Page 214
Back to Index for Obituaries
AVEY, Pat Allen, 79, of Kearney died Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Imperial Manor
Memorial service: Friday, May 31, 2019 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery near Ravenna
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: at Dunning, on September 13, 1939
Parents: Ralph and Martha (Sanders) Avey
Attended grade and junior high school in Ansley and Alliance; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1957
Military: U.S. Army for 3 years
Married: DeEnna (Dusek), on March 13, 1959
Graduated from Kearney State College in 1965, with an Education Degree; taught high school PE and health, coached many sports at the high school, college, and semi-pro levels, taught drivers’ education, and had a positive impact on many students and adults in Pleasanton, Gibbon, Superior, and Kearney,and Burlington, Kansas, totaling approximately 40 years
Activities: was a faithful husband and loving father and grandfather
Survivors include: his wife DeEnna, four children: Peg Avey of Brewster, NY, Kim Marshall of Imperial, Nebraska, Bryant Avey of Burnsville, Minnesota, and Lyn Hoffman of Kearney; and 5 grandchildren: Alex Marshall, Patrick Avey, I’Mari Avey, Christian Avey, and Jeremiah Hoffman; three brothers, Loren Avey of Grand Island, Cliff Avey of Kearney, Ron Avey of Mandan, North Dakota, and a sister, Jean Newby of Cameron, Missouri, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Mick
Memorials: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or FCA Football Coaches Ministry
Kearney Hub, 29 May 2019
BAKER, Dr. Robert Norton “Bob”, 96, of Estes Park, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, May 5, 2019, at his home
Family memorial service: May 10 at his home
Born: March 25, 1923, in Inglewood, Calif.
Grew up in the Los Angeles area; graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Mo.; studied at Park University in Parkville, Mo., and at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; received his medical degree in 1950
Eventually came to Omaha, Neb., was a professor of neurology and pathology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Married: Noreen “Reenie” (née Isaak) on June 19, 1971
Moved to Kearney, 1976; established a private practice in neurology; was honoerd by his colleagues as a “pioneer physician” for being the first neurologist between Lincoln and Denver; retired in 1992 and moved to Estes Park, fulfilling their dream to live in “paradise”
Survivors include: three children, Mark of Berlin, Germany, and Kent and Melanie of Kearney; and two grandchildren, Trevor and Teya, also of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his wife Noreen in 1915
Memorials: Unitarian Universalist Association or the American Red Cross
Kearney Hub, 23 May 2019
BONHAM, Michael Lee “Mike”, 72, of Lincoln, formerly of Elm Creek, died Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at home
A time of remembrance: June 10 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln
Born: Feb. 6, 1947
Parents: Marion and Elaine (Embree) Bonham
Married: March 29, 1969, to Sheri A. Key in Lincoln
Survivors include his wife; sons, Marc of Placerville, Calif., Matthew of Omaha and Michael J. of Pella, Iowa; and five granddaughters
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2019
BOWMAN, Annette Pamela, 55, of Hyannis, formerly of Denver and Ravenna, died Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff of esophageal cancer
Memorial service: Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: later
Mortuary: Dugan Kramer in Scottsbluff
Born: March 22, 1964, in Kearney
Parents: Jerome "Oley" and Ruth Ripp
Married: Nov. 18, 2000, to Greg Bowman at Grand Lake, Colo.
Survivors include her husband of Hyannis; mother, Ruth Ripp of Ravenna; and siblings Marilyn Schmaljohn of St. Paul, Barb Derby of Thornton, Colo., Keith Ripp of Ravenna, Connie Storms of Bismark, N.D.; Nancy Storms of Winner, S.D.; and Roxanne Aistrope of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 29 May 2019
BREZINA, Irene Lottie, 99, of Kearney died Thursday, May 23, 2019, at her home due to congestive heart failure
Service: Friday, May 31, 2019 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Born: Feb. 1, 1920 in Litchfield
Parents: Adam and Carrie Kieborz
Graduated from Litchfield High School, attended cosmetology school in Lincoln and then moved to Glendale, California
Worked at Mack’s Wave Shop while earning her AA degree in Commerce on June 15, 1944
Married: Clarence James Brezina of Sumner on Feb. 18, 1946, at the Wee Kirk o’ the Heather at Forest Lawn in California
After marriage, lived in Panorama City, in the San Fernando Valley; had a daughter Barbara
Was a career-oriented woman; worked at Jherri Redding’s salon in Sherman Oaks, then had her own salon, called Lady Godiva, for 35 years; clients included many Hollywood celebrities and their wives; was named California’s Hairdresser of the Year Activities: was an avid Scrabble player; opened her home to Barbara and son-in-law Don De Witt when Barbara became ill with Systemic Lupus; took care of each other; moved to Kearney in 2015
Survivors include: daughter Barbara De Witt, her granddaughters Scarlett Irene Gonzalez of Las Vegas, Nevada and Lisa Lamb of Grand Island; great granddaughter Ciara Gonzalez, great grandsons Matthew Lamb of New Mexico and Jonathan Lamb of Washington, and a great-great grandson Matthew Jr.; also numerous nieces and nephews and a cousin, Dorothy Swan of Texas
Was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Arthur, Marjorie, Mildred, Elva, Bessie and Ross, and also her husband James and son-in-law Don De Witt
Kearney Hub, 30 May 2019
CONTRERAS, Mary A., 65, of Kearney died Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
Service: Thursday at Living Faith Fellowship Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 23, 1953, in Sidney
Parents: Andrew and Antonia Sanchez
Was raised in Scottsbluff, received her education from Scottsbluff High School
Married: May 1976, to Ruben Contreras in Scottsbluff
Later moved to Kearney
Activities: enjoyed cooking and going to garage sales; loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; attended the Living Faith Fellowship Church in Kearney; helped start "Life Choices," which later became "Collage."
