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ADELUNG, Roland E., 91, of Kearney died Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center. Service: March 23, 2019 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Stanley Cemetery at Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: December 20, 1927 at Amherst, Nebraska
Parents: Ernest and Ella (Buhman) Adelung
Attended Amherst Public Schools
Military: joined U.S. Army in 1946, did basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, then served overseas in South Korea prior to the Korean War
Married: Dolores C. Hutchins on December 31, 1954; had three children together
Farmed north of Miller, near the South Loup River during the early part of their marriage; milked cows, raised hogs and cattle, and grew corn on Seraphine Willard’s Milton Store acreage; moved to Broken Bow, 1966; worked at the Becton-Dickenson Plant for approximately 26 years, retired 1992 when he retired; moved to Kearney in 2007
Activities: life-long member of the Lutheran church, attended Trinity Lutheran church in Amherst, St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Broken Bow, and Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran church in Kearney
Survivors include: his wife, Dolores Adelung of Kearney; daughter, Pam Riggins of Kearney; sons, Perry Adelung and wife Jo Dee of Merriam, KS, Les Adelung and wife Jackie of Amherst; grandchildren, Rachel Carpenter and Justin Kelly, Jenifer and Jon Koehn, Jo Ella and Brian Hoye, Ann Dee and Ben Tucker, Trevor, Riley and Austin Adelung; great grandchildren, Skylar, Presley, William, Perri Ann, and Stanley
Was preceded in death by his sister, Leila Christiansen, and brother Charles Adelung
Memorials: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2019
ANDERSON, Earl L. "Shorty", 84, of Pleasanton died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: March 5 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 10, 1935, on the family farm near Litchfield
Parents: Raymond and Margaret (O’Neill) Anderson
Graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1952
Military: U.S. Army, joined in October 1954, served for two years during the Korean War
Married: Gwendolyn Kohlscheen on Aug. 23, 1958, in Pleasanton
After marriage, farmed southwest of Pleasanton most of their lives; retired from farming, then worked in the HVAC Department at University of Nebraska at Kearney, Pleasanton Irrigation and Trotter Fertilizer in Pleasanton
Activities: was a social person in the community and enjoyed going places, enjoyed riding and raising Appaloosa horses, working cattle, trail rides, parades and bowling; was involved with the Pleasanton Community Theatre, Nebraska Cattleman’s Classic, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and community events; especially enjoyed Saturday night church in Ravenna and then stopping at the restaurant in Pleasanton for supper; liked taking bus tours and meeting people and making new friends; was a good neighbor to all, always willing to lend a hand or his equipment
Survivors include: sister, Carol and husband Robert Supanchick of Hazard; sisters-in-law, Luetta Anderson of Lincoln and Joan Anderson of Waterloo, N.Y.; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and six sisters
Memorials: St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 2 March 2019
ANDERSON, Kenneth "Ken" Eugene, 75, of Kearney, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Saturday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kearney
Inurnment: St. Luke’s Church Columbarium
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: January 8, 1944 in Kearney
Parents: Joyce and Ardis (Ingram) Anderson
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1962; graduated, 1968, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Married: June 11, 1966, to Linda Keating in Omaha
Owned and operated Anderson Kitchens for many years, was a national award-winning certified kitchen designer; 1985, co-founded Task Lighting, owned it until retiring in the fall of 2018; holds numerous U.S. patents and was inducted into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame in 2009; has a Humanitarian Award named in his honor by a subgroup within the kitchen and bath industry
Activities: was a strong supporter of young entrepreneurs, including student mentoring and serving on the advisory board for the University of Nebraska at Kearney College of Business and Technology; with Linda, established a scholarship to support UNK business students; was an active member in St. Luke’s and in the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska; served on many local committees to benefit the Kearney community, including being a Colonel for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the Downtown Improvement Board, Kearney Public Schools Foundation Board, and most recently, was president of the Central Nebraska Senior Golf Association; was a talented artist, enjoyed golfing; above all, was a family man
Survivors include: his wife, Linda Anderson of Kearney; sons, Brad Anderson and his wife, Kelle Hunt-Anderson, Scott Anderson and his wife, Jean, and Mike Anderson and his wife, Michelle, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Misty, Levijames, Devin, Maddie and Max; sisters, Cheryl Schroeder of Columbus and Cindy Fahrenbruch and her husband, Jim, of Loomis; brother, Tim Anderson and his wife, Carla, of Ashland; in-laws, Bob Wiester of Kearney, Pat and Ken Beebe of North Bend, and Larry and Judy Keating of Valley; along with many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Ardis Anderson; parents-in-law, Edmond and Phyllis Keating; sister, Jackie Wiester; and brother-in-law, Norman Schroeder
Memorials: the Ken and Linda Anderson Scholarship through the UNK College of Business and Technology, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or Kearney Public Schools Foundation
Kearney Hub, 21 March 2019
ARTMAN, Isabella Weslie, 93, of Omaha died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at her home in the Lighthouse Care Community in Omaha
Memorial service: Wednesday at Lakeside Lighthouse Chapel in Omaha
Entombment: the family mausoleum at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler in Omaha
Born: in Oakland, Calif., on March 23, 1925
Parents: Joel Osgood Wilder and Weslie (Wort) Wilder
At age 3, with sister Emma Jane and her mother, moved to Kearney to live in her maternal grandparents’ home (D. and Emma Wort); took piano and cello lessons, and particularly enjoyed dramatics, elocution and ballet; felt Kearney was a great place to grow up
Graduated from Longfellow High School in 1942; attended Mills College in Oakland, Calif., where her mother and older sister had graduated, majored in elementary education
Married: John Artman, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kearney on June 3, 1945
Finished her college degree in California, while John started medical school in Kentucky, courtesy of the U.S. Navy; then joined John in Kentucky, taught fifth grade at a private country school; then taught third and fourth graders at Independence, Mo, where John did his medical internship; also lived in Denver, Hays, Kan., and Bremerton, Wash.; when John was sent to medical duty on the hospital ship Haven during the Korean War, brought her three daughters to live in Kearney, near her mother, grandmother and mother-in-law; later returned to Hays
Activities: enjoyed her lifelong memberships in DAR and PEO, took an active role in these groups; especially enjoyed researching family history and genealogy; belonged to bridge clubs; active member and lector at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Hays; enjoyed dance and supper clubs with John and socializing with their many friends in Hays; loved to travel, enjoyed cruises with friends; had a vacation home in Colorado; especially treasured her family
Was preceded in death by her husband, John, and older sister, Emma Jane
survivors include: her children, Cyndi Hartman (Herb) of Omaha, Pam Artman of Kearney, Chris Lawrence (Patrick) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and John (Eleanor) of Seattle; grandchildren, April Clausen (Matt) of Omaha, Herb Hartman (Beth) of Sioux City and Shane Hundley of Jacksonville, Fla.; and great-grandchildren, Anna, Bennett and Clara
Memorials: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 11 February 2019
ARTZ, Lynn Doyle, 65, of Kearney died Friday, March 8, 2019, at his home
