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ANDERSON, Patricia Ann, 90, of McMinnville, Oregon, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at Parkland Village Retirement Center in McMinnville
Combined celebration of life services for Patricia and her husband, LaVerne “Andy” Anderson, who died on April 4, 2020, will be Sept. 24, 2020, at Unionvale Countryside Church in Unionville, Oregon
Mortuary: Macy and Son in McMinnville, Oregon
Born: Dec. 3, 1929, in Kearney
Parents: Archibald and Ruth Williams
Graduated from Kearney High School in Kearney, attended Nebraska Methodist Hospital Nursing School in Omaha
Married: Sept. 24, 1950, LaVerne “Andy” Anderson
In June 1963, moved with her husband and three children to McMinnville, Oregon; continued her nursing career at General Hospital, and later worked for various individual doctors before retiring
Activities: was a kind and loving woman of God; dedicated member of Dayton Christian Church and most recently the Unionvale Countryside Church; was a Seattle Mariners fan; loved canning and freezing fruits and vegetables, was an exceptional seamstress and made clothes for every member of the family; played the piano and taught both daughters how to play; enjoyed a good bingo game and playing cards
Survivors include her son, David and daughter-in-law Tiffany of Eugene, Oregon; daughter, Linda Harbin of Banks, Oregon; daughter, Lisa and husband Bruce Henderson of Tygh Valley, Oregon; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by her parents; her only sister, Phyllis, and husband, LaVerne
Memorials: Unionvale Countryside Church or Serenity Hospice in Portland, Oregon
Kearney Hub, 10 August 2020
BARTON, Wilma G., 102, of Ravenna died Thursday, July 30, 2020, of natural causes at her home surrounded by her family
Celebration of life memorial graveside services: Monday at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: June 16, 1918, on her grandfather Julius Seifert Sr.’s farm northwest of Pleasanton
Parents: Frank and Anna (Paulson) Seifert
Was the first-born child, attended elementary schools at Prairie Bell, Sweetwater and Poole; graduated from the 10th grade at Poole and 12th grade from Ravenna with the class of 1937; took normal training and student taught; as a youth, played softball; as a 4-H member, learned to cook, bake and sew with her mother's help
After graduation, worked for a couple in Loup City and stayed with them to take care of their two children, then moved back to Ravenna to work at Omaha Cold Storage (now Henningsen Foods) candling eggs
Married: June 9, 1939, to Willis "Mike" Barton in Ord in an unusual wedding on the stage in the Hugo Show tent; Mike was stage manager for the Hugos and they were on tour for the summer before making their home in Ravenna; were married 43 years before Mike’s passing in 1983
Activities: was baptized and confirmed at the Ravenna United Methodist Church and was a devoted member, helped with Sunday school and vacation Bible school, held various offices of the United Methodist Women, also was the custodian for more than 20 years; charter member of the VFW Auxiliary and was a member for 73 years, held many offices and was district president and a volunteer at the veterans hospital; was a leader in Brownies and Girl Scouts; was a Gray Lady at the Good Samaritan Center for 10 years, with hospice for 15 years, Red Cross Bloodmobile for 25 years, election board for 20 years and a member of the Nifty Uniques Extension Club; also worked for Linden’s Variety Store and Gambles; with Mike, owned the West Hotel for 15 years before their retirement, and were also managers for the IML railroad units
Was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt and friend; was known for her hugs, sweet smile, and caring ways; loved to work in the garden and flower beds, and enjoyed embroidery, quilting, crafting, reading and baking; enjoyed square dancing
Survivors include her daughter, Connie McKeon of Ravenna; grandchildren, Kenny Gascoigne, Brian Gascoigne and Tim McKeon, all of Ravenna, Roger Gascoigne of Weston, Missouri, Greg Gascoigne of Hawaii, Rick McKeon of Gibbon, Dan McKeon of Odessa and Teresa Kay McKeon-Hendrickson of Kearney; 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; daughter, Carolyn Gascoigne; sons-in-law, Leonard "Hop" McKeon and Jerry Gascoigne; her parents; brothers, Erwin Seifert and Leonard Seifert; and sisters, Letha Seery, LaJune Anderson and Darlene Rasmussen
Memorials: VFW Auxiliary or the United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 5 August 2020
BLASCHKO, Kristine Maree, 67, of Kearney died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society-St. John’s Nursing Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Aug. 23, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Neil and Lois (Klinzman) Jensen
Was raised in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School
Married: April 15, 1972, to Albert Blaschko in Kearney; had four children together
Activities: enjoyed cooking and baking especially making cakes; loved spending time with her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Scott (Shannon) Blaschko of Kearney and Mark (Trish) Blaschko of Bennington; daughters, Amy (Aaron) Brooks of Kearney and Lori Bovenzi of Kearney; grandchildren, Andrew and Zack Blaschko, Baron, Breezy and Brynlee Blaschko, Mackenzie and Ethan Behrens, Asher and Everett Brooks and Tyler and Ross Bovenzi; brothers, John (Janet) Nelson of Omaha and Marvin Jensen of Richmond, Indiana; sisters, Jenita Smith of Lincoln and Marsha Jensen of Flagstaff, Arizona; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Albert
Kearney Hub, 11 August 2020
BRIQUET-MOSIG, Laila, 52, of France, and former Kearney, Nebraska, resident, died Thursday, July 9, 2020, in France
Services: July 16, 2020, in France
Born Oct. 31, 1967, to Yozan and Edna Mosig
Survivors include her husband, Christophe; children, Derrick, Darius and Toscane; and sisters, Aileen and Shelia
Kearney Hub, 17 July 2020
BRODERICK, Lisa, 59, of Colorado Springs died March 8, 2020, in Colorado Springs
Service: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Return to Nature Cremation in Colorado Springs
Born: Sept. 3, 1960, in Kearney
Parents: Beth and Charles Shields
Married: Patrick Broderick in 1988, divorced in 1994
Survivors include her daughters, Abigail Broderick of Colorado Springs, and Megan Broderick of Florida; and sisters, Debbie Shields and Susan Miller, both of Lincoln
Kearney Hub, 10 August 2020
BROWN, Dennis Dean, 72, of Kearney died Friday, July 10, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: later
Born: March 17, 1948, in Lexington
Parents: Albert and Gladys (Molthan) Brown
Survivors include his partner, Sharie Brown of Kearney; children, Kurt and Stephanie Stones of Kearney, Audra Brown of Kearney and Aaron and Holly Brown of Overton; siblings, Jr. and Judy Brown, Sandy and Ron Edson, Donnie and Linda Brown, Kathy Brown Vasquez; and six grandchildren. Kearney Hub, 14 July 2020
CERVANTES, Victor Luis, 81, of Kearney died Friday, June 5, 2020, at his home
Celebration of life service: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 11, 1938, in Kennedy, Texas
Parents: Felix and Juanita Cervantes
Grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas; quit school in the eighth grade to help support the family; left home at age 17, home with friends on their motorcycles, visited all of the lower 48 states, worked various jobs on the way; motorcycle journey ended in Wisconsin, where he met and married Marion Dunn in 1959
After marriage, moved Kearney a few years later to help support his family, which had settled in Kearney and his parents were unable to speak English; worked 22 years at Rockwell International until it closed; later worked at UNK for 10 years as a custodian, retired in 2000
Activities: always had a smile for everyone around him; enjoyed softball and bowling, was an avid Lopers fan, and served as a trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles; member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department from March 1979 to October 1988
Survivors include his longtime companion, Vicki Wiseman of Kearney; two daughters, Nancy Beebee of Kearney and Dolly Cervantes of Tacoma, Washington; two sons, Charlie Cervantes of Lordia, Florida, and Michael Cervantes of Lincoln; two sisters, Theresa Eaton of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Mary Hernandez of Kearney; a brother, Eddie Cervantes of Kearney; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members
Was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Victor Cervantes Jr.; and two brothers, Felix Cervantes Jr. and Joe Cervantes
Memorials: Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 16 September 2020
CHRAMOSTA, James Frank, 91, of Gibbon died Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at his home
Service: Friday July 17, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery near Ravenna
Mortuary: Apfel
Born: Feb. 15, 1929, in rural Buffalo County
Parents: James C. and Mary (Schuller) Chramosta
Grew up on the family farm, attended and received his education at District 27 School; graduated from Gibbon High School, 1946
Military: U.S. Army on Feb. 14, 1951 - Feb. 14, 1963; served during the Korean War
Married: Shirley Matejka on July 11, 1951, at St. Mary’s Church in Ravenna
After discharge from the Army, lived on the family farm, was self-employed raising corn, beans and livestock
Activities: member of St. Wenceslaus Church and then Sacred Heart Church in Shelton; was on the board of trustees for both churches for many years, on the District 39 School Board, and president of the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery Board; received a 50-year recognition for service to the church; was recognized, 2016, with the Aksarben Nebraska Pioneer Family Farm Award for farms in the family for 100 years or more; enjoyed attending the Gibbon alumni banquet every year, and also enjoyed dancing waltzes and polkas, playing cards and casino bus trips; went on an Alaskan cruise, traveled to New York for the birth of a great-grandson and visited Hoover Dam; enjoyed time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; was known as “Grandpa” the hayrack ride tractor driver around the Chramosta Pumpkin Patch
Survivors include: his wife of 69 years, Shirley Chramosta of Gibbon; sons, Robert (Gayle) Chramosta of Kearney, Ronald (Shannon) Chramosta of Gibbon, Jerry (Shirley) Chramosta of Kearney, Allen (Julie) Chramosta of Gibbon and Steven (Janice) Chramosta of Lincoln; daughters, Jeanette (Mel) Morton of Omaha, Donna (Jim) Garretson of Smith Center, Kansas, and Karen (Dave) Zimmer of Gibbon; 21 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Ryan of Omaha; brother-in-law, Joe (Merna) Matejka of Ravenna; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Richard Ryan
Kearney Hub, 18 July 2020
CLAUSSEN, Lela M. (Cornelius), 85, of Kearney died Monday, July 20, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society St. John’s Home in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday, August 3, 2020 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: June 20, 1935, in Kearney
Parents: Carl J. and Anna (Crow) Cornelius Sr.
