Page 236
Back to Index for Obituaries
ANDREWS, Barbara Lou, 86, of Kearney died Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney
Memorial service: Aug. 28 at First Lutheran Church
Interment: First Lutheran Church Columbarium
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 15, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Parents: Reinhart and Violet (Stubbe) Rock
Was raised in Kalamazoo; lived in Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Nebraska; for the past 22 years, lived with her daughter Pam and her family
Was a writer; authored more than 60 novels, including 40 plus in partnership with her daughter, Pam Hanson; was a nationally known postcard collector and writer
Activities: was a lifelong Lutheran, was involved in raising money for Lutheran World Relief through many postcard auctions; enjoyed making collage art
Survivors include her children, Pam Hanson and husband Ralph of Kearney, Joan Andrews of Phoenix, Arizona, Stephen Andrews and wife Chris of Norwalk, Iowa, and Mark Andrews and wife Royale of Waukee, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Erik, Andrew, Matt, Haley, Ariadnae, Tyler, Kasey and Reese; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many extended family and friends, including her friend/caregiver, Mary Fitzke
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother James Rock; and sister Judy Ward
Memorials: Lutheran Social Services of Nebraska
Kearney Hub, 25 July 2021
ASCHE, James "Jim" Michael, 81, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, July 23, 2021 at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Funeral service: Aug. 4 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 9, 1940, in Columbus
Parents: Milton and Ethel Asche
Was raised on a farm north of town, graduated from Columbus High School in 1958 and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1964 with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering; member of the DU fraternity and played freshman baseball; earned a master of science in applied and theoretical engineering in 1970 from the University of Illinois
Married: Janet Young on Dec. 11, 1965, in Springfield, Illinois
During his engineering career, worked for Allis-Chalmers in Springfield, Illinois, Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus and Baldwin Filters in Kearney; at Baldwin, was employed as the director of air filtration and the laboratory for 20 years
Activities: was an avid Husker fan; also enjoyed attending UNK and KHS athletic events; enjoyed coaching his children when they were young and more recently watching his grandchildren play sports; hobbies were hunting and fishing
Survivors include his daughter Jennifer (Ruben) Bustamante of Lubbock, Texas; son Michael (Kathy) Asche of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; and five grandchildren, Derek Asche, Lauren Asche, Olivia Asche, Collin Bustamante and Jace Bustamante
Was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kay Nelson and wife Janet
Memorials: Kearney Legion Baseball, Kearney Competitive Girls' Fast Pitch Softball or Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 1 August 2021
BRIMLOW, Michael D., 70, of Kearney died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at his home
Memorial service: July 22 at the Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel, with military rites
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 17, 1951, in Enterprise, Alabama
Parents: Robert and Myrtle (Wall) Brimlow; was an only child
Graduated from Lexington High School in 1969; attended Kearney State College from 1972 to 1977, lettered in football all four years as an offensive lineman
Military: joined US Army in 1971, served two years of active duty in Germany and stateside; member of the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1977
Worked at Eaton Corp. in Kearney for his entire working life
Activities: was an avid softball player in his years after his football career at KSC; enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing for many years until his health issues curtailed these activities; in retirement years, kept his home in pristine condition; always had time for friends and his KSC family
Survivors include many cousins living in Nebraska, Colorado, Alabama, Kansas, Arkansas and Florida
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Kearney Area Community Foundation
Kearney Hub, 17 July 2021
CARPENTER, Deanne Elaine (Maciejewski), 65, of Hastings died Thursday, July 8, 2021, at her home
Funeral Mass: Thursday at St. Josaphat Catholic Church in Loup City
Mortuary: Apfel of Hastings
Born: Sept. 18, 1955, in Loup City
Parents: James and Elaine Maciejewski
