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ALLES, Darlene Schleiger,, 94, of Lincoln died Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at her home
Service: Tuesday at Roper and Sons Chapel in Lincoln
Burial: Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln
Born: March 11, 1923, on a farm at Davey
Parents: George and Delia (Erickson) Morrissey
Was their fourth-born child
Lived a short time in Denver, at age 19; worked in a defense plant
Married: George Schleiger Jr. in March 1946; he died March 11, 1984; had four sons together
Married: Reuben Alles in March 1987, in Las Vegas; shared just short of 30 years together
Survivors include: her son, Randy and wife Tanya Schleiger of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Laurie Schleiger of Lincoln; special friend of our family, Susan Armstrong of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Shirley Morrissey of Brooksville, Maine; and stepchildren and spouses, Doug and Brenda Alles and Pat and Steve Frederick, all of Lincoln; her grandchildren and spouses, Greg and Jennifer Hunteman of Austin, Texas, Ben Schleiger of Lincoln, Kelly and Chris Siepker of Athens, Ga., Marissa and Jared Kruse and Natalya, Deena and Brock Schleiger of Kearney; great-granddaughters, Emily and Lauren Hunteman of Austin, Sloane Presley Siepker of Athens and Alla B Su Kruse of Kearney; great-grandson, Ethan Hunteman of Austin; four stepgrandchildren; 13 stepgreat-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandchild; and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Willard, Melvin and Richard; sisters, Ethel Piersol and Pat Yost; husbands, George Schleiger Jr. and Reuben Alles; and sons, Mike, Steve and infant son Patrick
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2017
ANTILLON, Gilberto “Gil”, 52, of Centerville, Virginia, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church
Celebration of life: Dec. 30 at First Church of God in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
His final wishes were organ donation and cremation
Born: Oct. 28, 1965, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Parents: Gilbert and Deloris (Carranza) Antillon
Was an engineering supervisor in Washington, D.C.; was a gifted artist and an accomplished musician, shared his gift of music and love for music with many; enjoyed his family and friends, cherished time spent with children and grandchildren
Survivors include: parents, Gilbert Antillon and Deloris (Carranza) Antillon; brothers, Elias Antillon of Omaha, Neb., and Carlos and wife Benita Antillon of Minden, Neb.; his sister, Teresa (Antillon) Methe and her husband, Gerry Methe, of Grand Island; his daughters, Amanda (Antillon) Fritsch and her husband, Nick Fritsch, of Elkhorn and Jenna Antillon of Centerville; his wife, Joyce (McClain) Antillon of Centerville; and stepdaughters, stepsons, many grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a vast group of friends
Was preceded in death by his brother, Mario “Marzz” Antillon of Kearney; both sets of grandparents; and uncles
Kearney Hub, 21 December, 2017
ASHER, Norma, 74, of Hazard died Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Hazard Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: May 3, 1943, in Aurora
Parents: Elmer and Erma (Carlson) Peterson
Attended school in Hordville and graduated from Hordville High School in 1960; attended Luther College in Wahoo for one year, graduated from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha in 1964
Married: Arnold Johnson on Dec. 19, 1964
After marriage, lived in Chappell; had two children together, Deann and Tim
Worked part time in nursing at the hospitals in Chappell and Oshkosh; moved to Kearney after the dissolution of her marriage; worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney from 1978 until her retirement in 2008
Married: Sept. 2, 1980, to Byrle Asher; then resided in the Hazard area; loved living on the farm for several years; enjoyed working, traveling and hunting together
In retirement, worked part time for Community Action Partners’ immunization clinic
Activities: member of the Trinity Parish of which Hazard United Methodist Church is a part; enjoyed Bible studies and other educational forums; participated as a lay leader, certified lay minister and parish nurse; spent several years on the village board; spent a short time as a member of the Sherman County Community Foundation; member of the NRA; loved to read, enjoyed singing; her grandchildren were her greatest joy; was overwhelmed by how wonderful her life had been
Survivors include: her daughter, Deann and her husband, Tim Speirs, and their children, Chance and Anna; and son, Tim Johnson and his wife, Kim, and their daughter, Maddy; sisters and brother, Eileen and Curtis Burrus of Sherman, Texas, Lois and Leon Tatum of Lincoln and Wes Peterson of Kearney; three nieces and three nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Christine; husband, Byrle; and nephew, Danny
Kearney Hub, 21 December, 2017
BALS, Earl H., 84 of Ravenna died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Service: Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Higgins in Loup City
Born: Aug. 13, 1933, on a farm north of Loup City
Parents: Theodore and Anna (Kempkes) Bals
Married: Nov. 10, 1956, Jolita Crist in Loup City
Survivors include his wife; sons, Leroy of Kearney, Dan of Gretna, Kevin of Ulysses and Tony of Ravenna; daughter, Deb Bruce of Ravenna; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 26 December, 2017
BLECK, Martin L. “Leland”, 84, of Beatrice died Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation
Service: Friday at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: June 15, 1933, near Burwell
Parents: John and Millie (Godfrey) Bleck
