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ALTMAIER, Mary C., 82, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Dec. 25, 1936, in Kearney
Parents: Alfred and Verna (Schmidt) Just
Grew up in the area, graduated from Kearney High School in 1954
Married: June 2, 1954,to Richard C. “Dick” Altmaier in Kearney
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Kearney; worked as a bookkeeper until her children were born
Activities: active member of St. James Catholic Church; was a 4-H leader, a member of the Thorn-Div Extension Club and TOPS; was a good cook, loved to garden and enjoyed playing cards; was an avid Husker and Denver Broncos football fan
Survivors include: her sons, Steve and wife Amy Altmaier and David and wife Judy Altmaier, all of Kearney; daughters, Karen and husband Doug Bell of Bradshaw, Julie and husband Scott Trampe of Riverdale, Lisa and husband Dale Nielson of Chapman and Geralyn Ostrander of Longmont, Colo.; brother, Bob and wife Judy Just of Funk; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Janet Altmaier; and brother, Jim Just
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2019
ARTHUR, Marilyn L., 90, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society in Wood River
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: July 6, 1928, in Washington, Iowa
Parents: William R. and Mary A. (Edwards) Swails
Graduated high school from Columbus Junction, Iowa
Married: William Lyle Arthur on Jan. 22, 1949, in Columbus Junction
Worked at Mercy Hospital Services in Iowa City, Iowa, for several years
Activities: enjoyed exercising and being active, even into her later years, especially enjoyed swimming
Survivors include: her son, Mark W. Arthur and his wife, Jane, of Kearney; granddaughter, Stephanie Sherer of Grass Valley, Calif.; grandson, Keith Arthur of Auburn, Calif.; and sister-in-law, Pat Swails of Lakewood, Fla.
Was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and one brother
Kearney Hub, 2 January 2019
BENJAMIN, Josephine Mae “Jo”, 84, of Annandale, Minnesota, formerly of Elm Creek and Odessa, Neb., died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at Buffalo Hospital
Service: Thursday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with Joshua and David Benjamin officiating
Burial: later at Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake
Born: July 12, 1934, in Elm Creek
Married: Harry and Elva (Wright) Hasbrouck
Married: Nov. 22, 1953, to Ernest “Ben” Benjamin in Lincoln, Neb. He died in 2006
Survivors include her children, Teri Schmidt of Annandale, James Benjamin of Washington, D.C., Sharon Tokkesdal of Buffalo and Michael Benjamin of Apple Valley; siblings, Harriet Ames, Eileen Skyles, Rosie Hasbrouck and Kathy Lybarger; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 14 January 2019
BENNETT, Donald Lynn, 67, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, in Omaha
A prayer service: Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lowell
Born: Sept. 6, 1951, in Elkhart, Kan.
Graduated from Elkhart High School in 1969, then attended Parks School of Business in Denver
Throughout his professional career, was owner of John Deere Implement in Elkhart, then spent more than 33 years in insurance sales
Married: Carolyn (Stade) McGuire on March 24, 1984
Survivors include: his wife of 34 years, Carolyn; their stepson, James McGuire (Karen); their daughter, Alison; their son, Philip (Stephanie); and their granddaughter, Ava
Was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Xyla Bennett; as well as his parents-in-law, Lawrence and Doris Stade
Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church cemetery fund, Kenesaw, Nebr
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2019
BLEVINS, LaDene F., 80, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Celebration of her life: Tuesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: later
Born: May 31, 1938, in Riverdale
Parents: Selmer and Linda (Matzner) Slater
Attended Riverdale High School, graduated with the class of 1955
Married: Willie W. "Bill" Blevins on May 22, 1955, at Riverdale
Activities: past member of God’s Lighthouse Church in Heartwell
Survivors include: her daughter, Robbi (Kevin) Rimpley of Amherst; son, Rodney Blevins of Kearney; grandchildren and spouses, Laci, Shayne (Cheyanne), Sheyanne (Keith), Eric, and Aaron (Shawna); and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Gene Slater; and granddaughter, Shantel DeWeese
Memorials: Amherst Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 4 February 2019
BLIEFERNICH, Mildred Marie Gerdes, 91, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Tuesday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 5, 1927, near Byron
Parents: Louis and Meta (Bohling) Heitmann
Received her college education at Peru State College, Fairbury Junior College and Kearney State College
Married: May 4, 1947, to Mervin Gerdes
After marriage, lived on a farm Hardy, then established their own farm near Deshler; had four children together
Began teaching at Peace Lutheran Parochial School in Deshler and spent some years teaching grades five and six there; then taught grades one and two at Davenport Community Schools for 22 years
Moved in Kearney, 1997, to be closer to their children and families, due to Mervin’s declining health; continued her teaching career by substitute teaching for Kearney Public Schools; Mervin died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, 2001
Married: Oct. 26, 2002, to Bernie Bliefernich at First Lutheran Church in Kearney; had 16 wonderful years together
Activities: was a loving and devoted, talented and resourceful wife and mother, whose strong positive attitude did not waiver; was a wonderful homemaker with a tremendous work ethic; met life’s challenges head on and relied on her strong faith in God to get her through; adored children and loved her family fiercely; touched the lives of countless people through her many years of teaching, which was more than her profession — it was truly her calling
Survivors include: her husband, Bernie; her children, Lanny (Cheryl) Gerdes, Sharon (Steve) Stelling, Terry (Jane) Gerdes, all of Kearney, and Lynnette Brockley of Fullerton; grandchildren, Jeff (Kandi) Stelling, Christopher (Dana) Stelling, Angela (Brandon) Benitz, Jason (Leslie) Gerdes, John (Wendy) Gerdes, Jeremy Gerdes, Sara (Brandon) King, Abby (Matthew) Richardson, Rebecca (Keith) Becker, Hannah (Luke) Minturn, Josh (Marie) Johnson, Jake Johnson, Bethany Gerdes, and Maria Gerdes; and 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Loretta Schardt and Marge Vinkenberg; her brother, Lavern (Verla) Heitmann; and sisters-in-law, Delores Heitmann and Pearle Gerdes
Was preceded in death by her first husband, Mervin; her brother, Willis Heitmann; brothers- in-law, Egbert Schardt, Virgil Vinkenberg, Leonard Gerdes, Norman Gerdes and Walter Michel; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Gerdes and Genevieve Michel
Memorials: Camp Carol Joy Holling. Kearney Hub, 31 January 2019
BUETTGENBACK, Larry, 80, of rural Gibbon died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at his home
Graveside service: Monday at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Campbell, with military honors
Mortuary: Campbell Funeral Home
Born: Sept. 16, 1938, on the family farm east of Campbell
Parents: Allen and Arlynne (Schulz) Buettgenback
Married: 1961, Sherry Snyder of Grand Island
Survivors include his children, Cody Buettgenback of Glenrock, Wyo., and Stacy Koch of Lincoln; five grandchildren; and special friend, Marlene Mead of Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 1 January 2019
CAMPBELL, Gary E., 82, of Hastings died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, at his home
Service: Saturday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Apfel in Hastings
Born: June 19, 1936, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Parents: Claude E. and Phyllis W. (Dodd) Campbell
Graduated from Shelton High School in 1954
Military: U.S. Army, Oct. 20, 1958, to April 19, 1959
Was a carpenter and built houses
Activities: was one of the original founders of the Kearney Drag Strip and a member of the American Legion in Shelton; enjoyed woodworking and carpentry
survivors include: sisters-in-law, Evelyn J. Campbell and Loma L. Campbell, both of Grand Island; niece, Suzanne (Bruce) Lans; deceased nieces’ husbands, Dave Harders of Wood River and Ray Saunders of Grand Island; cousins, Richard and Wilma Jean Mayfield of Shelton and Patricia Candy of Kearney; and numerous family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ronald D. and Harold C.; and nieces, Debra Harder and RaeAnn Saunders
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 1 February 2019