Grew up in Loup City and received her education at Loup City High School
Married: Pat Peterson in 1975 in Loup City
After marriage, lived in Kearney, was employed by St. John's nursing home; later divorced in 1984; moved to Hastings in 2016, retired there
Activities: enjoyed fishing, bowling, crime and ghost hunting shows, antiquing, crafts, swinging in the park, spending time with her grandkids, daughters and other family, going to concerts, music, traveling and a good, cold beer
Survivors include her mother, Elaine Maciejewski of Loup City; daughters, Mandy (Peterson) and Ryan Schumm of Hastings and Melissa (Peterson) and Adam Long of Kearney; grandchildren, Kale and Vivien Long and Braden and Braxton Schumm; brother, Gary and Donna Maciejewski of Pleasanton; sisters, Donna Gancos of Kearney, and Marcia and Steve Kuta of Omaha; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father, James Maciejewski
Memorials: Start Over Rover
Kearney Hub, 13 July 2021
COPPLE, Billy Lynn, 75, of Columbia, Missouri, died at his home in Columbia on Saturday, July 24, 2021, after a short battle with aggressive small-cell lung cancer
Memorial service: July 31, Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
A second graveside service: Sunday at Blue Valley Cemetery in Ayr
His ashes will be divided between their two burial plots, as he requested
Born: Jan. 30, 1946 in Hastings
Parents: Russell and Velma (Druecker) Copple
Grew up on Clearview Farm just outside Hastings with four siblings; cherished and remained close to his siblings; attended Milford Trade School and trained as a welder
Military: fought in the Vietnam War as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne
Married: Feb. 23, 1973, to Charlene Gingrich
After marriage, lived in Hastings; moved to Kearney in 1979, took a position with Deutz Allis Massey Ferguson selling farm implements; in the early '90s, worked at Gateway Mobile and Modular Homes as a salesman; retired in 2007; Charlene died in April 2008; Married: Julie Billings Relford in 2017; she died in 2018
Moved to Columbia, Missouri, to be near his eldest daughter Activities: was immensely proud of his grandchildren; enjoyed fishing and camping, tinkering with cars, including the conversion of a painter's van into a family camper that saw many adventures, and seeing his siblings and the family farm as frequently as possible; was best known for his pride in his family, the generosity of his friendship, his unfailing love for spinning a yarn, and the fierce fraternity he discovered late in life with fellow Vietnam veterans
Survivors include his siblings, Terry Copple (and Jan) of Hansen, Brad Copple (and Connie) of Hastings, Janelle Ernst of Hastings and Brian Copple (and Javier) of Melbourne, Australia; children, Melissa Menard (and Steve) of Columbia, Missouri, and Alison Wick (and Josh) of Lincoln; grandchildren, Rowan Wick of Lincoln and Gabriel Wick of Lincoln: stepgrandchildren, Caymen Menard of Columbia, Missouri, and Grace Menard of Columbia, Missouri
Was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Velma Copple, and both of his wives, Charlene and Julie Copple
Kearney Hub, 28 July 2021
CROSS, Laura Christine, 51, of Kearney died Thursday, July 29, 2021, at her home in Kearney
Service: Aug. 18 at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church
Family and friends are all welcome and casual attire is requested. Born Dec. 10, 1969, in Kearney
Parents: Lawrence and Carolyn (Semple) Journey
Graduated from the Kearney Senior High with the Class of 1988; attended Spencer School of Business,earned her degree in business
Married: in October 1993 to Wendell Cross; later divorced but eventually maintained a strong relationship
Worked at the old Kmart and for an insurance company as a teenager, then worked for Peavey Elevator; also worked briefly at Good Samaritan Hospital and in the finance department at Baldwin Filters
Activities: was a very giving person; enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening; built her own pond in her backyard; loved her little fur babies
Survivors include her parents, Lawrence and Carolyn Journey; brother, Russell Journey; sister, Deanna Journey, all of Kearney; aunt Sandy Schutt of Hastings; nieces, Brittany Turman and Danielle Journey of Kearney; nephews, Zach Journey and Sean McMahon of Kearney; great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great-nephew Kayden along with other relatives
Kearney Hub, 5 August 2021
CRUISE, Helen, 85, of Salem, Oregon died Aug. 11, 2019, in Salem surrounded by her loving family
Service: Aug. 30, 2019, at Queen of Peace Church in Salem, Orgeon
Born: March 31, 1934, to Mary and Caleb Worthing in Doc. Laughlin's house