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Longfellow High School in 1953; attended the University of Wyoming and University of Nebraska Medical Center earning her degree in nursing
Married: Joseph Williams Feb. 8, 1951, in Kearney
Married: Dwayne Claussen June 3, 1960, in Laramie, Wyoming
Was a registered nurse, certified public health nurse and was a director of nursing and program administrator at numerous locations around the country; board member for Kearney Center for Nursing and for Modoc County Schools in California
Activities: active member of the Kearney First Baptist Church, Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution; loved to play piano, quilt, read and listen to late-night radio
Survivors include her sons, Hart (Jayne) Williams of Eugene, Oregon, John (Lilies) Claussen of Grand Lodge, Michigan, and Jay (Debra) Claussen of Omaha; daughters, LeAnn Reed of Atascadero, California, and Sarah (Eric) Drum of Middletown, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Howard Roberts Jr. of Omaha; sister-in-law, Rose Cornelius of Sidney; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers and one sister
Memorials: Salvation Army or First Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 29 July 2020
CONN, Faye (Lewis), of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Lake of the Ozarks and Columbia, Missouri, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020 while living with her daughter
Arrangements are pending with Hedges-Scott Funeral Home of Osage Beach, Missouri
Born: in Falcon, Missouri in 1925
Parents: Opal and Chester Lewis
Graduated from Lebanon High School in 1941
Married: Oliver Conn Jr. in 1943
Made loving homes for her family in multiple states and the Philippine Islands while her husband was career Air Force; moved to Lake of the Ozarks in 1966
Activities: long-time member of Harper Chapel United Methodist Church; cherished every moment with her family; enjoyed fishing at Lake of the Ozarks and St. Louis Cardinals baseball
Survivors include: daughter Vicki Conn; daughter-in-law Kathy Conn; grandchildren Paul Nielsen and wife Jessica, Conn Nielsen, and Afton Conn; and great-granddaughters Lily and Ella Nielsen
Was preceded in death by her husband in 2016 and son Rick in 2014
Kearney Hub, 22 July 2020
CORNELL, Ruth A., 92, of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney
Celebration of life: Aug. 25 at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, Illinois
Mortuaries: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege, Nebraska, and Conley in Elburn, Illinois
Private burial of cremains
Born: May 26, 1928, at Davenport, Iowa
Parents: Alfred and Gertrude (Merritt) Tosten
Received her primary education from Decorah Public Schools in Decorah, Iowa, and then graduated as valedictorian of her class from Waukon High School in Waukon, Iowa; attended Bible college for two years in Des Moines, Iowa
Moved to Omaha, worked as a secretary; then was employed by Pacific Garden Missions in Chicago, was a missionary in the Chicago metro area, went into neighborhoods to speak to families about their children attending Sunday school; later moved to Geneva, Illinois, worked as the secretary for the Geneva Junior High School
Married: David F. Cornell on Aug. 18, 1962, in Geneva; had two children together
After marriage, lived in several states to be near family, then settled in St. Charles, Illinois; worked as an executive secretary for Ball Seed Co. and then accepted a position with St. Charles State Bank; was employed at the bank for many years, worked her way up to the position of executive secretary to the vice-president of the bank; in later years, moved to Nebraska to be near their son, Rodney; resided in Minden, where they enjoyed their church fellowship with the local congregation of Global Missions; after her husbands death in 2003, remained in Minden, then moved to Homestead Assisted Living in 2014; moved to Mother Hull in Kearney due to health issues in August 2016
Activities: enjoyed knitting, crocheting and reading, and always was curious about what was going on with her families’ lives, especially her grandchildren; following God’s will in her life was her passion; spent countless hours of prayers for others; also enjoyed traveling to attend church camps around the country and Canada
Survivors include her two children, Sandy Wood and her husband, Bob, of Kingston, Illinois, and Rodney Cornell and his wife, Joyce, of Elm Creek; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Wood, Jonthon Wood, Jessica Wood, James Wood and his wife, Kim, Joshua Wood, Jerilyn Kliewer and her husband, Tim, and Claire Cornell; one great-grandson, Easton Wood, with one more great-grandchild on the way; two sisters, Jeanette Green of Crown Point, Indiana, and LaVonne Masters and her husband, Ron, of Rapid City, South Dakota; three brothers, Norman Tosten and his wife, Cleo, of Des Moines, Iowa, Nathan Tosten and his wife, Neta, of Ames, Iowa, and David Tosten and his wife, Vicki of Brookshire, Texas; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Cornell of Newburg, Oregon, and Ron Sanders of St. Charles, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her her parents, her husband, sister, Vivian Naber and her husband, Gerald; sisters-in-law, Faith Wilkerson and her husband, Bert, and Martha Sanders; and brothers-in-law, Gilbert Cornell and his wife, Lonnie, Jerry Cornell and his wife, Cindy, and Ted Cornell and his wife, Bea
Memorials: Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 13 July 2020
DEIST, Marvin Gerald, 83, of Henderson, Nevada, formerly of Kearney and Hastings, Neb., died Friday, May 15, 2020, in Conyers, Georgia
Memorial service: Friday, June 4, 2021, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: 21 Jan 1937, Ogallala, Nebraska
Parents: Bernard J. and Martha G. (Wilson) Deist
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1956; attended Kearney State College, earned a bachelor's degree in science education
Taught school for 31 years in Nebraska and nine years in Nevada
Married: Myrtle Crowell, August 20, 1961 in Kearney
Survivors include: his daughter Elaine Marthe' (Deist) Milteer and son-in-law Byron Louis Milteer of Conyers, Georgia; grandson Joshua Louis Milteer; granddaughter Georgia Aleece Milteer; grandson Elijah Noah Milteer; brother Jim Deist and sister-in-law Laura Deist of Rawlins, Wyoming; sister Beverly Nelson of Estes Park, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife Myrtle Amy Deist; son David Allen Deist and infant son Daniel Lee Deist; brother-in-law Jon Nelson; and his parents, Bernard and Martha Deist
Memorials: Mosaic at Axtell
Kearney Hub, 2 June 2021
DORN, Penny, 75, of Kensington, Kansas, died Friday, July 10, 2020, at the Park View Care Home in Osborne, Kansas
Memorial service: July 25 at the Chapel of the Lake at Johnson Lake, Neb.
Born: June, 24, 1945, in Minden, Neb.
Parents: Dale and Pauline (Bales) Christensen
Attended school in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1963
Married: Merle Dorn, on June 3, 1995
Activities: had a passion for quilting and created many quilts for her loved ones; also enjoyed gardening, canning and genealogy; will be remembered for her perfect dill pickles and tomato juice
Survivors include her husband, Merle; four children, Tim, Debra, Chad and Joyce; sister, Sue Heller; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Kay
Kearney Hub, 16 July 2020
GAUNT, Ramona Doris, 91, of Kearney died Friday, July 10, 2020, at CountryHouse Residence in Kearney
Service: Thursday July 16, Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: November 28, 1928 on a farm near Ragan, Nebraska
Parents: Conrad and Greta (Brown) Uhrich
Was raised in the same two-story farmhouse that her grandparents lived in, and continually held onto two sections of the property her father farmed in Harlan and Franklin Counties; attended Ragan High School during World War II and graduated in 1946
Moved to Denver, in her words, “to seek her fame and fortune.”
Married: Arnold Riley Gaunt, April 26, 1947 in Golden, Colorado; were married for over 68 years when Arnie died
Lived in Aurora, Colorado, Menlo Park, California, and Kearney, Nebraska; enjoyed traveling around the world together
Activities: was received into God’s family of faith through the sacrament of holy baptism at 1st Methodist Church in Ragan in 1936; confirmed her Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney on November 20, 2011; continued to be faithful members; was avid bridge player and an excellent golfer; lived a full life of service and philanthropy as an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, an organization in California called the Atherlons, and Sharon Heights Country Club in Menlo Park
Survivors include her son, Rev. Doug Gaunt and his wife Carol of Kearney, and three grandsons: Rev. Micah Gaunt and his wife Dawn of Hastings; Dr. Nathaniel Gaunt and his wife Liz of Kearney: and Jesse Gaunt of St. Peters, MO; and twelve great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many friends
Was preceded in death by her husband Arnold Gaunt; sister, Larene Secrist, and brother, Dale Uhrich
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church or Heartland Lutheran High School
Kearney Hub, 14 July 2020 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
GIBBONS, Alan Jay, 82, of Cedar Lake in Hinton, Oklahoma, and a former Kearney, Neb., resident, died Monday, June 29, 2020
Celebration of life memorial service: Saturday, July 11, at Santa Fe Presbyterian Church in Edmond, Okla.
