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ANDERSON, Monte C., 67, of Grand Island died Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at his home
Funeral service: Friday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Born: Aug. 16, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Sidney and Edna (Epp) Anderson
Was raised in the Kearney area, graduated from Kearney High School in 1970
Married: Bonnie Burchell in 1972, and together they had two daughters
Worked as contractor and business owner with AMS Corporation and Amax Company, retired eight years ago
Activities: enjoyed listening to music, especially John Prine; was a meticulous worker, engineer and builder, was known for his inventive ideas; loved riding four-wheelers, hiking, cycling and enjoying nature; was great at giving advice, landscaping and cooking; more than anything enjoyed spending time with his grandkids
Survivors include his children, Karess (Patrick) Mailander and Bridey Anderson (Greg); grandchildren, Celia Mailander, Lydia Mailander, Avram Mailander, Owen Walker and Sadie Walker; his wife of 43 years and mother of his children, Bonnie (Burchell) Anderson; sisters, Connie (Robert) Sorensen, Barb Anderson, Debbie (Glen) Adkins, Pamela (John) Ehlinger and Sydney Anderson; and multiple nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials; Nebraska Parks and diabetes research
Kearney Hub, 19 August 2020
ANDERSON, Vianne, 82, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, at CountryHouse Residence in Kearney
Celebration of life: later
. Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 28, 1937, in Ansley
Parents: Walter and Alberta (Roach) Anderson
Was active in Campfire Girls, Jobs Daughters and was a cheerleader during her school years; was confirmed at the age of 12 in the Methodist Church in Ansley; graduated from Ansley High School with the Class of 1956
Married: Melvin Dwayne Anderson on Oct. 15, 1960, in Scottsbluff
After marriage, lived in Arizona while Dwayne was serving in the military, at Scottsbluff, and most of her life in Kearney
Made and sold craft items through her home business; worked at various jobs and for several years in the Kearney Public Schools system
Activities: was a very giving person and cared about others; visited many people in nursing homes and care facilities; served as den mother while her son, Tim, was in Cub Scouts; in later years, traveled with her husband to flea markets and sold antiques, made many cherished friends during these travels; attended the Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Survivors include her husband, Dwayne “Andy” Anderson of Kearney; son, Tim Anderson of Kearney; one granddaughter, and several great-grandchildren; uncle and wife, Art “Babe” and Julie Roach of Kearney, and their daughters, Kelli Roach and Kathi Paulsen, both of Omaha, and Sheri Wharton of Denver, and their families; nieces-in-law, Marcia and her husband Wayne Hora of Stapleton; and Marilyn and her husband Rex Crawford of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her parents, twin sons, Danny and Donny Anderson; her father and mother-in-law, Harold and Anna (Rosentreader) Anderson, sister-in-law, Dorothy Maxine Montanye; and brother-in-law, Clayton Montanye
Memorials: the church of your choice
Kearney Hub, 19 September 2020
BARTELS, Darlene Martha, 88, of Kearney died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society - St. John’s in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 27, 1931, in Upland
Parents: Elmer T and Elsie M. (Hubert) Jensen
Graduated from Campbell High School in 1949; attended Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Hastings
Married: Paul D. Bartels, June 16, 1951, in Upland
Worked in various health care settings and was co-owner of Trucker’s Insurance Corporation in Kearney and Gothenburg Insurance Agency; in retirement, volunteered in multiple capacities at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: enjoyed her many friends, played numerous card games and loved decorating her home
Survivors include three children, Paul J. Bartels and his wife, Dorann, of Kearney, Judith A. Crane and her husband, Dave, of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Mark D. Bartels and his wife, Lori, of Kearney; sister-in-law Elva Bartels of Albion; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband Paul D. Bartels and twin sister Arlene Scoville
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 25 August 2020
BERGLUND, Chad A., 42, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: April 26, 1978
Parents: Robert and Jane Berglund of Hastings
Grew up in Grand Island; was a talented athlete; graduated from Grand Island Senior High
Military: US Marines, served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln
Married: Alicia Bennett
Worked at Self Service Furniture of Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Alicia, and daughter, Breleigh Ann of Kearney; parents, Jane and Dan Couch of Grand Island; grandfather, Roland Berglund of Kearney; and many aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by his father, Robert Berglund; and grandparents, Leah Berglund, Clarence and Junas Fruhling and Raymond Hespen
Kearney Hub, 9 September 2020
BOUCHER, Dr. John Dale, 78, of Lincoln died peacefully Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with prostate cancer
Celebration of life service: Wednesday at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel
John’s ashes will be spread in a place that will allow him to be reintegrated with nature and return to the cycle of life
Born: July 15, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Dale and Elsie (Haining) Boucher
Attended school in the Kearney Public School system, graduated from KHS in 1960
Military: U.S. Navy, served for 10 years in the naval intelligence service, serving as a first-class cryptologic technician, including a year in Vietnam aboard the USS Oxford, AGTR1; other duty stations were Treasure Island, California, Adak, Alaska, Kamiseya, Japan, and San Juan, Puerto Rico; was discharged in Norfolk, Virginia, in December 1969
Spent a year in Australia; returned to Kearney and enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Kearney studying pre-veterinary medicine, followed by four years at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Had a long and rewarding career as a veterinarian, practicing in Lexington, Kearney, West Point and Dodge, and establishing Nebraska Veterinary Services; retired from practice to work in the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, until his total retirement in July 2012
Activities: in Dodge, was a member of the Dodge Fire Department and served as commander of American Legion Post 122, and president of the Dodge Public Library Board; in Lincoln, served as a TeamMates mentor for a boy in elementary and middle school; was a sought-after public speaker, making many, many humorous and patriotic speeches, as well as acting as master of ceremonies at many events; was appointed as an admiral in the Navy of the Great State of Nebraska in 2004 by Gov. Mike Johanns; enjoyed many adventurous activities including skydiving, extensive rock climbing in the Blue Mountains of Australia, scuba diving in the Caribbean, and go-cart racing in Puerto Rico; his passion was sailing and he spent many happy hours sailing with his brother Bill, also enjoyed two sailing expeditions on a 35-foot sailboat in the Pacific Ocean; took great pride in watching the many performances and sporting events of his grandchildren; thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family
Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years Carol (Dobberstein) Boucher; his daughter, Kelly (Boucher) Lindsay and her children, Mark, Samuel and Brooke Lindsay; his daughter, Sarah (Boucher) Schweers, her husband James Schweers and their children, Taylor, Jayden and Madison Schweers; his faithful dog, Max; along with many loving family members and extended friends
Memorials: Capital Humane Society or to your local library
Kearney Hub, 3 September 2020
BRANSTITER, Phyllis, 89, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society – St. John’s in Kearney
Service: Friday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington
Interment; Overton Cemetery at Overton
Born: Sept. 4, 1930, in Ansley
Parents: Ernest and Dorothy (Miller) Bristol
Married: Feb. 19, 1950, to Loy Branstiter at Ansley; in 2014 he preceded her in death
Survivors include her children, Victor Branstiter of Kearney and Deb Schmidt of Lexington; eight grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 17 August 2020
BROOKS, Aaron, 42, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln
Funeral service: Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 31, 1978, in Herington, Kansas
Parents: Robert and Terri (Mewhirter) Brooks
Grew up in Kearney, attended Kearney High School; wrestled all through high school, graduated in 1996
Worked at Integrity Construction for 18 years
Married: June 9, 2012, Amy M. Blaschko in Kearney
