoun
Attended Wranch rural District 7 School, then Blair High School, graduated as salutatorian of Blair High School class of 1949; earned her degree as a registered nurse from Methodist School of Nursing, 1953
Married: Oct. 25, 1953 to airman Robert D. Lammers, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Blair
Was a devoted wife and mother; while her children were young, was a feature writer for the Callaway Courier under the pseudonym “Prairie Scooter Writes” and a published author in the Omaha World-Herald; later returned to school, graduated from Kearney State College in 1977; Activities: was active in her church and community donating her time and talents to the Red Cross Bloodmobile, worked 16 years as a nurse at the Butler County Detention Center; had a passion for reading, a love of gardening and a kind word for everyone
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Bob and Marilyn Lammers of Kearney, Candace and Bryan Niemann of Rising City, Mike and Kerri Lammers of Chandler, Ariz., Pat and Cindy Lammers of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Maggie Schnuelle, of Oceanside, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob in 2011; and one sister
Memorials: St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Lewellen Library or Kearney Public Library
Kearney Hub, 20 September, 2016
LAWVER, Stanley Elwood, 90, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at Golden Living Center in Broken Bow
Service: Thursday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born May 14, 1926, in Decatur County, Kan.
Parents: Earl and Esta (Brown) Lawver
Grew up in and received his education in Oberlin, Kan. Following the end of World War II, moved to McCook
Married: Oma Elizabeth Williams on June 23, 1948, in Oberlin
After marriage, lived in McCook and Kearney, was a self-employed painter; early in his career, painted with his brother, Don, and they were affectionately known as the “singing painters.”
Activities: member of New Life Church; enjoyed tinkering on cars, working on projects around the house and watching RFD television and was an avid fan of professional wrestling; loved to play the guitar and harmonica and singing; loved being a devoted husband, father and grandfather
Survivors include: daughter, Joy Lee Curfman and husband Jim of Kearney; a son, Stan Lawver and wife Jan of rural Franklin County; 15 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mara Johnson of Manhattan, Kan.
Was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Oma; a son, Timothy Paul Lawver; a great-grandson, Blake Teel; two brothers, Earl and Donald Lawver; and two sisters, Betty Dugger and Leora Mockery
Kearney Hub, 13 September, 2016
LETCHER, Myron D., 68, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Thursday at First Baptist Church
Burial with military honors: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Jan. 20, 1948, at Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, S.D.
Attended grade school at Jefferson No. 6 and graduated from Emery High School in 1966
Military: U.S. Army in Sept. 1966-Sept. 1969; basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, advanced training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; was in Vietnam for 12 months, reassigned to Germany, and back to Vietnam
Moved South Dakota to Nebraska in 1980; worked at John Deere Implement and later at Fairbanks International Implement in Kearney, specialized in combines, managed the department for a number of years
Married: Carol Beadle on Jan. 1, 1998; lived in or around the Kearney area
Survivors include: wife, Carol; son, Daniel Letcher and his wife, Erica, and children, Ava and Mason, of Denver; daughter, Lori Fisher and her husband, Tim, and children, Jonathan and Andrew, of Harleysville, Pa.; daughter, Jody Parks and her husband, Jason, and children, Blake and Alivia, of O’Neill; stepdaughter, Georgia Eatherton and her husband, Jeremy, and children, Madison and Taylor, of Laveen, Ariz.; and stepdaughter, Ashley Blausey and children, Skyelar and Journey, of Kearney; brother Donald Letcher of Bridgewater, S.D., Eileen Radel and her husband, Ken, of Mesa, Ariz., and sister-in-law, Norma Letcher of Freeman, S.D.