Attended Ansley Public Schools through eighth grade, then took over the family farm because his father was ill; later moved with his mother to Kearney where they owned and operated many rental properties
Married: Loraine Carpenter on June 26, 1996, in Kearney
After marriage, moved to Beatrice
Activitiese: member of RLDS in North Platte and Church of the Brethren near Holmesville; enjoyed socializing at the senior center, camping in Branson, Mo., and his dog
Survivors include: his caretaker, Wendy Rhine and husband Jerry and their daughter, Jordan, of Beatrice; several cousins including Russell Godfrey and wife Kathy of Independence, Mo., and Wayne Godfrey of North Platte; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loraine on March 21, 2011; and sister, Bernice Templin
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2017
BRISTOL, Max, 81, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday, Dec. 18 at the Church of Christ
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born: Oct. 17, 1936, at Ansley
Parents: Ernest and Dorothy (Miller) Bristol
Married: June 19, 1955, to Lenore Slingsby; were married 62 years
Spent many years farming; later moved to Broken Bow; became the Custer County weed superintendent; spent his life caring for the land by farming and controlling noxious weeds; received awards from county, state and the EPA; wrote the book on weeds; moved to Laramie, Wyo.,1994, was the Albany County weed and pest control supervisor; retired and moved to Kearney, 2003, continued to spray noxious weeds for the Nebraska Department of Roads
Activities: enjoyed life to the fullest with his wife, children and grandchildren; enjoyed gardening
Survivors include: his wife, Lenore of Kearney; sons and spouses, Mike and Lisa Bristol of Kearney and Russ and Lisa Bristol of Broken Bow; daughters, Cindy and significant other Terry Ross of Kearney and Linda and husband Wayne Lienemann of Minden; a sister, Phyllis Bransitter of Kearney; 13 grandchildren, Craig, Derek, Brittney, Ryan, Zach, Abby, Mackenzie, Drake, Hannah, Mary, Corey, Kevin and Erik; and four great-grandchildren, Jaelyn, Aubrey, Avianna and Michael
Was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Scott from the Philippines; a brother, Dean; a sister, Melva; a half-brother, Wilburn; half-sisters, Esther, Evelyn and Olive; and two grandchildren, Austin and Sydney
Memorials: Kearney Church of Christ
Kearney Hub, 15 December, 2017
BURMOOD, Alice Magdalen, 83, of Grand Island died Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, in Grand Island
Service: Wednesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: All Faiths in Grand Island
Born: Sept. 18, 1934, at Poole
Parents: Joseph and Mary (Stittle) Zimmer
Graduated from Kearney’s Longfellow High School; attended Duchesne College; was a graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing
Married: Robert L. “Bob” Burmood on June 23, 1962, at St. Mary’s Cathedral
Had worked for Dr. A.J. Filip and was employed as a Fonner Park first aid nurse; was also a substitute nurse for Grand Island Public Schools
Activities: devoted her life to her God, her church, her family and her friends
Survivors include: her daughter and son-in-law, Anita and Dominick Kreutzer of Westminster, Colo.; grandson, Nicholas Kreutzer of Westminster; brother, Joe and wife Donna Zimmer of Gibbon; sister, Regina Zimmer of Kearney; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends
Was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Bob, on Dec. 28, 1987
Memorials: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 26 December, 2017
CHRISTENSEN, James B. “Jim” Sr., 68, of Elm Creek, formerly of Holdrege, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life: Monday at Grace Fellowship in Kearney; cremation will follow
Inurnment with military honors: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: March 13, 1949, at Holdrege
Parents: Clarence and Hildur (Bayer) Christensen
Married: Feb. 29, 1968, Charlotte McClain in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; sons, Jim Jr. and David, both of Omaha; sisters, Sylvia Landers of Norfolk, Carol Asche of Republican City and Linda Christensen of Omaha; and six grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2017
CLARK, Jeremy L., 37, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, in Omaha
Celebration of life: Wednesday Dec. 20, at Lifegate Church in Omaha
Mortuary: Braman Mortuary Southwest Chapel in Omaha
Born: Feb. 20, 1980, in Grand Island
Survivors include his parents, Ed and Steph Clark; sons, Caden and Jaden Clark; sister, Chrissy Arellano and husband Joe; nephews, Micah and Caine Arellano; and many other relatives and friends
Memorials: to Jeremy’s sons
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2017
COOK, Violette R., 65, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Omaha
Memorial service: Tuesday, Jan 2, 2018, at Hope Evangelical Free Church in Omaha
Burial: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born April 24, 1952
Parents: Sue and Jerald Paulson; was later adopted by Jack Worley
Married: May 2000, to Frank Cook
Survivors include: Albert E. Worley, Robert F. Cook and Rebecca S. Cook, all of Kearney, James J. Worley of Minden and Dawn A. Cook of Williamstown, N.J.; and 12 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 30 December, 2017
DALENESS, Athena Avery and Nakoma Danae, infant twin daughters of Miguel “Duke” and Jamie D. (Zeckser) Daleness of Gibbon, were born at rest Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Survivors include their parents; siblings, Kyda Zeckser of Kearney and Korbyn Daleness of Gibbon; and grandfather, Ronald Senyard of Missouri
Kearney Hub, 30 December, 2017
DeOSS, Douglas D., 54, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Friday at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Lexington
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born: Dec. 14, 1962, in Atwood, Kan.