Activities: loved time spent with family and friends, was always the life of the party; was always willing to help anyone in need; was an outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, fishing, grilling, tubing and boating at the lake; was great around kids
Survivors include his wife, Amy Brooks of Kearney; children, Everett, Mackenzie, Ethan and Asher Brooks, all of Kearney; parents, Terri (Bill) Clark of Johnson Lake and Robert Brooks of Kansas; sisters, Steph Porcayo of Tilden, Brandy Schulz of Kearney, Becca Brooks of Clay Center, and Ashley (Jay) VanZant of Kearney; stepbrothers, Marshall (Samantha) Clark of North Platte, Jason (Linda) Clark, Jeremiah (Meggan) Clark, and Benjamin (Shari) Clark, all of Kearney; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his in-laws, Kris and Albert Blaschko
Kearney Hub, 28 August 2020
CATLIN, Darlene, 83, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at the Ravenna Good Samaritan Home
Private graveside service: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 13, 1937, in Gibbon
Parents: Kenneth and Marie (Oliver) Puttergill
Received her education from Gibbon High School, graduating in 1955
Married: June 19, 1955, Harry “Jim” Catlin at the Gibbon Baptist Church
Was instrumental in the push for the Gibbon Public Library, served as librarian for more than 25 years
Survivors include her son, Michael Catlin and wife Denise of Shelton; daughter-in-law, Lyn Catlin of Allston, Massachusetts; grandchildren, McKenzie, Courtney, Nolan, Emily, Mikala and Tegun Catlin; great-grandchildren, Skylar and Elizabeth; sister, Kay Horst and husband, Merle of San Diego; brother, Larry Puttergill and wife Marilyn of Gibbon; brothers-in-law, Ron Catlin of Kearney and Ken Catlin of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Lois Benson of Kearney and Linda Johnson and husband Curt of Omaha; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded by her parents; husband, Jim Catlin; son, Ricky Catlin; and daughter, Karen Catlin
Kearney Hub, 19 August 2020
CHRISTIANSEN, Michelyn Sue (Carman), 69, of Ardmore, Okla., formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Ardmore
Mortuary: Griffin-Hillcrest Funeral Home in Ardmore
Kearney Hub, 2 June 2020
DIEDRICHSEN, Carol Ann, 75, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at her daughter’s home after battling cancer
Funeral service: Monday, Sept 28, at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Gering cemetery
Born: Jan. 8, 1945, in Alliance
Parents: Wesley and Margaret (Lattin) Ruf
Was raised on a farm north of Morrill, graduated from Morrill High School in 1963
Moved to Scottsbluff
Married: 1964, to Carl Painter
After marriage, lived in Scottsbluff and later Terrytown; had two children together; after losing their son, Richie, to cancer in 1973, they divorced in 1975; she moved to Lincoln
Married: Harry Diedrichsen in 1976
Ran a grocery store in Springview for five years
Gave her life to Christ in 1984; after another difficult divorce, at the age of 40, moved to North Dakota to attend Trinity Bible College;graduated with honors and received her teaching degree; started teaching in 1991 at a Christian school in Winner, South Dakota; in 1993, felt called to teach at a Christian school in Homer, Alaska, where she taught for four years; moved to Torrington, Wyoming, in 1997 to care for her parents; then moved to Kearney in 2006 to be close to her daughter and her family; later cared for her brother Ron who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008
Activities: was content to live a simple, quiet life as a single woman, serving God and serving others; wasn’t afraid of hard work and she had a heart for helping others; also liked to tell others the story of how God changed her life. The sparkle in her eye when she smiled told of the peace and joy she had found in Him; member of New Life Church
Survivors include her daughter, Dawn (Painter) Schoettger and husband Dave of Kearney; granddaughter, Kristin (Schoettger) Bland and her husband Cody of Hastings; granddaughter, Jenna (Schoettger) Werner and her husband Jacob of Kearney; great-grandsons, Malachi and Grayson Bland of Hastings; brother, Charles Ruf of Torrington, Wyoming; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her son, Richard Painter, father, mother and brother
Memorials: American Cancer Society Kearney Hub, 9 September 2020 and 26 September 2020
ERPELDING, James F., 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Aug., 19, 2020, at Lexington Regional Health Center
Funeral service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 12, 1939, in Kearney
Parents: Frederick and Marguerite (Hultman) Erpelding
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1958
Mrried: Aug. 19, 1961, to Loretta “Lori” Fish in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed camping and fishing at Johnson Lake, as well as spending time with his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Lori Erpelding of Kearney; son, Steve (Naydene) Erpelding of Kearney; daughters, Patty Erpelding (James Liddell), and Deb (Will) Bindel, all of Lincoln; grandchildren, Dena Erpelding, Nick Erpelding, Jevin Liddell, Jaci Henderson, Adam Bindel and Matt Bindel; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Izzy, Delilah and Vyelette; brother, LeRoy (Lois) Erpelding of Minden; sister-in-law, Carol Davis of Kearney; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded by his parents; and brothers, Garry Erpelding and Eugene Erpelding
Kearney Hub, 21 August 2020
FREE, Marilynn, 76, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery in Hebron
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 24, 1943, in Fairbury
Parents: Henry and Viola (Krause) Free
Was raised in Gladstone, moved to Hebron in the eighth grade; graduated from Hebron High School with the class of 1961
Worked at Stewart’s Pharmacy and Central Market in Hebron; later was elected as the Thayer County clerk for 18 years; moved to Kearney to be closer to her family, especially her grandchildren
Activities: loved the time with her grandchildren, attended all their numerous activities; lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, was active in many church committees and activities; in Kearney, was a member of Kearney First United Methodist Church
Survivors include her daughter, Denise Valentine and husband, John of Kearney; grandchildren, Trevor Woodward, Hannah Woodward, Levi Valentine and wife, Shelly, and Sara Valentine; great-grandchildren, Owen and Carson Valentine; brother, Dan Free and wife, Betty of York; brother-in-law, Jack Mumford of Fairmont; as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Carol Mumford
Kearney Hub, 26 August 2020
GOTOBED, Ilene, 95, of Denver, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Nebraska, died Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at home
Memorial services are pending
Born: Dec. 22, 1924, in Polk, Nebraska
Parents: Wilbur Arnold and Henerietta (Whitacre) Refshauge
Married: Nov. 26, 1948, to Kenneth Gotobed; he preceded Ilene in death Oct. 12, 2005
Graduated from York (Nebraska) High School in 1942; was Girls State reserve president and Jobs Daughters honored queen; in 1941, represented York at Girls State in Lincoln and in 1942 was a counselor at Girls State; graduated from then-Kearney State Teachers College (now University of Nebraska at Kearney), earning a BA degree, 1947
Was a home economics teacher in Wilcox and Kearney, Nebraska, Monterey, California, and Washington, D.C.; in 1959, became director of the school lunch program for the Kearney Public Schools, retired in January 1989; held offices in the county, district, state, and national school organizations, being the Nebraska national legislative representative for many years; was active in community organizations and a 50-year member of First Methodist Church
Moved to Centennial, Colorado, 1994; was active in Bible study small group of the Cherry Hills Community Church, volunteered for the Littleton Public Schools school lunch administration office and was a member of PEO Chapter DW of Denver; enjoyed playing in several bridge clubs well into her 90s; enjoyed people, traveling, reading and antiques, and was especially blessed with time with adult children and grandchildren; decide to stop driving at age 90, Ilene decided it was time to stop driving; was very active and independent person until she had a stroke at the age of 93, then moved to Clermont Park in Denver; later moved to High Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care
Survivors include her sons, Kenneth Jr. (Tamra) of Grand Junction, Mark of Denver and Joe (Martha DePauli) of Tucson, Arizona; daughters, Nancy Gotobed of Denver and Kathryn Gotobed of Denver; sisters, Helen Hayes (Dr. Robert Hayes) of Walton and Judithann Hill (Robert Hill) of Boise, Idaho; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; daughter-in-law, Connie Gotobed; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie Jacobs and Vernon Jacobs, Bonnie Crown and James Crown; and sister-in-law, Marjory Roebacker of Ogallala, Nebraska
Memorials: Kenneth Gotobed and Ilene Refshauge Scholarship Fund at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, or Encompass Hospice, Denver, Colorado
