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ALBERS-MOON, Dorothy M., 98, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Private family inurnment: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 28 November 2018
BELSCHNER, Marilyn, 88, of Chadron, formerly of Amherst and Taos, N.M., died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at her home
No service
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Born: March 7, 1930, at Beatrice, Nebr.
Parents: Marion and Margaret Fuller
Was a self-taught artist, left a legacy of artwork; attended domestic and international workshops to develop her style and talent; illustrated books in pen and ink, worked with oils, watercolors and sculpture; attended 17 art workshops, was represented by 11 art galleries and had countless exhibits and showings over a 50-year period; most enjoyed creating portraits, the human face, with pastels; representative works will remain at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, the Hastings Museum and the archives of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.; askArt.com; her website, marilynpastelartist.com; and hundreds of private collections across the country
Had lived the last five years at Chadron
Survivors include: two daughters, Vicki Papineau (Rick) and Shawn Cogdill (Rex), four grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren
Preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 26 December 2018
BURTON, Robert W. “Bob”, 84, of Pleasanton died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Aug. 9, 1934, at the family home near Poole in Cedar Township
Parents: Everett Monroe and Charlotte Lucile (Loomis) Burton
Attended the rural school, Star District 66, a one-room school; in 1952, graduated from Pleasanton High School, played baseball and basketball; later was active in bowling
As a high school graduate, had hoped to become an attorney or a veterinarian, but followed his mother’s wise advice to seek out a career better suited to his abilities; had lost his hearing at 15 months of age due to scarlet fever; went into farming, was very successful, and enjoyed the farm life; his family, marriages, life’s work, church ministries and volunteer work were very important to him
Joined his father and a brother, Francis, in the profession of farming; began farming independently in fall 1952
Married: Sharon Lea Seery on July 15, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Cairo
After marriage, lived on a farm a mile north of the family farm
Activities: joined the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Pleasanton, was baptized in 1959; taught adult Sunday school class; learning and teaching of the Scriptures were very important to Robert; continued in the church after it became United Methodist, served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for 16 years, chairman of the Building Committee for the new parsonage in 1970, delegate to the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1970 and church treasurer from 1974 to 2007; was a charter member of the Pleasanton Lions Club, made lifelong friendships, learned to overcome his fear of public speaking and was given the opportunity to develop his leadership skills, all this in spite of the fact that he was nearly deaf; served in all the offices of the local club and achieved perfect attendance for 27 years, held various other offices and was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Lions Club International Foundation, 2016-17; was township committeeman for the Republican Party and served as treasurer for Cedar Township for many terms
His wife spent the last months of her life as a patient at Mother Hull Home in Kearney and passed away on Feb. 23, 1983
Robert became a member of the Board of Directors of Mother Hull Home in fall 1983, served as chairman of the Board of Directors for 26 years, led Mother Hull Home in three major building projects
Married: Aug. 18, 1995,to Mary Lou “Bonnie” Horsley at the United Methodist Church in Pleasanton
After this marriage, lived at the original farm where he was born; added three daughters, Kathy, Christine and Tamela; two sons, Rick and Rod; 19 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren to his family and learned to love each one
Was preceded in death by his parents, twin sisters, Irene Helen and Iva Ruth, and his brothers, Francis Everett and Kenneth David
Memorials: Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2018
CUNNINGHAM, Laura Bell, 83, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, in Gretna
Private memorial service later
Born: July 23, 1935
Parents: Wayne J. and Laura (Lloyd) Cunningham
Survivors include: her sons, Nicholas Cunningham and Charles (Claire) Cunningham; grandchildren, Tasha Kruse, Kathryn Jacobs, Hannah Cunningham and Benjamin Cunningham; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Jane Brooks
Preceded in death by her parents; son, Davin S. Torney; and grandson, Xavier Quinn
Memorials: Omaha Public Library Foundation
Kearney Hub, 20 December 2018
DRAGE, Ronald Milton, 80, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at his home
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Born: Sept. 15, 1938, in Shelton
Parents: William V. and Ruth G. (Kneher) Drage
Grew up in Shelton, graduated from Shelton High School, 1956
Married: April 6, 1987, to Mary Woodruff in Kearney; had eight children together
Lived in Kearney, worked as a maintenance mechanic for Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Shelton and the Eagles Club; enjoyed hunting and watching Nebraska football
Survivors include: his wife, Mary Drage of Kearney; children, Scott Drage and his wife, Christi, and Darin Drage and his special friend, Kacey, all of Grand Island, Kyle Drage and his wife, Marcia, of Omaha, Dene McKinney and her husband, Jim, of Bend, Ore., Sheila Kruger and her husband, Mike, of Johnstown, Colo., Theresa Wilhelm and her husband, Lee, of McCook and Angie Clauser and her husband, Bill, of Loveland, Colo.; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Dailey and her husband, Ron, of Dix; along with many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, John Swayze; grandson, Mark Swayze; and sister, Leona Swartwood
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2018
DUNN, Wilma C., 94, of North Platte, formerly of Riverdale and Kearney, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at Linden Court in North Platte
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Freewater Cemetery south of Wilcox
Born: June 12, 1924, southwest of Riverdale
Parents: Earl and Clara (Erickson) Ball
Was a 1943 graduate of Riverdale High School
Worked as a civilian clerk at the Kearney Air Base during World War II; later worked for many years at Northwestern Public Service Co. in Kearney
Married: June 12, 1946, to Howard Dunn in Kearney
Lived in Kearney for many years, then moved to Riverdale
Activities: members of First United Methodist Church in Kearney; enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking and also spent many hours embroidering items for family and friends; loved to be around babies and children and spoiled many over the years; enjoyed fishing at the lake, following Independent League baseball and later in life attending Howard’s U.S. Army reunions
Survivors include: her nieces, Lori Potter of Kearney, Lisa Parish and husband Jim of North Platte, Lois Potter of Wilcox and Gail Potter of Lincoln; along with cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; nephews, Glen Potter and James Potter; and sister-in-law, Ruth (Dunn) Potter and husband Dean