Survivors include: her husband, Ruben Contreras of Kearney; children, Lee, Kali, Aaron and Andrea Contreras, all of Kearney, and Paulina Contreras and her significant other, Mike Nickman, of Riverdale; grandchildren, Drayton Contreras, Candace Grube and Adalyn Grube; brothers, Andrew Sanchez Jr. and his wife, Carmen, and Joe Sanchez and his wife, Esther, all of Scottsbluff, and Anthony Sanchez and his wife, Cindy, of Omaha; sisters, Margaret Lintz and her husband, John, Andrea Sanchez and Vickie Garcia, all of Scottsbluff, and Gloria Flores and her husband, Mike, of Torrington, Wyo.; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her mother
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 30 April 2019
DANCER, Roger E., 65, of Kearney died Saturday, April 27, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: July 14, 1953, in Kearney
Parents: Earl H. and Esther G. (Lyons) Dancer
Survivors include his sister, Beverly Franks of Kearney. Kearney Hub, 30 April 2019
DICKSON-GIBREAL, Betty S., 83, of Kearney died Sunday, May 5, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan. No services
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Born: June 15, 1935 in Blackford, Kentucky
Parents: Emmett and Esther (Johnson) Crowell
Grew up in the Shelton and Gibbon area, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1953
Married: Burton Dickson, later divorced
Married: Richard Gibreal
Worked at Alco Department Store in Kearney for many years then later worked at the Goodwill, Martin Luther Store then at Mt. Carmel Home until retiring
Activities: loved to bowl and was active in several leagues; enjoyed spending time with her family
Survivors include: her daughter Kathleen Yost and husband Brian of Aurora, Colorado; sons, Richard Dickson of Colorado Springs, and David Dickson and wife Jenny of Kearney; 3 grandchildren, Nicholas and Alexander Dickson and James Speer; great grandson, Romeo Dickson
Was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Ellen Hewett; granddaughter, Tiffany Dickson; sisters, Lee Layton and Dottie Bigelow
Memorials: the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 8 May 2019
DUNCAN, Glen Allen, 87, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel in rural Kearney with military honors
Born: Oct. 17, 1931, in rural Poole
Parents: Allen W. and Helen A. (Fisher) Duncan
Attended Fairview District 110 School, graduate from Pleasanton High School, 1950
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, 1952-1954; was stationed in Japan during the Korean War
Married: June 11, 1955, to Helen Dobish; had four children together
Was a lifetime resident of Buffalo County; was the recipient of an AKSARBEN Century Farm Award; spent most of his life farming and raising livestock; his true passion was cattle
Activities: member of Haven’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Pleasanton School Board, Prairie Center Cemetery Board, ASCS/FSA Board, Co-op Board, Haven’s Chapel Church Council, Township Board; was a 4-H leader; enjoyed hunting, fishing and seeing things grow
Survivors include: his wife, Helen of Kearney; children, Glenda Leithoff and fiancé Randy Helms of Litchfield, Vaughn Duncan and wife Vicki of Gibbon, Sharlyn Sieck and husband Brent, and Deloris Pittman and husband Daren, all of Martell; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Lawrence Duncan and his wife, Karen, of Kearney and Francis Duncan and his partner, Gene Spicher, of Omaha; sister-in-law, Shirley Duncan of Scottsbluff; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Duncan, Howard Duncan and Harvey Duncan; sister, Evelyn Burton; and son-in-law, Del Harder
Memorials: Haven’s Chapel United Methodist Church or the Prairie Center Cemetery
Kearney Hub, 23 May 2019
DYER, Vernon LeRoy, 91, of Kearney died Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: May 20 at United Church of Sumner
Burial: Sumner Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 20, 1927, in Holdrege
Parents: Roy and Leona (Everson) Dyer
Attended country school, worked on the family farm
Military: at age 19, joined the U.S. Army serving as a decoder at the 8th Army Headquarters in Japan after World War II
After discharge in June 1947, returned to Nebraska
Married: Nora Ellen Blumanhourst on Nov. 9, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Lexington
After marriage, lived in Sumner; moved to Kearney in 2008
Occupations were farming, Dyer’s Tavern owner, Agricultural Soil Conservation Service and then Dawson County weed superintendent for 20 years
Activities: was active in the American Legion and the Sumner Community Club; charter member of the Sumner Rescue Unit, secretary-treasurer of the Nebraska Weed Control and member of the Hastings Community College Agricultural Board; enjoyed playing pool, hunting, fishing and camping; after retiring, enjoyed many winters in Texas and Arizona, first in their fifth wheel and then in a second home in Arizona
Survivors include: his wife of 69 years, Nora Ellen Dyer of Kearney; son, Bob Dyer and wife Janet of Wayne; daughters, Betty Eggers of Kearney and Rhonda King and husband Doug of Kearney; eight grandchildren, Craig, Casey, Laura, Clint, Chris, Owen, Eric and Tim; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Pat Scoville and husband Keith of Holdrege; sisters-in-law, Janice Dyer of Grand Island, Mary Dyer of Missouri and Donna Dyer of California; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Sharon Kay; four brothers, Jim, Richard, Larry and Wayne; and son-in-law, Gordon Eggers
Memorials: United Church of Sumner or American Legion Post 41
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2019
DYKE, Dorothy I., 93, of Kearney died Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington
Service: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 20, 1925, on a farm northwest of Kearney
Parents: Frederick and Katherine (Miigerl) Herzog
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1942
Married: Charles C. Dyke May 24, 1968, in Elwood
Began worked as a secretary and billing clerk at Brown Transfer, Jan. 30, 1946; retired in 1984
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; was on the Brown Transfer bowling team for 36 years; joined Catholic Daughters on Feb. 20, 1989; started “Friends on a Journey” for singles; was a volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital in the ICU department for 19 years, Mount Carmel Home for 20 years, Grand Generations luncheons for 19 years and the funeral coordinator at St. James Church for 10 years
Survivors include: her son, James Herzog and special friend Jacqui of Soquel, Calif.; foster daughter, Gayle Sutherland and husband Bradley of Elm Creek; foster grandchildren, Adam and Erin, Jerim and Robyn, Riley, Trevor and Casi. Included are the great-grandchildren, Shaylee, Caisyn, Leelynd and Gage
Was preceded in death by her husband in 1988; and three brothers, Leonard, Ed and Donald Herzog
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 15 May 2019
EGGER. Ilene Bernice, 92, of Kearney died Friday, May 3, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Friday at First Lutheran Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 11, 1927, in Buffalo County
Parents: Otto and Anna (Martens) Geisert
Grew up around the Buffalo County area most of her life
Worked 14 years for the senior high cafeteria and 15 years for Baldwins
Married: Oct. 2, 1969, to Gene Egger at First Lutheran Church in Kearney; he preceded her in death on Oct. 21, 1999
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Eagles Club; hobbies included crocheting and playing bingo
Survivors include: her children, Delbert Day and Carolyn Fenstermacher, both of Kearney, Gary Day and his wife, Tamara, of Omaha, Cindy Close and her husband, Jeff of Trion, N.C., and Cindy Heidecker and her husband, Terry, of Hurst, Texas; one grandson; two granddaughters; nine great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Egger; her parents; and her brother, Eldor Geisert
Memorials: Kearney First Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 6 May 2019
ENGEN, Steven, 63, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Wednesday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 22, 1955, in Fergus Falls, Minn.
Parents: Wilton “Bud” and Phyllis (Dobbs) Engen
Graduated from Hankinson High School in North Dakota; attended chiropractic college at Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo.
