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ALBRIGHT, Dale Sidney, 71, of Kearney died Monday, April 1, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Private family graveside service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 30, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Sidney and Rita (Wild) Albright
Received his education and graduated from Elm Creek High School
Married: Dianne Wright in Lincoln
Military: U.S. Army on Nov. 8, 1967- June 11, 1969; earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star
Worked as a machine operator for Eaton Corp. for 30-plus years
Activities: enjoyed collecting guns, hunting and trap shooting
Survivors include: his wife, Dianne of Kearney; children, Juli Byrne and her husband, Dennis, of Gibbon, Jammie Wright and his wife, Shawni, of Elm Creek and Jeffrey Wright of Kearney; grandchildren, Chad and his wife, Kristin, Ashley, Sadie, Nathan, Carol, Raygan, Matthew and Morgan; great-grandchildren, Gunnar and Tobie “Snicklefritz”; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub,3 April 2019
BARLOW, Richard Lee, 78, of Kearney died Monday, March 25, 2019, in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 14, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Josephine (Svanda) Barlow
Attended Kearney State College, graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics; earned his master's degree at the University of Kansas; later obtained his doctorate at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley; was a retired University of Nebraska at Kearney professor of statistics
Activities: member of the First Christian Church in Kearney; charter member of Kappa Mu Epsilon and a Golden Legion member of Phi Delta Theta; enjoyed purchasing and remodeling rental properties, family vacations and his beloved dogs
Survivors include: his sister, Roberta Barlow of Kearney
Was preceded in death by both his parents in 2002; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Memorials: The Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 27 March 2019
BAUER, Dr. Lawrence William Sr., 102, of Kearney died Sunday, April 7, 2019, at his home
Service: Monday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Bartley Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 11, 1916, in southern Frontier County, six miles north of Bartley, in a farm home
Parents: Karl Bauer and Della Mae (Hart) Bauer
Grew up on a farm in southern Frontier County; attended his first eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse, District 24; was a graduate of Bartley High School
Military: U.S. Navy, October 1941- October 1945; served in the South Pacific during World War II
Was a graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Ind.; then graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and served a rotating internship at Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital in Omaha
Married: Mary Doolittle of Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 30, 1953; had four children together: Lawrence William "Bill" Bauer Jr. of Kearney, Barbara Ann Stoltz of Lincoln, James Edward Bauer of Redding, Calif., and Charles Andrew Bauer of Kearney
Practiced medicine at the Kearney Clinic for 35 years; after retiring, continued to practice medicine doing locum tenens (temporary assignments) in various clinics and hospitals in south-central Nebraska; retired at age 85 because of failing vision due to macular degeneration
Activities: surrendered his heart to Christ at an early age, joined the Garfield Evangelical Church in Frontier County; at the time of his death was a member of Kearney Evangelical Free Church; was active in Boy Scouts of America; was always interested in missions and was active in Wycliffe Associates; member of Gideons International, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; was always proud of having served his country during World War II
Survivors include: son, Lawrence "Bill" Jr. and wife Jeanette of Kearney; daughter, Barbara and husband David Stoltz of Lincoln; son, James and wife Rhonda of Redding; and son, Charles and wife Kristen Bauer of Kearney; one brother, Truman and wife Vonda Bauer of Wichita, Kan.; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mary; both parents; and 12 sisters and three brothers, Leta Klinkebiel of Cambridge, Ruth Swanson of McCook, Esther Hansen of Holdrege, Alice Koch of McCook, Dorothy Harder and Harold Bauer, both of Canby, Ore., Elsie Kasten of Central City, Grace Kutz of Eugene, Ore., Gladys Cotton of Bartley, Carl Bauer of Stromsburg, Olive Bauer and Mabel Bauer, both of Cambridge, Corrine Lohr of Eugene, Ore., Gertrude Hoffman of Lake Havasu, Ariz., and Kenneth Bauer of Cambridge
Memorials: Gideons International, Kearney Evangelical Free Church or Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 10 April 2019
BECK, Betty Lou (Berger), 90, of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Friday at First Christian Church in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: March 13, 1929, on the family farm north of Minden
Parents: Lynn and Myrtle (Schmidt) Berger
Attended country school at District 25 school, graduated from Minden High School, 1946
Married: Richard Beck, Aug. 30, 1947, in Colorado Springs, Colo.; had three sons together
After marriage, lived east of Minden
Cherished her role of wife, mother and life manager, and "farm wife"; moved into town in 1984
Activitiese: member of the First Christian Church in Minden; enjoyed square dancing, playing card games, especially Somerset, quilting, cross-stitch, crossword puzzles and ceramics; loved to cook and bake for family gatherings; treasured being surrounded by her family and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s games and other activities; kept a daily diary for over 40 years
Survivors include: her sons, Robert Beck and wife Cheryl of Greencastle, Ind., and Gary Beck and wife Kathy, and John Beck and wife Connie, all of Minden; granddaughters, Melanie Beck of Kearney and Erika (Beck) Muthart and husband Ian of Lincoln; stepgrandchildren, Shane Funk and wife Rebecka of Spearfish, S.D., Jason Funk and wife Meggin of Rushville, Aaron Funk and wife Sarah of Woodstock, Ga., and Zachary Funk of Omaha; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; two stepgreat-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Hilly Beck and wife Nadine of Springfield, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Lois Beck of Ravenna, Marion Beck of Minden and Carole Beck of Lexington; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; brothers, Clair, Robert and Charles; sisters, Marian, Shirley and Beverly; and brothers-in-law, Archie, Donald and Marshall Beck
Memorials: First Christian Church in Minden
Kearney Hub, 1 April 2019
BISH, Melvin "Dean", 86, of Sun City West, Arizona, died Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Sun City West
Interment of cremains: Kearney (Neb.) Cemetery
Born: Sept. 26, 1932, on his parents’ farm south of Giltner, Neb.