Kearney Hub, 27 August 2020
GRIFFITH, Gary Vern, 76, of Kearney died Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, at his home
Graveside service: Sept. 18 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 13, 1944, in Idaho
Parents: Vernon and Katie (Lloyd) Griffith
Grew up in Callaway
Military: at age 17, enlisted in the United States Navy; served four years of service, Dec. 1, 1962, - Dec. 30, 1966
Then began his career as an over-the-road truck driver, retired in 2005
Activities: member of the American Legion Post No. 290 in Elwood for many years; lifetime member of the NRA; enjoyed attending family gatherings, fishing, boating, riding motorcycles and was an avid gun collector
Survivors include his children, Chris (Sherry) Griffith of Miller, Cindy (Gary) Richard of Loomis; and six grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 5 September 2020
GRUHN, Roger William, 77, of Holdrege died unexpectedly Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at his home
Inurnment: Highland Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Born: Nov. 16, 1942, in Poole
Parents: Berthold E. and Ella A. (Ohlmann) Gruhn
Spent his early years in Buffalo Center, Iowa; received his education from Ravenna Public Schools, graduated in 1960
Military: U.S. Navy, 1963-1967; was station in Norfolk, Virginia
Married: Oct. 17, 1965, to Linda L. Ekdahl at Wausa, Nebraska
After marriage, lived in Holdrege, was employed by K-N Energy until 1973; then began a long career as a HVAC contractor, owned and operated Holdrege Heating and Air Conditioning from 1973, retired 2004; after retiring, enjoyed driving truck for local farmers during harvest, and also drove truck for Big Rigs and Central Valley Irrigation both of Holdrege; was also a farmer at heart, and loved working in the field on his tractor
Activities: enjoyed being out in the garage working with his hands, and helping the family when he was called upon; especially enjoyed fishing, and was an avid Husker sports fan; member of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, and of the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in Holdrege; enjoyed traveling and following their grandchildren’s activities; his great-grandchildren were the highlight of his life
Survivors include: gis wife of almost 55 years, Linda Gruhn of Holdrege; two children: Neil Gruhn and his wife, Deniah of Wilcox, Nebraska; and Cheryl Gruhn of Overland Park, Kansas; two grandchildren: Anthony Gruhn and his wife, Sayleigh of Minden, Nebraska; and Cody Gruhn and his wife, Callie of Tallahassee, Florida; four great-grandchildren: Adalynn, Hayleigh, Brecklyn, and Rhett; two sisters: Lavonne Boettcher and her husband, Ronnie of Rake, Iowa; and Florence Natzke and her husband, Bob of Wayside, Wisconsin; one brother, Virgil Gruhn and his wife, Sharon of Ravenna; brothers-in-law: Bob Ekdahl and his wife, Annie of Omaha, Nebraska; Tom Ekdahl and his wife, Pat of Fremont, Nebraska; sisters-in-law: Susan Morris of Mountain Home, Idaho; and Cathy Janssen and her husband, Mike of Norfolk, Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Wilbur and Doris Ekdahl; and his sister, Lois (Gruhn) Burns
Kearney Hub, 17 August 2020 and www.nelsonbauerfh.com
HALBGEWACHS, Justin J., 49, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, at his home
Graveside service: Saturday at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Dannebrog
Memorial service: Saturday at Cornerstone Berean Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Born: Feb. 20, 1971, in McAllen, Texas
Parents: Pastor Donald and Barbara Halbgewachs
Grew up in a large loving family in a rural home near Willow Island, Nebraska; began as an entrepreneur in grade school; was an accomplished pianist and won many local and state competitions; graduated in 1989 from Gothenburg High School; majored in music and business at the University of Nebraska, graduated in 1994
Married: Julie Swanson of Dannebrog
Started Kearney Moving Service; had three children; served at Cornerstone Berean Church, was an elder and led worship with his Yamaha Clavinova
Justin was preceded in death by Julie (Swanson) Halbgewachs in 2016
Married: 2018, to Cherie Holle Waterhouse of Kearney
With Cherie, served their family and ministered at Crossroads Rescue Mission and on Facebook to thousands of people with cancer; their daily prayer was to share Christ’s love and challenge everyone to trust in Jesus
Survivors include: his wife, Cherie Halbgewachs and their five children, Patrice Waterhouse of Kearney, Ally Waterhouse of San Diego, Josie Halbgewachs of Maxwell and Caleb and Carly Halbgewachs, both of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 4 September 2020
HINRICHSEN, Delila L., 71, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Havens Chapel
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 4, 1949 in Kearney
Parents: Kenneth W. and H. Ruth (Baldree) Gewecke
Attended East 12 elementary school, attended school in Elm Creek and in Pleasanton; was an all-star volleyball player and set a record for serves there; graduated from Pleasanton High School with the class of 1967
Married: Jay J. Hinrichsen on October 24, 1971 at Havens Chapel
Worked at West Company, Sugar Bee Bakery, Daylight Donuts, Chartwells and also in the concession stands at the Tri-City arena for games/concerts
Activities: enjoyed attending the Tri-City Storm home hockey games; loved to read, was on a bowling league/partners with her husband, enjoyed collecting Indian dolls, putting puzzles together with her husband, playing her casino games on her Ipad and spending all the time she could with her family and friends
Survivors include: her husband, Jay of Kearney; daughter, Amber Hinrichsen of Kearney; sister, Karen Brecht of Kearney; brother, Ken Gewecke and his wife Kim of Kearney; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Linda Marzolf; brother, Rick Gewecke; brother in law, Alan Brecht; nephew, Matthew Brecht
Kearney Hub, 10 September 2020
ISAACS, Patricia, 69, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, with her family by her side
Funeral service: Friday at 3850 Dove Hill Ave. in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: March 16, 1951, in Alliance
Parents: Ralph Neumann and Charlene Tooley
Graduated from Alliance High School in 1969
Married: the late Robert Yendra on Sept. 20, 1971; were married 20 years
Married: Feb. 10, 2001, to Lyle Isaacs
Worked for Eaton Corperation for 18 years and at Walmart for 15 years
Activities: her first love was her family; found joy and love in helping others, some would describe her as being their second mom; loved to make up words and traveling was her passion
Survivors include her husband, Lyle; her sister, Sharon Eckelberger; her four children, Robert Yendra, Tracie Ferguson (Justin Ferguson), Mandy Sulzle (Jeff Sulzle), and Misty Elliott (Chris Elliott); along with 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 September 2020
JOHNSON, Shelly Raven, 53, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private family memorial service will be held
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 12, 1967, in Fort Yates, North Dakota
Parents: Henry A. and Carol M. Bowker
Started grade school in Fort Yates, then attended schools in Aberdeen, South Dakota; later moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, then California and Nebraska; lived in Kearney for the past 25 years; she and her children are members of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota; committed her life to Jesus Christ in Aberdeen at First Baptist Church; was baptized in Richmond Lake in a special baptismal ceremony in 1979
Activities: was born with an engaging personality that endeared her to family and friends alike; loved animals; treasure her family, most especially her daughter, Haley Raven, and her son, Justin Lee
Survivors include her longtime friend, Steve Nelson; her children; her parents, Hank and Carol Bowker of Aberdeen, South Dakota; sister, Dr. Debra Bowker of Newcastle, California; sister, Staci Graves of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and nephew, Jesse Gene Graves; uncle Mike and aunt Pam Ernst and family, Aberdeen, South Dakota; uncle, David and aunt, Naomi Ernst and family of St. Joseph, Missouri; aunt, Sherron Aguirre and family of Long Beach, California; aunt, Donna Clausen and family of Eagle Butte, South Dakota; and many wonderful cousins and extended family
Was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Marcella Ernst; by her paternal grandparents, Henry and Gatsey Raven Bowker; and by aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of the family
Kearney Hub, 9 September 2020
LOWRY, Nova M. Evans, 81, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
No services are planned at this time
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Survivors include her children, Eric Lowry, Julie Roeder and Korey Lowry; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 September 2020