His passion in life was to help others as much as he possibly could; practiced chiropractic care for over 30 years prior to his retirement
Activities: enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, drag racing, going for rides in his Mustangs, fishing and playing the guitar; was always learning; was strong in his faith and had served in multiple positions at the church throughout the years; active member of Gideons International
Survivors include: his wife, Lisa Engen of Kearney; children, Jaden Engen, Tianna Engen and Ashley Burch, all of Kearney, Grant Burch of Denver, Denise Schlosser of Luverne, Minn., Jackie (Mitch) Johnson of Northfield, Minn., and Bryce Engen and Lindsey (Nash) Pherson, all of Rosemount, Minn.; 19 grandchildren; two sisters, Peggy (John) Pepsin of Moorhead, Minn., and Penny (Charles) Krause of Hankinson, N.D.; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents
Memorials: the Jubilee Center or to Gideons International
Kearney Hub, 17 May 2019
GODDARD, Wayne Laroy, 50, of Paraguay, formerly of the Pleasanton and Litchfield, Neb., area, died Tuesday, April 9, 2019, in Paraguay, after being mortally wounded by armed assailants who entered his home near the community of Mboi Jagua, Paraguay
Services and burial: April 14 in Asunción, Paraguay
Memorial service: Saturday, May 18, at Pleasanton Evangelical Free Church
Born: Dec. 28, 1968, in Asunción, Paraguay
Parents: Robert Jr. and LaVon Goddard
Grew up in Paraguay where his parents and brother Wesley served as missionaries to the Pai indigenous people at Pira; boyhood years were filled with adventures, experiences and lots of playmates (human and otherwise) that most boys only dream of; learned several languages and customs common to the country he served in; enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, motorcycles, photography, mechanics and soccer and came to love the indigenous people with a heart that saw from God’s point of view
Graduated from New Tribes Mission training center in Camdenton, Mo.; entered full-time mission work in 1994. returned to the people he knew and cared for, served there for the last 25 years among the Ava Guarani and Pai Tavy Tera people groups
Served as a church planting consultant and assisted Ethnos360 missionaries in Paraguay with setting goals for growth; was actively committed to teaching and discipling the believers in the local Pai churches, also assisted the Pai in outreach to their own colonies as they learned to be missionaries to their own people
Activities: especially enjoyed spending time with children and youths; taught foundational Bible classes, literacy, health, trained school teachers and held many children’s classes and youth camps; had a heart for the little ones, shared many pictures of children and teenagers
Survivors include: his father, Robert Goddard Jr. and wife Lu of Pleasanton; brother, Wesley Goddard of Paraguay; stepbrothers, Ted (Heather) Cumpston of Denver and Troy (Launa) Cumpston of Kearney and their families; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and the spiritual family he left behind in Paraguay
Was preceded in death by his mother, LaVon; paternal grandparents, Robert Goddard Sr. and Helen; and maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Millie Reitz
Memorials: Ethnos360 allocated for the Paraguayan Pai People Group Work
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2019
HABE, Cindy Lou, 58, of Ravenna died Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Memorial service: Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 2, 1960, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Helen (Siebke) Nelson
Grew up in Elm Creek and graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1978
Married Larry Habe on June 14, 1986
After marriage, lived in Ravenna; was employed by Ravenna Public Schools as a paraprofessional
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Altar Society; enjoyed sports, Nebraska football, golf and bowling; especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, whom she treasured
Survivors include her husband, Larry of Ravenna; son, James (Shelby) Habe of Ravenna; two grandchildren, Greyson and Hadley Habe; her mother, Helen Nelson of Kearney; brother, Keith (Denise) Nelson of Elm Creek; mother-in-law, Barbara Habe of Ravenna; brothers-in-law, Bernard (Deb) Habe and Tom Habe, all of Ravenna, and Gary Habe and friend Moe of Gothenburg; sisters-in-law, Dori Altmaier of Hastings, Norma (Tom) Lutz of North Carolina and Kristi Habe of Kearney; and several nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her father, Bob Nelson; brother, Dale Nelson; father-in-law, Henry Habe; and brother-in-law, Doug Altmaier
Kearney Hub, 15 May 2019
HAHN, John Raymond, 62, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at his home due to comlications from ALS
Celebration of life: Tuesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 9, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Raymond and Lois (Beavers) Hahn
Grew up in Elm Creek and graduated from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1975; attended Central Community College-Hastings
Worked for Sperry New Holland in Lexington and received his apprenticeship in tool and die until that plant closed; worked at Baldwin Filters for 31 years as a tool and die maker and was a lead person
Married: Kathleen M. Voichoski on Sept. 24, 1977, in Spalding; had two children together
Activities: was a family man, loved his family dearly; member of First Christian Church in Elm Creek; was an avid Husker and Vikings fan and enjoyed watching all sports; enjoyed barbecuing, gardening, camping, boating and spending time with family and friends; especially loved to fish with his son and good friends; enjoyed watching his grandson Karson growing up and seeing him learn new things; was a dependable, hardworking and honest man; had many friends
Survivors include: his wife, Kathleen of Elm Creek; daughter, Sadie Hahn of Elburn, Ill.; son, Derek (Jasmine) Hahn and grandson Karson of North Platte; sister, Peg (Mike) Robinson of Kearney; and several nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deborah Tomcak; father-in-law; and grandparents
Memorials: First Christian Church and the ALS in the Heartland Association
Kearney Hub, 24 May 2019
HIBBERD, Darrell M., 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at his home
Service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 31, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Ernest and Edith (McTavish) Hibberd
Attended school in Riverdale and Amherst
Married: Viola Loeffelholz on Feb. 1, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Prairie Center
Worked at Holmes Plumbing for 27 years and then True Value for eight years
Activities: enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, gardening and taking care of his lawn, playing cards, bowling in league, and having coffee with family and friends
Survivors include: Viola Hibberd of Kearney; sons, Terry Hibberd and wife Heather, Gary Hibberd and wife Lisa, Bryan Hibberd, and David Hibberd and wife Karen, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Megan Everett and husband Lucas, Hannah Hibberd and fiancé Logan Kizer, Austin Hibberd, Trevor Hibberd, Trey Hibberd, Haley Hibberd, Conner Hibberd and Nathan Hibberd; sisters, Evelyn Wuehler and husband Merle of Kearney, Ruby Fisher of Beatrice, Janet Hansen and husband Maynard of Grant; Jeanne Albright, Joyce Bosshamer and husband Kenneth, and Barbara Wuehler and husband Larry, all of Kearney; brothers, Jerry Hibberd and wife Donna of Milo, Mo., Larry Hibberd and wife Darlene of Argyle, Texas, and Robert Hibberd and wife Joyce of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Anita Hibberd of Grand Junction, Colo., Lucile Hibberd of Westminster, Colo., Ruth Kreutzer of Kearney and Marilyn Danielson and husband Roger of Holdrege; brother-in-law, Albert Loeffelholz and wife Janice of Riverdale; aunt, Sylvia McTavish of Grand Island; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Glen, James and Dennis Hibberd; sister, Marie Kring; brothers-in-law, Lowell Fisher, Harlan Kring and Roland “Sonny” Kreutzer; and nephew, Nicholas Hibberd
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2019
HOFFMAN, Shane M., 28, of Kearney died Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Kearney as the result of an automobile-train accident
Memorial service: May 4 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: later
Born: April 9, 1991 in Thornton, Colorado
Parents: Sean D. and Michelle A. (Savacool) Hoffman
Grew up with two older sisters; attended both Maywood and Medicine Valley Public schools; obtained his GED at the age of 16
Biggest focus in life was daughter Victoria Marie, born June 2017
Enjoyed cooking, had several cooking jobs throughout the area; most recently, was employed by Casey’s General Stores and Cub’s Den Bar and Grill in Axtell
Activities: loved all animals; was deeply committed to his beloved Huskers and Broncos
Survivors include: daughter, Victoria, father, Sean and Cassie Hoffman of Sutherland; mother, Michelle and Stan Chiantaretto of Thorton, Colorado; Grandparents Marge Davenport, Daryl Snider and Dorene Hoffman, sister, Stephanie (Jonathon) Schmidt, step sisters Melissa (Nathan) Veal, Traci (Dusty) Kramer, and Adrian (Zzyzx) Brown, close cousins Denae Owens, Christian and Stephen Hoffman as well as many other cousins, nieces aunts and uncles
Was preceded in death by his sister, Sara, grandparents, Chuck Savacool, Richard Hoffman and Cathy Snider, and Uncle Scott Hoffman
Memorials: for his daughter
Kearney Hub, 1 May 2019
JEFFERS, Hilda M., 90, of North Platte died Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at home
A gathering of family and friends: Monday at the Jeffers’ home
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte
Born: Sept. 18, 1928, north of Kearney
Parents:William and Gertrude (Paitz) Gibbons
Attended Pleasanton School, graduated in 1945; attended Kearney State College for a year, earned her teaching certificate; later received her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education
Taught country school in Buffalo County; later taught in Lincoln County at Osgood Elementary for many years and then taught at McDaid Elementary for 20 years
Married: June 7, 1950, to Rexford Lee "Si" Jeffers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Prairie Center
Eventually settled in North Platte with Si’s job on the railroad and raised three children
Activities: helped at the Senior Center delivering Meals on Wheels; enjoyed doing needle work and many other crafts as well as taking camping trips; loved her family and being with friends; member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and volunteered at the Bargain Bin
Survivors include: her husband of nearly 69 years, Si of North Platte; children, Sylvia Thornton of McCook, Colleen (Jim) Larsen of North Platte and Gary Jeffers of Ozark, Mo.; grandchildren, Gianna (Luis) Nolda, Jessamy Thornton (Mike Generette), Micah Larsen, Jeremy (Carolyn) Larsen, Brian (Toshanna) Jeffers and Christina (Thomas) Dodson; great-grandchildren, Steffani, Lexis, Evie, Henry, Harmony, Alexia and Stephen; and other family members
Was preceded in death by her parents, William and Gertrude Gibbons; brothers, Paul and Dennis Gibbons; sister, Irene Macek; and infant sister, Margaret
Memorials: St. Patrick’s Catholic School Endowment Fund
Kearney Hub, 10 May 2019
KAISER, Harold O., 92, of Kearney died Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: April 28, 1927, on the Rosebud Reservation in Parmelee, S.D.