Memorials: Central Nebraska Veterans’ Memorial
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2018
DUREN, Diane Marie, 58, of Lincoln died Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in Lincoln
Memorial service: Saturday at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel
Born: Oct. 18, 1960, in Kearney
Parents: Robert Berrie and Ruth Eleanor (Oliverious) Wilson
Was a graduate of College of St. Mary’s in social work
Was a Premier Jewelry representative for over 25 years, home care assistant, big into fashion, loved interior design, fitness and taught Jazzercise; was a people person, enjoyed entertaining and loved spending time on the water at Johnson Lake
Survivors include: her daughters, Bryttie (Kyle) Kurtenbach of Chicago, Colbi Duren of Denver and Jacy Duren of Lincoln; sisters, Kay (Lorin) Downing of Kearney and Nancy (Ron) Larsen of Kearney; brother, Bob (Patty) Wilson of Kearney; ex-husband, Daniel Duren of Lincoln; and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Capital Humane Society or People’s City Mission
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2018
DUTKO, Margareta, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Lisco, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Mass of Resurrection: Saturday at St. Gall’s Catholic Church in Lisco
Burial: Lisco Memorial Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born: Sept. 29, 1930, in Herzogenaurach, Germany
Parents: Kaspar and Katharina (Wein) Hertwich
After World War II, the Americans took over the large air base on the edge of Herzogenaurach, and Polish soldiers who had been German prisoners of war joined the Civilian Labor Corps and were stationed at the Herzo Air Base
Married: Mikolay Dutko, a handsome military policeman from the Herzo Air Base, May 14, 1949, in Herzogenaurach
In 1951, displaced persons were given the opportunity to relocate to the United States or Australia; the Dutkos chose the United States, and came on the USS General Butler, a military ship that was used during the Korean War to transport troops; Catholic Relief Society helped the family find employment at the John McGinley ranch north of Lisco
Moved to Lisco, 1960, to work for Rush Creek Land and Cattle Co.; six years later, bought the Mobil Station from Glen Barnwell; Marga filled in pumping gas and checking oil at the station when Mike was delivering fuel to farmers and ranchers; together they operated the Dutko Service Mobil Station from 1966 until 2002, when they retired
Activities: was active in several bridge and pinochle clubs; learned to sew beautifully, helped make her daughter’s wedding dress; made quilts for grandchildren; and knitted, starched and stretched beautiful doilies from old German patterns that were often given as wedding presents; enjoyed goose hunting and fishing with her husband; target shooting was always an even competition between the two of them; loved to cook and bake, especially around the holidays; always made Christmas cookes with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the day after Thanksgiving, using her favorite German recipes; was known for her hospitality and quiet kindness
Survivors include her daughter, Karin Covalt of Kearney; her grandchildren, Misha Covalt of Kearney and Mike Covalt and his wife, Becky, and three great-grandchildren, Anna, Drew and Abby Covalt, all of Seward; and one brother, Heinz Hertwich of Herzogenaurach
Was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two sisters, Elisabeth Hertwich Sierat, who died earlier this year, and Wilhelmina Hertwich, who died in WWII
Memorials: St. Gall’s Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 14 November 2018
FLETCHER, Donald D., 88, of Gibbon, formerly of Litchfield, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at Litchfield Christian Church
Inurnment: Litchfield Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Aug. 31, 1930, in Ainsworth
Parents: James and Lena (Heil) Fletcher
Attended schools in the Ainsworth and Ravenna areas
Worked for his Uncle Claude and Aunt Jessie farming, then worked for Greenslit Lumber at age 16 driving a truck; later worked for Kaiser-Fraser in Ravenna
Military: U.S. Army, Feb. 29, 1952, to Jan. 13, 1954; served as a tank driver
Married: Pat Franssen on June 27, 1955, in Loup City
After marriage, lived near Litchfield; had three children together, Peggy, Henry and James, and raised their niece, Susie; Pat passed away on Sept. 23, 1998
Farmed, had a dairy and did mechanic work and custom small round baling until 1975; worked for Hinsman Irrigation in Grand Island for two years; moved to Litchfield in 1977; owned and operated F & F Repair in Litchfield, 1976-1985; operated a café in Litchfield and later worked for Gerald Nelson; also drove a bus for Litchfield Public School for 30 years
Married: Geri Evans on Sept. 11, 2004
Lived in Loup City, moved to Gibbon in 2005; spent the winters in Mission, Texas, until 2014
Activities: served on the Harrison Township Board for 20 years; member of the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years; took pride in storytelling; enjoyed fishing, camping, raising cattle, gardening, flowers, planting fruit trees, making two-cylinder John Deere tractors run, and traveling; went to Washington, D.C., on the Hero Flight, was very proud of his service in the Korean War
Survivors include his wife, Geri of Gibbon; children, Henry (Janet) Fletcher and James (Tasha) Fletcher, all of Litchfield, Peggy Nielsen of Loup City and Susie (Marcus) Artis of Aurora, Colo.; stepchildren, Larry (Diane) Evans of Loup City, Randy (Barb) Evans of Omaha, Cindy (Mark) Ballard of Omaha and Aleyse Erickson of Kearney; grandchildren, Scott, Amber, Austin, Tancy, Jimmy, Cooper, Braxton, Wyatt, Keith, Koryn and Quincy; many stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Penny Becker
Was preceded in death by his first wife, Pat; two infant grandchildren; brothers, James C. Fletcher and John Fletcher; and sister, Bessie Poore
Kearney Hub, 21 November 2018
FULTON, Virginia L. “Gini”, 95, of Kearney, formerly of Denver, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society-St. John’s in Kearney
Graveside service: Dec. 17 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 30 November 2018
FUQUA, Tami L., 49, of Grand Island, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018
Celebration of life: Tuesday at the Chicken Coop Banquet Center in Kearney
Mortuary: All Faiths of Grand Island
Born: April 7, 1969, in Kearney
Parents: Rickey and Gale (Kroll) Fuqua
Graduated from Gibbon High School, then earned her registered nursing license
Was employed for several years caring for the residents of local nursing homes; more recently, was a tax consultant for Liberty Tax Service
Activities: collected frogs and cows; had an extensive fabric collection, loved bright colors and her tattoos
Survivors include: son, Tyler (Lizz) Fuqua of Kearney; granddaughter, Tiana; father and stepmother, Rickey and Cheryl Fuqua of Red Cloud; brothers, Tim (Cindy) Fuqua and Jeff (Candy) Fuqua, all of Kearney; sister, Jackie (Jay) Fields of Red Cloud; and numerous extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her mother, Gale
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2018
GEHANT, Elaine A., 86, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Saturday at St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon, Ill.
Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Brooklyn, Ill.
Mortuary: Mihm-Jones in Amboy, Ill.
Born: Aug. 11, 1932, in West Brooklyn, Ill.