Was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Henrietta (Tammen) Letcher; brother, Lyle Letcher; and sister-in-law, Deloris Letcher
Kearney Hub, 21 September, 2016
LINER, Verva Lois, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Callaway, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at Golden Living Center in Wausau
Graveside service: Monday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway
Mortuary: Timm-Reynolds-Love in Callaway
Born Oct. 1, 1927, at home on a farm outside of Callaway
Parents: Theodore and Ethel (Hendricks) Lange
Married: Jan. 12, 1948, to Henry Liner in Callaway; they divorced; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Martha “Marty” Smith of Columbus, Sue White of Bloomfield and Kay Boyles of Evansville, Wyo.; sisters, Verna Leonard of Broken Bow and Harriet Wentworth of Tulsa, Okla.; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 September 2016
LUDWIG, Richard Lee “Dick”, 85, of Bagdad died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at his home
Graveside service: Thursday at White Hill Cemetery in rural Minden, Neb., with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney, Neb.
Born Nov. 1, 1930, in Cozad, Neb.
Parents: Clifford LaMont and Irene (Duggar) Ludwig
Military: U.S. Army, 1947-1950
Married: Nov. 16, 1947, to Charlotte Mae Snider, the daughter of Esto and Eva Mae (Shields) Snider
Was a retired newspaper linotype operator and former linotype operator for the Kearney Daily Hub, the Greeley Daily Tribune and the Fort Collins Coloradoan
Survivors include: sons, Richard Lee Ludwig II and wife Marie of Independence, La., and Esto LaMont Ludwig of Bagdad; grandson, Richard Ludwig III of Montana; and granddaughters, Sarah Ludwig of Colorado and Brittney Ludwig of Texas
Was preceded in death by parents; wife, Charlotte; brothers, Donald and Clifford Jr.; and sisters, Betty and Norma
Memorials: American Legion Post 52 or the White Hill Cemetery Association
Kearney Hub, 14 September 2016
NEFLER, Debra Joan, 55, of Kearney, formerly of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, in Kearney.
Service: Wednesday, Sept 21, O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Dec. 20, 1960, in Boise, Idaho
Parents: James and Saundra (Schulte) Covington
Married: Sept. 19, 1981, to David E. Nefler in Denver
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Hope Edmunds of Kearney; son, Brandon of Sioux Falls; her mother, Saundra Covington of Monticello, Iowa; brothers, Michael Covington and Preston Covington, both of Monticello; and five grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 23 September, 2016
NEWLAND, Jean L., 83, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Cremation was chosen
Celebration of life: next summer
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Jan. 22, 1933, in Sargent
Parents: Garrett W. and Gladys L. Lysinger
Was formerly married to Jack Newland, lived in Ord
Worked for more than 37 years as a medical technician, first at Valley County Hospital in Ord and then at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Activities: was a loving mother, an amazing cook, enjoyed reading and attending concerts and plays; was a pillar in the family
Survivors include: daughter, Lyn House of Kearney; sisters, June Hendrickson of Omaha, Nancy Fleming and her husband, Merle, of Boise, Idaho, Julie Lysinger of Austin, Texas, and Susan Anderson and her husband, David, of Bismarck, N.D.; and many nieces and nephews and their children
Memorials: Best Friends at www.bestfriends.org/
Kearney Hub, 27 September, 2016
OSBORN, Donna Mae (McGinnis) Keller, 82, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born May 8, 1934, in Miller, the youngest child of six
Parents: George Wesley McGinnis and Jennie Rachel Daugherty
Was raised by her aunt, Sarah Millhouse, and attended school in Elm Creek; had many memories of the telephone switchboard Aunt Sarah operated in their home as she was growing up
Married Neil Allen Keller on Nov. 18, 1949, in Kearney; were married for 52 years