Service: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Alma Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 20, 1953, in Holdrege
Parents: Dean and Bonita (Kreutz) Artz
Received his education from Alma High School, graduated 1971; received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, then earned a degree in medical technology, completed his internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln
Returned to Kearney, worked for Good Samaritan Hospital for 31 years; then worked for Fremont hospital, Holdrege Clinic and the Red Cloud hospital; retired in 2012
Married: Dee Czuba on Jan. 4, 1997, in Alma
Activities: enjoyed photography, attending Watchman and spending time with his family; member of St. James Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus
Survivors include: his wife, Dee Artz of Kearney; daughters, Holly Blume and her husband, Zach, of Lincoln, Nicole Hasselbalch and her fiancé, Shannon, of Lincoln and Kristie Artz-Dorn and her husband, Jerod, of Kearney; son, Nick Artz and his wife, Stephanie, of Buford, Ga.; grandchildren, Wesley and Corbin Artz, Sydney, Kar’mel, Jazmine and Shay Hasselbalch, Tyler Artz and Fletcher Dorn; sisters, Carol Pearson and her husband, Jimmy, of Amarillo, Texas, and Julie Hanson of Barrington, Ill.; sisters-in-law, Darlene Elston of Omaha, Mary Cook and her husband, Larry, of Fremont and Phyllis Barg and her husband, Keith, of Norfolk; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Joann Kozak; and brother-in-law, Larry Elston
Memorials: Kearney Knights of Columbus Council 1728 or Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2019
ASHMAN, Richard Douglas ¨Dick", 75, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Celebration of life: Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burwell
Mortuary: Hitchcock in Burwell
Born: May 23, 1943, in Burwell
Parents: Archie and Gladyce (Nightingale) Ashman
Was raised in Burwell, graduated from Burwell High School with the class of 1961; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Missouri State and Michigan State
Married: Sandra Cronin on June 3, 1967, in Burwell
Taught at the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 30-plus years; was a sponsor for the Rodeo Club at UNK for many years and also the Spectacular Rodeo
Activities: hobbies included hunting, fishing and golf; loved volunteering with the Kearney Professional Bull Riding in December and Kearney Therapeutic Horseback Riding in the summer; member of St. James Catholic Church and the Elks Club of Kearney
Survivors include: his wife, Sandie Ashman of Kearney; two children, Mark Ashman of Orlando, Fla., and Nicole Ashman of Kearney; two grandchildren, Megan and Makenzie Ashman of Kearney; and six siblings, Millie Troxel of Pawnee City, Sally and Gerald Burns of Atkinson, Mick and Mary Ashman of Lincoln, Carl and Joan Ashman of Minden, Roxanna Lahrs of Lincoln and Bruce and Judy Ashman of Ponder, Texas
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Troxel and Arlen Lahrs; two nephews, Matthew Griffith and Shawn Burns; and a niece, Cassidy Troxel
Memorials: Nebraska’s Big Rodeo
Kearney Hub, 1 February 2019
BEDKE, Donald L. "Champ", 64, of Pleasanton died Monday, March 4, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: April 7, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Margaret (Kirschner) Bedke
Grew up in Pleasanton, graduated from Pleasanton High in 1972
Farmed with his father at Pleasanton then worked various occupations; then worked as a heavy equipment operator for Buffalo County for over 30 years, retired for health reasons; continued to work at the family farm
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton; liked fixing things and tinkering and especially enjoyed spending time with nieces and nephews
Survivors include his mother, Margaret Bedke of Pleasanton; and brothers, Mike Bedke and wife Karen, Roger Bedke and Dennis Bedke and wife Debra, all of Kearney, and Keith Bedke and wife Regina of Pleasanton; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father in 1995 and one nephew, Jeremiah Bedke
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2019
BLOCHER, George Orval, 95, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at The Windcrest on Van Dorn assisted living facility
Graveside service: Mount Auburn Cemetery in Omaha
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Feb. 1, 1924, in Clay County
Parents: Orval and Leah (Fairley) Blocher
Was raised in Auburn, was a 1941 graduate of Auburn High School; earned his bachelor’s degree from Peru State College, his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his doctorate in educational administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Military: U.S. Army, 1943 to 1946; served six months in Austria
Married: Sept. 2, 1945, to Jeanne Mayer in Auburn
Spent 38 years in education, first as a teacher, then a professor at Kearney State College, and later as a superintendent; retired in 1986; lived at Johnson Lake for several years, enjoyed the wildlife, bald eagles and pelicans; moved to Kearney in 2001
Activities: enjoyed golfing and achieved a hole-in-one; loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren; enjoyed photography and developing his own photos; member of Kearney First Christian Church
Survivors include: his wife, Jeanne Blocher of Lincoln; his children, Susan Griess of Lincoln, Barry (Margie) Blocher of Oregon, Michael (Cheri) Blocher of Oakdale and Sally (Gary) Bernhardt of Omaha; grandchildren, Trent Pfeil and Ryan (Sheri) Pfeil, all of Lincoln, Brooke (Joe) Hartnett and Brady (Dawn) Venema, all of Omaha, and Erin Kaminker of Oregon; great-grandchildren, Haley, Brianna and Austin Pfeil, Ellie, Isabelle and Joey Hartnett, Drake and Eden Venema and Sophia Kaminker; sister, Naida Knudson of Aurora, Colo.; and brother, Gerald Blocher of Hutchinson, Kan.
Was preceded in death by his grandson, Chad Blocher
Memorials: Nebraska State Education Association Foundation, Peru State College, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the American Red Cross
Kearney Hub, 19 March 2019
BYDALEK, Daniel Thomas, 73, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at his home
Service: Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Inurnment: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery near Wood River
Mortuary:Apfel Funeral Home
Born: April 20, 1945, at Loup City
Parents: Daniel and Theresa (Makowski) Bydalek
Grew up in Ashton, received his education from Ashton Public School; graduated 1963
Military: U.S. Navy, Oct. 22, 1965 - Oct. 17, 1969; served during the Vietnam War
Married: May 15, 1971, to Kathy Shotkoski at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island
After marriage, lived in Grand Island, was employed by Crane Rental as a crane operator; later moved to Kearney, served as manager at Construction Rental until his retirement
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; hobbies included camping, visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, playing pool, golfing and attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events and other activities; was known for his sense of humor, and willingness to help anyone in need
Survivors include: his wife, Kathy of Kearney; son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Patty Bydalek of Omaha; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Jeff Lindstrom of Kearney; five grandchildren, Spencer and Fletcher Bydalek of Omaha and Ella, Ava and Mia Lindstrom of Kearney; two sisters, Margie Palu of Grand Island and Dorothy Pfeifer of St. Paul; sisters-in-law, Virginia Pokorski, Patty Opp, Janis (Ron) Palu, Rosie Dooley and Joyce (Randy) Rowley; brothers-in-law, John Shotkoski and Thomas (Jacque) Shotkoski; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers; sisters, Mary Lou Wilson and Patricia Guzinski; and brothers-in-law, Leonard Skorniak, Chuck Pfeifer, Larry Palu, Bill Opp, Tom Dooley and Pat Pokorski
Kearney Hub, 27 February 2019
CARMAN, Darold L. "Red", 87, of Pleasanton died Thursday, March 7, 2019, at the Brookdale assisted living facility in McCook
Service: Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 26, 1932, on the family farm near Litchfield
Parents: John & Bertha (Kroeger) Carman Attended Pleasant Valley Grade School; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1949
Military: U.S. Army and served in the Fifth Army in Korea, received an emergency call home after his father suffered a stroke; was honorably discharged on Jan. 17, 1953, at Camp Carson, Colo.