Parents: Arthur E. and Ruby N. (West) Bish
Grew to adulthood on his parents’ farm; graduated from Giltner High School in 1950
Married: Jane Ann (Conser) Sawyer on May 29, 1954; gained stepdaughters Barbara and Kathy; later had son Jim and daughter Mary together
After marriage, lived in Harrison, Brewster, Amherst and south of Miller, Neb., was primarily engaged in ranching while also working as a ring man at Huss Livestock in Lexington and Kearney; in 1976, moved to land just west of Elm Creek
Married: Nov. 26, 1991, to Dorothy (Hegge) Carlson at Las Vegas
In semiretirement, worked as a truck driver and lived in Grand Island, Kearney and Scottsbluff, Neb.; retired fully to Sun City West in 2002, and lived there since
Survivors include: son, Jim (Rebecca) Bish of Culpeper, Va.; daughters, Barbara (Chuck) Dickerson of Lubbock, Texas, Kathy (Pat) Swift of Kearney and Mary (Terry) Bish-France of Gardner, Kan.; grandchildren, Aaron Bish, Hannah Bish, Callie Perez, Ashley Dickerson, Brent Swift and Keith Swift; stepchildren, Mike Carlson of Spearfish, S.D., Sandi (Mark) Ficek of Kearney and Donna Peterman of Florida; along with four great-grandchildren; also three brothers, Harvey (Jo) Bish of Aurora, Roger (Deb) Bish of Grand Island and Don (Leola) Bish of Giltner; and two sisters, Eileen (Art) Schultz of Cassville, Mo., and Shirley (Rich) McVicker of Sun City
Kearney Hub, 9 April 2019
BONK, Shirley A., 64, of Kearney died Monday, March 25, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Born: Oct. 14, 1954, in Columbus
Parents: Edward and Joan (Mahoney) Pieters
Was raised in Columbus; was a 1972 graduate of Columbus High School
Married: Jan. 13, 1973, to David Bonk at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Columbus
Served as the parish secretary at St. James Catholic Church for 16 years, retired in 2016
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, was active on several different committees, including taking communion to homebound parish members; enjoyed Scrabble, crossword puzzles, playing cards, reading and fishing; especially loved being a mother and grandmother
Survivors include: her husband, David Bonk of Kearney; children, Lisa (Gary) Barnes of Lincoln, Philip (Marissa) Bonk of South St. Paul, Minn., and Mark (Christine) Bonk and Paul (Lauren) Bonk, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron, Zachary and Michael Barnes, Olivia, Andrew, Allison and Owen Bonk, Fisher and Siena Bonk and Charles and Lucille Bonk; two brothers; five sisters; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and one sister
Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Kearney Hub, 27 March 2019
BROEKEMEIER, Byron Bruce “Broek”, 83, of Ravenna died Saturday, March 23, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service Thursday at Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Burial: Sweetwater Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Sept. 24, 1935, in Osmond
Parents: Emil and Esther (Dewey) Broekemeier
Graduated from high school in Osmond and business college in Omaha
Military: spent six years in the U.S. Army, was discharged in 1964
Married: Dorothy Goree in 1960; had three daughters and one son together
Married: Mardell Fox in 1979 and gained two daughters
Had a long career with Case International and Fairbanks International
Activities: was very involved in Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Survivors include: his daughters, Deb Rouse of Omaha, Cindy and Al Monaco of Waterloo and Kerri Stoetzel of Omaha; son, Karl and Kim Broekemeier of Wellington, Mo.; stepdaughter, Cindy and DuWayne Johnson of Lincoln; stepson-in-law, Mike Gillming of Litchfield; brothers, Jim Broekemeier of Osmond and Orville Broekemeier of Norfolk; sisters, Phyllis Rodgers of San Diego, Barb Theis of Creighton, Rosie Jenkins of Gadsden, Ala., and Judy Acklie of Crofton; and several beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Esther Broekemeier; wife, Mardell Broekemeier; brothers, Gerry Broekemeier, Glenn Broekemeier and Don Broekemeier; sister, Marion Block; and stepdaughter, Graci Gillming
Memorials: Ravenna Senior Center and Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Kearney Hub, 26 March 2019
BROWN, Jackie Gene “Jack”, 82, of Sweetwater died Sunday, March 31, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Inurnment: Sweetwater Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 7, 1936, in rural Pleasanton
Parents: Joe F. and Vida May (Sloccum) Brown
Was raised in the Sweetwater and Pleasanton area and received his education from Ravenna High School, graduated in 1953
Farmed, drove truck and served in the Air National Guard
Married: Karen Reinertson on Oct. 2, 1976, at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Owned and operated Brown Trucking and worked many years as a heavy equipment operator; obtained his private pilot’s license, enjoyed repairing antique International and John Deere tractors and participating in and attending tractor pulls
Activities: member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna, Ravenna Tractor Pullers and Antique Farming Association; cherished the relationships that he formed through his work and community activities
Survivors include: his wife, Karen Brown of Sweetwater; son, John Brown of Ravenna; daughter, Jessica Weltmer and her husband, Philip, of Smith Center, Kan.; grandchildren, Kaden, Korey and Kaylee Weltmer; brother, Darrell Brown and his wife, Kris, of Hazard; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Ravenna Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2019
BRUMMER, Rhea L. 82, of Omaha died Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Parsons House in Omaha
Service: Thursday at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair
Mortuary: Campbell Aman in Blair
Born: Dec. 16, 1936
Parents: Glen and Frances White of Blair
Graduated from Blair High School
Married: Richard Brummer on Jan. 12, 1957, in Blair, had 62 wonderful years of marriage
After marriage, lived in Blair for 12 years, then moved to Kearney in 1969. Was a full-time office manager for several companies
Activities: was an avid reader and a lifelong learner; cherished being a caring mother; was a talented seamstress and excellent cook, and had a soft spot for country music; enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, and dancing in Blair, Arlington and Kennard; especially enjoyed being involved in the lives of her family and watching her grandchildren grow up and supporting their activities
Survivors include: her husband, Rich; children, Julie (Ken) Smith, Jayne (Mike) Macholan, Jim (Mindy) Brummer and John (Julie) Brummer; eight grandchildren, Lauren and Grant Smith, Zach and Kate Macholan, Aden and Ava Brummer and Ben and Brody Brummer; sisters, Mary Trede and Darlene Safley; along with numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Frances
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2019
BRUNER, Joyce J., 77, of Minden died Monday, April 8, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Saturday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 31, 1942, in Oklahoma City
Parents: Melvin and Wanda (O’Neal) Mabray
Was raised in and attended school in Oklahoma City
Married: Oct. 7, 1958, to Ronald Forst in Oklahoma City; he died in 1972
Moved to Shelton in 1960
Worked at the ordnance plant in Alda, the turkey plant in Gibbon and later for Shelton Public Schools as a bus driver and custodian
Married: Oct. 26, 1973, to William Bruner at Shelton United Methodist Church; added two sons, Karl and Mark, to their family; William passed away in 2002
Activities: was a longtime member of Shelton United Methodist Church; enjoyed painting, woodworking, quilting and crocheting; also loved cooking, gardening, reading and spending time with her family; was very handy when it came to fixing things around the house or on vehicles
Survivors include: her children, Chris (Mark) Miller of Kingsley, Mich., Sheri (Henry) Brandt of Shelton, Jodie Harper of Minden, Karl (Donna) Bruner of Grand Island and Mark (Erica) Bruner of Blair; grandchildren, Samantha, Casey, Jessica, Heather, John, Lynn, Tabetha, Trishia, Cheznie, Nichole, Kirsten, Logan, Britney, Blake and Levi; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Aaron Mabray of Shawnee, Okla.; sisters-in-law, Marlene Mead of Gibbon and Sandy Linten of Texas; brother-in-law, Derl Williams of Oklahoma; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, two sisters and two brothers
Memorials: American Cancer Society or to the National Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 10 April 2019
CALLAHAN, Terry Gene "T.C.", 65, of Elm Creek died Sunday, April 14, 2019, at his home
Service: April 23 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Born: April 16, 1953, in Grand Island
Parents: Frank and Shirley (Rathman) Callahan
Was raised in Wood River, attended school there through the 10th grade
Married: Anne Berggren in Wood River; later divorced
Married: Feb. 18, 1989, to Michele Mulroney in Kearney
Worked at several different places, including Gibbon Pack and Schuyler Pack; at Cabela’s was a lead maintenance director for several years; most recently, worked at Agri Co-op in Elm Creek
Activities: enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and anything outdoors; also loved spending time in his garage and with his family
Survivors include: his wife, Michele Callahan of Elm Creek; children, Troy (Carley) Callahan of Cairo, Wendy (Chris) Eynetich of Kearney, Vincent (Nicole) Mulroney of Minden, Ryan (Crystal) Callahan of Schuyler and Terrence Callahan of Elm Creek; 12 grandchildren; siblings, Jack (Linda) Callahan of Shelton, Larry (Merilee) Callahan of Grand Island, Greg (Lisa) Callahan of Omaha and Chris (Denise) Callahan of Grand Island; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2019
COSTER, Francois "Lee" Coster, 68, of Kearney died Thursday, March 28, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center. Celebration of life: Saturday, April 6, at the Kearney Elks Country Golf Clubhouse
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 23, 1951, in Rockford, Ill.