CRISS, Jean Marie, 86, of Gibbon died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Broken Bow Township Cemetery
Born: Nov. 6, 1932, in Buffalo County
Parents: Harold F. and Marjorie L. (Long) Covert
Grew up in the Kearney area and attended Kearney High School. Married: Harlan "Rusty" Criss on April 24, 1965, in Lincoln
After marriage, lived in the Kearney area most of their lives; he died on Sept. 26, 2005
Worked at West Co. for more than 15 years
Activities: member of the Methodist Church, the Eagles Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary; hobbies included crocheting, embroidery, gardening, fishing and boating
Survivors include: her children, Daniel Hebb and his wife, Mardell, of Kearney, Marlana Karash and her husband, Randy, of Oxford, Sandra Hillstead and her husband, Ben, and Rhonda Harrison, all of Loup City, Cheryl Casey of Branson, Mo., Carrie Criss of Kearney, Michael Criss and his wife, Carolyn, of Chappell, Ronald Criss of Johnson Lake and Steven Criss of Springfield, Mo.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol Archer and her husband, Don, and Darrell Covert and his wife, Jo, all of Kearney, Gary Covert and his wife, Linda, of Lincoln and Bob Covert and his wife, Darla, of Kearney; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; sons-in-law, Jim Harrison and Jim Casey; brothers, Richard Covert and Dale Covert; and sisters, Bernadine Scott and Lucille Scott
Kearney Hub, 5 February 2019
DAMRATKOWSKI, Randy, 56, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: June 18, 1962, in Grand Island
Parents: Harold and Betty (Smedra) DamratowskiL Graduated from Wood River High School in 1980, and then Hastings Tech
Worked at Triad Fastener in Alda, Nebraska with Harold
Married: 1985, to Donna Krecklow; later divorced Started Dyna-Tool in Grand Island in 1989; later moved the company to Kearney in 1995
Married: Barbara Braden on May 22, 2004, in Wood River
Activities: served on the Kearney YMCA Board, coached his boys in Little League Baseball and was a scoutmaster; enjoyed boating, water skiing and hunting; most of all, enjoyed building and flying model airplanes; loved being around his family and children
Survivors include: his wife, Barb of Kearney; sons, Adam Shemat of Baileyville, Maine, Aaron Shemat of Fairbury, Aaron Damratowski and fiancée Arianna Harper of Kearney, Nathan Damratowski and partner Erica Johnson of Kalamazoo, Mich., Mathew Damratowski and fiancée Mercadies Lieb of Kearney, and Alex Shearer of Minden; mother, Betty Damratowski of Omaha; brother, Jeff Damratowski and wife Linda of Dannebrog; sisters, Peggy Zurek and Lorie Aegerter and husband Bret, all of Omaha; and grandchildren, Kalli, Kyler, Ava and Axl Shemat, Aria and Leo Shearer, Cora, Lillienne, Greyson and Jaxtyn Damratowski
Was preceded in death by his father
Memorials: Experimental Aircraft Association (E.A.A. Chapter 1091) and the Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 22 January 2019
DODSON, Viola, 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Tuesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Glenvil Cemetery. Born: April 19, 1928, in Spring Ranch
Parents: Steven and Anna Mae (Pierce) White
Later moved with family to Deweese; attended school in Fairfield
Married Clarence Kemper
Married: Frank Dodson
Lived in a variety of places including Hastings and Minden; moved to Kearney in 2012 and lived at Cambridge Court and later Mother Hull Home
Survivors include: her son, Keith Kemper of Minden
Was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Dodson; and twin sister, Violet Thayer
Kearney Hub, 26 January 2019
DOLLOFF, Marvin LeRoy, 86, of Northwood, Iowa, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa
Celebration of life: Saturday, Jan. 19, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett, Iowa
Burial: Elk Creek Cemetery near Kensett
Mortuary: Conner Colonial Chapel in Northwood
Born: June 12, 1932, in a farm house in Smith County, Kansas
Parents: John and Angelia (Rhodes) Dolloff
As a child, lived in Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming and Oregon; grew up getting the cows in, milking, grinding the feed and, always everywhere he lived, making friends with a story and a smile; from his full-blooded Irish grandmother, learned her sense of humor, love of family and a love for the Irish culture, music, food and stories and gave him some of his best sayings
Military: U.S. Air Force in 1950, served in the US and in Japan; never forgot the Japanese he learned
Married: 1954, to Marilyn King; had been married for 64 years
Moved to Iowa from Nebraska in 1967 and remained there
Spent many hours behind the wheel driving across the country, and he never met a stranger
Activities: enjoyed retirement, going fishing and hunting and traveling with his family; hobbies included bowling, gardening, birdwatching, playing pool, puzzle books, playing cards, drinking a cup of coffee and just driving around the section; wintered in Arizona for seven years which he enjoyed immensely; was a member of Elk Creek Lutheran Church, also served on the council; served on the Lutheran Retirement Home Board, was a veterans commissioner and was active in the Kensett Lions Club
Survivors include: his wife, Marilyn; son, Gary (Lori) of Mackinaw, Ill.; daughters, Teresa (Dean) Phinney of North Liberty and Patty Reed of Hampton; five grandchildren, Melissa (Scott) Keating, John Reed, Anthony Phinney and Matthew and Pamela Dolloff; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Keating
Was preceded in death by his son, Michael; great-grandson, Jack Keating; his parents; his sister, Mary Jane; niece, Phyllis; sister-in-law, Lenora; brothers-in-law, Jim, Dwayne, Phil, Bill and Wes; and his aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2019
FERGUSON, Bernardine M., 96, of Grand Island died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney. Service: Friday at St. Libory’s Catholic Church
Burial: at the parish cemetery
Burial: Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul
Born: July 28, 1922, at Eddyville
Parents: Arthur Martin and Mary Ethyl (Murray) McEntee
Grew up in Eddyville, received her early education there, graduated from Eddyville High School in 1940
Married: Melvin Wiley Ferguson on Jan. 13, 1944, at Eddyville; Wiley died on March 19, 1998
After Melvin's discharge from the U.S. Army, lived in Kearney, worked at Western Manufacturing Co. and West Co. in the office; moved to Grand Island, 1967, was employed at Social Services as a typist/file clerk; retired in 1984; later moved to the Grand Island Veterans’ Home; this past week, moved to the new Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney
Activities: member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters Queen of Peace Court No. 227 and Diocesan Council of Catholic Woman, all in Grand Island; enjoyed reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles and gardening; also loved Bible studies, making rosaries for the Prison Rosary Gang and the Missions
Survivors include: her daughter-in-law, Shari Ferguson, of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; four grandchildren and spouses, Michelle and Steve Ignacio of Simi Valley, Calif., Christy Ferguson of Studio City, Calif., and Daniel and Lisa Ferguson and Bryan Ferguson, all of Thousand Oaks; and two great-grandchildren, Lucca Ferguson and Verona Ferguson
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; her son, Arthur Ferguson; one brother, Paul McEntee; and one sister, Mary Elaine O’Neill
Kearney Hub, 22 January 2019
FRANKS, Donald Orville, 79, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon with military honors
Born: Nov. 14, 1939, in Kearney
Parents: Orville Ray and Helen (Buck) Franks
Married: Beverly Dancer on Dec. 27, 1956, in Hastings
Military: U.S. Air Force, 1957 to 1963
Was a minister at Church of God of Prophecy, served in Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska
Activities: loved his church, which was the center of his life; also enjoyed horses and riding motorcycles; member of Church of God of Prophecy
Survivors: wife, Beverly Franks of Kearney; his children, Mike Franks and his wife, Gerri, of Gibbon, Debbie Dye and her husband, Bill, of Canon City, Colo., and Rick Franks and his wife, Pamela, of Gibbon; nine grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Lois Hyde of Kearney; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his son, Steven R. Franks; his parents; sister, Judy Heinzman; and brother, Wayne Franks
Kearney Hub, 30 January 2019
FREDRICKSON, Paul William, 64, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at Hope Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 22, 1954, in Fergus Falls, Minn.