Remained Elm Creek most of her young life; with five siblings and parents, lived briefly in Los Angeles during World War Two, when their father worked in the aircraft industry; graduated from Elm Creek High in 1952; attended St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island receiving her RN degree
Worked at Kearney's Good Samaritan Hospital and later, at St. Elizabeth's in Lincoln
Married: Dec. 27, 1955, to Dale Cruise, remained happily married for her remaining 63 years
Raised their six children in Omaha while Dale completed his medical education; moved to Salem, Oregon in 1970; was actively involved in Girl Scouts, YWCA, Medical Auxiliary and Queen of Peace Church; had many friends, never missed a sporting event or performance
Survivors include her husband Dale; brothers, Gregory (Elaine) and Patrick (Blanche); children, Mark (April), Jeffery (Julie), Susan, and Linda (Kevin); ten grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by her sons Kevin and Gregory; brothers Daniel (Marquerite), David and Matthew (Sue)
Kearney Hub, 28 June 2021
DAUEL, Darold Ray, 87, of Pleasanton passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at his home in Pleasanton
Service: Friday, July 23, 2021 at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: December 7, 1933 southeast of Pleasanton
Parents: Christian and Lillie (Rodehorst) Dauel
Attended school in rural Buffalo County at Sunflower School and District 26, graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1951
Farmed in the Pleasanton area
Military: U.S. Army; served from April 6, 1954 – February 20, 1956
Married: Barbara Hadwiger on March 31, 1957 at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton; celebrated 64 years of marriage in March of 2021
Lived on a farm near Riverdale, moved to the family farm in 1959; moved to Pleasanton in 1966; worked at numerous jobs, then worked as an aircraft mechanic at Grand Island Aviation for over 30 years
Activities: member of Grace Lutheran Church, served on the Pleasanton School Board and Pleasanton Village Board and was a past member of the Pleasanton Fire Dept.; enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family
Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Pleasanton, sons, Dan (Lois) Dauel of Kearney; Doug (Diane) Dauel of York, NE; daughters, Denise Mingus of Ravenna and Dayna (Ted) Eichholz of Pleasanton. Grandchildren, Justin (Heather) Dauel of Kearney, Adam Dauel of LaVista, NE; Melissa Dauel of Kearney, Devin (Shabella) Dauel of Atlanta, GA; Derek Dauel of York, NE; Kelsie (Rastus) Snow of Litchfield, Ryan (Megan) Mingus of Kearney and Lillie Eichholz and Josie Eichholz of Pleasanton and great-grandchildren, Zachary Dauel, Rebekah Dauel, Michael Dauel, Olivia Dauel, Hattie Snow and Silas Snow, brothers, Edward (Bernadine) Dauel and Don (Sharon) Dauel and son-in-law, John Eynetich
Was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Debra Eynetich; sisters, Dorathy Lindner and Wanda Unick and brother, Robert Dauel
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire and Rescue and Ascera Care Hospice
Kearney Hub, 23 July 2021
DUBBS, Shawn L., 50, of Gibbon died Saturday, July 24, 2021, at his home
Memorial service: Aug. 4 at Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: June 10, 1971, in Kearney
Parents: Larry and Cathy (Heller) Dubbs
Grew up on the family farm; attended Gibbon High School, played football wearing the #50; graduated with the Class of 1990
Married: Sept. 28, 2013, to married Carmen Bilbasoo
After marriage, continued to live on the family cultivating the land for hay, crops and cattle
Activities: member of Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney; enjoyed fishing, hunting, driving around, working in his John Deere tractor and combine, and Husker football
Survivors include his wife, Carmen (Bilbasoo) Dubbs
Was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Cathy Dubbs
Kearney Hub, 27 July 2021
DUDEK, Robert "Bob", 81, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at his home in Elm Creek, after a long battle with Parkinson's
Memorial Mass: Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 11, 1939, in Donna, Texas
Parents: Tony and Rose (Vrchota) Dudek
Graduated from Fullerton High School in 1957
Military: honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1961
Worked with the Minuteman Missile program and later worked in sales at Eakes Office Plus in Grand Island
Married: May 11, 1962, to Mary Voichoske in Fullerton
Activities: was an avid fisherman and hunter; enjoyed gardening and especially growing roses; retired, moved to Johnson Lake, enjoyed painting wildlife and dog portraits; member of Ducks Unlimited and donated many paintings; member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Elm Creek