LYON, Kenneth Alfred, 94, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at the Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center in Kearney
Funeral service: Saturday at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Burial: Moses Hill Cemetery in Phelps County, military honors
Born: July 18, 1926, on the family farm northeast of Loomis in Phelps County
Parents: Will and Della (Johnson) Lyon
Was confirmed at Holcomb Evangelical Free Church and attended until he went to the service; attended Ash Grove District No. 9 country school through the eighth grade; began working with his father and brother, on the farm
Military: United States Army, inducted Nov. 20, 1952,in Omaha; trained in welding at the Ord Auto School in Ord, Georgia; served during the Korean Conflict; was a skilled welder; received the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal; honorably discharged Nov. 4, 1954
Weleded at various manufacturing shops, including Stratman Manufacturing in Wilcox and then Caldwell Manufacturing in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed watching Husker football and playing bingo in his later years; member of the Buffalo County Post No. 52 American Legion in Kearney
Survivors include nephew, Dave Schubert and his wife Diane of rural Wilcox; three nieces: Linda Harms and her husband John of Martell, Mary Kay Lyon, and Karen Kreutzer and her husband Scott, all of rural Loomis; sister-in-law, Barbara Lyon of rural Loomis; brother-in-law, Clayton Schubert of Holdrege; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews and other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Grace Schubert; brother, LaMonte W. Lyon; and his nephew, Mark Schubert
Kearney Hub, 2 September 2020
MARSHALL, Dr. Larry “Joe”, 77, of Grand Island passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020
Service and celebration of live: Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island
Burial: Grand Island City Cemetery
Mortuary: All Faiths in Grand Island
Born: Dec. 16, 1942, in Bassett
Parents: Wayne and Doris (Hester) Marshall
Graduated from Kearney High School, attended Kearney State, thend graduate from University of Nebraska Medical Center; completed his residency at Kansas City Mercy Hospital
Married: Jan. 26, 1963, Jan Martindale and they had four children; she died in 2015
Moved to Jacksonville, Florida
Military: U.S. Navy, was honorably discharged as a lieutenant on May 19, 1972
Moved to Grand Island in 1974; was the first pediatrician at Grand Island Clinic, created the neonatal intensive care unit, the first of its kind in central Nebraska
Activities: was an accomplished tennis player, loved to hunt, and spent many evenings playing games with his family; over the years, tirelessly helped others, volunteering for physicals with Jaycee Football League, Salvation Army, leading grief classes, teaching Bible studies and serving on a variety of boards at Trinity Lutheran Church, etc.; joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1982, and his faith got him through many trials throughout his life
Married: July 30, 2016, to Sandy (Thompson)
Survivors include his wife, Sandy; children, Traci (Billy) Fleischer of Cozad, John (Nadia) Marshall of Chula Vista, California, Joey Marshall of Ravenna, Timothy (Sunny) Marshall of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Gina (Cory) Lyons of St. Louis; grandchildren, Dennis (Sherry) Wilkinson, Brandi (Thomas) Fenn, Natasha (Josh) VanOss, Dereck (Alena) Rosas, Trevor Fleischer, Larry Marshall, Alex (Gaby) Marshall, Austin Marshall, Allison Marshall, Abbie Marshall, Hannah Marshall, Analyse Lyons and Porter Lyons; many great-grandchildren; brother, Dave (Clara) Marshall of Kearney; sister, Marie (Keith) Danburg of Kearney; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. Was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jan
Memorials: Salvation Army or Trinity Lutheran School
Kearney Hub, 1 September 2020
McKEON, Eva Louise, 92, of Hazard died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at her home near Hazard
Graveside service: Friday at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Jan. 29, 1928, in Ravenna
Parents: William and Rizpah (Geist) Lamb
Was educated in Ravenna and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1946
Married: Harold McKeon on April 13, 1946; were married for 74 years
After marriage, always lived on a farm; in 1964, purchased the home farm near Sweetwater after Harold’s father’s death
Survivors include her husband, Harold; sons, Mick (Deb) McKeon, Jim (Renae) McKeon and Tom (Mary) McKeon; daughters, Colette (Ron) Sklenar, Colleen McKeon (Sylvia) and Maureen (Mike) Hunsberger; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Dale and Anthony; daughter, Patricia; granddaughter, Shelli Hilkemann; brother, Jim Lamb; parents-in-law, Mike and Clara McKeon; brother-in-law, Leonard; and sister-in-law, Kathleen (Warren) Betke
Kearney Hub, 19 August 2020
McPHERSON, Ardelle L. 89, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, peacefully with her children by her side at her home in Oro Valley, Arizona
Memorial service: later in the Custer, South Dakota, area
Was born at home in Willow Lake, South Dakota, on May 2, 1931
Parents: Emma and Peter Meyer
Attended school and graduated from Willow Lake High School at age 17; attended Huron College at Huron, South Dakota, and after six weeks, she returned to teach rural school for three years in Willow Lake and assist her parents on their farm
Married: Daniel W. McPherson in 1953, and both graduated from college in 1957
Had a passion for teaching; taught in Huron, Irwin and Clear Lake, South Dakota, then Sheldon, Iowa, where they made their home until 1975; later moved to Chadron, Nebraska, Pierre, South Dakota, and Kearney, Nebraska; continued to teach, mostly middle school students; retired in 1991 and moved to Custer, South Dakota
Activities: was active in the church, most recently the Custer Lutheran Church, was a member of P.E.O., and loved to cook, garden, entertain and research family genealogy; enjoyed having friends visit and being a tour guide to the Black Hills; with Dan, delighted in searching out antiques and filling their home with their many finds; after Dan died in 2006, continued to live in Custer, then moved, 2015, to the Tucson, Arizona, area to be closer to her daughter; lived at Desert Springs Retirement Community
Survivors include her daughter, Lorrane McPherson (Bruce Fulton) of Tucson, Arizona; her son, Daniel McPherson (Debra) of Bismarck, North Dakota; granddaughters, Makenzie Atherton (Nathan) and great-grandson, Leon of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Morgan McPherson (Evan LaBrant) of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Madison McPherson of Bismarck, North Dakota; along with a number of cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends with whom she maintained close contact during the years
Memorials: the Custer Lutheran Church or the Custer Senior Center at Custer, South Dakota
Kearney Hub, 10 September 2020
MEYERS, Sharon R., 77, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, at her home
Funeral service: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 12, 1943, in Minden
Parents: Lloyd and Ruby (Eckhardt) Moon
Was raised by Lee and Mildred McGown in Kearney
Attended Kearney High School
Married: Feb. 7, 1964, to LeRoy Meyers in Kearney; had three daughters together
Was a very active volunteer with her children’s school, then became a full-time paraprofessional; is still remembered by many students; transferred her caring spirit to Mother Hull Home; later became co-owner of Ruby Lee Floral with her daughter in 2000
Activities: loved working in the schools, was a Girl Scout leader and hosted neighborhood parties; enjoyed reading and traveling; took great pride and joy in her flower garden and was outside any chance she could get
Survivors include her daughters, Angela Gibreal of Kearney, Stacie (Chris) Glatter of Gretna, and Dana (Brian Cross) Meyers of Cortland; grandchildren, Kenzie (Brian Anderson) Gibreal of Denver, Megan (Andrew) Penner of Kearney, Halie (Pat) Willard of Omaha, Madison, Corista, Mia Glatter, all of Gretna, and Adly Cross of Cortland; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Madilyn Penner and Penny Gibreal Anderson; brother-in-law, Eugene Reichenker of Kearney; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy; parents, Lee and Mildred McGown, Lloyd and Mildred Moon and Ruby Eckhardt; sisters, Lois Reichenker and Betty Beavers
Leaves behind three generations of all girls to carry on her legacy
Kearney Hub, 12 September 2020
MORGAN, Erica Chris, 19, of Gibbon died Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, in Custer County as the result of an automobile accident
Funeral service: Wednesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: March 15, 2001, in Kearney
Parents: Daren and Ida (Ropers) Morgan
Was raised in Gibbon; graduated from Gibbon High School in 2019; was attending Chadron State College, majoring in geology