Married: Janet Marlene Eaton on Jan. 4, 1953; had two children together
With brother Ron, took over the responsibilities of running the family farm in the valley northwest of Pleasanton; owned the Pleasanton Market, ran the co-op fuel truck, Carman Irrigation, owned and managed two area grain elevators and worked for Trotter Fertilizer, while continuing to invest and develop agricultural ground
Activities; served in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations; recently retired from the Town and Country Bank Board after 45 years; was awarded an Admiralship in the Nebraska Navy by the governor of Nebraska in recognition of his years of service to his community and state; enjoyed fishing; did woodworking, created pieces for family, friends and his beloved Grace Lutheran Church
Survivors include: his daughter, Cynthia and husband Tom Huff of McCook; sister, Carol Lee and husband Charles Johnson of Pleasanton; brother-in-law, Darold Eaton and wife Sandra of Grand Island; grandsons, R. Dustin Hedke and wife Betsy of Omaha, Quentin Hedke of Trenton and Andrew Hedke and wife Michelle of McCook; stepgrandchildren, Jeff Huff and wife Kim of Lenoir City, Tenn., Lisa Huff of Aurora, Colo., and Matt Huff and wife Kristi of McCook; great-grandchild, Janet Hedke; stepgreat-grandchildren, Christian, Natalie, Enzo, Sophia, Corbin and Quinlynn; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, and friends
Was preceded in death by his lifetime partner and wife of 65 years, Janet; son, Lance; brother, Ron Carman and wife Grace; parents, John and Bertha Carman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Sophia Eaton; and nephew, Joe Carman
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church or the Pleasanton Community Fund
Kearney Hub, 8 March 2019
DeBRIE, Margaret F., 88, of Gibbon died Friday, March 8, 2019, at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island
Arrangements pending at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2019
EITEMILLER, Gayleen (Willard), 79, of Stockton, Missouri, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility in Stockton, after a long illness
Graveside service: Wednesday at Kearney (Neb.) Cemetery
Mortuary: Gorman-Scharpf in Springfield, Missouri
Born: May 8, 1939, in Kearney, Nebr.
Parents: Roxie (Hazzard) and Fred Willard
Spent her early years in Nebraska, moved with family to follow her father's construction employment; graduated from high school in Pickstown, S.D.
Married: Arnold Eitemiller and had a son, Frank; marriage ended, and Gayleen and Frank lived with her parents until her parents passed; Eventually settled in Stockton in 1966; had a 32-year career in banking at Sac River Valley Bank before retiring
Activities: always enjoyed large family gatherings; visiting with family and friends, reminiscing and telling stories were her greatest joys; member of the Eastern Star of South Dakota for more than 50 years and the local Stockton chapter of the Eastern Star; had been a member of the Stockton United Methodist Church since 1966
Was preceded in death by her parents
Survivors include: her son, Frank (Kim) of Stockton; a special cousin, Gavaughn Barber of Stockton; grandchildren, Ben (Sarah) of Seneca and Cassie (Trent) of Lincoln, Neb.; and great-grandchildren Jaime, Lane and Tucker of Seneca, and Kalia and Koda of Lincoln; also numerous cousins in the Omaha and central Nebraska areas, as well as many friends in Stockton
Memorials: American Heart Association or Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility
Kearney Hub, 5 February 2019
EVANS, Deon K., 64, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Saturday at Faith United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 14, 1954, in McCook
Parents: Robert E. and Creda E. (Carr) Thompson
Was raised in Hayes Center, was a 1972 graduate of Gering High School
Married: May 12, 1973, to Nelson Evans in Great Falls, Mont.
Was an 18-year employee of Kimball Public Schools; later worked at American National Bank in Kimball; moved to Kearney 2009, was employed by Walmart and Yellow Van
Activities: loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include: her son, Gabe (Hannah) Evans; grandchildren, Karter, Kollins and Kice Evans, all of Kearney; sisters, Brenda Brown and Jill (Terry Parks) Gurney, all of Lincoln; brother, Troy (Kathy) Thompson of Hays, Kan.; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 12 February 2019
FOLEY, Edward, 71, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at his home
Service: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 18, 1947, in Merna
Parents: Dan and Elsie (Whiteman) Foley
Was raised in Merna and was a 1966 graduate of Merna High School
Military: U.S. Marine Corps; was honorably discharged in 1971
Earned his bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State College
Married: July 1972, to Carol Heck in Houston
Worked as a mechanic in both Huntsville, Texas, and Merna; later was employed as a police officer in Broken Bow
Married: July 21, 1984, to Sherry Muhlbach in Broken Bow
For the past 30 years, was a salesman for Snap-on Tools
Activities: member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the VFW Post 759
Survivors include: his wife, Sherry Foley of Kearney; daughter, Christi (Ed) Ellingson of Houston; sons, Dan Foley of London and Jim (Millie) Foley of Denver; stepchildren, Lori Sechtem and Lisa (Ross) Finley, all of Kearney, and Shannon (Natalie) Muhlbach of Bennington; nine grandchildren; sisters, Veronica Foley of Castle Rock, Colo., Nell (Bob) Moles of Sedalia, Colo., and Dee Dee Kuszak of St. Paul; sister-in-law, Dee Adams of Merna; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and many many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harvey Foley
Memorials: Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2019
GILLISPIE, Vida L., 91, of Kearney died Monday, March 4, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
No visitation or services; body was donated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Feb. 3, 1928, in McDonald, Kan.
Parents: Charles Edgar and Ida (Beeson) Howard
Was a retired LPN and had worked at Mount Carmel Nursing Home in Kearney for many years
Survivors include: daughter, Coleen Kohlleppel and husband Robert of New Braunfels, Texas; sons, Steve Gillispie and wife Ruthann of Pueblo, Colo., and Trent Gillispie of Arizona; granddaughters, Tina Welsh of Frederick, Colo., and Lisa Campbell of Lincoln; grandson, Tim Abegg of Kelso, Wash.; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by a son, Clyde Gillispie; daughter, Kathie Motley; grandson, Paul Abegg; three brothers; and two sisters
Memorials: Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2019
GODBERSON, M. Brandt, 67, of Gibbon died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at his home
Arrangements pending at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2019
HAMMOND, LaRae Lou, 61, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Service: Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery near Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love
Born: March 21, 1957, in Lexington
Parents: Lee and Elvera “Pat” (Schnakenberg) Hammond
Survivors include: sister, Pam Ackerman of Lexington; and brother, Mike Racek of Lexington
Kearney Hub, 8 February 2019
HENDERSON, Greg R., 60, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services Chapel
Born: Jan. 3, 1959, in Cozad
Parents: Ross and Josephine (Cagler) Henderson
Grew up in Lexington, graduated from Lexington High School in 1977; attended Colorado State University
Married: Cathy Bisbal on April 11, 1987, in Santa Ana, Calif.
After marriage, lived in Mission Viejo, Calif.; moved to Kearney in 2005, worked as the quality insurance manager at Nebraska Aluminum Castings in Hastings
Activities: was a football player in his high school and college days; after a neck injury and starting a family, turned to coaching soccer, was an outstanding soccer coach and was a coach and mentor to hundreds of girls, including his daughter, for over 12 years; was an extremely dedicated and loyal man; doted on his wife and daughter and cherished his sisters; put his family above all else; was a gentle soul, dependable, hardworking and honest; enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and being outdoors
Survivors include: his daughter, Jessica Henderson-Byrd and husband Phillip of Kearney; sisters, Linda Mackessy of Sacramento, Calif., and Michelle Poppert-Poss and husband Roger, Jody Poppert-Foust and husband Joe, and Kim Poppert-Davis and husband Al, all of North Platte; grandsons, Aiden, Jaxon, Gavin and Christian Byrd of Kearney; stepfather, Bob Poppert of North Platte; and best friend, Bob Wiese and wife Kim of Wichita, Kan.