Survivors include his wife Mary Dudek of Elm Creek; daughters, Michelle Barger and husband Bob of Columbus, Wisconsin, and Melissa Dudek of Kearney; grandchildren, Anna, Adam and Alexis Lilienthal, all of Kearney; brothers, Pat Dudek and wife Patty of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Don Dudek of Fullerton; sister-in-law Jo Thomazin of Genoa; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 3 July 2021
DYER, Gary W. 59, of Saint Maries, Idaho, died unexpectedly on June 14, 2021, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene
Gathering of friends and family: Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the Harmon Park Activity Center in Kearney, Nebraska
Born: Nov. 20, 1961, in North Platte
Parents: Robert and Judith (Ingram) Dyer
Attended Gothenburg and Northeast Elementary schools, graduated from Kearney High School in 1980
Military: U.S. Army, 1980 - 1982
Worked a variety of jobs including Braden and Sons, Monfort Meat Packing and, for more than 15 years, Eaton Corporation in Kearney; moved to North Loup, farmed around the North Loup area for a few years, then purchased land south of Overton and opened a hunting lodge; with son Beau, operated that lodge until in 2010, then founded Dyer's Outback LLC in Saint Maries, Idaho; enjoyed the many opportunities of Idaho living, including working timbers with good friend Jody
Survivors include: his son Beau (Heather); grandson Everett; special friend, Patti Ward; father Bob; sister Brenda (Jim) King; and nephew Hunter (Tahnee Cook) King
Was preceded in death by his mother Judith; maternal and paternal grandparents; and good friend Nick Vasquez
Memorials: Pheasants Forever, NRA, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Kearney Hub, 1 August 2021
EATON, Ira A., 78, of Ravenna died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Born: October 16, 1942
No services are planned at the present
Mortuary: Rasmussen of Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 30 June 2021
FRITSON, Willa Jean "Jeannie", 91, of Kearney died Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society - St. John's in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at the Westminster United Presbyterian Church
Interment: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: April 4, 1930, on the family farm located 7 miles south of Minden, originally homesteaded by Jeannie's grandparents, M.C. and Maren Bang upon arriving from Denmark
Parents: William and Frieda (Berndt) Bang
Was the youngest of three children; attended Minden Public Schools
Married: Herman "Bud" Fritson on Jan. 8, 1948
After marriage, lived on farms southwest of Minden, was a hard-working farm companion, seamstress, cook, mother and neighbor; in retirement, moved to the McConnell Subdivision south of Kearney
Activities: was baptized and confirmed at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, was also a member and very involved in two other churches that she loved, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hildreth (now Trinity), and First Lutheran Church in Kearney, was involved in circles, Sunday School/Bible School teacher, quilting, Bible studies, and most other church activities; was always the neighbor who could be counted on to have "what you need" because she had an extra supply on hand, enjoyed trying new recipes, and was always quick to provide a meal or bed to any guest; loved attending and hosting family and neighborhood gatherings
Survivors include her children, daughter-in-law, Judy (Richard) Turner; daughters, Billy (Tom) Rayburn, Naomi Fritson (Dean Casper), Marilyn (Steve) Moseman; grandchildren, Mark (Christa) Fritson, Matthew Fritson (friend Connie Bethel), Mary Olson (friend Kirk Petit), T.K. (Michele) Rayburn, Ivan (Kathryn) Rayburn, Sarah Casper (friend Darin Fischer), Andrew (Allison) Casper, Seth (Tiffany) Casper, David Moseman (fiancée Ally Michel); great-grandchildren, Clayton, Caden, Carson, Mya, Sara and William Fritson; Carlie Jo Villar, Wyatt, Waylon, Weston, Amelia and Amos Rayburn; Brody and Noah Casper and father Brandon Berumen; Lucas, Ryan, Harrison, Alexander, Hunter and Dexter Casper; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors
Was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; two sons, Michael and Bernard; one granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer (Wood) Fritson; parents, William and Frieda (Berndt) Bang; parents-in-law, John and Katie (Dorn) Fritson; siblings, Robert Bang and Elaine Nielson/Nordhaus/Olson; all brothers and sisters-in-law, and two nephews
Kearney Hub, 19 July 2021