Burial: July 17 at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: OK Cremation and Funeral Home in Oklahoma City
Born: Aug. 26, 1937, in Kearney
Parents: Thomas and Marie Gibbons
Was baptized at First Christian Church in Kearney on Jan. 26, 1947; graduated from Kearney High School in 1955
Military: U.S. Army, was stationed at Fort Sill
Married: Shirley Ann Calvert of Pauls Valley on May 24, 1958
Later moved to Sacramento, Calif.
Played the violin, and learned to play every string instrument; had a great love for the Lord while being a preacher of God’s word; was a natural salesman, could tinker and fix just about anything; had a love for broadcasting, sales and investments, which is what he did for many years while living in Cheyenne, Wyo.; lived in Edmond, Oklahoma for several years, then retired to Cedar Lake in Hinton; enjoyed HAM (amateur) radio; loved to buy, fix up, race and sell hot rods and motorcycles; always enjoyed showing off his newest “toy” and involving others in the hope they would enjoy them as well
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his only child, Karen Ann Corey and husband Charles of Edmond; four grandchildren, Starla Ann Williams and husband Sammy, Lance Morris Stephens and wife Phoenix, Jennie Renee Dugas and husband Jeremy, and Brent Michael Corey and wife Jennifer; 10 great-grandchildren; many cherished cousins and family, as well as friends who became like family
Was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Don Glaze and Keith Glaze; and one sister, Ardeth Gibbons Wait
Kearney Hub, 9 July 2020
GIBBONS, Shirley Ann, 79, of Cedar Lake in Hinton, Oklahoma, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020
Celebration of life memorial service: Sept. 12 at The Cedar Lake Chapel at Hinton, Oklahoma
Burial: Aug. 28, at Kearney (Nebraska) Cemetery
Mortuary: OK Cremation and Funeral Home in Oklahoma City
Born: March 10, 1941, in Houston
Parents: Raymond and Irene Calvert
Met her future husband, Alan Gibbons of Kearney while he was serving in the Army at Fort Sill at Wayne’s Drive Inn (still open today) in Lawton, Oklahoma
Married (eloped): May 24, 1958
Later moved to Sacramento, California; then moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and started her career as an artist; her recognition as a nationally known artist and educator grew after moving to Edmond, Oklahoma; became well-known in the art world as “The Rose Lady;“ her paintings, “Flag of Glory, Rose of Peace,” was inspired by the 9/11 tragedy at the Pentagon
Survivors include her daughter, Karen Ann Corey and husband Charles of Edmond, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Starla Ann Williams and husband Sammy, Lance Morris Stephens and wife Phoenix, Jennie Renee Dugas and husband Jeremy, Brent Michael Corey and wife Jennifer; brother, Larry Ray Calvert and wife Marge of Guthrie, Oklahoma; brother, Richard Duane Calvert and wife Marianne of Kansas City, Missouri; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished family and many friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Jay Gibbons on June 29, 2020, and her parents
Kearney Hub, 25 August 2020
GLATTER, Sister Ann Vincent, 91, a Sister of St. Joseph for 72 years, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Kansas
The Mass of Christian burial: Tuesday, Aug. 11, in the Motherhouse Chapel
Burial: Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery
Mortuary: Chaput-Buoy n Concordia
Born: at Amherst, Nebraska, on March 28, 1929
Parents: Vincent and Anna Franke Glatter
Was the fifth of seven children, was baptized Mary Alice
Entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, Kansas, on Feb. 2, 1948; received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph on Aug. 15, 1948, and was given the name Sister Ann Vincent, later changed to Sister Ann; pronounced first vows on Aug. 15, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1953
Served the community as gardener at the Motherhouse for 60 years; also refinished chairs and chapel pews and worked in ceramics; was recognized in October 1996 by the Concordia Area Chamber of Commerce for her lifetime of volunteer service to the community; in 2000 was honored by the American Red Cross for donating blood 126 times; was described as a “legend” in Concordia whom people knew and expected to turn up wherever there was action or a need for help
Was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters
Memorials: Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters, Concordia, Kansas
Kearney Hub, 12 August 2020
HINES, Christopher “Chris” S., 43, of Kearney, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in rural Kearney County
Memorial gathering: Saturday at the Lucky Duck in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 14, 1977, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Parents: Mark and Susan (Gillis) Hines
Survivors include his children, Braxton, Kadin, Kyra, Jaxson, Michael, Abigail, Zowie, Jalyn and Aiden; and mother, Susan Ford of Virginia
Kearney Hub, 14 August 2020
HORN, Clifton G. “Clif”, 72, of Gibbon, formerly of Lexington, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Celebration of Life graveside service: Thursday, August 20, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Lexington; military honors
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Visitation: Lexington Evangelical Free Church
Born:April 25, 1948, at Lexington
Parents: Gerald “Jack” and Velma (Garringer) Horn
Married: Aug. 30, 1969, to Karen Kay Westbrook at the Baptist church in Lexington
Survivors include his wife, Karen Horn of Gibbon; children, Jeramy Horn of Kearney, Josh Horn of Lincoln and Julie Gillming of Gibbon; sisters, Eunice Shepherd of North Platte and Wanda Howell of Cozad; brothers, Glenn Horn of Lexington and Gary Horn of Elwood; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 17 August 2020
KELLEY, David L., 75, of Papillion died Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Celebration of life service: Monday, Aug. 10, at New Life Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler in Omaha
Born: June, 25, 1945, in Centralia, Illinois
Grew up in Ravenna and later Kearney
Married: Rochelle “Rocky” Billings; celebrated 55 years of marriage last month
Was an electrical contractor, owned Kelly Electric in Kearney with Rocky for 35 years, having acquired it from his father, who started the business in 1950; together built it to be a highly respected company in the region
Activities: was respected and loved by his family and friends; was known as a cancer survivor, bandmate, baseball coach, teacher, mentor and friend; enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren do the things that they loved; was a lifelong drummer and played in a variety of bands from rock ‘n’ roll to praise and worship; was also a talented artist working with several media, including oil painting, airbrush, leather tooling, woodworking, drawing and photography; enjoyed his personal car collection, was most proud of his 1964 Corvette Stingray, “Ghost,” and the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air he restored with his sons; in the late 1980s, was co-founder of Kearney’s Cruise Nite
Dave’s identity and focus changed in 1980 when he committed his life to following Jesus Christ, which positively impacted all those around him, including his family and business, poured himself into studying the Word of God and preparing for the forthcoming meeting with his Savior
Survivors include his wife, Rocky; his sons, Pat (Jenny) and Brian (Andrea); grandchildren, Sean, Lindsey and Jackson; his siblings, Connie Gappa, Bob (Gladys) Kelly, Ruth Ann Young, Mike (Lisa) Carter, Bill (Lois) Carter, Mary Kaye (Stephen) Swinford and Phil (Karen) Carter; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Leona Kelly and Harold Carter; and his brother, Jackie Carter
Memorials: Madonna Foundation in Omaha
Kearney Hub, 5 August 2020
KING, Betty S., 97, of Kearney died Monday, July 6, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society St. John’s in Kearney
Cremation was chosen
Private memorial service: Wed. Aug. 12, First Lutheran Church, Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 7, 1923, in Kearney
Parents: Charles and Anna (Schramm) Sitz
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1940; received a B.S. degree from Nebraska Wesleyan in 1944; was proud of being a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority for over 50 years
Married: Keith King on Aug. 3, 1946 in Kearney
Activities: especially enjoyed bridge and reading; was actively involved in community activities including the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, was an Envoy for many years; with husband, received the "Friend of Kearney in 1996; member of First Lutheran Church of Kearney and supported numerous charitable services and organizations in the Kearney community including the Kearney Goodfellows, Habitat for Humanity and the Kearney Area Community Foundation
Survivors include: her five children, Kent King of Kearney, Dr. Denise L. Capek and her husband David of Lincoln, Douglas King and his wife Rhonda of Kearney, Kerry Broz and her husband Robert of Bullhead City, Ariz. and James King and his wife Branda of Kearney; grandchildren, Laura King Homan, Karel Capek, Haley Capek Peters, Morgan Capek, Owen King, Mercedes King Powell, Rebecca King Lush, Kristina King Singleterry, Regan Broz and Hunter King; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a large contingent of friends new and old
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith A. King; and sister, Marjorie King
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter or First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 11 July and 10 August 2020
KINNAMAN, Helen E., 96, of Kearney, formerly of Amherst, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 19, 1924, north of Amherst
Parents: Joseph and Mary Axmann
Had always lived in or near Amherst
Married: Carroll Dean Kinnaman of Holdrege in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 19, 1943
With Carroll, operated the Kinnaman Confectionery hangout for after school and ball games for youngsters for more than 10 years; was school secretary for 10 years; became postmaster at Amherst in April 1979; retired in October 1992
Activities: volunteered at the Good Samaritan Hospital gift shop, life member of the Miller American Legion Auxiliary; member of the Buffalo County Historical Society
