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ANDERSON, Cyndra L., 60, of Kearney died Sunday, March 22, 2020, at her home
Cremation was chosen
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: December 3, 1959 in Greely, Colorado
Parents: Edward and Alice (Knight) Anderson
Grew up in Cheyenne Wyoming; Cyndra moved to Gothenburg, Nebraska in 1981, and then to Kearney in 1990
Worked at the Cellar Bar & Grill as a bartender; later worked at Cabela’s as a warehouse manager, and then the Goodwill Store in Kearney
Lived together with John Lynott in Kearney for the last nine years
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening, and crafting
Survivors include: her significant other John Lynott of Kearney; sons, Jesse Klenptner of Kearney, Elliot Johannsen of Kearney; daughter, Amber Kruse and husband John of Cozad; mother Alice Brown and husband Gordon of Maywood; father, Edward Anderson of Sun City, Ariz; brother, Burdett Anderson and wife Donna of Gothenburg; sister, Debra Anderson and husband Kevin of Cheyenne, Wyo.; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her daughter Torrey Johannsen and brother Devin Anderson
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 24 March 2020 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
ANDERSON, LaVerne Eugene, 91, of McMinnville, Oregon, died Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Parkland Village Retirement Center in McMinnville, under the care of Serenity Hospice
Graveside service: April 10
A celebration of life: later in the summer
Mortuary: Macy and Sons in McMinniville
Born: Nov. 3, 1928, to Lloyd and Gladys Anderson in Poole, Neb.
Graduated from Kearney High School in Kearney, Neb.
Married: Patricia, on Sept. 24, 1950
After marriage, began farming; also worked at various jobs; moved to McMinnville in June 1963, started his career as a salesman that would last for almost 50 years; began selling auto parts for Davison Auto Parts; in 1969 he became a traveling salesman representing various parts manufacturers to automotive distributors; later in life, followed his passion for horses to develop a business of selling saddles and tack to various outlets in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and northern California
Activities: was a kind and loving man of God; dedicated member of Dayton Christian Church and most recently the Unionvale Countryside Church; loved to hunt, fish, camp and watch baseball; was a faithful fan of the Seattle Mariners; member of Oregon Equestrian Trails and the NRA; did as much horseback riding as he could; for many years, went to Burns, Ore., to work cattle on a friend’s ranch
Survivors include his wife of almost 70 years, Patricia of McMinnville; son, David and daughter-in-law Tiffany of Eugene; daughters, Linda Harbin of Banks and Lisa and husband Bruce Henderson of Tygh Valley; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Darlene
Memorials: a charity of your choice, Unionvale Countryside Church or Serenity Hospice in Portland
Kearney Hub, 9 April 2020
BERNARD, Ursula Regina, 95, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at WEL-Life in Kearney
In consideration of the concern of the COVID-19 virus, and the related mandate issued by the government, a private family graveside will be held at St. Patrick Calvary Cemetery in McCook
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 7, 1924, in Hartington
Parents: Frank and Anna (Manley) Smith
Was the youngest of six siblings; graduated from high school in Hartington in 1942
Worked at the WNAX radio station in Yankton, S.D., after graduation
Married: Douglas A. Bernard on Nov. 25, 1946, in Hartington
Together operated two restaurants in Randolph and Hartington, moved to McCook in 1959, assisted Doug in managing the McCook Elks Club; spent 29 years at the Elks Club and retired in 1988
Activities: longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, McCook, and St. James Catholic Church, Kearney
Survivors include her daughter, B’Anne Zapp and husband Jerry of Kearney; son, Jeff Bernard and wife Kathy of Denver; daughter-in-law, Joanne Bernard of Grand Island; five grandchildren, Amy Renken and husband Todd of Omaha, Julie Dunne and husband Bryan of Omaha, Nick Bernard and wife Julie of Omaha, Meghan Bernard and husband Keve of Denver and Spenser Bernard and friend Mandi Horvath of Denver; and six great-grandchildren, Noah, Josh and Jude Renken and Ava, Ally and Anna Dunne, all of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Douglas Bernard; siblings, Marie, Marcella, Evelyn, Francis and Mark; and son, Thomas Bernard
Memorials: Tabitha Hospice or WEL-Life Assisted Living
Kearney Hub, 27 March 2020
BISHOP, William “Bill”, 61, of Gibbon died Friday, April 10, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger, Kearney
Born: Feb. 23, 1959, in Burlington, Colo.
Parents: Kenneth and Mabel (Meyer) Bishop
Grew up in Burlington, attended Burlington High School; moved with family to Kearney, graduated from Kearney Catholic High School
Married: Kathy House on Aug. 4, 1984, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Gibbon, raised their two boys there; worked as an engineer for more than 30 years at Eaton Corp. until retiring
Activities: enjoyed the great outdoors while spending time with his friends hunting, fishing and camping; had many fond memories of growing up in Colorado; enjoyed rading his custom motorcycle at Kearney Raceway Park; gamily and friends were very important to him
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Bishop of Gibbon; sons, Nathan Bishop and life partner, Shawna Crawford and her daughter, Kirah, of Hastings and Zach Bishop of Durham, N.C.; stepmother, Marge Bishop of Burlington, Colo.; brother, Paul (Lanna) Bishop of Elm Creek; sisters, Carol Tatkenhorst of Burlington, Colo., and Bonita (Kevin) Knox of Riverton, Wyo.; along with several extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Mabel Bishop
Memorials: Kearney Catholic Scholarship Fund
Kearney Hub, 15 April and 29 July 2020
BUCKMASTER, Robert “Bob” P., 71, of Kearney died Friday, March 6, 2020, at his son’s residence in Lincoln
Graveside service: March 11 at Miltonville (Kan.) Cemetery
Mortuary: Lincoln Family Funeral Care
Born: Oct. 8, 1948, in Martin S.D.
Parents: Harold and Bessie (Grieser) Buckmaster
Graduated from Bennett County High School with the class of 1967
Military: served his country and spent time in Thailand during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Georgia
Married: Jean Zickrick on Nov. 7, 1969
Was chief engineer at Dial Properties, retired in 2014
Activities: member of the American Legion in Martin; enjoyed being a Boy Scout leader for several years; coached American Legion baseball in Martin and Friend, Neb., also started the girls high school basketball team in Martin; enjoyed endless hours working in his woodshop and many hours following his grandsons to their many activities
Survivors include: his mother Bessie Buckmaster of Ord; wife of 50 years, Jean Buckmaster, of Kearney; three children Rob (Staci) Buckmaster, Smith Center, Kan.; Kimberly (Kamran) Malik, Safety Harbor, Fla.; Rick (Connie) Buckmaster of Lincoln; three grandsons Payton, Mason and Rece Buckmaster; sister Betty (Jack) Mansfield; along with several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Harold Buckmaster and brother, Gary Buckmaster
Memorials: Veterans Association of Nebraska for support dogs and Comfort Dog Ministry Peace Lutheran in Grand Island
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2020
CORNELIUS, Dr. Carl John Jr., 93, of Sidney died Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Sidney
Memorial service: later due to the CDC’s recommendation of no groups larger than 10 people
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Gehrig-Stitt Chapel in Sidney
Born: Feb. 21, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Carl John and Anna May (Crow) Cornelius
Attended Kearney High School, lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball; graduated in 1944; earned his bachelor’s degree in the Navy’s V5/V12 program, attended Doane College in Crete (1944-45), Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., (1945), Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. (1945-46), and Kearney State College in Kearney, (1946-47); earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Creighton Medical School in Omaha in 1951
Married: Rosalie A. Lloyd on July 31, 1949, in Omaha
After graduation from Creighton, was recalled by the Navy to serve during the Korean War in November 1952, served at Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Illinois, at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., with a division of LSTs and completed two tours; ended his service at the Fallon Naval Air Station in Nevada in November 1954; began his medical practice in December, 1954, in Ogallala; moved to Sidney in 1956 and continued to practice medicine for 50 years
Activities: served on the Sidney City Council, Sidney School Board, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, where he was named Citizen of the Year in 1999, and given the Edna Anderson Award in 2002; was active in the Sidney Industrial Corp. and a member since 1976; served on the Western Nebraska Community College Endowment Association and was president the last 10 years and served on the Sidney Board of Health; since 1956 was a charter member and remained active in the Ft. Sidney Colonels; member of Sidney Rotary Club and, in 2000, was awarded Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Masonic Lodge; authored the biography of Benny Hockman, “From Hell to Here: a Polish Survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald.”; served in many other capacities in corporate, medical and community organizations (too many to mention here.) Survivors include his wife, Rosalie; daughters, Donna of Sidney and Patricia Dietze and husband Paul of Hastings; sons, Wayne Cornelius and wife Susan of Albuquerque, N.M., Scott Cornelius and wife Shannon of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Brian Cornelius and wife Carolyn of Glendale, Ariz.; sister, Lela Claussen of Kearney; brother-in-law, Howard Roberts of Omaha; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leo, Paul and George; sister, Mary Ellen Roberts; and great-granddaughter, Emily Hinsley