Parents: Jack and Lola (Sayer) DeOss
Survivors include his children, Nick of Kearney, Mallory Dunn of Elm Creek and Brian of Cadiz, Ohio; brothers, Steven of Cairo and Dave of Columbus; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2017
ERICKSON, Kenneth LeRoy, 74, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at the Ravenna City Auditorium
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: December 24, 1943 in Norfolk, Nebraska
Parents: Walter and Beulah (Sandin) Erickson
Attended a one-room schoolhouse not far from his parent’s farm; graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1961; earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Taught at school in Lewiston and Ravenna; took a job as an agricultural salesman in 1972; was widely respected for his honesty, integrity, humility and intelligence, rose to a position of regional seed sales manager for Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas; started his own seed distributorship, 2005; retired in 2014
Activities: served as a supervisor on the Buffalo County Zoning Board, a lay leader in the church, a local executive in Boy Scouts and a member of Men’s Christian Fellowship; was an avid crossword enthusiast, lifelong poet, amateur guitarist and dedicated gardener
Survivors include: his wife of 49 years, Judy Erickson of Ravenna, children, Brett and Irina Erickson of Hastings, and Heidi and Cody Riessland of Pleasanton, four grandchildren, Keira and Ian Erickson of Hastings and Kailin and Chance Riessland of Pleasanton, brothers-in-law, David Blessing of Sioux City, Iowa, Gene Blessing of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Darrell Blessing of Buena Vista, Colo., and nine nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Howard and Karen
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2017
FISHER, Lucretia Anne, 79, of Portland, Oregon, died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Portland
Burial: Williamsburg Cemetery in Phelps County, Neb.
Born: Feb. 25, 1938, in Phelps County
Parents: Orrie and Mae Marshall
Spent her early years there on the family farm; graduated from Elm Creek (Neb.) High School
Attended Kearney State College and Chadron State College in Nebraska and received advanced degrees in music
Married and had one son, Clair; divorced and moved to Oregon, was a teacher and school psychologist; also spent time working for the state of Oregon as a licensed clinical social worker at the Oregon State Hospital; developed and received a grant for honoring cultural diversity by teaching and creating cultural experiences for the patients
Activities: enjoyed mountain climbing and hiking in the Pacific Northwest and was a longtime member of the Mazamas; had a lifelong passion for music, holding season tickets for the Portland Opera and Symphony for many years; also enjoyed a quilting group of friends and volunteered with the Friends of Seasonal Service Workers
Survivors include: her son, Clair Fisher of Nampa, Idaho; her sister, Betty Williams of Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Vivian, Keith, Basil and LaDonna
Memorials: to pancreatic cancer research or the Williamsburg United Methodist Church near Elm Creek, Neb.
Kearney Hub, 12 December 2017
FOX, Leona Grace, 104, of Ravenna died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Service: Dec. 29 at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: October 5, 1913 in Checotah, Oklahoma
Parents: Charles and Bessie Zora (Coody) Johnson
Married: Harold Deming Fox on June 6, 1935 in Tulsa, OK.
Accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age and served Him along with her pastor husband; moved from Missouri to Ravenna in 1995 to be closer to her family; in 2010 at 97 years old, moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna after a fall; lived there until her passing
Activities: enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, gardening, reading and flowers
Survivors include: daughters Virginia (LeRoy) Teichmeier and Phyllis Williams all of Ravenna, one son; David of Ammon, Idaho, ten grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one daughter; Joyce Marie, one sister, two brothers and son-in-law; Bill
The Grand Island Independent, 26 December 2017
GIBBS, Caleb Robert, was born at rest December 18, 2017 at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Parents: Bryan and Jenny Gibbs
Private family service: St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Survivors include his parents; sister, Kaitlynn of Kearney; grandparents, Lesa and Jim Johnson of Hayes Center, Dave Hamilton of Wauneta, Terri and Steve Nutt of Garden City, Kan., and Michael Gibbs of Haxtun, Colo.; great-grandparents, Bob and Alta Keating of Palisade, Bob and Clara Hamilton of Wauneta, Bob Eastin of Lamar, Colo., and Howard and Helen Gibbs of Haxtun; many aunts, uncles, and cousins
Was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandmother Jeannie Eastin
Kearney Hub, 30 December, 2017
GRESHAM, Nellie Mae, 74, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, at her home
Memorial service: later
Donated her body to the state Anatomical Board for science
Born: May 28, 1943, in Washington, Illinois Parents: Olive (Smith) and Leo Gresham
Attended schools in Metamora and Minier, later attended East Peoria High School; earned her criminal justice degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1995
Worked as a case worker and later as a job placement coordinator in Eureka, Ill., and Mountain View, Ark.