Parents: Francois and Yvonne (Grayson) Coster
Military: U.S. Army, 1969-1973
Worked as a salesman for Parker Hannifin and later worked as a professional golf instructor
Married: Aug. 15, 2009, to Vicki Christiansen in Lincoln
Activities: loved golf, fishing, sweets and ice cream; especially loved sharing his passions with the ones he loved
Survivors include: his loving wife, Vicki Coster; his sister, Pauline Saline; and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, Francois and Yvonne Coster; sister, Linda Daenzer; and granddaughter, Elise
Memorial: Elks’ Junior Golf Project
Kearney Hub, 1 April 2019
DONOHUE, Kenneth C., 68, of Kearney, died Thursday, March 21, 2019 at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Born: May 18, 1950 in Bakersfield, California
Parents: Junior “Bud” C. and Elva L. (Bolinger) Donohue
Attended high school in Bakersfield, graduated in 1968
Married: Belinda Gail Dittmer on June 18, 1971 in Bakersfield
Worked for Rockwell Manufacturing, West Company and also Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Survivors include: his wife, Gail Donohue of Kearney; brother in law, Mervin Dittmer of Kearney; 2 brothers of Bakersfield, CA.
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marc Donohue; sister, Brenda Burton
Kearney Hub, 23 March 2019
EHLERS, Christian Michael, born at rest, Monday, April 1, 2019 at C.H.I. Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Private family service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Survivors include: his parents, Justin and Kari Ehlers and brothers, Logan, Mason, and Carson Ehlers of Kearney; maternal grandparents, Michael and Sherry Halkens of North Platte; maternal great grandparents, Charles and Sharon Rodeman of Cairo, Melvin Halkens of Auburn, paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Therese Ehlers of Stapleton, paternal great grandparents, Bonnie Ehlers of North Platte, James and Janet Connelley of Gretna, aunts, uncle, and cousins
Was preceded in death by his maternal great grandmother Delenna Halkens and paternal great grandfather Harold Ehlers
www.hlmkfuneral.com April 2019
ERPELDING, Gregory "Greg" S., 56, of Kearney died Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln from interstitial lung disease
Service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: Oct. 26, 1962, in Kearney
Parents: Donald and Donna Erpelding
Received his education in Kearney; was a life-long resident
Married: Cindy Meyers on Dec. 24, 1983; raised three children together: Misti, Joshua and Chelsey
Was the proud owner and operator of GE Construction; loved what he did, and his passion was finish carpentry
Activities: enjoyed camping, being outdoors and biking; greatest joy was playing with tractors with his great-grandsons; was dedicated to his family and his friends; was always willing to lend a hand to anyone; lived a big life in a short amount of time
Survivors include his wife, Cindy; three children, Misti Christian of Kansas City, Mo., Joshua Dewey (Patsy) of Ocean Springs, Miss., and Chelsey Erpelding (Brent Koster) of Omaha; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Chris Keeler (Greg) of Raleigh, N.C.; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Donna and Donald Erpelding; brother, Mike Erpelding; and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 17 April 2019
FRANK, Sabina, 63, of Kearney died Sunday, April 21, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 4, 1955, in Jersey City, N.J.
Parents: Howard H. and Nadya P. (Rieger) Honeychurch
At the age of 4, moved with her mother moved to Aberdeen, S.D.; was a 1974 graduate of Central High School in Aberdeen, attended Northern State College in Aberdeen and later Kearney State College
Married: Dec. 27, 1975, to Donald Frank in Aberdeen
Earned her veterinarian tech assistant licenses; was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young; most recently had worked at Hy-Vee
Activities: cherished time she with her grandchildren; was a loving mother, wife, sister and friend
Survivors include: her husband, Donald of Kearney; sons, Christian Frank and wife Jessica of Fremont and Jordan Frank of Kearney; daughter, Courtney Quigley and husband Spencer of Axtell; grandchildren, Lily Henbest, Alexis Frank and Solara Quigley; brother, Scott Honeychurch and wife Danielle of Denver; mother-in-law, LaVonne Kinyon of Lemmon, S.D.; brother-in-law, George Thomas Frank and wife Brenda of Sacramento, Calif.; sister-in-law, Julie Schopp and husband Ray of Lemmon; aunt, Carmen Rieger of Minneapolis; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Nadya Ellsworth and Howard Honeychurch
Kearney Hub, 22 April 2019
FRITZ, Berneice Laurene (Lauber), 91, of Old Greenwich, Connecticut, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at her home
Service: Friday March 29 at Grinnell (Iowa) United Methodist Church
Burial: Bethel Cemetery in rural Jasper County north of Lynnville, Iowa
Mortuary: Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Born: June 2, 1927, in Rock Creek Township, Iowa, near Grinnell
Parents: Henry Lauber and Pearl (Young) Lauber
Graduated from Grinnell High School in 1945 and worked for Equitable Life Insurance Co. in Des Moines, Iowa, before focusing full time on her family
Married: Richard M. Fritz on July 26, 1952, shared 66 years of life
After marriage, lived in El Paso, Texas, and San Francisco, then settled in Newton, Iowa; relocated to Nebraska in 1974, and then to Florida in the mid-1980s; had a 20-plus-year in retail, retired from Dillard's Department Store in Clearwater, Floa, at age 82; lived in Palm Harbor, Fla., and moved to Old Greenwich in 2015
Activities: member of the First Presbyterian Churches in Newton and in Kearney, Neb., and the P.E.O. women’s philanthropic educational organization; enjoyed playing bridge, being active in dance clubs and volunteering at the local hospitals; was an avid sports fan; loved and was devoted to her husband and family; enjoyed family vacations
Survivors include: her husband, Richard (“Dick”) and children, Pamela J. Wood (Martin) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Margaret “Peg” Fritz Wentworth (Barry) of Old Greenwich and Richard Moyle Fritz Jr. (Trudy) of Wellington, Fla.; five grandchildren: Michelle M. Wood, Megan S. Wood, Richard M. Fritz III (Trey), Kohlman J. Fritz and Kathryn L. Wentworth (Kate); and six siblings: Jacqueline Gregson (Donald) of Livermore, Calif., Duane Lauber (Marlene) of Newton, Donna German (Larry) of Grinnell, M.J. Mitchell of Las Vegas, Joan Rowland (Charles) of Dallas and Carol Lauber of Lafayette, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Lois Crawford, Doris Winchell, Keith Lauber and Merlin Lauber
Memorials: Friends of Greenwich Point, Old Greenwich, CT
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
GEWECKE, Vern W., 94, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery with military honors
Born: Oct. 25, 1924, in rural Buffalo County near Elm Creek
Parents: Emil and Margaret (Wiseman) Gewecke
Grew up at Elm Creek and graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1941
Military: U.S. Army, May 1945-October 1946; served during World War II
Married: Oct. 25, 1950, to Margaret Taylor in Lexington
After marriage, farmed in both Phelps and Buffalo counties
