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ANDERSON, Debra Lee (Jaeger), 75, of Kearney died Friday, May 8, 2020, at her home after a short illness
Private graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: January 10, 1945 Parents: Wayne and Ruth Jaeger
Married: Aug. 17, 1973, to Leiton "Swede" Anderson
Earned an M.A. degree in special education, and a certification as a regional public-school Special Education Director
Survivors include: brother Sid Jaeger & sister Carol (Jaeger) Chur
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband Swede Anderson, and daughter Deena Strieder
Kearney Hub, 12 May 2020
AREHART, Jean D., 81, of Holdrege, formerly of Kearney, died on Sunday, May 3, 2020, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Celebration of life service and inurnment: later
Chose cremation
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Sept. 27, 1938, at Bayard
Parents: Wayne and Esther (Snyder) Chapman
Married: Feb. 23, 1957, Dwayne L. Arehart of Holdrege
Survivors include her husband of Holdrege; sons, Mark Arehart of Kearney and James Arehart of Ravenna; daughters, Teresa Vaughn of Omaha, Lori Smith of Owasso, Okla., and Tonja Wendt of Omaha; sister, Joyce Trussel of Bayard; 17 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2020
AXMANN, Vivian L., 97, of Kearney died Friday, May, 1, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday, May 5, at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 15, 1922 at Sartoria
Parents: Anton and Estella (Cady) Arp
Grew up in the Pleasanton area; attended school at Sartoria and Black Hills Creek
Married: Sept. 26, 1943 to Otto Axmann
After marriage lived on the farm north of Amherst; retired in March 1980, moved to Kearney; Otto passed away on March 22, 1984
Activities: enjoyed planting flowers, gardening, baking delicious desserts and spending time with family and friends; member of Zion Senior Citizens Alter Guild; was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt and friend to many
Survivors include: daughter, Karen Yendra of Kearney; son, Ronald Axmann of Olathe, Kansas; grand-children, Brian Axmann of Kearney, Mark Axmann of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Melissa Minard of Austin, Ark., Michael Yendra of Holdrege; 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, brother and sister in law, four sisters, several nieces and nephews and grandson Chris Axmann
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 2 May 2020 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
BEITLER, Bruce K., 91, of Kearney died Sunday, May 3, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 5, 1928
Parents: William E. “Mike” and F. Gladys (Keeney) Beitler
Grew up on a farm between Blue Hill and Red Cloud
Married: Barbara Shadle on Dec. 23, 1950, at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford
After marriage, lived in Hastings and Kearney
Graduated from Hastings High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Hastings College, a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., and a Specialist in Education from UNK
Was a teacher in the Hastings Public Schools and assistant principal at Kearney Junior High; in his retirement, worked 13 years as the official greeter at Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: member of the Kearney Elks Lodge, the First United Methodist Church, was a founding member of the Kearney Area 1733 Barbershop Chorus; was active in the Tehama Temple of Hastings, the Rob Morris Lodge 46 of Kearney and multiple Shrine Club groups
Survivors include: his wife Barb, sons Bob of Hesston, Kan., and Dave (Joanna) of Sandy, Ore., daughter Deb (Jan) Jensen of Kearney, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert H. Beitler
Memorials: Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Nebraska Children’s Home
Kearney Hub, 9 May 2020
BRIDGE, Jack D., 79, of Kearney died Friday, April 24, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family funeral: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Sept. 9, 1940, in North Loup
Parents: Delbert and Reatha (Manchester) Bridge
Attended North Loup High School, graduated with the class of 1958; earned a bachelor's degree from Kearney State Teachers College
Married: Judith A. Stewart on Oct. 17, 1964, in Ord
Began is banking career with the National Bank of Commerce in Lincoln; worked for several banks including First National Bank of Kearney, First National Bank and Trust Company of Aurora, Exchange Bank in Gibbon and Kearney State Bank; retired from banking, then owned and operated Auto Quest car lot; with wife Judy and Roger Blackford, opened a Honda ATV dealership in Kearney called Heartland Motorsports; later his sons joined them at the business
Activities: hosted many family gatherings and holidays at their home in Kearney; enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their varied interests, including BMX racing, cheerleading, basketball and dance; was a hot rod enthusiast, enjoyed building and working on cars; loved traveling to car shows with his wife/copilot Judy across many states; was a trusted adviser to his sons and grandchildren for nearly any project they were working on; member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, National Street Rod Association, Goodguys Rod and Custom Association, KKOA Kustom Kemps of America and Nebraska Rod & Custom Association
Survivors include his wife, Judy Bridge of Kearney; children and their spouses, Greg and Deb Bridge of Kearney; Brett and Jen Bridge of Kearney; sister, Ginger Sorenson and her husband LaVern of Pasco, Wash.; four grandchildren: Aaron, Emily, Noah and Maddie Bridge; brother-in-law Jim Stewart and his wife MaryAnn, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Bridge and Reatha (Bridge) Miller
Kearney Hub, 28 April 2020
BRIGHT, Edmond “Ed” R., 71, of Kearney died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Sept. 30, 1948, in O’Neill
Parents: Archie and Rose Marie (Hovey) Bright
Attended O’Neill High School, graduated with the class of 1964; attended the Grand Island Business School
Military: United States Army; honorable discharge in 1971
Worked a variety of jobs during the years, most recently as a meat cutter
Activities: enjoyed watching sports and spending time with his family
Survivors include his sisters, Nancy Noller and her husband Bill of Kearney and Jean Kliewer of Kearney; uncle, Dudley Hovey of Oklahoma City, Okla.; brother-in-law, Larry Dettman of Aurora; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Dettman
Kearney Hub, 29 April 2020
BROADFOOT, Larry Wayne, 64, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Private memorial graveside service and inurnment: Oxford Cemetery
Mortuary: Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer in Oxford
Born: March 12, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Robert "Keith" and Dorothy (Bailey) Broadfoot
Youngest of four children; grew up and received his primary education at Lakeside and Gering; graduated from Oxford high school with the class of 1974
Married: Dec. 11, 1976, to Debra Coffey at the First Baptist Church in Oxford; had two sons, Jason and Kyle
After marriage, lived in McCook and later Oxford, was employed with the Burlington Northern Railroad for 22 years in the track department
Activities: was an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting, fishing, trapshooting and arrowhead hunting, also enjoyed playing pool with his friends; but most of all, was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather; always prided himself on never missing his sons’ activities
Survivors include: his wife, Deb Broadfoot of Kearney; his two sons, Jason Broadfoot of Oberlin, Kan., and Kyle Broadfoot and his wife, Deidra, of Cambridge; three grandchildren, Natalie, Harper and Brooks Broadfoot, all of Cambridge; a brother, Butch Broadfoot and his wife, Jan, of Gering; a sister, Nina Bratcher and her husband, Darroll, Crabb of Johnstown, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Herren and her husband, Don, of Kearney and Karen Coffey of Seward; a brother-in-law, Ben Coffey and his wife, Sue, of Seward; along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Broadfoot; parents-in-law, Dean and Dorothy Coffey; two brothers-in-law, Phil Coffey and Dick Coffey; and sister-in-law, Karen Jo Coffey
Memorials: Kearney Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Kearney Hub, 25 May 2020
BURMOOD, George, 57, of Kearney died Thursday, April 23, 2020, at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life: Friday, June 26, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney.
Born: Nov. 8, 1962, in Mobile, Ala.