Was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy; and his parents
Memorials: to the family for Greg’s grandsons’ education
Kearney Hub, 9 February 2019
HOLLIS, Loene Annette, 49, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, March 7, 2019, in Lincoln, after a four-year battle with brain cancer
Memorial service: Wednesday at Wyuka Funeral Home in Lincoln
Born: Oct. 7, 1969
Parents: Don and Jeanette (Comfort) Hollis
Graduated from MidAmerica University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and then the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a master’s in community counseling, spent the next decade providing support and counsel to those in need, especially at-risk youths; co-founded Monarch Counseling, 2010, and soon became the sole owner, continued her own counseling work while also creating an environment for other mental health professionals to effectively help those in the community. Her work ethic and can-do attitude allowed her to stay involved at Monarch Counseling until 2018
Survivors include: her parents; daughter, Aidan Hollis; sister, Jeanna (Hollis) Hoffman; brother, Brent Hollis; countless friends; and former clients
Memorials: CenterPointe, an organization that provides mental health and addiction counseling to community members in need
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2019
KLEIN, Barbara, 103, of Redlands, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, March 3, 2019, at Pacific Pines in Redlands
Service: United Methodist Church in Redlands
Burial: Glen Haven Memorial Park in the San Fernando Valley
Born: Oct. 30, 1915, near Burwell, Neb., in Garfield County
Parents: Michael J. and Emma L. (Reinert) Zalud
Married: June 11, 1938, to William H. Klein of Elm Creek, Neb. He died in September 1984
Survivors include: her daughter, Marilyn Wood of Calimesa, Calif.; sister, Naomi Harnagel of Fort Collins, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2019
LARSON, Shirley C., 79, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at her home north of Kearney
Memorial service: Feb. 16 at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 24, 1939, in Minneapolis
Parents: Wilbur and Jean (Erickson) Carson
Grew up in Omaha, graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1957, then graduated in 1962 from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln
Married: June 9, 1962, to Earl K. Larson Jr. in Omaha
Survivors include: her husband of Kearney; son, E. Ken Larson and wife Alison of Minneapolis; and daughter, Kristen Yale and husband James and two step-granddaughters, Riley and Reese Yale of Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 9 February 2019
LAUE, Violet D., 93, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 21, 1925, in rural Gibbon
Parents: Gerald W. Covert and Mae (Long) Covert
Grew up and attended grade school in rural Gibbon; moved to Kearney, attended Kearney High School
Married: May 14, 1946, John L. Laue Jr. in Phillipsburg, Kan.
Worked at various places including the city of Kearney for eight years
Activities: member of the First United Methodist Church; enjoyed sewing, quilting, fishing, camping and doing crafts
Survivors include: her sons, Darrel "Butch" Laue and his wife, Cindy, of Bayfield, Colo., and Jerry Laue and his wife, Kay, of Kearney; daughters, Patricia Hotz of Omaha, Barbara Johnson and her husband, Kenneth, and Rita Mortimore and her husband, Donald, all of Kearney; sister, Reita Maret of Omaha; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jacqueline Laue; granddaughter, Amy Johnson; and sisters, Grace Best, Arlene Schultz and Virginia Busher
Memorials: Mount Carmel Home
Kearney Hub, 21 March 2019
LIND, Rodney Floyd “Rod”, 70, of rural Elm Creek died Friday, March 8, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Wednesday at Westmark Evangelical Free Church in rural Loomis
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: April 15, 1948, at Kearney
Parents: Floyd C. and Farris C. (Anderson) Lind
Married: Jan. 28, 1968, to Janice K. Regelin in Holdrege; they divorced
Married: Jan. 1, 2013, to Ellen Shafer at Loomis
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Meachelle Nichols of Elm Creek and Lori Stolp of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; stepsons, David Lilienthal of Kearney, Dan Lilienthal of Ord and Joel Lilienthal of Kearney; sisters, Marilyn Rickley of Omaha and Judy Borden of rural Holdrege; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2019
MEREDITH, Brandin K., 21, of Williston, South Dakota, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Feb. 8, 2019
Service: Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway (Neb.)
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: June 4, 1997, in Kimball, Neb.
Parents: Robert and Taffe (Nourse) Meredith
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
Lived in Williston; formerly was employed by Spyder Oil Field Service and Gamber Energy Services
Activities: had a passion for playing hockey, cherished his time and the friendships he made while on the Tri-City Storm team; held a special place in his heart for his family; member of the New Life Church in Kearney
Survivors include: his parents, Taffe Nourse-Meredith and Robert Meredith and his significant other, Jennifer Landsem; brothers, Sebastian and Greyson Meredith and Brodey McMinn; sister, Olivia McMinn; grandparents, Deb and Dennis Nourse, Linda Steffen and Judy and Allen Meredith; aunts and uncles, Alan and Jenissa Meredith and Tiffany and Scott Thielen; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandmother, Arlene Meredith; great-grandparents, Pete and Hazel Schoene, Dale Cannon, LaVerne "Bill" and Fern Stonehocker and Russell Nourse; uncles, Steve Nourse and Andrew Meredith; and great-uncle, Eddy Cannon
Kearney Hub, 14 February 2019
MOES, Dr. Francis J., 85, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Green Bay
Service: Saturday at St. Patrick’s Oratory in Green Bay
Mortuary: Malcore (East) in Green Bay
Born: Kearney, Neb., into a farming family
Parents: John and Marie (Hubsh) Moes
Military: U.S. Army, served his country in South Korea and Japan
Was a graduate from Illinois College of Optometry and practiced optometry for 50 years; established the Moes Vision Center with a priority to patient care in a family practice
Activities: was devoted to his family, patients, community and country; was blessed with a deep love of God; devotion to his Catholic faith provided a foundation for the moral and ethical choices he practiced in his business and life; was a man of few words with a heart as big as the universe; life member of the Order of Elks, Green Bay,served two terms as exulted ruler and chaired the Elks Scholarship Committee for decades; in later years, reconnected his farming roots with the family farm in Door County; enjoyed tending to his garden and animals
Survivors include his wife, Caroline (Jehorek) of 60 years; their five children, Naomi (Jon) Jenkins, Christopher (Debbie) Moes, Gregory Moes, Andrea (Sandy) Seidman and Brian (Leslie) Moes; and eight grandchildren, Andrew and Lucy Jenkins, Sierra and Natalie Moes, Rachel and Jaeger Moes and Cole and Avery Moes; and his siblings, Catherine Zwiner, Lucille (Melvin) Chase and Mary Haldiman; and other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie (Hubsh) Moes, Luxembourg, Europe; and two brothers, Earnest and Fred Moes
Memorials: St. Patrick’s Oratory Restoration Fund
Kearney Hub, 7 February 2019
NILSEN, Yvonne, 74, of Hazard died Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at her home
Service: Thursday at Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Burial: Highland Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: at home in Litchfield on Oct. 13, 1944
Parents: Garfield "Buck" and Agatha (Borden) Jones
Attended school in Litchfield, graduated in 1962; graduated from Lincoln School of Commerce; was baptized at the Litchfield Christian Church
Married: Arnold W. Nilsen on Sept. 27, 1964
