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ALLEN, Bryan Colby, 59, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at University of Nebraska Medical Ccenter in Omaha
Celebration of life: Friday, Jan. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Born: April 6, 1960, in Ainsworth
Parents: Neal and Barbra (Bryan) Allen
Was lovingly raised by his father, Neal, and stepmother, Mary Lou (White) Allen, in Valentine; attended Valentine Public Schools and graduated in 1978; earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kearney State College
Married: Charlene Billings, on Aug. 7, 1982; had three sons together
Had a passion for helping at-risk youths find meaning and purpose in their lives; started his career at YDC (now YRTC) in Kearney, and later went on to serve as one of nine juvenile parole officers for the Department of Corrections and the Office of Juvenile Services; worked for the state of Nebraska for 30 years
Activities: member of the First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, served as an elder; was a wonderful husband, dad, brother and friend; always saw the good in everyone; was a friend, neighbor, mentor, confidant, poker aficionado, coin collector and a resilient fighter throughout his health setbacks; was very thankful for the gift of life via a liver transplant in 2011
Survivors include: his wife, Charlene; children, Tyler and wife Beth (Roy) Allen, Joe and Abbi Hanson, and Zach Allen: brother, Steve and wife Mary Allen; and stepmother, Mary Lou
Was preceded in death by his brother, Michael, and parents, Barbara and Neal
Memorials: to Donate Life; and register to be an organ donor
Kearney Hub, 7 January 2020
ALLWARDT, Theodore E. Sr, 85, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Dec. 13 at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 10, 1934, in Willoughby, Ohio
Parents: Erich B. and Olga R. (Grapatin) Allwardt
Graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1951, received an A.A. from Concordia College in Fort Wayne in 1953, and his Bachelor of Arts from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1955; pursued graduate studies at Concordia Seminary and the University of Tuebingen in Germany; in 1959 received his Theological Diploma from Concordia Seminary
Married: Marian R. Boriack on June 19, 1960, in Rome, N.Y.
Was a pastor in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, served congregations in North Dakota, Missouri, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon and Nebraska; was an avid writer, published several devotions in the Lutheran devotional Portals of Prayer; also published three books — “Rattlesnakes and Rainbows,” “Messages from the Coast” and “More Rainbows Than Rattlesnakes”
Survivors include: his wife, Marian Allwardt of Kearney; son, Ted Allwardt Jr. and wife Ruth of Frederick, Md.; daughter, Carol DeLoach and husband James of Kearney; son, Timothy Allwardt and wife Sarah of West Hills, Calif.; grandchildren, Ben Allwardt, Josh Allwardt, Abigail DeLoach, Zachariah DeLoach, Chris Allwardt and Corinne Allwardt; and sisters, Dot Nuechterlein of Valparaiso, Ind., Ellen Thorson of St. Louis and Alys Allwardt of Portland, Ore.
Was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruth Hanna; and his brother, Rick Allwardt. Memorials: to Zion Lutheran Church, earmarked “Ted’s Missions,” for distribution by his family
Kearney Hub, 5 December 2019
ARRANTS, Joann G., 76, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Service: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 19, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Steve and Alberta (Long) Arrants
Was raised in the Amherst area and was a graduate of Kearney High School
Was a 35-year employee of Good Samaritan Hospital, served several years as a surgical technician; most recently, was a foster grandparent with Head Start of Kearney
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her family, doing crossword puzzles, attending church with her dear friends Rose and Tony Wathen, and spending her summers in Texas with her sister; member of Beta Sigma Phi since May 1968, longtime member of the Kearney Eagles Club and Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Survivors include: her son, Jason (Kathy) Arrants; grandchildren, Madison (Harley) Huryta, Ashton Arrants, Alex Arrants and Haydon Arrants; great-grandchildren, Cloe and Grayson Huryta, all of Kearney; brothers, Don Arrants of Grand Island, Dwaine Arrants of Kearney and Leroy Hoss of Kearney; sister, Darlene (Larry) Hibberd of Argyle, Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2019
BARTHEL, Brian E., 56, of Laramie, Wyoming, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died of a heart attack Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Burial of cremains and graveside service: later
Born on Aug. 2, 1963, at Ord, Nebr.
Parents: Stan and Carolyn (Harley) Barthel
Attended a rural school in northern Garfield County; enjoyed the livestock, haying and all that goes with ranch work; broke, trained and showed horses
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1981; attended Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, was a diesel graduate in December 1981 and received special recognition for perfect attendance being a class leader and one of five graduates from the class of 1970 to be named to the Directors Honor List
Worked at South Central Diesel in Holdrege, Neb.; Diesel Injection Service of Texas, located in Dallas; Kearney Ag and Auto in Kearney; and Teton Motors in Jackson, Wyo.
Married: Betty Dickinson, in 1986; later divorced; had two children, Stephanie and Johnathon
Married: Vicki Leonhardt, in 1999; later divorced; had a daughter, Nicole
Accepted an instructor position at Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie in 1995, so much enjoyed teaching the students; was promoted to assistant automotive department coordinator and later, assistant director of education and diesel department coordinator; WTI changed hands and many changes were made; along with many of the staff, was released, had been employed at WTI for 19 years; worked at various jobs in Laramie the last few years
Activities: spent many hours working on cars in his garage; was an expert carpenter; enjoyed gardening in his yard; also flew his drone taking pictures for a real estate company; traveled many times back to Nebraska for his granddaughters’ birthday parties and for holidays
Survivors include: his parents, Stan (Carlene) Barthel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Carolyn (John) Less of St. Libory, Neb.; fiancee, Ann Burnett of Laramie; two daughters, Stephanie Barthel of Hastings, Neb., and significant other Derrick Epley of Wood River, Neb., and Nicole Barthel of Laramie; one son, Johnathon Barthel of Idaho; three granddaughters, Taylor, Makenna and Katherine of Hastings; one brother, Kalin (Tammy) Barthel of Farmers Branch, Texas; half-brother, Tyler (Laura) Barthel of Arizona; stepsister, Kindra Baler of Arizona; nephew, Scott (Brandy) and daughter Belle Barthel of Dallas; and a host of relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Iva (Boetcher) Barthel and Paul and Letha (Isaacson) Harley; uncles, Eldon Harley and Eugene Barthel; and aunts, Carolyn Mullins, Phyllis Keller and Virginia Phillips
Kearney Hub, 26 November 2019
BEST, Opal May, 72, of Joplin, Missouri, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Joplin
Celebration of life service: Jan. 18 at the Joplin Eagles Club
Born: in Kearney, Neb., on May 7, 1947
Parents: Fred Henry Best Sr. and Marjorie Helen (Krueger) Welch
Survivors include brother, Fred Best Jr.; daughters, Wendy Sue (Robert) Moss, and Jennifer May (Donny) Stevens; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2019
BOOTON, Ilene G., 92, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 16, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Service: Friday, Dec. 20, at Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Franklin
Born: January 23, 1927, in Smith County, Kansas
Parents: Goldie Elizabeth (Gouldie) and Albert Lawrence Baetz
Graduated from the Franklin High School with the class of 1945
Married: August 29, 1946, to Lawrence Albert Booton at Smith Center, Kansas
After marriage, lived on the farm in Smith county; moved to WEbster County, Nebr., in 1956; moved into Red Cloud in 1974
Was employed with Ralph and Gertrude Steiner at the café in Franklin; later worked for Naden’s Drug Store and Garten’s Grocery Store
Activities: former member of the United Brethern Church and the Red Cloud Congregational Church; enjoyed sewing, crocheting, embroidery, quilting and working in her garden; was happiest when working on the farm and being outdoors
Survivors include: her son, Loren Booton and wife Janet of Gibbon, Nebraska; 3 granddaughters, Chilene Black and husband, Bart; Shena Booton and Amber Medina and husband, Carlos; 3 great grandchildren, Christian and Nathan Booton and Nia Thompson; 2 sisters, Mildred Daniels of Franklin, Nebraska and Norma Schriner of Holdrege, Nebraska; other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Booton on April 27, 2011 and a brother, Leland Baetz
Kearney Hub, 19 December 2019 and www.wmsfh.com
BUTLER, Larry E., 69, of Kearney, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Service: Wednesday, Dec. 11, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: later