Activities: loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherwoman all of her life; loved a friendly competitive game of canasta or Scrabble; hobbies included jewelry making, crocheting, gardening, reading and researching her family’s genealogy
Survivors include: her three children: daughter, Wendy and her husband, Mark Ripp, of Creighton, son, Jeremy Frink and his wife, Jessica, of Lincoln and son, Jeffrey Frink and his wife, Laura, of Rapid City, S.D.; and six grandchildren, Jessica, Jarah, Jakeb, Owen, Elliet and Carson. Other family survivors are her two brothers, Herbert and Harrison Gresham; and two sisters, Barbara Swanson and Marilyn Cooley
Was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clarence, Lawrence and Walt Gresham; and two sisters, Doris Meyers and Betty Siebdreth
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2017
HARTMAN, Norman F., 86, of Loup City died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Service: Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born: May 28, 1931 on a farm north of Miller
Parents: George and Leona (Hanneman) Hartman
Military: U.S. Marines, served during the Korean Conflict
Married: Doris Edlund on June 5, 1955 in Overton
Farmed in Ansley and Taylor areas for a number of years before retirement
Activities: enjoyed ranching and farming, playing cards, and traveling after retiring; was always up for a new challenge throughout his life
Survivors include: his son Allen Hartman of Ansley; daughters, Sharon (Sherrie) and Tom Roberts of Ansley, Kay and Mel Shermer of Taylor; grandchildren, Matthew and Alyssia Roberts, Brian and Lindsy Roberts, Kiley and Levi Miller, Jarrod Hartman, Lindsey and Kurt Kulhanek, Kelsie Hartman, Logan and Rebecca Shermer, and Reed “Cooper” Shermer; great grandchildren, Kaden and Parker Miller, Kale and Kimeri Kulhanek, and Moxon and Raygan Shermer; brothers, Loren and Lorna Hartman of Kenesaw, Alvin and Karen Hartman, and Arthur and Helen Hartman of Gibbon; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives
Was preceded in death by his wife, daughter-in-law Kimberly Hartman, and brother Harlan Hartman, and sister Esther Lee
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2017
HENDRICKSON, Donald E. “Don”, 87, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: later
Born: Dec. 13, 1929, in rural Buffalo County
Parents: Albert and Merna L. (Malin) Hendrickson
Attended several country schools before attending Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954
Married: Leora Halford in Alexandria, La., on Nov. 3, 1951
Began a career with Baldwin Manufacturing in 1956, eventually became a production manager by the time of his retirement in 1996
Activities: member the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Posse from 1968-1974, Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and also one of five original members of the Western Wranglers, which was established in 1974
Survivors include: his daughter, Vickie Hendrickson of Beatrice and her friend, Dennis Riley; grandchildren and spouses, Tiffany and James Pracheil and Nicholas and Nicole Trampe, all of Laramie, Wyo.; great-grandchildren, Josiah, Teagan, Tamera and Orvetta; sister, Margaret and husband Jim Panek of San Diego; and son-in-law, Rowland Trampe of Riverdale
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Tamera Trampe; and brother, Larry Hendrickson. Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2017
HOFFMAN, Janis, 82, of Grand Prairie, Texas, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, at Arbrook Plaza Nursing Facility in Arlington
Service: Jan. 5 in Broken Arrow, Okla.
Mortuary: Floral Haven in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Born: Aug. 1, 1935, in Ada, Kan.
Parents: Harold and Lyllian Moutain
Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Fort Hays State University, lived for many years in Kearney with her husband and son, and worked at L&W Service Center and Russell’s Appliance and Electronics; after her husband’s retirement from Kearney State College/the University of Nebraska at Kearney, moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; after his death, moved to Grand Prairie to be with her son and daughter-in-law
Survivors include: her son, Lamont Hoffman and wife Shari; brother-in-law, Jerry Nixon; nephews, Mark and wife Debbie Nixon and Greg and wife Angela Nixon; grandnephew, Joshua Nixon; and grandnieces, Katy, Abigail and Regan Nixon
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Harland Hoffman; and her sister, Jane Nixon
Memorials: The Cure Arthritis 2020 Initiative
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2017
HOLOUBECK, Sara S., 73, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at her home near Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Aug. 31, 1944, in Pleasanton
Parents: Henry and Ella (Gerdts) Busch
Baptized at Calvary Lutheran Church in Pleasanton on June 17, 1945; attended Pleasanton High School
Married: June 4, 1962, to Terrance Dean Holoubeck
Earned her AART certification and worked in medical records at Good Samaritan Hospital for 35 years, 1973-2008, when she retired
Activities: enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and, especially, oil painting; loved to travel; favorite trips were a river cruise in Europe, Puerto Rico and Hawaii; had a beautiful flower garden; favorite activity of all was being with her family
Survivors include: her husband of 55 years, Terry; children, Lichelle Holoubeck of Kearney and Vicki Holoubeck and special friend Dan Leuders of Bellevue; sisters, Rhonda Jensen of St. Augustine, Fla., and Carole Oertle of Kearney; and grandchildren, Dalton Arnold, Sterling Arnold, Amber Martinosky and Trevor Martinosky