Parents: Samuel and Margret (Boots) Burmood
Grew up in Shelton, received his education at Shelton High School, graduated from SCC in Lincoln
Military: Army National Guard, 1982-1988
Worked in the Operating Room for many years
Activities: was quick with a joke, and a friend to everyone he met; loved fishing, gardening and hanging out in the yard with family
Survivors include: Candace Johnson of Kearney; sons, Jeff (Kristina) Burmood of Gibbon and Dustin (Tabitha) Burmood of Gibbon; daughter, Sarah (Brady) McCaslin of Kearney; Quincy (Alaina) Slater of Seattle, Kyle Johnson of Seattle and Cory Johnson of Kearney; and grandkids, Brayden, Owen, Autumn, Colton, Elliot and Emalyn
Was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Margret Burmood
Kearney Hub, 27 April 2020 and 20 June 2020
DEKE, Jean M., 82, of Kearney died Monday, May 4, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: April 5, 1938
Parents: Howard W. and Nellie (Karr) Muller
Grew up on the family farm outside of Miller, graduated from Miller High School in 1955
Married: married Dennis G. Gibbons on Sept. 18, 1955, in Miller
After marriabe, lived in Kearney, raised three children; Dennis preceded her in death in 1993
Married: Oct. 29, 1994, to Lavern Deke in Kearney
Was eager to take on new challenges, held many different jobs, including at Kearney Public Schools as a server for the hot lunch program and owner of the Mode O’Day clothing store in downtown Kearney; later worked at the Antelope Bookstore and retired from Follett’s Bookstore in 2003
Activities: after retiring, became California snowbirds to be near their West Coast family, spent many winters at their second home; lifelong member of the Kearney Eagles Auxiliary, Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Red Hat club; enjoyed dancing and playing cards; was proud of her flower garden and was an outstanding baker, cook and seamstress; especially enjoyed time with her family
Survivors include her husband, Lavern Deke of Kearney; children, Diana Jones (Dave) of Kearney, Dan Gibbons (Carol) of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Kathy Shaffer (Glen) of Boerne, Texas; stepsons, David Deke of Gretna, Daniel Deke of Los Angeles and Darin Deke of Conifer, Colo.; grandchildren, Kristopher Jones (Bridget) of Elm Creek, Stefanie Roper (Matt) of Kearney, Lucas Jones (Kael) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Michael Shaffer (Kelsey) of San Antonio, Eryn Shaffer (fiancé Michael Davidson) of Waco, Texas, and Daniel Gibbons and Rianna Gibbons, both of Desert Hot Springs; stepgrandchildren, Chris Hellmer and Eric Hellmer (stepsons of Dan Gibbons), both of Desert Hot Springs, and Katie Deke and Hunter Deke (children of David Deke), both of Gretna; great-grandchildren, Sailor, Savanna and Maverick Jones, Brooks and Briggs Roper, Hayden and Cannon Jones, and Amelia and Emerson Shaffer; and brother, Bill Muller (Susan) of Miller
Was preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis G. Gibbons; and sisters, Delores Swift and Janice Pfeiffer
Memorials: Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk or LCMS World Mission
Kearney Hub, 6 May 2020
DE KOK, Kenneth Wayne, 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 13, 2020, surrounded by loved ones
Celebration of life: Thursday, July 9 at the First Baptist Church in Kearney.
Mortuary: Kremer Funeral Home in Omaha and AE Funeral Home in Oklahoma City
Born: Jan. 31, 1953, in Shelton, Iowa
Parents: Gerben and Irma De Kok
At a young age, lost his mother; was blessed to be raised by Gloria and Gerb
Graduated from Primghar High School 1971; attended Iowa State, earned his bachelor of science degree in 1975
Married: Dianne (Katie) Sampson, March 8, 1975; had three daughters, Kathy, Kahlene and Kara
After marriage lived in Hartley, Iowa, worked in agriculture; moved to Kearney in 1987, was a product specialist for Cabela’s; later took a lab position with KAAPA Ethanol
Married: Jeri Jae McCance, May 30, 1992; had a son, Justin
Activities: was an avid outdoorsman; took great pleasure spending time with family out fishing or hunting
Survivors include: his wife, Jeri Jae of Kearney; their children, Kathy Mason of Raytown, Mo., Kahlene and husband Darren Christenson of Yukon, Okla., Kara and husband Aaron Estes of Kearney, and Justin and wife Tasha De Kok of Grand Island. He was blessed with nine grandchildren. He was survived by his brothers and sisters, Jeff and Jean Anliker of Belchertown, Mass., Jodee Jakes of Le Mars, Iowa, Glenda and Dean Parrish of Cherokee, Iowa, Ron and Sherri De Kok of Le Mars, Iowa, Jay and Juanita Anliker of Primghar, Iowa, Roger and Karen De Kok of Mount Vernon, S.D., Lynelle Schwien of Rock Valley, Iowa, and Mike and Charlene Schwien of Hartley, Iowa
Was preceded in death by his mother, Irma; father, Gerben; second mother, Gloria; brother in-law, Bill Jakes; and nephew, Jason Jakes
Memorials: Kearney Concrete Cares of Nebraska
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020 and 6 July 2020
DOBBERSTEIN, Wayne L., 82, of Arvada, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, April 10, 2020
Celebration of life service: later
Burial: Lemoyne Cemetery in Lemoyne, Neb., military honors
Mortuary: Draucker of Ogallala
Born: Nov. 22, 1937, in Kearney
Parents: Albert and Nora Dobberstein
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1956
Military: U.S. Navy, served four years
After his discharge, moved to Denver, worked briefly with Skelly Oil Co. and Jeffco Manufacturing Co., a beverage and beer can manufacturing company, which was eventually purchased by Ball Corp.; was employed by Ball Metal Container Group for 38 years; retired at age 65 as a quality control representative; during employment with Ball, travelled extensively all over the world; China, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, to name a few; received an award, 1990, for excellence for his contributions to Ball’s achievements in the packaging industry
Activities: loved Lake McConoughy, spent almost six months every year at his home at North Shore, boating, fishing and enjoying his friends; was active in the Lemoyne, Neb., Senior Center and frequently served at the fundraiser breakfasts and ran the “cake walk” at their yearly bazaar; loved baseball, was an avid Colorado Rockies fan; enjoyed keeping in contact with his family, his friends at Ball, his baseball buddies, lake friends and old friends
Survivors include his wife, Cecilia; his children, Rene Bebout, Julie Dobberstein and Eric Dobberstein; three grandchildren, Devin Bebout, Madison Bebout and Andrew Bebout; his brother, Dale Dobberstein (Barbara) from Arizona; and sister-in-law, Ramona Dobberstein from Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters: Jim, Glen, Albert, Cole, Jack, Erma Krueger and Irene Leach
Kearney Hub, 21 May 2020 and June 6, 2020
EAST, Mary Kathryn, 63, of Kearney died Sunday, May 10, 2020, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Private family service: later
Born in Andrews, Texas
Parents: Jack and Jeanette Hutchinson
Survivors include Carol Keizer of Albuquerque, N.M., Elizabeth Collins of Port Angeles, Wash., and Judy McClellon of Tallahassee, Fla.