Parents: William and Ada (Salstrand) Fredrickson
Attended Kearney State College; while he was still attending college, started his business, Fredrickson Construction
Established Pioneer Energy Systems, Classic Spa and Tubs Inc. and Home Inspection Services
Married: 1980, to Lorene Carlson
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Activities: served on the Kearney Housing Authority and was a charter member of the Home Builders Association; regularly supported and attended Hope Evangelical Free Church; made friends all over the Kearney area; was known for his servant heart, often giving of his time and energy to those who needed it
Survivors include: wife, Lorene Fredrickson of Kearney; his sisters, Karin Wisdom and Carolyn (Keith) Scheidies; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins
Memorials: Hope Evangelical Free Church
Kearney Hub, 10 January 2019
GREENFIELD, Genevive I. "Jenny", 66, of Amherst died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center in Kearney
Service: Thursday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Sept. 10, 1952, in Columbus
Parents: Leon and Inez (Lassek) Edic
Grew up in Columbus, graduated from Columbus Scotus High School; earned a nursing degree from Platte Community College
Married: April 15, 1972, to Roy Greenfield in Columbus; were blessed with a daughter, Angela, but regretfully lost her twin brother, Erick, at birth
Worked at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha for several years; due to poor health, retired and became a full-time homemaker; moved to Buffalo County in 1980 and lived near Amherst; suffered a stroke in 2013 and lived at St. John’s, then moved to Mount Carmel Home
Survivors include: her husband, Roy Greenfield of Amherst; daughter, Angela Greenfield of Kearney; brother, LaRoy Edic and wife Donna of Columbus; and sister, Pat Dohman of Humphrey, as well as sister-in-law Eunice and brother-in-law Bill Potter and Orival and Edna Greenfield
Was preceded in death by her son, Erick in 1979; and three brothers
Memorials: March of Dimes for Neonatal Care
Kearney Hub, 2 January 2019
HADWIGER, Joyce R., 85, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Sept. 14, 1933, in Kearney
Parents: Edley and Ella (Bowman) Kegley
Attended Kearney High School and graduated in 1951
Married: Loran D. Hadwiger on April 5, 1959, in Kearney
Activities: longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; worked at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center for a number of years; enjoyed selling Avon and every year she made Avon’s President Club and collected the Mrs. Albie figurines; was involved in the family farm, keeping the books, running for equipment parts and other farm business errands, and taking meals to the fields during planting and harvest seasons; enjoyed her ladies extension club, and loved to play in neighborhood pitch clubs; was a good cook and always had good food ready to share; was a huge Kansas City Royals baseball fan; loved her grandkids and great-grandkids
Survivors include: daughter, Rhonda (Terry) Pfeiffer of Amherst; son, Randall (Janet) Hadwiger of Kearney; grandchildren, Ariel (Brian) Smith, Ava Hadwiger and Mitch, and Ayriana Hadwiger and Caelin, all of Lincoln, McKenzie (Terry) Kohler and Colin Pfeiffer, all of Kearney, and Kalen Pfeiffer of Amherst; great-grandchildren, Kolden Kohler, Suttyn Kohler, Henry Smith and Myles Smith; and many other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Loran; two brothers; and six sisters
Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 28 January 2019
HAMMOND, Clarence “Lucky”, 83, of Uehling, formerly of Holdrege and Kearney, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Uehling
Memorial service: Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege
Born: June 1, 1935, in Holbrook
Parents: Roy and Rose Hammond
Married: Janelle Bronson. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his children, Pamela Johnson, Roy “Chuck” Hammond, Joy Hock and Michael Hammond; siblings, Sidney Hammond, Berdina Ryan, Donna Eckwall, Illa Remmel, Dorothy Olson and Sharon Cover; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 24 January 2019
HEATHERS, Naomi, 89, of Ravenna died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Memorial service: Thursday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Nov. 18, 1929, in Huntley
Grew up in Huntley and graduated from Huntley High School
Married: Marshall Heathers on March 26, 1950, in Huntley
After marriage, lived in Huntley; moved to Ravenna in 1960
Activities: was of the Methodist faith; enjoyed Husker football and volleyball and attending her grandchildren’s activities; also enjoyed Kansas City Royals baseball
Survivors include her son, Larry “Beef” and Jill Heathers of Ravenna; two daughters, Dot Marie and Albert Goodwin of North Platte and Denise Kay Heathers of Huntley; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Dale Schroeder of Loveland, Colo.; and sisters, Evonne Burkholder of North Platte and Norma Jean Cole of Funk
Was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall; and granddaughter, Miranda Heathers
Memorials: Ravenna Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2019
HECK, Kathleen M., 57, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Born: Jan. 2, 1962, in Pekin, Ill.
Parents: Jack and Charlene (Deis) Heck
Grew up in Grand Island and Denison, Iowa, then lived in Harlan, Iowa, until moving to Kearney
Survivors include sons, Joshua Bruck and wife Nicole of North Platte, Jesse Bruck and wife Janell of Lewiston, Idaho, and Jacob Bruck and wife Heather of Harlan; grandchildren, Amelia, Greta, Ella, Addyson, Abraham, Audrie, Jack and Miles Bruck; mother, Charlene Heck of Kearney; brothers, Keith Heck and wife Chris of Canby, Ore., Kyle Heck and wife Angelia of Marysville, Wash., and Karl Heck and wife Paula of Grand Island; and sisters, Kirsten Hughes and husband David of West Point and Karolyne Larkin of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her father and one niece
Kearney Hub, 25 January 2019
HIBBERD, Dennis D., 71, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at his home
Service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: Aug. 30, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Ernest and Edith (McTavish) Hibberd.
Worked a variety of jobs throughout his life
Activities: enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee at McDonald’s, riding his bicycle and especially spending time with family at various gatherings
Survivors include: his siblings, Evelyn (Merle) Wuehler of Kearney, Jerald (Donna) Hibberd of Milo, Mo., Darrell (Viola) Hibberd of Kearney, Ruby Fisher of Beatrice, Larry (Darlene) Hibberd of Argyle, Texas, Janet (Maynard) Hansen of Grant and Jeanne Albright, Joyce (Kenneth) Bosshamer, Robert (Joyce) Hibberd and Barbara (Larry) Wuehler, all of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Anita Hibberd of Grand Junction, Colo., and Lucile Hibberd of Westminster, Colo.; 29 nieces and nephews; and several other extended family and friends
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Glen Hibberd and James Hibberd; sister, Marie Kring; brothers-in-law, Lowell Fisher and Harlan Kring; and nephew, Nicholas Hibberd. Kearney Hub, 23 January 2019
HOLMES, Dennis Joe, 69, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Omaha from complications of cancer treatment. Born: July 19, 1949, in Burwell
No formal services are planned; donated his body to the Anatomical Board at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Parents: Robert Maurice Holmes and Phyllis Lenore (Hennings) Holmes
Was the oldest of seven children; graduated from high school at Sargent, 1967; earned a business degree from Kearney State College
Married: Dianne Gumb in 1972; had two children together: Jarrod James Holmes, who died as an infant, and David Jason Holmes
Married: Deena Lynice Brandt in 1982, were happily married for 36 years
Lived in Sargent, Kearney and later full time in their motorhome
Worked at the co-op in Sargent and was in management at the co-ops in Burwell and Lexington, later managed the NAPA store in Sargent; with Deena, owned and operated a Miracle Ear franchise in Nebraska with offices in Kearney, Hastings, Grand Island, North Platte and Lincoln, for over 25 years; also operated hearing aid offices in Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, for a few years; retired in 2007, started traveling and living in a Motorcoach shortly after that
Activities: traveled across the United States and Canada, wintered in Arizona, California, Texas and Florida; collected and enjoyed friends and memories; was part of dancing groups, pickleball groups and one of his favorite, The Breakfast Boys at the RiverBend Motorcoach resort in LaBelle, Fla.