Parents: Joseph and Bertha (Schmidt) Kaiser.
Was baptized on May 29, 1927, at St. John’s Church; received his education in Parmelee; in his teens, moved to Bayard, worked as a semitrailer truck driver hauling cattle
Military: U.S. Air Force, was honorably discharged in 1950; moved to Scottsbluff
Married: Barbara Peterson in November 1951; had three children together
Moved to Denver, worked at a meat packing facility; moved to Central City and worked for Randy’s Meat Company; later drove semi for Rainbow Bread Company, worked for Loomis Co-op and provided maintenance for Arby’s.
Married: April 2, 1977 to Helen "Sue" Dugger; adopted Sue’s two daughters
Lived in North Platte, Grand Island, Loomis, Holdrege and Kearney
Activities: enjoyed feeding the birds and yelling at the squirrels, talking to his grandchildren about life on the reservation, and watching old John Wayne movies and Chuck Norris shows
Survivors include: his wife of 42 years, Sue; his children, Melody Kaiser of Thornton, Colo., Steve (Veronica) Kaiser of Arvada, Colo., Vicki (Jim) Merz of Mesa, Ariz., Glenda (Mike) Asp of Holdrege and Mary (Ryan) Dickinson of Ogallala; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arvin, Arnold and Theodore; and sisters, Deloris and Eunice
Kearney Hub, 6 May 2019
KEGLEY, Marvin C., 87, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln
Service: Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel north of Kearney with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Oct. 28, 1931, in Kearney
Parents: Ora C. and Nancy (Clark) Kegley
Received his education from Kearney High School, graduated 1949
Military: U.S. Army, 1953-1955; and proudly served his country during the Korean War
Married: June 4, 1959, to Iola Jurgens in Holdrege
Farmed his entire life
Activities: member of Haven’s Chapel United Methodist Church; hobbies included exercising, visiting, singing in the choir and watching softball and baseball
Survivors include: his children, Janice Rauth and her husband, Gary, of Golden, Colo., and Lori Altmaier and her husband, Keith, and Carla Owen and her husband, Kenny, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Cassie Kuebler and her husband, Kyle, Megan Altmaier, Jarod Owen and Sydney Owen, all of Kearney; brothers, Glenn Kegley and his wife, Donna, Ron Kegley and Gary Kegley and his wife, Jana, all of Kearney; sister-in-law, Eileen Kegley of Omaha; brother-in-law, Richard Jurgens and his wife, Lois, of Holdrege; along with a host of other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, Iola; his parents; brothers, Harvey Kegley and Keith Kegley; sister, Kathleen Coe; and sister-in-law, Jackie Kegley
Memorials: Marvin and Iola Kegley Haven’s Chapel Ball Scholarship
Kearney Hub, 17 May 2019
KOHLSCHEEN, Russel Dee "Russ", 80, of Hewitt, Texas, formerly of Pleasanton and Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Hewitt
Memorial service: 7 May, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Crawford
Born: March 23, 1939
Parents: Donald W. and Bernice (Klein) Kohlscheen
Married: 1961, to Joan Jelkin. She preceded him in death
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2019
KREWSON, Lee Samuel, 82, of Beaver City died Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Beaver City Manor
Graveside service: Tuesday at Prairie Center Cemetery north of Kearney
Mortuary: Wenburg Funeral Home in Beaver City
Born: Aug. 19, 1936, at Erickson
Parents: Lyle and Nellie Pearl (Schamp) Krewson
Spent his younger years around Spalding, attended Spalding Public Grade School; moved with the family, 1950, to a farm northwest of Red Cloud, and attended country school; graduated from the eighth grade at Amboy in 1952
For the next few years worked on farms, combine crews and sheep shearing crews in Wyoming, while also driving a semitrailer truck; began in 1962 to work part time for Claude Campbell who owned a fertilizer plant in Shelton while working full time for a cement plant making cement culverts in Grand Island; in 1965, worked for the Cornhusker Ammunition Depot west of Grand Island
Married: Marlene Purdy in August 1967, in Grand Island; they divorced on 1960
After marriage, moved to Shelton, worked full-time helping Claude Campbell spreading fertilizer with the Big A; also drove a semi and hauled nitrogen tanks to farmer’s fields; continued working for the fertilizer plant when it was purchased by Ag Services in 1968; retired in August 1999, due to diabete
His mother moved in with him and he helped care for her for a number of years; after retiring, enjoyed traveling with his mother; moved to Anderson, Iowa, for a short time, then lived with his sister, Jeannie Daley of Stamford; remained with her until 2005; moved into the assisted living at Beaver City Manor
Activities: belonged to the Good Tidings church in Gibbon; in Stamford, attended the United Methodist Church of Hollinger
Was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ermine, Dennis and Terry; nephews, Tim Daley and Jeffrey Krewson; and grandnephew, Skyler Groves
Survivors include: his sister, Jeannie Daley and husband Myron Richardson of Stamford; brother, Freddie and wife Robin Krewson of Anderson, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Alice Krewson of Amherst and Janie Krewson of Glenwood, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and friends Kearney Hub, 3 May 2019
LIPPITT, Charles R., 53, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Wednesday at Living Faith Fellowship Church
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 30, 1965, in Denver
Parents: Robert and Joan (Kadlecek) Lippitt
Worked for Thurston Heating & Air for several years; later owned and operated Lippitt Home Improvement
Activities: hobbies included camping, boating, fishing and hunting; loved racing, barbecuing and spending time with his family
Survivors include: his children, Jennifer Kissee and her husband, Archie, and Alexandria Slocumb and her husband, Sam, all of Kearney, Brandon Chase of Pooler, Ga., Kalei Freeland and her husband, Tyler, of Loomis, Robert Lippitt of Kearney, Austin Hartley of Omaha and Dominique Vasquez and Rylea Lippitt, both of Kearney; mother, Joan Lippitt of Byers, Colo.; grandchildren, Chanea, Julian, Bayden, Carter, Adrien, Tayleigh, Jaxtyn, Hunter and Amaia; brothers, Chip Landau of Denver and Doug Lippitt of Byers; special friends, Shannon Lippitt, Tiffany Schroeder, Lacey Lewis and Nikki Reicheneker; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lippitt
Kearney Hub, 4 May 2019
MADRON, Joyce “Marlene”, 84, of Kearney died Friday, May 10, 2019, at Prairie View Gardens Assisted Living in Kearney
Graveside service: Wednesday, May 15, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Thedford
Mortuary: Govier Brothers in Broken Bow
Born: July 30, 1934, in Denton County, Texas
Parents: Joseph and Doris (Bowman) Parker
Married: March 29, 1952, to Joseph D. “Don” Madron in Fort Worth, Texas; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Mark Madron of Verdon; daughter, Marla Holthusen of York; sisters, Gloria Ingram of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Dawna Greer of Fort Worth, Texas; four grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2019
MAGNER, Donna R., 75, of North Platte, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at North Platte Care Center in North Platte
Funeral: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Sept. 13, 1943, in North Platte
Parents: Leon and Frances (Tyson) McMorris
Received her education from North Platte High School, graduated 1961
Married: Nov. 26, 1961, to Larry Magner in Hastings
After marriage, lived in the communities of North Platte, Hastings and O’Neill; moved to Kearney, 1986; then moved to North Platte, 2011, to be closer to her family
Activities: enjoyed shopping, fishing, camping and watching tennis
Survivors include: sons, Steve Magner and wife, Beth, of North Platte, Kip Magner and wife, Pam, of Lincoln, and Brian Magner of Axtell; five grandchildren, Josh, Lauren, Logan, Aubrey and Garrett; sisters, Nancy Pauley of Park Forest, Ill., and Kay Pearsel of Texas; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brother, Alan McMorris; and sister, Helen Vencil
Memorials: Bethphage Mission at Axtell
Kearney Hub, 5 June 2019
MARLATT, Debra, 65, of Kearney, died Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at Living Faith Fellowship Church in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel north of Kearney. Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Born: Feb. 20, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Edward and Violet (Krueger) Geiger
Ggraduated from Kearney High School in 1972
Worked in the office for Anderson Bros. Electric Plumbing & Heating and Warren-T Plumbing in Kearney