Parents: George and Zita (Meyer) Gehant
Worked for Del Monte in Rochelle, Ill., for eight years, then was section manager for Axa Equitable Insurance Co. for 23 years
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Georgene Parks; and two brothers, Gilbert and Otto Gehant
Survivors include her sister, Marybelle Novak of Dixon, Ill.; several nieces and nephews; and her very good friend, Georgia Vak of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2018
GILSON, Thelma Jean, 71, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
No services are planned
Born: June 18, 1947, in North Platte
Parents: Meril D. and Blanche (Matson) Johnson
Married: May 28, 1973, to Larry Gilson in North Platte; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Tory and Randy; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2018
GREEN, Elna “Shorty” M., 86, of McGregor, Montana, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at McGregor Lake
A remembrance: in Montana when the wildflowers she loved bloom again in the mountains
Born March 8, 1932
Approached life with an indomitable spirit of adventure, generosity and caring for others
Married: 1957, to Morris Green, a tall, handsome World War II vet
Enjoyed traveling, especially in the mountains
Moved to McGregor Lake, 2013, realizing her lifelong dream of living in a log cabin in the mountains; enjoyed luncheons with friends and many adventures to Glacier National Park and nearby areas
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2018
GODBERSON, Helen Jean, 90, of Green Valley, Arizona, formerly of Gibbon, Neb., died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at her home
Services and inurnment: later in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 8 December 2018
GRUNTORAD, Isabel A., 91, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Kearney
Service: Wed., Nov. 21, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton
Burial: Elm Creek Catholic Cemetery
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Born: August 4, 1927 in the Streit farm home northeast of Overton
Parents: Joe and Maggie (Weaver) Streit
Attended District 96 Rural School, graduated from Overton High School in 1945; attended Kearney State Teacher’s College
Was a rural school teacher for eight and one-half years
Married: Edwin J. Gruntorad on April 7, 1951 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton
Continued teaching school while her husband served two years in the service during the Korean Conflict
Moved to a home in Overton, resided there their entire married life; after her children were in school, worked at the local dentist office of Dr. L.E. Sayles and later Dr. Daniel McClenahan; was also employed at Plectron in Overton; retired in 1989
Activities: member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Altar Society; member of American Legion Auxiliary, Homemaker Extension Club and Overton Worthwhile Club; enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as playing cards and reading
Survivors include: her children, Dan Gruntorad and special friend (Julie McNett) of Overton; Mary Ann (Loyd) Hickey of Overton; Tim (Toni) Gruntorad of Kearney; and Kathy (Doug) Drew of Riverdale; ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, brother, Larry (Janice) Streit of Overton; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ed in 2016, daughter-in-law, Tina; sister, Leona Smith and brother, Melvin
Memorials: Prince of Peace Homebound Ministry
Kearney Hub, 19 November 2018 and www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
HAND, Betty J., 85, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Aug. 18, 1933, south of Litchfield
Parents: Elmer and Esther (Samuelson) Rolfsmeyer
Graduated from Litchfield High School; earned her teaching certificate from Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney
Taught at Scott Center School for two years
Married: Rex Hand on May 21, 1953, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Pleasanton then moved south of Pleasanton, owned and operated Hand Well Co. for 55 years; was busy as a wife, mother and bookkeeper for the family business
activities: member and secretary of the Good Samaritan Buffalo County Hospital Board for many years; enjoyed golfing, garage sales, Junk Jaunt, flowers, hunting, cooking, collecting butter molds and churns, and spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many activities
Survivors include: her husband, Rex Hand of Kearney; daughters, Connie Reiss and husband Lymon of Kearney, Darla Skeen and husband Leland of Gibbon and Gisel Theis and Dave Krueger of Kearney; son, Dave Hand and wife Terry of Kearney; sister, Joanne Rolfsmeyer of Kearney; sister-in-law, Rita Rolfsmeyer of Ravenna; grandchildren, Shayla Warnken, Mike Skeen and wife Lori, Steph Sydow and husband John, Jacob Morton, Adrian Morton, Kasey Powers and husband Chris, Jerrel Theis, Chris Reiss and wife Carli, and Eric Reiss and wife Jocelyn; great-grandchildren, Preston, Haidyn and Korbin Skeen, Harper Sydow, Wesley and Walter Powers, Ellah, Hartli and Bexli Reiss, and Amaroq and Hauke Reiss
Was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Donald and Allen Rolfsmeyer; and son-in-law, Monty Warnken
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2018
HANICH, Anna Marie, 96, of Kearney, formerly of Holdrege, died Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Service: Tuesday at All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Dec. 28, 1921, in Junction City, Kan.
Parents: Dee C. and Margaret (Welsh) Dalton
Was the second of four children; received her primary education from Scottsbluff Public School, graduated in 1940
Was employed as a telegrapher for 12 months during World War II
Married: Nov. 3, 1945, to Norman L. Hanich in Grand Island; had four children together; Norman passed away in 2000
Lived in Holdrege
Activities: was an active volunteer and delivered Meals on Wheels for 30 years; member of All Saints Catholic Church, served as president of the Altar Society and taught catechism for 30 years; was an avid golfer for 50 years, served as the president of the Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association several times; loved playing bridge with her friends and husband; enjoyed attending Nebraska football games and traveling to Las Vegas; especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents and husband, and by a daughter, Terri (Hanich) Harlan; a grandson, Mark Hanich; and her siblings
Survivors include: two sons, Michael Hanich and his wife, Karen, of Kearney and Steven Hanich and his wife, Robyn, of Olathe, Kan.; a daughter, Shellee (Hanich) Kersenbrock and her husband, Mark, of Omaha; a son-in-law, Gary Harlan and his wife, Sue, of Grand Island; seven grandchildren, Josh Harlan of Steamboat Springs, Colo., Kristen Hanich of Minneapolis, Paul Hanich of Kearney, Clay Hanich of Olathe, Katie McInerney and Maggie Kersenbrock, both of Omaha, and Cole Hanich of Olathe; one great-grandchild, Zack Hanich of Lincoln; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Memorials: All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Mount Carmel Home in Kearney or the Nebraska Women’s Amateur Golf Association
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2018
KAMERY, William H. “Bill”, 72, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: pending
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2018
KITTLE, Aletha "Darene", 75, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Wednesday at New Life Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Nov. 5, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Carson and Lois (Chambers) Garrelts
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1961
Married: April 8, 1966, to Robert “Bob” Kittle in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, worked at Cabela’s in customer service, retired in 2009; at Cabela’s worked in a group nicknamed the “Smile Aisle,” which promoted positivity; was well liked by her co-workers
Activities: former member of First Christian Church, was attending New Life Church in Kearney; had a strong belief in God and lived her life accordingly; always supported her family; enjoyed traveling to a variety of locations from New Zealand to Alaska; enjoyed playing cards with friends and family
Survivors include daughters, Shirley Adams and her husband, Mike, of West Chester, Pa., Deb Kittle of Kansas City, Mo., and Karen Kittle of Grand Island; son, Eugene Kittle and his wife, Michelle, of Omaha; grandchildren, Kayla, Ethan, Sarah and Leah Kittle, Emma Adams, Jessi MacLeod and Kristen Adams; and sister, Pam Anderson and her husband, Tim, of North Platte
Was preceded in death by her husband in 2010; brother, Lawrence Garrelts; and sister, Priscilla Chambers Pinson
Memorials: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Kearney Hub, 11 December 2018
LEACH, Barbara Jo, 68, of Oxford died of cancer Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at her home
Celebration of life: Monday at First Baptist Church in Oxford
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer in Oxford
Born: April 4, 1950, in Elm Creek
Parents: Earl and Edith (Hasbrouck) Schleeter
Married: 1968, to Jerry L. Leach; he died Nov. 19, 2013
Survivors include her children, Bill Leach of Grand Island and Jerilyn Mayo and Shelly Broeker, both of Oxford; brothers, Rick Streeter of Holdrege and Randy Streeter of Hastings; sisters, Beverly Refior of Odessa and Sheila Streeter of Holdrege; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Kearney Hub, 27 December 2018
LICHTY, Michele Candice, 68, of Pleasanton died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Serenade Assisted Living in Gilbert, Ariz.