Born: June 18, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: James R. and Mildred L. (Sorensen) Butler
Attended Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 1968; graduated from Kearney State College in 1973; graduated from Creighton University School of Law in 1977
Married: Barbara L. Falconer on June 7, 1982, in Tahoe
Was a lifelong resident of Kearney; was a practicing attorney in Kearney; recently slowed down his practice and became a counsel at the Tye & Rowling Law Firm; practiced in Kearney for 40-plus years with the majority of time with the law firm of Butler, Voigt & Stewart
Activities: member of the Buffalo County Bar Association, served as president, 1989-1990; member of the Nebraska State Bar Association, and the Nebraska State Bar Association Member Dues Grievance Committee; also previously served on the House of Delegates for the 9th Judicial District and was a former member of the Committee on Inquiry for the Supreme Court of Nebraska 6th District; was involved with numerous organizations across Kearney, attended Sertoma regularly; served on many different boards of directors for the last 30-plus years for Good Samaritan Health Systems and Catholic Health Initiative (CHI); previously served on the Boards of Directors for Good Samaritan Health Systems, CHI-Nebraska, Richard H. Young Hospital, Buffalo County Community Health Partners and Sentinel Health Care; has also been involved in the Kearney baseball scene, previously serving on the board of directors for Kearney Little League and the Kearney Knights Legion Baseball Program; was also involved with the Buffalo County Agricultural Association for 40 years; also served on the CHI Health Regional Board of Directors, the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation Board of Directors, Town & Country Bank Board of Directors, Five Points Bank Board of Directors, the University of Nebraska at Kearney University Village Development Corporation, the Community Redevelopment Authority of the City of Kearney and the Merryman Performing Arts Center Board of Directors; enjoyed spending time with his family; enjoyed playing cards and finding new recipes to try
Survivors include: his wife, Barbara of Kearney; sons, Andrew of Grand Island, Neb., and Robert of Kearney; sisters, Barbara Bly of Arkansas and Linda (Delbert) Gooder of Kearney; sister-in-law, Carol (John) Knorr of Hickman, Neb., as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Ray and Sarah Falconer; and nephew, Jimmy Carrico
Memorials: City of Kearney, Kearney Catholic High School, Kearney Public Schools, University of Nebraska at Kearney and the CHI Good Samaritan Health System Cancer Center
Kearney Hub, 10 December 2019
BUTTERFIELD, Phyllis Marie, 84, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Service: Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Oct. 25, 1935, in Norfolk
Parents: Rex and Marie (Pilger) Spano
Weighed only 2 pounds 6 ounces at birth, and was not expected to live; grew up in Stanton, attended Pilger Public School, Saint John’s Parochial School, and Stanton High School, graduated with the class of 1954; was baptized, confirmed, and married all at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Stanton
Married: April 22, 1956, to Loren L. Butterfield
After marriage, lived in Kearney; had one son; was a homemaker but also babysat and worked at Mount Carmel Nursing Home
Activities: long-time member of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church; enjoyed babysitting, reading, journaling; loved children
Survivors include her son, Harlan Butterfield of Kearney, and her special friend Donna Haas of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Loren in 2005
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2019 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
CRUISE, Robert “Bob”, 98, of Kearney, formerly of Pleasanton, died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Memorial service: Thursday, Dec. 5, at First United Methodist Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 7, 1921, at the family home six miles south of Pleasanton
Parents: Ray and Wilma (Day) Cruise
Was the older of two sons; attended Mount Pleasant Rural School, near his home; started high school in Kearney, 1934 staying with his grandparents; stayed home and worked on the farm the next year, then started school at Pleasanton, graduated in 1939
Married: June 15, 1941, to Alice N. Dorothy, in Kansas; eloped and kept their marriage a secret until later that summer; their parents then helped them get started with a small house and simple furnishings; were married for 78 years
Was a lifetime resident of Buffalo County, had a passion for farming, machinery, and designing and building projects from steel; also drilled over 400 irrigation wells in the area from 1954 to 1960 Activities: was a 4-H leader, served a number of years on the school board; was active in the Lions Club, served many positions including district governor; was on the Cedar Township board for many years; member of the First United Methodist Church of Kearney; was an avid collector of farm toys and enjoyed attending toy and antique shows and sales
Survivors include: his wife, Alice Cruise of Pleasanton; children, Karen Crookshank of Loveland, Colo., JoAnne Unick and husband Ken, and Ron Cruise and wife Peggy, all of Pleasanton, and Randy Cruise and wife Debra of Kearney; grandchildren, Cammie Spence, Craig Crookshank, Cindy Bender and husband Roger, and Christine Jenson and husband James, all of Colorado; Michael Unick and wife Julie, Rory Cruise and wife Anna, Megan Mayo and husband Brett, Justin Cruise and wife Heather, and Kyle Cruise and wife Lindsay, all of Pleasanton; Jon Unick and significant other Paige Arnold, Amanda Albers and husband Shane, Nicholas Cruise and wife Aubrey, all of Kearney, Charity Kuehn and husband Joseph, and Eric Cruise and wife Jenessa, all of Lincoln; Holli Zuck and husband Chip of Mission Hills, Kan., and Jennifer Smith and husband Brad of Waunakee, Wis.; 42 great-grandchildren; brother, Warren Cruise of Centennial, Colo.; sister-in-law, Irene Newman of Kearney; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his sisters-in-law, Connie Cruise and Betty Dorothy; brothers-in-law, Ray Dorothy and Harold Newman; son-in-law, Fenton Crookshank; one granddaughter, Cathleen Crookshank; and two great-granddaughters, Lucy Cruise and Cecilia Mayo
Memorials: Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2019
CUDABACK, Elmer “LaVern”, 87, of Scottsbluff, formerly of Riverdale, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, at Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff
Services: pending
Mortuary: Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel
Born: June 3, 1932, in Riverdale
Parents: Maurice L. and Lena E. (Johnston) Cudaback
Grew up in Riverdale with four brothers and one sister; graduated from high school May 18, 1950
Military: entered United States Navy, 1950
Married: Sept. 23, 1955, to Edith I. Ross in North Platte; she preceded him in death
Activities: loved building and flying model airplanes, gardening and painting scenic pictures
Survivors include: daughters: Yvonne (Bill) Kleich, Carolyn (Don) Carlyle, Debra Schol, Tamie (Robert) Schol and Sheryl (Kenneth) Schulte; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren; brothers Jim and Bob Cudaback and one sister Jane Rumbeck
Was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Cudaback, parents Maurice and Lena Cudaback and brothers Ron and Jack Cudaback
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2019 and kneb.com/obituaries/
CURTIS, Brandon D., age 36, of Kearney, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 at his home
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services Born: August 12, 1983
www.hlmkfuneral.com
DeBECK, Betty Jean, 91, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Society in Kearney
Service: Monday Dec. 9, at First Lutheran Church
Inurnment: the church columbarium
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 30, 1927, in Phoenixville, Pa.
Parents: Edward and Irene (Zieser) Donohue
Grew up and graduated high school from Spring City, Pa.
Married: Edward DeBeck
Activities: enjoyed dancing; served as a Girl Scout Brownie leader for several years; was an avid sports fan; always loved spending time with her family; enjoyed making cards, knitting, crocheting and painting, along with teaching people how to paint; member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, was very active in numerous activities
Survivors include: her children, Deb (Randy) Erickson of Kearney, Edward (Mary Beth) DeBeck Jr. of Elma, Wash., and Ronald (Devonia) DeBeck of Oakville, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Dallas DeBeck of Olympia, Wash., A. J. (Kaylee) DeBeck of Tacoma, Wash., Olivia (Alex) Villarreal of Austin, Texas, Abbi DeBeck of Porter, Texas, Lilli (Austin) Sousa of Mississauga, Canada, Matthew (Geraldine) Erickson of Bassett, Melinda Erickson of Kearney and Brandi Reiter of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Colin, Megan and Cody Erickson, Luna DeBeck and Ashlyn Sousa; as well as several other extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Edward Sr.