Activities: enjoyed drawing, painting and taking photos of anything she found beautiful; played the guitar and flute and had a love for all animals; had a special bond with her cat Milo who also perished in the accident; also enjoyed working at Freddy’s and the relationships she made there
Survivors include her parents, Daren and Ida Morgan of Gibbon; siblings, Cory Morgan of Kearney, Jody Morgan of Kearney and Diana Morgan of Gibbon; grandparents, Charlie and Claudia Morgan of North Loup; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry and Wanda Ropers
Kearney Hub, 15 September 2020
MUHLBACH, Loyal Oscar, 80, of Broken Bow died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday at Kinkaider Barrel Room in Broken Bow
Born: Feb. 7, 1940, in Ravenna
Parents: Oscar and Susie (Hehner) Muhlbach in Ravenna
Was the youngest of four children; graduated from Ravenna High School, 1957; attended Kearney State College
Military: U.S. Army in 1963, stationed in Korea in 1964-1965
Married: Sherry Prochaska on June 27, 1965; divorced in 1983
After marriage, lived in Broken Bow, began his career as police officer No. 403, in 1971; was chief of police from 1980-1989
Married: Donna (Goodner) McCaslin; divorced in 2013
Lived in Arnold, worked for the city as a police officer; retired and moved to Broken Bow
Survivors include his children, Lori Sechtem, Lisa (Ross) Finley and Shannon (Natalie Johnson); his sister, Ruth Lindly; sister-in-law, Marie Muhlbach; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandson
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; sister, Arleen and brother-in-law, Francis Stein; brother-in-law, Leonard Lindly; and a grandchild
Memorials: Broken Bow Police Department
Kearney Hub, 19 August 2020
PAINE, Eileen E., 98, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 5, 1922, in Kearney
Parents: Walter and DeEtta (Johnson) Bradley in Kearney
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1940, completed nurse’s training at Mary Lanning in Hastings in Oct. 1943
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Army as a registered nurse, in April 1944; completed her basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado, then served as a 1st lieutenant in hospitals in France and Germany during WWII; was proud of her wartime nursing career and had many fascinating stories to share
She was discharged from the Army in Oct. 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Married: Warren Paine, her high-school sweetheart, on Aug. 14, 1945, in Paris, France
After marriage, returned to Kearney, continued her nursing career as a surgical nurse, private duty nurse and teacher in the LPN program at Central Nebraska Community College; completed a B.A. degree in Vocational Instruction at Kearney State College in 1980; as a teacher, had a significant and positive influence on many new nurses; was also great wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother
Activities: member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, was a librarian for many years; member of the Nebraska Ornithologists Union and National Audubon Society
Survivors include: her sons, Ronald Paine of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Gary Paine of Kearney; three grandchildren, Brett Lee, Kimberly Dawn and Casey Jay; four great-grandchildren, Brayden, Gavon, Ellasyn and Cohen; sisters, Jackie Mayberry of St. Paul and Jenny Hartwig of Arlington, Texas
Was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Warren Paine; father, W.S. Bradley; mother, Detta Bradley; brother, Doty Bradley; and sister, Lorene Dobberstein
Memorials: First United Methodist Church Library
Kearney Hub, 19 September 2020
PAITZ, Joseph J., 88, of Hazard died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, at CHI Health Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln
Service: Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery in Pleasanton
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 31, 1931, in rural Buffalo County
Parents: Jake and Helen (Zimmer) Paitz
Graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1949
Married: Delores J. LeBar on Dec. 29, 1954
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Pleasanton west of Highway 10 on the Sherman and Buffalo county line; in 1969, purchased their farm just four miles from Pleasanton where they raised their 14 children
Activities: enjoyed farming and raising cattle, farm sales, horseshoe pitching, cattle sales and watching the kids and grandkids at sporting events
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Bob Heider of Roswell, New Mexico; Linda and Donald Kohlscheen and Vickie and Scott Lammers, all of Pleasanton; sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick and Roberta Paitz of Gibbon, Tom and Linda Paitz of Columbus, Gary and Teresa Paitz of Hildreth, Kenneth and Joanne Paitz and Randy and Stacy Paitz, all of Ravenna; Keith and Lisa Paitz and Brian and Brenda Paitz, all of Pleasanton; Bruce Paitz of Gretna; Timothy and Dawn Paitz of Gravois Mills, Missouri, and Scott and Heather Paitz of Litchfield; sisters, Rita Busch, Monica (Tony) DeCarlo and sister-in-law, Betty Paitz; 38 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife, Delores in 2009; daughter, Norma Jean in 1961; and granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth Paitz in 2007; brothers, Leo and wife, Florence Paitz, Greg Paitz and Clement Paitz; sisters, Mary and husband, Roger Shiers, Teresa and husband, Harold Pickering; brother-in-law, Robert Busch; sister-in-law, Ramona and husband, Howard Sohrweid
Memorials: St. Mary’s Pleasanton, Pleasanton Fire Department and Ravenna Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 20 August 2020
PENNINGTON, Walter “Dean”, 69, of Laguna Vista, Texas, died Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in Laguna Vista
Memorial service: Thursday at the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney, Nebraska
Burial: Broken Bow
Born: June 18, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio
Parents: Dean and Reita (Moravy) Pennington
Attended Central College Elementary in Ohio and later Point Loma High School in California. He had two sisters, Kathy (Robinson) Pierce of Gibbon, Nebraska, and Carolyn O’Day (deceased); worked at Kearney State College, and then at Baldwin Filters, retired in 1995 due to health concerns
Married: Dec. 31, 1986, to Patricia (Beck) Schubert
Lived in and around Kearney; moved to Laguna Vista, Texas, in July 2018; worked for South Padre Golf Course as a security guard for the past one and one-half years
Activities: enjoying the warm climate and the ocean at Laguna Vista; was outgoing and made friends easily; loved his family, grandchildren and many friends and dedicated much of his time to serving others; loved his church and his church family and enjoyed volunteering his time in any way that he could; was a longstanding member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, joined the Laguna Vista Volunteer Fire Department there; loved motorcycles, riding with his wife and friends across the countryside and mountains
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Pam Morin of Laguna Vista, Texas, and Christie Mettenbrink of Brighton, Colorado; four grandchildren, Paige Newman of St. Louis, Cole Newman of Lees Summit, Missouri, and Blake and Riley Mettenbrink of Brighton; his sister, Kathy Pierce of Gibbon; and many additional extended family members in Ohio and Nebraska
Memorials: Laguna Vista (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department, the Kearney (Nebraska) Volunteer Fire Department, or to the family for later designation
Kearney Hub, 31 August 2020
PRELLWITZ, Evelyn Marie, 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 12, 1932, at home on the ranch in rural Wheeler County near Ewing
Parents: Emil Vencil Bartak and Johanna Judit (Jennie) Beelart Bartak
Attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse with her brother Jim and four other students; attended a boarding style high school in Bartlett, graduating in 1948 at the age of 16; then attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, taking business and accounting classes
Worked at various banks and as an accountant until her marriage
Married: Dr. Frederick Prellwitz, Sept. 6, 1952, at St John’s Catholic Church near Clearwater
After her husband graduated from dental school in Omaha, moved and set up residence in Kearney
Raised five children; was a very talented seamstress and tailor,worked for Hirschfeld’s Men’s Clothing and the Brass Buckle
Activities: was very active in her children’s lives as a leader in Cub Scouts, 4-H, Campfire Girls and shuttling them to various sporting and musical events; enjoyed bowling, golf, international travel to exotic places and her bridge group; member of the St. James Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Group, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Does (Elks Club auxiliary), Community Concert Association and volunteered for many years helping with local elections, bloodmobile canteen, KCHS School Board and as a hospital volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital; was also an excellent cook who hosted many family and neighborhood gatherings