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, Miller American Legion Post 351, life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 in Kearney and life member of NRA; went on a Freedom Flight, 2008, to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.; enjoyed nature, hunting and spending time with his family and friends; was a licensed master electrician and helped build and remodel several houses in the Elm Creek area, also served on the Phelps County District R-5 School Board and was Sunday school superintendent at the Elm Creek United Methodist Church; patented a mounting kit for different makes of tractors to mount a Ford corn picker
Survivors include: sons, Ronald Gewecke and Judy Roan, and Dennis Gewecke and wife Kelly, both of Kearney; sister, June Reiners and husband Marlin of Juniata; sisters-in-law, Norma Taylor and Audrey Taylor, both of Kearney, and Norma Dutcher of Martinez, Calif.; grandchildren, Abby, Nick, Austin, Alex, Travis and wife Katie, Steven and wife Megan, and Derek and wife Samantha Gewecke; stepgrandchildren, Maggie Kahman and T.J. Kahman; great-grandchildren, Chase, Grady, Ryker and Mason Gewecke; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his wife in 2002; brothers, Kenneth, Wilbur, Elgin, Earl and Fred; sister, Irene; and daughter-in-law, Diane Stalder Gewecke
Memorials: Miller American Legion or the Riverdale, Amherst or Elm Creek fire departments
Kearney Hub, 28 March 2019
HAHN, Raymond J. “Ray” Hahn, 90, of Elm Creek died Thursday, March 21, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney. Service: Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Born: July 25, 1928, in Sarben
Parents: John and Louise (Tenikstein) Hahn
Grew up in Elm Creek, graduated from Elm Creek High School, 1947
Lived in Elm Creek all his life and worked for Holdrege Co-op Association as a branch manager for 33 years, retired in 1991
Married: Lois V. Beavers on June 18, 1950, in Elm Creek; had three children together
Military: U.S. Army, Jan. 2, 1952 - Dec. 18, 1953; served in the Korean War
Activities: served on the Elm Creek Village Board for 16 years and was a 20-year member of the Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department; member of the First Christian Church in Elm Creek, the Holdrege Elks Club, American Legion Post 316 and the Eagles Club; hobbies included traveling, dancing, playing cards and visiting with friends
Survivors include: his daughter, Peggy Robinson and her husband, Mike, of Elm Creek; son, John R. Hahn and his wife, Kathy, of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Aaron (Heather) Tomcak of Crested Butte, Colo., Melissa (Ryan) Knapp of Elm Creek, Tiffany (Andy) Wernke, Brooke (Eric) Moats and Kaili (Austin) Larson, all of Kearney, Derek (Jasmine) Hahn of North Platte and Sadie Hahn of Elburn, Ill.; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Hahn; daughter, Deborah Tomcak; parents; four half-brothers; and eight half-sisters
Memorials: Elm Creek First Christian Church and to Elm Creek American Legion Post 316
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
HEATHERS, Larry Lee “Beef”, 67, of Ravenna died Saturday, March 30, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Thursday at the Ravenna City Auditorium
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna before the memorial service
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Aug. 9, 1951, in Holdrege
Parents: Marshall and Naomi (Schroder) Heathers
Grew up in Huntley and moved to Ravenna in 1963; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1969; was a member of the 1968-69 undefeated Ravenna football team
While in high school, worked for Graham Construction; in 1973, with Terry McInroy, started T & B Construction, which was dissolved in 1986; then began working for the Ravenna Golf Club in 1986, worked there until his death
Married: Jill Crooks on Aug. 1, 1981, in Minden
After marriage, lived in Ravenna
Activities: member of the Ravenna Fire Department; was an avid follower of Ravenna sports and the Huskers; enjoyed playing on a coed softball team
Survivors include: his wife, Jill of Ravenna; daughters, Molly (Chris) Stittle of Lincoln, Megan (Tyler) White of Ravenna and Macy Heathers of Grand Island; four grandchildren, Kyla and Makenlee Stittle, Maddox White and Jace Heathers; and sisters, Dot (Albert) Goodwin and Denise Heathers
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Miranda Heathers; father-in-law, Jack Crooks; and brother-in-law, Mark Crooks
Memorials: Ravenna Fire Department, EMTs
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2019
HERVERT, Sylvia, 97, of Ravenna died Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Service: Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: April 9, 1922, in Buffalo County
Parents: Martin and Meta (Cords) Schuller
Was educated at School District 117 and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1939
Married: Fred S. Hervert on July 17, 1945
After Fred’s discharge from the U.S. Army on Sept. 28, 1946, lived on a farm south of Ravenna
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Leann Hervert of Ravenna; daughter, Christine Geisler of Kearney; son, Randy (Deb) Hervert of Ravenna; 14 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; son, Lon; her parents; two brothers; three sisters; and great-granddaughter, Amelia Heath
Memorials: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 23 April 2019
KAMRATH, Deborah S. (Fish), 66, of Lincoln, Neb., died Saturday, April 20, 2019, at her daughter’s residence in Milford, Massachusetts
Memorial service: May 10 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lincoln
Mortuary: Edwards Memorial in Milford
Born: in Ord, Neb.
Parents: the late Richard D. and the late Esther E. (Augustyn) Fish
Was a graduate of Ord High School, class of 1971, and a graduate of the former Kearney (Neb.) State College, class of 1974
Taught at Kearney High School for over 30 years; retired and moved to Lincoln, worked as a real estate sales agent
Survivors include: one daughter, Natalie S., wife of Daniel DeSousa, of Milford; four grandchildren; and one brother, Steven A. Fish of Lincoln
Memorials: The National Brain Tumor Society
Kearney Hub, 29 April 2019
KOLLING, Thomas, 68, of Kearney died Sunday, March 31, 2019, at the Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Memorial service: Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 8, 1950, in Deshler
Parents: Ernst and Jane (Ferguson) Kolling
Received his education from Deshler High School, graduated in 1968; attended Milford Community College
Worked as a relay technician for NPPD for many years
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed fishing, hunting, flying and going scuba diving
Survivors include: son, Tracy Kolling of Kearney; brother, Mark Kolling and his wife, Judy, of Kearney; nephews, Travis Kolling and Garrett Kolling, both of Phoenix, and Austin Kolling of Wichita, Kan.; five grandnieces and grandnephews; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Kolling
Memorials: First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2019
KOMINEK, Darrell Jon, 82, of Kearney died Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: April 24 at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Minden Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 19, 1936, in Wahoo
Parents: John and Anna (Chloupek) Kominek
Graduated from Minden High School in 1954
Military: U.S. Navy, 1954-1957
Attended Southeast Community College to study to be an automotive body technician
Married: June 2, 1959, to Helen Hemberger
Activities: enjoyed researching his family’s genealogy, golf, fishing, hunting and working on cars; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him