Kearney Hub, 19 May 2020
EBINGER, Kelly Goodman of Fresno, California, died Wednesday, May, 6, 2020, at her home
Service: pending with O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney
Survivors include her father, Marvin Ebinger of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Ebinger and sister, Paula Ebinger
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020
FITZGERALD, Ronald J., 71, of Kearney died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Celebration of life service at St. James Catholic Church: Thursday, Oct. 7, 2020
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 22, 1948, in Rockland, Maine
Parents: Alvah and Clementine (Mazankowski) Fitzgerald
Graduated from Kearney Catholic High School in 1966
Military: U.S. Navy, Dec. 14, 1966 - Sept. 3, 1970
Married: Susan J. Luth on Feb. 22, 1970
After marriage, lived in Kearney and together raised two children, Lori and Eric; Susan passed away in November 2010
Worked as an outside foreman for Agri-Automation and Country Structures in Kearney; later worked for GTE and Frontier Communications as an outside maintenance technician; retired in 2009; was recently employed at Sterling Apartments and Kearney Pediatric Dentistry as a maintenance specialist
Activities: member of the American Legion, Kearney Kiwanis and St. James Catholic Church; helped in numerous charitable organizations in the Kearney community; was heavily involved in the Knights of Columbus, held numerous positions with Council No. 1728, including state softball chairman, state youth chairman, district deputy, deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight and 4th Degree Knight of the Year
Was engaged to Mary Jo Freeze in August 2013
Activities: had a stoic, humble, kind and humorous nature that was contagious and resonated with everyone he met; had a true passion for helping others and fixing things; was a carpenter at heart and perfectionist when it came to his work; enjoyed the outdoors; loved to travel and always looked forward to his annual trips to visit his sister Delores in Arizona and the occasional Fitzgerald reunion in Maine; was most joyful when he was with his family, especially his loving grandchildren
Survivors include his son, Eric and Lyndi Fitzgerald of Loup City; daughter, Lori and Tom Pepperl of Kearney; sister, Delores Mayfield of Phoenix; fiancée, Mary Jo Freeze of Kearney; Cody and Meghan Freeze of Amherst; Tara and Kasey Brandt of Kearney; and grandchildren, Olivia, Isaac, Elliott and Amelia Fitzgerald, Daltyn Pepperl, Drew, Hunter, Cooper and Sadie Freeze, and Lane and Finley Brandt
Was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Fitzgerald
Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 16 May and 3 October 2020
FOWLER, Ruth E., 98, of Kearney died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Private family service: Friday, at the Kearney Evangical Free Church; service will be livestreamed at the church's website
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Born: June 12, 1921, in Torrington, Wyo.
Parents: Ruth E. Martin Nicholas and John Thomas Nicholas
After the death of her mother, was cared for by her grandparents, Alice K. and George E. Martin, then president of Kearney State Teachers College; after three years, when her father married Kathryn Cloos Nicholas, returned to Wyoming; soon the family moved back to farm near Mason City, where Ruth spent most of her childhood; attended Kearney State Teachers College, studyed elementary education; also was an accomplished musician, playing in the College–Community Orchestra
Married: June 28, 1942, Gerald B Fowler at First United Methodist Church in Kearney; within weeks, Gerry was called serve in the Army and fought in WWII; Ruth remained in Kearney and taught elementary school in Nebraska
After the war, resided in Kearney, raised two sons; eventually returned to college, completing her bachelor’s in arts degree in education; taught for several years at Bryant and Central Elementary Schools; eventually left teaching and became the administrative assistant at their church, Kearney Evangelical Free
Activities: loved reading, piano playing and caring for others through church and community service organizations; her life was characterized by deep faith, love and generosity; despite losing her sight, remained positive and was a blessing and encouragement to everyone who knew her
Survivors include sons, John (Barbara) Fowler of Kearney and Robert (Beryl) Fowler of Atlanta, Ga.; five grandchildren, Joshua (Charlene) Fowler, Katy (Nate) Wiens, Laura (Tony) Stuht, Megan (Justin) Merritt, and Ben (Caroline) Fowler, and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband of 77 years, Gerald in January 2020; her parents; and three siblings, brother John (Jack) Nicholas, Jr., sister Margaret (Peg) Nicholas Bowen, and brother Benjamin Nicholas
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church Kearney Hub, 28 April 2020
GALLOWAY, Christi R., 50, of Kearney died Thursday, May 14, 2020, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral home
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: Dec. 23, 1969, in Lincoln
Parents: Larry and Linda (Nemecek) Booher
Attended Church of God Christian Academy, graduated in 1987; earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix
Married: Kenneth Galloway on June 9, 2012, in Gibbon
Worked at Walmart and also MNIS and Marshalls
Activities: member of the Kearney Evangelical Free Church; enjoyed being foster parents and also spending time with nieces and nephews
Survivors include her husband, Ken of Kearney; mother and stepfather Linda and Al Vacha of Kearney; father and mother-in-law, Larry and Ruth Galloway of Gibbon; sister, Erin and Jesse Carlson of McCook; brothers, Mike and Denise Booher of Michigan and Nathan Vacha of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Ron and Gail Galloway of Shelton and Jason and Melissa Galloway of North Platte; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by her sister, Shannan Vacha; nephew, Ian Galloway; grandparents, John Nemecek, Elmer and Alice Jurgens
Kearney Hub, 18 May 2020
GEIST, Roberta Rae, 73, of Kearney died Saturday, May 2, 2020, at her home
Memorial service: March 31, 2021
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 15, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Parents: Roland and Verna (Schell) Roller
Was raised in the Catholic church and received her education at St. Augustine Catholic School
After high school, moved to Kearney to be a novice at Mount Carmel Nursing Home; was one of three ladies who initiated a new order of nuns that specialized in training and teaching of the mentally and physically handicapped
Met the love of her life, Bob, while he was driving the sisters around Kearney; because of her hearing disability, decided to leave the convent
Married Karl Robert Geist on Oct. 11, 1969, in Milwaukee
After marriage, lived in Lincoln, worked for Madonna; then lived in Omaha for five year, then moved to Kearney; had a family of eight children, was a homemaker during their childhood
Volunteered at Birthright, was on the policy council for Head Start for a few years; later worked for Head Start and took college classes; moved to Florida, continued her schooling in counseling, then returned to Kearney; did numerous volunteer work, thrived in social work and would always help anyone before even thinking about herself
Activities: enjoyed crocheting, was an avid Cubs fan; loved her grandchildren
Survivors include the love of her life, Robert Geist of Kearney; sons, Michael (Walter White) Geist of Lincoln, David, Brian, Kevin, Scott, and Dennis Geist, all of Kearney; daughters, Joyce Linner and husband, Tony, and Karen Geist and significant other, BJ Johnson, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Kayden, Kormick, Kali, Koldin, Carter, Kane and Avery, all of Kearney; brothers, Ron (Sandy) Roller and Rich (Ann) Roller, all of Milwaukee; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and cousin, Fr. Jack Wambach
Kearney Hub, 6 May 2020 and 29 Mar 2021
GRASSMEYER, Fredrick Jerome "Jerry", 98, of Kearney died Tuesday, May, 5, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Private family committal service: First Lutheran Church Columbarium in Kearney
Memorial service: First Lutheran Church: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 19, 1922
Parents: Grover C. and Rose (Daake) Grassmeyer
Graduated from Riverdale High School in 1939
Married: Masine Jarosz on April 19, 1954; were married 66 years
Farmed in the Riverdale area for many years
Activities: had a love of baseball, played for the Kearney Irishmen in the Nebraska Independent League and tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals in the days of Branch Rickey; served on the rural fire department, Riverdale School Board, First Lutheran Church Council, was a Little League baseball coach and was instrumental in getting lights for the Riverdale ball field; in later years, enjoyed wood carving and making many memorable carved figures for family and friends; family was most important to him