Survivors include daughters, Janet (Phil) Mannhard of St. Louis and Julie (Edward) Noethe of Council Bluffs, Iowa; sons, Daniel (Chris) Prellwitz of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Bruce Prellwitz of Hastings and Cory (Julie) Prellwitz of Kearney; grandchildren, Katherine (Matt) Helbig of St. Louis, Stephen (Jacquie) Mannhard of Boulder, Colorado, Patrick (Brittany) Mannhard of Spokane, Washington, Michael (Alyse) Mannhard of Spokane, Washington, Jared Prellwitz of Atlanta, Georgia, Graham Prellwitz of Springfield, Illinois, Emily Prellwitz of Denver, Samuel and Benjamin Prellwitz of Kearney and Clare and Jackson Noethe of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and great-grandchildren, Connor, Paige and Murphy Helbig and Rose and George Mannhard
Was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Frank Bohn; her husband, Frederick; and her brother, Jim Bartak
Memorials: Prellwitz Family Scholarship Fund established with the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 18 September 2020
QUADHAMER, Shirley Mae, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Upland, died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at Kinship Pointe-Northridge in Kearney
Memorial service: Sept. 8 at First Christian Church in Minden
Inurnment: Upland Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: May 23, 1932, in Riverton, Franklin County
Parents: Carl T. and Bertha L. (Schmidt) Yelken
Grew up on the family farm in the Spring Valley area; was baptized Aug. 7, 1932, in the Macon/Spring Valley Methodist Church; graduated from the Franklin Public School in 1949, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Kearney State College in 1967; later received her master's degree from KSC
Began her teaching career in 1949, taught in the rural communities of Franklin and Kearney County; in 1973 became a resource instructor for the Minden Public Schools; retired from full-time teaching in 2008, was a substitute teacher for many rural schools until 2016; during her tenure, received the honor of being awarded teacher of the year
Married: LaVerne L. Quadhamer on Oct. 8, 1950
After marriage, lived near Hildreth and Upland for 67 years, then moved to Kinship Pointe-Kearney Northridge Independent Living Retirement Community; LaVerne passed away July 28, 2018
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church in Upland, helped decorate for the different church events and seasons, held after school youth classes, and was involved in the many outreach missions; will be remembered for hot cinnamon rolls, her sharing of apples, peaches and vegetables from the garden, her loving and caring manner, and unwavering faith in the power of Jesus
Survivors include her sons, Steven Quadhamer and wife Colleen, and Lynn Quadhamer and wife Cindy, all of Minden; grandchildren and their spouses, Chad (Casey) Quadhamer, Lindsay (Kyle) Habben, Colt (Brandy) Quadhamer, Ryan (Sara) Neinhuser, and Holly (Justin) Jarecke; great-grandchildren, Sierra Quadhamer, Jerad Habben, Jordan Habben, Brayden Nienhuser, Brody Nienhuser, Hanna Bonner and Josie Jarecke; brother, Tom (Carol) Yelken of Franklin; sister, Karen (Harry James) Swenson of Lincoln; as well as a host of other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Yelken, Bertha Yelken Bartels and Oscar Bartels
Kearney Hub, 29 August 2020
RICHARDSON, Norman Louis, 88, of Elm Creek died Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, at Christian Homes in Holdrege
Service: Friday at the Elm Creek First Christian Church
Burial of cremains: Robb Cemetery, south of Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love, Lexington
Born: Jan. 28, 1932, in Smithfield
Parents: Louis and Louella (Davis) Richardson
Married: Betty Smartwood in 1978, they later divorced
Married: Phyllis Hagan in April 1982; she died Jan. 24, 2019
Survivors include his son, Cole Richardson of Lincoln; stepson, Duane Hagan of Ogallala; stepdaughter, Beverly Schroeder of Elm Creek; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 31 August 2020
RIKLI, Christopher James, 44, of Dallas, Colorado, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, in Ouray, Colorado
Visitation: Sept. 4 at The Lodge at Christian Resource Center, Giltner, Nebraska
Memorial service: Sept. 5 at Hilltop Pavilion at Christian Resource Center
Born: May 29, 1975, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: James and Sue (Wiebe) Rikli
Grew up at El Charman Lake near Gibbon; graduated from John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with a business degree and lifelong friendships
Married: Megan Hunnicutt on June 24, 2004
Was a self-taught web developer and entrepreneur, grew a successful web development and consulting business
Activities: was known for his brilliant mind, loving heart and huge hugs; invested time, energy and love into the children of family and friends; e had a strong work ethic, was driven to excel at whatever he did, lived with passionate urgency and craved adventure; attained his pilot’s license, raced motorcycles and acquired his dream car; spent much time hiking, climbing and exploring
Survivors include his wife, Megan, of Dallas; mother, Sue (Wiebe) Rikli, of Kearney; sisters, Nancy (Rock) Stahla, Lydia and Maverick, of Grand Island, Nebraska and Grant of Lincoln; Sarah (Walter) Green, Maci, Moriah and Amelia of Gretna, Nebraska; in-laws, Daryl and Willa (Jo) (Fruit) Hunnicutt; Brandon and Lisa (Shunkwiler) Hunnicutt, Kinsley, Payton, Bréley, Truett, Fallon, Breslyn and Vashti; Zachary and Anna (Dueland) Hunnicutt, Everett, Adeline, Houston and Townsend of Giltner, Nebraska
Was preceded in death by his father. James Rikli; grandparents, Calvin and Carol Wiebe and Vernon and Arlyne Rikli; and uncles, Clinton Wiebe and Richard Rikli
Memorials: Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, or Christian Resource Center in Giltner
Kearney Hub, 26 August 2020
SAUNDERS, Pamela Kay, 66, of Kearney died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, at North Platte
Celebration of life memorial luncheon: Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Lion’s Den in Chappell
Mortuary: Holechek-Bondegard in Chappell
Born: Aug. 1, 1954, in Alliance
Parents: Jerrold and Flora Murray
Married: Clyde Eugene Saunders on Feb. 14, 1981
After marriage, lived in Chappell for many years, then lived to Kearney for the last several years
Survivors include her husband Gene of Kearney; sons, Shane Harper of Kearney and Ryan (Abby) of Omaha; daughter Jodi (Cody) Harms of Chappell; three grandchildren, relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 14 September 2020
SCHOMBURG, Warren Earl, 91, of Shelton, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center
Mass of Christian burial: Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: Aug. 12, 1929, on a farm near Belgrade
Parents: William and May Schomburg
Grew up with his parents and siblings on several area farms during the Depression; graduated from Fullerton High School
Military: U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War
Married: Mary Ann Chizek, 1953
After marriage, moved to the farm north of Shelton previously owned by his in-laws; enjoyed farm life and people, combined his two passions as an agronomist and sales manager with Nachurs Plant Food, Pure Plant Food and B&B Fertilizer, later worked as an independent consultant
Married: Donna (Burmood) Thomas on June 30, 1995
Lived in Shelton and enjoyed traveling, attending dances and cheering on the Husker football team; was known for coaching the Huskers from his recliner
Survivors include his wife, Donna, of 25 happy years; children, Gail (Bruce) Sinner of Holstein, Dawn (Wes) Sich of Shelton, Robert Schomburg of Kearney; stepdaughter, Kristi (Kurt) Smallcomb, Ukiah, California; grandchildren, Leah Sinner, Nicole (Justin) Sinner, Kaitlyn Brooks, Jordan Brooks, Tara Schomburg, Emily Schomburg, Marissa Schomburg, Kayle (Quincy) Cromer, Kameron Smallcomb; and great-granddaughter, Kyla Cromer; siblings, Molly Smith of Fort Calhoun, Richard (Linda) Schomburg of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Schomburg, Fern Schomburg, William (Bill) Schomburg, David Schomburg, Theodore (Ted) Schomburg; brother-in-law, Ed Smith; sister-in-law, Gladys Schomburg and nephew, Tim Smith. Charles and Selma Chizek
Kearney Hub, 18 August 2020
SCOTT, Kristine, 59, of Kearney died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life: Sept 2, in the River Birch Room at the Harmon Park Activities Center in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 4, 1961, in Kearney
Parents: Donald and Lucille (Covert) Scott
Married: Dale Roeder; later divorced; recently was engaged to Rick Hines
Survivors include her son, Donald Roeder of Bellevue; daughter, Kimberly Roeder-Ash of Kearney; fiancé, Rick Hines; brothers, Ricky Lee Huffman, Terry Scott, Stan Huffman and Jon Scott; sister, JoAnn Huffman Wasson; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 September 2020
SIKES, Dorothy E., 90, of Kearney died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, at her home.