After marriage, lived on a farm southwest of Hazard; was a homemaker, helped on the farm and raised two children; later worked for 19 years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney in admissions and the medical records department; after retiring, served as the church secretary
Activities: was confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard, remained an active member involved in all activities of the church and was a devoted member of LWML; made many dear friends while being involved in Lutheran Marriage Encounter; enjoyed traveling, especially to the Holy Land; cherished her ten grandchildren; was known for her love and compassion for family and friends and for her hospitality
Survivors include: her husband of 54 years, Arnold Nilsen of Hazard; daughter, Mona and Jared Axmann of Kearney; son, Tony and Kayla Nilsen of Hazard; grandchildren, Laura, Rebecca and Sam Axmann, Chase Nilsen and friend Amber Metzler, and Bailey Jo, Tagget, Addison, Tucker, Kenzie and Karlee Nilsen; many nieces and nephews; four sisters-in-law; and a brother-in-law
Was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Garfield Philip; her brothers, Jack and Wayne; her sister, Dorothy; two infant sisters; nephew, Scott Jones; and three infant grandchildren, Tanner, Tristan and Baby Nilsen
Memorials: Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Kearney Hub, 25 February 2019
O'MEARA, Bette Jo, 59, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Feb. 17, 1959, in Loup City
Parents: Alvie L. and Marjorie A. (Evans) Lovitt
Attended school in Mason City and Litchfield, graduated with the class of 1977; attended and earned a business administration degree from Kearney State College in 1981; later began a career in insurance which continued until her death
Was raised on a farm near Mason City where her family raised Registered Angus cattle; was very involved in the operation, working daily with the herd; member of the Hopewell Livestock 4-H Club, was an award-winning showman and seamstress; played softball, volleyball and basketball
Married: Thomas W. "Bill" O’Meara on July 9, 1983, in Kearney
With her husband, operated O’Meara Concrete in addition to her work as an insurance agent
In 2004, received a double-lung transplant from Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis; was diligent about her health and very engaged in assuring her well-being to extend her life with her beloved family
Activities: loved her daughter Bridget and enjoyed being part of her active life; enjoyed son-in-law Zack Volquardsen and the love and laughter fo grandson, Oliver; was passionate about the organ donor programs and a strong supporter for local and national donor support groups; hobbies included flowers, gardening, canning, baking, reading and pets
Survivors include: her husband, Bill O’Meara of Kearney; daughter, Bridget Volquardsen, her husband, Zack, and grandson, Oliver, of Kearney; and two sisters, Mary (Lovitt) Sohl of Lincoln and Janis Lovitt of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Live On Nebraska and Second Wind Lung Transplant Association
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2019
O'NEILL, Carol Ann, 59, of Kearney died Thursday, March 7, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: March 24 at First Baptist Church
Body was to the Anatomical Board of Nebraska for medical education and research
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Aug. 24, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kan.
Parents: the Rev. John and Orpha (Brenner) Hooge
Grew up in Lincoln and Gibbon, where she attended elementary and junior high school; moved to Sumner, graduated from Sumner High School in 1977; attended Kearney State College, ran on the women’s track team, affectionately known as “Charlie’s Angels,” under coach Charlie Foster; graduated from Kearney State College in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in nursingbr> Married: P.J. O’Neill on Oct. 24, 1980
After marriage, lived in Hildreth and Axtell, moved to Kearney in 1989
Worked as a registered nurse at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, 1982-1985, and at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, 1985-2017, in the areas of dialysis, employee health, human resources and the cancer center; retired in June 2017
Activities: served on many hospital committees over the years, including the Safety Committee, the Good Sam Employee Council and the statewide CHI Health Employee Relations Council; received Good Samaritan’s Spirit of Caring Award twice; was especially tickled to receive the Golden Bedpan Award in 2017 from the UNK Health Science Program in recognition for conducting presentations to health science students over many years; was appointed by the governor of Nebraska as a member of the Radon Resistant New Construction Task Force in 2017 and was a 2018 recipient of the Kearney Hub Freedom Award in the Medical/Health category; her greatest joy was her immediate and extended family; enjoyed photography, gardening, sewing and crafting, decorating, traveling, dancing (especially to live bands) and a wide variety of music; was a lifelong avid exerciser, wannabe writer and a selectively enthusiastic sports fan; member of First Baptist Church in Kearney, served as a Diaconate Board member and adult Sunday school teacher and member of the Building Committee; loved the Lord, intently pondered all things spiritual, and deeply appreciated her church family, Sunday school class, women’s Bible study group and couples’ Bible study group
Was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006 while testing to donate a kidney; the cancer returned in 2016 and again in 2017; was sustained during joyful times and fortified during rough patches by her faith, family and broad circle of friends
Survivors include her husband, P.J. of Kearney; daughter, Brooke and son-in-law Zac Kavan of Bellwood; son, David and daughter-in-law Michaela O’Neill of Lincoln; granddaughters, Brielle O’Neill of Lincoln and Laurel Kavan of Bellwood; stepgrandchildren, Jaxon Ondracek and Dirkson and Eastyn Kavan of Bellwood; brothers, John (Claudia) Hooge and Dave (Pat) Hooge of Lawrence, Kan.; brothers-in-law, Tom O’Neill (former spouse Jan) of Lincoln, Tim (Vickie) O’Neill of Lebanon, Pa., Dan (Judy) O’Neill of North Platte, Mitch O’Neill of Kearney and Bill (Jen) O’Neill of Gretna; sister-in-law, Colleen O’Neill of Omaha; nieces, Jenea (Marc) Havener of Lawrence, Nicole (Scott) Beinstock of Baltimore, Bridgette Vogelsong (fiancé Andy Campbell) of Camp Hill, Pa., and Camille O’Neill and Olivia O’Neill of Gretna; nephews, J.D. (Betsy) Hooge of Portland, Ore., T.J. O’Neill (friend Sarah Fitzpatrick) and Joe (Elizabeth) O’Neill, all of Washington, D.C., Sean (Kelsie) O’Neill and Andrew O’Neill, all of Lincoln, Patrick O’Neill of North Platte and Jack O’Neill of Gretna; eight grandnieces; and four grandnephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and her oldest brother, Don Hooge
Memorials: First Baptist Church Building Fund or Kearney Tackles Cancer Fund at the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Kearney Hub, 16 March 2019
ORSBORN, Jeanette F., 84, of Kearney died Saturday, March 9, 2019, at her home at Cambridge Court Assisted Living
Memorial service: Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Inurnment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Elm Creek
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born near Elm Creek on the family farm on Nov. 12, 1934
Parents: Ben and Opal Siebenaler
Graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1952
Married: May 30, 1952, to William Orsborn, her high school sweetheart at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Elm Creek
Was a loving wife and mother to her family; For over 30 years, Willie and Jeanette farmed. Most of that time was spent living on the family farm south of Elm Creek. When they stopped farming, they moved into Elm Creek and then to Kearney after their son Bill passed away from an accident.