GRUHN, Sharon, 74, of Ravenna died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center after a long battle with COPD
Funeral service: Tuesday, July 6, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 7, 1946, in Scottsbluff
Parens: Robert and Velma (Polk) Cox
Was the second of three children in their family; started school in Mitchell, continued her education in McCook
Married: John Behnke, had two children together
Lived in North Platte, worked at Linden Manor for many years as a nurse's aid; moved to McCook, was employed by Hillcrest Nursing Home for many years; was a CNA, worked in dietary and was an activities director for 18 years, loved to take care of the people there
Married: Virgel Gruhn, July 5, 1986, at the Methodist Church in McCook; have had 35 wonderful years together; lived in Omaha for a bit and then managed motels in Laramie, Wyoming, Ogallala, Crete, and finally in Chadron; moved to Ravenna in 2001, remained there for the past 20 years
Activities: enjoyed taking care of people, cooking, seeing family, crafting, thrifting, and reading; loved her flowers and her pets, but mostly loved her family and friends
Survivors include: her husband Virg Gruhn of Ravenna; son, Robert Behnke of Omaha; daughter, Antina (Chris) Jones of Wahoo; stepsons Sean (Sandy) Gruhn of Grand Island and Seth (Wendy) Gruhn of Owasso, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Courtney (Nathan) Matlock, Marcus Jones, and Kylee Jones all of Lincoln, and Kalee, Agram and Colt Gruhn of Owasso, Oklahoma; sister, Betsy (Charles) Haag of Oberlin, Kansas; sister-in-laws, Susan Cox of York, Florence (Bob) Natzke of Wisconsin and Lavonne (Ron) Boettcher of Minnesota; many nieces and nephews, along with special friends
Was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Velma Cox; and brother, Tom Cox
Kearney Hub, 3 July 2021
HAND, Rex R., 88, of Kearney died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family
Funeral service: Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery with military honors graveside
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: in Pleasanton, July 12, 1932, to Raymond and Julia (Klein) Hand
Attended school in Pleasanton
Military: enlisted February 1951 in the Army, was stationed at Anchorage, Alaska
Married: May 21, 1953, to Betty Rolfsmeyer in Kearney
Returned from the service, joined his father in the well drilling business; resided in Pleasanton; in 1966 moved the family and the business six mil south of Pleasanton; became the owner of Hand Well Company in 1973, retired from the business in 2008; then moved to Kearney; was in Brookstone Gardens from January to November 2020, then moved into his daughter and son-in-law's home north of Kearney
Activities: joined the Pleasanton Fire Department at age 16 and remained active until 1966; lifetime member of the American Legion, past member of the Kearney Elks Club, Nebraska Well Drillers Association from 1951 to 2008, Suburban Fire Board for Buffalo County from 1998 to 2018, and Town and Country Bank board from 1973 to 2018; worked hard and played even harder; was always ready to do something for anyone; loved hunting and fishing and socializing with his friends; was a fun-loving guy and always made sure that everyone else had a good time, too
Survivors include his daughters, Connie (Lymon) Reiss of Kearney, Darla (Leland) Skeen of Gibbon and Gisel (Dave) Krueger of Kearney; son Dave (Terry) Hand of Kearney; brother Norman of Kearney; sisters-in-law, JoAnne and Rita Rolfsmeyer; many cousins; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; brother-in-law Allen Rolfsmeyer; sister-in-law June Hand; and son-in-law Monty Warnken
Kearney Hub, 29 June 2021
HARMS, Marvin Evon, 83, of Kearney, formerly of Hildreth, died Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Society in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Macon
Interment with military honors: Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig
Born: May 25, 1938, in rural Franklin County
Parents: Oltman H. and Martha M. (Kuster) Harms
Grew up in the Franklin area and graduated from Franklin High School with the Class of 1959
Married: Sept. 6, 1959, to Jeannette Ann Fegter
Lived near Hildreth, farmed and sold NC+ Seed for many years before retiring
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Macon Lions Club; enjoyed playing bingo, farming, attending coffee club with friends, playing 4-point pitch and spending time with friends and family; also loved helping his sons with their race car and demolition derby car, and their truck