Was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Phyllis Holmes; his first son, Jarrod; his brothers, Ron Holmes and Don Holmes; and his father-in-law, Gilbert Brandt
Survivors include: his wife, Deena Holmes, now living in Imperial; one son, David Holmes, and a grandson, Preston, of Brookfield, Mo.; one sister, Gloria and husband George Louch of Mitchell; three brothers, Gale and spouse Hank of Aurora, Colo., and Robert Holmes and Bill and wife Brenda Holmes, all of Norton, Kan.; two sisters-in-law, Patty Holmes of Valparaiso, Ind., and Barbara Stanek and husband Steve of Burwell; mother-in-law, Pauline Brandt of Imperial; brother-in-law, Troy and wife Judy Brandt of Imperial; his aunt, Edith Dilsaver of Wichita, Kan.; uncle, Claire Holmes and wife Joyce of Hershey; and also his nieces, nephews, cousins and many other extended family members
Kearney Hub, 22 January 2019
HUERTA, Larry D., 72, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan. Memorial service: Jan. 28 at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Sept. 5, 1946, in Grand Island
Parents: Joe and Josie (Rosales) Huerta
Was baptized on March 9, 1947, at St. Mary’s in Grand Island
Grew up and lived the rest of his life in Kearney; attended Kearney Catholic High School; graduated from Omaha Technical College in 1971 for auto mechanics, and then Hastings Community College for welding
Married: Delores Esutia in 1966; had three sons together; later divorced
Married: Linda Covey in Kearney in 1990
Worked construction, at City Plumbing and a lawn service; was maintenance manager at trailer parks in Holdrege and several hotels in Kearney
Survivors include: his wife, Linda Huerta of Kearney; sons, Larry and Christopher Huerta; stepson, Brent Robison; grandchildren, Cheyenne Meyers, Christopher Huerta, Kayla Huerta, Anna Lyons and Jessica and Tucker Heimbuch; in-laws, Lois Ring, Gary and Cordy Covey, Roberta Smith, Ronda Orcholski, Tim Orcholski and Rick Lindner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends
Was preceded in death by his son, Paul; two sisters, Rosalie Huerta and Anita Lindner; in-laws, Roger Ring, Bubba Smith and Monty, Randy and Ronald Covey; and several aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 23 January 2019
JACKSON, Olive "Beth", 71, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Thursday at Living Faith Fellowship
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 8, 1947, in Bassett
Parents: Howard and Olive (Shaw) Simms
Was raised in Arnold, graduated from Arnold High School with the class of 1966
Married: 1967, to Dwane Jackson in Denver
Attended Kearney State College, earned her business degree
Activities: enjoyed scrapbooking and was active in Bible study; most of all, loved the time spent with her grandchildren
Survivors include: her husband, Dwane Jackson; son, Mark (Lynette) Jackson; daughter, Lori (Rod) Randolph; grandchildren, Abby and Emily Randolph and Max and Morgan Jackson, all of Kearney; brother, Larry (Judy) Simms of Yorba Linda, Calif.; sisters, Paula (Leonard) Harding of North Platte and Teddea (Don) Hewitt of Bonner Springs, Kan.; brother-in-law, Ronald Morrison of Lincoln; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marla Morrison
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 29 January 2019
JACOBSON, Joan, 89, of Holdrege died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Friday at Christian Homes Care Community Chapel in Holdrege
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 7, 1929, in Gothenburg
Parents: Alfred and Ruth (McCuistion) Steffensen
Received her education from Kearney High School and Kearney State Teachers College
Married: Wayne Jacobson on Jan. 3, 1951, at the church parsonage
After marriage, lived on the family farm that was started in 1894 south of Elm Creek; lived in the house that was built on the farm by Wayne and Grandpa Johnny; after Wayne’s passing, moved to Holdrege and then to Chrisoma West
Activities: enjoyed wintering in Phoenix, being active in 4-H, flower gardening and spending time with her grandchildren; loved to sing and play the piano and organ; member of Ladies Aid Society, Williamsburg United Methodist Church and was a part of the Phelps County Senior Center Choir
Survivors include: her son, Ron Jacobson of Loomis; her daughter, Susan Sanders of Holdrege; grandchildren, Mike (Renae) Jacobson, Amy (Eric) Minicilli, Kevin Sanders and Robyn Sanders; great-grandchildren, Chase and Tyler Jacobson and Terra Sanders; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Judy Jacobson; her parents; sister, Mary Jane Holden; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnny and Edith Jacobson; and longtime friends, Marilyn and Lyle Imel
Memorials: Chrisoma West Activities Department
Kearney Hub, 30 January 2019
JANITSCHECK, Rose V., 98, of Pleasanton died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at Prairie View Gardens in Kearney. Service: Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: March 9, 1920, in Pleasanton
Parents: John and Christina (O’Neill) Suntken
Attended Peake Rural School
Worked as a cook at the Kearney Airbase during World War II
Married: April 14, 1948, to Glenn E. Janitscheck in Pleasanton; he died in 2000
After marriage, lived on a farm west of Pleasanton; later retired and moving to Pleasanton; moved to Prairie View Gardens in Kearney in 2012
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton; enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, quilting and embroidery work; was an avid sports fan and enjoyed the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Royals and Husker volleyball; especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include: her sons, Evert of Litchfield, Donald “Chuckles” and wife Phyllis of Pleasanton, Gary and special friend Pam Dethlefs of Ravenna and Robert and wife Brenda of Pleasanton; daughters, Mary Schaub and husband Rocky, and Lori Driml and husband Greg, all of Kearney; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Marylin Trampe and husband Dewaine of Amherst
Was preceded in death by her husband, three great-grandsons, three sisters and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 18 January 2019
JEPSON, Laurence “Larry”, 77, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at his home
Service: Saturday, Jan. 19
Entombment: Mausoleum at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Jan. 14, 1941, in Ashtabula, Ohio
Parents: Gilbert C. and Janet (Laird) Jepson
Grew up in Ashtabula, graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1958; attended Furman University in Greenville, S.C., on a football scholarship, graduated with a business administration degree in 1962; was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and the Denver Broncos (AFL)
Spent some time in San Francisco, then began his banking career back in Ashtabula; was also a graduate of the Ohio School of Banking at Ohio University in Athens in 1965 and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1974
Married: Dec. 23, 1961,to Priscilla Swanson in Ashtabula
After marriage, lived in San Francisco, Ashtabula, Greenville, Grand Island and Kearney during their 57-year marriage; had two children together
Moved to Grand Island, in 1976 joined Overland National Bank, which later became part of First Commerce Bancshares Inc.; in 1980, was promoted by First Commerce Bancshares and moved to Kearney to serve as president and C.E.O. of First National Bank and Trust of Kearney, which later became Wells Fargo Bank; retired from Wells Fargo in 2004, and later returned to banking part time as vice chairman of the board at Kearney State Bank until 2008
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney; has served as a Nebraska Diplomat Ambassador, on University of Nebraska at Kearney Chancellors Council and as board member and past chairman of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce; was a member of Robert Morris Associates, Good Samaritan Health Systems Board and past chairman, Ron and Carol Cope Foundation Board, and UNK Advisory Council for College of Business and Technology; participated and served in Rotary Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Kiwanis Club, Nebraska Bankers Association, Ducks Unlimited, Elks Lodge, Kearney Community Housing Action Committee and the Cosmopolitan Club; was listed in Who’s Who of American Business Leaders; growing up, was an avid baseball, basketball and football player who received many honors; was recognized as an inductee in the Ashtabula County Touchdown Club’s Hall of Fame. 2007; continued his love of sports throughout his life; enjoyed boating and fishing at Harlan County Reservoir and taking trips with friends and family to Maynard Lake in Ontario, Canada