After marriage, lived in various places including Cozad, McCook, Albion and Grant in Nebraska, Las Vegas, Burlington, Iowa, Custer, S.D., Deer Lodge, Mont., and Phoenix; from 1976-1986 they owned Valley Siding and Insulation; worked at Unimart, Rite Style Optical and Follett Bookstore, all in Kearney; in Phoenix opened a Follett Hallmark Store on the Arizona State University campus; retired about 1994, returned to Nebraska and bought a house in Minden; after Neil died in 2001, moved to Kearney
Married: married Merlin “Scotty” Osborn on July 22, 2005, in Las Vegas; lived in Kearney, were married for 10 years; he died Dec. 14, 2015, then she to Prairie View Gardens and in February to St John’s, where she passed away
Activities: in Minden, attended Minden Evangelical Free Church; in Kearney, attended Kearney Church of Christ; enjoyed card games, crocheting and sewing
Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Michael Peterson of Riverdale and Brenda and Mark Macdonald of Phoenix; her late husband Scotty’s children and spouses, Karen and Robert Finkenbiner of Omaha and Brenda and Larry Knoll and Timothy and Kim Osborn, all of Leadville, Colo.; her grandchildren, Kamala Millspaugh, Scott Macdonald, Loralee Macdonald, Nichole Rezac, Christopher and wife Jill Peterson and Rochelle and husband Clayton Edwards; Scotty’s grandchildren, Michael Finkenbiner, Rachel Finkenbiner, Nicholas and wife Katy Bond, Westley and wife Danielle Bond, Kelsey and husband Andrew Tull, Chelsea Knoll, Alex Knoll, Logan Osborn, Jonah Osborn, Caleb Osborn and Kaden Osborn; her great-grandchildren, Maranda Millspaugh, Brandon Millspaugh, Matthew Millspaugh, Chloe Macdonald, Makala Keaschall, Morgan Rezac, Christian Rezac, Sydney Peterson, Addison Peterson, Samantha Edwards, Gabriel Edwards and Michael Edwards; Scotty’s great-grandchildren, Easton Bond, Layton Bond, Alyssa Bond and Haley Bond; her two great-great-grandchildren due in October and February; and sister-in-law, Carrie McGinnis of Minden; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husbands; great-grandson, Alexander Edwards who died July 16, 2009; her sister, Iola Kirsting; and four brothers, Merlin, George Jr., Leonard and Leland McGinnis
Memorials: The Alexander Edwards Foundation
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2016
PERKINS, Judith Gail (Smith), 77, of Deltona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died of cancer Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, in Deltona
Celebration of life: Oct. 1 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Deltona
Born in York, Neb., on Aug. 20, 1939
Parents: Stoy and A. Josephine (Lichtenberger) Smith
Graduated from Kearney High School, class of 1957
Moved to Milwaukee in 1968; after over 30 years of service, retired from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; moved to Deltona to be closer to her family.
Activities: longtime member of the WELS Church, St. Marcus of Milwaukee and Good Shepherd of Deltona; enjoyed visiting the beach, spending time at church and spoiling her great-grandchildren
Survivors include: her two sons, Mike Perkins and wife Cindy of Dallas and Mark Perkins and wife Dawn of Deltona; eight grandchildren, Shayne, Christina, Stephanie, Trevor, Eva, Drew, Libby and Ty; four great-grandchildren, Barbie, Jessenia, Nathan and Trenton; sister, Jo Anne Jones of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Judy was a foster parent to five young souls who consider her their grandmother as well
Was preceded in death by her father, Stoy Smith; mother, Jo Smith; and brother, Stoy Robert Smith
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2016
REINERTSON, Vernon, 84, of Ravenna died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Burial: Sweetwater Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born July 7, 1932, in Grand Island
Parents: J. Victor and Teresa (Drogseth) Johnson
Because his mother died shortly after his birth, he was adopted by Oscar and Esther (Johnson) Reinertson; was baptized as a Lutheran in his parents’ home on Aug. 3, 1932, was a member of Faith Lutheran Church his entire life
Attended rural school at Sweetwater No. 68, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1949; then began farming with his father and a cousin Donald Johnson until 1953
Military: served during the Korean War, 1953- Dec. 31, 1954; was sent to France for 18 months
Continued farming until 1994 when he retired
Married: Beverly Kjos Sandager on Oct. 24, 1981, in Windom, Minn.