After her children were raised, enjoyed working as a receptionist-bookkeeper at the Riverdale elevator, Agrex Elevator in Elm Creek and Interstate Structures in Kearney, later became the village clerk in Elm Creek; moved to Kearney, 1991, was employed at the Kearney Housing Agency for six years, was part time employed at St. James Catholic Church and part-time concierge at Prairie View Gardens and Mount Carmel; also worked for Misko Sports for seven years as a bookkeeper; moved to Oberlin, due to health problems, and lived with her daughter, later chose to move back to Kearney
Activities: was baptized, celebrated her first communion and confession, was confirmed and married in the Elm Creek Catholic Church; for many years in Elm Creek, played the organ at the Catholic Church, served on the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery Board and on the Elm Creek Public School Board of Education; hobbies were reading, playing the piano and organ, and working on genealogy and family scrapbooks; family was very important, enjoyed family get-togethers; Survivors include: her three daughters (and spouses), Deb Turner (Ed) of York, Demaris Dietz (Christopher) of Kearney and Diane Zodrow (Steve) of Oberlin, Kan. Grandchildren include Shane Miller of Minnetonka, Minn., Sheri Miller-Nelson of Chillicothe, Mo., Nick Turner of York, Emily Grabau (and her husband Andrew) of Fort Collins, Colo., Katie Hutton (and her husband Andrew) of Omaha, Christian Grant (and his wife, Alyssa) of Thornton, Colo., Stefan Karstens (and his wife, Kathy) of Gokels, Germany, and Lars Karstens of Parma Heights, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Lane Nollendorfs of Lincoln, Brooke and Brendon Nelson of Chillicothe, Paige and Harding Turner of York, Ella, Alexis and Eva Grabau of Fort Collins, Avery Grant of Thornton and Lewis and William Hutton of Omaha; also sister, Judy Marshall (and her husband, Robin) of Kearney; a brother-in-law, Otto Orsborn of Kearney; and a sister-in-law, Juanita Wenberg and her husband, Kenneth, of Elm Creek; and several nieces and nephews in the area
Was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, William on April 12, 2016; their son, Bill Jr.; and a sister, Joan Sommers
Memorials: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 11 March 2019
PABEN, Corinne Hazel, 93, of Kearney, formerly of Ansley, died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Inurnment: Ansley Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born: in Arcadia on Sept. 18, 1925
Parents: William and Verna (Butterfield) Gregory
Grew up in Arcadia
Married: Jan. 21, 1944, to her high school sweetheart, Arnon A. Paben
After marriage, lived on various farms and ranches in the Greeley, Ord, Broken Bow, Arcadia, Miller and Ansley areas; spent her life as a housewife and mother
Activities: loved to garden; was especially proud of her strawberry bed on the ranch near Miller; loved flowers, especially pink carnations and African violets; had many hobbies and enjoyed crafts; raised rabbits while living on the feedlot near Miller, some for meat and some as pets; crocheted dolls, doilies and afghans for her children and grandchildren; enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and reading; member of the Arcadia United Methodist Church
Retired to a home in Ansley; later moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney; after breaking her hip, moved to Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Survivors include: her children, Judith "Judy" Reha of Kearney, Dennis and wife Sandi (Palmer) of Kearney, Peggy Porter and husband Gregg of Mason City and Arnon "Bud" Jr. and wife Marianne (Garringer) of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Peg Paben of Laurel; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Arnon; her parents; her sister, Betty Bauhard; brothers, Beryl and Boyd (twins), Gilbert and Paul; and her son, Jerry (Peg Bubak)
Memorials: Mother Hull Home or AseraCare Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 19 March 2019
PALAZZOLA, Salvatore "Sam", 75, of Kearney died Monday, March 4, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 4, 1943, in Los Angeles
Parents: Phillip and Santina (Danna) Palazzola
Grew up in Los Angeles, received his education from Westchester High School
Married: Kathleen Richards on Jan. 20, 1968, in Gardenia, Calif.
After marriage, lived in Hawthorne, Calif., and Redondo Beach, Calif.; returned to Nebraska in 1973; was employed by Eaton Corp. for over 30 years
Activities: member of the Grand Island R.C. Model Club; loved camping, fishing and boating; hobbies included flying R.C. model airplanes, spending time with Eaton retirees and cooking spaghetti and meatballs for his family; above all, valued his time spent with his family
Survivors include: his memory are his wife, Kathleen Palazzola of Kearney; sons, Phillip Palazzola and his wife, Renae, of Gibbon and Paul Palazzola of Kearney; daughter, Lisa Henderson and her husband, William, of Kearney; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Anotonina Weidmann of Bull Shoals, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Linda Dincin and her husband, Paul, of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Brenda Williamson and her husband, Jay, of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Catherine Johnson
Memorials: American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2019
PATSIOS, Nick D. II, 65, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at his home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 18, 1953, in Kearney
Parents: Nick and Betty (McDowell) Patsios
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1972
Lived in Las Vegas for several years, returned to Kearney for the rest of his life; worked as a truck driver for Brown Transfer of Kearney, retired in July 2016
Activities: shared his passion for cars with his family and friends whom he inspired by his care and excitement to race cars; enjoyed spending time and keeping in touch with his family, his niece and nephews; was devoted to the care of his two German shepherds and faithful companions
Survivors include his twin brother, Mick Patsios of Kearney; brother, John Patsios of Kearney; sisters, Joanie Klein and husband Mark, and Stephanie Patsios, all of Kearney, and Nancy Surina and husband John of Reno, Nev.; nephews, Matthew Klein and Shawn Patsios and wife Heidi and children Schylar and Gavin Patsios of Kearney, Justin Surina and wife Brittany of Reno and Jeffrey Surina of Las Vegas; niece, Jennifer Surina of Reno; aunts, Arlene Patsios and Delores Garrelts, both of Kearney, Suzanne Wilson and husband Dennis of Cozad and Karen McDowell of Ravenna; as well as numerous cousins and several very dear friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Don and Helen Patsios and Raymond and Elizabeth McDowell
Memorials: St. George Orthodox Church
Kearney Hub, 25 February 2019
PERRIN, Martha Marie "Bobbie", 91, of Kearney, formerly of Hyannis, died Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Monday at First Church of God in Kearney; additional service: Feb. 26 at the Church of the Sandhills in Hyannis
Inurnment: Hyannis Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow
Born: Sept. 24, 1927
Parents: Elmer and Isabel (Stinnette) Mallory
Graduated from Bingham High School in 1944 as salutatorian at the age of 16; attended business school in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Married: May 9, 1948, to Harold V. Perrin at her parents’ home in Ashby. He died in 2003
After marriage, lived and worked at various ranches in the Sandhills, including working for earl Monahan, Felix and Peter Becker, plus 20 years managing the Pullman Ranch north of Whitman; was a wonderful ranch cook; retired and moved to Hyannis, 1988; moved to Kearney with daughter Lynn in 2009, loved living in a "big city" that had more than one grocery store
Activities: made many good friends and played bridge; enjoyed attending church; liked playing games and working puzzles; was an avid Nebraska Husker volleyball and NBA fan
Survivors include her three daughters, Ronda (Leonard) Adam of Hyannis, Jackie Sathre of Arvada, Colo., and Lynn Perrin of Kearney; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Josh) Ingram of Arvada, Sara (Matt) O’Neill of Kearney, Seth (Jenna) Adam of Grand Island and Doug (Rachel) Adam of Ashby; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two infant sons; her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Dean Hinton; and numerous aunts and uncles
Memorials are suggested to Prairie View Gardens in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 21 February 2019
PFEIFFER, Janice L., 85, of Kearney, formerly Amherst, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Monday at Miller United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Dec. 8, 1933, in Miller
Parents: Howard W. and Nellie I. (Karr) Muller
Attended Miller High School, graduated with the class of 1951
Married: Donald R. Pfeiffer on Aug. 30, 1953, in Miller
Activities: enjoyed doing cross stitch, playing cards, dancing, being outside and tending to her chickens and her flower and vegetable gardens; loved to bake, making rolls, breads and pies, teaching her grandchildren; was active in 4-H throughout the years, and worked at the 4-H food stand during the county fair for 17 years; helped with livestock and chores on the farm; active member of the Miller United Methodist Church, the UMW, Miller Senior Citizens and the Prairie Rose Club; had a few jobs outside of the home, including substitute cook at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Schools and also helping in the kitchen at Tub’s Pub in Sumner
Survivors include her daughter, Pam and Terry Wempen of Sumner; son, Terry and Rhonda Pfeiffer of Amherst; brother, William “Bill” and Susan Muller of Miller; sister, Jean and LaVerne Deke of Kearney; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; son, Timothy Pfeiffer; sister, Delores and Keith Swift; and brother-in-law, Dennis Gibbons
Memorials: Miller United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 22 February 2019
POKORNEY, Daniel S., 65, of La Grande, Oregon, died Monday, March 11, 2019, in La Grande
Service: Monday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Grande
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna, Neb.