Survivors include her sons, Carroll Dean Kinnaman Jr. of Bloomington, Illinois, and Chuck (Julie) Kinnaman of Kearney; daughters, Carolyn (John) Schroll of Grand Island and Constance (Jerry) Ryan of Plano, Texas.; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carroll in 1987; daughter-in-law, Karen Kinnaman; brothers, Willie, Walter, Joe and Carl; sister, Anna Supanchick; half-brother, Raymond Axmann; half-sisters, Pauline Mays and Martha Richards; and a stepgrandson, Gregory Ryan
Memorials: St. John’s Catholic Church of Amherst, the Amherst Fire Department or the Buffalo County Historical Society
Kearney Hub, 10 August 2020
LAURSEN, Barbara Ann, 84, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at her home
Memorial service: Aug. 15 at Family of Christ Lutheran Church on the south lawn
Inurnment: Spring Creek Cemetery in rural Ruskin
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 7, 1935, in Tulare, California
Parents: Fredrick Earl and Anna (Spindt) Whiteside
Was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin; graduated from Waupaca High School with the class of 1953; received a two-year teacher’s certificate from Dana College in Blair in 1956
Married: July 28, 1956, to Harold Laursen at Atonement Lutheran Church in Chicago; took her place as a pastor’s wife as a call from God and worked closely with her husband through the years of their ministry
Taught K-1 grades at Kennard and third grade in Sidney, Montana; worked as a teacher’s aide/secretary for 23 years in areas where her husband ministered, served on various committees of the Women of the ELCA and in the Nebraska Synod and Regional committees; in June 1995 was certified as a parish ministry associate in the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA; after her husband's retirement, served as interim parish ministry associate at Bethany Lutheran in Ruskin, Faith Lutheran in Oberlin, Kansas, and Our Saviors in McCook; from 1998 to 2001, administrated the Parish Ministry Associate program for the Nebraska Synod; with her husband served interims together in several congregations in Nebraska; was a loving wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma and loved her family very much
Survivors include her children, Kathryn (Craig) Fulwider, Elizabeth (Jon) Laursen-Roesler, and James (Rischa) Laursen; grandchildren, Megan (Justin) Alvis, Nick (Holley) Laursen, Marco Laursen, Matthew Laursen, Jeremiah Laursen, Julian (Liese) Laursen, Maria Roesler, Davina James, Tiana (Robert) Brown and Erica (Darrell) Yelder; great-grandchildren, Lily and Olivia Alvis, Roudmaline and Roudly Roesler-Lundy, Robert Jr. and Brysen Davis, and Ellia Yelder; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Kaldahl; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Harold; sister, Ellen Crum; brother-in-law, Vernon Kaldahl; beloved godmother, Eva Holst; and nephew, Gary Crum
Memorials: Family of Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund or Oaks Indian Center
Kearney Hub, 6 August 2020
LAWSON, Aaron L., 46, of Kearney died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 9, 1973, in Kearney
Parents: Roy Lawson Sr. and Sandy Harker Reese
Spent some time in Ord, but lived the majority of his life in the Kearney area
Attended elementary and high school in Kearney; often tinkered with small appliances and bicycles
Married: Julie Graham Hendrickson on May 26, 2010, in Kearney and welcomed her three children as family
Activities: enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren; was a great cook and loved to grill for any occasion; loved his Hot Wheels collection and was a gifted mechanic
Survivors include his wife, Julie Lawson of Kearney; three stepchildren, Natasha Graham, Nicole Hendrickson and Steven Estelle, all of Kearney; parents, Roy Lawson Sr. and Sandy Reese, both of Kearney; brother, Roy Lawson Jr. of Kearney; sister, Jackie Lawson of Kearney; and many other nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents
Kearney Hub, 5 August 2020
LEONARD, Sandra Sue, 79, of Kearney died from pancreatic cancer on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, at her home
Service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born: Sept. 4, 1940, in Jamestown, Kansas
Parents: Charles and Velma (Jamison) Garst
Was raised and attended school in Mankato, Kansas
Married: Harry Rosco Leonard Jr. on July 27, 1957
Raised their family on the road moving across the Midwest as Jr. worked construction, making each place a perfect home; later settled and reside in Kearney, worked at Baldwin Filters and later at West Co.
Activities: enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and crafts; looked forward to casino bus trips with her husband and friends; most of all, enjoyed spending time and cooking for her family; gave each grandchild a handmade blanket; fought long and she fought hard against the cancer and exceeded her expectations first given in May 2019
Survivors include her husband, Harry Leonard Jr. of Kearney; daughter, Cynthia (Mike) Beaver of Gibbon; grandchildren, Amber Wright, Ashley Turner, Mark Kniffen, Logan Stump and Dylan Kniffen; brothers, James (Letha) Garst of Mankato and Paul (Darlene) Garst of Mankato; sister, Shirley Hancode of Englewood, Colorado; brother-in-law, Ron (Sheri) Leonard of Kearney; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; son, Wade Leonard; grandson, Tony Turner; brothers, Virgil, Verle, Guy Neal, Darrel, Charles and Delmer; and brother-in-law, Henry Leonard
Memorials: Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings or to Concrete Cares
Kearney Hub, 5 August 2020
LUECK, Karen Kay, 78, of Kearney died Thursday, July 16, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family
Graveside service: Monday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 13, 1942, in Sutherland
Parents: James and Mable (Cotten) Marrs
Grew up in Sutherland, graduated from Sutherland High School in 1960
Lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for a short time, then moved to Kearney to attend college
Married: Jerome (Jerry) Samuel Rash, Jr. on Jan. 4, 1963; had two sons together
Married: William (Bill) Henry Lueck on Nov. 26, 1975; Bill passed away on Aug. 10, 2010, in Kearney from leukemia
Had a long and loved career with Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska, began working as a program secretary, was promoted to finance director and then was promoted to executive director/CEO in April 1999; also held various state, regional and national positions; also helped to create “Beads in a Box,” a jewelry business that acted as an additional fundraising resource for the non-profit organization; retired in May 2014
Activities: loved spending time with her dogs; enjoyed beading and other crafts; also began “snow birding” to Arizona, spending winters in Bullhead City, Arizona, starting in 2014
Survivors include sons, Jerry (Jeanne) Rash of Kearney and Kevin (Ginger) Rash of Springfield, Missouri; granddaughter and great-granddaughters, Stephanie (Ryan), Mya, and Ava Wetovick of Broken Bow; granddaughter, Megan Rash of Elkhorn; grandson, Andrew Rash of Kansas City, Missouri; and grandson, Benjamin Rash and granddaughter, Natalie Rash, both of Springfield, Missouri
Was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mable, and her husband, Bill
Memorials: Hearts United for Animals or to AseraCare Hospice of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 17 July 2020
LUTH, Rosette Carolyn, 92, of Ravenna died Thursday, July 9, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Graveside service: Monday at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Sept. 24, 1927, in rural Buffalo County near Sweetwater
Parents: Herbert Otto William and Ella Ann (Heerman) Zinnel
Was baptized Oct. 13, 1927, by the Rev. Daeknke at Trininty Lutheran Church north of Sweetwater; was confirmed by the Rev. Kebschull at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna.; elementary education was at District 21 Buffalo County, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1944
Married: John “Johnnie” H. Luth on Dec. 5, 1944; had six children together, a step-mother to one of her nieces, Peggy (Pritchard) Dobish after Peggy lost her parents
After marriage, lived in the Ravenna area as a farm wife, 1944-1968; moved into Ravenna, worked as a checkout clerk at the Ravenna Safeway store Doug’s Super from 1982 to 1996; was an officer of Lutheran Brotherhood, Trico Branch 8291 and served on the Ravenna Senior Center Board for several years
Survivors include her children, Richard and Linda Luth of Omaha, Melba and Chuck Stafford of Gibbon, Pete and Cindy Luth of Lincoln, Bryce and Vickie Luth of Ravenna, Celia Luth of Ravenna and Peggy Dobish of Kearney; sister, Norma (Bill) Vocke; brothers, Bill Zinnel and Art Zinnel; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; infant son, Dennis; parents; sister, Elaine Pritchard; and brothers, Eldon and Marvin Zinnel
Kearney Hub, 11 July 2020
MAY, Mitchell K. “Mitch”, 50, of Aurora, Colorado, died peacefully Tuesday, July 14, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer
Private memorial service, Friday, July 17 at Horan and McConaty in Aurora
Celebration of life: Aug. 7 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Nebraska
Mortuaries: Horan McConaty in Aurora, Colorado, and Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Born: Feb. 9, 1970, in Kearney
Parents: Maurice K. and Frances E. (Johnson) May
Attended Kearney High Schoo, excelled in academics and sports and was inducted into the KHS Hall of Fame for his individual and team accomplishments in tennis; played four years of Division I baseball for the Wyoming Cowboys, graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1993 with a bachelor of pharmacy degree with honors
Worked for several chain and managed care pharmacies as a staff pharmacist and in various supervisory positions; cared deeply for his patients and was well liked by colleagues and peers; was blessed to have made many lifelong friends throughout the course of his career
Married: Sondra, in June 1994
Moved to Colorado in 1997
Activities: was dedicated to God and his family, friends and community; always put his family first, was a faithful servant in church, and was dedicated to coaching and mentoring youth; loved baseball, playing tennis and golf, fly fishing and cycling