Service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 11, 1950, in Plainview
Parents: Dr. R.E. and Pauline D. (Kepler) Kopp
Grew up in Plainview; graduated from Plainview High School, 1968; received her Bachelor of Nursing from Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Married: Lynn R. Lichty on Aug. 28, 1971, in Plainview
AFter marriage, lived in Kearney
Worked for Kearney Clinic; was employed at Good Samaritan Hospital for 20 years, taught Lamaze classes during her time there; later worked in home health, until her retirement
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney; enjoyed ceramics, quilting and gardening
Survivors include: her husband, Lynn Lichty of Pleasanton; son, Robert (Stacy Towery) Lichty of Kearney; daughter, Jill (Mike) Gewecke of Gilbert, Arizona; grandchildren, Bailey Lichty and Taylor Towery, both of Kearney, and Ashley and Lindsey Gewecke of Gilbert; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Foundation
Kearney Hub, 15 November 2018
L'ROY, Jerry Lynn, 64, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at his home
Service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Elmhurst Cemetery in Guymon, Okla.
Born: Sept. 16, 1954, in Guymon
Parents: Gerald William and Velma (Brown) L’Roy
Was raised in Guymon, was a graduate of Guymon High School
Worked for several natural gas providers, most recently with Tall Grass Energy
Married: Sept. 2, 2013, to Rosa Anne (Romero) Williams in Kearney
Activities: was known for DJing several events in the Kearney area; enjoyed leatherworking and riding his Harley motorcycle
Survivors include: his wife, Rose Anne L’Roy of Kearney; daughter, Tanae Clark of Edmond, Okla.; son, Brandon Pearson of Edmond; stepdaughters, Melissa Williams of Topeka, Kan., Micheale Williams of Kearney and Melanie Williams of Holton, Kan.; five grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; sister, Carolyn Long of Guymon; as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2018
MALOLEY, Lorraine, 79, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Lexington
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery near Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: Nov. 24, 1939, in Oxford
Parents: William and Doris (Benjamin) Lorraine
Attended school in Lexington, graduated in 1958
Married: Toffie T. Maloley on Oct. 5, 1958, at the Lexington Methodist Church; had three boys together
After marriage, lived near Overton, her three boys and worked for Northwestern Bell; later worked for Plectron in Overton
Was a lifelong student; started college in 1977; earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982 from Kearney State College,then pursued her first master’s degree in counseling and working as a graduate assistant for Kearney State College; received a Master of Education degree from Kearney State College in August 1984
While working full time as a child protection worker and counselor, earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in December 1986; was certified as a social worker, professional counselor and mental health practitioner; was a member and past president of Nebraska Counselor’s Association and part of the Nebraska Critical Incident Stress Management Advisory Team; after her husband's death in 1989, moved to Kearney, worked at Richard Young, then opened her own practice in 1991; moved to Grand Island, 2000, worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a mental health practitioner; after 9/11, volunteered with the Red Cross, assisted victims and families at the Pentagon, also assisted flooding and hurricane victims in Guan and Puerto Rico; retired, 2011, and returned to Kearney Activities: enjoyed painting, knitting, weaving and shopping and loved her animals; was a worldwide traveler; was involved in 4-H when the boys were young; family was very important, loved spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her three sons, Toffie “Allen” and Steve (Terrie), all of Kearney, and Shawn (Rita) of Geneva; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with one on the way; goddaughters, Kim (Scott) Olson of Minden and Drucilla Goldsmith of Phoenix; brothers-in-law, Nimir (Margo) Maloley of Kearney, John (Mary) Maloley of Lexington and Joe (Linda) Maloley of Omaha; sisters-in-law: Victoria Salem of Kearney, Waunda Maloley of Scottsbluff and Joyce (Gary) Spellman of Minden; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Shibble, Faud, Zickie and Andy Maloley; and sisters-in-law, Leenda Liakos and Sadie Malooley
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter or the Museum of Nebraska Art
Kearney Hub, 28 November 2018
MALZACHER, Roger William, 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at his home
Service: Monday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 17, 1951, in Tilden
Parents: Paul A. Malzacher Sr. and Dorothy (Ladwig) Malzacher
Received his education from Neligh High School, graduated with the class of 1970
Worked as traffic manager for Baldwin Filters for 44 years
Married: Sept. 22, 1984, to Mariann Gabriel; had two children tegether
Activities: in earlier years, was active in horse breeding and raising longhorn cattle; was a longtime member of the Western Wranglers Saddle Club; enjoyed Husker football, hunting, fishing and woodworking; spent a lot of time outdoors and enjoyed taking care of his yard and livestock
survivors include: his wife, Mariann; daughters, Nicole Johannsen and Annessa Malzacher; granddaughter, Juhl Johannsen, all of Kearney; brothers, Paul A. Malzacher Jr. and his wife, Deanna, of Kearney and Mark S. Malzacher and his wife, Valerie, of Hudson, Wis.; brother-in-law, Dennis Funk of Clearwater; nieces and nephews, Brian, Chad, Curtis, Heather, Sam, Steven and Amanda; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Susan Funk
Kearney Hub, 8 December 2018
MARTIN, Mark, 94, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Burial: Nebraska Veterans Cemetery near Alliance
Born: Nov. 5, 1924 at Edison
Parents: Merlin M. and Florence C. (Ferguson) Martin
Graduated from Edison High School in May 1942
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in December 1942; as Tech Sgt. Martin flew as a radio operator and gunner in B-26 planes on 65 completed bombing missions in the European Theater
Married: November 1943, to Athene Klinger of Wisconsin; had three children together: Randall (died in infancy), William (Dea) of Arizona and Catherine (Pat) of Oregon; Athene died in 2001
Married: Ruby McCann Hays on Dec. 23, 2002
Lived on an acreage northwest of Kearney, moved into Brookdale Kearney Northridge in September 2017
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2018
MARTIN, Scott L., 54, of Central City, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at Central City Care Home
Service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Sept. 27, 1964, in Kearney
Parents: George and Dolores (Hansen) Martin
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1983; attended Joseph’s College of Beauty
Married: Lois Ferguson; had one son together; the couple later divorced
Worked in salons in Kearney and Omaha, including Garbo’s in Omaha; briefly owned his own salon, Scott’s on the Mezzanine in downtown Kearney, until a back injury prevented him from doing the job he loved; worked at Chartwell’s then The Egg & I until chronic pain prevented it; developed early onset dementia that eventually took his life
Activities: member of Kearney Church of Christ; loved his family, hairdressing and watching old movies
Survivors include his son, Greg Ferguson of York; sister, Cindy Houtz and husband Doug of Kearney; brothers, Steven Martin and wife Linda of Omaha and Craig Martin of Kearney; nieces, Kelli Hasenjager and husband Erik of Omaha, Sarah Jensen and husband Dru of Kearney, Danielle Houtz of Kearney and Jennifer Edge of Minneapolis; nephews, Bret Martin and wife Jaimee, and Chase Martin and wife Desirae, all of Omaha, Collin Martin and wife Whitney of Grand Island, Michael Sparks of Erie, Colo., and Branson and Alec Martin, both of Port Sulphur, La.; and 11 grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randy in 2007; and niece and nephew, Blaine and Emily Houtz
Memorials: Nebraska Youth Camp, Kearney
Kearney Hub, 17 December 2018
NELSON, James W. B. “Brad”, 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Born: Oct. 26, 1942, in Lawrence, Kan.