Memorials: First Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 4 December 2019
Del CAMPO, Bonita Victoria (Farias), 63, of Omaha, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at Bergan Mercy in Omaha
Celebration of life service: Dec. 13 at Good News Church in Omaha
Born: Oct. 2, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Tony and Josephine Farias
Survivors include: Manny, Mike, Joey, Cyndi, six sisters and younger brother
Memorials: ChildFund International or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Kearney Hub, 5 December 2019
DESTER, Marilyn Joy, 85, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society - St. Luke’s in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday at Riverdale Christian Church in Riverdale
Inurnment: Hope Lutheran Cemetery in rural Gosper County
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: April 17, 1934, at Smithfield
Parents: Walter and Magdalena (Bunsen) Hock
Was the fifth of seven children; began her education at the Smithfield Public School through the 11th grade; transferred to Bertrand High School, graduated with the class of 1951; attended Kearney State Teachers College, received her teaching credentials
Taught in a one-room school house in Gosper County
Married: Dec. 27, 1955, to Duane Fong
After marriage, lived in Gosper County, focused her efforts on raising her boys and caring for their home
Married: Feb. 14, 1978, to Daniel Dester
After this marriage, lived in Kearney; in later years, operated began a janitorial service for 10 years, then enjoyed providing home care for the elderly until her retirement
Activities: enjoyed reading, writing, sharing Scripture as she taught people the living word, and providing insight on how to apply it to people’s lives; loved spending time with her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by both of her husbands; son, Jeff Fong in 2004; and four brothers, Dean, Harlan, Donald and Byron Hock
Survivors include: three sons, Scott and wife Karen Fong of Ankeny, Iowa, Mark and wife Peg Fong and Dan and wife Sandy Fong, all of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Fong of Denver; eight grandchildren, Sarah Fong of Denver, Meagan and husband Adam Hock of Ankeny; Jedidiah and wife Carrie Fong of Canton, S.D.; Kate and husband Jeff Teters of Lincoln, Emily and husband Jeremy Karg, Micah and wife Anika Fong and Abby Fong of Kearney, and Logan Fong of Cedar Falls, Iowa; one brother, Owen Hock of Penn Valley, Calif.; sister, Marcia and husband Don Stoll of Grass Valley, Calif.; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2019
DOBISH, George L., 78 of Ravenna died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Saturday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Interment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 28, 1941, in Buffalo County
Parents: James and Mary (Pokorney) Dobish
Attended grade school at Rural School District 70 in Buffalo County, later attended and graduating from Ravenna High School in 1959
Married: June 8, 1960, to his high-school sweetheart Elaine Axmann at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton; had three sons together
Spent a lifetime farming, that made him feel like a steward of the land; loved to grow things; in later years had a large garden and apple orchard that he was very proud of; served many years on various boards of the Kearney Farmers Market and was instrumental in founding and starting the Ravenna Farmers Market; even with health concerns later in life, continued to raise produce for his family and friends
Activities: member of Grace Lutheran in Pleasanton, then in the early 1970s transfered to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna, remained an active member there, served on multiple committees and boards through the years; served as a 4-H club leader for many years, and was on the Ravenna School Board; loved to fish; even in the struggles of the last years with multiple heart surgeries and bouts with cancer, his faith and attitude remained strong and guided him through many hard days of recovery
Survivors include: his wife, Elaine Dobish of Ravenna; three sons, Michael Dobish of Ravenna, William (Candy) Dobish of Attalla, Ala., and Douglas Dobish of Ravenna; sister, Helen Duncan of Kearney; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; along with many friends, neighbors and acquaintances
Was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Dobish; grandparents, Frank and Mary Dobish and Charles and Sophia Pokorney; brother-in-law, Glen Duncan; and many aunts and uncles on both sides of the family
Memorials: Bethlehem Lutheran Church for youth Christian education programs
Kearney Hub, 12 December 2019
ECKHOFF, Jerry, 68, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, with military honors
Born: April 13, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Donnie and Twila (Hawkins) Eckhoff
Attended school in Kearney and Pleasanton, later graduated from Mid Plains Community College
Military: United States Army, served two tours in Vietnam; was honorably discharged in March 1972
Married: Aug. 19, 1972, to Linda Dahlkoetter at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ogallala
Was employed as a welder for Union Pacific Railroad, was disabled from a work accident in 1984
Activities: member of the Pony Express Ramrodders, NRA and the American Legion Post 52; enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and black-powder shooting
Survivors include: his wife, Linda Eckhoff of Kearney; children, Shane and wife Kelly Eckhoff of Funk and Robyn and husband Shawn Hovseth of Omaha; grandchildren, Madisen, Lexie and Landen Eckhoff, and Logan and Jamus Hovseth; siblings, Barb Hird of Axtell, Linda Minnick of Kearney, Mike and wife Nancy Eckhoff of Kearney, Diane and husband Jim Martensen of Holdrege, and Deb and husband Mike Salisbury of Arnold; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles
Was preceded in death by his parents and two nephews
Kearney Hub, 26 December 2019
EILERS, LaDonna J., 91, of Montesano, Washington, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Montesano
Inurnment of John V. and LaDonna Eilers: the family cemetery in Kearney
Mortuary: Twibell’s Fern Hill in Washington
Born: Jan.6, 1928, in Bertrand, Neb.
Parents: John and Clara (Tirey) Schleeter
Attended Nebraska schools
Married: John V. Eilers in Kearney, April 24, 1946; he died July 23, 2016
Continued to live in Kearney, worked for Northwestern Public Gas Co. for 20 years, retired in 1983; moved to Washington to live with her son, John L. (Lorrie) Eilers of Central Park early in 2017
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, the Eagles Aerie and Elks Lodge in Kearney; enjoyed camping and cooking
Survivors include: two sons, John (Lorrie) Eilers of Central Park and Ron (Jo) Eilers of Kearney; eight grandchildren, Jon Eilers, Aaron (Melinda) Eilers, Adam (Misha) Eilers, Brad (Karla) Eilers, Joely Eilers, Angela (Carl) Perryman, Jace Lundgren and Keri Bird; and also 11 great-grandchildren; two nieces, Lacretrica Hazlett and Janice Utecht; a nephew, Lanny Hoover; special friends from Nebraska, Gene (Twyla) Simpkins; and friends from Washington, Rob (Linda) McCue, Ed, Jeannie and Anthony Gegen and Sean Johnson
Kearney Hub, 29 November 2019
FARR, Mildred Jane, 97, of Kearney, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society — St. Luke’s
Service: Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, at Lockenour Jones Mortuary in Cambridge
Burial: Fairview Cemetery
Born: June 30, 1922, on a farm south of Cambridge
Parents: Orva and Josephine (Heitmann) Trosper
Married: Roy Edward Farr on Feb. 14, 1943
Owned and managed the El Rancho Trailer Court in Kearney; retired in January 1988; entered independent living at Brookdale Northridge Senior Living in Kearney in Jan. 2015, then moved to St. Luke's in May 2019
Survivors include: her two children, Roger Farr and wife, Dorothy, of Georgetown, Texas, and Linda Long and husband, David, of Kearney; one brother, Wren Trosper of Arapahoe; four sisters, Joyce Boyer of Smith Center, Kan., Dixie Swanson of Curtis, Donna Wier of Cambridge and Ardis Lorimer of McCook; two grandsons, Dale Long and wife, Letitia and Edward Long and wife, Kimberly; seven great-grandchildren, Colten, Tyler, Kaylan, Kelsey, Katie, Elliana and Matthew Long; and three great-great-grandchildren
Preceded in death by her husband, Roy Farr; parents, Orva and Jospehine Trosper; two brothers, Frederick and Gary Trosper; and two sisters, Geneva Fuller and Roberta Menges
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2019
FRANCIS, Charlene Beth, 65, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
In lieu of a memorial service, it was Charlene’s desire that people make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital or to the Gideon Society
Born: Jan. 8, 1954, in Nebraska City
Parents: George W. and Wilma I. (Wondercheck) Francis
Survivors include: her sister, LaVonne Sorenson of Minnesota; brother, Vern Francis of Washington; nieces and nephews, Christy Chantharath, Jodi DeMoss, Eric Sorenson, Molly Carlson and Maggie Sorenson; and grandnieces and grandnephews, Claire and Dylan Chantharath, Emmitt and Adaline Carlson
Kearney Hub, 2 December 2019
FRICK, David Lynn, 53, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, at his home
Service: Monday, Dec. 2, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Chapel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 25, 1966, in Kearney
Parents: Kenneth and Dorothy (Boyle) Frick
Was raised in Kearney, attended Kearney Public Schools; graduated from Kearney High School, 1985
Worked at West Company; then moved to Omaha, worked for UPS; later returned to Kearney, worked for Scott Daake Masonry; for the past eight years, was employed by T & F Sand and Gravel
Activities: was an avid sports fan, enjoyed following the Huskers and Minnesota Vikings; enjoyed bowling, attending concerts, cooking, fishing, being outdoors and spending time with his family
Survivors include: his mother, Dorothy Furry of Kearney; life partner, Veronica Schyma of Kearney; brothers, Eugene (Tammey) Frick and John (Patty) Frick, all of Kearney; sister, Kristi (Art) Marshall of Elm Creek; stepbrother, Russell (Jennifer) Furry of Centennial, Colo.; stepsister, Joan (Brian) Gutierrez of Fontana, Calif.; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Frick; and stepfather, Harlan Furry
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2019
GEIGER, Michael Edward, 39, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Inurnment: later
Born: Jan. 7, 1980, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Linda Grassmeyer
Attended Elm Creek Public Schools, graduating in 1998
For the past five years, worked as a machine operator at Eaton Corp.