Survivors include: his daughter, Barbara and Steven Hoyt of Minden; daughter-in-law Patricia Kominek of Vienna, Va.; granddaughters, Sara and Kent Urwiller of Ravenna and Shelby and Brian Cody of Minden; and great-grandchildren, Tessa and Kayden Urwiller of Ravenna
Was preceded in death by his wife, Helen (Hemberger) Kominek; son, Steven Kominek; brother, Sherman Kominek; and parents, John and Anna (Chloupek) Kominek
Memorials: American Heart Association, St. James Catholic Church or Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2019
LARSON, Royce LaVale, 76, of rural Axtell died Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Memorial service: Wednesday at Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk
Inurnment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in rural Maxwell with military honors
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Nov. 30, 1942, in rural Buffalo County north of Kearney
Parents; R. Marcellus “Mike” and Alberta L. (Carson) Larson
Was the 2nd of three sons; received his education from the Axtell Community Schools, graduated in 1960
Military: U.S. Air Force on Nov. 3, 1960 - Nov. 2, 1964; served as a field mechanic during the Vietnam War
Married: Aug. 17, 1962, to Kathleen Rae “Kathy” Beaird at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Axtell
After marriage, farmed in rural Axtell
Activities: had a lifelong passion for farming; enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren's sporting events; loved to read, especially the newspaper, watch sports and mow; member of the Buffalo County American Legion Post 52 in Kearney and Bethel Lutheran Church
Was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald C. Larson and Richard L. Larson; his stepmother, Jean Larson; and his aunt and uncle, Ingrid and Don Hewitt
Survivors include: his wife, Kathy of rural Axtell; his children, Jeff Larson and his wife, Dawn, of Yankton, S.D., Andrea Runge and her husband, Brett, of Axtell and Devin Larson and his wife, Deena, of Leavenworth, Kan.; 13 grandchildren, Jade Olson and her husband, Curt, Bryce Runge, Brandt Runge and his wife, Carlie, Brennan Runge, Aaron Larson, Lindsay Larson, Ashley Ann Larson, Ally Larson, Maggie Larson, Tori Larson, Megan Mack and her husband, Aaron, Ashley Rae Larson and Emily Larson; five great-grandchildren, Anders, Royce and Collins Olson and Mason and McKinley Mack; one sister-in-law, Kathleen A. Larson of Kearney; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Memorials: Axtell Community Schools
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
LAUGHREY, Gaylene Lou, 81, of Ravenna died Sunday, April 7, 2019, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Saturday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: May 19, 1937, at Columbus
Parents: Thaddeus and Beulah (Sotherland) Laughrey
Moved with her family to Grand Island, attended kindergarten through fifth grade; moved to Ravenna in June 1948, and graduated from Ravenna High School, 1955
Worked at her parents’ Midway Café in 1953 and 1954; taught school for one year at District 48; worked for the Ravenna Bank for four years and for Kansas-Nebraska Gas Co. for 36½ years; in retirement, worked for H&R Block for the next 11 years; also taught piano lessons
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church in Ravenna; was the church and choir director for many years, served on several church committees and was the church treasurer for several years; enjoyed music, reading and watching birds, her favorite being cardinals; loved cats, watching the Royals, basketball, volleyball and spending time with her friends
Survivors include a few cousins, her church family and numerous friends
Memorials: United Methodist Church in Ravenna, Ravenna Public Library or the Historical Society of Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 9 April 2019
LEGGOTT, Maxine Joy, 96, of Kearney died Monday, April 1, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Service: Saturday at First Christian Church in Elwood
Burial: Elwood Cemetery
Mortuary: Elwood Funeral Home
Born: Jan. 17, 1923, in Elwood
Parents: Dewey and Myrtle (Steinbrink) Smith
Married: June 17, 1943, to James J. Leggott in Fort Smith, Ark. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Jim of Plymouth, Minn., Gregg of Aurora, Colo., and Rick of Edina, Minn.; brother, Gary Smith of Lincoln; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 3 April 2019
LOWE, Louise Ann "LouAnn," 64, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Friday April 12, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Kearney, NE on January 21, 1955
Parents: Rex and Shirley (Church) Kelly
Moved with family to Holdrege in 1967 when her father became the hospital administrator of Phelps Memorial Hospital; graduated from Holdrege High School in 1973; graduated with a degree in pharmacy in 1978 University of Nebraska-Lincoln, completed a clinical pharmacy residency at Rhode Island General Hospital in Providence
Was employed as a clinical pharmacist by Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney for 38 years
Married: September 1, 1979 to Stephen G. Lowe in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Activities: brought intelligence, grace and beauty to every aspect of her life; had a real appreciation for all the people in her life; was appreciated for her warmth, loyalty and wit; had a bright interested mind; was attentive and had sharp skills as a hospital pharmacist; relished her travels to Europe, The East Coast, and California
Survivors: her husband Steve, daughter Kelly of Seattle, Washington and son Stephen of Kearney; brothers, James P. Kelly of Clearwater, Minnesota, John T. Kelly of Westlake, Ohio, Daniel J. Kelly of Nebraska City, Nebraska, and Tom
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: American Cancer Society or Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 5 April 2019 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
MANNING, Elizabeth K. “Betty”, 75, of Shelton died Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at her home
Service: Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born: Oct. 23, 1943, at Spalding
Parents: Louis and Alicia Heinz
Grew up on the family farm by Pibel Lake; enjoyed danceing
Married: Melvin Manning on Jan. 25, 1964
After marriage, lived in Grand Island; after the tornadoes destroyed their home in 1982, moved to a farm north of Shelton
Activities: enjoyed working in her yard and her garden, raising her boys and being the wife of a farmer helping with farm work and cattle; enjoyed being with her friends, shopping and doing her cleaning jobs; also enjoyed traveling with her sisters and going on trips with her family
Survivors include: her husband, Melvin; her sons, Randy and Jason; daughter-in-law, Ashley; grandsons, Mark, Caleb and Collin; her granddaughter, Addison; and great-grandson, Junence Manning; sisters, Louise Heinz and friend Gail Booth, and Joan Smith and husband Bruce; brother, Ed Heinz and wife Janet; nieces and nephews, Kim Wells, Crystal Marzolf, Stacy Smith, Mike Marzolf, Dan Marzolf, Travis Heinz, Todd Smith and Scott Smith; along with many grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Alicia Heinz; her in-laws, Henry and Cathryn Manning; many aunts and uncles; and baby son, Robert James
Kearney Hub, 29 March 2019
McNEIL, Kelly Sickler, 60, of Payson, Arizona, died Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Phoenix
Memorial service: Friday in Payson
Mortuary: Messinger Payson in Payson
Born: Nov. 21, 1958, in La Mesa, Calif.