Parents: James Iden Nelson and Mary Gertrude (Mumert) Carlson
Lived in various states while growing up, spent his later years in Phoenix and in Spring, Texas; moved to Kearney in 2016
Graduated from Campbell High School, 1960; graduated from Kearney State College in 1966
Married: Patricia M. Chavanu in 1965
Military: U.S. Army, served 1966-70 in the Army Security Agency; was a Vietnam veteran
Worked for the Houston School District for almost 30 years
Activities: hobbies included reading, genealogy research, photography, astronomy and ham radio; member of the local ham radio club, American Relay Radio League, the Torch Club and the American Legion
Survivors include his wife, Patricia M. Nelson; son, Michael Nelson; granddaughters, Breeah and Abrielle Nelson; daughter, Michelle DePaepe and her husband, Tom DePaepe; granddaughter, Sierra DePaepe; and his sister, Katie Snydstrup and her husband, Joe Snydstrup
Was preceded in death by his sister, Janie Auld; and his stepbrother, Harold Carlson
Memorials: American Radio Relay League or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2018
NELSON, Kirk Jon, 53, of Kearney, formerly of Grand Island, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life: Friday at First Christian Church in Grand Island
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: Dec. 21, 1964, in Lincoln
Parents: Dennis P. and Judith J. (Bauer) Nelso
Grew up in Kearney, moved with family to Grand Island in 1974, graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1982; attended Colorado Aero Tech in Broomfield, Colo.
Was an aviation mechanic by trade; had a natural give for repairing engines; was a pilot and an entrepreneur, started K&B Aircraft in 1992
Activities: wan avid bowler, and a concert enthusiast; loved to connect with his friends and children; provided a wonderful life for his family
Loved his mother, Judith, who reared Kirk and his brother, Brock, after his father's death when Kirk was 14; had many friends from all walks of his life; looked up to his big brother
Survivors include his five children, Eric, Jenna, Karlie, Hayden and Adam, along with Jenna’s husband, John, and Karlie’s fiancé, Chad, along with honorary family member and closest friend, Alissa Kern, and her four children
Kearney Hub, 20 December 2018
NELSON, Richard Ray "Nellie", 87, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed away November 26, 2018
Service: Nov. 28, at Cedar Vale Funeral Home, Hot Springs Village
Burial: CedarVale Cemetery, Hot Springs Village
Born: Sept. 7, 1931 in Valley county, Nebraska
Parents: Harold James Nelson and Fern Lucille Witt
Military: US Navy
Graduated from University of Nebraska
Married: Edna Frieda Lammers, March 7, 1957, at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton; was a devoted husband and father
Spent his career at Packard Electric, GM in Warren, Ohio and Jackson, Mississippi
Survivors include: children Karen Lehnert (Dieter), Mark Nelson (Andrya), and Grant Nelson (Erin), grandchildren Kristin Lehnert (Chris), Kimberly Boye (Eric), J.D. Lehnert (Erica), Lucas, Matthew, and Jacob Nelson, and Amanda Koser (Larry) and Adam Wood (Michelle); and three great grandchildren; and close friend and companion Mary Beth Gray
Was preceded in death by his parents, and wife Edna in 2004
http://www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com
NELSON, Ronald D., 82, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: March 14, 1936, in Kearney
Parents: Ronald and Lucille (Andersen) Nelson
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1954; earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees of education and music from Kearney State College
Military: joined U.S. Army, June 1958; served for two years in the 8th Army Headquarters Band in Seoul, Korea
Married: Mary Rockefeller on Sept. 7, 1958, in Gibbon
Was a high school teacher for 36 years, taught in Bertrand, Newman Grove, Gothenburg and Plattsmouth
His life centered on music. was an instrumentalist, vocalist and educator a majority of his life; sang or directed the church choir throughout the towns he lived; was also a 50-year member of Rob Morris Masonic Lodge 46 AF&AM in Kearney
Survivors include: his wife, Mary Nelson of Kearney; son, Mike and wife Nancy Nelson of Omaha; grandsons, Jack and wife Kate Nelson of Lake Villa, Ill., and Joe Nelson of Omaha; sister, Judy Dietz of Amherst; and brother, Roger and wife Jeannie Nelson of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Susan Marie Dreznin
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2018
NEWHOUSE, Billy Lee “Bill”, 74, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at his home
Memorial service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Inurnment: later
Born: March 2, 1944, at Callaway
Parents: Harry “Edward” and Nellie “Cecil” (Allington) Newhouse
Attended school in Callaway until 16 years old; later earned his GED in his 50s from Cozad High School
Farmed for 20 years near Oconto after high school, then worked in construction, drove a truck and managed motels
Married: Joan Eichelberger in 1964 at Shickley, had three children together
Since the 1990s, the couple managed several motels together around the area, then purchased their own; owned and operated motels in Knob Noster, Mo., and Minneapolis, Kan.; recently moved back to the Kearney area
Survivors include: wife, Joan Newhouse of Kearney; daughters, Marci Dockweiler and her husband, James, of Kearney and Lanett Conroy and her husband, Mitch, of Oconto; grandchildren, Dexter (Danielle) Dockweiler, Hannah Stevens, Brett Dockweiler, Cassidy Conroy, Hallie Conroy and Taylor Conroy; great-grandchildren, Adyn and Adyson Stevens and Emma Dockweiler; sister, Noma Chadd of Callaway; along with many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Doug Newhouse; and granddaughter, Morgan Conroy
Memorials: Crossroads Rescue Mission
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2018
PESEK, Jacquetta “Jackie” Ione (Majer), 79, of Lexington died of colon cancer Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in Lexington, after fighting the disease for six years
Graveside service: later
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: March 20, 1939, at home in Ravenna
Parents: Frank W. and Dorothy I. (Malick) Majer
Attended Ravenna Public Schools and graduated in 1957
Married: 1958, to married Kevin Pesek; divorced in 1987
Working career included insurance, banking and hotel sales in Kearney, Holdrege and Grand Island
Activitiese: was an avid reader, was always interested in learning; enjoyed public television with all of the nature, news and British shows; loved to garden and bird watch; family was her world, helped with her grandchildren when they were younger and went to their games and programs as often as she was able to attend them; during retirement, volunteered at Crane Trust, Nebraska State Fair, Hall County Visitors Bureau and briefly for Dawson County Museum
Survivors include her son, Stuart (Charlotte) of Shelton; daughter, Susan (Tim) Rowe of Elwood; grandchildren who include Luke (Jennifer) Pesek of Shelton, Jamie (Ryan) Petersen of Gretna, Skyler (Curtis) Roemmich and Dylan Rowe, all of Lexington, and Tanner Rowe of Elwood; two great-grandsons, Cayson Roemmich of Lexington and Myles Petersen of Gretna; and two sisters, Barb Sealey of Marquette and Linda Brundage of Las Animas, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2018
POLAND, Carol J., 79, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at her home
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 31, 1939, in Sargent
Parents: Steve and Agnes (Kamarad) Gruber
Grew up on a farm east of Sargent; Phillipsburg District 36 Country School, graduated from Sargent High School in 1956; graduated 1960 from Marymount College in Salina, KS, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education; was crowned Miss Marymount, one of the highest honors bestowed on a Marymount graduate; loved drama and singing and had the lead in the play “Electra;” during my college summers, worked at Mt. Rushmore, wa able to climb the mountain and stood on President Lincoln’s head