Married: Allan Marlatt on Dec. 20, 1996, in Norton, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Odessa
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her family and friends; loved her dogs
Survivors include: son, Jeremy Fisher and his girlfriend, Dawny Boutin, of Omaha; brothers, Butch Geiger and wife Carol of Kearney, Danny Geiger of Seward and Doug Geiger of Lincoln; sister, Bonnie West of Axtell; brother-in-law, Bob Grassmeyer of Riverdale; a number of nieces and nephews, and many friends, including Susan Losey and Jim Wilson
Was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Grassmeyer and brother-in-law, Doren "Red" West
Kearney Hub, 3 June 2019
McCULLOUGH, Rex Ardel, 88, of Kearney died Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney
Service: May 9 at the Berean Church City Campus in Broken Bow
Burial: Ansley Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born: July 12, 1930, in a sod house south of Berwyn
Parents: David and Chloe McCullough Married: 1950, to Ellen Houston; they divorced
Married: Laverna Potts; she preceded him in death
Survivors include his daughters, Rachel Bitz of Ravenna, Joleen Schneider of Fort Collins, Colo., Cheri Hilton of Kearney and Barbara Strombeck of Westville, Okla.; sister, Alma Kaps of Miller; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 3 May 2019
MILLER, Margie Mae, 80, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Celebration of life: Saturday, June8, at Family of Christ Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 27, 1938, in Curtis
Parents: John and Viola (Nelsen) Jensen
Grew up on a farm in Cottonwood Canyon, south of Maxwell; graduated from Brady High School, 1956; attended Kearney State College and received a rural teaching certificate
Married: May 29, 1958, to Gayle Lavern Miller
After marriage, lived on Redfern table north of Cozad Callaway; moved to Grand Island to raise their their two children; later moved to Lincoln, worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in student loans, a job she truly loved; later moved to Valentine and finally Kearney
Survivors include: her husband, Gayle, of Kearney; daughter, Annette Miller and her husband, Michael Westcott, of Kearney; son, Doug Miller and his wife, Rachael, of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Lexi Westcott, Ila Miller and Luca Miller; sister, Ila Dailey and her husband, Earl; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruby Sailor and her husband, Bob; and brother, Harold Jensen
Kearney Hub, 3 June 2019
NABOWER, Barbara Yvonne "Barb", 66, of Kearney died Friday, May 3, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Burial of ashes: in Colorado
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 2, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Arthur and Bonnie (Husemoller) Nabower
Attended St. James Grade School and graduated from Kearney Catholic High School; earned a bachelor’s in English at Kearney State College and a master’s in library science at Emporia State (Kansas); Activities: greatest passion was for horses, cats and books; especially loved her horse, Baldy, and her Siamese cat, Chief; loved to read from childhood on; loved the mountains and the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo
Survivors include: her siblings, Patti Lyon of Lawrence, Kan., James Nabower of Kearney, Carol Rutan of Las Vegas and Robert Nabower and his wife, Petia, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; niece, Heather Estrada; nephews, David Estrada, Paul Lyon III and Patrick Lyon; along with other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Henry Doorly Zoo
Kearney Hub, 8 May 2019
NEILL, Thomas Harold “Tom”, 84, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Tealridge Memory Care in Edmond
Burial: Quincy Cemetery in Adams County, Iowa
Born: May 26, 1934, in Adams County, Iowa
Parents: Harold and Beatrice (Phillip) Neill
Attended grade school at Douglas Center No. 5 Middle Valley and graduated from Corning (Iowa) High School in 1951; received his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture on March 19, 1955
Married: Margaret Waage on March 20, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Corning, Iowa
Military: on April 4, 1955, was inducted to the U.S. Army at Fort Chaffee, Ark., and later was transferred to Fort Monmouth, N.J.; was a signal corps instructor until April of 1957
Farmed near Bridgewater, Iowa, until 1967; served on the Walters Creek Watershed Board, 1963-1967, and the Corning School Board, 1966-1967; moved to Elm Creek, Neb., 1967, was president of the Elm Creek State Bank; later worked for Ross, Schroeder and Fritzler as an abstractor; in 1989, began to work for the State of Nebraska as a noxious weed inspector in the southwest part of Nebraska, retired in April of 2007
Activities: member of the Methodist Church, a 32nd-degree Master Mason and a Shriner
Was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hazel and Harry Waage; and his older brother, Phillip
Survivors include: his wife, Margaret of 64 years; children, Dennis (Debbie) Neill of Guthrie, Scott (Tammy) Neill of Kearney, Neb., Cindy (Richard) Dobrovolny of Corning, Iowa, and Nancy Monroe of Fresno, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and his brother, Ralph (Joyce) Neill of Corning, Iowa
Memorials: Elm Creek United Methodist Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children
Kearney Hub, 3 May April 2019
PAPE, Elaine M., 90, of Kearney died Thursday, May 9, 2019, at her home
Memorial service for 31 May has have been cancelled. No further service information is available at this time
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: January 3, 1929 in Oxford
Parents: Louis C. and Dora L. (Hinze) Drew
Attended Mascot High School, graduated in 1945; attended Kearney State College and received a bachelors degree and later a masters degree in special education
Married: Dean F. Pape on July 30, 1950; had 67 wonderful years of marriage
Taught at Mascot and later in Oxford; at Oxford Public Schools was selected Teacher of the Year; retired in 1995 but continued as a substitute until 2004; retired and moved to Kearney
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church; was a dedicated mother, grandmother and teacher; loved teaching
Survivors include her daughters, Debra and Ross Stephenson of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Dixie and Ron Barnes of Bradenton, Florida; sister, Cheryl Vannier of Lincoln, California; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Dean; brothers, Neil, Kenneth, Max and Glen
Memorials: a scholarship in Elaine’s name for future teachers
Kearney Hub, 15 May 2019 www.hlmkfuneral.com
PEDERSEN, Lenard Arthur, 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Monday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 22, 1928, in Omaha
Parents: Olaf and Clara (Tietz) Pedersen
Received his education from Gibbon High School, graduated in 1946
Military: U.S. Army, 1950-1952 during the Korean War; returned home and tended to the family farm
Married: March 1, 1953, to Phyllis Ilene Olson; had three children together
Activities: ;ongtime member of Kearney First United Methodist Church; in his younger years, enjoyed playing baseball in Gibbon; most recently, enjoyed participating in horseshoe tournaments, bowling and playing cards
Survivors include: his wife, Phyllis Pedersen of Kearney; daughter, Penny John and her husband, Randy, of Miller; sons, Lenard Pedersen Jr. and his wife, Connie, of Kearney and Dean Pedersen and his wife, Katie, of Radcliff, Ky.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Donald Pedersen and his wife, Gerry, of Holdrege; sisters-in-law, Dee Pedersen of Grand Island and LaVonne Pedersen of Newnan, Ga.; along with many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gloria Bartak; brothers, Dayton Pedersen, Orville Pedersen and John Pedersen; sister-in-law, Marie Pedersen; and brother-in-law, Clyde Bartak
Memorials: Gibbon American Legion, Kearney First United Methodist Church or the Peterson Senior Activity Center. Kearney Hub, 2 May 2019
PETERS, Patricia R., 86, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 22, 1932, in Shelton
Parents: Charles and Josephine (Picard) Kappius
Graduated from Shelton High School, 1950; later attended Kearney State Teachers College
Married: May 22, 1951, Byron Peters at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Shelton
Had many different jobs in her life, most importantly was a mother and grandmother; also taught school at District 39, worked at Rutors the Fashion, Ganz Law and Abstract, as a secretary at Kearney State College, a hostess at the Elks Lodge, a home health nurse and a greeter at Walmart
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church and St. James Catholic Daughters