Parents: Dale and Marilyn Sickler
Grew up and attended school in Amherst, Neb., graduated with the class of 1978
Married: Gary McNeil in Amherst on Dec. 19, 1981; had two sons together
After marriage, moved to Arizona
Activities: loved traveling back to Nebraska to see family and friends; enjoyed cooking and baking for her family; loved to go “flea market” shopping; enjoyed movies, magazines, looking at recipe books; enjoyed decorating her home with the many beautiful things made by her dad in his woodworking shop; loved being a “grama;” had a contagious laugh
Survivors include: her husband, Gary McNeil of Payson; her two sons, Justin and Jered McNeil of Arizona and three grandchildren, Catlynn, Maci and Finley, all of Arizona; her parents, Dale and Marilyn Sickler of Papillion, Neb.; sisters, Connie Wietjes (Rodney) of Kansas City, Mo., and Jan Cox (Ron) of Omaha; brother, Steve Sickler (Cathy) of Omaha; and mother-in-law, Macie Kinard of Texas
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cy and Martha Sickler and Elmer and Hazel Johnson; special aunt, Lois Walker; uncle, Gale Shields; her father-in-law, Robert McNeil; and brother-in-law, Ronald McNeil
Kearney Hub, 3 April 2019
MOFFETT, Carl W., 90, of Gibbon, died Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Valley County Health System in Ord
Service: Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon, military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney
Born: October 14, 1928, on the family farm north of Gibbon
Parents: James and Matie (Ginther) Moffett
Was the 3rd youngest of 21 children; attended District 18 school through the 8th grade, later earned his high school diploma through the Army High School Completion Program
Military: U.S. Army on September 20, 1950 - September 19, 1953; served with the 2nd Division, 9th Infantry Regiment, Company E. This was known as the Indian Head Division, and their motto was “Second to None”; was wounded during the Battle of Bloody Ridge on Hill 983 on August 30, 1951; earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, 1st Award, United Nations Service Medal and Expert Marksmanship Badge
Worked for Howard and Raymond Mercer on the Turkey Farm and for Mercer Farms for many years, as well as Triple R and Cargill. For the last 18 years Carl ranched near Bassett with his son-in-law. Activities: on September 17, 2018, was presented the Korean War Veterans Armistice Ambassador for Peace Medal; also was awarded an Admiralship in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska from Governor Pete Ricketts; 66-year member of the American Legion Bradley Buck Post 310, a 66-year member of VFW Post 759 in Kearney, and a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart; was extremely proud of his dog Jackie, his garden and his white calves
Survivors include: children, Jean (Joe) Widdowson and Carla Middleswart of Gibbon, and Rhonda (Jerry) Ammon of Bassett; grandchildren, Julie (Tony) Ratka of Minden, Bill Middleswart of Washington, D.C., Jill (Kendrick) Clay of McPherson, KS, Carl (Angie) Middleswart of Warren, MI, and Brady Ammon of Bassett; great-grandchildren, Riley Ratka of Minden, Catherine and Maya Middleswart of Warren, MI; sister-in-law Rose Ann Braden of Kearney; several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Catherine “Kay” Moffett; son-in-law Max Middleswart; and all his brothers and sisters
Memorials: Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell and the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 15 April 2019 and www.osrfh.com/obituaries
MOORE, Irene C., 103, of Kearney died Thursday, April 11, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Service: April 26 at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 31, 1915, on the family farm in Kearney County
Parents: Oscar and Myrtle (Peckman) Johnson
Graduated from Kearney High School
Worked for some time as waitress and then a caretaker for her parents Activities: lived in a house across from Harmon Park, often walked in the park and greeted everyone she saw; was proud of her lawn and rose bushes and received the “yard of the month” award from Kearney Sertoma Club
Survivors include: her nephew, Herb Johnson and his wife, Linda, of Kearney; and nieces, Judy Hall of Lone Tree, Colo., and Nancy Van Horn of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her brothers, Norris and Sidney Johnson; and sister, Ardis Stanford
Memorials: Good Samaritan Society St. Luke’s in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 20 April 2019
MORAN, Robert Joseph "Bob", 55, of rural Minden died Sunday, April 14, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney due to a brain tumor
Memorial service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Born: May 17, 1963, in North Platte
Parents: Bill and Bozena (Walla) Moran
Attended school in North Platte; attended Mid-Plains Technical College and studied building construction
Moved to Kearney, 1987, worked at Mid-Nebraska Community Services doing weatherization
Married: Terri Black in 1993; had two children together: Kayla (Taylor) Killion of Loveland, Colo., and Cody Moran of Kearney
Had a lengthy career at Eaton Corp., retired due to health-related problems
Activities: enjoyed nature and loved camping and fishing
Survivors include: his children; grandson, Karson Killion; sisters, Mary Tess Sanders of Upland, Pam Meyers of Arizona and Patti Moran of Wyoming; nieces, Niki Nicholsen and Anna McNew; nephews, Josh Meyers and David McNew; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, two aunts and two brothers-in-law
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2019
MULLOWNEY, M. Paul, 86, of Mesa, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, March 14, 2019, at his home
Service: April 16 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 27, 1932, in Omaha, Neb.
Parents: Vance E. and Mary E. (Lustis) Mullowney
Attended Kearney High School, graduated in 1951
Military: U.S. Air Force, 1951-1955; served in the Korean War
Married: Jan. 18, 1958, to Carol A. Stout in Whittier, Calif.; she preceded him in death on April 16, 2002
Worked in machine repair for Riverside until his retirement in 1991; was a longtime Nebraska resident but later moved to Arizona to be closer to family
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church; was a loving father, husband, brother and companion; took great pride in his service with U.S. Air Force and proudly belonged to the American Legion and other service organizations for over 50 years
Survivors include: his son, George E. Mullowney of Denton, Okla.; daughters, Catherine Clarich and her husband, Michael, and Patricia L. Sweet and her husband, Dallas, all of Gilbert; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, the Rev. Tom E. Mullowney of Kearney; along with his dear friend and longtime companion, Louise Matson of Kearney; as well as several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents; two brothers, Jim and Bob Mullowney; and sister, Joanne Nickel
Kearney Hub, 6 April 2019
MUSIL, Ella Mae, 83, of Ravenna died Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Monday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Aug. 12, 1935, on the family farm in Sherman County
Parents: Edward and Belle (Elliott) Larsen
Grew up with three half-sisters and her sister, Anna Belle; later sister Mary Lou joined the family; was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard; worked with her father putting up alfalfa and running the stacker with horses; later with the Model B John Deere, cultivated and continued to help with haying; attended school at Districts 48 and 20 in Sherman County for elementary school, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1952 at the age of 16; attended summer school at Kearney State College
Began teaching the summer before she turned 17, in the same one-room country school where she started first grade, District 48
Married: Glen Musil, Aug. 25, 1954, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Moved to their newly-puchased home place just south of Ravenna in 1961
Taught school for nearly 15 years, all in one-room schools including Districts 92, 65, 52 and 48; loved putting on school programs
Was preceded in death by her parents; three half-sisters, Elaine Rathjen, Clara Rathjen and Alice Dady; sister, Anna Belle Baker; and son-in-law, Dick Deutschman
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
NOETZELMAN, Michael F. “Mike”, 70, of Kearney died Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Ash Creek Cemetery in Lewellen
Born: Jan. 29, 1949, in Lewellen
Parents: Rudolph F. and Patricia J. (Wetherby) Noetzelman
Attended Lewellen High School, graduated 1967; later attended Scottsbluff Community College and earned an associate degree
Growing up, worked in the hay fields around the area
Activitiese: enjoyed riding horses and helping with the yearly cattle round-ups and brandings; also enjoyed Husker football
Surviving relatives include his brother, Dave and Kris Noetzelman of Kearney; sister, Denise Haines of Hastings; nieces, Sonya and husband Robert Duering and their children, Kelsey, Katlynn and Skyler, Ashley and husband Brandon Kautz and their children, Harley and Kaelum, and Nichole and husband Rory Stabenow and their children, Banks and Bailey; and nephew, Jeff and wife Becky Noetzelman and their children, Drake and Lakyn
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Roy Haines
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2019
PENROD, Larry Paul, 76, of St. Louis, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, March 21, 2019, in St. Louis
Memorial service: Saturday March 29, at his daughter Dana VanMeter’s home in St. Peters, Mo.
Mortuary: Cremation Society of Missouri
Born: Sept. 1, 1942
Survivors include his wife, Donella (Bond) Penrod; children, Dana VanMeter and Tammy Penrod; sister, Teresa Erickson; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
ROBBINS, Marguerite Ann Holzer, 78, of Kearney died Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Kearney of complications due to Alzheimer’s disease
Service: Friday at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Ark.