Activities: enjoyed playing video games and his Friday night poker games with friends
Survivors include: father, Robert Grassmeyer of Kearney; cousin, Jeremy Fisher of Omaha; aunts and uncles, Carl (Carol) Geiger of Kearney, Bonnie West of Axtell, Dan Geiger of Seward and Doug Geiger of Lincoln; as well as several other extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandparents; mother, Linda Grassmeyer; and his aunt, Deb Marlatt
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2019
GOOSSEN, Esther Anne, 80, of Minden, formerly of Gibbon and Kearney, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, at Kearney County Health Services in Minden
Memorial service: Tuesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 10, 1939, in Boelus
Parents: John and Ruth (Rein) Plambeck
Attended Boelus High School and graduated in 1957
Married: Nov. 24, 1960, to LaRue Goossen in Boelus
Lived in Fremont for two years, in Grand Island for one year, then lived in Kearney for 35 years; retired and moved to Gibbon in 1998; then moved to Minden in 2019.
Activities: enjoyed reading, playing cards and watching football; was active in the Methodist Women
Survivors include: her husband of 59 years, LaRue Goossen of Minden; children, Shawn Goossen of Northglenn, Colo., and Shannon (Michael) McCarty of Fountain, Colo.; grandchildren, Logan and McKenzie Ann McCarty; brother, Donald Plambeck of Grand Island; and sister-in-law, Verna Plambeck of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Plambeck; sister, Gene and her husband, Wesley; and sister-in-law, Mary
Kearney Hub, 2 December 2019
GRIMES, Ralph V., 91, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Citrus Springs, Fla.
Private service: in the spring
Born: Oct. 9, 1928
Survivors include son, Steve Grimes of Grand Island; daughter, Sherry Wilson, of Dunnellon, Fla.; stepson, Jim Decker of Kearney; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2019
GUTHRIE, John Henry “Jack”, 89, of Holdrege, formerly of Odessa, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege
Celebration of life service: Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege with military honors
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Dec. 26, 1929, in Frontier County
Parents: Omer Kem and Maude Mae (Urling) Guthrie
Was the ninth of 15 children; received his education from a country school in Frontier County, near Stockville, until the eighth grade
Engaged in farming as a farmhand, and had various jobs prior to his military service
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, Jan. 26, 1951- Jan 25, 1954; served during the Korean War; reached the rank of sergeant; reunited with his Marine platoon members, and enjoyed hosting a number of reunions for several years
Married: May 22, 1955, to Carol Ann Johnson at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege; had five children together
After marriage, lived in Odessa, was employed at the Western Alfalfa Hay Mill for many years, then began a long career at Eaton Corp. in Kearney; retired in 1988
Activities: faithful member of the Riverdale Christian Church in Riverdale and had dual membership at the Ragan Methodist Church in Ragan; was a gifted boxer, and enjoyed teaching and coaching boxing to many kids and relatives in the area; was an avid hunter and fisherman, hunted big game in United States and Canada for several years; enjoyed collecting coins and barbed wire; enjoyed participating in the Nebraska and National Hand Cornhusking Competition for several years, and was also inducted into the Great Plains Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame in 1985; most of all, loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife Carol on Aug. 9, 2019; also by his parents, six sisters, Alberta Covey and her husband, Albert, Geraldine “Gerry” Richards and her husbands, Millard Covey and Leland Richards, Garnett Covey and her husband, Donald, Alpha Fries and her husband, Wayne, Thelma Soderberg and her husband, Vern, and Myrna Guthrie; three brothers, LaVerne Guthrie and his wife, Barbara, Omer Guthrie and his wife, Wanda, and Harold Guthrie; sister-in-law, Zola Maul and her husbands, Warner Dahlgren, Don Farrell and Emmett Maul, Sr.; and brothers-in-law, Dewitt Schroeder, Neal Carlson, Clarence “Bud” Rogers, Leroy Maxwell, Laverne Johnson and his wife, Pauline, and Quinten Johnson and his wife, Marilyn
Survivors include: his children, Denise Johnson and husband Roger of Wichita, Kan., Scott Guthrie and wife Cindy of Kearney, Patty Rebman and husband Brad of Republican City, Peggy Rogers and husband Dave of Adams and Nancy Guthrie of Kearney; 13 grandchildren, Brad Johnson and wife Hannah, Jessica Robinson and husband Ben, Chara Eckery and husband, Dane, Elise Lush and husband Alex, Joshua Guthrie and wife Ashton, Seth Guthrie and wife Jennifer, Nathan Rogers and wife Elizabeth, Melody Rogers, Benjamin Rogers, Wendy Rogers, Paige Young and husband Spencer, Brett Rebman and wife Alexis, and Bo Rebman; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Florence Maxwell of Denver and Eleanor Rogers of Holbrook; three brothers, Wayne Guthrie and wife Janice of Alma, Cecil Guthrie and wife Donna of Holdrege, and Dale Guthrie and wife Lou Ann of Ragan; two sisters-in-law, Linda Guthrie of Hastings and Vearl Schroder of Holdrege; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Memorials: Riverdale Christian Church, the Ragan Methodist Church, ruralMED Hospice, or to the Christian Homes Care Community
Kearney Hub, 10 December 2019
HAMMOND, Edward ‘Ed’ K., 60, of Riverdale, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at his home after a tractor accident
Service: Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 26, 1959, in Grand Island
Parents: Robert and LaRue (Hauck) Hammond
Attended Litchfield High School, graduated in 1977
Married: Deborah L. Chromy on June 27, 1987, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Worked at Eaton in Kearney for more than 33 years and later at Trotter Fertilizer in Litchfield
Activities: will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman, hunter and cattle rancher
Survivors include: his wife, Deborah Hammond of Riverdale; son, Benjamin Hammond of Kearney; mother-in-law, Marie Jean Chromy of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Daniel Chromy and his wife, Shelly, of North Platte, Duane Chromy and his wife, Debbie, of Kearney, Doug Chromy and his wife, Anna, of Valley Center, Kan., and David Chromy and his wife, Jess, of Papillion; and nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and LaRue Hammond; brothers, Steven and James; and sister, Trudy Day
Kearney Hub, 1 January 2020
HASBROUCK, Donald LeeRoy, 68, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019 at his home
Celebration of life: Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: March 22, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: George and Arlene (Zimbelmann) Hasbrouck
Activities: enjoyed fishing, being outdoors and collecting model trains; was a jack of all trades and loved making things with his hands; cherished time spent with his family; will be remembered for his sense of humor and as a loving and caring man
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Donnie Hasbrouck; brother, Lawrence Blattel; and sisters, Jackie Hart, Evelyn Doyle and Linda Hasbrouck
Survivors include: his loving life partner, Kathy Baggerly of Elm Creek; daughter, Jodieann (Kelly) Kathrineberg of Salina, Kan.; step-daughter, Tiffany (Willie) McIntyre of Omaha; step-son, Michael Baggerly of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; daughter-in-law, Brandy Hasbrouck of Elm Creek; grandchildren, J.D. Kathrineberg, Trisiti (Justin) Kepler, Travis Hasbrouck, Tranessa Hasbrouck, Devon Hasbrouck, Sha-Niah Donaldson, Malik McIntyre and Malachi McIntyre; brother, Frank Blattel of Sacramento, Calif.; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2019
JENNER, Robert Anthony, 36, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, at his home
Private family celebration of life: later
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: June 29, 1983, in Minden
Parents: David W. and Jolene L. (Dyke) Jenner
Survivors include his mother, Jolene Jenner of Minden; father, Dave Jenner and wife Dawn of Kearney; sister, Sarah Brandt of Kearney; grandmother, Donna Dyke of Minden; and stepgrandmother, Marilyn Dyke of Minden
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2019
JOHANNSEN, Waldo, 74, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at his home
Graveside services and inurnment: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 5, 1945 in Ogallala
Parents: Wilbur and Deloris (Helmer) Johannsen
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School with the class of 1963
Married: Febr. 15, 1963, to Janice Carpenter
Worked as a farmer the majority of his life
Activities: member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Gibbon for several years; was member of Elk’s, AQHA, NRHA and FQHA; loved life on the farm; horses, cattle and growing things; especially enjoyed working in his yard, building bird houses and watching birds and puttering around in the shop; loved spending time with his grandchildren and family
Survivors include: his wife, Janice Johannsen of Kearney; children, Tina (Mike) Slater of Gibbon, Beckie (Brett) Champine of Evergreen, Colorado, and Timothy (Stephanie) Johannsen of Gibbon; seven grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; siblings, Lowell (Pat) Johannsen of Arapahoe, Bonnie (Don) Skeen of Grand Island, and Connie (Dan) Wilcox of Las Vegas, Nev.; as well as several other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Pat Johannsen
Kearney Hub, 27 December 2019 and www.osrfh.com
KARRAKER, Jack A., 84, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Brookdale Kearney Northridge
Celebration of life and graveside service: in the spring in Abilene, Kan.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Born: April 3, 1935, in S t. Louis, Mo.