Mortuary: Daniels~Knopp in La Grande
Born: Feb. 4, 1954, in Grand Island, Neb.
Parents: William and Ruby J. Pokorney of Ravenna
Married: Linda Miigerl; she preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Jason D. Pokorney of Meridian, Idaho; daughter, DaLyn E. Anderson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; brother, David Pokorney of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; and one granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 14 March 2019
RICHARDSON, Mark Allen, 58, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at Church of Christ in Kearney
Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: July 9, 1960, in Hastings
Parents: Donald and Jolene (Hunt) Harper
Received his education from Hastings High School, graduated with the class of 1978
Over the years, worked for Gottsch Feedlot and was a Schwan’s delivery man; most recently, worked for Farmer’s Co-op as a propane route driver and gas attendant
Married: June 24, 2006, to Barb Williams in Beaver City
Activities: member of Church of Christ in Kearney and the 1733 Barbershop Chorus; enjoyed singing karaoke, fishing and camping; above all, loved his time with his grandchildren
Survivors include: wife, Barb Richardson of Kearney; children, Erin Jarzynka and significant other Kelly Weseman of Hastings and Matt Richardson and significant other Ashley Carlson of Hastings; stepdaughter, Kiley McCoy and her husband, Brian, of Hastings; grandchildren, KayLei and Trevon Jarzynka, Tristan and Alyssa Richardson and Dakotah McCoy; stepfather, Myron “Tiny” Richardson and his wife, Jeannie, of Stamford; sisters, Denise Hill and Terri Siebrass, both of Hastings; brother, Michael Richardson of Denver; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 26 February 2019
SALL, Helen "Pat" Rowe, 88, of Thornton, Colorado, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Thornton
Service: Feb. 27 at Fort Logan National Cemetery
Mortuary: Rundus Funeral Home in Broomfield
Born: Nov. 9, 1930, in Amherst, Neb.
[Information from other sources:
Parents: Herbert Allen and Eleanore (Giese) Rowe
Attended Kearney High School
Married: Donald Paul Sall
Burial: Fort Logan National Cemetery
] Kearney Hub, 16 February 2019
SCHULZ, Pauline Elaine, 91, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Bethany Home in Minden
Private family service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 27, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Francis W. and Ethel Z. (Nelson) Martin
Survivors include her daughter, Dorothy Schulz of Kearney; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Kearney Hub, 7 March 2019
SIVILS, Arnold Delaney, 83, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: March 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Arlington (Kan.) Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 20, 1935, in Arlington, Kansas
Parents: William "Bill" and Willa Mae (Arnold) Sivils
Graduated from Arlington High School, 1953; earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Wichita State University and a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City
Taught music theory, piano and organ at Kearney State College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 35 years
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, was an organist for many years; also played the organ at First United Methodist Church
Survivors include: his brother, Kenny Sivils and his wife, Ernestine, of Partridge, Kan.; sister, Marky Kempton and her husband, Bill, of Eureka, Calif.; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Willena Lander, Dona Kaufman, Lois Gutherie and Cleo Oliphant
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 6 March 2019
SNYDER, Judy, 75, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at her home
Service: later in Utah
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 27, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Glen and Marian (Elmore) Wiseman. Married Ray Snyder; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her children, Scott Wendt of Salt Lake City, Shawn Wendt of Hastings and Tonia Liner of Walsenburg, Colo.; brothers, Pierre and Donald Wiseman; sister, Patty Hansen; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Kearney Hub, 8 February 2019
STENGEL, Leta V., 93, of Kearney died Friday, March 1, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 12, 1925, in Albion
Parents: Martin W. and Emma M. (Atwater) Brown
Graduated from Longfellow High School in 1942
Married: Jack G. Stengel on Feb. 15, 1945, in Phillipsburg, Kan.
Worked as a sales clerk at Earl May in Kearney for many years, retired in 1995
Activities: liked to sew, draw, bake and paint; also liked all flowers and enjoyed collecting dolls; loved her family and was very proud of her children and grandchildren
Survivors include: her children, Joe Stengel, Lynn Kelly and Joann Tumbleson; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Jack in 1979; two daughters, Nancy Henry and Trudy Gillming; three brothers; and two sisters
Memorials: American Cancer Society or to diabetes research
Kearney Hub, 4 March 2019
THADEN, Charles Arthur Jr., 48, of Kearney died Saturday, March 9, 2019, at his home
Service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Born: Nov. 19, 1970, in Hastings
Parents: Loretta (Arnold) Rabourn and Charles Arthur Thaden Sr.
Graduated from Ulysses (Kan.) High School in 1990
Married: April 1999, to Angela Bradley in Kearney
After marriage, moved to Minden, where they had their family; worked at Baldwin Filters; lived in Arlington, Texas for about a year, then returned to Minden, worked at Anderson Brothers. Divorced in 2011, moved to Kearney
Met his life partner in 2013, along with her two children, Madaline and Spencer; Worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a refrigeration technician
Activities: loved spending time with his kids and family; enjoyed camping and fishing and cooking; loved riding his motorcycle, Nebraska football, Storm hockey and the Oakland Raiders; was fascinated with history and astronomy
Survivors include: his three children, Brennen Thaden and fiancée Brianna Hunter and granddaughter Aaliyah, Jasmine Thaden and Charles Thaden III, all of Grand Island; sister, Desiree Tedford of Kansas City, Kan.; stepmom, Edna Thaden of Wichita, Kan.; stepbrother, William Peirce and wife Shara of Wichita; uncles, Tim Thaden of Alvo and Rolland Thaden of Arizona; aunt, Juanita Elrich of Yuma, Ariz.; nephews, Beau Tedford of Lincoln and Jeremy Tedford and Bradley Gillmore, both of Wichita; nieces, Madison Tedford of Kansas City, Kan., Kyle Stilwell and husband Devin of Wichita, and Aubrey Peirce and Zoey Peirce, both of Wichita; two grandnieces; a grandnephew; and numerous cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, both sets of grandparents, two aunts and an uncle
Kearney Hub, 13 March 2019
THOMAS, Garry Dean, 78, of rural Shelton died Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Wedgewood Care Facility in Grand Island
Service: Friday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Apfel
Born: Aug. 27, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: Belva and Ilah “Marie” (Maurer) Thomas
Grew up in rural Gibbon and received his education at Gibbon High School
Military: U.S. Air Force on Jan. 24, 1961-Jan. 22, 1965, and served during a time of innovation
Married: Beverly Burmood on Aug. 9, 1968, in Julesburg, Colo.; during their 50-year marriage, lived on a farm near Shelton
Had wide and varied work experience both in Nebraska and Colorado
Activities: his passions always remained flying small aircraft and deer hunting; spent many hours in nature near the Platte River
Survivors include: his wife, Beverly J. Thomas of Shelton; son, Robert Thomas, also of Shelton; daughter, Kathy Thomas (Gary) Willhite of Holmen, Wis.; three grandchildren, Hailey, Katelynn and Zachariah Willhite; and sisters, Bonnie Schurer of Wood River, Sharon (Larry) Neal of North Platte and Cheryl (Terry) Wortman of Sapulpa, Okla.