Burial: Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery in Hot Springs
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: March 22, 1941, in Hot Springs
Parents: Richard Dee and Florence Elizabeth Rowe Holzer
Graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1958 as co-valedictorian, attended Arkansas Polytechnic College (Arkansas Tech) in Russellville
Married: Lanny S. Robbins in June 1959
Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in language and literature with certification to teach in 1962; earned her masters in language arts in communications from Arkansas Tech in 1993
Taught freshman English at Hot Springs High School in the 1960s; taught high school English and French in Iowa (1978) and freshman English at Arkansas Tech and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., 1993-95; frequently moved due to Lanny’s career in the military and as a jail chaplain, often worked other jobs as well, most often using her English training by working as a secretary or office manager; was the journal secretary (proofreading and editing) for the Southwestern Journal of Theology while Lanny attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (1973-76); in 1982, worked for the IRS while living in Des Moines, Iowa, and later she used her financial skills to work as bookkeeper for various employers; was also the secretary/treasurer for Garland County Jail Ministries Inc., which Lanny founded in Hot Springs
Activities: was faithful in her love for Jesus Christ and expressed it through kindness, giving and faithful intercessory prayer; was always willing to help others; enjoyed serving alongside her husband Lanny in jail ministry, pastoring, and teaching adult Sunday School and Bible studies; loved exploring her family genealogy, reading and writing, and caring for her cats
Ws preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Lanny in 2009
Survivors include: her daughters, Julie (Jeff) Frady of Wichita, Kan., and Tricia (Scott) Murrish of Kearney; six grandchildren, Joelle and Jana Frady and Jarrad (Lindsey), Natalie, Noah (Mariah), and Ethan Murrish; sister-in-law, Ravonna Martin; nieces and nephews, John Wing, Steve (Leslie) Wing, Lanie (Corky) Martin and Suzie (Josh) Baxter; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews
Kearney Hub, 1 April 2019
SALYER, Joshua C., 29, of Kearney, formerly McCook, died Friday, March 22, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 23, 1989, in McCook
Was adopted by Lynn E. and Karen S. (Short) Salyer
Married: April 14, 2012, to Kellanie Pinkal
Survivors include his wife of McCook; children, Laila, Ronan and Esmae Salyer of McCook; his parents, Lynn and Karen Salyer of Kearney; brothers, David of Kearney and Justin of Central City; and sister, Moriah Bartram of Lincoln
Memorials: to create an educational fund for Joshua’s children
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
SCHMIDT, Donald Leroy "Don", 85, of Surprise, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Sun City West
Celebration of life is planned in the summer in Colorado
Born: Oct. 19, 1933, in Akron, Colo.
Parents: William and Edith Mae (Hoyer) Schmidt
Following his parents’ divorce, began work at the age of 12 on the W.C. Hayes Turkey ranch southwest of Akron; completed his high school education in 1951 while employed at the turkey ranch
Military: entered U.S. Navy in January 1952; received basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, was named honorman of his company; attended the Class A Electricians Mate School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, graduated first in his class; was assigned as electrician to the USS Iowa Battleship and attained the rating of first class during the Korean War; honors include the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal (E) and the UN Medal for Korea; served three years, 11 months and 17 days, but continued to serve in the Naval Reserves for six years
Married: Dec. 23, 1956, to Rena Wilson in Akron
Enrolled at Colorado State University in 1959 and earned the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in political science in 1963 and 1965, respectively
Joined the faculty at Kearney State College, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney, on Sept. 1, 1965; taught courses in political science for the next 32 years; was awarded a graduate fellowship for study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the 1967-68 academic year; reluctantly retired from teaching in 1997 because of health issues, was later diagnosed as T-cell leukemia resulting from exposure to chemicals while serving on the USS Iowa
Activities: enjoyed vacationing in Estes Park, Colo., visiting family and friends en route; moved to Arizona, 2003. visited the USS Iowa after it was moved to San Pedro and became a national museum; was instrumental in organizing the “Iowa” reunion at its original meeting in Des Moines, Iowa
Survivors include: Rena, his wife of 62 years; his son, Kerry D. Schmidt; a younger brother, Gale Schmidt; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Aldadean Van Winkle and Joanne Krier, and two brothers, William Dale Schmidt and Kenneth Schmidt
Memorials: Departments of Political Science at either Colorado State University in Fort Collins or the University of Nebraska at Kearney for the George Norris Scholarship Fund, or to the charity of one’s choice
Kearney Hub, 20 April 2019
SLOCUM, Robert, 82, of Kearney died Sunday, April 21, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Saturday at First Baptist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 7, 1936, in Grant
Parents: John C. and Golda (John) Price; following the death of his mother, was raised by Ed and Eliza Slocum of rural Loup City
Was a 1955 graduate of Loup City High School
Married: 1955, to Yvonne Carpenter in Loup City; had four children together; later divorced
Owned and operated Texaco and Phillips 66 service stations in Kearney for several years; later owned and operated a 7-Eleven store in Lander, Wyo.
Married: Jan. 20, 1984, to Nancy (Lucas) Minard in Rawlins, Wyo.
Moved back to Kearney, was self-employed as a contractor
Activities: enjoyed woodworking and making gifts for his family; enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening
Survivors include: his wife, Nancy of Kearney; children, Roberta McKennon and husband Kevin of Lompoc, Calif., Cynthia Krask and husband Paul of San Diego and Brad Slocum and wife Deborah of Gretna; grandchildren, Chris, Michael and Sean Jamison, Melissa and Brandon Slocum and Taylor and Emily Krask; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Miles Jamison; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his biological parents and his adopted parents; son, Kevin Slocum; two brothers; and four sisters
Memorials: Kearney First Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 24 April 2019
SMITH, Deborah Lee “Debbie”, 66, of Willow Street, Pa., died Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at Hospice and Community Care of Mount Joy
Memorial service: April 15 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl, in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Saturday, Feb. 16, 1952, in Fort Belvoir, Va.
Parents: Hugh J. Rath of Lexington, Neb., and the late Delores R. Rath
Worked in a variety of roles for some notable retail brands including J.C. Penney, Waldenbooks, Robert Scott & David Brooks, and Bass Pro Shops
Activities: enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends from coast to coast; never missed an opportunity to get her favorite drink at the local Starbucks; was an avid Denver Broncos fan
Survivors include: her sons, Greg Smith and wife Becky of Smithsburg, Md., and Matthew Smith and wife Laura of San Diego; daughter, Amanda Hollida and husband Steven of Malvern, Pa. She was “Mom Mom” to nine grandchildren, Jordan, Ian, Anthony, Reagan, Emma, Ella, Spencer, Connor and Samantha, and two great-grandchildren, Hailie and Harper; her father, Hugh Rath of Lexington; brothers, Steven Rath of Elwood, and Michael Rath of Whitman; her aunt, Barbara Krigbaum of Falls Church, Va.; and many beloved nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald of Martinsburg, W.Va.; and sister, Beverly of Kearney
Memorials: Hospice and Community Care, Lancaster, PA
Kearney Hub, 11 April 2019
SUTHERLAND, Leah L., 59, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Monday April 1 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl funeral chapel
Burial: later
Born: December 28, 1959 in Holdrege
Parents: Delmar and Joyce (Metzgar) Sutherland
Graduated from Falls City High School in 1978 and then Kearney State College
Was a longtime Kearney resident and worked as a greeter at Wal-Mart
Survivors include: brothers, Quinten Sutherland and wife Julie of Kearney, Sherman Sutherland and wife Rae of Pickerington, OH; and sister, Paula D’Guggliemo and partner Bob Ecker of Everest, KS; several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 29 March 2019 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
THOMPSON, Beverly Ann, 83, of Kearney died Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Homestead Assisted Living
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 1, 1935, in Wallace
Parents: Marion and Winnie (Walters) Clemens
Received her education from Curtis High School; attended at McCook Community College
Married: Ronald Thompson on Aug. 16, 1953, in Wallace
After marriage, lived in El Paso, Texas, while Ronald was in the U.S. Army, then moved south of Grainton to farm; sold their farm in 1981, moved to Kearney and worked for Eaton Corp.