Memorials: Sloan Estates Assisted Living in Sidney
Kearney Hub, 7 April 2020
DAAKE, Catherine "Cathy", 75, of Elm Creek died Thursday, April 16, 2020, at her home
Funeral mass and burial: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Elm Creek, Friday, July 3
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 12, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Bernard and Mary (Nickman) Eckhout
Grew up on the family farm north of Amherst; graduated from Amherst High School with the class of 1961
Married: Dennis Daake on Oct. 24, 1964, in Amherst at the Catholic church; had three children together: Lisa, Darin and Todd
Loved her kids and grandkids; had plenty of love for many more kids, ran an in-home day care for 35 years
Activities: enjoyed bird watching, planting flowers and tending to her garden; liked playing keno, attending rodeos, dancing and attending music performances at the Merryman Performing Arts Center; member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek, was part of the altar society; member of the Red Hat Society
Survivors include her husband, Dennis Daake of Elm Creek; children, Lisa (Matt) Lenhart of Loveland, Colo., Darin Daake of Odessa, Todd (Kris) Daake of Sumner; grandchildren, Matthew, Timothy, Laura, Taylor and Chance; brothers, Jerome (Jeanette) Eckhout of Pleasanton and Jim (Barb) Eckhout of Amherst; sisters, Neomi Hascall of Bellevue, Mary (Perry) Kenney of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Demaris Labs of Kearney and Eva Eckhout of Amherst; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Eckhout; sister, Bernadine Roth; brothers-in-law, Dean Hascall, Russ and Deanna Murrish; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harvey and Floreine Daake; and special angel, Aubree Hubbard
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2020
DeTURK, Robert A., 89, of Kearney died Friday, March 20, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Due to requirements from the federal government regarding the recent virus outbreak, funeral service for family only: Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
The public can view the service through church website
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery near Amherst, military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: 1930 in Shelby
Parents: David DeTurk and Blanche (Riblett) DeTurk
Grew up and attended school in Shelby
Military: U.S. Air Force, served 1948 to 1952
Married: Cherie’ L. Rathjen in 1953
Moved from David City to Amherst in 1956; farmed east of town till retiring from farming in 1975; then worked at Eaton in Kearney, retired in 1993
Activities: in retirement, worked for Labors for Christ for numerous years along with spending time building wooden barns, cars and toys for his grandchildren and great grandchildren
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Cherie’ DeTurk; children, Michele DeTurk of Odessa, Steven (Deanne) DeTurk of Amherst and Marche’ (Doug) DeTurk Epley of Pleasanton; grandchildren, Dana Klingelhoefer, Daniel (Jen) Klingelhoefer, Craig Klingelhoefer, Stephanie DeTurk, Tanis (Joshua) DeTurk Saldivar, Brooke (Stephen) DeTurk Janning, Lacey (Daniel) DeTurk Schroeder, Jared (Kaylinda) DeTurk, Rachele (Eric) Epley Quinones, Sarah (Michael) Epp Seele, Aaron (Laurissa) Epley, Ross (Michelle) Epley and Paul Epley; great-grandchildren, (Michele DeTurk family) Javin, Kyler, Tayber, Zach, Brandon, (Steve DeTurk family) Wyatt, Isabel, Camila, Kaison, George, Lincoln, Kage, Raleigh, Lawson, Lennuxe and Lexlun, (Marche’ Epley family) Tia, Morgan, Katie, Tyler, MaKenzie, Madilynn, MaKayla, Mason, Maddox, Emmett, Waylon, Bonnie, Connes, Tobias and Vincent; and one sister, Lorene Sorrentino of Connecticut
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne, Gene, Malyn, Darwin; and sister, Mardell; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter
Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Memorials: Mission Central (Gary Thies) and Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 21 March 2020
EATHERTON, Dale, 94, of Gibbon died Monday, March 23, 2020, at his home
In consideration of the concern of the COVID-19 virus and the related mandate issued by the government, a private family graveside service will be Wednesday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 6, 1925, in Hastings
Parents: Orren and Anna (Harden) Eatherton
Grew up in Shelton, attended rural school and graduated from Shelton High in 1943
Married: Feb.17, 1946, to Nadine Brandt; she died in 1975
Married: Mary Ann (Finke) Bierman in 1977
Worked at Chevrolet dealerships in Shelton, Wood River and Cozad; moved his family to Kearney, 1964, to manage and eventually own the Mystery Oil Co.; became employed by Eaton Corp., 1976, and remained there until his retirement in 1986
Activities: was active in various organizations including the Shelton Fire Department, Shelton IOOF Lodge, Wood River Lions Club, Cozad Jaycees, Cozad and Kearney Elks Lodge and the Kearney Eagles Club; also served on the KEE Credit Union Board of Directors, Upland Village Board, Upland Methodist Church Board of Trustees, and the Minden and Upland Methodist Church staff parish committee; longtime member of AA; enjoyed stock races and fishing, also jigsaw puzzles, and watching and cheering on the Royals or his beloved Huskers
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann of Gibbon; daughters, Ranae Howard (Bob) of Kearney and Tami Anderson (Mick) of Kearney; daughters-in-law, Gilberta Eatherton of Gibbon and Sheri Eatherton of Kearney; son-in-law, Larry Dix of Lincoln; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carl and Joni Finke of Kearney; stepdaughter, Kendra Olson (Pete) of Phoenix; stepson, Rick Bierman (Sheri) of Marion, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nadine; sons, Terry and Steve; and daughter, Ronda Dix
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 24 March 2020
EPLEY, Ricky Ray, 59, of Pleasanton died Friday, March 20, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Private family graveside service: Wednesday at the Pleasanton Cemetery
Celebration of life: Saturday, July 18, at 28895 295th Road, Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 15, 1960, in Kearney
Parents: Donald and Janice (Heisner) Epley
Attended grade school in Kearney and Amherst, later graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1979
Worked delivering livestock feed after graduation; began working with Landscapes Unlimited, 1985, as a heavy equipment operator and spent the next 16 years traveling around the United States and even Jamaica building golf courses; helped build several PGA courses and met Arnold Palmer, Hale Irwin and Greg Norman; decided to quit traveling, 2004, and worked for a year as a youth security specialist at YRTC; went back to operating heavy equipment for Bob Cook Construction and in 2009 started work at the Buffalo County Department of Roads
Married: Stacey Keen in 1991; later divorced, but continued to be involved in his stepdaughter’s life and was very close to her two children
Activities: was a talented guitar player and singer, spent many hours playing music with his dad, uncles and nephews; was a very compassionate person and would help anybody in any way he could
Survivors include his stepmother, Roberta Epley of Texas; sister, Becky (Tom) Eckhout of Pleasanton; brothers, Rod (Patti) Epley of Phoenix and Ron Epley of Pleasanton; stepdaughter, Alisha Quintana and her children, Koby and Brielle; stepsister, Bobbi (Warren) Froscheiser of Texas; stepbrothers, Gary (Mary) McGee of Kearney and Nathan (Laura) McGee of Kansas; nephews, Jeff (Bekah) Eckhout, Mitch Eckhout, Ryan Eckhout, Blake Eckhout, all of Pleasanton, James Harper of Phoenix and Eric Epley of Omaha; nieces, Becky Epley of Phoenix and Madison Epley of Durango, Colo.; great-nephew, Henry and great-nieces, Addy and Aurora; four aunts; and several cousins
Was preceded in death by his mother in 1971, his father in 2007, his grandparents, several aunts and uncles and a cousin
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Kearney Hub, 23 March and 15 July 2020
FITZGERALD, Doris J., 97, of Kearney died Friday, March 20, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: later
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 13, 1922, in Riverdale
Parents: John Schmitz and Josephine Veremulen
Was the third of five children; attended rural grade schools in Buffalo County
After graduation, moved for a period of time to California, worked at California Presbyterian Hospital, and at an aircraft factory in Los Angeles assembling cockpit controls; returned to Nebraska in 1946
Married: Feb. 12, 1947, to Michael Fitzgerald of Elm Creek at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Raised three children, Robert, Barbara and James; worked at Good Samaritan Hospital as an OBGYN, being trained by the Catholic nuns
Activities: active with Altar Society, American Legion, VFW, Elks and the Eagles Club
Survivors include her sons, Robert Fitzgerald and James Fitzgerald, both of Kearney; daughter, Barbara (Tim) Schepers of Lincoln; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Michael; brothers, Don Schmitz and Raymond Schmitz; sisters, Helen Evans and Jean McCarthy and their spouses
Kearney Hub, 8 April 2020
FREY, Donald E., 71, of Kearney died Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Private graveside service: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Aug. 17, 1948, in Pomona, Calif.