Survivors include his children, Lynn and wife Jeanne Harms of Hildreth, Gaylin Harms of Hildreth, and Janelle Harms of Kearney; six grandchildren, Jacob Harms, Dakota Harms, Christopher Loffelholtz, Brandon Loffelholtz, Aubree Winkle and Shari Clark; brother, Leroy Harms and wife Carol of Franklin; nine great-grandchildren (and one on the way); as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jeannette in 2010; and children, Rhodell and Marilyn
Kearney Hub, 25 July 2021
HARTMAN, Jerry L., 76, of Kearney died Friday, July 30, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society - St. John's in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 7, 1945, in Lincoln
Parents: Lloyd R. and Mary (Hopper) Hartman
Attended school in Lincoln and graduated in 1963 from University High
Military: joined the National Guard and became a lieutenant
Married: Sept. 2, 1967, to Sharilyn (Shari) Kahle at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Began working for Kings Food Host Restaurants in Lincoln in 1968; moved to Kearney, later became district manager for the Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings and North Platte locations; in 1973 began managing the Fort Kearney Inn; in 1980 left the Fort Kearney Inn to begin a pawn shop in Hastings eventually opening a second location in Lexington; also wrote bail bonds for many years; retired in 2001, following a disabling car accident, to spend more time with family, traveling and especially spending time with his grandkids
Survivors include his wife Shari of Kearney; daughter Becky (Aaron) Axtell of Minden and their children, Ashleigh Axtell (Kyle Jauken), Austin Axtell, Mitchell Axtell and Matthew Axtell; daughter Allison (Patrick) Quiroz of Exeter, California, and their children, Kassandra Quiroz, Theodore Quiroz, Luke Quiroz and Owen Quiroz; brother Larry (Loretta) Hartman of Hickman; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Judy) Kahle of Texas and Alton (Cathy) Kahle of Kearney; sister-in-law LaNita (David) Wilke, also of Kearney; along with nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Catherine and niece Amanda Johnson
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 3 August 2021
HOWARD, LeeDel Grace, 81, of Sioux Falls died Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls
Memorial service: Monday, July 12 at First Baptist Church in Sioux Falls
Graveside service: Thursday July 15, Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon, Nebr.
Mortuary: Miller in Sioux Falls
Born: Dec. 15, 1939, in Spearfish, South Dakota
Parents: Lee and Celia (French) Howard
Was raised in Gibbon, Nebraska, and graduated from Gibbon High School in 1957; received her BA from the University of Sioux Falls in 1963 and her master's from University of South Dakota in 1995
Worked at First Baptist Church as an administrative assistant for Roger Fredrikson; in 1975 went to Wichita, Kansas, for First Baptist Church; in 1988 moved to Green Lake, Wisconsin, and worked as an assistant to the director at Greenlake Conference Center; and in 1991, moved back to Sioux Falls and worked for the Sioux Falls Seminary for 18½ years; retired in 2009
Activities: member of First Baptist Church, South Sioux Kiwanis Club, USF Women's Board and served on several other boards and committees; enjoyed attending USF and SD Symphony concerts, as well as playing in the church handbell choir; for most of her life, faithfully and rigorously practiced the piano and organ, generously shared her time and talents for many church occasions; was an avid reader and needleworker; remained steadfast in her Christian faith as a servant of her Lord
Survivors include her brothers, Mahlon "Ed" Howard and wife Ann, of Crete and Marvin Howard of Sachse, Texas; sister, Lois Brandt of Gibbon; her beloved nieces and nephews, Brad Brandt (Cindy) of Axtell, Bobbi Gangwish (Mike) of Gibbon, Kevin Brandt (Amanda) of Tolleson, Arizona, Steve Brandt of Gibbon, Howie Howard (Cari Ann) of Lawrence, Kansas; and many great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Celia Howard; niece Mary Howard; niece-in-law Joni Brandt; and great-nieces, Hilliary Ann Brandt and Astri Celia Brandt
Memorials: First Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USF, or the Gibbon Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 6 July 2021
HOWARD, Ranae Lyn, 64, of Kearney lost her two-year battle with pancreatic cancer and died peacefully Monday, June 28, 2021, with her family by her side
Memorial service: Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 6, 1956, in Cozad
Parents: Dale and Nadine (Brandt) Eatherton
Grew up in Cozad and Wood River, moved to Kearney at age 7; attended Kearney Public Schools and graduated from Kearney High with the class of 1975
Married: July 2, 1976, to Robert Howard at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney.