Parents: Don and Beulah (Ashford) Karraker
Moved with family to Abilene shortly after Jack was born; grew up in the Abilene area; graduated from Abilene High School in 1953; earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State College and a master’s degree from the University of Idaho
Taught at Great Bend, Kan., for five years; moved to Kearney, at the age of 26 became the head of the Art and Art History Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, continued there for the next 32 years; increased the Art Department to 15 full-time and nine part-time faculty members and also added four new art degree programs; retired in 2004 after a 43-year career at UNK; also continued to create his own works of art
Married: Stephanie Coggins on June 6, 1966, in Kearney; she passed away in March 2007
Activities: was an artist, educator and museum founder; was one of three men who founded the Museum of Nebraska Art, served as a board member at MONA for a number of years; enjoyed reading, art, theater, musical performances, cultural activities and travel
Surviving relatives include his stepdaughter, Kathy Brewer Smith of Ames, Iowa; stepgrandson, Casey Smith of Des Moines, Iowa; brother, Henry Karraker and his wife, Bonnie, of Abilene; niece and nephews, Ricki Elliott and husband Jeff, Devin Karraker and wife Barbara, and Neal Karraker, all of Abilene; eight grandnieces and grandnephews; eight great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews; many special friends; and his wonderful caretakers, Tammey and Eugene Frick of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Stephanie Karraker; brother, Don Karraker; and niece, Carri Karraker
Memorials: Museum of Nebraska Art
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2019
LAMMERS, Greg, 63, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Celebration of life: later
Born: Aug. 29, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Melvin and Ardyth (Anderson) Lammers
Survivors include his parents, Melvin Lammers and Ardyth Lammers; son, Cody Lammers; daughter, Amy Lammers; and stepdaughter, Shannon Mueller
Kearney Hub, 17 December 2019
LEONARD, Kay, 65, of Madison, Alabama, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019
No memorial service planned at this time
Body was donated to medical research
Born: Aug. 5, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Marion and Rosa Marrow
Was a native of Kearney, but had lived in Madison for the past 20 years
Married: William "Bill" Leonard
Worked for many years as a software quality assurance analyst for several different companies; also worked as a technical recruiter, taught mathematics at several universities, and owned her own tutoring business helping scores of high school and college students achieve excellence in math and science
Activities: loved cats, baking, cooking and sewing; loved sharing meals and baked goods with friends and family, and sewing clothes for family members; was remarkably selfless
Had no children of their own, but consider their exchange student from Germany, Stefan Schmitz and wife Samira of Rowayton, Conn., as their son; and Stefan’s two sons, Sebastian and Alexander, as their grandchildren
Survivors include her husband, William “Bill” Leonard; three brothers, Jerry Marrow and wife, Myong, of Manhattan, Kan., Ron Marrow and wife, Lori, of Jarrell, Texas, and Larry Marrow and wife Cynthia of Lincoln, Neb.; three nephews, Adam Marrow of Jarrell, Roy and wife Cire Marrow of Jarrell, and Eric Marrow and wife Caitlin of Lincoln; one niece, Mackenzie Marrow of Lincoln; mother-in-law, June Leonard of Johnson City, Tenn.; brother-in-law, James Leonard and wife Sherie of Johnson City; and her “sister,” Gail Rekers of Villa Hills, Ky.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Rosa Marrow of Kearney
Memorials: Forgotten Felines of Huntsville, or to a scholarship endowment fund at Missouri University of Science and Technology
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2019
LILLY, Judith Ann, 87, of Amherst died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at her home
No planned service
Her ashes, along with those of her husband Doug, will be scattered in the Colorado mountains, per her wishes
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov 21, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida
Parents: Leon and Geraldine Schuh, an engineer and piano teacher, respectively
Graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee in 1954, with majors in elementary education and German
Married: Douglas Lilly
Taught school briefly, then left work to raise their three children; lived mostly in Colorado (1964-1982) and Oklahoma (1983-2002) where Doug was a research scientist; retired to live near their daughter Carol in Nebraska in 2002
Activities: enjoyed traveling several times to her favorite country, Germany, and lived there for a year in 1956; raised and bred Arabian horses and directed a 4-H club for horsemanship for over 10 years in Colorado; a serious car accident in 1994 severely impeded her mobility, eventually resulting in the loss of one leg; became a member of the Christ Center (formerly The Lotus Center) of Oklahoma City; enjoyed photography, painting, gardening and landscaping; cared for her husband in her husband's last years of dementia; remained strong and positive in her own last difficult months
Survivors include: her three children, Kathy Dunbar, Don Lilly and Carol Lilly-Garvue; six grandchildren, Sabrina Thomas, Stephanie Dunbar, Daniela and Max Garvue, and Michael and Brianna Lilly; and one great-grandson, Jeremiah Lilly
Memorials: the ASPCA, the Scleroderma Foundation or the Christ Center in Oklahoma
Kearney Hub, 4 December 2019
LOSCHEN, Harold W., 92, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Grand Island
Service: Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military rites
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 5, 1927, at the farm home near the junction of Highways 10 and 4 in Franklin County
Parents: George and Gesina Loschen
Was the eighth child in the family; was baptized, confirmed and remained a lifelong member of the Lutheran church; attended rural school, then entered high school in Hildreth, graduated in 1945
Worked at the hay mill in Lexington, and later at Grantham’s Station in Kearney
Military: U.S. Army in March 1946 - Sept. 1947; then enlisted in the Army Reserve; later was called back to active duty during the Korean War and was stationed in Ft. Sill, Okla.