Survivors include her daughters, Nancy Farris of Omaha and Lisa (Bob) Morris of Gibbon; son, Hal (Kathleen) Peters of Gibbon; sister, Helen (George) Widdowson of Shelton; sisters-in-law, Shirley Rosenthal of Kearney, Verla Lange of Gibbon and Claudine Kappius of Colorado; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Byron Peters; a son, Anthony Peters; and a brother, Bob Kappius
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2019
RAYBACK, Barbara Jean, 88, of Grand Island died Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society-Grand Island
Memorial service: Thursday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial of cremains: Shelton Cemetery
Born: Aug. 21, 1930, at Gibbon Parents: Elmer and Loren (Nelson) Hendrickson
Grew up and received her education in rural Gibbon and graduated from Shelton High School
Married: James Rayback on Sept. 3, 1948, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Dix; was employed by the rural school district; also lived in Kimball, Scottsbluff and Kearney, provided in-home child care
Activities: member of the Methodist faith
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Paul Leeper of Grand Island; three sons and spouses, Randy and Cindy Rayback of Arvada, Colo., Terry and Kathy Rayback of San Diego and Greg Rayback and Marlene Fellers of Grand Island; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lynn and Judy Hendrickson of Gibbon and Bill and Sue Hendrickson of Phoenix
Was preceded in death by her husband, James in 2010; and her sister, Patricia Bateman
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2019
REESE, Gilbert Melvin "Gil", 88, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Friday, May 3, 2019, in Colorado Springs
Celebration of life: Saturday at the Club at Flying Horse in Colorado Springs
Born: Jan. 3, 1931, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Louis G. and Lillie (Harms) Reese
Survivors include his son, Michael J. Reese; two granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 8 May 2019
ROBINSON, Sharlene Louise, 84, of Kearney died Sunday, May 5, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Friday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Inurnment: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born: Dec. 16, 1934, in Lexington
Parents: Milton Edwin and Verna Louise (Lux) Biehl
Received her education from Lexington High School, graduating with the class of 1952
Married: Dec. 7, 1952, to Kenneth Robinson at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington; had five children together
After marriage, lived in the Overton and Elm Creek area most of their lives, where the couple farmed together
Activities: member of Kearney Evangelical Free Church; enjoyed quilting, sewing and ceramics, but above all valued her time with her family
Survivors include: her children, Jenny Meier and her husband, Mike, of Elm Creek, Mike Robinson and his wife, Peg, and Bill Robinson and his wife, Dallas, all of Kearney, and Brent Robinson and his wife, Dina, and Sam Robinson and his wife, Holly, all of Elm Creek; 19 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Biehl and his wife, Marge, of Tucson, Ariz.; along with other relatives and many friends
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2019
SCHWARZ, Anthony "Tony", 57, of Kearney died Monday, May 6, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Monday at First Baptist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Feb. 21, 1962, in Lexington
Parents: Carl and Lucy (Netzel) Schwarz
Received his education from St. Ann’s Catholic School in Lexington, graduated with the class of 1980
Married: Sept. 27, 1986, to Naomi Legates at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Worked for several years in construction with Schwarz Bros and Fort Kearney Consolidated for 24 years
Activities: hobbies included fishing, camping, watching westerns and traveling
Survivors include: his wife, Naomi Schwarz of Kearney; son, Bryan Schwarz of Kearney; mother, Lucy Buesing and her husband, Darrell, of Gothenburg; sisters, Teresa Smith and her husband, Gary, of Gothenburg and Kathy Lord and her husband, Tim, of Indianola; brothers, Ron Schwarz of Lexington, Charlie Schwarz and his wife, Denise, of Clovis, Calif., and Troy Schwarz of Gothenburg; sisters-in-law, Connie Blackenship and her husband, Brian, of Ashland, Bonnie Volker and her husband, Bill, of Kearney and Vickie Weber and her husband, Jeff, of Alliance; brothers-in-law, Charles Legates and his wife, Glenda, and Gary Legates, all of Kearney; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Carl Schwarz; brother, David Schwarz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Rose Lee Legates; brother-in-law, John Legates; sister-in-law, Charlotte Legates; nephew, Nathan Schwarz; and nieces, Natalie and Nicole Schwarz
Memorials: Caring Angels or AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2019
STOCKS, Randall Alan, 58, of La Vista, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, April 25, 2019, in La Vista
Celebration of life: Wednesday at Wildewood Christian Church in Papillion
Mortuary: Bethany Funeral Home in La Vista
Born: Jan. 16, 1961
Was a loving husband, father, brother and son; loved sports, especially baseball; favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves and the Seattle Mariners
survivors include: his loving wife, Crystal; son, Joseph; parents, Howard and Helen; and siblings, Bob, Pamela and Paula
Kearney Hub, 29 April 2019
STROLBURG, Mildrew “Millie” E., 94, of Kearney, formerly of Axtell, died Saturday, May 25, 2019 at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Bethany Lutheran Church, south of Axtell
Inurnment: Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: June 18, 1924, on the family farm near Axtell
Parents: Emil J. and Victoria M. (Ljunvall) Strolberg
Was the youngest of three children; grew up in the Axtell area, attended school in Wilcox
After finishing high school, moved to Kearney, worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney Airbase, Western Manufacturing, Bear Brand Hosiery, Baldwin and Eaton Manufacturing
Activities: member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Axtell, where she was baptized and confirmed; enjoyed polka music, car rides, bowling, taking walks, morning coffee with friends and hot air balloons
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Willard Strolberg and wife Marjorie; sister, Pauline Erickson and husband Erick; niece, Patricia Erickson and nephew, Leroy Erickson
Survivors include: niece, Vickie Erickson of Iola, Wisconsin; nephew, Erick Ray Erickson of Funk; niece, Debra Miller of Minden; and nephew, David Strolberg of Axtell; close friends, Betty Winslow, Karen Humphrey and Angie Winslow, all of Kearney; as well as a host of extended relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 27 May 2019
THOMSEN, Robert R., 94, of Kearney, Neb., formerly of Gibbon, Neb., died Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems in Beloit, Kansas
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 7, 1925, in Curtis
Parents: Knud and Rena (Rossen) Thomsen
Grew up on a farm near Curtis, Neb., and received his education from the Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture at Curtis
Military: U.S. Army; had basic training in Texas, was sent to Camp Crowder in Missouri, then deployed to the European Theater; was in Marseille, France, waiting to deploy to the South Pacific when the Japanese surrendered; was honorably discharged, December 1945
Married: November 1943, to Veda Amstuz in Oberlin, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Curtis, owned and operated the Palace Café; moved to Gibbon, worked for Consumers Public Power and later owned and operated Thomsen Fuels in Gibbon
Activities: enjoyed piloting small airplanes as a young man with his brothers-in-law; loved thoroughbred horse racing and owned several that competed at numerous racetracks; enjoyed many family camping trips; after retirement, traveled to Denmark, met his father’s family and visited family homesteads; his father Knud emigrated from Denmark and Robert’s first language was Danish, learning English when he went to school; was very proud of his heritage and loved telling Danish names of his favorite foods; also traveled to Norway, Hawaii, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands; favorite adventure was an extensive camping trip to Alaska; longtime member of the Gibbon American Legion, Masonic Lodge and the Gibbon Baptist Church; also served for several years on the Gibbon City Council; loved being with his family; celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in November 2018; was honored to travel with the Buffalo County Hero Flight to Washington, D.C.