Parents: Jim and Helena (Middleton) Frey
Was raised in Beaver City, graduated from Beaver City High School in 1966
Military: U.S. Army, 1969-1973; was trained as a paratrooper
Returned home, owned and operated Frey’s Framing and Finish
Activities: was an avid fisherman and always loved the time he spent with his family
Survivors include his son, Lucas (Meghann) Frey of Kearney; grandsons, Cayden, Quintin, Brennen and Sullivan Frey, all of Kearney; mother of his son, Karen Frey of Kearney; sisters, Barb (Roger) Powell of Beaver City, Nancy (Dave) Brown of Beaver City and Carol (Dave) Crecelius of Hastings
Was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Brenda Martin
Kearney Hub, 7 April 2020
GERTEN, Mary Ann, 75, of Kearney died Saturday, March 14, 2020, at her home
In consideration of the concern of the COVID-19 virus, and the related mandate issued by the governor of Nebraska, the services will be postponed
Visitation: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Funeral Mass: Friday, Mar. 12, 2021, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Assumption Cemetery near Roseland
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 9, 1944, in Bladen
Parents: Virgil and Ramona Gerten
Was one of nine children, grew up on a farm south of Bladen; graduated from Bladen High School in 1962
Married: March 1, 1963, to Larry Duval
After marriage lived in Kearney and later in Holdrege; had two children together
After the divorce in 1970, worked for Becton Dickinson until 1975
Married: August 1975, Albert Gardine and moved to Arvada, Colo.
While raising her two children, worked as a house cleaner and an office manager
Divorced and moved to Kearney in 2003, worked full time at Kearney Clinic medical records and part time at Walgreens
Activities: was a woman of strong faith and was part of the Catholic Church her entire life; her passion was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and attended as many of their events as she could; enjoyed traveling, including, Thailand, Panama, the Caribbean Islands, Canada and many parts of the United States; was a fan of the Denver Broncos and the Nebraska Cornhuskers; hobbies included bowling and gardening; also enjoyed playing cards and country dancing with friends; loved the mountains in Colorado
Survivors include her son, Todd Duval and wife Stacy Duval of Arvada, Colo.; daughter, Tanya Laudenklos of Kearney; grandchildren, Tyler Laudenklos and wife June of Pocatello, Idaho, Emily Laudenklos of Kearney, Cameron Duval and fiancé Ashley of Thornton, Colo., Dillon Duval and Alec Duval, both of Arvada, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Jaylen Naber of York, James and Tristen Laudenklos of Pocatello and Kennedy and Brady Duval of Arvada; brother, Robert Gerten and wife, Kathy of Burwell; sisters, Jo Ann VanBoening of Derby, Kan., and Deloris Meyer and husband Gary of Campbell; sisters-in-law, Nancy Gerten of Fallon, Nev., Darlene Gerten of Oklahoma City and Mary Gerten of Red Cloud; brother-in-law, Terry Masters of Joliet, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Judy Masters; brothers, Dale Gerten, Lloyd Gerten, James (Skip) Gerten and Richard Gerten; and brother-in-law, Robert VanBoening
Kearney Hub, 18 March 2020 and 6 March 2021
GOULD, Susana, 70, of Kearney died Sunday, April 12, 2020, at her home
Cremation was chosen
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 14 April 2020
HAND, June I., 89, of Pleasanton died Friday, April 17, 2020, at her home in Pleasanton
Private family graveside service: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Born: April 2, 1931 at her parents farm home in Pleasant Valley
Parents: Robert and Helen Jones Pritchard
Was the oldest of seven children; spent her childhood helping with all the farm chores and caring for her younger siblings; was baptized on May 28, 1939, and confirmed on June 17, 1945, in the Calvary Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley; attended Pleasant Valley District #57 through the eighth grade, was graduated from Pleasanton High School with the class of 1948; helped her dad with field work and putting up hay with the help of her sisters and best friend Darlene Hoffman; also checked cattle in the far pasture on her horse, Reba
Married: Nov. 3, 1949, to Norman Hand, son of Raymond and Julia Klein Hand
After marriage, lived on the “Halpin Farm” later known as “Honeymoon Hill;” moved to Pleasantonm 1956
With friends Duane and Adaline Geisler, owned and operated Capp’s Cafe for a couple of years; also served as “flagwoman” for their crop spraying business, Hand Flying Service; later was a school cook, became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1974, and did the bookkeeping at Hand Machining, along with farming the “Halpin Farm"
Activities: researched both the Pritchard and Hand families’ genealogy; was one of the volunteers who put together the “Pleasanton on the Loup” historical book; member of Fort Kearney Genealogical Society, Buffalo County Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Pleasanton Cemetery Board, Ravenna Annevar Quilt Guild, Kearney Quilt Guild, Pleasanton Red Hat Society, Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department (started EMT’s in a ’57 station wagon and later helped staff the ambulance), Grace Lutheran Church Altar Guild and Kingdom Workers, and Bluebird Society; hobbies included farming, gardening, hunting, waterskiing, softball, golf; received several awards and recognitions including the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor award and the Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department Cornerstone award
Survivors include: her husband Norman Ray of 70 years of Pleasanton; sons, Bobby Ray (Leatta) Hand and Jon (Diane) Hand from Pleasanton; daughter, Sherry (Richard) Fisher of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, Chevy Fisher, and James (Candace) Fisher of Scottsbluff; Ricky (Becca) Fisher of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Amber (Travis) Richard of Pleasanton; JenaRae (Eric) Vieth of Aurora; Dalton Hand and his fiancé Jessica of Kearney; Adeline Hand and her fiancé Adam, and Conner Hand of Pleasanton; sisters, Delda Klein Johnson, Corene (Errol) Phillips, Corliss (Phil) Dixon and sister-in-law Iva Pritchard all of Pleasanton; brother Brian (Hope) Pritchard of Pleasanton; brother-in-law Rex Hand of Kearney; eleven great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband’s parents, daughter Renee’ (1978), sister Carolyn (1941), brother Bob (2019), brother-in-law Donald Klein (1973) and sister-in-law Betty Hand (2018)
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church or the Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2020
HARDENBROOK, Norman Ray, 74, of Axtell died Thursday, April 16, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Private family graveside service: Mount Hope Cemetery in Beaver City
Mortuary: Wenburg in Beaver City
Memorial service: later
Born: Aug. 28, 1945, in Beaver City
Parents: Bud Dale and Vona M. (Harman) Hardenbrook
Grew up in Beaver City, attended Grace Brethren Church there, and graduated from Beaver City High School in 1963
Military: U.S. Navy for four years, served a year in Vietnam
Returned home, attended school and worked in Kansas City, Mo., then returned to Beaver City
Married: Dec. 19, 1970, to Toni M. Smith at the United Methodist Church in Hendley; had two sons together
Lived in Beaver City, moved to Kearney, and eventually to Axtell; formed his own construction company, Hardenbrook Homes Inc., began in residential locally and later commercial construction across the country; enjoyed teaching his employees the trade and seeing them be successful with their own businesses
Activities: was baptized and attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kearney, then attended the New Life Church; enjoyed coaching the boys in baseball, watching Husker sports and Dodger baseball, NASCAR racing (while attending races with his sons); member of the American Legion in Wilcox; was devoted to his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Toni Hardenbrook of Axtell; son, Nathan and wife Brandi Hardenbrook and grandchildren Ella and Carter of Minden; son, Tyler Hardenbrook of Axtell; brothers, Larry and wife Karen Hardenbrook of Beaver City, Butch and wife Sue Hardenbrook of Beaver City and Johnny and wife Karen Hardenbrook of Texas; sisters, Dotty and husband Tom Biros of Beaver City and Ruth and husband Matt Chamberland of Kearney; mother-in-law, Carol Smith of Beaver City; brother-in-law, Jerry Smith of Hendley; sisters-in-law, Terri Martin, Jo Smith and Cheryl Buss of Beaver City; and Sue Kemper and husband Bob of Kansas
Was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Vern Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Brox and husband Jim; and brothers-in-law, Jim Smith and Dave Buss
Memorials: Axtell Ball Association
Kearney Hub, 21 April 2020
HOUGH, Leslie E., 78, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at his home
Memorial services: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 3 April 2020
JOHN, Jeanne E., 83, of Ravenna died Monday, March 9, 2020, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen of Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 11 March 2020
JOHNSON, Morten James, 77, died Friday, March 13, 2020, at his home near Pleasanton