After marriage, lived near Ravenna; sold their house and acreage, May 2012, and moved to Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Activities: in retirement, enjoyed several years of traveling; enjoyed reading, watching TV and sports events; especially enjoyed repairing and restoring old John Deere tractors; was active in many areas, Faith Lutheran Church, Sweetwater Cemetery, agricultural committees, Ravenna Lions Club, Nebraska Lions Foundation, Farmers Cooperative Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5820, Ravenna Economic Corp. and volunteered and supported several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity
Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Ravenna; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 24 September, 2016
SERGEANT, Della M. Bartels, 89, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Saturday at First Church of God in Kearney with Howard Sergeant officiating
Burial: Macon Union Cemetery near Macon. Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born March 19, 1927, in Upland
Parents: Charlie J. and Ida (Brunz) Dallmann
Attended District 25 country school and graduated from Hildreth High School in 1945
Married: March 1, 1949, to Alvin Bartels; he preceded her in death on Sept. 8, 1954
Lived on a farm near Upland; member of the Macon Methodist Church from childhood through the time she moved to Hastings, 1979
Married: March 1979, to Dale Sergeant; moved to Kearney, November 1992; he preceded her in death in June 1998
With Dale, was involved with Project Partners and Reach Out for Christ, traveled to build churches, college dorms, libraries, orphanages and missionary homes; traveled to Alaska, Canada, Houston, St. Louis, Kentucky and Colorado; enjoyed working together on this and were always available to help their children with various projects
Activities: member of First Church of God in Kearney; enjoyed crocheting, made over 500 afghans for the patients at Good Samaritan Hospital, recorded over 10,000 hours spent on this project; treasured time spent with her family and friends
Survivors include son, Merlyn and wife Pat Bartels of Upland; daughter, Marlene Hodgson of Lexington; stepsons, Howard and wife Diane Sergeant of Decatur, Ill., and Robert and wife Holly Sergeant of Hastings; stepson-in-law, Ron Riese of Hastings; four grandchildren; 11 stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild; and 22 stepgreat-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husbands, brothers, Herman and Edward; sister, Leona Iwert; son-in-law, David Hodgson; and stepdaughter, Beverly Riese Kearney Hub, 14 September 2016
SLEEP, Marie W., 95, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 2, 1921, in Juniata
Parents: Adolph and Mary (Toben) Sleep
Grew up in Juniata, graduated from Juniata High School in 1939; attended nursing school in Kearney; worked at several nursing homes in Kearney
Married: Dec. 29, 1940, to Roland Mosel; he died in 1944
Married: Aug. 19, 1950, to Samuel “Jack” Sleep; he passed away in 1982
Activities: enjoyed camping with her family, bowling and sewing
Survivors include: her daughter, Ruth Spicer of Lincoln; son, LeRoy Mosel of Gibbon; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by two husbands, two great-grandchildren, four sisters and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 27 September, 2016
SMITH, A. Josephine "Jo" Smith, 94, of Grand Island died Sunday, March 5, 2006, at Beverly Healthcare Park Place in Grand Island
Service: Thursday at Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island
Burial: Grand Island Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery
Born April 7, 1911, in York County
Parents: Josiah and Marie (Enderle) Lichtenberger
Married: May 29, 1928, to Stoy Smith in Belleville, Kan. He died Sept. 5, 1985
Survivors include her daughters, Jo Jones of Kearney and Judy Perkins of Deltona, Fla.; sisters, Winnifred Oglesby of York and Jane Hendricks of South Gate, Calif.; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; daughter-in-law, Alice Smith of Pasco, Wash.; grandchildren and their spouses, Cindy and Rick Pope of Ravenna, Kelli and Arlen Petersen and Scott Jones, all of Kearney, Bob and Jeanette Smith, Rayn and Kelli Smith, Tammy and Fred Davenport and Linda Arce, all of Pasco, Teri Dimitruk of Lynchburg, Va., Mike and Cindy Perkins of Dallas and Mark and Dawn Perkins of Deltona, Fla.