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Archie Busch; sister, Mary Mayer; and brother-in-law, William Leet
Memorials: University of Nebraska Medical Center Oncology Department or the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2017
KIMBALL, Beverly J. Kimball, 93, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
She chose cremation
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 6, 1924, in Omaha
Parents: Dr. Floyd and Helen Biles Murray
Graduated from Benson High School, Cottey College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: 1946 to Kenneth F. Kimball; he died in January 1990
Activities: was devoted to her family, friends, church and country; was a dedicated volunteer in many organizations; member of First Presbyterian Church and Chapter GG of the PEO Sisterhood; enjoyed outdoor activities — birding, hiking, camping, skiing, traveling and especially golfing; was a harpist, a student pilot, church librarian and a participant in medical mission trips to Haiti; creative writings included histories, travelogues, philosophical musings and her autobiography
Survivors include: Carol Kimball, Betsy Kimball and Don Frey, Annemarie Schaer, and Christopher Kreston
Kearney Hub, 26 December, 2017
KOTSIOPULOS, George Peter, 94, of Fort Collins, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, in Fort Collins
Funeral service: Saturday, December 16, 2017, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial proceeding the service: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Died just one week prior to his 95th birthday
Born: December 14, 1922
in Kearney
Parents: Peter and Antigone (Kapota) Kotsiopulos
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1941; attended Kearney State College, Holy Cross Seminary, and graduate school at Boston University
Military: U.S. Navy, July 1, 1943,- December 26, 1945 during WWII; served in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Saipan, Guadalcanal, Corregidor, Bataan, Hiroshima, and attended the Armistice in Tokyo Bay on the U.S.S. Missouri
Married: August 14, 1944, to Pauline Kyros, in Boston, Massachusetts; she died in January 1997 after 52 years of marriage
Married: Gwendolyn Squire of Fort Collins in May 1998
Graduated from the Institute of Dry-cleaning and Laundry in Silver Springs, Maryland; returned to Kearney and purchased Liberty Cleaners from his father and uncle in 1947, expanded to Grand Island, Columbus and North Platte, later sold the latter two; merged his company, 1974, with his son, Peter, who started Varsity Formal Wear in 1969 and Liberty Uniform and Linen Supply in 1971; moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1984
Activities: was active in numerous community projects and organizations including the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, finance chair of the Red Cross, Rotary International, charter member of the Colonels Club, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Royal Arch Masons, Legion, VFW, Tehama Shrine Temple, Knights Templar, Director of Holy Trinity Greek Church of Grand Island, and Lake Jeffrey Development Board; enjoyed traveling, dancing, family, helped found the Cotillion Dance Club; spent his free time golfing, pheasant hunting, traveling, Greek cooking, reading, and enjoying the family at Lake Jeffrey water skiing, swimming, fishing and boating; played on the basketball teams at Kearney High School and Holy Cross Seminary, in later years maintained his health by riding his three-wheel bike several times a day
Survivors include: his wife Gwendolyn, son Peter Kotsiopulos (Jane) of Kearney, Nebraska, daughter Antigone Kotsiopulos (Jerry Culp) of Fort Collins, Colorado, two granddaughters, Kara Steffen (Lance) of Kearney, Nebraska, and Julia Hernandez (Adrian) of LaVista, Nebraska, and five great grandchildren-Sophia, Syler, and Sladen Steffen of Kearney, and Henry and Truman Hernandez of Lavista, as well as Gwendolyn's children Karen Sorensen (Jon) of Sacramento, CA, Ken Squire of San Francisco, CA, and Dale Squire of Fort Collins, CO.
Was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Paula
Memorials: Kotsiopulos Family Scholarship funds established at the University of Nebraska at Kearney or at Colorado State University in Fort Collins
Kearney Hub, 13 December, 2017
LASH, Cindy, 71, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: later
Born: Oct. 20, 1946, in Kansas City, Mo.
Parents: John H. and Ethel (Withaup) Danneberg
Was a graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kan.
Married: Sept. 21, 1969, to John Lee Lash Sr. in Kansas City
After marriage, lived in Overland Park, Kan.; worked as a receptionist for several years while in Kansas City; moved to Elm Creek, 1971, worked as a lab technician at BD in Holdrege and later retired from Eaton Corp. after 28 years of employment as a quality assurance auditor
Activities: enjoyed crocheting, camping, fishing, horseback riding and being outdoors
Survivors include: her daughters, Cheri Lynn Saldivar of Omaha, Kathryn Jean Long and husband Glen of Elm Creek, Constance Gail Sorensen and husband Tim of Kearney and Deanna Sue Fraizer and husband Dan of Belmond, Iowa; son, John Lee Lash Jr. of Kearney; grandchildren and spouses, Michelle and Wesley Bieker, Jason Saldivar, Amos and Wyndi Burkey, Stella and John Johnston, Seth and Tami Burkey, Nicole and Luke Peterson, Noah and Chelsie Sorensen, Elizabeth and Terry Fesseden, Robert Lash, Caitlin Fraizer and Ethan Fraizer; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Johna Lou Brand and husband William of Huntley, Ill.; brother-in-law, Daniel and wife Rita Lash; sister-in-law, Judy Lash; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Lash Sr.