Returned home in 1949, worked on family farms; in June 1949, began working for the Union Pacific Railroad in Kearney
Married: Oct. 1, 1950, to Elaine S. Skinner
Following discharge from the Army in September 1951, moved back to Kearney, and resumed employment as a freight agent for the Union Pacific Railroad; worked for nearly 40 years at the UPRR, retired in 1989; also spent over 30 years building houses in and around the Kearney area
Activities: member of the First Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Union Pacific Old Timers and Kearney Elks Lodge; will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and card playing skills; retained his memory and positive outlook on life and genuinely loved people; cared for his wife Elaine in their own home for nearly 10 years after she sustained debilitating strokes; lived at the same home he and his wife had purchased in 1959, until his death
Survivors include daughter, Connie Beisner-Warling and husband Mark; grandsons, Jason Loschen, Matthew and wife Eryn Beisner, and Corbin Beisner; granddaughter, Lauren Beisner; great-granddaughter, Molly Beisner; two sisters, Minnie Jo Isom and Gladys and husband Bob Barnes; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, his parents, three brothers, three sisters and beloved son, Jim
Memorials: First Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast Fund
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2019
LUND, Betty Yvonne, 84, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Friday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 3, 1935, in Wayne County
Parents: Ivor and Mabel (Petersen) Jenkins
Attended Nebraska Wesleyan University
Married: Douglas Lund at Bethany Christian Church in Lincoln on June 7, 1958
Taught at Murdock Elementary for two years; moved to Kearney in 1962, where Doug taught biology at Kearney State College Activities: was involved in the community, including at First Lutheran Church, Faculty Wives, PEO (Chapter GG), Bridge Club, Red Hat Club, Potluck group, Birthday group and The Betty Club
Survivors include: her husband of 61 years, Douglas Lund of Kearney; son, Scot (Bev) Lund of Hutchinson, Kan.; daughter, Susan (Lund) Luxford of Lincoln; four grandchildren, Lucas Luxford of Lincoln, Kiley (Adam) Willis of Hutchinson, Lauren (David) Krehbiel of Pretty Prairie, Kan., and Lyndsey (Jordan) Haag of Hickman; seven great-grandchildren, Cayden, Scarlett, Selah, Marlene, Gunnar, Mabel and Meryl; brother, Dean (Sylvia) Jenkins; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; and son-in-law, William “Bill” Luxford
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or to Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 1 January 2020
McFARLAND, Sandra Rae “Sandy”, 73, of Lexington died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Avamere in Lexington
Celebration of life: Wednesday at Avamere in Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: Oct. 22, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Beulah (Petersen) and Calvin Alderman in Kearney; was raised by her mother and step-father, Stan Dowers; Calvin later came back into her life and they exchanged letters; attended Central Elementary in Kearney and Kearney High School; quit school in the 10th grade, but later earned her GED, of which she was very proud
Married: Sherman Burkey in July of 1963; had three children: Tammie, Charlie and Robyn
After marriage, moved around for Sherman's work, then settled north of Elm Creek so Tammie could attend school; divorced in 1979; lived in Elm Creek until 1984 after Charlie graduated; lived in Kearney briefly, then moved to Scottsbluff
Married: Kenny McFarland, Sept. 1986
Lived in Scottsbluff and Glenwood Springs, Colo., Kearney, and Lexington; Kenny died in August 2016
Worked in the Kearney Laundry with her mother; did housekeeping, was a bartender
Activities: liked bears, pigs, fudge, puppies, kitties and Elvis, and everything purple; enjoyed the therapy horse; was a hard worker; overcame many difficulties including a stroke, broken leg, cancer surgery and radiation, other broken bones, but worked hard to retain her sense of humor; loved her children and grandchildren
Survivors include: her children, Tammie (Steve) Hinrichs of Kearney, Charlie (Kelli) Burkey of Lexington and Robyn Lange of Lexington; seven grandchildren, Brandie (Marcus) Smith of Kearney, Hunter (Abby) Hinrichs of Pleasanton, Jennifer Burkey, Jessica Burkey and Curtis Refior, all of Kearney, Kris (Dayna) Burkey of Lexington, and Nikkia (Tye) Sage of Overton; seven great-grandchildren, Quinten, Ethan, Grayson, Dylan, Elexa, Topher and Breckin; and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah and Stan Dowers and Calvin Alderman; husband, Kenny McFarland; granddaughter, Tarah Refior; and ex-husband, Sherman Burkey
Kearney Hub, 30 November 2019
NIELSEN, Ronald “Ron” Wayne, 86, of Litchfield died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Memorial service: Fri., Dec. 6, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: later
Born: March 9, 1933, in Upland
Parents: Albert and Ruby (McCoy) Nielsen
Attended Odessa High School, graduated 1951
Married: Dec. 11, 1951, to Alice Johnson in Broken Bow
Worked at the State of Nebraska Department of Roads for 34 years as an associate project manager, retired in 1995
Activities: enjoyed hunting, camping, making canes, clocks and rock jewelry; longtime member of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees
Survivors include: his wife, Alice Nielsen of Litchfield; children, David Nielsen of Lincoln, Linda (Dan) Mundt of Alliance, Raymond Nielsen and Alan Nielsen, both of Litchfield; sister, Udeane Fischer of Kearney; sister-in-law, Ardyce Nielsen of Kearney; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, LaVern, Loren and Delbert Nielsen
Kearney Hub, 30 November 2019
NUTTER, Douglas Robert “Doug”, 76, of Sagamore Hills, Ohio, died due to heart problems Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Ohio
Born: March 21, 943, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: William and Susie Nutter
Attended school at District 8 at Gibbon, Neb., and in Columbus, Texas, where the family moved because of Doug’s health; later attended San Marcos Military Academy in Texas, which he really enjoyed and respected; graduated from Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Taught a variety of industrial arts classes at Kearney Junior High School and then pursued other areas of interest
Married: Dorothy Vopat; had two children, Brian and Deborah
Activities: had a variety of interests; enjoyed Studebakers, car restoration, education and politics; frequently wrote articles for publication in newspapers on topics about which he was passionate; was creative and liked to draw; liked learning new skills, and designing and building woodworking projects
Survivors include ex-wife, Dorothy; son, Brian and his wife, Shilili, and children, Van and Vitesse; daughter, Deborah Nelson and her husband, Brian; along with nieces, nephews and many friends and acquaintances
Was preceded in death by his parents, William and Susie Nutter; and two brothers, William Robert and Gene Douglas
Kearney Hub, 30 November 2019
O'BRIEN, Carolyn M., 76, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at her home. Service: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 29, 1943, in Geneva
Parents: Louis and Ann (Kamler) Budler. Grew up on the family farm near Fairmont, was the oldest of five children; graduated from Fairmont High School as valedictorian in 1960; graduated 1964 from Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education
Married: Maurice O’Brien on June 10, 1963, at St. Helena’s Catholic Church in Grafton; had six children together
Taught math at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney for three years; continued to teach math at the junior and senior high school levels for 20 years in Kearney, York, Fairmont, McCook and Lexington including 10 years at St. Ann’s High School and three years at Lexington High School; then served for 20 years as the office manager for Dawson County Parent Child Center in Lexington, retired in 2011
Resided in Kearney since 2001; enjoyed keeping up with activities for her grandchildren; was active in the Catholic Church through various committees, CEC, bible study groups and altar society; member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Ann Budler; nephews, Chris Lorenz and Andy Budler; and sister-in-law, Sharon Budler
Survivors include her husband, Maurice O’Brien; their children, Lori and husband John Snyder of Valley; Mike and wife Patrese of Kearney, Tim and wife Lauren of Kearney, Ticia and husband Craig Niemeier of Worms, Kate and husband Dan Bodmann of Omaha, and Matt of Omaha; sister, Barb and husband Bill Lorenz; brothers, Larry Budler, Jim and wife Doni Budler, and John and wife Linda Budler; 14 grandchildren, three step-granddaughters, two great-grandchildren, and 7 great step-grandchildren
Memorials: KCHS Foundation, American Cancer Society or to Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2019
OSTENDORF, Ruth, 89, of Ravenna, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at Good Samaritan Home in Ravenna
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 28, 1930, in Omaha