Survivors include: his wife, sons, Dan (Kathy) of Thornton, Colo., Jim (Eileen) of Fremont; daughter, Jan (Russ) McLandsborough of Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren, Emily (Ryan) Morrison, Brady (Sara) Grassmeyer and Riley Grassmeyer, all of Denver, Jeffry (Abby) Grassmeyer of Des Moines, Iowa, Justin (Chelsea) Grassmeyer, Michael Grassmeyer and Max (Kendall) Grassmeyer, all of Omaha, Maggie McLandsborough and Sam Findlay of Studio City, Calif., and Andy McLandsborough of Overland Park; great-granddaughters, Mara, June and Vera; and sister-in-law, Lucille Grassmeyer of Lexington
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothea June Pratt; and brothers, Raymond L. Grassmeyer and Leland G. Grassmeyer
Memorials: First Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2020
HALBERT, Wanetta, 82, of Kearney died Wednesday, May, 20, 2020, at her home
Private family graveside service: May 29 at Kearney Cemetery
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger of Kearney
Born: Jan. 8, 1938, in Alliance
Parents: Theodore and Fern (Sherfey) Keenan
Attended Minden Public Schools, graduated with the class of 1955
Married: Brian Halbert on March 10, 1957, at the United Methodist Church in Minden
Owned and operated Bico’s Cafe for 25 years, retired in 2001; later moved to Lemoyne at Lake McConaughy
Activities: enjoyed gardening, bird watching, reading and traveling; most of all, loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren
Survivors include her daughter Robbin Halbert-Martin; granddaughter, Kylie Epp of Kearney; grandson, Shane Martin, all of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Marley, Mila and Maxwell Epp, Dean Martin, all of Kearney, and Addelyn and Ava Hooks of Winona, Minn.; sister, Barbara Harms of Kearney; brother, Bob (Chris) Keenan of Renton, Wash.; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Brian Halbert; son, Patrick Halbert; and her brother, Tom Keenan
Kearney Hub, 22 May 2020
HEINZMAN, William L., 84, of Lincoln died at his home on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after a short illness
Limited family service: Friday at Metcalf Funeral Home in Lincoln
Graveside service: Monday at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: 16 Dec 1935 Kearney
Parents: Ernest and Irene (Lopeman) Heinzman
Over his lifetime he was a jack of many trades, including working on everyone’s cars, running a bread route, and having his own real estate and appraisal business; retired from Kraft Foods
Survivors include his son, Robert Heinzman of Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Kim Heinzman of Lincoln; daughter, Stacy Lamphear of Lincoln; brother, Robert Heinzman of Lincoln; and many grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Heinzman; sister-in-law, Marilyn Heinzman; mother, Irene Heinzman; and father, Ernie Heinzman
Kearney Hub, 13 May 2020
HICKMAN, Mary Claire, 25, of Kearney died Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Kearney, of peritoneal cancer
Body was donated to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska at UNMC to help further their research for a cure for this disease
Private memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 3, 1995
Parents: Scott and Colleen Hickman
Survivors include: her mother, Colleen (Kurt) Dannehl; father, Scott Hickman; brother, Calvin (Holly) Hickman; special friend, Joseph Savely; grandparents, Mary Catherine McMahon and Neil and Sheryl Hickman; a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many more extended members of the family
Memorials: Stephen’s Center Hero Program in Omaha
Kearney Hub, 29 April 2020
HIEMSTRA, Russell James, 55, of Kearney died Sunday, May 10, 2020, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Private family service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 22, 1964, in Pella, Iowa
Parents: Richard and Eileen (Dieleman) Hiemstra
Growing up, helped his dad on the farm and had fun playing baseball with the neighbors; attended Pella Community High School, played football, basketball and baseball, graduated in 1982; went to Southwestern Community College on a scholarship for baseball; then was recruited by Guy Murray to play for Kearney State College, earned his bachelor’s degree
Worked in sales, most recently with Wells Blue Bunny
Married: Shaun O’Rourke on Feb. 6, 1993
Continued to play semi-pro baseball throughout Nebraska as well as fast-pitch softball and city-league basketball; gradually transitioned to coaching as his boys started to play baseball, coached Shelton/Gibbon and Kearney Legion Baseball, and was the first coach when Kearney Catholic started the girls softball team; his teams earned inclusion in state tournaments; enjoyed road trip, the Kearney Area Animal Shelter, neighborhood parties, fantasy leagues and Iowa Hawkeye sports; treasured his faith, family and friends; volunteered, served lunches through the Kearney Jubilee Center and sponsored children through Evangelical Free church’s Compassion program
Survivors include his wife, Shaun Hiemstra; sons, Mitchell and Jaret Hiemstra, all of Kearney; parents, Rich and Eileen Hiemstra of Pella; sisters, Rhonda and David Kermode of Pella and Amy Hiemstra and Paul Damien of Austin, Texas; mother-in-law, Mary O’Rourke of Kearney; and sisters-in-law, Shannon and Trent Almassian of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Shanne O’Rourke of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Gerry O’Rourke
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church, Kearney American Legion Baseball or Kearney Catholic High School Girls Softball
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2020
HIGH, Lois "Jean", 95, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney and Bertrand, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at the Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln
Graveside service: Monday at Immanuel Cemetery, located north of Bertrand, in Phelps County
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: May 7, 1925, on the family farm, a few miles southwest of Loomis
Parents: John A. and Margaret Agnes (Piska) Pierce
Was baptized as an infant on Dec., 6, 1925
Attended the Urbana School District southeast of Bertrand through eighth grade and then Bertrand High School, graduating in 1942; as an eighth grader, received the second highest score in the Phelps County exams which at the time were required before attending high school; during high school she and her sister Mary Lou lived in town during the week where they rented a room and went home on weekends; participated in musical activities, played in the band and sang in several vocal ensembles; later in retirement, enrolled in several classes at Kearney State College
After high school, worked several jobs, including a switchboard operator at St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln, an assistant cashier for the Bank of Bertrand, a bookkeeper for Kingsley Lumber Yard, and popping corn at the local movie theater
Married: March 19, 1950, to Lloyd Reynold High at the First United Methodist Church in Bertrand
After marriage, lived on the family farm southwest of Bertrand; focused on raising their four children and worked alongside Lloyd on the farm; encouraged the children to study music and to grow in the Christian faith; also had excellent clerical skills, working at the Bertrand Herald as a Linotype operator, as well as typing and proofreading documents
Activities: Church membership and activities were very important her entire life; attended the Urbana Congregational Church as a child, then the Methodist Church in Loomis, and later the Bertrand Methodist Church; after marriage, was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand for 35 years; in Kearney, in retirement, joined First Lutheran Church in 1985; moved to Lincoln in 2012; enjoyed gardening, hosting and entertaining, loved music and enjoyed attending concerts; volunteered at Camp Carol Joy Holling near Ashland in its early years to help with landscaping and other improvement projects
Survivors include, daughters and their spouses Mary (Jerry) Bergstrom of Johnson Lake, Kathy (Rick) Holland of Lincoln, Marcia (Rich) Graham of Cheney, Wash.; son, Robin High of Omaha, eight grandchildren and their spouses, Bjorn and Jeanene Bergstrom, Haley Bergstrom, Sara (Holland) and Adam Fjell, Alissa (Holland) and Nick Hinz, Allyson (Dunning) and Beau Keightley, Laura (Dunning) and Brandon Somerville, Samuel and Stephanie Dunning, and Keenan Dunning; great-grandchildren, Braylon and Avery Fjell, Addison Hinz, Bristol, Aspen, and Camden Keightley, and Brody and Asher Dunning; nieces and their husbands, Glenda Pierce and Jeff Kirkpatrick of Lincoln, Gaytha (Waters) and Robert Patterson of Centennial, Colo.; Janet (Stineman) and Mark Kres of Austin, Texas; nephews Bob Pierce of Omaha and Harry and Linda Waters – Kansas City, Kan.