Survivors include: daughters, Roni Marie (Gary) Melton of Dickens, Sandra Dailey of Oshkosh and Toni Huss of Kearney; grandchildren, Jim (Jessica) Melton of Dickens, Alicia (Matt) Martin of Tomball, Texas, Leslie Dailey of Bethphage Village in Axtell, Ryan Dailey of Oshkosh, Eric Thompson of Georgia and Peggy Huss of Kearney; nine great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Donna Jean and husband Ronald; and son, Douglas Wayne Thompson
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2019
TUREK, Floyd F. Jr., 69, of Ravenna died Monday, March 25, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: born Aug. 18, 1949, in Grand Island
Parents: Floyd Sr. and Mary (Bujewski) Turek
Grew up in Gibbon and was educated at Gibbon Public School
Military: U.S. Navy in 1968-1972; served in Vietnam-Dong Tam
Married: Lanaya Zeller on Nov. 22, 1975, at Sacred Heart Church in Shelton
After marriage, lived in Gibbon, later moved to their home near Ravenna
Farmed and was employed by New Holland; worked for Eaton Corp. for 23 years, retired at age 65
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; was an avid fisherman and hunter; enjoyed watching his grandkids’ activities and spending time with them, also enjoyed playing cards; took pride in raising his Hereford cattle
Survivors include his wife, Lanaya of Ravenna; son, Kevin Turek of Ravenna; daughters, Anne Turek and her significant other, Chris Reyes, and Annette (Brian) Axmann, all of Kearney, and Nichole (Kelly) Bock of Ravenna; grandchildren, Meagan Reyes, Owen and Olivia Axmann and Hayden and Ali Bock; brothers, John Turek, Tom Turek, Charlie (Jennifer) Turek, Joe (Kathy) Turek and Robert Turek; sisters, Mary Mike (Dave) Temple, Rita (Mark) Czaplewski, Alice (Dan) Quick and Cathy (Mike) Spellman; brother-in-law, Kent (Sue) Zeller; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Lynn) Rogers; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Sr. and Mary Turek; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Evelyn Zeller; sisters-in-law, Shanna Turek and Gayle Strohacker; nephew, Jacob Spellman; and niece, Theresa Dukesherer
Kearney Hub, 29 March 2019
WALDRON, Dana Jefferson, 49, of Lincoln died Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
Service: Wednesday at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln
Inurnment and scattering of ashes: later
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser & Love in Lincoln
Born: March 12, 1970, in Denver
Parents: David and Linda (Lyons) Waldron Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High in 1988; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and graduated from Southeast Community College in Milford
Married: July 8, 1995, to Shelley Schroeder of Norfolk; later divorced
Started his career working in engine building and repair shops; later owned his own machine and specialty welding business for a number of years; most recently was employed in his dream job by Norland International as an “Imagineer;” designed and built things his entire adult career, ranging from engines to fabricated parts to manufacturing equipment; loved what he did and was very good at it
Activities: had varied interests, including racing, boating and most of all spending time with his children, whether bike riding, playing games or watching a movie; had a wonderful sense of humor and warm personality
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenny and Eleanor Waldron and Junior and Betty Lyons, the latter dying in October 2018
Survivors include: his children, Olivia and Blake; parents; brother, Drue (Amber); and many aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends and co-workers
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2019
WALKER, Adaline Grace, infant daughter of Shyann Cochrane and Colton Walker of Kearney, was born at rest Friday, April 19, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Graveside service: Wednesday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Survivors include: her parents, Shyann Cochrane and Colton Walker of Kearney; brothers, Tyson Lee and Abraham Dale; maternal grandparents, Marvin and Grace Cochrane of Elwood; paternal grandparents, Anissa and Monte Walker of North Platte; great-grandparents, Dale and Beverly Cochrane of Eustis and Henry Schick of North Platte; uncles, Dakota Cochrane of Glenwood, Iowa, and Luke Walker and Bryson Walker, both of North Platte
Was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Darlene Schick and June and Gerald Walker
Kearney Hub, 23 April 2019
WEDEMEYER, Charline Mae "Char", 93, of Lincoln died Thursday, April 11, 2019, in Lincoln
Graveside service: Wednesday, April 17, at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Born: June 30, 1926 in Ravenna
Parents: Fred A. and Alfreda Wedemeyer
Lived in Ravenna and Grand Island, moved to Wichita, Kansas and then San Antonio, Texas; had lived in Lincoln since 2010
Survivors include two nephews, six nieces and 17 great nieces and nephews and brother-in-law, Donald Holst
Was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Wilma and brother-in-law, Dale Schlattmann, sister, Donna Holst and special friend, Lee Whetherhult. Kearney Hub, 15 April 2019 and www.rasmussenfh.com/obituaries
WILBERDING, Craig Thomas, 55, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at his home
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: later
Born: Oct. 31, 1963, in St. Joseph, Mich.
Parents: Edward and Maureen (Murphy) Wilberding
Was the third of eight children; grew up in Norwich, Vt.; graduated from the University of Vermont; later received a Master of Science in electrical and mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska
Military: served six years as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force
Activities: had a wonderful sense of humor with a fondness for puns and was a voracious reader; especially loved playing board games in the Kearney area, especially the game Warhammer
Survivors include: his father, Edward of Lincoln; brothers, Darrick (Marianne) of Boston, Erick (Iosella) of Rome, Douglas (Jessica) of Norwich, Vt., and Kurt (Waisum) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; sisters, Bridget Huggins (Peter) of Papillion, Mary Wilberding (Günter) of Heilbronn, Germany, and Tara Kim (Tom) of Newbury Park, Calif.; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews
Was predeceased by his mother, who passed away on March 14, 1999
Memorials: Moving Veterans Forward, which assists homeless veterans in Nebraska and Iowa
Kearney Hub, 23 April 2019
WILKENS, John Thomas "Johnny", 83, died July 26, 2007 at his ranch near Oconto
Funeral service: Monday July 30, at the Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman
Burial: Benkelman Cemetery
Born: April 14, 1924, in Hitchcock County
Parents: Hans J. and Martha (Labs) Wilkens
Attended school in rural Hitchcock County
Worked at various jobs
Married: May 28, 1949, Wilma E. Cantin at Benkelman
Was a lay speaker for the Baptist Church and a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau
Was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother and several step-brothers and step- sisters
Survivors include his wife, Wilma of Benkelman, daughter Janet and husband, Todd Latta of St. Paul, and Lana and husband John Webster of North Platte; and four grandchildren
McCook Gazette, 2 August 2007