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2017
LIMBACH, Marie Elene, 74, of Odessa died Sunday, Dec 17, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born: Feb. 27, 1943, in New York, New York
Parents: Harry A. and Sara (Christakos) Stratis
Grew up in New York and California; moved to the Kearney area in 1977
Was a selfless woman who always put others’ needs before her own; worked in the kitchen at Odessa Elementary; loved cooking Thanksgiving turkey for the students and their parents
Survivors include: her husband Ringo Limbach of Odessa; her son, David Garlewicz and his wife Brenda of Odessa; her daughter, Dawn Epley of Omaha; her grandchildren, Vanessa, Chad, Julianni and Payton; and two great-grandchildren, Mhya and Gabrielle
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2017
METZ, Eileen Esther, 89, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Cremation will follow
Born: March 13, 1928, at Poole
Parents: William H. and Elizabeth (Jochem) Reese
Attended elementary at a small country school, later earned her GED; in her teenage years, did housework and child care in farm homes
Married: David M. Metz on May 2, 1953, in Grand Island
Activities: after David’s retirement from Union Pacific Railroad, enjoyed traveling and working in the yard; also enjoyed sewing, crocheting and baking cakes
Survivors include her husband, David Metz of Kearney; her children, Susan E. Rogers of Axtell and Howard F. Metz of Kenesaw; her grandchildren, Belinda Goodsel of Junction City, Kan., Robert Metz and Karen Rennick and husband Tyler, all of Hastings, and Brian McDonald of Napa, Calif.; her great-grandchildren, Kara, Jennifer, Aries, Zoey, Dylan and Lillyana; three sisters, Dorothy Heinzmann of Oregon, Evelyn Kreutzer of Holdrege and Loretta Kiper of Texas; a sister-in-law, Lettie Reese of Lincoln; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Conner Scott Metz; and her siblings, Carl, Walter, Margaret, Alice, Edward, Everett and Arthur
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2017
MIDDLESWART, William “Max”, 69, of Gibbon died Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 2, 1948, in Fowler, Kan.
Parents: William W. and Fern D. (White) Middleswart
Grew up in and received his education in Fowler
Moved to California for a short time before moving to Gibbon
Married: Carla Moffett on March 30, 1973, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney and later moved to Gibbon; owned and operated Middleswart Trucking and worked for his brother Larry at Rolar Inc.
Activities: member of the Gibbon Baptist Church, the Sons of American Legion, the American Legion Riders and was a past member of the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department; loved his Harley motorcycle, his cats and eagles and was an avid sports fan, especially the Gibbon High School teams; enjoyed fishing and always looked forward to spending time with his friends at the Gibbon American Legion
Survivors include: his wife, Carla Middleswart of Gibbon; two sons, William Donald Middleswart of Washington, D.C., and Carl Wesley Middleswart and wife Angela of Warren, Mich.; two granddaughters, Catherine and Maya Middleswart; his stepfather, Don Dye of Meade, Kan.; his siblings, Larry Middleswart and wife Brenda of Gibbon, Deb Belau and husband Ron of Gibbon, and Chuck Middleswart of Miami; his father-in-law, Carl Moffett of Burwell; sisters-in-law, Donna Middleswart of Minden, Jean Widdowson and husband Joe of Gibbon, and Rhonda Ammon and husband Jerry of Bassett; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gary Middleswart; a nephew, Troy Middleswart; and his mother-in-law, Kay Moffett
Memorials: Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department or the Gibbon American Legion
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2017
NIPPERT, Gertrud, 87, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: April 6, 1930, in Otterbach, Germany
Parents: Heinrich and Barbara (Gröner) Banzhaf
Married: March 21, 1955, to Lauren Nippert, in Alton, Ill.
Grew up in a Christian fellowship of friends who met in each other’s homes to study the Bible and worship God, met Lauren, an American soldier stationed in Germany, there; remembers her early childhood as idyllic, later lived through the horrors of the Nazi culture and the bombings of World War II; often spoke of her parents’ sincere faith in God, which had kept them soft-hearted through those years of hardship and adversity; after the war, she and her father and sisters built a home on a hilltop in the countryside they called Bergheim
Married at the age of 25, after the loss of her mother, and left her family and country; moved to Kearney in May 1955, remained there there rest of their lives
Activities: was known for her love of flowers and gardening, for her delicious cooking, for letter-writing and story-telling, and for her generous hospitality; was like a mother to many other people in addition to her own children
Survivors include: children and their spouses, Irma Nippert, Arnold and Mary Ann Nippert, Heidi and Volker Werk, Andrew Nippert, Julianna and Paul Veldkamp; and eight grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, and her sisters, Elsbeth Bell and Alice Bell of Australia
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2017
OLMSTED, Robert M. “Bob”, 86, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Friday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Jan. 30, 1931, in Kearney
Parents: Guy and Mildred (Zimmerman) Olmsted
Married: Dec. 30, 1951, to Corinne Day in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Military: U.S. Army, Jan. 2, 1952, to Dec. 7, 1953; veteran of the Korean War
Returned to Kearney, established Olmsted Construction, did masonry and construction work; later worked at Kearney State College and then the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a maintenance mechanic until retiring
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church, VFW Post 759 and American Legion Post 52, all of Kearney
Survivors include: his wife, Corinne of Kearney; daughters, Kathy Habben and husband Jon of Nebraska City, Karen Olmsted and Robert Sinsel of Alma and Bobbi Runge and husband David of Kearney; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Olmsted and wife Carol of Winston, Ore., and Guy Olmsted Jr. and wife Marilyn of Sacramento, Calif.; sisters, Virginia Bradshaw and husband William, and Wilma Johnston and husband John, all of Fort Worth, Texas
Was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nancy, and sister, Charlotte Thayer
Memorials: the Building Addition Fund at Faith United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2017
OWEN, Galen Jay, 85, of Green, Kansas, formerly of Elm Creek, Neb., died Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Topeka
Cremation is planned
Memorial service: Friday, Aug 17, 2018, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Andres-Pfeifley in Riley, Kansas
Born: Feb. 23, 1932, in Buda, Neb.