Grew up and received her education at Bradshaw Public School
After marriage, lived in York, Kearney, Holdrege and Lincoln; in Lincoln was a teller at First National Bank; moved to Grand Island in 1963
Activities: enjoyed gardening and won prizes for her crocheting; was an avid reader and an accomplished seamstress; member of the First Presbyterian Church, Veterans Auxiliary and the Liederkranz
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Stoy Robert "Bob" Smith on Dec. 25, 1987; sister, Jean; and brother, Allen
Kearney Hub, March 7, 2006
SWANSON, Richard Edward “Rich”, 87, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at his home
Service: Oct. 7 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Guide Rock Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born July 24, 1929, in Carter Lake, Iowa
Parents: Betty (Novak) Swanson and Edward Andrew Swanson
When Rich was 3 years old, his father passed away from pneumonia; Rich and sister Shirley moved to Omaha after their mother married Byron “Bud” Parker
Attended and graduated from Tech High School in Omaha, later worked with his stepfather in the family business, Maple Hill Farm Service, J.I. Case Implements located on 71st and Maple Street in Benson
Married: Jan.24, 1953 to Margaret Ann Dillin of Millard; had two children
Lived in Omaha, started his implement career with J.I. Case Co. as service/district manager; later was district manager for John Deere Co. at Kearney, went into partnership in the Spelts-Swanson Implement business; sold the business and retired, then worked for Master’s Transportation east of Kearney
Activities: was well-known to many to be dependable and trustworthy; served on the Buffalo County Fair Board, member of the Elks Lodge; served as an usher and bus driver for First Lutheran Church
Was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, of 59 years; parents; sister, Shirley Anderson Howe; in-laws; sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; and nephews
Survivors include: his daughter, Val of Grand Junction, Colo.; son, Tom of Jackson, Miss.; sister-in-law, Kathleen McKay Fee of Lincoln; and nephews, nieces and friends
Memorials: First Lutheran Church, or to the Jubilee Center
Kearney Hub, 1 October 2016
TATEM, Betty Arline, 94, of Meridian, Idaho, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, at her home
Graveside service:. Wednesday at Meridian Cemetery
Mortuary: Zeyer Funeral Chapel in Nampa
Born Dec. 28, 1921, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Frankie and Joseph Pool
Married: Clifford Tatem, on June 7, 1940
After marriage, eventually moved to Meridian; after husband's death, Jan. 15, 1998, remained on their homestead until her death
Activities: had a passion for painting and produced hundreds of beautiful landscapes in her “little” studio; as a young woman, was known for her musical talent with the steel guitar, banjo, harmonica and accordion, enjoyed sharing this talent with people over the years; loved the outdoors and all animals
Survivors include: brother, Donnie Pool and wife Delores of Overton, Neb.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; her parents, Frankie and Joseph; and her brothers, Dale and Keith
Kearney Hub, 20 September, 2016
WIETJES, Delores E., 88, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Funeral service: Monday, September 26, 2016, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: July 6, 1928 at home on the farm in Sherman County near Litchfield
Parents: Charles and Mabel (Boe) Bosle
Was baptized August 12, 1928 at Immanuel Lutheran in Litchfield and was confirmed at there on July 26, 1942; graduated from Litchfield High School in 1946
Married: September 15, 1946 to George L. Wietjes in Litchfield
George and Delores grew up during the Great Depression; built their lives together in agriculture, based on faith, family and strong work ethic
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst; member of LWML and Quilters at Holy Cross, volunteered many years at Good Samaritan Hospital; member of Our Afternoon Off Extension Club, Kearney Woman’s Club and Ladies Auxiliary; enjoyed playing cards and board games with her grandchildren
In 2005, was diagnosed with renal failure, received a kidney from her son, Craig; started dialysis in March 2012 and continued on dialysis until the final week of her life
Survivors include her daughters, Diane Archer and husband Larry of Grand Island and Sandra Lewis and husband Dan of Hartington; sons, George Wietjes and wife Betty of Amherst and Craig Wietjes and wife Heidi of Riverdale; grandchildren, Denice Galusha and husband Tom of Lincoln, Larry Archer and wife Kary of Cortland, Erich Lewis and wife Michelle of Kearney, Jacob Lewis and special friend Ms. Chris Hinkel of Gayville, S.D., Chance Wietjes of Amherst, Shannon Kubik and husband Trent of Parkston, S.D., and Bryan Wietjes of Riverdale; great-grandchildren, Luke, Nate and Ella Archer and Aidan Galusha; sisters, Genevieve Wietjes of Kearney, Marian Koepp of Grand Island and Mavis Reiter of Wood River; and sisters-in-law, Norma Jean Bosle of Hastings and Sharon Bosle of Bennington