Parents: Rueben and Gertrude (Weliever) England
Moved to Kearney, attended school and was a member of the Kearney High School class of 1947
Married: Oct. 24, 1953, to Donald Ostendorf at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Was employed by Kearney Public Schools as an aide and later as an administrative assistant
Graduated from LPN school in 1982; worked at Good Samaritan Hospital until 1990
Activities: longtime member of the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES; served as president in 1976
Survivors include: her husband, Donald Ostendorf of Kearney; children, Patricia Gray of Denver, Dorothy (Gene) Synovec of Western, Danny (Connie) Ostendorf of Gibbon and Rebecca (Mark) Wright of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Kearney Hub, 26 November 2019
RATHJEN, Marietta Loraine, 79, of Osceola, formerly of Ravenna, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, at Columbus Community Hospital
Service: Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: April 7, 1940
Parents: Frank and Rose (Bachkora) Chramosta
Attended a rural elementary school south of Ravenna; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1958
Married: Larry Rathjen on Sept. 17, 1966, at Loup City
After marriage, lived in Sweetwater; was a homemaker until her children were older; then she worked at various jobs in Ravenna, including Ravenna Insurance Agency, The Ravenna Bank and Ravenna Dental
After Larry's death Sept. 21, 2000, she moved to Kearney, worked in the kitchen at Kearney Catholic High School where her granddaughters went to school; moved back to Ravenna in 2009, and eventually moved to Osceola to be closer to son Douglas and his family
Activities: enjoyed following her grandchildren's activities in Kearney, Ravenna and Osceola; enjoyed singing in church and for the Memorial Day service as well as entertaining the residents at Seneca Sunrise and Good Samaritan in Ravenna; music was a huge part of her entire life; enjoyed having coffee with her friends and just being happy; her motto for life and the last words she spoke to her family were “LIVE WELL, LAUGH OFTEN AND LOVE MUCH.” Survivors include: her children, Sheila (Kelly) Kennedy of Kearney and Doug (Penny) Rathjen of Osceola; grandchildren, Megan (Mike) Kielty of Lincoln, Katlin (Keenan) Huppert of Colorado, Miranda Rathjen and fiance Luke, Mollie Rathjen and Thad Rathjen, all of Osceola; niece, Teresa (Randy) Reese of Osceola and family; nephew, Dan Campbell; and many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Rathjen; her parents, Frank and Rose Chramosta; and her sister and brother-in-law, Marcella and Warren Campbell
Kearney Hub, 29 November 2019
RIPP. Catherine “Kay”, 90, of Ravenna died Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell
Service: Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Mary’s Prairie Center Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: April 15, 1929, at home in Buffalo County, Schneider township
Parents: Charles and Helen (Landrigan) Kriha
Grew up on her family's homestead near St. Wenceslaus in Buffalo County; a favorite story to tell from her childhood was about how they lived in the chicken coop while her dad built the house; attended country school to 8th grade; was very active in 4-H, earned herself a trip to the National 4-H Congress in Chicago; continued her passion for 4-H with her children and grandchildren; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1946
After high school, taught K-8 rural school at Antelope Valley District #103
Married: Gerald “Jerry” Charles Ripp on June 30, 1948 at St. Wenceslaus Church in rural Buffalo County, Nebraska; celebrated 65 years of marriage.
After marriage, moved to the little white house on the farm with no electricity, no indoor plumbing, full of chicken feathers after the wedding where Jerry resided until his death in 2014; Kay moved to Ravenna in 2019
Activities: was known to be a woman of strong faith, extreme talent, patience, and a heart that would give to any and all; absolutely loved to spend days with Jerry, her kids and grandkids fishing; traveled to Canada twice a year for many years making camp at Lake LaRonge Saskatchewan, Canada; loved quilting and crafting; served as 4-H leader for Buffalo County Extension devoting thousands of hours to the 4-H youth teaching them sewing and baking; was very active in the UNL Extension Majors Neighborhood, Kearney Quilt Guild, and the Ravenna Quilt Guild; found so much joy in teaching others how to sew; was strong and devoted to her faith; was a devoted servant of the Catholic Church, served on the board for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) at the local, state, and national levels; member of the St. Mary’s Prairie Center Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and served as Province Director for Nebraska’s three Dioceses; was devoted to her family
Survivors include daughters, Judy (Herb) Dixon, Janet (Gregg) Hanna; sons, Terry (Barb Irvine) Ripp, Ronald (Janelle) Ripp, Steve (Connie) Ripp, Donald “Chuck” (Janece) Ripp, Scott (Angie) Ripp, Mark (Wendy) Ripp and Tim (Jennifer) Ripp; grandchildren, Peter (Molly) Dixon, Carrie (Damian) Doom, Suzie (Jay) Bakken, Lisa (Rob) Howard, Kristi (Mark) Schwesinger, Nick (Anna Hendrickson) Hanna, Michael Ripp, Brian Ripp, Anna Ripp, Sara Ripp, Tammy, Presha, Charlie, Chancy (Abby) Rogers, David (Emily Kiolbasa) Ripp, Catherine (Justin) Chmelka, Melissa (Justin) Caha, Kevin Ripp, Adam Ripp, Andria (Stacy) Eddings, Tressa Ripp, Reggie Ripp, Caleb Ripp, Jessica Ripp, Jarah (Matt Heanue) Ripp, Jakeb (Lexi Evans) Ripp, Alec Ripp and Emily Ripp; and great-grandchildren, Cooper, Kessler, Keiser, Cadence, Dixon, Beau, Brynn, Jameson, Ava, Olin, Ellie, Avery, Emerson and Matthew; sisters, Ruth Ripp, Betty Paitz; sister-in-law, Joan Kriha and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Charles Ripp, granddaughter, Sara Jane Dixon, infant brother. Parents Charles and Helen Kriha, in-laws Joseph and Matilda Ripp, sibling and their spouses, Robert Kriha, Jerome (Oley) Ripp, Greg Paitz, brother and sister-in law and their spouses, Sylvester (Sally) & Hazel Ripp, Doris Ripp, Duane & Lynn Ripp, Luella Ripp and Phyllis & Jack Carlson
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2019
RUSSELL, Ronald L. “Ron”, 84, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Wednesday at Living Faith Fellowship Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 30, 1935, in Kearney
Parents: Fred and Mattie (Nau) Russell
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1953
Married: Aug. 21, 1954, to M. Arlene Johnson in Kearney; she died in 2009
Married: 2011 to Gerry Leibee
Worked for and was a part owner of L&W Service Center for 38 years; with son Steve, in 1992, opened Russell’s Appliance and Electronics Inc.
Activities: served as vice president of the Kearney Jaycees, was on the board of directors for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and was president of Kearney Country Club; longtime member of First Christian Church in Kearney, which became the Living Faith Fellowship Church, and served as board chairman for three years, treasurer for 17 years; was a deacon and elder for 25 years; served on the Kearney Planning Commission for 18 years, on the board of directors for the National Appliance Dealers and Great Plains Region board of directors; helped build the American Legion Baseball program
Survivors include: his wife, Gerry of Kearney; son, Steve Russell and wife Stacey of Kearney; grandchildren, Tayler Russell and Asa Broadfoot and husband Austin, all of Kearney, and Lainey Russell of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Maddox and Hayden Broadfoot; and brothers, Dennis Russell and wife Trudy of Kearney and Randy Russell and wife Ronda of Hastings
Was preceded in death by his first wife, and his sister, Deanne Svoboda
Memorials: Kearney Community Foundation
Kearney Hub, 25 November 2019
SCHRACK, William "Bradley", 60, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 23, 1959, in Denver
Parents: Ward and Norma (Moors) Schrack
Attended Kearney Public Schools and graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1978
Married: June 20, 1981, to Deb Sielaff at the Kearney First United Methodist Church
Ran the camera department at Bob’s Superstore for several years, later worked at Video Kingdom; then was an electrician for the past 30 years
Activities: was an avid Husker sports and Chicago Bears fan; enjoyed listening to good music, barbecuing and spending time with his family and friends
Survivors: his wife, Deb Schrack of Kearney; daughter, Stephanie (Brian) Potter of Kearney; son, Philip (Heather Hughes) Schrack of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Breanna Kallhoff and Parker and Taylor Potter, all of Kearney, and Elora and Lily Hughes of Rochester; mother, Norma Schrack of Kearney; brother, Brian (Leslie) Schrack of Windsor, Colo.; sister, Stacy (Tim) Peterson of Kearney; brothers-in-law, David Sheen of Kearney, Jim Shanahan of Axtell and Dick Kincaid of Kearney; sister-in-law, Wendy Borden of Hastings; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father; sister, Sue Kincaid; sisters-in-law, Terri Shanahan and Karin Sheen; brother-in-law, Steve Borden; and his longtime friend, David Butler
Memorials: Boy Scouts of America.