Survivors include: his wife, of Kearney; son, Mark Jepson and wife JoAnn of Omaha; daughter, Jill Benhart and husband Darrin of Davidson, N.C.; grandchildren, Beth Hall and husband Dave, Ashlynn Turner and husband Matt, Stacy Mehaffy, Zachary Jepson and wife Sarah, and Alexa and Avery Benhart; great-grandchildren, Audriana Hall, Cambrie Prososki, Mason Turner, Isaac Hall, Landon Turner and Amelia Jepson; brothers, Calvin Jepson and wife Toni of Cottonwood, Calif., Gilbert Jepson and wife Jane of Warren, Ohio, and Norman Jepson and wife Mary of Ashtabula; and sister, Jennifer Painter and husband Dana of Powell, Ohio
Was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis
Memorials: Furman Paladin Club, Greenville, SC; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; or the Kearney Area Community Foundation
Kearney Hub, 14 January 2019
JUSTICE, Lincoln Bruce, 89, of Seymour, Missouri, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died from heart complications after prostate surgery Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, at his home
Celebration of life: Saturday, Jan. 19, 2018, at Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center in Springfield, Missouri
Born: March 21, 1929, in Sanderson, Texas
Parents: William M. and Thelma M. (Dunagan) Justice
Married: Dec. 30, 1956, to Rose Marie Bengston; they divorced in 1989; she preceded him in death
Married: June 12, 1993, to Rachel A. Garner
Survivors include his wife; children, Tim Justice of Bellingham, Wash., Laura (Justice) Evans of Ravenna, Neb., Hope (Justice) Josefiak of Omaha, Neb., and John Shimko of Urbandale, Iowa; stepchildren, Kyle Garner of Austin, Texas, and Kieve Garner of Seymour; sister, Ruth (Justice) Moorer of Las Cruces, N.M.; 10 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 16 January 2019
LESTER, Chad Ryan, 40, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Oct. 20, 1978, in Kearney
Parents: Clarence and Connie (Dodge) Lester
Attended elementary school in Kearney; graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1997
Activities: enjoyed many hours of hunting and fishing with his late grandfather, Neal Dodge; also enjoyed trips with his family to Jamestown, N.D., Carter Lake and Portland, Ore., Fort Robinson, and Hilton Head, S.C.; took great joy in his daughter, Carina, and times together fishing, hiking, playing cards and teaching her to drive; attended New Life Church
Survivors include: his parents, Clarence and Connie Lester of Kearney; daughter, Carina of Elwood; sister and brother-in-law, Carina and Josh Bennison and nieces, Alexis and Ava, of Helena, Mont.; grandmothers, Darlyne Dodge of Kearney and Harriett Lester of Council Bluffs, Iowa; aunts and uncles, Angelina and David Edge of Pewaukee, Wis., Susan and Bob Wilcox of Little Falls, Minn., Louis and Julie Lester of Fort Calhoun and Cliff Lester of Council Bluffs; as well as many cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Neal Dodge and Clarence Lester Sr.; and his aunt, Lynda Dodge
Memorials: Royal Family KIDS Camp — Kearney/North Platte
Kearney Hub, 9 January 2019
McENTEE, Ruth Irene, 96, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life: Sunday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Inurnment: Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver
Born: Oct. 29, 1922, in Litchfield
Parents: Lumen O. and Lydia J. (Bauer) Wing
Attended Pleasanton High School, graduated in 1938
Married: Nov. 26, 1946, Bernard Eugene McEntee at St. James Rectory; had three children together; Bernard died in 1961
After marriage, lived in Colorado and Florida for many years; worked as a dental receptionist at several different dental offices during her time in Colorado and Florida; moved to Grand Island in 1990, and in her later years, moved to Kearney
Activities: member of Daughters of the American Revolution
Survivors include: her children, Jacqueline Hume and her husband, Evan, of Tallahassee, Fla., Jerry McEntee of Omaha and Janet Alterman of Estero, Fla.; grandchildren, Brooke McEntee, Evan Bradley Hume, Ryan McEntee and Abbie Alterman; great-granddaughter, Emilia Hume; sister, June Burchell of Florida; brother, Larry Wing of Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; her parents; and her sister, Gladys Oliver
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2019
MEIER, David Lee, 50, of Elm Creek died Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at his home near Elm Creek
Service: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Elm Creek
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 3, 1968, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Joan (King) Meier
Attended Elm Creek High School, graduated with the class of 1987; earned an agribusiness degree from Kearney State College
Farmed on the family farm south of Elm Creek
Married: Calli Moore on Sept. 29, 1998, at First Christian Church in Elm Creek; had four children together
Activities: hobbies were hunting, fishing and cruising around looking at fields, cows and deer; enjoyed attending all his family’s events, soda cruises, dinner trips with friends, and his recliner; coached youth sports and was active in 4-H; most of all, enjoyed spending time with his family and children
Survivors include: his wife, Calli Meier; children, Nolan, Reagan, Lani and Brody Meier, all of Elm Creek; mother, Joan Meier of Kearney; siblings, Pat Smith of Kearney, Mike Meier and his wife, Jenny, and Martin Meier and his wife, Julia, all of Elm Creek, Paula Montgomery and her husband, Tom, of Omaha, Pam Harrington and her husband, Dick, of Loup City, Morgan Meier and his wife, Geri, and Mark Meier and his wife, Amy, all of Elm Creek, and Andrea Quadhamer and her husband, Brad, of Hildreth; parents-in-law, Calvin and Jean Moore of Elm Creek; brother-in-law, Shawn Moore and his wife, Lisa, of Welfleet; and numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends
Was preceded in death by his father; brother-in-law, Terry Smith; along with several aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2019
NIENHUESER, Cohleen Eda, 85, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Evergreen Cemetery in Omaha
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: in 1933, just west of her grandmother’s house in rural Hastings
Parents: Ferdinand and Eda (Kleer) Kuehn
Attended grade school in Kenesaw; was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kenesaw on March 30, 1947; graduated from Hastings High School with the class of 1951
Married: Albert Nienhueser on Aug. 5, 1951
After marriage, lived on the farm north of Holstein; was a dedicated wife and mother
Activities: served in her church by assisting with teaching Sunday school, confirmation class, vacation Bible school and preschool; also volunteered at the hospital and crocheted afghans for hospital patients; had a gift of helping others; cared for her husband, Albert, and children of close friends; cherished the friendships she made at Homestead Assisted Living; enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; enjoyed quilting, sewing and the many conversations she had while doing it
Survivors include: her children, Sheryl Sommer and her husband, Brad, of Olathe, Kan., and Kevin Nienhueser and his wife, Nikki, of Kearney; son-in-law, Rich Carnahan of Aurora, Colo.; grandchildren, Nathan (Julia) Sommer, Bradley (Jen) Sommer, Ally (Jace) Robinson, Alex Nienhueser and fiancée Savannah Plexico, Christopher Carnahan and fiancée Ashley Evens, and Jeremy (Kimberly) Carnahan; great-grandchildren, Lily Robinson and Luke Sommer; sister-in-law, Gertrude Kuehn; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; daughter, Carol; her parents; and brothers, LaVern Kuehn and Edward Kuehn
Memorials: LCMS World Mission-Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa
Kearney Hub, 16 January 2019
O'BRIEN, Michael P., 67, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Memorial service: Thursday Jan. 10, at the Salvation Army
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: March 26, 1951, in Portland, Maine
Parents: Gerald and Twyla (Frink) O’Brien
Married: Linda Verbeck on July 24, 1970, in Kearney.