Survivors include: his wife, Veda; sons, Robert Kevin Thomsen of Albuquerque, N.M., Einer Thomsen and wife Susan of Omaha, Neb., and Bernard Thomsen and wife Nancy of Shawnee, Kan.; daughters, Sandra Parker and husband Steve of Las Vegas, Linda Beery of Wichita, Kan., Jean Sidwell and husband Scott of Kearney, Christine Krakel and husband John of Red Feather Lake, Colo., Davine Meza and husband Ygnacio of Elkhorn, Neb., and Decca Gard and husband, Rusty of Fort Worth, Texas; 20 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Hilda Leachman, Luella Glaze, Delila Cooper and Eloise Snyder; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Oscar Knud Thomsen; grandson, Christian Thomsen; granddaughter, Brianne Meza; and a brother, Harold Thomsen
Memorials: Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial in Kearney or Gibbon Public Schools
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2019 and 10 Jun 2019
TRIPLETT, Karen L., 69, of Kearney died Thursday, May 16, 2019, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial service: Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Sumner Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 9, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Roland and Susan (Hothem) Triplett
Grew up near Sumner and graduated from Sumner-Eddyville-Miller in 1967; was a 1971 graduate of Kearney State College with a teaching degree
Taught for 19 years at Oxford, Arcadia, Oconto, Mullen and Wilsonville, spending summers as a camp counselor at Moses Merrill; became youth director at Wesley United Methodist Church in Illinois, 1989
Moved to Kansas to complete a master’s degree in religion from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kan., working at an inner-city daycare while there
Served as a missionary to Thailand; returned to Kearney, became the “car seat” lady working for Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and led the Safe Kids Program for over 20 years; also worked with youths at Good Samaritan Hospital through Richard Young Hospital; retired in 2015 and then was a substitute teacher at local schools and enjoyed seeing her grandnieces and grandnephews in the classrooms; in the summer months, worked for the Nebraska Department of Tourism sharing her love of Nebraska with travelers from all over the world
Activities: faithful member of First Baptist Church, worked with kids of all ages as well as numerous Bible study groups; her passion was working with kids; had a talent for taking pictures of the kids she loved and the places she traveled to; touched many lives through her teaching, counseling and mission work
Survivors include: her sisters, Kathie Burr and husband Jerry of Sumner and Sandra Sleicher of Kearney; brother, Dennis Triplett and wife Peggy of Sumner; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Russel Triplett
Memorials: Thailand Baptist Mission or First Baptist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 18 May 2019
WAHL, Harold E., 61, of Kearney died Thursday, April 25, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Juniata Community Church
Inurnment: Juniata Cemetery
Mortuary: DeWitt Funeral Home in Hastings
Born: August 4, 1957 in Hastings
Parents: Henry and Adeline R. (Johansen) Wahl
Was the ninth child of fifteen; graduated from high school in Bartlett, Nebraska
Married: Rebecca L. Hazen on June 6, 1980; divorced in January 1982
Lived in the Kearney area, worked for NPPD; bartended at Copperfields and was currently employed at Dobberstein Roofing in Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Violet Jackson and Marjorie Wahl; and brothers, Donald, Delbert, and Lester Wahl
Survivors include siblings: Viola Clements of Juniata, Velma (James) Stevens of Evansville, Indiana, Vera (Bill) Nielsen of Stromsburg, Nebraska, Virginia Beam of Florida, Velda Montey of Grand Island, and Vivian Adler and Vicki (Larry) Jones all of Hastings; as well as brothers, Kenneth Wahl of Hastings, and Michael Warner of Southberry, North Carolina; along with numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives
Kearney Hub, 4 May 2019 and Hastings Tribune, 14 May 2019
WASKOWIAK, Eugene “Gene” Edward, 84, of Ravenna died Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Service: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: September 1, 1934, at the farm north of Ashton
Parents: Edward and Frances Waskowiak
His parents rented and moved quite often when he was growing up, then settled on a farm near Litchfield while he was in high school; enjoyed working with horses doing farm work and especially enjoyed watching draft horses later in life; graduated from Loup City High School in 1953; learned the plumbing trade
Worked in Omaha
Married: Marianne Lockhorn, August 30, 1958 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
After marriage, lived in Omaha, then moved to Cozad; later moved to Ravenna
Military: U.S. Army; was honorably discharged Dec. 8th, 1961 as a Specialist Five (E5), Heavy Vehicle Driver TC-USAR Bought a trucking business in 1966 and named it Gene’s Transfer, drove to Grand Island daily, brought freight back to Ravenna and neighboring communities, for 28 years; retired in 1994; also bought a farm from his mother and raised cattle on the side; greatest joy was bring able to raise cattle full-time
Activities: enjoyed woodworking, made many gifts for various family and friends, especially Christmas gifts; active member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church his whole life and part of the Holy Name Society; enjoyed many outdoor activities, camping, helping with 4-H, and watching his children and grandchildren at many sporting events; also enjoyed bowling, dancing, and playing cards
Survivors include: his seven children: Denise (Bruce) Rathman, Eldon (Debora) Waskowiak, Lynette (Gregory) Gibbs, Janelle (Thomas) Fennessy, Randall (Natalie) Waskowiak, Father Harlan Waskowiak, Cynthia (Grant) Holthaus; twenty-nine grandchildren: Sarah [Gibbs] (Brian) Birkby, Benjamin Gibbs, Abigail Gibbs, Matthew (Meagan) Gibbs, John (Kerri) Gibbs, Mark Gibbs (fiancé Jen Rew), Andrew Gibbs, Nathan Gibbs, Jacob Gibbs; Wade (Caitlin) Rathman, Melinda [Rathman] (Todd) Vlieger, Jennifer [Rathman] (Spencer) Zysset, Austin Rathman, Clark (Lauren) Rathman; Justin Waskowiak, Wyatt Waskowiak, Micah Waskowiak (fiancé Stephanie Hansen), Erick Waskowiak (fiancé Mikayla Mace), Nicholas Waskowiak, Madeline Waskowiak, Ashley Waskowiak; Hannah Fennessy, Margaret Fennessy, Luke Fennessy, Danielle Fennessy, Mary Fennessy, Nolan Fennessy; Lauren Waskowiak, and Kara Waskowiak; ten great-grandchildren: Aiden Birkby, Blake Birkby, Connor Birkby; Logan Gibbs, Emma Gibbs; Lyam Rathman; Tate Vlieger; Lily Zysset, Carl Zysset, Clara Zysset; sisters: Dort Heisner, Rose (Marty) Troth; Brothers: Al Waskowiak, Larry Waskowiak; sisters-in-law: Imelda (Claudie) Gressley, Bernadette Lauby, Liz Lockhorn; and brother-in-law: Cletus (Royetta) Lockhorn