Private family service: Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Celebration of life and burial: later
Born: Nov. 3, 1942, in Holdrege
Parents: Harold and Ninita (Potter) Johnson
Grew up in Holdrege with his older sister, Christine Guidry; worked in his grandfather’s roller mill; attended Kearney State College and Hastings College
Spent 30-plus years teaching math, physics, computer science and whatever else came up in a small town school, mostly at Shickley Public Schools;, Married: Mary; had three children: Andrew, who died at birth, Michelle and Michael
Activities: was a great lover of the outdoors, enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting and just spending time making his yard beautiful; loved dogs and delighted in feeding any stray cats and birds that wandered into the yard
Survivors include his wife, Mary Johnson of Pleasanton; his son, Michael Johnson of Omaha; his daughter, Michelle (David) Fredrick of Lawrence, Kan.; two grandsons, Alex and Oliver Fredrick; and many beloved extended family members
Kearney Hub, 16 March 2020
JORDAN, Gary Ray, 78, of Ravenna died Sunday, April 19, 2020, at the Ravenna Good Samaritan Society
Memorial service: later
Inurnment: Axtell Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Dec. 28, 1941, in Missouri
Parents: Ira and Clara (Walrath) Jordan
Grew up in Hebron and attended school there
Married: Effie Carol Claypool on March 12, 1962, in Hastings
After marriage, lived in Gladstone, was employed by Bauer Farms; later lived in Kearney, was employed by Whitney Sand and Gravel
Activities: loved being on a farm and driving trucks; enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, Austin, Dalton and Cheyenne
Survivors include his son, Richard K. Jordan and his fiancé, Teresa K. Olexo, of Ravenna; brother, Billy Larkin; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Karen Lynn Jordan; brother, Irvin Larkin; and sisters, Dorothy White, Donna Wilhelms, Kathryn Dixon, JoAnn Hyiatt and Jean Oneilus
Kearney Hub, 22 April 2020
LEMON, Teresa Lynn Rasmussen, 45, passed away April 10, 2020 in Lincoln
Memorial service: later
Private burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery, near Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral
Born: May 7, 1974 in Kearney
Parents: Rodney Rasmussen and Becky Rasmussen Lucas
Spent her early years on a farm south of Litchfield; as a young girl, believed that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin and those who believe this will spend eternity with Him in heaven; moved to Kearney for high school, graduated from Kearney High School in 1992
Moved to Lincoln, earned an Associate Degree in Accounting at Southeast Community College
Married: 2005, to Jason Lemon, had a son together
Survivors include: her son Jordan Lemon of Lincoln; parents Rod (Lonna) Rasmussen and Becky (Joe) Lucas all of Kearney; brothers Tony Rasmussen, Reggie Newman, Randy Newman and James Lucas; and her sister Janelle Agnos
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Les and Velma Rasmussen and Kenneth and Millie Reitz
Memorials: Child Advocacy Center
Kearney Hub, 15 April 2020
LUMBARD, Jay G., 79, of Kearney, died Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Tuesday, July 28, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney, with military honors
Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Born: July 28th, 1940
Parents: Gerald and Lillian (Carlson) Lumbard
Attended school in Grand Island, graduated from Grand Island Senior High with the class of 1958
Military: U.S. Arm, from 1958 to 1961
Married: Judy Bacus on November 4, 1967 in Litchfield at the Christian Church
Attended and graduated from Milford Tech School in 1974
Worked as an equipment mechanic for the City of Kearney for 37 years until his retirement
Activities: member of The Kearney American Legion Post #52, and Central Nebraska Auto Club; attended the Riverdale Christian Church; also enjoyed playing cards with friends and restoring antique cars
Survivors include his wife, Judy Lumbard of Kearney; daughters, Jaylynn Long (Jason) of Omaha and Janet Bokowski (Jason) of Lincoln; four grandsons, Jayden and Jacoby Long, Jordan and Jarren Bokowski; brother, Garland Lumbard (Fran) of Fort Collins, Colorado; sister, Marlene Hagler of La Murrieta, California; sister-in-law, Diane Mills (Doug) of Hastings; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-n-law, Earl Hagler
Memorials: Milford Tech School or Riverdale Christian Church
Kearney Hub, 11 April and 22 July 2020
McGREGOR, Duncan, 88, of Gibbon died Thursday, April 16, 2020, at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney
Private family graveside ceremony: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger of Gibbon
Celebration of life: later
Born: Aug. 12, 1931, in Kearney
Parents: Duncan Earl McGregor and Bernice M. (Walker) McGregor
Grew up in Gibbon, attended Gibbon schools, graduated in 1949; earned an electrical engineering degree from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1954
Military: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a year and a half
Married: July 20, 1956, to Janice Teter
After marriage, lived in the Chicago area; returned to Gibbon, 1963, took the position of president of Nebraska Central Telephone Co.; was involved in the company continuously until December 2019; was involved in industry organizations of which he served as the president of the Nebraska Telephone Association; enjoyed his weekly visits to the other NCTC locations to deliver supplies
Activities: always a community supporter; spent two terms on the Gibbon School Board, served 35 years on the Gibbon Planning Commission and several years on the Centennial Manor board and Gibbon Educational Foundation board; served as the chairman on the Gibbon swimming pool committee in 1972; belonged to the National Railway Historical Society and enjoyed watching railroad films and went on several railroad trips; member of the Faith United Church in Gibbon and a member of the Presbyterian Church in Gibbon before it merged with the Methodist church; was extremely punctual and had many clocks
Survivors include his wife, Janice of 63 years of Gibbon; son, Kevin (Carol) McGregor of Gibbon; daughter, Nancy McGregor-Jader (Andy) of Gibbon; grandchildren, Lauren (Jader) Sorensen of rural Doniphan, Scott Jader of Lincoln, Kyla McGregor and Cody McGregor, both of Gibbon; and great-grandsons, Brooks and Chase Sorensen
Was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Lillian
Memorials: Gibbon Educational Foundation, Rowe Sanctuary and Faith United Church
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2020
McMULLIN, Robert James, 71, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan due to complications from diabetes
Celebration of life: Sat., June 27, American Legion Post 52, in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 29, 1948, in Minneapolis
Parents: Andrew J. and Patricia (Wolford) McMullen
Was joined by his brothers, Jack, Bill and Ross McMullen and Barrett Roessler; grew up in Minneapolis, Omaha, Gibbon, Kearney and North Hollywood, Calif.; graduated from Gibbon High School with the class of 1967; attended Kearney State College
Began working at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in 1971, retired in June 2013 after 42 years as a youth counselor supervisor; helped shape the lives of many of Nebraska’s troubled youths during his tenure
Married: 1974, to Doris Loffer in Gibbon; had two daughters, Jill McMullen of Colorado and Nicole Carr of Wisconsin
Married: 1995, to Jeffie Wiggins in Kearney; was a loving and caring stepfather to Erin Toler and Emily Parker, both of Kearney, and Elizabeth Wiggins of Kansas City, Mo.
Activities: loved to hunt, fish and trap, as well as care for his dogs; especially enjoyed visits from the granddaughters next door and always had a treat for them
Memorials: American Legion Post 52
Kearney Hub, 10 April 2020 and 26 Jun 2020
MINER, Scott R., 59, of Kearney died Friday, March 27, 2020, at his home
Service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
A recording of the service will be posted on the funeral home’s website
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Feb. 24, 1961, in Castro Valley, Calif.
At age 12, moved with family to Red Cloud; graduated from Red Cloud High School in 1979
Married: Linda Jackson in Franklin in 1980
Lived in Kearney and had one daughter, Caprice; later divorced
Worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in the maintenance department until 1990, and then worked at Affiliated Brokers as a real estate agent and property manager before starting, owning and brokering MileStone Realty in Kearney
Married: Sharri Sliva on July 17, 1993; had two children, Morgan and Logan
Activities: member of the Greater Nebraska Board of Realtors, Kearney Elks Club 984, Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus; loved spending time with his family and attending all the kids’ activities; enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, camping and was an avid Raider football fan
Survivors include his wife, Sharri Miner; daughters, Caprice Meis and husband James, and Morgan Miner; son, Logan Miner; grandchildren, Ryder and Lennox Meis and Aspen Miner, all of Kearney; uncle, Robert Miner and wife Judy; cousins, Robert Dean Miner and wife Sheri, and Laura Edney and husband Jack, all of Pleasanton, Calif.