Taught science and physical education at Goodland High School; later taught in Grand Island at Walnut Junior High School
Married: Larry Poland at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Catholic Church on Dec. 27, 1962
Taught several years at Sargent Public School, then earned her Master’s Degree in counseling from Kearney State College in 1986; was then a counselor in Merna and Sargent for 12 years; retired from the Sargent counseling position in 2001, opened an office in Broken Bow (New Potentials’ Mental Health Clinic) with a partner, Pat Smith; moved to Kearney, 2003, had a counseling office (New Horizons Hypnosis and Counseling); retired for good in 2013
Activities: enjoyed her grandchildren’s many sporting events and musical performances; was a Royals fan; during her retirement years, volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital and the cancer center; enjoyed traveling to Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, Japan, Hawaii, Greece, and many other amazing places; especially enjoyed time at the house at Johnson Lake with family
Survivors include her husband Larry, four daughters, Laurie Poland of Johnson Lake, Lisa Mannlein, Cari Mestl, and Katrina (Hanke) Hamilton all of Kearney. I gained three sons-in-law, 10 wonderful grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren: Tim (Lisa) Mannlein with 2 daughters Morgan (husband John Metzger and son Emmett) and Tessa (fiance John DeLaet); Ken (Cari) Mestl with Michaela (husband Jarod Speer) and Tyler (girlfriend Cheyanne Kuhlmann); Mark (Trina) Hamilton with Kelcie (husband Jordan McBride and son Mateo), Kaleb, Brent, Brady (girlfriend Hailey Harris), Josh, and Kendall all of Kearney
Preceded in death by: her parents, sisters Bonnie (Sullivan) Hoffheins, and Margaret Howard
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2018 and https://www.osrfh.com/obituaries
QUAIL, Wesley A., 81, of Miller died Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at United Church of Sumner East Campus
Burial: Armada Cemetery near Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: March 24, 1937, in Orchard; was adopted at about 3 months old
Adoptive parents: Lee and Helen Quail of Miller
Attended and graduated from Miller High School in 1954; attended Trinity College in Chicago for one year
Married: Eva Grannell on June 14, 1959, in Big Springs
After marriage, lived in Miller; raised three sons, Alan, Kevin and Charles
Worked at Quail Oil Co. from the time he was quite young until it sold in 1978; worked for Rogers Grain and Livestock 1979-2013; then worked part time for Bowie Fertilizer in early 2014
Activities: member of the Sumner Evangelical Free Church and later the United Church of Sumner, served in several different capacities there; joined the Miller Fire Department at age 18, was a member for 59 years and was the fire chief for 37 years; was an EMT for 38 years and served with the Sumner Rescue squad; was on the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller School Board for several years and the Village Board of Miller for one term; member of the Miller Lions Club for many years, then joined the Amherst Lions Club for a few more
Survivors include: his wife, Eva Quail of Miller; sons, Alan and wife Janel of Sutton, Kevin Quail and Danita Johansen of Kearney and Charles and wife Jane of Columbus; grandchildren, Rose, Laura, Joe, Michael, Andrew and Autumn; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Ziegenbein of Orchard and Roy and wife Betty Rodgers of Neligh; sister, Ruth Ann Rodgers of Neligh; and many cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his adoptive parents and his birth mother, Gyva Rodgers
Memorials: United Church of Sumner, Miller Fire Department or Sumner Rescue Squad
Kearney Hub, 17 December 2018
RHEOME, Hunter D., 18, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Born: Sept. 3, 2000 in Kearney
Parents: Louis D. and Arica L. (Miller) Rheome
Attended school in the Kearney area
Activities: enjoyed paintballing, longboarding and joking around with family and friends; had a witty sense of humor and could make people laugh
Survivors include: his mother, Arica Rheome of Kearney; father, Louis “Dan” Rheome of Kearney; siblings, Jess (Ryan) Fuentez of Westminster, Colo; Daniel Rheome and significant other Whitney Benne of Kearney, Alex Prewett and fiancé Megan Ayers of Kearney; Brittani Rheome and fiancé Anthony Cumpston of Elm Creek, Rachel Rheome of Kearney; grandparents, Mike and Carolyn Miller of Johnson Lake, and Barb Walker of Hastings; niece and nephews, Natalie Fuentez, Carter Cumpston, Jackson Cumpston and Wesley Prewett; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandfather, Louis Rheome, Sr.
Kearney Hub, 26 November 2018 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
RIPP, Karma K., 63, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at her home
Memorial service: Tuesday at First Lutheran Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Jan. 30, 1955, in Gothenburg
Parents: Tony and Bernice (Rasmussen) Gronewold
Grew up in Gothenburg, graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1973; graduated from Kearney State College with a home economics degree
Married: May 27, 1978, to Mike Ripp in Gothenburg
After marriage, lived Kearney; worked at Cabela’s as a training developer for 30 years, retired in 2017
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed flower gardening and traveling and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren; liked Storm hockey and Husker sports
survivors include: her husband, Mike of Kearney; sons, Chad and wife Andrea Ripp of Kearney and grandchildren Calla and Drake, and Chris and wife Kaitlin Ripp of Kearney and granddaughter Charlotte; sisters, Carol Hudson and husband Ron of Shelton and Patti Harris and husband James of Cozad; and brother, Loren Gronewold and wife Carol of Sedona, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Karren Kinnaman
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2018
ROPER, Ila Fern, 87, of Kearney, formerly of Amherst, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial service: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Feb. 25, 1931, in Sumner
Parents: Thomas Willard and Agnes Irene (Trumbull) Bowden
Grew up in Sumner and received her education from Sumner High School
Married: Zale Roper on Nov. 25, 1947, in Norton, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Sumner; then moved to Poole, farmed until moving to Kearney; with husband, opened the Roper Holiday Standard Service Station, 1965 - 1977, then opened Roper Radiator Shop; moved to an acreage outside of Amherst in 1990 and recently returned to Kearney; her husband died on March 4, 2018
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney and a past member of the DOES and the Rebekah’s Lodge; enjoyed fishing, camping, doing crafts and attending grandchildren’s events
Survivors include: her two sons, Perry L. Roper and his wife, Karen, of Summer Haven Lake and Denny G. Roper and his wife, Lori, of Amherst; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Zale; daughter, Lisa Marie Roper; two sons, Larry and Timothy Roper; grandson, Ryan Roper; sister, Ilis Jean Burr; brother, Thomas Bowden; and two half-sisters, Pearl Vollmer and Myrna Todd
Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Kearney Hub, 20 December 2018
ROWE, Robert, 57, of Ravenna died Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at his home
No services are planned at this time
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 23 November 2018
SIGLER, Lana (Pitcher), 72, of Helena, Alabama, died of cancer Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, at UAB Hospital in Birmingham
Service: Saturday at Grace Christian Church in Helena
Burial: Kearney, Neb.