Was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her parents; four siblings and their spouses, sisters Mildred and Court Steinman, Lorene and Everett Waters, and Mary Lou and Gayle Hewitt; brother Byron and Anne Pierce; niece, Sarah Jane Pierce, nephew, John Stineman; great-niece, Elizabeth Waters, and great-nephew, Tony Kirkpatrick
Memorials: NLOM Camp Carol Joy Holling, Nebraska Lutheran Campus Ministries, or a charity of the donor’s choosing
Kearney Hub, 15 May 2020
HUGELMAN, Sharon Jane, 82, died Thursday, May 21, 2020, in Lincoln following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s
Private family memorial service: later
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 20, 1938, at home at Scottsbluff
Parents: Charles Henry Luther and Alyma Geraldine Farley Luther
Was the only girl and youngest of three children; attended school in Kearney; later pursued a nursing degree in the LPN program at Central Nebraska Technical College, finished top tier in her state boards
Worked several years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney before relocating to Denver; worked in skilled nursing for many years in Denver at the Valley View Medical Center, and later in private practice in the disciplines of pediatric medicine, family practice and cardiology; loved her work and provided care for many during the years, but her heart was always home
Activities: enjoyed gardening, canning her produce, and baking pies from her fruit trees; was a self-taught seamstress, and was domestically gifted — a consummate homemaker, which she passed down to her progeny; loved dancing, and traveled to Europe, Mexico, Hawaii and several Caribbean islands; was a voracious reader, followed politics closely, spoke often of her beloved Colorado, the experiences she had there, and the friends she made; always considered Denver her home
Survivors include: her husband, Les; her sons, Rick and David; her daughter, Mona; six grandchildren, Shane, Michelle, Emilie, Patrick, Jerod and Natalie; eight great-grandchildren, Jacob, Breanna, Ruby, Lauren, Ben, Wil, Max and Ellie; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by her son, Dan; and her brothers, Boyd and Roger
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association, Nebraska Chapter
Kearney Hub, 23 May 2020
JUST, Erma Colleen, 78, of Funk died Monday, May 11, 2020, at the CountryHouse Assisted Living in Kearney
Private family service: Kearney Cemetery
Celebration of life service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 3, 1942
Parents: Emil W. and Mayme H. (Metz) Rodehorst
Grew up on a farm near Pleasanton; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1959; attended Kearney State Teachers College and worked at Paul’s Broiler in downtown Kearney
Married: James A. Just, Sept. 16, 1961, at St. James Catholic Church
After marriage, lived near Funk on the Just family land, owned by the Just family at this time for more than 100 years
Activities: was active in the Kearney Elks Does Chapter and served as president in the late 1970s; served as a Cub Scout leader in Funk in the late 1980s; with husband, was recognized by the state for land conservation practices; absolutely loved working alongside Jim on the farm; drove machinery, worked in the fields, helped build miles of fence, drove the auger wagon, disc fields and drove the grain trucks to the elevator each fall; loved being outside mowing, and always had a huge lawn and immaculate garden; was an amazing mother and grandmother; enjoyed hosting family events, and entertaining guests
Survivors include her son, Joshua and wife Kristy (Lavington) Just and granddaughter Jemma of Funk; brother, Keith and Jan Rodehorst of Kearney; sister-in-law, Norma Rodehorst of Kearney; sister-in-law, Helen Rodehorst of Bennett, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Just; and brothers, Melvin and Sid Rodehorst
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 13 May 2020
KELLER, Alicia, 74, of Ravenna died Sunday, May 3, 2020, at Seneca Sunrise Assisted Living in Ravenna
Alicia donated her body to the Anatomical Board of the state of Nebraska
Service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Bayonne, N.J., on Dec. 2, 1945
Parents: Carl and Helen (Gusko) Buettner
Grew up in Elm Creek; graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1964, participated in volleyball; lived her life on her own terms until her health dictated otherwise; attended business college in Denver for two years
Worked as an executive secretary in Pennsylvania and then Florida; thrived in the climate there for 40 years; returned to Nebraska
Activities: loved animals, had cats and dogs most of her adult life; was an avid reader; loved to cook, lamented she could not continue cooking in senior living; also enjoyed gardening, shared her harvest, even with other residents of Seneca Sunrise
Survivors include her sisters, Carla Fruhling of Kearney, Ellen (Roger) Tool of Pasco, Wash., and Beth Bryan of Elm Creek; brother, Michael (Sandy) Buettner of Kennewick, Wash.; many nieces and nephews; and a very special daughter of the heart, Kim (Mark) Warner of Jupiter, Fla.; as well as Kim’s children and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers-in-law, Lee Fruhling and Charles Bryan
Kearney Hub, 5 May 2020
KING, Dean William, 75, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at his home
Private service: Saturday at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Born: May 5, 1945, in York
Parents: Clyde and Ruth (Palmer) King
As the son of a pastor, spent his youth living across the United States; graduated high school in Pueblo, Colo. on June 6, 1963
Married: Aug. 18, 1967, to Cheryl Redlinger of O’Neill
After marriage, lived near Elm Creek on his grandfather’s homestead
Graduated from Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education on Aug. 8, 1969; then taught school
Was also employed by Plectron, West Pharmaceuticals and for the past 20 plus years, worked for his son, Shawn, at King Investment Properties
Activities: enjoyed studying the word of God daily, singing and listening to gospel music, playing trombone and guitar, riding horses, repairing vehicles and attending his kids’ and grandkids’ extracurricular activities; also served New Life Church as deacon, a Sunday school teacher and was part of the worship team; was always sharing his faith with others and helping those in need
Survivors include: his wife, Cheryl King of Elm Creek; sons, Shawn (Amanda) King of Kearney, Jason (Lisa) King of Doniphan; daughter, Danelle (Michael) Benker of Greenwood; grandchildren, Zachary, Grace, Chloe, Sophia, Austin (Peyton), Alison, Ayden, Alex, Ethan and Shianne; sisters, Colleen (Wes) Combs of Pueblo, Colo., Karen (Gene) Schachterle of Kearney; brother, Keith (Sandi) King of Monument, Colo.; brothers-in law, Oral John Redlinger, Verlin (Kim) Redlinger, and John Neth, all of Norfolk; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Shane King; sister-in-law, Beverly Neth; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins
Memorials: Crossing Camp Grounds in Lexington
Kearney Hub, 7 May 2020
LEININGER, Richard William, 78, of Ravenna died Thursday, May, 7, 2020, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Grand Island
Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial with military honors: Sutton Catholic Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Sept. 9, 1941, in Sutton
Parents: Theodore and Farra (Wiley) Leininger
Graduated with the class of 1959 from Sutton High School, was voted sports king his senior year; attended Fairbury Junior College on a one-year scholarship to play football
Returned to Sutton, farmed and operated a hay baling business with his brother, Pat Leininger
Military: joined the Army Reserves in 1964; served in Vietnam, achieved the rank of Sgt. Leininger; proudly served in the U.S. Army for seven years
Returned from Vietnam, and continued to farm and ranch with his brother, Pat; moved to the Sandhills in 1984, ranched in many different locations
Married: Nancy in April 1993
Activities: loved ranching and working with horses; enjoyed dances and country music; was an avid lifelong athlete; member of Golden Gloves Boxing, Lincoln Running Club and lifted weights daily; participated in local runs as well as the Senior Olympics, bringing home medals from all; in Sherman County, was the leader of an Equine Care and Management 4-H Club; member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Amerifax Cattle Association and American Breeders Service; had a strong Catholic faith and lived it; possessed undeniable warmth for the other patients at the VA hospital
Survivors include sisters, Karen Doyle of Grand Island and Jenny Korte-Ellis of Hastings; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gary Patrick; and his wife, Nancy
Memorials: Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Grand Island or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 11 May 2020
LENZ, Rev. Duane W., 95, of Lincoln died Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Lincoln
Celebration of life: later
Inurnment: private
Born: March 25, 1925, in Elmwood
Parents: Walter H. and Annette C. (Eikerman) Lenz
Was graduated from Eustis High School; received his bachelor’s degree from Westmar University in Le Mars, Iowa, and his master’s from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.; during his seminary, served a church in Gillingham, Wis.
Served at United Methodist Churches in Crofton, De Bois, Orchard, Kearney (Faith), Aurora, Sidney, Lincoln (Warren) and Southeast Nebraska District superintendent; retired in 1991, after 47 years in the ministry
Activities: was on multiple church boards and committees; member of Trinity United Methodist Church, former member of Northeast Kiwanis, Cornhusker Kiwanis and Senior Community Chorus; was creative, caring, loving and kind; had many hobbies such as wood carving and stained glass before and after retirement
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Lucile Deike Lenz; children, Nancy (Jack) Armitage of Omaha, David (Patty) Lenz of Kearney, Steven (Anne) Lenz of Lincoln and Barbara Lenz of Omaha; grandchildren, Jeff (Carol) Armitage, Julie Armitage (Justin) Koehler, Derrick (Lea) Lenz, Stuart (Shannon) Lenz, Daniel (Karen) Lenz, Nathan (Kate) Lenz, Marisha Lenz (Tony) Dang, Jeremy (Megan) Lenz and Tyler (Erica) Lenz; stepgrandchildren, Matthew (Hayley), Stephanie (Roger), Jaime (Keith), and Samantha; proud great-grandfather to 27 children; sister, Marilyn Lenz Krause of Hurst, Texas; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Lenz of Hurst and Janice Deike of Wahpeton, N.D.