Was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Ann Funaro; and father, Richard Miner
Memorials: to start a scholarship in Scott’s honor
Kearney Hub, 1 April 2020
MOLINA, Maria H., 75, of Gibbon died Friday, April 10, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private graveside service: Tuesday at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 26, 1944, in Mexico
Parents: Jesus and Librada (Aguirre) Mendieta
Married: Medardo Molina
Survivors include her husband, Medardo Molina of Gibbon; children, Maria Avitia of Gibbon, Jose Molina of Monroe, Josefina Molina of El Paso, Texas, Renato Molina of St. Paul, Minn., Rafael Molina of Gibbon, Maria Montanez of Gibbon and Elizabeth Molina of Gibbon; 18 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 11 brothers and sisters
Kearney Hub, 13 April 2020
MULLINS, Michael Deane, 65, of Kearney died at his home Tuesday, April 7, 2020, after a lengthy illness
Michael requested to have no services; instead, raise a drink in his memory
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 26, 1955, in Lincoln
Parents: Rev. James O. and Maida Lee (Jensen) Mullins
Grew up in Glenrock, Wyo., Sterling, Colo.,and Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School in 1974
Married: Gail McCammon on May 25, 1975; would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year
After marriage, worked as night manager of the Ramada Inn in Ogallala; later moved back to Kearney, worked at Gambles for many years, Killion Motors and Builders Warehouse; then owned Accent on Travel for several years and managed Recognition Unlimited after the travel business closed
Survivors include his wife, Gail; brother, Jim and wife Susan of Evergreen, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Nancy and Tom Hansen of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Lori and Steve O’Brien of Kearney; mother-in-law, Dorothy McCammon; nephew, Christopher Hansen of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and nieces, Jennifer and Shane Behnk of Columbus and Katie and Jordan McCaslin of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his favorite uncle, Deane Jensen; and his father-in-law, Dale McCammon
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 9 April 2020
MUNSON, Donald Eugene, 83, of Lakeville, Minnesota, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Gill Brothers in Bloomington, Minn.
Born: June 14, 1936, in Kearney
Grew up, and attended high school and college in Kearney
Married: Darlene Cepel in 1957
Operated Kearney Radiator Works; joined Northwestern Public Service Co. in 1959; moved to Webster, S.D., and then Huron, S.D., where he retired as a rate analyst in 1995; moved to Bloomington, Minn., in 2001
Activities: enjoyed working with his hands, could fix almost anything; enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and music; most of all, enjoyed his family; favorite times were those spent with loved ones
Survivors include: daughter, Michelle Munson (Charles Thorne), Lakeville, Minn.; son, Matthew (Brenda) Munson, Eagle Creek, Ore.; grandchildren, Nikolas (Saritha) Munson, Estacada, Ore., and Shannon (David) Markley, Delavan, Wis.; sister, Carol (Jim) Ellenwood, Kearney; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by wife, Darlene; and parents, Eugene and Helen Munson
Kearney Hub, 13 April 2020
NIELSEN, Darold F., 86, of Kearney died Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Private family service: Stapleton Cemetery in Stapleton with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: April 5, 1934 in Gandy
Parents: Niels and Florence (Essley) Nielsen
Received his education from Stapleton High School, graduated 1952; attended Kearney Teachers College, 1952-1953
Military: U.S. Army, 1954-1957
Married: Arlene Empfield in 1955 in Stapleton; she died in 1981; had two children together
Went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in 1960 and his master’s degree in 1965; taught industrial arts at several different schools including Hooper, Republican City, Holdrege and Elwood; moved to Elwood, owned and operated the “Lil’ Red Barn.”
Married: Phyllis Anderson; continued to run the store until her passing
Married: Bronte Buhr in 1998; sold the store and moved to Johnson Lake; moved to Kearney in 2009 to be closer to family
Activities: active member of the American Legion Post 52, served in the color guard and participated in numerous parades and events; enjoyed playing cards, hunting and fishing; adored his family and loved attending his grandchildren’s events
Survivors include his wife, Bronte Nielsen of Kearney; son, Troy Nielsen and wife Lisa of Kearney; daughter, Loy Nyberg and husband Brett of Bertrand; stepdaughter, Patti Johnson and husband Marlin of Johnson Lake; grandchildren, Dirk (Kami) Trautman of Lincoln, Kylee (Matt) Wilken of Bertrand, Matt (Jenni) Nielsen of Kearney, Makahla (Eric) Krueger of Kearney, Stephanie (Jim) Knight of Geneva, Chris (Brooke) Johnson of Henderson, Nev., Chelsea (Monte) Miller of Kearney and Lindsay (Matt) Ruma of Omaha; brother, Donald Nielsen and wife, Esther of Laramie, Wyo.; sisters-in-law, Diane Nielsen of Denver and Karen Empfield of Stapleton; 19 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Arlene Nielsen and Phyllis Nielsen; brothers, Dean, Donzel and Darwin Nielsen; sisters, Leora Nelson, Lenora Smith, Lynette Baker and Lorraine Bartmess; and brother-in-law, Ike Homer Empfield
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church or to American Legion Post 52
Kearney Hub, 25 April 2020
NISSEN, Peggy A. (Bowman), 86, of Appleton, Wisconsin, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Private family burial was held
Born: Feb. 17, 1934, in Sidney, Montana
Parents: Ernest and Anna Mae (Hall) Walker; was raised by her loving mother stepfather, Enoch William (Red) Bowman
Grew up in Virginia and later on a farm north of Kearney, during the height of the Great Depression; graduated from Kearney High School in 1953, moved with her foster family, James and Mardi Teale, to the Chicago area and attended Wheaton College in Illinois
Married: Oct. 6, 1956, to Kennedy R. Nissen in Wheaton; he preceded her in death
Activities: was a faithful follower of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; lived out her faith in her love for her family and friends; was involved in many organizations, including Young Life, Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority, Little Theater and school board; loved teaching Sunday school for many years at First Baptist Church in Brevard, N.C.; later became a member at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah, Wis., and Green Valley Evangelical Free Church in Green Valley, Ariz.; was an avid golfer and also loved to travel with her husband Ken; visited more than 20 countries around the world
Survivors include her sons, Craig Nissen (Kathleen) of Appleton and Jeffrey Nissen of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Sydney Langhoff (William) and Max Nissen; great-grandchildren, Liam and Teryn Langhoff; brothers, Pat Walker and Leonard Walker (Kitty); brothers-in-law, David Nissen (Celia), Dwight Nissen (Diana), and Alan Nissen; sister-in-law, Katherine Balc (Alexander); nieces, nephews; and many dear friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; son, Stephen R. Nissen; and brothers, Alvin Walker and Billy Bowman; also left behind many, many daughters in Christ whom she loved dearly
Kearney Hub, 4 April 2020
OXFORD, Edgar Lynn, 72, of Kearney, died Monday, April 20, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney after a long illness
Private graveside memorial service: Saturday at the Broken Bow Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Brothers; recording of the graveside service will be available at Govier's website
Born: Jan. 15, 1948, in Broken Bow
Parents: Laurence and Marjorie Oxford
Attended grade school at Myers School (District 278), a mile east of where he grew up on the Devine Ranch east of Pressey Park; graduated from Oconto High School in 1966
Worked for Sargent Irrigation right out of high school, after a few years, worked for Gilbert Horn
Married: Vicki Arnold at the Burr Oak Church, July 22, 1972
Moved to Sargent in the summer of 1973, worked on the Rogers River Ranch west of Sargent; lived in the Sargent area until 2004, except for a short time in 1978; worked several jobs throughout his life in Sargent, including Coop, Sargent Sale Barn and city of Sargent; found his true passion was entrepreneurship, started and ran Ed’s Greenhouse, and then Little Log Co., and later Logs and More for many years; with his helpers, made thousands of birdhouses and sold them all over the United States and some out of the country; created the original log birdhouse; sold 1,000 log birdhouses on QVC in person on national TV in less than 8 minutes; later turned the campers into a food trailer and began Redneck Catering; moved to Broken Bow in 2004 to be closer to his work; continued to run Redneck Catering until his health failed two years ago; moved to Kearney in February 2020
Activities: was a happy, upbeat, friendly guy; loved people, especially his boys and their families; was very giving and would share anything; had a relationship with God and was baptized April 21, 1984
Survivors include his wife, Vicki and two sons, Riley (Melissa) of Comstock and Cody (Steffanie) of Sargent. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Rowdy, Shaylee, Rusty and Tristian; brothers, Paul (Earla) of Burwell and Clayton of Oconto; sister, Ferrall (Gary) Fitch of Grand Island; brother-in-law, Garey Arnold of Kearney; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rodger and Twila Nichols of Sumner
Was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Marjorie Oxford; in-laws, Jerk and Jean Arnold; and two brothers, Larry Dean and Rollie Jay
Kearney Hub, 22 April 2020
PAVEL, Diane Elaine, 62, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at the Bryan Medical West Campus Hospital in Lincoln
Private family rosary and funeral: Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Broken Bow
Burial: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow; please comply with the CDC and state of Nebraska guidelines, limiting gatherings of 10 people or fewer at one time
Born: Sept. 15, 1957, in Lynch
Parents: Dean and Elaine Burke
Lived in Lexington for a short period of time; moved to Broken Bow; graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1975
Worked as a dietary aide at Jennie M. Melham Hospital, then entered college in 1980; began her lifelong career in work focused on helping people, which came very naturally to her and was indicative of her compassionate and loving heart; over the next 35 years, worked for several agencies in Lincoln, McCook and Kearney helping children, families and adults; with Health and Human Services, was a Protection and Safety, and Economic Assistance case manager and a supervisor for a financial assistance unit; retired from the Kearney USDA Rural Development Office in October 2019
Married: Michael Pavel; shared almost 23 years of marriage
Activities: enjoyed fishing and hunting with Mike, and attending auctions; attended numerous Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever banquets, enjoying the meal, the company and the auctions; enjoyed Junk Jaunting with Mike’s mother Kathy and his aunt Jacki and traveling to Disney World, Calif., Washington and Las Vegas; enjoyed the sandhill cranes; music; was creative and artistic; enjoyed baking
Survivors include her husband, Michael of Kearney; mother-in-law, Kathy of Abie; brothers-in-law, Dan of Abie and Bob (Nancy) of York; sisters, Michelle Embree of Gibsonville, N.C., Ann Kawata, Mary (James) Miller and Jodi (Carey) Mattox, all of Broken Bow; brothers, Mike Burke of Scottsbluff, Shawn (Becky) Burke of Sutherland, David (Tami) Burke; aunt, Jacki (Adrian) Sima of Staplehurst; uncle, Glen (Gretchen) Burke of Tumwater, Wash.; 26 nieces and nephews; and 23 great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her mother and father, her father-in-law, Ron Pavel and brother-in-law, Jeff Kawata
Kearney Hub, 27 March 2020
POLLOCK, Dorothy Pauline, 96, formerly of Neligh, died Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney following a long battle with Alzheimer’s
In consideration of the COVID-19 virus, a private family service is today at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh
Burial: Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh
Mortuary: Snider Memorial in Clearwater
Born: July 26, 1923, at home near Blue Springs
Parents: Troy and Pauline (Gottschal) Van Winkle
Attended rural grade school in Gage County; moved with her family in 1937, graduated from Silver Creek high school in 1940
Began her working career as a bookkeeper for Chicago Lumber Co. in Silver Creek, was later transferred to Norfolk; moved, 1943, to Neligh and was employed at Contois Motor Co.