Born: Nov. 8, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Ralph “Everett” and Ardys Pitcher
Had an idyllic childhood with brother Lane; spent many days at their father’s jewelry store, Pitcher’s Jewelry; fondly recalled being a “car hop” and had many tales about her friends; graduated from Kearney High School in 1965; moved to Lookout Mountain, Ga., to attend Covenant College; later returned home to attend Kearney State College
Moved to Chicago in her early 20s; fell in love with the city and reminisced often of her time spent there; moved back to Kearney in 1971
Married: Al Sigler in summer 1972; together had four children
Moved to Snellville, Ga., in 1980; and to Jacksonville in 1990; finished her degree in secondary education at Jacksonville State University in 1994; and went on to work in the education field
Activities: especially enjoyed the years of raising her children; treasured her three grandchildren; was a very loving Neena
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Shawna Sigler of Pelham, Mark Sigler of St. Simons Island, Ga., Cassie (Blake) Allen of Helena and T.J. (Elizabeth) Sigler of Atlanta, Ga.; her grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Lane (Barbara) Pitcher of Kearney; her two special nieces, Molly (Christopher) Bussard of Loveland, Colo., and Sarah (James) Tilley of Kearney, among other loved ones
Was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 14 November 2018
SIGUENZA, Amanda V., 97, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, at her home
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 23 November 2018
SINNER, Cheryl, 63, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at her home
Service: Wednesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Memorial service: Brewster United Church of Christ
Burial: Brewster Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 22, 1955, in Holdrege
Parents: Raymond G. and Margaret E. (Snyder) Wood
Married: Feb. 29, 1992, to Lonnie Sinner in Fort Worth, Texas
Survivors include her husband; children, Meshell Osborne of Gibbon, Joe Lawver of Ord, Tim Lawver of Ponca City, Okla., and Tiffany Bridges of Kearney; mother, Margaret Wood of Kearney; sisters, Cynthia Dennis and Lora Webb, both of Kearney, Patricia Jones of Columbus and Brenda Lockler of Spring, Texas; and 21 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2018
SLACK, Berniece Elmire, 94, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Monday, Dec. 17, at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 10, 1924, in rural Shelton
Parents: Chester and Elsie (Lowell) Smith
Was raised in the Gibbon area, was a graduate of Gibbon High School
Married: June 5, 1944, to Donald L. Slack in Norton, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Gibbon, was a longtime employee of the turkey plant; later worked at Eaton Corp. until her retirement
Activities: member of Gibbon Baptist Church; enjoyed playing cards and visiting with friends and family; had a lifelong love for music
Survivors include: her children, Lynn (Janet) Slack, Ramona Kay (Dan) Webster and Roger (Debra) Slack, all of Gibbon, and Beverly (Chris) Tolbert of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Doretha Clevenger of Gibbon; sisters-in-law, Roberta Slack of Grand Island and Betty Slack of Logan, Utah; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Slack; brothers, Jerry (Irene) Smith and Elton (Anita) Smith; sisters, Ruth (Fred) Humiston, Sylvia (Fred) Pember, Thelma (Vernon) Weeks, Mary (Everett) (Charlie) Jenson Boyd and Bernadean (Max) Wilkie; as well as Bob Clevenger, Louise (Myron) Warner, Margorie (Eldon) Mays and Neil C. Slack
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church or Mount Carmel Home
Kearney Hub, 12 December 2018
SPADY, Norma E. (Wolf), 80, of Hastings died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings
Service: Wednesday at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Chapel in Hastings
Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings
Born: March 13, 1938, on a farm northeast of Kearney
Parents: Harry E. and Mabel Irene (Moss) Wolf
Grew up on the farm during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the “dirty ’30s;” helped her father on the farm and drove grain trucks at a very young age; attended Kearney High School, graduated in only three years; held offices in various groups Y-Teens and the National Forensic League of Kearney High School; received an academic scholarship from Buffalo County Extension Council in 1955; was crowned District Dairy Princess in 1957 at age 19; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in home economics
Married: Richard J. “Dick” Spady on June 14, 1958; after marriage, lived in Wilcox, was the county extension agent for her area; later moved to Lincoln, and then to Hastings in 1974
Activities: was a very active, caring person, looked to help those in need; was involved with Alcoholics Anonymous and was a supporter of the ARID Society; founder and director of Hastings Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; was the first in her area to provide educational awareness of alcohol and drug abuse, outreaching a multitude of surrounding counties; was a recovering alcoholic with over 38 years of sobriety who sponsored many people, helping them with their sobriety and improving their lives; was a caring wife and loving mother and grandmother
Survivors include her children and spouses, Sarah E. Spady-Lyle of Phoenix, John R. and Rhonda Spady of Omaha, Stephen W. and Dr. Cindy Spady of Ayr and Dr. Tom J. Spady of Escondido, Calif.; grandchildren, Andrew L. and spouse Tori Lyle of Lincoln, Shaunice E. Lyle and Deon J. Lyle, both of Hastings, Noah A. Lyle of Lincoln and John D. “Jack” Spady and Shae E. Spady, both of Omaha; siblings, Dr. Dale E. Wolf of Wilmington, Del., and Donna M. and spouse Glenn Kegley of Kearney; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard “Dick”; and two sisters, June Bolejack and Jean Richter
Memorials: ARID Society of Hastings
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2018
SVOBODA, Laurie J., 50, of Upland died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at her home after a battle with ovarian cancer
Service: Monday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Upland Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: July 25, 1968, in Madison, S.D.