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Lyman and Maynard Bosle; and sister, Luella Henry
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Hour or the American Kidney Foundation
Kearney Hub, 24 September, 2016
WILKE, Shirley Delores, 79, of Hazard died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Memorial service: Tuesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Sept. 7, 1937, on a farm near Litchfield, the seventh and youngest child
Parents: Lena “Mae” (Hulse) and Harvey Richard Spencer
Family moved to the east side of Ravenna; attended high school in Ravenna, graduated in 1955; taught for four years in one-room schools, including a school at Hankins corner east of Ravenna and Riverside school in northern Sherman County
Married: May 30, 1959, to Loren Wilke at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
After marriage, lived on the Dietrich farm at Sweetwater; later moved into their new home (built by Loren and his father, Leonard) on the old Capellen farm near Hazard
Activities: loved her role as Mom and later Grammy to eight grandchildren; was known for her wonderful meals; made many beautiful banners for Bethlehem Lutheran Church; was very active in church activities, including Dorcas Society and vacation Bible school
Survivors include: by her husband, Loren; her sister, Louise Stocker; daughters and spouses, Linda and John Heil and Lana and James Renzelman; son-in-law, Tim Shrader; grandchildren and spouses, Leah and Alex James, Logan and Jessica Shrader, Rachel and Wade Smith, Mitchell and Aly Long, Jordan Renzelman, Makenna Renzelman, Liam Heil and Luke Heil; great-grandsons, Kingston James, Beau Smith and Hunter Renzelman; and her nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie Shrader; her brothers, Harvey, Harold and Harley Spencer; and her sisters, LaVonna “Babe” Krous and Betty Cords
Memorials: Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island
Kearney Hub, 19 September, 2016
WILSON, Donna, 85, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial service: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born July 23, 1931, in Brush, Colo.
Parents: Carl J. and Sally (Canatsey) Skiles
Was raised in Fort Morgan and Greeley, Colo; received her education in Fort Morgan and later Greeley Teachers College
Married: Feb. 25, 1951, to Richard D. Wilson in Greeley
After marriage lived in Fort Collins for three years, Minden for 15 years, York for one year and Kearney for the past 49 years; in Minden, worked as a nurse at the Minden hospital; in Kearney, worked as a receptionist for Dr. Jester, a media aid at Kearney Junior High School and a secretary for the Buffalo County Fair Board
Activities: longtime member of Kearney First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Eastern Star; enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, sewing doll clothes, making wedding dresses for others, gardening and cooking for anyone in need; was an avid Husker football fan
Survivors include: her husband of 65 years, Richard Wilson of Kearney; sons and spouses, Clark and Cherlyn Wilson of Omaha and John and Laura Wilson of Kearney; daughters, Sheri Lynn Wilson of Golden, Colo., and Suzan Kay Wilson of Kearney; grandchildren and spouses, Shannon Murry, Brian and Lindsey Murry, Chrisanne and Bryan Wickham, Kisten Wilson, Erik Wilson and Katarina Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Taylor Wickham, Morgan Wickham and Olivia Murry
Was preceded in death by her parents and brothers
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church or the National Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2016
ZIMMERMAN, Teautla Gale, 20, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at his home
Service: Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Beatrice
Burial: Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice
Mortuary: Harman-Wright in Beatrice
Born: Nov. 14, 1995, in Beatrice; graduated from Beatrice High School in May 2014; was a junior at the University of Nebraska at Kearney at the time of his death; was working toward his degree in computer science
Activities: was active in 4-H for 11 years, focused primarily on his photography, consistently chosen to be entered and displayed at the Nebraska State Fair beginning at age 9; was known for his kind heart and his love for technology; enjoyed camping and vacations with this parents and siblings, “golfing” in the summers with his brother and sister, and especially motorcycle trips with his dad; loved going to movies, eating at Taco Bell and especially eating corn on the cob
Kearney Hub, 17 September 2016