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carroll Lenz of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Crystal Graham of Hurst; and daughter-in-law, LeAnne Lenz of Kearney
Memorials: Trinity United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Parkinson’s Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 25 April 2020
LUCE, Darlene P., 84, of Kearney, formerly of Pleasanton, died Saturday, May 23, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society-St. John’s in Kearney
Service: Friday, May 29, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Majors Cemetery north of Kearney
Born: March 4, 1936 in Kearney
Parents: John and Dorothy (DeVoe) Montgomery
Attended school in Elm Creek and graduated in 1954
Married: Victor G. Luce on September 30, 1956 in Elm Creek
Later moved to the Pleasanton area
Activities: member of the Pleasanton United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, V.F.W. Auxiliary of Ravenna and also the Majors Neighborhood Club; enjoyed reading, embroidery and playing pitch with her card group
Survivors include: her daughter, Carol Bachman and Neil of Humphrey, sons, Larry and Julie Luce of Hastings, and Richard and Susan Luce of Ocean Park, WA; daughter in law, Carol and Bruce Uden of Pleasanton, sister, Shirley Wright of Colorado Springs, CO; 9 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sister in laws, Erma Lammers of Ravenna, and Loretta Luce of Westminster, CO; many other nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, John Luce; sisters, Tresa Montgomery and Judy Nickman; son-in-law, Jim Bachman
Kearney Hub, 25 May 2020
MERRYMAN, Diana, 34, of Gibbon died Sunday, May 3, 2020 at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private family graveside service: Monday at Kearney Cemetery
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 17, 1985, in Henrico, Va.
Parents: Del and Susan (DeLesDernier) Lienemann
Received her education in Richmond, Va., graduated from Douglas Southhall Freeman High School
Military: U.S. Navy; received a medical discharge during boot camp
Moved to Kearney in December 2004
Married: Aug. 5, 2006, to Shawn Merryman in Gibbon
After marriage, lived in Gibbon; enjoyed farming and taking care of her animals; had a passion for horses, but most of all, loved spending time with her family
Worked at Morris Press, Gibbon American Legion, Buffalo County Jail and, later, Northeast Elementary School; most recently, was the kitchen manager at Central Elementary School in Kearney
Activities: member of New Life Church in Kearney and the Central Nebraska Liberty Riders
Survivors include her husband, Shawn Merryman; children, Elaine Merryman and Tanner Merryman; parents, Del and Susan Lienemann, all of Gibbon; brothers, Joseph (Leslie) Lienemann, Bradley (Ann) Lienemann and Jeffery (Jessica) Lienemann, all of Henrico; brother-in-law, Jason Merryman of Elm Creek; mother-in-law, Susan Merrymann of Lincoln; grandmother, Florence Lienemann of Gibbon; grandfather, Elton DeLesDernier of Henrico; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Lillian Rose Merryman; grandfather, Darlo Lienemann; and grandmother, Shirley DeLesDernier
Kearney Hub, 9 May 2020
MILLS, Ted Meredith, 87, of Ravenna died Thursday, May 14, 2020, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Ravenna
Memorial service: pending
Mortuary: Govier Brothers in Broken Bow
Born: June 12, 1932
Parents: Frank and Bertha Mills
Married: Aug. 10, 1958, to Elaine Mesloh
Survivors include wife, Elaine of Broken Bow; sons, Jerry Mills of Cocoa, Fla., Stanley Mills of Libby, Mont., and Bradley Mills of Lincoln; brothers, Wayne Mills of Broken Bow and Paul Mills of Broken Bow; sister, Sylvia Happold of Grand Island; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020
MOFFETT, Theresa M. “Dot”, 99, died Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Prairie Winds Nursing Home in Doniphan
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: Dec. 3, 1920, in Shelton
Parents: Samuel and Maude (Wilkie) McCulla
Attended school in Shelton, graduated with the class of 1939
After graduation did housework, paper and painting for several families, worked at the bank from 1970 to 1980, drove truck at the air base during World War II, went to Washington for a year in 1942 and worked for Baldwin from 1980 to 1984
Married: April 2, 1946, to Bradley Moffett of Gibbon in Smith Center, Kan.
Activities: member of the Ellen Rebekah Lodge since 1943, was a noble grand five times, a member and past president of the auxiliary, a member of the Wood River Historical Club and a member of the Eastern Star; loved to dance, play bingo, card games and go on bus tours to Washington to see her sister; had many collections such as: stamps, coins, plate and cup sets, salt and pepper sets, dolls, angels, cookbooks and pens
Survivors include her children, Terry (Pat) Moffett of Shelton, Linda (Jim) Belleau of Greeley, Colo., Ken (Su) Moffett of Grand Island and Mick (JoLynn) Moffett of Shelton; sister-in-law, Cleo McCulla of Shelton; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020
MOREAU, Alfred Ernest,, 68, of Arlington, Va., formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at home
Service, interment, and celebration of life: later
Was born and raised in Kearney; resided in Arlington for many years
Parents: Antoni and Dorene (Peterson) Moreau
Beloved husband of 37 years to Elaine A. Eder, devoted father of Elizabeth Eder-Moreau (Cesar Oyarzun), Andrew Eder-Moreau, and Eileen Eder-Moreau Freeman (Thad); brother of Colleen Nieman (Jim) and Roland Moreau (Barbara), and nephew of Dorothy Peterson (Clifford); is also survived by dear family nieces and nephews, and cousins in Vermont and Nebraska
Was preceded in death by his parents; aunts Pauline Sheehan (Larry), AnnMarie Benjamin (Normand) and Alfreda Brown (Bernard) and uncle Clifford Peterson
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020
NUTTELMAN, Craig R., 70, of Kearney died Saturday, May 9, 2020, at his home
Funeral service: Tuesday May 19 at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 22, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Melvin F. and Verna L. (Hartman) Nuttelman
Graduated 1968 from Kearney High School; eared a bachelor's degree from Kearney State College
Married: Linda Grass on April 29, 1978, in Kearney
Farmed for a number of years and also worked as a fence builder
Activities: dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; volunteered as a member of the Board of Evangelism, Board of Elders and also as a Sunday school teacher; enjoyed spending time with the light of his life, his granddaughter, Abby
Survivors include his wife, Linda of Kearney; daughter, Katie Nuttelman of Kearney; granddaughter, Abby Nuttelman of Kearney; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randall and Kathy Nuttelman of Lincoln and Keith and Beverly Nuttelman of Kearney; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerald and Hazel Grass of Minden; nieces and nephews and spouses, Chris and Amy Nuttelman, Jared and Tenaya Nuttelman, Karlee Nuttelman, Kassidy and Cole Fraber, Klaire Nuttelman, Kenny and Katie Grass, and Jamin and LaNette Grass; and several other great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Chris and Emma Nuttelman and Walter and Ella Hartman
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020
PANEK, Margarett Ann, 87, former resident of the Kearney, Neb., area, died Sunday, May 10, 2020, in San Diego, after a long battle with cancer
No services are planned
Born: Nov. 11, 1932, in Gibbon
Parents: Albert and Merna Hendrickson
Survivors include: her husband of 67 years, James Panek; her daughter, Roxana Panek; daughter, Robin Vincent and son-in-law Rob Powers; daughter, Sue Moody and son-in-law Tim Moody; son, Jay Panek and daughter-in-law, Andrea Panek; son, John Panek; grandchildren, Jonathan Panek, Ashley Vassallo, Alicia Moody, Weston Panek and Walker Panek; great-granddaughters, Josie Panek, Aviana Vassallo and Olivia Vassallo
Was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Merna Hendrickson; brothers, Donald and Larry Hendrickson; and niece, Tamera Trampe
Kearney Hub, 19 May 2020
RAASCH, Daniel Lee, 52, of Kenesaw died Monday, April 27, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private family service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Memorial celebration: later
Born: Aug. 27, 1967, in Norfolk
Parents: Clifford and Kathleen (Reiser) Raasch
Grew up in Valley and Butte, graduated from Butte High School
Married: Corina Schoenefeld on Sept. 3, 1988, in Butte
Later moved to Shelton, worked for Woodman Farms
Activities: member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and Shelton Activities Booster Club; loved boating, camping, fishing, hunting, tinkering and building many projects in his shop
Survivors include his wife, Corina Raasch of Kenesaw; sons, Mitch Raasch of Campbell and Kyle Raasch (Megan Johnson) of Grand Island; mother, Kathleen Raasch of Kearney; sister, Karri Damratowski (Scott) of Kearney; brother-in-law, Troy Schoenefeld of Shelton; and Amanda Goodwin (Justin) of Grand Island; nieces and nephews, Claire, Quinn, Jack and Ily, Lilly, Griffin and Layla, Ty and wife, Jordan and daughter, Brinley; as well as many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Raasch