Survivors include his loving wife, Sondra; his children, Collin and Avery, all of Aurora, Colorado; sister, Christine (Rick) Johnson of Kearney; nephew, Tyler Horner of Augusta, Georgia; sister-in-law, Paige (Matthew) Rivard, niece Jordan and nephew Jacob, all of Bennington; stepmother, Jeanne May of Kearney; and mothers-in-law, Sally Gibson of Omaha and Pearl Shank of Pratt, Kansas
Was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Frank E. and Marguerite E. Johnson; and paternal grandparents, Maurice F. and May M. May
Memorials: a fund to honor his love of baseball
Kearney Hub, 25 July 2020
MAYFIELD, Wilma Jean, 90, of Shelton died Monday, July 6, 2020, at her home
Private family graveside service: Shelton Cemetery
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born: Jan. 6, 1930, in Shelton
Parents: Charles and Madeline (Coon) Riley
Attended Shelton High School, graduated in 1947
Started teaching right out of high school and earned her teaching certificate during the summers; taught in Districts 8, 10, 18 and 22
Married: Aug. 16, 1950, to Richard Mayfield at Shelton United Methodist Church
After marriage, lived in Shelton, then moved to a farm; retired from farmin in 1995, and moved into Shelton
Activities: member of the Shelton United Methodist Church, was active with the junior choir, women’s circle and funeral lunch committee, American Legion Auxiliary and Eastern Star; enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and Mexico with close friends; enjoyed gardening, crocheting, fishing at Johnson Lake, attending car races and watching Husker football; most of all enjoyed spending time with her family
Survivors include her husband, Richard of Shelton; sons, Riley (Jennifer) Mayfield of Shelton and Randy (Shelley) Mayfield of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jack
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church and the Shelton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 9 July 2020
MENDEZ, Rachel G., 87, of Kearney, formerly of Wood River, died Sunday, July 12, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral: Friday, July 17, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: August 17, 1932, in Grand Island
Parents: Francisco Guerrero and Ernestina Cantu
Grew up in Grand Island; received her education through the 8th grade at Stolley Park Elementary
Married: Vincent M. Mendez on August 17, 1949, in Grand Island
Lived in Grand Island and other towns, settled in Wood River
Worked hard to help support her family in the potato and beet fields, in an onion plant, at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant during the Vietnam War, and at the Good Samaritan Society in Wood River
Activities: attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River; enjoyed cooking for her family, playing games with her neighbors, gardening and embroidery; in her younger days, liked to bowl, play softball and dance
Survivors include: her husband, Vincent M. Mendez, her sons Vincent Mendez Jr. and Robert Mendez, and her daughter Olivia Molina; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents Francisco Guerrero and Ernestina Cantu, her brothers John and Marion Guerrero, her sisters Gabina Mendez, Flora Roman and Frances Salinas, her granddaughter Serita Gamez and her great granddaughter Lauryn Poff
Memorials: Concrete Cares of Nebraska and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 14 July 2020 and apfelfuneralhome.com
MICHELS, Mercedes Jean, 91, of Kearney died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, at her home
Graveside service: Saturday, Aug 15, at the Curtis Cemetery in Curtis
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Dec. 12, 1928, in Curtis
Parents: Oscar and Lela Westfall
Excelled in music, played the French horn in the high school band, and the drums in the military band; became band captain, which gave her the joy of conducting on occasion; was thrilled to be part of the National Honor Band
Married: Aug. 15, 1953, to Thomas Michels in Curtis
After marriage, lived in Lincoln for a few years, worked as a secretary and played horn in the Lincoln Symphony; moved to Kearney, played in the City Band
Activities: enjoyed working the voting booths and donating blood to the Red Cross; during the war, volunteered at the North Platte Canteen; was her family’s prayer warrior, emotional defender and uplifter, nurturer, teacher and celebrator
Survivors include her three children, Alan (Margaret) Michels of Payson, Arizona, Helen (Paul) Lange and Kelly (William) Schellhase, both of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother, Alan Westfall
Memorials: Kearney Homeless Shelter or the Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 15 August 2020
MICHELS, Thomas Owens, 95, of Kearney died Sunday, July 26, 2020, at his home
Graveside service: Wed. July 29, at Curtis Cemetery in Curtis
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Dec. 29, 1924, in Chicago
Parents: Thomas and Gertrude (Lennig) Michels
Was a focused and driven man; graduated from high school early and went on to graduate from engineering school
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, served as a bomb site specialist during World War II
After the war, went to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, on the GI Bill; moved to Lincoln to obtain yet another degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Worked as an environmental engineer for the state of Nebraska, and also worked as a civil and electrical engineer in earlier years
Married: Aug. 15, 1953, to Mercedes Westfall in Curtis
Activities: was gifted with a high aptitude in mathematics and engineering; loved to learn and exercised his mind regularly; served the American Red Cross, United Way, American Public Works Association and National Society of Professional Engineers; had a great ear for music, was a talented clarinet player, and played several other instruments; played piano by ear, writing down the chord he heard in his head, then letting his fingers fly; played at the local hospitals and nursing homes
Survivors include his wife, Mercedes Michels of Kearney; two daughters, Helen (Paul) Lange and Kelly (William) Schellhase, both of Kearney; son, Alan (Margaret) Michels of Payson, Arizona; a brother, John Michels of West Union, West Virginia; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and both sisters, Marjorie Urban and Dorothy Cheesman
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 29 July 2020
MILLIKAN, Esperanza “Hope” B., 94, of Kearney died Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center in Kearney
Graveside service: Monday at the Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 12, 1925, in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines
Parents: Manuel and Juana (Balatayo) Belderol
Married: Nov. 22, 1977, Robert Millikan
Survivors include: her husband, Robert Millikan of Ravenna; two stepdaughters, Joan Morris of Lexington and Ann Payne of Ravenna; four stepgrandchildren; and numerous stepgreat- and stepgreat-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 July 2020
MILLIKAN, Robert Elmer, 96, of Ravenna died Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Funeral service: Tuesday at the Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Tuesday, July 8, 1924, in Hawarden, Sioux County, Iowa, in a house built by his father
Parents: Lloyd and Vivian (Cooper) Millikan
Had five younger brothers and sisters; the family raised much of their own food with a garden, fruit and nut trees, a dairy cow and hogs, even rented vacant lots in town by trading produce so they could grow sweet corn and potatoes to sell; attended Hawarden Public Schools; as a teenager, developed an interest in auto racing, was a driver, mechanic and spectator at various stages in his life in sprint, stock, Indy and drag racing; in 1951 was in a racing accident in Norton, Kansas, breaking his neck and nearly severing an ear; was injured in a construction accident that caused him to be classified 4F, so he could not be in the military; instead, worked with his father, driving a truck in the building of military bases in South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma. That career brought him to Kearney
Married: 1946, to Dorothy Elsie Hinkle
After marriage, lived briefly on a farm south of Poole
Hired on with Peter Kiewit Construction and sailed to Guam on the hospital ship, Hope; unloaded cement and Russian lumber for buildings at Anderson North Field, Northwest Field and Harmon Field of the 20th Air Division
Moved to Lexington, worked for Shorty Wilcox drilling wells; built two houses out of a P.O.W. barracks building from Atlanta; also worked for Platte Valley Buick under Loton Todd and Sam Chandler, later ran a Conoco Service Station, and worked for R.E.A by building houses on the side (nine total in Lexington) and his business building
Married: 1977, Esperanza Belderol in the Philippines
Owned Bomil Truck and Auto in Lexington and Truck Parts in Kearney; did a lot of business in muscle cars; rebuilt and restored wrecks and “strippers;” sold Bomil, moved to Kearney in 1979 and built Truck Parts, which he later also sold to the Herrington family; lived briefly in Imperial Beach, California, then returned to Kearney
The most important event in Bob’s life was his decision to accept Christ as his personal savior; along with his granddaughter, Regan, was baptized in a joint ceremony at Immanuel Baptist Church; later attended 56th Street Baptist and enjoyed the Believer’s Fellowship there
After cancer surgery in 2011, stayed with his daughter in Ravenna for a few months, then returned to the “ranch” south of Kearney; later moved to a little house in Ravenna, attended the Congregational Church and enjoyed the people he met at the Senior Center
Survivors include his sister, Marceline Garner of Cameron, Missouri; a brother, Glenn (Nancy) Millikan of Gallatin, Missouri; daughters, Joan (Galen) Morris of Lexington and Ann Payne of Ravenna; grandchildren, Lanny (Ladina) Morris of Grand Island, Regan (Jason) Tilley of Wamego, Kansas., Jeremy Morris and Sean Payne, both of Ravenna; great-grandchildren, Miranda, Ethan, Callista, Andrew, Ryan, Cassandra, Caleb, and Jonah; great-great-grandchildren, Starla, Ember and Sapphira; also honorary grandchildren, Lara (Dennis) Norris and David (Amy) Weddel and their children of Texas; and special friends, Don (Tish) Trembly of Peculiar, Missouri