Parents: Howard and Murna (Shubert) Owen
Was the younger of two boys
Military: entered U.S. Army, Sept. 15, 1949; spent time in Japan and Korea; was wounded in the Korean War and was discharged on Dec. 21, 1952
After the military, returned to Nebraska, worked on many area farms and later drove trucks for different companies; started a trucking business that he ran until he retired
Married: Karen Hancock, 1982, in Sturgis, S.D.
After marriage, lived in Elm Creek
Activities: enjoyed spending time with his family, taking care of his mom, Murna, and tinkering on his motorcycle; enjoyed, fishing and camping, but especially loved being on the open road on his motorcycle; rode to Sturgis, S.D., every year
Survivors include: his wife, Karen Owen of Kearney, Neb.; son, Rick Owen and wife Carol of Green; son, Tim Owen of Green; daughter, Renae Self of Kearney; brother, Calvin Owen; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; Donna Owen, mother of Mike, Rick, Tim and Mark; two nieces; and many cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike Owen; and infant son, Mark Owen
Memorials: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
Kearney Hub, 23 December, 2017 and 15 Aug, 2018
PERLEBERG, Wilhelm A. A., 94, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service for Wilhelm and his wife Ruth: Thursday, Dec. 21, at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 23, 1922, in Berlin, Germany
Parents: Alfred and Else (Wagner) Perleberg
Married: June 25, 1949, to Charlotte Czech in Berlin
In 1952, fled with his wife and child from East Berlin; loading the baby carriage with only a few personal items, they crossed over into the West sector of Berlin to freedom. For fear of discovery, they left all without saying goodbye
Before World War II, received his education in Germany as a tool-and-die maker; was a master craftsman and even taught his craft to apprentices; After fleeing East Berlin, moved to Eschwege, Germany, worked as a tool-and-die maker over the next seven years; saw a posting at the local employment office that Baldwin Manufacturing in Kearney was seeking a tool-and-die maker, and applied; J.A. Baldwin hired him and sponsored his family to America; Willie with his family landed on the shores of New York City on Dec. 13, 1959; was welcomed by many Baldwin employees and the community of Kearney with a furnished apartment complete with all the Christmas trimmings and presents under the tree; Willie retired from Baldwin/Clarcor Manufacturing in 1994
In 1990, visited his homeland and celebrated with their family the Berlin Wall being torn down
Charlotte died on March 1, 1991,after 42 years of marriage
Married: Sept. 23, 1995, to Ruth Halmhofer in Kearney at Evangelical Free Church; she died away on Nov. 28, 2017, just two and a half weeks before Willie passed
Activities: loved to re-design and improve on products; also enjoyed music; dancing, particularly to swing music; traveling to the mountains; and the Pacific Ocean; weekends were always filled with a drive to somewhere
Was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Ilse and Emmi, his brother Manfred; and his wives, Charlotte and Ruth
Survivors include: his sister, Gretchen of Berlin; his children and spouses, Ulrich and Debra Perleberg of Flowery Branch, Ga., and Yvonne and Dean Smith of Kearney; grandchildren and spouses, Reiko and Jamie Perleberg of Birmingham, Ala., Tiara and Jesse Davis of Lincoln, Racheal and Adam Steinke of Beaver City, Natalie Rodriguez of Berkeley, Calif., Corinne and Kendall Smith of Kearney; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces in Germany; also stepchildren, Jurgen Halmhofer, Karen Bosman, Steve Halmhofer and Kim all of Redding, Calif.; and five step-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2017
REYNOLDS, Esther J., 92, of Grand Island, formerly of the Kearney area, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, at Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Aug. 6, 1925, at the family farm north of Odessa
Parents: Adolph and May Holoubeck
Was the fifth child; attended school in Odessa and graduated in 1944
Married: Dec. 2, 1944, in Kearney, to Herman Lester Reynolds, originally from Lynchburg, Virginia; Herman passed away in August 2006
Was a homemaker and gardener; spent most of her life in the Kearney area; moved to Grand Island, November 2011, to live closer to her daughter
Activities: enjoyed reading historical novels, her kitty and spending time outside; was very gentle in spirit and strong in will
Survivors include: her daughter, Carolyn Bailey and husband John of Grand Island; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Bond of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Gary Reynolds; brother, Archie Holoubeck; and sisters, June Harpham and Emily McCan
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2017
SCHREINER, Henry G., 52, of Kearney died Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
The family will receive friends Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born: March 5, 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio