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2019
SCOVILLE, Shirley M., 85, formerly of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, at the Elwood Care Center
Service: Monday at Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney
Burial: Sumner Cemetery. Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney, and before services Monday at the church. Born: Jan. 16, 1934, in Merna
Parents: John and Bernice (Hendrickson) Blythe
Attended school in Sumner, graduated from Sumner High School in 1951; earned her teaching certificate from Kearney State College in 1953; later graduated from Kearney State College with a bachelor's degree in education, 1973
Married April 12, 1953, to Gordon D. Scoville in Sumner
After marriage, lived in Alaska, then Kearney, Sumner, Overton and then moved to Elm Creek in 1973; retired from teaching in 1998, then continued educating through tutoring
Activities: member of Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney; enjoyed quilting, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, having coffee with friends and getting together with Garden club and Christian Women’s club; biggest joy was spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Steve Scoville and wife Kim of Elwood; daughter, Barbara Keep and husband Willie of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Aimee Owen and husband Lowell and great-grandchildren, Asher and Margot of Omaha, Trevor Scoville and wife Lisa of David City, Erin Goering and husband Darrin and great-grandchildren Emma, Jena, Preston and Roscoe of Auburn, Nathan Keep and wife Kayla and great-grandson Conrad of Hastings, Tracy Meyer and husband Jonathan and great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Adelyn and Paetyn of Gothenburg, and Kelsey Seidler and husband Brady of Hastings; brothers, Clifford Blythe and wife Gwen of Kearney and Kerry Blythe and wife Marlene of Overton; and brother-in-law, Howard Nelson of Holdrege
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2005; her sister, Lila Nelson; and daughters, Kathryn and Janet
Memorials: Elwood Care Home, Elwood Area Foundation or the Elm Creek Foundation
Kearney Hub, 7 December 2019
SHAFTO, Maria E., 73, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, at her home
Service: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery northwest of Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 11, 1946, in Sutherland
Graduated from Sutherland High School; attended Kearney State College, majored in art
Married: Aug. 23, 1969, to Larry Shafto in Pleasanton
Worked for West Company for 37 years
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, was active in Catholic Daughters and headed the rosary group; started a rosary group for the new veterans home in Kearney; loved all sports, was a UNK supporter; loved the Lopers, Huskers and New Orleans Saints
Survivors include her sister, Guadalupe and husband Dave Mohr of Middleburg, Fla.; stepsisters, Mary Hernandez and Teri and husband Chris Bradley; stepbrother, Danny and wife Lilly Hernandez; one aunt, Anita Oliveros; and several nieces and nephews from the Shafto, Oliveros, Avila and Hernandez families
Was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Shafto; and mother, Rose Hernandez
Kearney Hub, 27 December 2019
SINNER, Jimmy Howard, 75, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society Saint John’s
No services planned at this time; cremation has been chosen
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 14, 1944, in Grand Island
Parents: Howard and Bessie (Fisk) Sinner
Survivors include: his wife, Janet; sons, Shawn Sinner, Timothy Sinner and his wife, Nicole; sisters, Janice Schweiger and Anna Dice; brother, Tommy Sinner; and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 16 December 2019
STAUFFER, Helen Winter, 97, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, in Lincoln. Memorial service: Saturday, Dec. 14 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, with military honors
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Military: served in the WAVES (Women’s Navy), 1943-1945, teaching aerial gunnery at Alameda Naval Air Base in California
Completed her Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1974 and taught English at Kearney State College, retired in 1990; authored the most comprehensive biography of Nebraska author Mari Sandoz, “Mari Sandoz: Story Catcher of the Plains” (1982) and editor of her correspondences, Letters of Mari Sandoz (1992)
Married: Mitchell "Mike" Stauffer of Grand Island on March 30, 1994
Activities: was active in the Great Plains Chautauqua, Nebraska Humanities Council, Modern Language Association, National Education Association, Western Literature Association, Sandoz Heritage Society, Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Alpha Delta Kappa
Survivors include: son, Robin (Carol) Stauffer of Fremont; daughters, Susan (Jim) Toth of Edwardsburg, Mich., Sally Vifquain of Wahoo and Melody (Rod) Chvatal of Colon; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by both parents; husband, Mike Stauffer; infant son, Karl; daughter-in-law, Carol Hamley Stauffer; and son-in-law, Jim Toth
Kearney Hub, 7 December 2019
SULLIVAN, Bernadine M., 94, of Kearney, formerly of Eddyville, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Monday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington
Burial: St. Patrick’s Cemetery near Eddyville
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: Jan. 11, 1925, in Callaway
Parents: Loren and Ida Mae (Gross) Kaupp
Attended grade school in Cozad, Overton and Odessa; then in Amherst, graduating with the class of 1942
Married: Howard Rhode; had two children together, Gary and JoAnn; he died in 1950
Married: Feb. 19, 1955, to Arthur Sullivan; had one daughter Patricia
Lived and farmed near Eddyville just southwest of town; moved into town in 2000; Arthur died in 2001; Bernadine moved to Kearney in 2018
Activities: member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for many years before it closed, then became a member at St. John Capistran Church in Amherst; stayed very active in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was part of the Altar Society; member of the Eddyville American Legion Auxiliary for 45-plus years, the Eddyville Homemaker’s Club, the Faith Circle of the United Methodist Women in Eddyville, and was a 4-H leader for many years; enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning, making jelly, playing cards, writing Bernie's Bits for the Beacon, mowing her own yard, chauffeuring friends to appointments long after she was 90; entered numerous items at the county fair every year; loved attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities
Survivors include: her children, Gary (Brenda) Rohde of Eddyville, JoAnn Johnson of Kearney and Patricia (Rick) Bowie of Miller; seven grandchildren, Jackie (Brad) Eickhoff of Columbus, John (Kresha) Rohde of Eddyville, Jori (Aaron) Newell of Eagle, Jerred (Amy) Johnson of Kearney, Dustin (Karla) Rohde of Kearney, Stephanie (Josh) Meier of Elm Creek and Christopher (Tierra) Bowie of Miller; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Howard in 1950 and Arthur in 2001; and a son-in-law, Jim Johnson in 2019
Memorials: Eddyville Community Center, Eddyville American Legion Auxiliary or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 29 November 2019
TOBIAS, Roberta L., 85, of Sargent died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington
Service: Friday at the Church of Christ in Sargent
Mortuary: Govier Brothers in Broken Bow
Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery at Sargent
Born: Sept. 30, 1934, in Amherst
Parents: Joseph and Della Cool; after Della's death, was taken in by Harvey and Essie (Cool) Keyser and became part of their family
Married: Zac Tobias on Oct. 10, 1952. Survivors include her husband of Sargent; children, Dean Tobias of Mount Home, Idaho, Kathi Yerg of Lexington, Karen Schmiser of Fort Smith, Ark., Karla Heithoff of Columbus, Kasey Tobias of Sargent, Becky Beckman of Laurel, Richard Tobias of Anderson, S.C., and Steven Tobias of Alda; 20 grandchildren; and 48 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 December 2019
WOOD, Jean Darlene Keller, 83, of North Platte, formerly of Kearney and Gibbon, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at Great Plains Health in North Platte
Service: Friday, Jan. 3, at Spirit of Life Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Adams & Swanson in North Platte
Born: Feb. 2, 1936, in Elm Creek
Parents: Glenn and Ethel (Vest) Keller
Graduated from Kearney High School
Married Wayne Roeder in 1954
Married: Charles Wood on April 5, 1975, in Shelton
Worked as a cook and waitress most of her life
With Charles, lived on their farm near Gibbon for many years until Chuck passed away
Activities: put Jesus as the center of her life, became a pastor in 2003; loved her family in her own unique way
Survivors include her son, Gary and wife Jami Roeder of North Platte; brother, Harold Keller of Arizona; four grandchildren, Tara and husband Allen Crane, Alex and wife Jeanie Roeder and Renae and husband Josh Baird, all of North Platte, and Jason and wife Kathy Roeder of Kearney; 12 grandchildren, Seth, Reanna, Houston, Jadin, Skylar, Bailey, Jagger, Joseph, Decima, Kaitlyn, Jacob and Josselyn; two great-great grandchildren, Nyla and Korra; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Wood in 2005; parents, Glenn and Ethel Keller; one brother; and five sisters
Memorials: American Diabetes Association
Kearney Hub, 30 December 2019