Was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian in 1987 and Lloyd in 1995; his sister, Carol; brother, Richard; and sister, Lois; his first wife, who died on Dec. 31, 2012; Esperanza preceded him in death by two weeks and one day
Kearney Hub, 10 August 2020
MURRAY, Norma Ruth, 98, of Hastings, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society Hastings Perkins Village
Funeral: Thursday, July 30, at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: February 12,1922 in Silver Creek, Nebraska
Parents: Glenn Grant and Esther Verna (Wieseman) Shelmadine
Attended school in Silver Creek until her junior year, then graduated in 1940 from Kearney High School; was accepted into Mary Lanning School of Nursing and graduated in 1944
Married: Gene R. Murray, on December 3, 1944 at the First Methodist Church in Kearney; celebrated 51 years of marriage together until Gene preceded her in death in 1996; had three children together
Practiced her nursing profession with passion and excellence for 40+ years, the last 25 years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney as charge nurse and head of a floor where her expertise was known and appreciated by nurse colleagues and medical professionals alike; retired in 1987
Activities: her Christian faith was a significant part of her life, was very active at the First Methodist Church of Kearney, served on many councils and committees, was a part of the Open Circle Sunday School Class and also helped teach younger classes in the church; was active in the Parent-Teacher Association of her children’s schools, leader of a Girl Scout Troop and Job’s Daughters; in retirement, enjoyed volunteering at the hospital; was an active member of the YMCA, especially enjoyed water aerobics; loved watching her grandchildren at their sporting events, school programs and church functions; was very proud to say that she attended every grandchild’s wedding in the USA and Austria; enjoyed traveling with Gene in retirment
Survivors include: son, Edward Murray (Coralee) of Budapest, Hungary; daughters, Shelley Pryal of Hastings, Nebraska and Marlys Kossman (Kirk) of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and many other relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Murray; sister, Lucille Marks (Leslie) and identical twin sister, Nona Helen Ruff (Eugene); her brothers, Phillip Shelmadine (Helen) and Max Shelmadine; and her nephews, Richard Marks and Alan Ruff
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney or Kearney YMCA
Kearney Hub, 25 July 2020
NANSEL, Larry K., 87, of Grand Island, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Celebration of life: Monday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nove. 23, 1932 in rural Arnold
Parents: Charles G. and Mildred “Kitty” (Mason) Nansel
Attended country school; moved to Callaway in the eighth grade, graduated with the Callaway High class of 1950
Farmed and ran the dairy with his parents
Married: Roberta Hoffman on Aug. 3, 1952; reached 68 years of marriage earlier this month
Military: U.S. Army, beginning in May 1953; served during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955, stationed in Boston, Massachusetts
After discharged, returned to Callaway, continued in the farm and dairy business; in July 1958, was awarded the Star Route Contract from the US Postal Service; moved to Kearney and began a 41-year career delivering the mail between Kearney and Callaway; retired in June 1999
Activities: enjoyed the time stationed in Boston, made trips back to Massachusetts over their marriage; also visited 47 of the 50 states and overseas to Norway, Finland and England in 1979; loved playing bridge, cribbage and at family get-togethers playing five point pitch; cherished time with Roberta, his children, his grandchildren, and family reunions; was always very involved in his church and his community; member of Star Route Carriers Association, past president and member of Methodist Memorial Homes in Holdrege, past president and member of Kearney Cosmopolitan Club, past president and member of Buffalo County Historical Society, past member of Kearney Elks Lodge 984, 60-plus year member of the United Methodist Church (58 years at Faith UMC in Kearney and current member of First UMC in Kearney), holding many offices at Faith UMC and was also financial secretary for many years; member of American Legion since 1955
Survivors include his wife, Roberta of Grand Island; children and spouses Kevin and Pat Nansel of Grand Island, Christine and Terry Garrison of Dallas, Texas, Melanie and Terry Sheen of Grand Island; grandchildren and spouses, Jason Peterson of Omaha, Kara and Sebastian Nastase of Omaha, Seth and Lauren Garrison of Royse City, Texas, Kelsey and Mark Johnson, and Callie and Luke Friesen all of Grand Island; great-grandchildren Aryanna, Vincent, and Elliott Nastase all of Omaha, Abigail, Andrew, and Ashton Garrison all of Royse City, Texas, and Will and Cora Johnson of Grand Island; siblings and spouses, Lane and Barb Nansel of Kearney, Linda Lawrence of Callaway, and Lee Ann Young of Lexington; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jerry Jorgenson of Kearney, Gaylene and Bill Rudy of Aurora, Bernita and Craig Meads of Overton, and Ron and Em Jorgenson of Callaway; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends
Was preceded in death by his in-laws Hugh and Faye Hoffman; grandson, Corey Sheen; and sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Karen Nansel, Kelly Young, Larry Lawrence, Jim and Dee Olson
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church, both in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 14 August 2020
NASLUND, Danielle Rae (Meyer), 39, of Columbus died of cancer Saturday, July 18, 2020, at home surrounded by her family
Private service: Wednesday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus
Burial: Columbus Cemetery
Born: Sept. 29, 1980, in Kearney
Parents: Susan (Sobieszyk) Potter and Ray Meyer
Was raised in Kearney, attended Kearney Catholic High School, graduated 1998; was the founding member of the flag squad; was baptized at New Life Church in Kearney; earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from University of Nebraska at Kearney
Began her career at Gibbon Elementary School, teaching Title 1, then taught third grade for four years at Dalhart ISD in Texas and eight years for Columbus Public Schools teaching fourth grade at West Park Elementary
Married: June 16, 2007, to Matthew Naslund in Kearney; they share two children
Activities: loved her children more than anything, made sure to instill in her children the same values she held dear, including generosity and thankfulness; had a ferocious love of reading; was loved by her friends, family, students and fellow teachers
Survivors include her husband, Matthew Naslund of Columbus; her children, Kiele and Bennett of Columbus; parents, Gary and Susan Potter of Kearney and Ray Meyer of Dayton, Ore.; brother, Chais (Shawna) Meyer of Kearney; sister, Ciara (Lee) Chestnut of Eagle, Idaho; stepsisters, Melanie (Alan) Baldwin of Harlem, Georgia, Jennifer (Brian) Love of Dearing, Geogria, Kristi Potter of Taylors, South Carolina and Stephanie (Alan) Johnson of Thomson, Georgia; in-laws, Gary and Jane Naslund of Kearney; brother-in-law, Adam (Janell) Naslund of Cody; sister-in-law, Tina (Isaias) Lorenzo of Axtell; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Memorials: for Kiele and Bennett’s educational fund
Kearney Hub, 21 July 2020
NELSON, Pauline Elizabeth, 84, of Pembine, Wisconsin, died Friday, July 17, 2020, at Dickinson County Hospital in Iron Mountain, Michigan
Funeral: Saturday
Burial: Pembine Cemetery. Visitation: Northwoods Chapel in Pembine
Mortuary: Roubal of Wausaukee, Wisconsin
Born: Nov. 7, 1935, in Polk, Nebraska
Parents: Paul and Ruth (Anderson) Carlson in Polk, Nebraska
Lived her life on the solid truth of God’s holy word; graduated high school in Kearney, Nebraska, in 1953; was employed at the Fort Kearney Hotel; graduated with a B.A. degree in elementary education from Trinity Seminary and Bible College in Chicago in 1959
Taught in Skokie, Illinois
Married: June 25, 1960, to Merle Nelson at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church, ceremony performed by her father
After Merle graduated from Trinity in 1961, moved to Cary, Illinois; both taught in School District 26; Pauline taught for one year before their first child was born, and then was a substitute teacher; lived in Jerusalem, Israel, in 1966, where Merle attended the American Institute of Holy Land Studies; spent many summers at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp in Pembine as summer caretakers and helping where needed; later established a permanent home there after retiring; was a charter member of Northwoods Chapel in Pembine
Activities: greatest joy was becoming a mother to one son and three daughters; faithfully served the Lord throughout her life; was active at both the Cary-Grove (Illinois) Evangelical Free Church and Northwoods Chapel; went on numerous Mission trips with Northwoods Chapel to help with a church plant in Jamaica; more recently was treasurer in the early years at Northwoods Chapel and was still counting offering the Sunday before she passed away
Survivors include: four children: Bradley (Kimberly) Nelson of Norway, Michigan, Kay (Dan) Mork of Rockford, Illinois, Janine (Nick) Starcevich of Rockford, Illinois, and Lynda (Bud) Kay, of Marion, Indiana; nine grandchildren: Michael Nelson of Norway, Michigan, Stephanie (Andrew) Mitchell of Salt Lake City, Natalie (David) Dixon of Rockford, Illinois, Rebecca and Emma Mork of Rockford, Illinois, JD Kay of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dana Kay of Marion, Indiana, and Anthony and Nicole Starcevich of Rockford, Illinois; and two great-grandchildren, Elliana and James Dixon. Also surviving are a brother, Stan (Mary) Carlson and sister, Lynette (Don) Rathbone; brothers-in-law, Milo (Joyce) Nelson and Phillip (Sandra) Nelson; sisters-in-law, Mina Tim, Mildred Nelson, Ruth (Doug) Harrington, Caroline (Bill) Kilgore and Beulah Nelson; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Wilma Carlson; by her husband in 2011; sister, Marilyn Carlson; and sister-in-law, Madelyn Nelson
Memorials: Northwoods Chapel
Kearney Hub, 21 July 2020
O'BRIEN, John “Johnny” Patrick, 77, of Shelton died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at his home