Funeral service: Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 15, 1929, at Riverdale
Parents: William and Dora (Finke) DeLaet
Was baptized March 16, 1930, at the home of her grandparents and godparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Finke; the Rev. Kelly of Lutheran Synod officiated; went to Hartman School District 34 through fifth grade; received her eighth grade promotion from District 26 on June 2, 1944; was confirmed June 13, 1943, by the Rev. E.O. Potratz of Zion Lutheran in Kearney; graduated May 25, 1948, from Kearney High School
Married: Jan. 1, 1949, to Wayne Sikes at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
After marriage, lived and raised five sons in Kearney; worked over 30 years in food service, with 28 years being at the college
Activities: loved to crochet; made haley blankets for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; also enjoyed playing cards with her children and at the senior center; longtime and active member of Zion Lutheran Church
Survivors include her sons, Thomas Sikes and wife Vickie of Kenesaw, Mike Sikes and wife Charlene of Loup City, David Sikes and wife Tammy of Alma and Gary Sikes of Alma; daughter-in-law, Diane Sikes of Holdrege; sister, Betty Sorenson and husband Willey of Ravenna; brother, Ed DeLaet and wife Connie of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Audrey DeLaet of Ravenna and Dorothy of DeLaet of Kearney; 20 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Douglas; two infant grandchildren; brothers, Kenny, Joe, Leroy and Bill; sisters, Violet Warner, Patricia DeLaet and Anna DeLaet; and several aunts and uncles
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast
Kearney Hub, 24 August 2020
SMALLCOMB, James Nelson, 65, of Gibbon died Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Sept. 17, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Maurice and Peggy (Sheen) Smallcomb
Attended Gibbon High School, graduating with the class of 1972
Married: Jan. 12, 1973, Carla Johnson at the Gibbon Baptist Church
After marriage, took over the family farm and farmed most of his life until his retirement; most recently, had been employed as a receiver for Tractor Supply Co. in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed raising cows and chickens, but most of all, loved time spent with his grandchildren; longtime member of the Gibbon Township Board, served as treasurer for many years
Survivors include his wife, Carla Smallcomb of Gibbon; children, Jennifer Winder of North Platte, Cory (Heather) Smallcomb, Jason (Crystal) Smallcomb, Matthew (Stephanie) Smallcomb and Timothy Smallcomb, all of Gibbon; grandchildren, Tristen Winder, Cameron Winder, Ashtyn Winder, Alec Smallcomb, Hunter Smallcomb, MaKenna Smallcomb, McKenna Benker, Korbyn Smallcomb, Christina (Jason) Busch, Justin (Jill) Smallcomb and Marcus Smallcomb; three sisters and a brother; seven great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Gard; and brother, Mark Smallcomb
Kearney Hub, 15 September 2020
SOVEREIGN, Elaine, 93, of Kearney died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, at her home
Funeral service: Saturday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 7, 1926, on a farm in Dodge County near Scribner
Parents: Ludolf and Martha Peters
Attended District 44 country school through eighth grade and then Scribner High; graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1943 at the age of 16; had taken normal training in high school and began teaching that fall in the District 82 country school near Scribner; attended summer school at Midland College in Fremont and Wayne State Teachers School while teaching rural school for four years and working as swimming pool cashier in the summer; became a full-time student at Wayne State in 1947, was a member of the history, English and home economics sororities, the National Honor Society, and worked part time at the college library
Married: fellow student Cliff Sovereign in Scribner on Nov. 24, 1948
After marriage, lived in married veterans’ housing in Wayne; both graduated from Wayne State in May 1950; later lived and taught in Obert, Ansley, Miller, Sumner, Brule, and Axtell; taught home ec and English, worked as school librarian, and media specialist; in retirement, moved into their old home in Brule and became very active in that community and the Congregational Church; after Cliff's heart attack in 2005, moved to Kearney to be closer to family
Activities: enjoyed worship and Bible study at First United Methodist Church in Kearney; enjoyed traveling the United States, starting with a camping trip to the Black Hills their first year together; traveled coast to coast, border to border, mostly camping in beautiful natural settings, but occasionally taking bus tours; had a cabin at Lake McConaughy; loved to read almost everything, but she favored mysteries; gave her children and grandchildren, the love of books
Survivors include her husband, Clifford Sovereign of Kearney; son, Ken and Marcia Sovereign of Hastings; daughter, Sue and Ed Furman of Omaha, daughter, Kathy and Ron Eckloff of Kearney, daughter, Nancy and Dave Klimek of Grand Island; grandchildren, Kristin (Sovereign) Adkins, Amy Sovereign, Brent Sovereign, Luke Furman, Andrew Furman, Abby (Furman) Haller, Emily (Eckloff) Jameson, Jill (Eckloff) Turner, Bethany (Eckloff) Rouse, Joel Eckloff, Ed Klimek, Allison Klimek, Tara Klimek; great-grandchildren, Evan Adkins, Jacob Adkins, Jenna Adkins, Alexis Haller, Evander Furman, Owen Furman, Kayla Jameson, Zachary Jameson, Alyssa Jameson, Olivia Jameson and Lily Turner; and stepgrandchildren, Ellisa, Tatyana, Talon and Hayden Klimek
Was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Arlan Peters
Kearney Hub, 20 August 2020
STEINBRINK, Twyla Louise, 88, of Trenton passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at Hillcrest Caring Center in McCook
Funeral service: Friday at the United Methodist Church in Trenton
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell
Mortuary: Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook
Born: Jan. 17, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Mortimer B. and Minnie Hazel (Burge) Jordan
Married: March 21, 1953, to Rex Steinbrink at the United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include her husband, Rex Steinbrink of McCook; children, Connie Bryant of Wayne, Oklahoma, Diane Dailey of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rodney Steinbrink of Scott City, Kansas, Carol Brown of Hayes Center, Richard Steinbrink of Garden City, Kansas, and Larry (Kathy) Steinbrink of North Platte; 19 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 3 September 2020
SWANSON, Ted L., 78, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home – Keens Memorial in Kearney
Celebration of life service: Saturday at the Kearney American Legion Club
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 27, 1942, in Aurora
Parents: Theodore and Hilda (Johnson) Swanson
Attended Aurora High School and graduated in 1960
Married: Ellen Hawk on Sept. 9, 1961, in Aurora
Began working for Consumers Public Power in Aurora out of high school, eventually retired with Nebraska Public Power in 1997 after 36 years of service
Activities: enjoyed his yard, gardening and spending time with his family and his cat
Survivors include his sons, Russell Swanson and his wife AJ of Kearney and Corey Swanson and his wife Nancy of Springfield; daughters, Jodi Cordle and her husband Brad and Carol Swanson and Gene Freeze, all of Kearney; sisters, Alice Johnson of Polk and Lois and Ron Burns of Aurora; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Lindsay Swanson; and brother-in-law, Gordon Johnson
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 17 September 2020
SWARTWOOD, Doris Robertson, 78, of Mason City died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Graveside service: Friday at Basin Cemetery near Mason City
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: March 10, 1942, in Broken Bow
Parents: R. Loucks and Lorene (Schall) Robertson
Was raised in Mason City, graduated from Mason City High School in 1960
After graduation, lived in Lincoln, moved to Kearney in 1971, and then in 1997 returned to Mason City
Married: Dec. 6, 1976, to Lyle Swartwood in Reno, Nevada
Worked at West Company for 26 years, then worked as a housekeeper at Holiday Inn; member of the Lutheran Church in Mason City; enjoyed sewing and loved animals of all kinds
Survivors include her children, Tim (Colleen) Swartwood of Overton, Ken Swartwood of Odessa, Doran Swartwood of Elm Creek, Scott Swartwood of North Platte, Shane (Sheri) Swartwood of Rapid City, South Dakota; sister, Donna (Kenneth) Almquist of Kearney; niece, Annette (Doug) Robbins of Chicago; and nephew, Robert (Amy) Almquist of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Lyle Swartwood
Memorials: Central Nebraska Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 25 August 2020
TAYLOR, Matthew “Matt” A., 39, of Loup City, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at his home in Loup City
Memorial service: Aug. 31 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: Feb. 10, 1981
Parents: Michael A. and Diana P. (Hanneman) Taylor
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1999