Married: Nov. 15, 1947, to Donald Pollock at the Methodist Church in Silver Creek
Was a stay-at-home mother from 1951 to 1970; then began work at Reinke’s Service, retired after eight years
Activities: active member of the United Methodist Church for more than 70 years, taught Sunday and Bible school, led the ladies Circle group, and prepared meals for large gatherings; also served as president of the ladies VFW Auxiliary, a leader of Brownie Girl Scouts, and a Cub Scout den mother; enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, picnics and vacations; was proud that all three children graduated from UNL; was blessed with many special friends and remained very active throughout the years in Neligh
Survivors include two sons, Roger (Gail) Pollock of Morton, Ill., and Ralph Pollock of Topeka, Kan.; daughter, Marilyn (Mark) Debban of Kearney; six grandchildren, Bryce, Stephanie, Troy, Emily, Blair and Sarah; and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Don; parents, Troy and Pauline Van Winkle; two brothers, Lorraine “Buss” and George Van Winkle; and sister, Mabel Andrews
Memorials: United Methodist Church in Neligh or Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
Kearney Hub,2 April 2020
RECH, Ronald James "Jim", 63, of Kearney died Friday, April 17, 2020, at his home
Private family service: this week
Celebration of life Mass: on the one-year memorial of his death
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 15, 1956 in Fullerton
Parents: Richard and Evelyn Rech
Grew up on the family farm, attended grade school at St. Peter’s Catholic School until Christmas of his third grade year; moved with family to Grand Island; participated in many sports including wrestling and football, graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1975; attended Kearney State College, enjoyed working as an assistant in the intramural department and serving as a volunteer assistant softball coach for several years; loved working with the softball team, made many lifelong friends; graduated with an elementary education degree in 1981; added degrees in middle school and special education while working as a paraeducator, and behavioral specialist at Walnut Junior High for many years Taught special education at Spalding, Ansley, Litchfield and the Broken Bow consortiums
Married: Terri Koenig, April 18, 2008
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Activities: was an expert of all things sports, especially Nebraska Cornhuskers; enjoyed coaching several activities including softball and track and field; coached and umpired softball for more than 20 years in the Grand Island community; loved to can, cook and bake; being outdoors, visiting family, and deep-sea fishing with his brother in Florida were some of his favorite past-times; enjoyed tinkering in his garage and never said no when his family asked him to help with a project; filled his time visiting with his mom, siblings, helping his step-children and spoiling his grandchildren; loved animals; member of the St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include: his wife, Terri; stepchildren Joseph and Jordane Glesinger of Hastings, Kelly and Daniel Dugan of Greeley, Taylor Glesinger of Spalding; mother Evelyn Rech of Grand Island; siblings Robert and Pat Rech of Tucson, Ariz., Roger and Janet Rech of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Rodney and Karina Rech of Lexington, Richard and Anne Rech of Greeley, Rebecca and David Cutler of Bellingham, Wash.; grandchildren Colten and Raelyn Dugan of Greeley and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Richard T. Rech
Kearney Hub, April 20 2020
RIGGLEMAN, Michael Jean, 72, of Gibbon died Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in his home surrounded by his family after a 17-year grueling and hard-fought battle with multiple myeloma; also warriored an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s disease
Private family services and burial: Monday, April 13
A celebration of life: later
Mortuary: Chamberlain-Pier in Gordon
Born: July 1, 1947, in Henderson, Kentucky
Parents: Ray Henry and Jean (Roberts)) Riggleman
Was the first son and big brother to Pat; family moved to the rural area of Gordon to farm and be closer to family; grew up on the farm and attend a one-room school
Military: U.S. Navy, served as a medic for four years during the Vietnam War
Returned and worked at Otte Packing in Clinton
Married: May 27, 1972, to Catherine
After marriage, moved to Missoula, Montana, began his education as a forester; spent a decade in Oregon, moved to Newcastle, Wyoming; later moved to Kearney to be close to their son and grandchilrdren
Activities: loved the outdoors and passed on the passion of the great outdoors to his son and grandchildren; enjoyed camping trips,utdoors down to his son and grandchildren with camping trips, late night bonfires, fishing, hiking and stories of how he fought fires all over the country as a strike team leader and probeye operator (Wildland Fire Suppression); enjoyed all the activities the Black Hills had to offer; in his last years, enjoyed soaking up the sun, working in his garden, and making gallons of his sought-after salsa
Survivors include his wife Catherine; his son, Chris and his wife, Heather, and their children, Cheyenne, Elijah and Victoria; younger brother, Pat; niece, Christine Dregalla, husband Matt and their children, Marcus and Colby; and niece, Liz Riggleman and her husband, A.J. Wolkins
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 16 April 2020
ROCKEFELLER, Carl, 84, of Kearney died Thursday, April 16, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 25, 1936, in rural Gibbon
Parents: John Charles and M. Caroline (Ruby) Rockefeller
Graduating from Gibbon High School in 1954
Military: U.S. Army, served at White Sands, N.M.