Kearney Hub, 29 April 2020
RAMSAY, Marilyn, 85, of Cozad died Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in her home surrounded by family
Private family graveside service: May 1, at Fairview Cemetery, south of Cozad
Mortuary: Berryman
Born: Sept. 29, 1934 in Garrison
Parents: Dale and June Wrede
Married: William E. Ramsay on June 6, 1954, in Gibbon
After marriage, lived in Cozad, raised their two children
Worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for Circle S Motel and Shelter Insurance in Cozad
Activities: loved researching family history, working in her flower gardens, reading, and spending time outside; enjoyed some travel abroad in their retirement years; was active in her grandchildren’s activities
Survivors include: her sister, Donna Lee Ellis of Shelton; son, Bill Ramsay (Colleen) of McCook; daughter, Robin Etherton (Clay) of Cozad; four grandchildren, Eric Ramsay, Lauren (Micah King), Becca Etherton and Abbi Etherton; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Ian and Ella King
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; and brother, Dale Wrede
Kearney Hub, 1 May 2020
RANDOLPH, Loretta “Jean”, 79, of Kearney died Friday, May 15, 2020, at her home
Memorial service: Thursday at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 14, 1941, in Kearney
Parent: DeLoss and Dorothy (Vannoy) Wilke
Married: Richard L. Randolph, Dec. 20, 1958
After marriage, lived in Grain Valley, Mo.; raised their four children
Enjoyed homemaking and serving at church; owned and operated a photography studio in Blue Springs, Mo., and a cleaning business in Kearney
Activities: greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include her two daughters, Kimberly (Warren) Taylor and Christina Follett, both of Kearney; a son, Rodney (Lori) Randolph, also of Kearney; eight grandchildren, Kenneth (Melody) Taylor of Kearney, Bradley Taylor of Kenesaw, Tanner Follett of Kearney, Parker Follett of Kearney, Payten Follett of Kearney, Brooke Randolph of Pleasant Hill, Mo., Abby (Jack) O’Connor of Kearney and Emily Randolph of Kearney; and four great-grandsons, Brendan, Corban, Brigham and Carson
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Wilke; and a son, Richard Randolph
Memorials: Todd Becker Foundation
Kearney Hub, 19 May 2020
ROCKFORD, LaDene L., 79, of Aurora, formerly of Grand Island, died Friday, May 15, 2020, at Westfield Quality Care in Aurora
Private family service: Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Born: Feb. 22, 1941, at Poole
Parents: Walter and Agnes (Gruhn) Holtz
Grew up and received her education in Shelton, graduated from Shelton High School in 1959
Worked as a cook at the Shelton Café until 1966; moved to several different communities and eventually settled in Alda in 1976, relocated to Grand Island in 1995; was employed by the McDonald’s Restaurant for nearly 23 years; retired in 2003; moved to Lexington in 2006; in 2018 moved to Aurora to Westfield Quality Care,
Activities: in Grand Island, was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteered for the Orphan Grain Train organization; in Lexington, was active in Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, the Lexington Grand Generation Center and caring for her mother
Survivors include her sister, Leona Houdek of Columbus; brothers, Rodney and wife Marcia of Lexington, Larry of Lincoln, and Eldon and Shirley of Strasburg, Colo. and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Melvin Houdek, nieces Nicole, and Nanet Holtz, and nephew Chris Lawless
Kearney Hub, 18 May 2020
ROESLER, Terry W., 66, of Kearney died Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 19, 1954, in Holdrege
Parents: Wayne and Margie (Westerbuhr) Roesler
Was raised in Wilcox and attended Wilcox High School; was in an accident between his junior and senior year that left him confined to a wheelchair; later attended Kearney State College
Despite his physical limitations, remained cheerful and full of hope; though the accident changed his life forever, it left him with a passion for inspiring others in their daily lives
Survivors include his mother, Margie Roesler; sister, Glenda Fraber; brother, Alan (Mary) Roesler all of Kearney; one niece and three nephews; two great-nieces and two great-nephews; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Roesler
Kearney Hub, 15 May 2020
ROTH, Jeffrey Joseph, 61, of Norfolk died Sunday, May 17, 2020, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger of Kearney
Born: July 18, 1958, in Hastings
Parents: Thomas and Wilma (Stiles) Roth
Was raised in Hastings, attended St. Cecilia Catholic School; moved to Kearney; attended Kearney Catholic High School, graduated with the class of 1976
Moved to Lincoln and later to Norfolk, enjoyed golfing and bowling
Survivors include his mother, Wilma Roth of Kearney; brother, Greg Roth of Lakeside, Calif.; children, Samantha, Tommy and Cody; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Roth; and sister, Julie Roth
Kearney Hub, 20 May 2020
SMEDRA, Agnes, 95, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family service: Friday at the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Farwell
Funeral Mass: Friday, June 4, 2021, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 18, 1925, in Ashton
Parents: Theo and Theresa (Grabowski) Bonczynski
Received her education in the rural schools of Sherman County, the Rockville High School and Loup City High School, graduated with the Normal Training Program class of 1942
Taught in the rural schools of Sherman County for the following four years
Married: May 29, 1945, to Gene A. Smedra at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Ashton
After marriage lived on farms in the Ashton and Boelus areas; in 1964, moved to their own farm home five miles southwest of Farwell; Gene preceded her in death on April 2, 1982
Moved to Kearney in 1989
Activities: favorite pastime was crocheting many items, especially different afghans, one of which was awarded a purple ribbon and “Best in County” at the Buffalo County Fair; enjoyed her time with her family; also enjoyed her pets, listening and dancing to polka music, and traveling to various scenic areas in the U.S., Canada and Mexico; a special highlight was a tour trip to London, England; Lucerne, Switzerland; Paris, France; and Frankfort, Germany, in 1988
Survivors include her son, Jim Smedra and his wife, Cindy, of Omaha; daughter, Cyndi Schroeder and her husband, Larry, of Kearney; granddaughter, Gina Campa and her husband, Josh, of Kearney; great-grandsons, Gavin and Easton Campa of Kearney; stepgrandchildren, Jeff Maynard and Chloe Maynard Kleymann of Omaha; stepgreat-grandchildren, Kalista, Eliza, Henry and Stan of Omaha; sister-in-law, Bonnie Bonczynski of Lexington; and extended family and several friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; parents; father-in-law, Paul Smedra; mother-in-law, Monica Smedra; stepmother-in-law, Eleanor Smedra; sister, Arlene Janulewicz; brother, Leonard Bonczynski; and brothers-in-law, Paul Janulewicz and Anzel Jarzynka
Memorials: Polish Heritage Museum or St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 6 May 2020 and May 29, 2021
STEINMEYER, Helen L., 89, of Grand Island died Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at CHI Health St. Francis
Service: Saturday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial: Clatonia Cemetery
Born: Jan. 18, 1931, at Kearney
Parents: Ross and Mildred (Barkdoll) May
Graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1948
Taught country school before attending college; worked for the Nebraska State Board of Nursing and held various other clerical positions in Lincoln
Married: March 17, 1957, to Wayne D. Steinmeyer
After marriage, lived on a farm near Clatonia
Following the passing of her husband in 1968, moved to Kearney; worked as a bookkeeper and was active with different Christian groups; moved to Grand Island in 1992 to be a day care provider for her grandchildren as well as other children
Activities: active member of Northridge Assembly of God, including the quilting group and mission work to Calcutta, India; enjoyed traveling and time spent with family, especially her grandkids
Survivors include: her daughters, Juanita (Lee) Hood of Zebulon, N.C., and Rhonda (Mark) Standage of Aurora; grandchildren, Joshua Hood, Kelley Hood, Ben Hood (fiancée, Emily O’Neal), Matthew (Keegan) Standage, Luke (Ashtyne) Standage and Emily Standage; great-grandson, Hudson Standage; and brothers and sisters, Harold (Leila) May, Phyllis Roker, Bill (Sue) May, Dorothy Miller and John (Evelyn) May
Was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, who died in 1968; her parents; two brothers-in-law, Dick Roker and Donald Miller; and a young brother, Kenneth Wayne May
Memorials: Mission of Mercy at Calcutta, India or the Northridge Assembly of God
Kearney Hub, 22 May 2020
STONE, Ann Arlene, 64, of Marshall, Arkansas, died Monday, May 11, 2020, at Highland Court in Marshall
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall
Born: Nov. 1, 1955, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: John J. and Betty Lou (Veit) Abood
Survivors include one brother, Johnny Abood of Holdrege, Neb.