Worked a variety of jobs throughout his life but his desire to help people was ever present; was active in the Salvation Army
Survivors include: his wife, Linda O’Brien of Kearney; sons, Shawn (Enola) O’Brien, David O’Brien and Aaron O’Brien, all of Kearney; daughter, April (Taylor) Williams of Kearney; mother, Twyla O’Brien of Kearney; sisters, Linda (Butch) Gant of Kearney and Kelly (Chris) Sieck of Omaha; brothers, Brett O’Brien and Steve (Ginger) O’Brien, all of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father; infant daughter, Stacy O’Brien; two sisters; and one brother
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2019
OLSON, Norris B., 85, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Private service and inurnment: later at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 2, 1933, in Holdrege
Parents: Harry and Inez (Johnston) Olson
Attended Holdrege High School and graduated with the class of 1951
Worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Co., B & C Steel, Geer Co. and Rushmore Homes; was part owner of Town and Country Realty of Kearney and part owner of Coldwell Banker of Kearney; was the owner and broker of N.B. Olson Real Estate Co.
Married: Jane Vohland; had two children together
Activities: was a past deacon of First Presbyterian Church of Kearney, member of National Association of Realtors, Buffalo County Board of Realtors and Nebraska Board of Realtors, member of the Board of Directors for Holdrege Memorial Homes and presently a member of First United Methodist Church; was sensitive and caring, enjoyed life and was a friend to many; enjoying his morning “coffee group” at south McDonald’s; his children and grandson were central to his happiness
Survivors include: his wife, Jane Olson of Kearney; daughter, Cheryl Davis of Arizona; son, Grant Olson of Kearney; grandson, Taylor Davis and his wife, Jordyn, of Arizona; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret David; and brother-in-law, Gaylord David
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 24 January 2019
OWEN, Calvin H., 88, of Doniphan, formerly Elm Creek, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at Providence Place in Hastings
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Born: May 2, 1930, in Elm Creek
Parents: Howard and Murna (Shubert) Owen
Grew up in the Riverdale area and graduated from Riverdale High School in 1948
Military: U.S. Army, veteran of the Korean War
After his service, returned to the area
Married: Elizabeth "Betty" Siebke on Feb. 1, 1953
After marriage, farmed north of Kearney in the Haven’s Chapel area then moved to the Elm Creek area and farmed north of Elm Creek; retired in 1990 and moved into the village of Elm Creek; moved to Doniphan after Betty died in 1995
Activities: member of the Lutheran Church, Eagles Lodge 592 in Hastings, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and was a past member of the Elm Creek Public School Board; enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas, and loved polka dancing, woodworking, hunting and fishing
Surviving relatives include daughters, Deb Thompson and husband Wendell of Hastings, Connie Mitchell and husband David of Elm Creek, Gwen Schroeder and husband Mick of Johnson Lake and Becky Laughlin and husband Troy of Elm Creek; special friend, NoElla Snow of Doniphan; and grandchildren, Weston Thompson and great-grandchildren Ryker and Paisley, Kara Longshore and husband Jason and great-grandchildren Avery, Skyler and Keeley, McKenzie Bertrand and husband Chris and great-grandchildren Bryson and Hadley, Mickell Reil and husband Jeff and great-grandchildren Mickailee, Brynlee and Kayzlee, Jared Thompson and friend Nicole, Ashley Mitchell and friend Kazuma, JoLynn Mosier and Becca Laughlin
Was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brother, Galen in 2017
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire Department or the Doniphan Senior Center
Kearney Hub, 28 January 2019
PETERSON, Jack, 97, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Oct. 19, 1921, in a sod house north of Odessa
Parents: Frank and Elizabeth (Wilke) Peterson
Attended Midway School District 67 and later Odessa High School
Married: Beulah J. Paul on Sept. 14, 1944, in Phillipsburg, Kan.
After marriage, farmed northeast of Kearney; milked cows and also shelled corn for several others in the area when he was younger; was a very hard worker
Survivors include: daughter, Jaclyn Peterson of Kearney; sister, Lorena Peterson of Kearney; grandson, Keddrin Peterson of the Netherlands; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Bethene Hensel of Grand Island and Hildred Piel of Washington; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Peterson; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family members
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beulah; son, Richard; and four brothers
Memorials: American Red Cross or Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Kearney Hub, 29 January 2019
POLANCO, Eva M., 78, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at her home
Service: Wednesday at The Salvation Army Church in North Platte
Burial: North Platte Cemetery
Mortuary: Adams & Swanson in North Platte
Born: April 7, 1940, in Wichita Falls, Texas Parents: Candelario and Florencia Ramirez Silos
Moved with her family to North Platte at age three, established her roots there; attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Schools
Eloped and married: Joe Gonzales, who preceded her in death; had two children together: Florence G. (Gregg) Todd, and Joseph J. (fiancée, Jamie K. Larson) Later met and shared her life with Ramey E. Rivera; had two children together: Ramey E. Rivera Jr. and Paula D. (Tommy) Thompson; separated
Married: Salvador Polanco; had a daughter, Eva E. (Juan) Ramirez
Was employed in the housekeeping industry for the majority of her life; around 2003, moved to Kearney to be closer to her younger daughters
Activities: member of The Salvation Army Church in North Platte and Kearney; enjoyed embroidery, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, visiting her friends and family, movies, novelas, helping others and meeting new people; was very gregarious; had an eclectic taste in music and was always humming a tune
Survivors include her children; three siblings, Alec (Sharon) Silos, Patty (Joe) Thompson and Mary Angela (Boyd) Braman; six grandchildren, Lydia (Elizabeth) Wilkinson Gonzales, J.J. Gonzales, Samuel J. Todd, Gabriel W. Gonzales, Trevon J. Thompson and Tynea J. Thompson; goddaughter, Shara Guerra; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Julio Silos, Esther Delgadillo, Bernabe Silos, Daniel Silos and Mary Lou Ramos
Memorials: The Salvation Army Church or to the family
Kearney Hub, 4 February 2019
PRITCHARD, Robert "Bob", 76, of Pleasanton died Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
Service: Friday at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: April 29, 1942
Parents: Robert Sr. and Helen Olga (Jones) Pritchard
Was baptized at a young age at the Pleasant Valley Church; attended the Pleasant Valley District 57 until the sixth grade; finished his education at Pleasanton, graduating in 1960
Married: Iva J. Hawkins on June 2, 1962
After marriage, lived on the homestead "in the valley," happily married for 56 years; farmed and ranched, worked hard and played hard; was a man of few words and had a kind heart, contagious smile and unyielding patience
Activities: enjoyed coyote hunting and any sports that his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews were involved in; after retiring, continued to help his son on the farm and worked at Trotter’s in Pleasanton until recent years
Survivors include: his wife, Iva; sons, Todd and Karen Pritchard and Scott and Tracy, all of Pleasanton; daughters, Joni and Kevin Mayfield of Wood River and Angie and Tim Baillie of Pleasanton; his sisters, June and Norman Hand, Delda Johnson, Corene and Errol Phillips and Corliss and Phil Dixon, and brother, Brian and Hope Pritchard, all of Pleasanton; grandchildren Kyle and Jenna Pritchard and their children, Rykan, Sawyer and Waylon, Brady and Heather Pritchard and their children, Emma, Jonnie Lou and Baby Boy P (due in March), all of Pleasanton; Ethan and Tori Teter and their child, Tucker, of Fremont; Trent Pritchard of Pleasanton; Carissa Teter of Hershey; Caleb Pritchard, Amanda Baillie and fiancé Dakota Fitzgerald, Autumn Pritchard and Tyler Baillie, also all of Pleasanton; and Kelsey, D.J. and Taryn Mayfield of Wood River; many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn Pritchard; and grandson, Blake Teter
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church or Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 30 January 2019
RICHARDSON, Phyllis A., 85, of Elm Creek died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Tuesday at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery near Lexington