Was preceded in death by his spouse, Marianne (Lockhorn) Waskowiak; parents, Edward and Frances (Schachta) Waskowiak; brothers-in-law: Darrel Heisner, Brendon Lockhorn, Gene Lauby; sister-in-law, Karen Waskowiak; and step-father Frank Davis
Kearney Hub, 25 May 2019 and www.rasmussenfh.com
WILLIAMS, Joan E. Gibbons, 93, formerly of Gibbon, Neb., died Monday, May 20, 2019, in Tucson, Arizona
Funeral services are pending with O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Born: May 15, 1926 in Eddyville, Nebraska
Parents: Peter and Mary (Conroy) Mutchie
Graduated from Eddyville High School in 1944; attended nurse’s training in Grand Island at St. Francis Hospital; studied at Bowling Green University in Ohio with her sister Ursula, returned to Nebraska, earned her teaching certificate from Kearney State College in 1947
Started teaching at Sumner, Nebraska
Married: Paul W. Gibbons of Poole, Nebraska at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eddyville, on August 17, 1948
After marriage, lived on a farm south of Pleasanton for the first year; then lived on their farm north of Kearney until 1965; taught at several country schools in Buffalo County; moved to Gibbon due to Paul's ill health, finished her last 20 years of teaching as a 3rd grade teacher for Gibbon Public Schools; Paul died in January 1978
Married: August 5, 1980 Robert (Bob) Williams of Gibbon at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Survivors include: her daughter, Mary Gibbons; son, Randy Williams and wife Julie, daughter, Kristi (William) Kunce; son-in-law, Dan Weismann; grandchildren, Tony Ratka and wife Julie, Paul Swearingen and wife Crystal, Tori Johnston and husband Rob, Ryan Williams, Jolynn Williams, Grant Williams, Brandi Talabere and husband Brian, Amberlee Maybeno and husband Matt, Chelsea Kunce, Ian Weismann and Aaron Weismann; 14 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren; her sister, Cecelia Hopper and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Paul Gibbons and Bob Williams; her sister, Mary Mutchie; brother, Luke and wife Cora Mutchie; sister, Ursula and husband Leo Stander; brother-in-law, Fred Hopper; and daughter, Marcy Wesimann
Kearney Hub, 29 May 2019
WILSON, Darlene Alice Johnson, 64, of Clayton, N.C., died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield
Burial: April 27 next to her parents at Fredonia Cemetery at Manchester, Tenn.
Mortuary: Central Funeral Home in Manchester, Tenn.
Born: July 21, 1954, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Delaine and Margaret (Hoteling) Johnson
Was a 1972 graduate of Kearney High School
Surviving are her husband, Gerald Wilson Jr.; sons, Brandon Wilson of Huntsville, Ala., and Preston Wilson of Clayton; brother, Darrel Johnson of Manchester; and grandson, Drey Wilson of Waynesboro, Va.
Memorials: Faith Lutheran Church, Tullahoma, Tennessee
Kearney Hub, 17 May 2019
WILSON, Richard Dale "Dick" , 89, of Kearney died Sunday, May 12, 2019, in Kearney
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Oct. 30, 1929, in a farmhouse 2 miles west of Loup City
Parents: Henry J. and Alma P. (Elrod) Wilson
Was baptized in the United Methodist Church, had been a life member of the church; grew up in Loup City through 10th grade, then moved to Cheyenne, Wyo.; graduated from Central High School in Cheyenne in May 1947; attended the University of Nebraska until 1948, played freshman football; transferred to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, played football and was an all-conference tackle; left briefly when his father had a farm accident; returned in 1950 and graduated in May 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in vocational agriculture education
Military: U.S. Navy reserves from 1947 to 1952, then was commissioned in the Army Reserves in December 1952 as a second lieutenant in the field artillery; was honorably discharged in 1957
Married: Donna Mae Skiles on Feb. 25, 1951, in Greeley, Colo.; had four children together
Taught vocational agriculture at Minden High School; in May 1966, received his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Kearney State College; continued teaching vo ag, also taught young and adult farmer classes and was an FFA sponsor at various schools for several years; purchased farm ground near Pleasanton, and along with farming also raised horses
Activities: was past master of Minden Masonic Lodge 127; member of Kearney First United Methodist Church, Kearney Elks Lodge 984, Rob Morris Masonic Lodge, Tehama Shriners and Fort Kearney Shrine Club
Survivors include his children, Clark (Cherlyn) Wilson of Omaha, John (Laura) Wilson and Suzan Wilson, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Shannon Murry of Omaha, Brian (Lindsey) Murry of Johnstown, Colo., Chrisanne (Bryan) Wickham of Kearney and Kisten Wilson, Erick Wilson and Katerina Wilson of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Taylor Wickham and Morgan Wickham of Kearney and Olivia Murry of Johnstown; nieces, Rosie Wilson and Lou Ann Goding; nephew, Roger Wilson; and a host of family and special friends, Steve and Lori O’Brien
Was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; daughter, Sherri Wilson; his parents; and brother, Hank Wilson
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church or to the Kearney Elks Club
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2019
WOOLLEY, Charlene Jo, 58, of Kearney died Saturday, April 27, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan, after a courageous battle with cancer
Service: Wednesday at Countryside Christian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 9, 1960, (her mom’s birthday) in Kearney
Parents: Donald L. and Esther "Jane" (Schroeder) Woolley
Attended grade school at Northeast Elementary, graduated with the class of 1978 from Kearney High School; in high school, placed second in Nebraska’s Future Business Leaders of America shorthand competition and got to travel to nationals in San Francisco
Worked at Rockwell International in the flow control division, certified valves; then worked for 33 years for West Pharmaceuticals in the office, in many different positions; was a hard worker with great attention to detail, her co-workers were a second family to her
Activities: member of Countryside Christian Church; enjoyed being with her family and her Siamese cats, traveling and listening to rock ‘n’ roll bands
Survivors include her mother, Jane Woolley of Kearney; three brothers, Lorin of Pennsylvania, Kevin and wife Missy of California and Vincent of Kearney; a niece, Ashlea Woolley of Pennsylvania; four nephews, Gator Bennetzen of California, Jamey Muth of Lincoln, Shane Bennetzen and wife Lilly of California and Aaron Woolley of Illinois; five grandnieces; one grandnephew; and numerous other family members
Was preceded in death by father, Donald; an uncle, Richard Woolley; and her grandparents
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter or the Wounded Warrior Project
Kearney Hub, 30 April 2019