Was preceded in death by his parents, Belva and Marie, 3 brothers, Jack, Maynard, and Marland.
Memorials: Shelton Emergency Services, First Responders
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2019
THOMAS, Robert William "Bob", 73, of Ravenna, formerly of Rockville, died Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Service: Saturday at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Souleville Cemetery near Rockville
Mortuary: Rasmussen
Born: Jan. 26, 1946, in Loup City
Parents: Henry and Johanna (Thomsen) Thomas
Graduated from Rockville High School in 1964, and later from Kearney State College in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in education
Taught English and speech at Centura High School for 12 years; enjoyed directing both plays and the speech teams, as well as being the Student Council sponsor; was a State Student Council Leadership sponsor during many summers; remembered former students by their voices if he didn't recognize their faces; after teaching, returned to Rockville to farm with his father; continued to farm and live there; in 2008 moved to Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna, and recently moved to Rose Lane Nursing Home in Loup City
Activities: member of the Rockville Evangelical Reformed Church and later the United Church of Christ in Rockville; active member of Blue Ribbon Rovers 4-H Club; loved farming, raising both cattle and hogs, fishing, gardening, and enjoying time with family and friends
Survivors include a sister, Margalee Thomas of Henderson, and many cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Johanna Thomas; and an infant brother
Memorials: Ravenna and Loup City EMTs and fire departments
Kearney Hub, 22 March 2019
THOMPSON, Helen J., 82, of Kearney died Sunday, March 17, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Service: Thursday at Spirit of Life Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Feb. 12, 1937, in Albion
Parents: Albert J. and Merle Emma (Stone) Ebers
Grew up on the family farm in the rural Seward area, attended country school; graduated from Milford High School with the class of 1954; attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln
Married: Robert Thompson on Jan. 13, 1956, at Salem Methodist Church in rural Seward County
After marriage, lived in a variety of communities throughout the years including Lincoln, North Platte, Holdrege, Lexington and Kearney
Worked at various positions throughout her life until she no longer was able to work due to her health
Activities: was a music lover, liked playing the piano and organ, singing in church choir and listening to music; enjoyed riding motorcycle with her husband, took many day trips and vacations for over 20 years; most important to Helen was her faith in the Lord, loved God with all her heart
Survivors include: her loving husband, Robert of Kearney; daughters, Rita and Mike Uldrich of Kearney, Michelle Thompson of Portsmouth, N.H., and Brenda and Wayne Harnish of Dudley, Ga.; sister, Mary Ann Hans of Seward; brother-in-law, Merle and Janet Thompson of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Pat Grimes of Milford; grandchildren, Lindsay Uldrich, Melissa Uldrich, Kristi Parton and Jonathan Harnish; four great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons; and numerous other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers-in-law, Gleason Grimes and Roger Hans
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2019
TODD, Jo An, 84, of Lincoln, formerly of Amherst, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln
No services are planned
Mortuary: Aspen Mortuary, Lincoln, Nebr.
Born: May 14, 1934, near Amherst
Parents: Raymond and Mary (Harmoney) Rumbeck
Graduated from Amherst High School, 1951
Married: Harold Dean Todd
Was known and loved by many
Kearney Hub, 12 February 2019 and Aspen Mortuary
TRUCANO, Alvin Eli "Al", 82, of Rushville, formerly of Gibbon, died Saturday, March 9, 2019, at his home
Service: Saturday at Hay Springs United Methodist Church
Burial: Rushville Cemetery
Mortuary: Chamberlain Chapel
Born: Nov. 1, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa
Parents: the Rev. Peter D. and Gladys O. (Jennings) Trucano
Married: 1958, to Sharon K. Deines in Culbertson
Married: May 29, 1989, to Marjorie "Jean" (Lyon) Forster
Survivors include his wife; children, Bonnie J. Hartwell of Amherst and Marlin G. Trucano of Odessa; stepson, James L. Forster of Box Elder, S.D.; brother, Vernon J. Trucano of Ottumwa, Iowa; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 March 2019
WAKELIN, Connie J., 76, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, at CountryHouse Assisted Living Facility
Memorial service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Oct. 14, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Harold and Loretta (Neal) Burtis
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1960
Married: Roger Wakelin, April 17, 1964, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Grand Island; over the years, lived in Spencer, Iowa; Chickasha, Okla.; and Kearney
In 1988, Roger and Connie purchased the Kearney Ford New Holland Dealership, which was renamed Wakelin Implement; sold the business to Fairbanks Implement seven years later
Worked as the bookkeeper/secretary of the superintendent for Kearney Public Schools and the Central District for the United Methodist Church; did taxes at H&R Block for several years; earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Kearney State College, graduating with honors
Activities: was a past Bluebird leader and volunteer for the church; was a meticulous housekeeper and hostess, was an excellent cook; enjoyed '50s music; member of the First United Methodist Church
Survivors include: her daughters, Lynne Beckstead and husband Patrick of Ankeny, Iowa., and Janelle Rolls of Alliance; grandsons, Joshua (Raegan) Follmer, Nicholas Follmer and Colton and Gage Rolls; granddaughter, Ryley Rolls; sister-in-law, Joanne (Wendell) Lanman of Parker, Colo.; and nieces, Stephanie Braeden and Krista Schmidt, also of Parker
Was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and an infant brother
Memorials: St. Agnes Academy in Alliance or the Kearney Public Schools Foundation
Kearney Hub, 27 February 2019
WILSON, Sherri Lynn, 67, of Golden, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Thornton
A private ceremony is planned
Born: Feb. 20, 1952, in Greeley
Parents: R.D. and Donna Wilson
Oldest of four children; grew up in York, Minden and Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1970; attended college at Kearney State College
Was married in 1972
Lived the majority of her life in her beloved mountains of Colorado
Was a free spirit, loved life and laughed often; loved to snowboard, the outdoors, natural remedies, anything mystical and old world, AM radio, cooking, baking, horses, poetry, flowers and Cherry Garcia ice cream; worked in many different roles throughout her life: mom, entrepreneur, nurse, therapist, herbalist and massage therapist to name a few
Had had three children, three grandchildren; had hundreds and hundreds of extended family through her more than 20 years of work as the house mom of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden
Survivors include: children, Shannon Murry, Brian (Lindsey) Murry and Chrisanne (Bryan) Wickham; grandchildren, Taylor and Morgan Wickham and Olivia Murry; father, R.D. Wilson; and siblings, Clark (Cherlyn) Wilson, John (Laura) Wilson and Suzan Wilson
Was preceded in death by mother, Donna Wilson; and grandparents, Henry and Alma Wilson
Kearney Hub, 2 March 2019