Parents: Philip and Therese (Abella) Schreiner
Was raised in Chesterland, Ohio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Elk Grove, Illinois; was a graduate of St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois; earned his bachelors degree from Marquette University
Married: October 10, 1987, to Julie Miles at St. Matthews Church in Schaumburg, Illinois
Moved to Kearney, 2011; was employed as a Senior Buyer with Baldwin Filter
Activities: was active in Boy Scouts and served as an assistant scout leader for many years; enjoyed golfing and camping; was an avid Chicago Sports Fan (excluding the Chicago Cubs) and was a season ticket holder for the Tri-City Storm
Survivors include: his wife, Julie Schreiner; sons Timothy and Joseph Schreiner all of Kearney; mother Therese Schreiner of Aurora, IL; brother Greg Schreiner and wife Lori of Kansas City, KS; sister Tracee “Geeky” Nielsen and husband Peter “Sneaky” of Aurora, IL; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his father
Memorials: American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association
http://www.osrfh.com/obituaries/
SCOVILLE, Connie Jo, 58, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at her home
Memorial service: Dec. 13, Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born: January 20, 1959 in Kearney
Was raised in Kearney, was a graduate of Kearney High School
Married: February 18, 1983, to Dan Scoville in Sumner
Had been employed at Cash-Wa in the accounts receivable department for the past 10 years
Activities: enjoyed horseback riding; cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her husband Dan Scoville of Kearney; children Joseph Wiese of Greeley, CO, Sandra (John) Smith of Hill City, KS, Travis (Dawn) Journey of Republic, KS, Hazel (Justin) Underwood of Axtell, Daniel (Jessica) Scoville of Cozad, Dustin Scoville of Lincoln and Adam (MaKaila) Scoville of Cozad; several grandchildren; brothers Lane Journey, Wade (Dawn) Journey and Vic Journey all of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her mother Connie Weidel.
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 11 December 2017
STRIKER-RAPP, Laureen Diane, 70, of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at Wide Horizon Care Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Memorial service: Jan. 2 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Chapel in Kearney
Born: March 30, 1947, in Seattle
Parents: Marion and Margarite Striker
Attended and graduated high school from Mercer Island High School
Married: Feb. 14, 1969, to Rick D. Brown; had three children together
Lived in Federal Way, Washington; moved to Lake Tapps in 1983
Married: March 23, 1991 to Kelly Rapp, on a ferry called “The Goodtime II” on Seattle’s Puget Sound
Moved to Kearney in 1992; purchased 80 acres and built a home there; with husband, developed single-family homes in southwest Kearney; currently there are over 160 homes, and Kenwood Elementary School is also included in this subdivision; had a gift of interior design that enabled her to quickly put colors together and pick siding, brick and interior colors for spec homes in their development; was truly a pro in designing a home with curb appeal and wonderful, soft, warm colors throughout the interior.
Activities: enjoyed traveling, including ski trips were taken to Colorado, overseas to visit family; Egypt, Antarctica, a driving tour of Europe, and Iceland; supported her children and grandchildren in their various activities and endeavors; was active in her church as a reader, Sunday school teacher and board member
Survivors include her husband, Kelly Rapp of Kearney; son, Jeffrey Brown and his wife, Pam, of Enumclaw, Wash.; daughter, Krista Freund and her husband, Phil, of Silverdale, Wash.; daughter, Mindy Brewster and her husband, John, of Lakewood, Colo.; grandsons, Zachary Brown and his wife, Lisa, of Salt Lake City; Jeffrey Dwight Brown and Miles Brown, both of Enumclaw; granddaughters, Elise Freund, Claire Freund and Annika Freund, all of Silverdale; great-granddaughters, Ryan Brown and Zienna Brown of Salt Lake City; and brothers, William Striker and Jack Striker, and a sister, Melissa Striker, all of Washington
Was preceded in death by her mother, Margarite; her father, Marion Striker; and her daughter, Heidi Brown
Memorials: American Red Cross
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2017
TAUBENHEIM, Glenn, 66, of Grant, formerly of Amherst, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at his home
Service: Friday, Dec. 15, at Grant United Methodist Church
Burial: Grant Fairview Cemetery
Mortuary: Bullock-Long in Grant
Born: May 19, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Lee and Rosemary (Jeffers) Taubenheim
Married: Sept. 25, 1971, to Bonnie Hadwiger in Amherst
Survivors include his wife; son, Clint of Lincoln; daughter, Shannon Vaughn of Parker, Colo.; brothers, Tim of Amherst and Kent of the Elwood and Johnson Lake area; and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2017