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home-Elm Creek Chapel
Born: Nov. 12, 1933, in Overton
Parents: Walter and Anna Ester Quin (Hemstorm) Hinrichsen
Received her education from Overton Public School, graduated 1952
Worked as a cook for Elm Creek Public Schools for 15 years
Married: William Hagan on June 1, 1952, at First Christian Church in Overton and to this union two children were born: Duane and Beverly. William passed away in 1979
Married: Norman Richardson on April 3, 1982, at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Activities: member of First Christian Church in Elm Creek; hobbies included crocheting, cooking and reading
Survivors include: her husband, Norman Richardson of Elm Creek; son, Duane Hagan and his wife, Krys, of Ogallala; her daughter, Beverly Schroeder of Elm Creek; stepson, Cole Richardson and his wife, Jessi, of Lincoln; seven grandsons; four granddaughters; five great-grandsons; three great-granddaughters; brothers, Wilmer Hinrichsen of Elm Creek, Dean Hinrichsen of Overton, Jay Hinrichsen and his wife, Delila, of Kearney and Ray Hinrichsen and his wife, Mary Jane, of Grand Island; sisters, Delores Ropers of Sargent and Lucile Moore and her husband, George, of Overton; brother-in-law, John Richardson and his wife, Elaine, of Midwest City, Okla.; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her first husband, William Hagan; her parents; brother, Floyd “Hank” Hinrichsen and his wife, Marje; sister-in-law, Fern Hinrichsen; brothers-in-law, Louie Ropers and William Richardson and his wife, Doris; son-in-law, Dan Schroeder; and several aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 25 January 2019
ROEDER, F. Joann, 75, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at the Good Samaritan Society in Wood River
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Born: Sept. 28, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Floyd and Iola (McGinnes) Kersting
Grew up and attended school in Kearney
Married: Dec. 22, 1961, to Darrell L. Roeder
After marriage, lived in Kearney; worked as a manager and housekeeper at the Midtown Western Inn and the Best Western motels
Activities: liked the outdoors with her flowers and gardening; especially enjoyed spending time with her family
Survivors include: her son, Rod Roeder and wife Connie of Kearney; daughter, Angie Burns of Kearney; grandchildren, Vincent, Nicholas, Justin, Jessica Burns, Tawnya and Holly Liner; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lorreta Luce and husband Wayne of Colorado, Shirley Wood of Kearney, Joyce Snell of Lincoln, Opal Wilson of Oklahoma, Roberta Kersting of Kearney, Karen Stuhthiet and husband Mike of Lincoln and Lois Kersting of Kearney; brothers, Fred Kersting and wife Ruby of Kearney, Bill Kersting and wife Helen, and Roy Kersting of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Christopher Liner; two brothers; and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 21 January 2019
SALYER, Dawn C., 36, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at her home. Service: Friday, January 18, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Aug. 27, 1982, in Coolidge, Ariz.
Parents: Daniel R. and Debra A. (Maris) Petty
Graduated from McCook High School in 2000, McCook Community College in 2002 and the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2007
Married: David E. Salyer on June 1, 2002, in McCook; had four children together
Activities: member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney, where David serves as associate pastor
Survivors include: her husband, David of Kearney; children, Haven, Peregrine, Evelyn and Jocelyn Salyer, all of Kearney; mother, Debra Petty of McCook; brothers, Douglas (Angel) Petty of Minden and Dustin (Melissa) Petty of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Julie Marvin of Omaha; and many nieces, nephews, numerous other extended family and many beloved friends
Memorials: to the family to cover expenses and an educational fund for her children
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2019
SCHOOP, Lois Genevieve (Pritschau), 88, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Papillion
No public service
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Aug. 25, 1930, on a homestead near Boelus
Parents: Waldo and Minnie (Bazman) Pritschau
Graduated from Boelus High School in 1948; worked at the Hotel Yancey in Grand Island
Married: Sept. 25, 1949, to Ronald Edward Shoop at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rockville, after Ron's return from serving in the U.S. Navy; had four children together
After marriage, lived in a one-room apartment, later moved to a duplex in Ravenna then settled into the homestead place that became known as Shoop Corner where they lived and hosted many family gatherings all of their lives
Was a school bus driver, later worked at the Boelus Grocery Store and then at the Ravenna Railroad Units, retired in 1991
Activities: enjoyed family vacations to Canada, Oregon and the Black Hills; and numerous other states visiting their children; enjoyed playing bridge with friends
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Dave and Cindy Ann Schoop, Danny and Julie Schoop, Cindy and Michael Jeffries; and Valerie and Douglas Sieburg; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as Brenda Kerzmann, and Mario and Jose Aguilar, the latter two being foreign exchange students
Was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; brothers, Robert Pritschau and Maynard Pritschau; parents, Waldo and Minnie Pritschau; parents-in-law, George (Nick) and Nora (Shanahan) Shoop; daughter-in-law, Marlene; and granddaughter, Jennifer
Memorials: Ravenna EMT
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2019
SINTEK, James R. "Jim", 64, of Kearney, formerly of the Ansley area, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Wednesday at Ansley United Methodist Church
Burial: Ansley Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born: Dec. 8, 1954, in Broken Bow
Parents: Arleigh L. and Judith (Porter) Sintek
Graduated from Ansley High School; attended Chadron State College and Kearney State College
Enjoyed working for Broadfoot Sand and Gravel for over 30 years
Activities: loved his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sports and activities; loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting; enjoyed cooking and made a terrific prime rib
Survivors include: sons, Chris (Cory) Sintek of Bennington and Mike (Jennifer) Sintek of Elkhorn; daughter, Becky Sintek of Omaha; five grandchildren, Brody, Carter, Morgan, Ty and Camden; and brother, Dave Sintek of Mason City
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 28 January 2019
SMITH, Hazel JoAnn, 79, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of Life: Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the Elm Creek Lions Club
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: September 10, 1939 in rural Odessa
Parents: Marvin C. and Alice W. (Beavers) Swartwood
Graduated from Odessa High School, 1958
Worked for Eaton’s Corporation for over 27 years
Married: 1960, to Dennis Shirley; had two children together
Married: 1988 to Brad Smith; later divorced
Activities: enjoyed traveling and was an avid Husker fan, above all enjoyed her time with family and friends
Survivors include: her daughter, Pam Shirley and son, Marty Shirley both of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Amber Montes of Columbus and Brandon Devroy and his wife, Ashley of Elm Creek; great-grandchildren: Alicia, Jessica and Diana Montes and Taylor and Dawn Devroy; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, 6 brothers and 4 sisters
Kearney Hub, 10 January 2019, and www.osrfh.com
STEVENS, Leslie Charles “Les”, 76, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Armada Cemetery near Miller
Born: May 17, 1942, in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Parents: William W. and Etta Deldee (Martin) Stevens
Grew up on the family farm near Miller, attended school there; graduated from Sumner High School in 1961
After graduation, moved to Hastings for work
Married: Margene A. Rose, May 7, 1966, in Rosemont at Calvary Lutheran Church
Continued living in Hastings, then moved to Kearney in 1974. Worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads, Rockwell International, Eaton Corp.; owned and operated Stevens’ Lawn Service and Fencing; later worked at the Buffalo County Courthouse; retired in 2005
Activities: member of the Kearney Men’s Bowling Association, was inducted into the Kearney Bowling Hall of Fame in 1996; bowled on several leagues throughout the years; former member of the Eagles Club, served as president and also held other offices; enjoyed reading and took great pride in his flower and vegetable gardens; loved to fish and spend time with family and friends