Military: Army Reserves; served overseas twice, first during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005 in Arifjan, Kuwait, and later at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, in 2009; was honorably discharged, 2011
Studied at Central Community College-Grand Island and graduated in 2013
Worked many places as an IT tech person, including Central Nebraska Community Partnership in Loup City and as an outsource company for BD
Activities: helped with the Kearney Special Olympics as a sponsor; loved camping and spending time with his friends and also enjoyed fishing and hunting; loved to take his little cousins fishing; will be remembered for his ability to entertain the kids and make them laugh
Survivors include his father, Mike Taylor of Loup City; brother, Markcus Taylor and his wife Jessie of Battle Creek, Michigan; also, many aunts, uncles, cousins and very close friends
Was preceded in death by his mother, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents
Memorials: Kearney Special Olympics
Kearney Hub, 19 August 2020
THOMAS, David, 66 of Gibbon died Saturday Aug. 22, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Graveside memorial service: Sept. 11 at Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Born: June 20,1954 in Pueblo, Colorado
Parents: James and LaVerne (Humiston) Thomas
In 1960 his mother married Johnny Beeson; later moved to Sterling, Colorado, received his education there; later moved to the Gibbon area where he lived until his death
Worked as a farmhand/handyman around Gibbon until poor health forced his retirement a few years ago; enjoyed the challenge to build things and was very handy with a hammer and nails; his greatest passion was fishing
Survivors include his brothers Victor (Cheryl) Thomas of Sidney, Richard aka “Peanut “ Thomas of Sterling and Kenny Thomas of Holdrege; sisters, Janice Carman of Gibbon and Gloria (Jim) Hinrichs of Warsaw, Missouri; sister-in-law, Kathy Thomas of Raeford, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews
Was proceeded in death by his parents John and LaVerne Beeson; brothers, Danny and Roger Thomas, and his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 28 August 2020
URWILLER, Lucinda “Cindy”, 72, of Grand Island died Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Memorial service: Friday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Inurnment: Stamford Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born: Aug. 29, 1948, in Orleans
Parents: Loren and Leta Coffey
Grew up in Stamford, received her education at Stamford High School and Lincoln School of Commerce for Associates
Lived in Lincoln, Kearney and most recently in Grand Island; in Kearney, worked for the Good Samaritan Hospital and the Richard Young Hospital; worked at the Nebraska Veterans Home while living in Grand Island
Activities: enjoyed reading and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Darren (Tina) Urwiller of Grand Island and Christopher (Kenna) Urwiller of Scottsbluff; daughter, Leslie (Richard) Hoburg of Fort Worth, Texas; and 14 grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Leta Coffey; and her brothers, Vern and Larry Coffey
Memorials: cancer society
Kearney Hub, 3 September 2020
VOLLENWEIDER, Alice L., 88, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 5, 1932, in Buffalo, Dawson County
Parents: Bill and Anna (Knoop) Feddersen
Grew up on a farm near Lexington, went to a rural school from first grade to part of eighth grade; moved with family, and finished her eighth grade year and attended Cozad High School; moved to a farm near Eddyville, graduated from Oconto High School with the class of 1950; attended summer school at Kearney State College, earned her teaching certificate
Taught one year at a rural school near Oconto and one year at a school by Elm Creek
Married: June 13, 1954, to Kenneth Vollenweider
After marriage, lived on a farm at Redfern Table, helped with farm work; moved to Gibbon, raised their four children, was employed at the turkey plant in Gibbon for eight years and then retired after 28 years at Baldwin’s; later worked at Walmart for approximately two years
Activities: active member of the Faith United Church in Gibbon, member of the Rebekahs Lodge; enjoyed gardening, playing cards, bingo and traveling, especially enjoyed their trips to Alaska and Australia; was a generous woman and a hard worker
Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (Glenn) Kollars of Gibbon; sons, Craig Vollenweider of Parker, Colorado, Kent (Linda) Vollenweider of Lincoln and Dennis Vollenweider of Weeping Water; sisters, Aileen (Charles) Johnson of Kearney and Darlene Smith of Cozad; brother, Dale (Jean) Feddersen of Sumner; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Vollenweider; and grandson, Brysen Kollars
Kearney Hub, 24 August 2020
WHITE, George Bruce, 76, of Riverdale died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at UNMC in Omaha
Funeral mass: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Feb. 27, 1944, in Sutherland
Parents: Conner and Frances (Stringfield) White
Graduated from North Platte High School in 1962
Military: proudly served in the Air National Guard for several years
Married: June 3, 1977, to Kathleen Rendon
Was an over-the-road truck driver for many years, most recently, worked as a driver at Broadfoot Sand and Gravel
Activities: was a longtime Denver Broncos fan; enjoyed watching NASCAR and fishing; member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Survivors include his wife, Kathy White of Riverdale; children from a previous marriage, Debbie Anderson and Tina (Mark) Reeves, both of Colorado Springs; other children include Tony (Kristy) Martinez of Longmont, Colorado, Elizabeth (Gordon) Steele of Kearney and Mark Martinez of Kearney; brothers, Gary (Diane) White of Joseph, Oregon, and Bob White of North Platte; sister, Vicki (Stewart) Holmes of North Platte; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 15 September 2020
WRIGLEY, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann, 70, died Aug. 26, 2020, at Jacksonville, Florida, her family’s residence for the last 35 years
Born: Nov. 14, 1949, in Kearney, Nebraska
Parents: Edward and Florence Fox
Was the seventh of eight siblings; excelled in intramural sports at Kansas State University, pitching for baseball and quarterbacking for football
Married: Mark Wrigley on June 12, 1971
While on Air Force bases with her military husband, ran the Red Cross summer swim programs while focusing her education on childbirth and nurturing, and having her own two children; moved to St. Louis, earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St Louis University; in Florida, earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Florida and Certification from the American College of Nurse Midwives; served as a midwife in Jacksonville for several decades, delivering thousands of babies into this world; was passionate about babies and prenatal care and served for many years on the Board for the Childbirth Education Association of Jacksonville
Activities: active member of San Juan del Rio Catholic Church; lover of nature; believed in advocating and fostering a better planet for all; enjoyed gardening and was active in several conservation organizations
Survivors include her husband Mark, their children Alexandra and Aaron, and her grandchild Steven; her sisters, Margaret, Theresa and Monica; and her brothers, Robert, James, Lawrence and Richard
Memorials: San Juan del Rio Catholic Church at St. John’s, Florida
Kearney Hub, 7 September 2020
YENDRA, Sally Georgene, 73, of Axtell died at her home Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020
Services: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Born: July 16, 1947
Parents: George and Jeanette Nickel of Kearney
Grew up south of Kearney on a farm with her brothers, Bill and Mack; attended school in Kearney K-12 and was active in FFA, home economics and other activities during school; also loved to dance
Married: Leonard Yendra shortly after high school
After marriage, lived on a farm east of Kearney, raised various crops and livestock; took great pride in raising, loving and supporting everyone in the family
Worked at J.A Baldwin and Morris Press for a period of time, then took on watching and teaching the grandkids, encouraging them with learning and little songs she would make up for each and every one of them; later moved out to the farm south of town on Sally’s dad’s place, completely remodeled the big "A" frame house on the hill as everyone knew it
Activities: was an excellent cook, loved doing crafts, sewing and collecting antiques, but most of all spending time with everyone, especially her grandkids; lived her life with open arms and lots of love and care
Survivors include her husband, Leonard Yendra of Axtell; two sons, Jeffrey and Rodney Yendra, both of Kearney; daughter, Lorna Yendra of Kearney; a brother, William (Molly) Nickel of Kearney; three granddaughters, Morgan and Kylie Yendra, both of Kearney, and Taylor Stratton of Kearney; a grandson, Dylan Yendra of Kearney; and two great-granddaughters, Tinnley Thomas and Revalie Klingsporn, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Mack Nickel; and a half-sister, Sandra Nickel
Kearney Hub, 2 September 2020