Married: Aug. 31, 1958, to Shirley Ann Stevens in Kearney
Farmed and worked for a cattle feeder in the Fort Kearny area for nearly 20 years; later started a second career at the Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
Activities: loved to attend their grandchildren’s activities; also enjoyed camping at Harlan County, Johnson Lake or Rockport, Texas; was an avid fisherman having earned a master angler award, an enthusiastic auto racing fan and a skilled card player
Survivors include: his daughter, Debra Jo and Leigh of Tomball, Texas; two sons, Steve of Kearney and Gary and Alinn of Grand Island; sister, Mary Nelson of Kearney; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brothers, Bernard and Harold; and his daughter-in-law, Debra Ann
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer and the Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, April 2020
SALPAS, Cindy L., 56, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday Septebmer 23, 2020, at New Life Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 2 April 2020 and 10 September 2020
SASSER, Mary A., 85, of Leesburg, Ala., formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Diversacare Nursing Home in Arab
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Heritage in Arab
Born: March 1, 1935, in Kearney
Parents: John and Dorothy (Brooks) Maze
Married James Sasser in Whittier, Calif.; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughter, Odessa Hollis; son, Joseph Sasser; brother, Fred Iburg; sisters, Jackie Iburg-Schneringer, Elizabeth Maze-George; and two granddaughters
Kearney Hub, 21 April 2020
SCHROEDER, Glen L., 93, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Burial with military rites: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 8, 1926, on the family farm near Wood River
William and May Schroeder
Attended District 44 Country School near Wood River
Military: joined U.S. Army in 1945 guarding prisoners as an MP during World War II
Married: Frances Novotny on Aug. 7, 1946, in Smith Center, Kan.; she died in 1993
After marriage, lived in Lindsay for 10 years while Glen farmed; moved to Gibbon, worked on the farm for Dick Rodgers, later worked at Rockwell in Kearney for 27½ years, retired in 1985; also worked part time at Spellman’s Feed Store and Earl May in Kearney
Married: Adale Helm on April 25, 1995, in Orleans and lived in Kearney
Activities: member of the Eagles Club and the American Legion for more than 50 years; was a man of his word, kind loving father and proud grandfather; enjoyed playing cards, dancing, polka music, raising sheep and spending time with his family the most
Survivors include: his wife Adale Schroeder of Kearney; daughters, Betty Andersen and husband Wayne of Elkhorn, Sue Egger and husband Dave of David City, Glenda Steelsmith of Kearney, Sandy Day and husband Dick of Cozad; son, Larry Schroeder and wife Rhonda of Wilcox; 17 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his first wife Frances, son Gaylen, daughter Nancy Schroeder, four brothers, three sisters, and grandsons Heath Andersen and Derek Schroeder
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2020
SCHURER, Boneta "Bonnie" LaVon, 87, of Wood River died Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society in Grand Island
Service: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Wood River
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Mortuary: Apfel
Born: Aug. 5, 1932, at Mullen
Parents: Belva and Ila Marie (Maurer) Thomas
Grew up on a farm near Gibbon, received her education in the Gibbon Public Schools; graduated from Gibbon High School in 1950
Lived in Wood River, worked as a waitress at Dorothy’s Café; worked as a cook at the elementary school hot lunch program in Wood River, and later worked at the Snack Shack
Activities: an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Wood River and the Rachel Circle; member of the American Legion Auxiliary; was very active with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts while raising her family; later helped with the bloodmobile, handed out poppies and called bingo at Good Samaritan in Wood River; loved to cook, especially making pies; enjoyed collecting cookbooks over the years
Survivors include children, Randy and Joyce Schurer of Palmer, Greg A. "Wino" Schurer of Alda, Sandra "Sandy" and Lyn Hansen of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Bronston Hansen, Crystal (Hansen) and Jason Wheeler, Jacob and Hannah Hansen, Rebekah (Hansen) and Clay Anderson; three stepgrandchildren, Tim McKoski and Shannon (McKoski) and Mike Taylor; eight great-grandchildren; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; four stepgreat-great-grandchildren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Larry Neal of North Platte and Cheryl and Terry Wortman of Sapulpa, Okla.; three sisters-in-law, Beverly "Bev" Thomas and Donna Schomburg, both of Shelton, and Diana Thomas of Kearney; nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers, Jack, Maynard, Garry and Marland Thomas
John 14:6: Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Memorials: American Legion Auxiliary in Wood River
Kearney Hub, 16 March 2020
SKILES, Betty L., 87, of Kearney died Saturday, April 11, 2020, at WEL-Life Assisted Living under the care of Tabitha Hospice
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, celebration of life: later
Graveside service: April 14, at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 12, 1922, in Mason City
Parents: Dallas and Bertha (Royle) Crosley
Graduated from Ansley High School
Married: Dana “Gene” Mills of May 14, 1950, in Ansley; had four children together
Lived on a farm near Ansley for three years, then moved to Canada where Gene worked in the oil fields, and then the uranium mines in Lander, Wyo.; returned to Kearney in 1964; Gene passed away on Jan. 23, 1978
Worked as a bookkeeper for Redman’s Shoes in Kearney for many years, retired in 1980
Married: Ross Skiles in Kearney in March 1980
Lived on his farm; when he passed away in 1999,she moved into town, and into WEL-Life in 2013 and met her new extended family; loved everyone who took care of her at WEL-Life
Activities: loved being with her family, especially watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events; was a fan of Nebraska football and the Kansas City Chiefs; enjoyed watching NFL Redzone
Survivors include her son, David and Rebecca Mills of Stevensville, Mont.; daughters, Sharon and John Beezley of Kearney, Jeanne Sweeten of Lewisville, Texas; brother, Keith Crosley of Pittsburg, Calif.; sister-in-law, Olive and Ken Nielsen of Broken Bow; 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husbands; daughter, Debbie Roper-Leal; grandson, Ryan Roper; sons-in-law, Tim Roper and Harlin “Skip” Sweeten
Memorials: Tabitha Hospice or Wel-Life Assisted Living in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 14 April 2020
SMIDT, Wyatt J., 5, of Kearney died Monday, March 23, 2020, at his home following a two-year battle with pediatric cancer
Private family service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Service will be available for viewing at the churches website
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl; Please comply with the CDC and state of Nebraska’s suggestions of limiting the size of gatherings
Born: July 25, 2014, in Kearney
Was adopted by Kyle and Kathy Smidt on Jan. 5, 2018
Attended pre-K at Zion Lutheran School in Kearney
Faced pediatric cancer with courage, strength and with a positive spirit that inspired all who knew his story; was full of life, ambitious and became friends with anyone he met; was a true hero and an inspiration to everyone who met him; enjoyed superheroes, sports and playing games; talked about being a hockey player and a police officer when he grew up; was baptized April 7, 2018, at Holy Cross
Survivors include his parents, Kyle and Kathy Smidt of Kearney; sister, Ashlyn Smidt of Kearney; grandmothers, DeEtte Smidt of Superior and Patricia Fortkamp of Kearney; grandfather, Duane Fortkamp of McCook; great-grandfather, Martin Fortkamp of McCook; and aunts and uncles, Gene and Kim Creamer and children Brian, Brad and Sarah; Kurt and Karen Smidt and son Kristopher; Allen and Kelly Schiermeyer and children Kendra and Eric; Barry and Karla Blackstone and children Madison and Conner; and Mike and Jeanette Fortkamp and children Mathew, Morgan and Marcus
Was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gilbert Smidt; great-grandparents, Klaus and Leona Smidt, Everett and Amanda Schlick, Don and Mary Smith and Erma Fortkamp; and cousin Kalen Schiermeyer
Memorials: Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha
Kearney Hub, 26 March 2020
SMITH, Richard, 83, of Kearney died Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: later
Born: March 1, 1937, in Luther, Iowa
Parents: Joseph and Nancy (Steen) Smith
Grew up in Boone, Iowa, and received his education at Boone Public School
Married: July 14, 1970, to Deborah Redfern
After marriage, lived in Hastings; moved to Kearney in 1974, managed the Kearney World Theater (World Twin) and the Kearney Drive-In for 40 years; his love of movies continued throughout retirement
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Smith of Kearney; daughter, Erica and her husband, Lonnie Kotschwar and their children, Anthony and Christine of Fremont; daughter, Malinda Hock and her children, Izabel, Greyson, and Stella of Wymore; daughter, Alicia and her husband, Derek Richards and their children, Addison and Harper of Hayes Center; son, Devon Smith of Kearney; and one sister
Was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 28 March 2020
SPEIDELL, Joy Lenore, 86, of Omaha died Sunday, March 15, 2020, from cancer in Omaha
Mortuary: Kremer in Omaha
Born: April 6, 1933, in Kearney
Parents: Richard and Fordyce Speidell
Grew up on a farm outside of Kearney (Kilgore Island)l attended country school until junior high; moved into Kearney and lived with her very cherished grandma Mabel Brown, graduated from Kearney High School
Moved to Lincoln and lived with her first cousin Nello-Jean Speidell
Married: Delbert Gould in Lincoln in 1952; had five children togethery
After marriage, lived in Syracuse, Red Cloud, Grand Island, Tekamah, Kearney, Hartington, Clay Center and Shelton; after her divorce, moved to Gibbon, moved to Omaha in 2017
Activities: was involved in community activities, was a Methodist Sunday school teacher, a Cub Scouts den mother, 4-H leader and city council secretary; member of the American Legion Auxiliary and was a Daughter of the American Revolution; was involved in her children’s activities in their school years; enjoyed many travels and adventures with her children in their adult years; was a voracious reader of books and the internet, always inquisitive, constantly learning to improve her knowledge as a person and mother; loved all kinds of gardening; enjoyed crocheting, knitting and crafting, loved music; enjoyed theater; participated with her two daughters (cancer survivors) in area cancer groups and activities; was proud of her children