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2020
STOUT, Susan R., 67, of Lexington died Sunday, April 26, 2020, at her home
Celebration of life service: later
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: July 14, 1952, in Ravenna
Parents: Glen and Bethyne (Hochreiter) Hanna
Married: Feb. 11, 1989, Robby Stout in Lexington
Survivors include her husband, Robby of Lexington; children, Layton Smith of Lincoln and Ashley Anderson of Eustis; brothers, Mike Hanna of Palisade, Colo., and Gregg Hanna of Burwell; four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 29 April 2020
STUTZMAN, Dennis Dean, 71, of Ringgold, Ga. died Saturday, May 2, 2020, in Chattanooga
Born: Sept. 11, 1948, in Oshkosh, Neb.
Parents: Paul and Evelyn (Smeaton) Stutzman
Spent his youth in Oshkosh and Kearney, Neb.
Learned the value of hard work, went on to become an entrepreneur starting several successful businesses; was a self-made, strong, intelligent, generous and tenderhearted man
Married: Karen Dantzler in 2003
After marriage, lived in Ringgold
Activities: was of the Baptist faith; enjoyed beekeeping, woodworking and business ventures; enjoyed discussing politics and watching Fox News
Survivors include: wife, Karen; mother, Evelyn M. Stutzman; daughters, Dee Dee (Steve) Hauser, Teri (Dean) Taulborg and son, Kirby (Tina) Pfannkuch; stepson, Brandon (Emily) Smith; stepdaughter, LaRae Smith; siblings, Doug (Sylvia) Stutzman, Judy (Charles) Cuypers and Jeanie Weber; grandchildren, Conner Smith, Dusty Dimmitt, Devin Dimmett, Bryon Pfannkuch, Jerry Mooneyham, Justin Brown and Jessica Brown; great-grandchildren, Dace Dimmitt, Zoey Pfannkuch, Carter Pfannkuch and Oscar Brown; mother-in-law, Anna Dantzler; sister-in-law, Laranda Dantzler; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Paul E. Stutzman; and grandparents, Wesley and Emma Stutzman and Arthur and Ollie Smeaton
Kearney Hub, 16 May 2020
TRAVER, Gail Marie, 79, of Ravenna, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Memorial service: later
Born: Jan. 7, 1941, in Denver
Parents: William and Phyllis (Walters) Trammell
Married: David Lauck
Married: Ted Hall Married: Jim Traver, they later divorced
Survivors include her sons, Daniel Lauck of Gulf Port, Miss., Michael Lauck of Houston, Tim Hall of Ravenna and Casey Hall of Stanton; daughter, Tammy Crowell of Ravenna; brothers, Darold Henry of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Larry and Charles "Chuck" Henry, both of Scottsbluff, and Gary Straatmann of Kearney; sisters, Betty Douglas of Gering, Anita Smith, Judy Miller, Kristy Schneider and Kim Rothemeyer, all of Kearney, and Marcia Anderson of Minden; 15 grandchildren; and 12.5 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 May 2020
VANDEVOORDE, Phillip A. Jr., 72, of Wahoo died Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the VA Medical Center in Omaha
Service: Friday in Wahoo at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, to be live streamed on the Svoboda Funeral Home Facebook page
Interment with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Svoboda Funeral Home in Wahoo
Born: August 18, 1947 in Kearney
Parents: Phillip Sr. and Rose (Castigilia) Vandevoorde
Graduated from Kearney Catholic High School in 1966
Military: U.S. Navy, served during the Vietnam War
Earned a Bachelor Degree from UNK in criminal justice. On Nov. 12, 1971
Married: Reva Newman in Kearney
Worked 30 years as a probation officer for the State of Nebraska, retired in 2009; then started a tree trimming business, Phil’s Trees, which he continued to run until he became sick
Activities: member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW #4502, Wahoo Coin Club and Crimestoppers; enjoyed helping with Christmas on the Prairie and volunteering many hours to different organizations; was very kind and was always willing to lend a hand; loved spending time with his family
Surivivors include: his wife of 48 years, Reva Vandevoorde; children, Chris Vandevoorde of Lincoln, Cory (Crystal) Vandevoorde of Wahoo, Nathan Vandevoorde of Lincoln and Curtis Vandevoorde of Lincoln; grandchildren, Te’Yonna Byron, Chey Byron, Cameran Vandevoorde, Chloe Vandevoorde, Charlie Byron and Carolyn Byron; sister, Patricia Hilty of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Sr. and Rose Vandevoorde
Memorials: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 6 May 2020
VAPENIK, George Ernest "Dutch", 91, of Pleasanton died Monday, May 11, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family service: Friday at Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 8, 1928, in Hayes County
Parents: Jim and Katherine (Lindauer) Vapenik
Was the youngest of four boys; his mother passed away when George was just 18 months old; his father raised him and his brothers in Hayes County
Attended country school through eighth grade and started farming in 1945 and farmed his entire life
Married: Velda Pegg on Sept. 25, 1949, in Grand Junction, Colo.; had two daughters together
Activities: took pride in his farming; enjoyed fishing, was an avid sports fan; had a passion for baseball, played on sever gown/neighborhood teams; was a St. Louis Cardinals fan; family was very important, especially loved in grandchildren and great-grandchildren; in retirement, spent winters in New Mexico in their fifth-wheel camper, visiting, playing cards or having a casual golf game; member of Pleasanton United Methodist Church and Grainton United Methodist Church
Survivors include his wife, Velda Vapenik of Pleasanton; daughters, Janet (Norman) Metz of Pleasanton and Beverly (Larry) Siegel of Litchfield; brother, Ed (Annabelle) Vapenik of Wauneta; sister-in-law, Ruby Vapenik of Sutherland; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James Vapenik and Les (Alice) Vapenik
Memorials: Pleasanton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2020