Funeral Mass: Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Interment: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 15, 1943, in Los Angeles
Parents: Harlan and Leithe (Thiel) O’Brien
Attended Shelton Public School, graduated 1960; attended Kearney State College
Married: Aug. 31, 1963, to Patricia J. McRoberts in Shelton
Began his career as a banker in Taylor, Stratton, Colorado, and back to Shelton; became a rural route carrier for USPS, retired in 2010
Activities: had a lifelong desire to learn how to fly, accomplished it by taking a solo flight in 1973; enjoyed watching westerns and was an avid Husker football fan; had a passion for big game hunting; most of all, enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s events; member of the Shelton Sacred Heart Catholic Church, had been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1973, achieving the fourth degree
Survivors include his wife, Pat O’Brien of Shelton; son, Robert “Bob” O’Brien of Shelton; daughter, Barbara (Joe) Berglund of Shelton; grandchildren, Camron and Emmilly Berglund of Shelton; sister, Linda Fosler of Kansas City, Missouri; two nieces; and several cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas O’Brien; and brother-in-law, Carl Fosler
Memorial: Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to the family
Kearney Hub, 6 August 2020
PERRY, Richard Odell, 89, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Gibbon, Neb., died Tuesday, July 7, 2020, due to COVID-19, just 12 days before his 90th birthday
Mortuary: Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary in Scottsdale
Born: in 1930 in Phoenix to
Parents: Richard and Mildred Perry
Was raised in Gibbon, excelled in sports, playing basketball and football in high school; attended college briefly
Military: U.S. Navy, then returned to Nebraska
Married: Karen Lou Hagarity; created a family of three sons and a daughter
Worked for Hormel Foods Corp, began in the Fremont meatpacking plant as a night watchman; was promoted to a sales position; was a successful salesman and sales manager; also lived in Denver, Albuquerque, Houston, Philadelphia and finally, to Austin, Minn., became regional sales manager for Hormel for Minnesota and the Dakotas; moved back to Phoenix, 1975, to become district sales manager for Arizona, the position from which he retired in 1993
Activities: was devoted to his family; had many creative outlets; was an excellent golfer, loved boating and was an especially avid photographer
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Karen Lou Hagarity Perry, his four adult children, David Perry and his wife Carolyn of Paducah, Ky., Lisa Yoder and her husband Larry Yoder of San Diego, Calif., Mark Perry and his wife Patricia of San Diego, Calif. and Clark Perry and his wife Leslie of Porter Ranch, Calif.; grandchildren, Emily West and her husband Austin West of Colorado Springs, Colo., Matthew Perry of Paducah, Ky., Rachel Perry of Lincoln, Neb., Megan Perry of San Diego and Jenna Perry of Porter Ranch
Was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Darral Marquis of Gibbon
Memorials: Mayo Clinic
Kearney Hub, 14 July 2020
QUINN, Joan C., 87, of Grand Island died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society – Grand Island Village
Mass of Christian burial: Saturday at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Grand Island
Entombment: Westlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum
Mortuary: Peters of St. Paul
Born: Jan. 20, 1933, in Chicago
Parents: Charles M. and Martina I. (Pelosini) Bockstahler
Grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois, graduating from Tinley Park High School in 1950; moved with family to Pomona, California
Married: Gerald M. Quinn on Nov. 25, 1954, in Claremont, California
Became a military wife, lived in various places on the West and East coasts, and Alaska; in October 1973, moved to Oxford, began working at Becton-Dickinson in Holdrege; moved to Shelton, 1975, and worked for Baldwin Filters in Kearney; then moved to Grand Island in 1990, and worked for Kleine Funeral Home for a number of years
Activities: member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church and a past member of the Altrusa Club; avid Husker football fan, season ticket holder for 30 years, members of the Touchdown Club and supporters of Husker Alumni; loved watching sports on TV, reading and crossword puzzles, along with camping, and spending time with family; was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Victoria “Vicky” and Dave Luke of Curtis; son and daughter-in-law, Michael “Mike” and Pam Quinn of Blair; grandchildren, Becky and Jason Stone, BJ and Aliesha Luke, Brittany Quinn, Zac Griffin, Tim Quinn, Lyndy Quinn, Daniel Quinn and Ezekiel Quinn; great-grandchildren, Maddie and Sami Stone, and Amy, Cameron, Tenley and Ryker Luke; and brothers-in-law, Alonzo Quinn and friend Eileen of Hastings and Dennis Quinn of North Platte
Was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry; parents; and granddaughter, Amy Luke
Kearney Hub, 13 August 2020
RODEHORST, Norma L., 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at Cambridge Court Assisted Living in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Born: April 16, 1932 in Los Angeles
Parents: Lucile (Randle) and J Frederick Stone in Los Angeles; upon their deaths, Norma, 8, and her sister Patty, 6, were adopted by Gilbert and Jessie (Munn) Harris
Grew up in California and graduated from Burbank High School; came to Nebraska to attend Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney and to be closer to her grandma Eleanor Munn; at college was a member of the Wagoneers Dance Team and Delta Pi Beta (Chi Omega) sorority
Married: to Sid Rodehorst of Pleasanton on July 1, 1955, in Kearney; enjoyed 54 years of marriage before his death in December 2009
Was the bookkeeper and office manager for their land leveling business, Rogers Irrigation Development in Kearney, until 1985; then worked many years for Pat and Dwayne Lewis as a bookkeeper at Lewis Feedlot; also enjoyed taking care of the babies at Little Peoples World day care center; Norma and Sid owned Sid’s Miniatures, raised and sold miniature animals; also raised registered Boxer puppies
Activities: enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners of fried chicken for her family when they lived north of Kearney; loved attending her grandchildren’s events and kept every program, thank-you note and newspaper clipping that her grandchildren were mentioned in; later turned these mementos into a scrapbook for each grandchild when they graduated from high school; longtime season ticket holder of the Tri-City Storm hockey and enjoyed attending their games; past member and president of Kearney Elks D.O.E.S. and golfed women’s league at Buffalo Ridge golf course; many weekends in the summer entertaining friends and family on their houseboat “Foolish Pleasure” at Lake McConaughy; enjoyed attending exotic animal sales throughout Nebraska and South Dakota
Survivors include her sons, Randy (Shelly) Rodehorst, Rex (Julia) Rodehorst, daughter, Tammy Jo Rodehorst, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Ryan Rodehorst, Allie (Tate) Marchand, Shannon Rodehorst of Kearney, Afton (Wade) Christen of Anselmo, Shawn Rodehorst and April Rodehorst of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Kirby and Korbin Marchand of Kearney and Beau Christen of Anselmo; sister, Patty Dalldorf of Glendale, Arizona; brother-in-law, Keith (Jan) Rodehorst of Kearney; sister-in-law, Helen Rodehorst of Bennett, Colorado; special friend and neighbor, Maxine Lewis of Kearney; along with numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Tommy Rodehorst; three brothers; and three sisters
Memorials: Cambridge Court in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 6 August 2020
SCHNACKER, Gena Ladae, 79, of Sumner died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at her home
Funeral service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney
Graveside service: Sumner Cemetery
Born: Nov. 11, 1940, in Sumner
Parents: Paul C. and Beulah M. (Cramer) Johnson
Attended Sumner High School and graduated with the class of 1958
Married: Ron Schnacker on Sept. 5, 1959, in Sumner
After marriage, lived in Omaha, began her nurse’s training
Moved to Harlan, Iowa; Lexington; Cozad; then to Sumner in 1969; raised her family while helping Ron farm; later worked for more than a decade at Good Samaritan Hospital as an environmental technician
Activities: member of a nondenominational church and chose to serve the Lord early in her life; was beloved by her church family, her life and testimony were inspiration to many
Survivors include her children, Tracy Schnacker and his wife Kathleen of Topeka, Kansas, Cris Schnacker and his wife Marta of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Becky Rieken and her husband Paul of Dakota City, Perry Schnacker and his wife Janet of Shawnee, Kansas, and Layne Schnacker and his wife Amy of Amherst; sister, Marlys Pearson (James); brother, James Johnson (Irene); 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; her parents; and one brother, Paul "Bud" Johnson
Memorials: Sumner Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 13 August 2020
SHANNON, Esther May (Gass), 81, of Kearney died Thursday, July 23, 2020, at her home
Graveside service: Tuesday at Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: Jan. 8, 1939, in Kendalia, Texas
Parents: Erwin and Ella (Kneupper) Gass
Grew up in the Kendalia and New Braunfels, Texas, area; attended school at Kendalia for a few years and later earned her GED
Military: U.S. Navy, faithfully served in ship-to-shore communications from Oct, 28, 1960, to Oct. 25, 1963
Married: Leon Howard Shannon on Feb. 12, 1971, in Irving Township, Kansas; had three children together
Lived at Hiawatha, Kansas; was a homemaker, farmer and rancher
Activities: member of the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, enjoyed teaching vacation Bible school and Sunday school, especially the Book of Esther; was an avid reader; enjoyed sewing, gardening, embroidery, being outdoors, fishing, hunting, watching birds and other wildlife and crossword puzzles; enjoyed serving at the Brown County Historical Society and was a member of the American Legion
Survivors include: her son, Steve Shannon of Kearney; daughters, Gail (Alan) Mais of Heartwell and Jill Shannon of Garland, Utah; grandchildren, Riston, Zander, Connor and Lyra Mais; and brothers, Freddie (Charlotte) Gass, Jimmie (Brenda) Gass and Ronnie (Connie) Gass