Survivors include her children; Jeffrey, Gregory, Jennifer and Harvey; her grandchildren, Serge and Audrey Gould (Jeffrey), Alex and Haley Gould (Gregory), Christopher Bilslend (Gwendolyn); and great-grandchild, Teagan Bilslend (Christopher)
Was preceded in death by former husband, Delbert Gould; eldest daughter, Gwendolyn Bilslend; grandchild, Dallas Bilslend; sister, Gail; brother, John; and by her parents, Richard and Fordyce Speidell
Kearney Hub, 18 April 2020
STEARLEY, Betty Lou, 90, of Grand Island, formerly of Shelton, died Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island
Private family graveside service: Shelton Cemetery, because of COVID-19 restriction
Born: Jan. 13, 1930, at Shelton
Parents: Victor and Ada (Mann) Mortensen
Was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Shelton on Dec. 15, 1974; grew up in Shelton, graduated in 1948 from Shelton High School
Mrried: May 28, 1949, to Lyle F. Stearley in Kearney
After marriage, lived their 70-plus years together in Shelton; raised three children; began working at Baldwin Filters in Kearney in 1975, retired in 1991
Activities: was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother; loved dancing, gardening, traveling, watching football and volunteering at church, but her greatest passion was being with her family; member of the American Legion Auxiliary 297 and former member of Ellen Rebekah Lodge 306
Survivors include her husband, Lyle of Grand Island; son, Jerry (Pam) Stearley of Lincoln; daughter, Jo (Steve) Taggart of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandchildren, Robin Stearley, Amy Stearley, both of Lincoln, Bobbi (Jon) Potthoff of Stratton, Jennifer Wiese of Fort Collins, Kyle (Krissy) Taggart of Fort Morgan, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Hannah Wiese, Julia, Jocelyn and Jeff Potthoff, Isaac Callicoatt, Kyleigh and Rhyan McCollum-Taggart; sisters, Francis Shafer of Englewood, Colo., Mary Cardinal of Grand Island, Anna Crumrine of Ogallala and lots of nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jeff F. Stearley; sisters, Lois Miller and Pauline Lemburg; and brothers, Edward, George and John Mortensen
Kearney Hub, 6 April 2020
SWANSON, Roger R., 75 of Albuquerque, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at his home
Mortuary: Riverside of Albuquerque
Born: May 16, 1944 in Kearney
Parents: Carl and Evelyn Swanson
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1962; earned a degree in business administration from the University of Wyoming in 1966
Military: served in the Army in Vietnam
Owned and operated the Aamp;W in Yankton, S.D. for 10 years; rest of his career was in the financial industry in Washington, Nebraska and Iowa
Survivors include: his wife of 54 years, (Ethel Meginness), son Chad and his wife Lisa and children Mackenzie, Jay and Rex of Harlan, Iowa; son Cale of Albuquerque
Was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roland and sister Christine
Kearney Hub, 14 April 2020
VASQUEZ, Gloria, 77, of Kearney died Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Memorial mass: Friday July 24, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Dec. 31, 1942, in Carrizo Springs, Texas
Parents: Juan and Augustina (Hernandez) Patlan
Married: Dec. 13, 1959, to Raul Vasquez in Elmhurst, Ill.; throughout their 60 years together raised four children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren
Came to Kearney as a young woman, remained here while Raul was sent off to war; worked as a day care provider, then at Baldwin’s, then Eatons, during her working years; loved the people who came into her life; made many friends and cherished all of them; was a Girl Scout leader and active in her children’s elementary school
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; spent her latter part of her life helping people either through St. James Church or through friends; led the organization of the bilingual mass and singing; loved to sing; volunteered her children to ring the bell for the Salvation Army; with her family, helped to deliver food to people in need or organizations; was proud of her son, Nick, who served the Army as an Army Ranger and grandsons who joined the Navy and Army; faithfully honored the military by decorating for the Fourth of July and participating in events for Memorial Day
Survivors include her daughters, Nora and Daniel Lenz of Eagle and Annelle and Dale Rowedder of Kearney; son, Roy Vasquez of Kearney; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Toni and Bart Willnerd of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., and their children Brodi, Chase, Isabel and Colin, Lane Hinn of Eagle and his children, Aalyiah and Elijah, Whitney Hinn of Omaha, Uriah Lenz of Honolulu, Hawaii, Indra Rowedder, Alaric Rowedder, Aubrey Vasquez, Joe Vasquez, Erica and Pedro Martinez, and their children Carlos, Christian, Thalia and Adriana, all of Kearney, Jonathon Vasquez and Jillian Komskis of Charlotte, N.C.; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Raul Vasquez on March 4, 2020; son, Nick Vasquez; parents, Juan and Augustina Patlan; in-laws, Frank and Isabel Vasquez; brothers, Salvador, Tony, Art, Alex and Wally Patlan; sister, Mary Lou Patlan; brother-in-laws, Gilbert, Gus, Robert, David and Dean Vasquez; and nephews, Gerald and Gus jr. Vasquez
Kearney Hub, 2 April and 20 July, 2020
WESTBERG, Marlin, 89 of Gibbon died Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney on his 89th birthday
Private family graveside service: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Home in Kearney
Born: in Bertrand on April 12, 1931
Parents: Ernest and Nora Westberg
Grew up with an older sister, Verona; often told tales of riding his horse to school and swimming in the Platte River as a boy; attended Gibbon High School through junior year, graduated from Minden High in 1949
Military: U.S Air Force veteran
Married: 1951, to Joan Sigler
After marriage lived in a farmhouse in Lowell, raised two sons, Jeff and Bart
Farmed for decades, raise cattle and worked as a rural letter carrier in Minden; fully retired in 2001
Activites: spearheaded annual road trips, driving the family’s old station wagon to destinations across the country from California to Florida; had a kind heart, loved to spread joy through thoughtful gestures; member of Lowell Lutheran Church, served on the Gibbon School Board and co-op board, member of the Gibbon American Legion Post 310 for more than 65 years; fervant Nebraska football fan and long-time season ticket holder; took great pride in his role as a father, grandpa and great-grandpa, attended countless sports games, recitals, birthdays, and graduations across three generations of Westbergs; loved to tinker in his workshop, re-purposing old things into new gadgets; knew all 93 Nebraska county license plate numbers by heart; appreciated the simple pleasures in life
Survivors include his wife, Joan; sons, Jeff Westberg and wife Pat of Shelton and Bart Westberg and wife Laurie of Overland Park, Kan.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt Westberg and wife Peggy, and children Lucas and Kenzie of Gibbon, Kirstin Westberg Bowling, husband Jon, and child Evie of Wood River, and Josh, Hannah and Kate Westberg of Overland Park, Kan.
Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lowell, American Legion Post #310 or to Gibbon Public Schools to be used for a scholarship in Marlin’s name
Kearney Hub, 15 April 2020
WIDDOWSON, George Howard, 92, of Shelton died Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Kearney of COVID-19
Private funeral service: Shelton United Methodist Church, Sat. July 25
Burial with military honors: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born: May 23, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Howard and Maud (Hibberd) Widdowson
Grew up on a farm northwest of Shelton, received his education from Shelton High School; graduated with the class of 1944
Military: U.S. Army, February 1946 - August 1947; was part of the Asian occupation forces following World War II
Married: Aug. 21, 1951, to Helen Kappius in Council Bluffs, Iowa
After marriage, lived and raised his family on the family farm; was in a farming and livestock partnership with his brother James; farmed and fed cattle until his retirement; was active in the auction business and sold seed corn; moved to Shelton on Nov. 6, 1990
Activities: member of the Shelton Methodist Church, served as an usher for many years; longtime member of the Oddfellows and the American Legion in Shelton; was a dedicated family man and an active member of the community; loved playing cards, collecting tractors and talking to friends and neighbors; had a great memory when it came to faces and names and was a wonderful neighbor
Survivors include: his wife, Helen of Shelton; sons, Richard (Susan) Widdowson of Naperville, Ill., and Thomas (Mary) Widdowson of Kearney; daughter, Jennifer Watzke of Bennington; sister, Joyce Martin of Fort Collins, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Widdowson
Kearney Hub, 3 April and 22 July 2020
WOOD, Leota M. (Fielding), 96, of Kearney died Monday, March 23, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center in Kearney
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Service will be recorded and posted to the funeral home website for those who can’t attend
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: August 26, 1923 in Kearney
Parents: John Fielding and Mabel (Zimmerman) Fielding
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1941
Married: Charles “Chick” A. Wood on August 1, 1942 in Smith Center, Kansas
Moved to Sidney in 1954, was employed by Nebraska Job Service as an Employment Interviewer; retired from there in 1984; moved back to Kearney following her husband’s death
Survivors include: her daughter, Rosalie McCurry of Kearney; grandson, Donnie McCurry of Kearney; granddaughter, Charlene Pierce and husband, Shawn of Omaha; great granddaughters, Vanessa Mae Engel and husband Ross, and Tayler Hager all of Omaha; great great granddaughter, Ava Rose; great great grandsons, Asher and Nixon Hager; brother, Gerald “Jerry” Fielding and wife, Marylon; sisters-in-law, Diane Fielding of California and Lois Pearl Hawkins of Wyoming; step-brothers, Monte Standage and wife, Linda of Gibbon and Eric Standage and wife, Pam of Cozad; as well as several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; brothers, Cletus and Meral Fielding; sister, Irene Gibbons; sisters-in-law, Agnes Case and Alice Wilson; stepfather, Lee Standage; and nephew, Marlin Gibbons
Memorial: Hot Meals USA
Kearney Hub, 26 March 2020 and www.osrfh.com/obituaries