Parents: Joan (Kahler) Bloker and Harold Bloker; was raised by Joan and Terry Gregor
Spent most of her childhood in the Gregory, S.D., area; during junior high, relocated to Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1986; attended Central Community College-Grand Island
Married: Rodney Svoboda at the United Methodist Church in Shelton on Aug. 22, 1987; had two daughters together
Began working at KN Energy in 1991, lived in Minden and Kearney, then lived in Littleton, Colo., for 16 years; later relocated back to Nebraska and settled in Upland in 2018 to be closer to family
Was diagnosed, July 2018, with a rare type of ovarian cancer that didn’t respond to treatment; her faith and her family’s faith was an instrumental part of her life and the primary focus during her battle with cancer
Survivors include: her husband, Rod Svoboda of Upland; daughters, Rochelle Frost (husband Blake) of Gothenburg and Sarah Barone (husband Tyler) of Littleton; mother, Joan Gregor of Upland; father, Harold Bloker of Sioux Falls, S.D.; brother, Heath Gregor (wife Lori) of Gainesville, Fla.; sister, Dawn Kovarik (husband Travis) of Kearney; sisters, Melinda Sorenson and Alecia Bingham and brother, James Bloker, all of Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Melody Barone, Asher Barone and Otto Frost; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her adoptive father, Terry Gregor
Memorials: New Life Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 8 December 2018
TETER, Elton A., 83, of Amherst died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Saturday at the Amherst Public School Old Gym
Burial: Stanley Cemetery
Mortuary: Homer Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Oct. 31, 1935, in Bartley
Parents: Ora and Hannah (Burton) Teter
Grew up and attended school in rural Furnas County, graduated from Cambridge High school in 1954
Military: U.S. Army, 1954-1956; served as a radar operator and repairman
After the service, worked for the Dinsdale Brothers farming operations in Palmer
Married: Marjorie Bandt Sept. 26, 1959, in Wolbach
Went back to school, earned an associate degree in education from McCook Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College and his master’s degree from Fort Hays State University
Began teaching in 1963, and in 1970 he became the superintendent of Amherst Public School, retired in 1995; his homemade pizza was enjoyed by many of the high school sports teams during his tenure; coached youth baseball, high school girls basketball and men’s fast-pitch softball
Activities: in retirement, became a “gentleman” farmer, raised pigs, cattle, chickens, guineas and cats; enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing adventures and fixing up old tractors
Survivors include: his wife, Marjorie Teter of Amherst; sons, Larry and wife Stacy Teter of Ogallala and Daryl and wife Molly Teter of St. Paul; sisters, Harriet Greening of Thornton, Colo., Cleora Wymore of Lebanon, Ore., Marilyn Torrez of North Platte and Doris Laue of Kearney; brothers, Stuart Teter, and Delvin and wife Lola Teter, all of Wolbach; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Prentice and Donna Bandt, both of Wolbach; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by one grandson, Blake; two brothers; seven brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law
Memorials: Amherst Volunteer Fire Department or Amherst Public School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 19 December 2018
THOMPSON, Norman Valentine, 87, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: July 12, 1931, in Allen
Parents: Philo and Gladys M. (Penlerick) Thompson
Received his education from Allen High School, graduated in 1951
Military: U.S. Army, 1952-1954; served in the Korean War
Married: Maxine Voss on Nov. 24, 1954, in Ainsworth; had four children together
After marriage, lived in Ainsworth and traveled around due to his construction job; lived in the Shelton/Gibbon area, 1961-1993, then moved to Kearney
Activities: enjoyed collecting lamps, lanterns and clocks
Survivors include: his wife, Maxine Thompson of Kearney; his daughters, Susan Tillemans and her husband, Cliff, of Gibbon, Sharon Thompson of Kearney, Sandra Erickson and her husband, Michael, of North Platte and Shelly Thompson of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Ross Thompson and his wife, Bonnie, of Sidney; sisters-in-law, Jean Thompson of Fremont and Janet Thompson of Wilber; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael Thompson, Manuel Thompson, Merlyn Thompson and Patrick Thompson and his wife, Sandy; sisters, Betty Miner and Edith Taylor and her husband, Bill; and two infant brothers
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2018
WIESE, Theodore G. “Ted”, 67, of Shelton died Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Shelton
Service: Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Mortuary: Apfel
Born: June 25, 1951, to Raymond and Olive (Coufal) Wiese at Humphrey
Grew up in Columbus
Was a road maintenance manager in the state of Kansas, traveled a lot for his job and enjoyed the freedom of the road, loved being the “go-to” man for his job; moved back to Nebraska about five years ago to be closer to family
Activities: loved to hunt, fish and camp; love to dance, with or without music; always had a good beat going on in his head; was a true romantic and ladies’ man; was always good for a laugh, was an animal lover and was an avid cyclist; his generous nature lives on because he was an organ donor; nieces and nephew were his pride and joy, was known as their crazy Uncle Ted
Survivors include: brothers, Pat (Susan) Wiese of California, Tim (Pat) Wiese of South Dakota, Steve (Tracy) Wiese of North Carolina and Chuck (Julie) Wiese of Shelton; sisters, Mary (Jeff) Searcy of Lincoln, Theresa (Tom) DeLaet of Minden and Cindy (Alan) Martin of North Dakota; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Olive Wiese
Kearney Hub, 6 December 2018
WILLIAMS, Shartraya Dawnella, 22, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Thursday at Spirit of Life Church
Cremation was chosen
Born: April 6, 1996, in Syracuse, N.Y.
Parents: Sharta and Michael Williams
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High; was living with her grandmother in Kearney
Worked with the Mosaic system and also at different work sites
Activities: going to Tops club, to dance, sing and just have a good time with her friends; her many friends and family had appreciated her friendship and glowing smiles; said how much she loved Jesus and her family; was a caring person; little kids were especially drawn to her
Was preceded in death by her grandpa, Eddie Hiner; aunts, Lori Whipple and Phyllis Smith; uncles, Ray McDowell and David McDowell; aunt, Betty Patsios; cousin, Kevin Adams; and many more cousins and relatives
Survivors include: her mother, Sharta Williams; sisters, Dorriya and Malika; half-brothers and half-sister in other states; her aunt, Kathy Woodard; uncles, Jim and wife Brenda Hiner, Randy and wife Margaret Hiner and Rod and wife Deb; her grandmother, Deloris Garrelts; stepgrandfather, Melvin Garrelts; cousins, Dawn Captain, Dustin and Elva Hiner, James and Trish Hiner and Andy Woodard; many more cousins, aunts, uncles and friends; and her father, Michael Williams
Kearney Hub, 11 December 2018
WOODLIFF, Julie (Kohlscheen), 46, of Hewitt, Texas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at her home
Memorial services: Saturday Nov. 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Crawford
Born: Dec. 28, 1971 in Kearney
Parents: Joan and Russel Kohlscheen in Kearney
Lived her childhood years in Kearney, later moved to the Waco area with her family
Was a graduate of Texas Lutheran University and Midway High School
Lived in California after her college graduation, then moved to Texas to raise her own family
Activities: was devoted to her family and faith; took great pride in her children and cherished the special moments spent with each of them; lifelong member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, spent many years serving its youth through camping ministries; member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crawford at the time of her death; was very well liked by her work associates and by her many customers at Starbucks
Was preceded in death by her mother, Joan Kohlscheen
Survivors include: her three children, Sarina Guerra, Jacen Guerra and Wytten Woodliff, all of Hewitt; her father, Russel Kohlscheen of Hewitt; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Jodi Kohlscheen; niece, Joani Kohlscheen; nephew, Seth Kohlscheen of Crawford; special friend, Roy Mettlen and son, Will Mettlen of Hewitt; along with numerous extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2018