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband
Memorials: for her granddaughter, Lyra Mais, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in June
Kearney Hub, 25 July 2020
TALBITZER, Robert James, 55, of Kearney died Monday, July 13, 2020, at his home
Service: Saturday at Kearney First Baptist Church
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: June 24, 1965, in Omaha
Parents: Charles and Barbara (Lyle) Talbitzer
Graduated from North Bend High School, 1983; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education; later received his Masters of Biology degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: June 27, 1986, to Roxanne Crabtree; had three children
Lived in Kearney, was a biology teacher and pole vault coach for Kearney High School
Activities: enjoyed working with young students and athletes; received many awards for his teaching and coaching; was instrumental in receiving a grant from America’s Farmers Rural Education Program for implementation of a biotechnology class at KHS; retired in October 2019 after 29 years of teaching; active member of the Kearney First Baptist Church, served on various church committees and taught Sunday school; enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking in the mountains, riding his bicycle; loved football and everything it entailed; one of his greatest joys was teaching his three children; loved his children and grandchildren dearly; at his core, he was about relationships with people, mentoring, teaching, encouraging and loving others
Survivors include his wife, Roxanne of Kearney; children, Trenton (Sarah) Talbitzer of Kearney, Grahm (Shay) Talbitzer of Denver and Lyndee (Mitchell) Whalen of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jackson, Elise, Gwyneth and Heath Talbitzer; mother, Barbara Bird of Fremont; father, Charles (Sherry) Talbitzer of Malcolm; siblings, Cathy Bird, Melinda (Curtis) Miller, Lyle (Dana) Bird, Jenny (Chris) Smithberg, David (Sara) Bird, Barbie (Michael) Johnson, Lisa (Marcus) Schmidt, Jennifer (Jim) Vaughn, Tori (Greg) Parde and Rachel (Jordan) Powell; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Bird, and grandparents
Memorials: Kearney First Baptist Church, Kearney Public Schools Foundation, or Platte River Recovery Whooping Crane Memorial
Kearney Hub, 15 July 2020
VACHA, Carol Mae, 73, of Colorado Srings, formerly of Kearney, Nebraska, died of cancer Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at her home
Mortuary: The Springs Funeral Services in Colorado Springs
Born: Feb. 28, 1947, in Hooper, Nebraska
Parents: Laddie Vacha Sr. and Alma (Sedlacek) Vacha
Graduated from Gibbon (Neb.) High School where she was a cheerleader
Married: Garland Speer; had a daughter and a son together; divorced
Married: Randy Lauer
Was employed at the Kearney State Bank, worked for the state of Nebraska in Kearney; retired and moved to Colorado
Activities: was well liked and had many friends; hobbies included playing cards with family, phone visits and shopping
Survivors include Kim Speer of Kearney; Scott Spear, his wife Jennifer and daughter McKenna of Canby, Ore.; sister, Lorraine (Pat) Novak of O’Neill, Nebraska; brother, Alvin and his wife Linda Vacha of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Kathi Vacha of Colorado Springs and Bev Vacha of Gibbon; and nieces and nephews scattered from coast to coast
Was preceded in death by her parents, Laddie Vacha Sr. and Alma Vacha Peters; brothers, Marvin Vacha, Laddie Vacha Jr., David Vacha and Donald Vacha; sisters, Loretta (Lori) Cover and her husband Rex, Alice DeLaet Zielinski and husbands Jack DeLaet and Bill Zielinski, and Betty Hawke and husband Jeff Hawke; brother-in-law, Don Novak; and grandson, Caden Speer
Kearney Hub, 16 July 2020
WATKINS, Steven Lee, 57, of Kearney died of cancer Thursday, July 16, 2020, at his home
Service: Monday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Grandview Cemetery northeast of Gothenburg
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 25, 1962, in Cozad
Parents: Sharon White and Glen Watkins
Worked for Eaton Corporation in Kearney for 22 years; member of New Life Church
Survivors are his children, Brian (Emily) Watkins of Garden City, Kansas, James Watkins of Kearney and Rebecca (Ryan) Levell of O’Fallon, Missouri; his mother, Sharon Caraballo; his father, Glen Watkins; brothers, Dave Watkins and Robert Watkins; his beloved three granddaughters; his many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Watkins
Memorials: New Life Church Kingdom Builders or The Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 18 July 2020
WIMMER, Bernard "Bernie" E., 98, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford, died Thursday, July 30, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Aug. 21 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home. Burial with military honors: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: June 16, 1922, in Comstock
Parents: Elwood Elsworth and Merle Glee (Guggenmos) Wimmer
Born into a "newspaper" family, lived in a number of communities while working at various newspapers throughout the years including Carmen, Oklahoma, Ravenna, Wilcox, Haigler and eventually Oxford; was introduced to the newspaper business at a young age and eventually would return back to his roots as the co-owner and editor of the Oxford Standard newspaper; made many lifelong friendships in the various communities; grew up during the Great Depression of the 1930s and appreciated those friendships; graduated from Wilcox High School with the class of 1940; attended college in Hastings at a branch of the Grand Island Business School
Military: enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in the winter of 1942; served as a co-pilot flying B-24 Bombers on many successful missions; Married: Edna Miller on June 28, 1944, in Oklahoma; enjoyed nearly 73 years of marriage together
After discharge, lived in Oxford and began helping his parents run the newspaper; moved to Kearney in 2003
Activities: enjoyed traveling after retirement, often wintered in Texas; longtime member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford and later the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; after Edna's passing in 2017, enjoyed playing shuffle board with friends and other activities at the Peterson Senior Center in Kearney
Survivors include his son, Bruce and Teresa Wimmer of Spring Hill, Florida; daughter, Judith and Ron Upson of Beaver City; sister, Darlene Pettygrove of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren, Brent and Andrea Upson of Kearney, Cassie Krontz of Overland Park, Kansas, and Ashley and Adam Teeter of St. George, Utah; great-grandchildren, Carter, Tenley and Emery Upson, all of Kearney, and Haddon, Isla and Clive Teeter, all of St. George, Utah; along with other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edna Wimmer; parents in-law, Erich and Leona Miller
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford or AseraCare Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 18 August 2020
WUEHLER, Merle L., 87, of Kearney died Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at his home
Service: Monday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 4, 1932, at Amherst
Parents: Louis and Annetta Wuehler
Attended parochial school north of Amherst and Amherst High School
Military: U.S. Army during the Korean War, 1953-1954
Married: August 1958, to Evelyn Hibberd at Zion Lutheran Church; had a daughter together
Farmed in the Amherst and Riverdale community; retired in 1997; then was employed by Pioneer Seeds for 17 years, enjoyed meeting many of his clients
Activities: enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors; was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Kearney; daughter, Karla and her husband Daniel Trampe of Reno, Nevada; granddaughters, Janelle Kurland and her daughter Avery of Reno, Nevada, and Jill Smith and her husband Travis and their daughter Sidney of Dayton, Nevada; and numerous other family members
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Virgil; and niece, Peggy Wuehler
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church or the Zion Lutheran Church Radio Fund
Kearney Hub, 18 July 2020
YOCUM, Garey L., 86, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society St. John’s in Kearney
Private family graveside service: Thursday at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, with military rites
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 13, 1934, in Grand Island
Lived a great part of his life in North Platte, graduated from North Platte Senior High School; earend his Bachelor of Arts degree in education at Kearney State Teachers College; played college football and was on the NCC championship team
Military: U.S. Army, participated in Operation Sagebrush, during the Korean conflict
Married: Patsy Harper on May 27, 1956, in North Platte
Taught and coached at Stapleton High School; moved to North Platte, worked at Young’s Sporting Goods traveling throughout Nebraska, parts of Kansas and Colorado calling on schools; then taught briefly in the North Platte School system; worked for a short period of time thereafter for the Union Pacific Railroad; his heart and passion called him back to Young’s Sporting Goods and eventually became a part owner
Activities: was actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes serving on the state board, worked high school track meets running the shotput and discus competitions; member of the American Legion and the First Baptist Church of North Platte, served as a deacon, church treasurer, Sunday school superintendent and sang in the church choir; loved watching kids’ and grandkids’ activities but most of all loved sharing his love of the Lord!; in his younger years played fast-pitch softball, ran road races, played racquetball, rode bicycle regularly, and actively hunted and fished
Survivors include his wife, Patsy R. Yocum of Kearney, married 64 years; their four children, Michael (Darcy) Yocum of Lincoln, Shari (Greg) Neth of Sydney, Ohio, Traci (Rick) Humphrey of Comanche, Texas, and Dana (Dave) Welsh of Kearney; sister, Carolyn Cohen of Bertrand, 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Fonelle Donaldson, and brother, Donald Lynn Yocum
Kearney Hub, 12 August 2020