Survivors include: his wife of 52 years, Margene; his children, William “Bill” Stevens of Gothenburg, Laura Davis of North Platte and John Stevens and wife Lisa of Kearney; seven grandchildren, Eric Stevens of Lincoln, Carlie Stevens of Omaha, Hayley Stevens of Gothenburg, Amelia, Olivia and Elaina Davis of North Platte and Tyler Stevens of Kearney; brothers, Wendell (Joan) Stevens of Kearney and Mike Broadbent of Green Bay, Wis.; and sister, Virginia (Don) Butler of Elm Creek
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Stanley Broadbent; father-in-law, Frank Rose; brother, Eldon Stevens; sister and brother in-law, Geneva and Jim Sickler; son-in-law, Shawn Davis; and infant granddaughter, Kayla Stevens
Kearney Hub, 9 January 2019
STUMP, Daniel H. "Dan", 77, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Kearney
Services: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 10, 1941, in Ogallala
Parents: Virgil and Catherine (Erker) Stump
Attended Elm Creek High School, graduated in 1959; later attended Kearney State College in Kearney
Married: Jill L. Haberman on May 26, 1979, at Johnson Lake
Owned several businesses throughout his life: The Fireside Inn, Paddy O’Mally’s, The Phoenix Club and Mid State Finance, all in Kearney, in addition to Erin Pub in Grand Island; was most recently the owner of Fast Phil’s Plaza; was awarded Retailer of the Year of 1995-1996
Activities: was one of the founding members of the Kearney United Way chapter; member of The Optimist Club, held the title of lieutenant governor at the state level; member of the Elks Club, the Buffalo County Sheriff Posse, and the Kearney Chamber of Commerce Colonels Club; member of Prince of Peace, was on the building committee; committee member of the Outdoor Expo for Nebraska Game and Parks and an active member of Ducks Unlimited; enjoyed his time outdoors hunting and fishing. Survivors include: his wife, Jill Stump of Kearney; children and spouses, Tammie Blaha of Tybee Island, Ga., Tina Redwine of Kearney, Troy and Amy Stump of Kearney, Travis and Shawna Stump of Grand Island, Bryan and Amy Stump of Fort Collins, Colo., and Dana and Brooke Iverson of Kearney; sister, Shirley Vance of Scribner; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Prince of Peace Catholic Church or the Kearney Optimist Club
Kearney Hub, 6 February 2019
SULLIVAN, Anne L., 57, of Kearney, formerly of Central City, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at her home from complications with lupus
Service: Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Dec. 17, 1961, in Lexington
Parents: James and Irene (Darling) Hamik
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School; graduated from Grand Island School of Business
Married: July 2, 1982, to Thomas Sullivan
After marriage, lived in Central City, then moved to Kearney
Worked in the office of Jay Sawyer, D.D.S., until her death
Activities: enjoyed crafting, decorating, listening to music and being with her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy; was a caring and supportive mother of all children; had endearing relationships with her family, friends and colleagues,
Survivors include: her husband, Thomas of Kearney; sons, Matthew of Madison, Wis., and Michael of Lincoln; daughter, Caitlin Vest and husband Talus of Amherst; grandchildren, Estelle, Haven and Titus Vest; mother, Irene Hamik of Kearney; and brothers, Brad, Craig, Doug and Eric Hamik
Was preceded in death by her father, James “Jim” Hamik
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2019
URWILLER, Velma N., 85, of Ravenna died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Edgewood Vista in Grand Island
Service: Thursday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Sodtown Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: June 5, 1933, in Ord
Parents: Harry and Golda (Cook) Foth
Grew up in Mira Valley, attended country school and graduated from Ord High School; earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Wesleyan College, where she made some lifelong friends
Married: June 23, 1954, to Wayne Urwiller at Mira Valley Evangelical United Brethren Church south of Ord
After marriage, lived in Sodtown; taught at a country school in the Ravenna area
Helped on the farm and was an integral part of the farming operation and kept the farm business books; remained on the farm until moving into Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Activities: member of Zion United Methodist Church in Sodtown and later Ravenna United Methodist Church, played piano and organ and participated in Bible study groups; was involved in 4-H and a square dance club and was an extension club member; enjoyed playing and teaching piano, games and puzzles of all types, collecting spoons, bowling and attending her grandchildren’s music and sporting events; was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching on TV all things Huskers
Survivors include: her children, Larry (Lisa) Urwiller of Ravenna and Lori (Gary) Steer of Denton; grandchildren, Tyler (Shelbey) Warta of Springfield, Va., Lacey Warta of Grand Island, Kendra (Sam) Kneifl of Kearney and Colton Steer and Ethan Steer of Denton; great-grandchildren, Eva, Olivia, Ivy Warta and Kasen Kneifl; and sisters-in-law, Sharon Foth of Ord and Leola (Ray) Schreurs of St. Louis Park, Minn.
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne; granddaughter, Haley Lynn Steer; and brother, Eldon Foth
Kearney Hub, 14 January 2019
VANNIER, Kenneth Edward, 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at Hillcrest Firethorn Nursing Home in Lincoln
Memorial service: Monday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: First Lutheran Church columbarium with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 7, 1928, in Hildreth
Parents: Louis J. and Mary (Koehn) Vannier
Grew up in the Hildreth area, moved permanently to Kearney in 1941; graduated from Longfellow High School, 1946
Military: National Guard starting in 1947
Was a full-time employee, retired in 1988; also worked for the Highway Department for over eight years
Married: Elnor Kiehl on June 19, 1948, in Kearney
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, was a former council member and volunteered for the church in many different areas; member of Fort Kearney Area 2822 Eagles Club, the American Legion and the Color Guard; served for 27 years for the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, was a past fire chief; enjoyed woodworking, fishing and camping
Survivors include: his son, David Vannier and spouse Kevin Marion of Plano, Texas; daughters, Denise D. Scott and husband Dennis of Kearney and Jolene A. Jelinek and husband Jay of Omaha; son-in-law, Donald Roth and wife Jean of Lincoln; grandsons, Tim Roth and wife Sharleen, and Nick Roth and wife Nicole, all of Lincoln, and Abraham Jelinek of Omaha; granddaughters, Amber Thygesen and husband Paul of Lincoln and Anndee Jelinek and Abbie Jelinek, both of Omaha; four great-grandchildren, Sarah, Jonathan and Alivia Thygesen and Emma Lou Roth; along with many other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Elnor Vannier; daughter, Mary Lou Roth; his parents; sister, Ann Clark; and brother, Robert Vannier
Memorials: First Lutheran Church of Kearney and the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 1 February 2019
WALLACE, Sheila Marie, 46, of Aurora, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
Service: Friday at Abundant Life Christian Center in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Curran Funeral Chapel
Born: May 14, 1972, at Kearney
Parents: Dennis and Brigitte (Hedler) Wallace
Grew up in Kearney, attended Kearney Public Schools, graduated from Kearney High School
Moved to Aurora, 2001, remained there the rest of her life
Activities: member of Abundant Life Christian Center in Grand Island, competed in swimming, bowling and track in the Special Olympics for a number of years; enjoyed crocheting, watching the "Price Is Right" and playing games on her cell phone; loved children, driving her own car and riding her electric scooter around Aurora; was a "social butterfly" who didn’t know a stranger and loved to visit with everyone she ever met
Surviviors include: her father and step-mother, Dennis and Laura Wallace of Anderson, S.C.; mother and step-father, Brigitte and Melvin Babcock of Aurora; sister, Dennise Akins-Whitson and her husband, Don Whitson of Lincoln; sister, Sherry Johnson and her wife, Rebecca Johnson of Grand Island; brother, Erick Babcock of Aurora; brother, Kendall Wallace of St. Petersburg, Fla.; brother, Ryan Jeffries of Charlotte, N.C. and brother, Robert Jeffries of Corpus Christi, Texas; and nieces and nephews, Steven, Montanna, Makayla, Dwight and Lexi
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lawrence and Elizabeth Wallace, Yohann and Frieda Hedler and Marvin and Grace Babcock; uncle, Werner Hedler; and aunt, Marjorie Babcock
Kearney Hub, 1 January 2019