Activities: had an infectious smile and a true zest for life; was an avid golfer and a fan of all sports especially those involving the Kearney High Bearcats and Nebraska Cornhuskers; managed a Fantasy Football League team; favorite pastime was spending time with family and attending her grandchildren's activities; former member of the Kearney Little League Board, Kearney Legion Baseball Board of Directors, Kearney Bearcat Boosters and the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include her husband Bob Howard of Kearney; sons, Bret (Amanda) Howard of Boise, Idaho, and Broc (Erin) Howard of Kearney; daughter Brooke (Gil) Valenzuela of Kearney; grandchildren, Maizey and Damon Howard, Hayden and Henson Howard, and Alex Valenzuela; sister, Tami Anderson of Kearney; stepmother, Mary Ann Eatherton of Gibbon; sisters-in-law, Gilberta Eatherton of Gibbon, Sheri Eatherton of Kearney, and Deb Linden of Pleasanton; brothers-in-law, Larry Dix of Lincoln, Bill (Kathy) Howard of Omaha and Garry (Lorrie) Howard of North Platte; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her mother Nadine Eatherton; father Dale Eatherton; twin sister Ronda Dix; brothers, Terry and Steve Eatherton; and in-laws Bill and Juanita Howard
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter, AseraCare Hospice or Kearney Tackles Cancer in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 29 June 2021
HUBBARD, Ford Jay, 91, of Elm Creek died Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney
Memorial service: Friday at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Interment: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Cremation was chosen
Born: Dec. 15, 1929, in Holdrege
Parents: Elihu and Ethel May (Purdy) Hubbard
Married: April 25, 1953, to Vera Maxine Fuller at the Presbyterian Church in Lexington; she preceded him in death
Ford is survived by his children, Steven Hubbard of Kearney and Sue Underwood of Holdrege; sister, June Steinbrink of Holdrege; brother, Delano Nelson of Holdrege; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 August 2021
HURYTA, James “Jim”, 73, of Rockville, NE died on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Our Lady O’ Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial with full military honors: Highland Park Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen Mortuary
Born: May 3, 1948 in Ravenna
Parents: Dale and Gertrude (Bugno) Huryta
Grew up in rural Rockville and received his education at Sherman Co. Dist. 19, Rockville; graduated from Ravenna in 1966
Military: US Army, January 1968 until 1969; served in Korea during the Vietnam War
Was employed by New Holland and later worked for Henningsen Foods in Ravenna
Activities: was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW
Survivors include: his significant other of 30 plus years, Lucy Stokes and her family; brother, David (Betty) Huryta of Ravenna; sister, Jean Thomsen of Rockville; 13 nieces and nephews; and other family members
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Carol (Gary) Wicht; and brother-in-law, Wayne Thomsen
Grand Island (Nebraska) Daily Independent July 24, 2021
JESSOP, Amy (Putnam), 36, of Grand Island died Saturday, July 10, 2021, at CHI Health Bergan Mercy in Omaha
Graveside service: Saturday at the Grand Island City Cemetery
Celebration of life service: July 24 at the Northridge Assembly of God in Grand Island
Mortuary: Apfel of Grand Island
Born: April 23, 1985, in Holdrege
Parents: Ed and Nina (Arehart) Putnam
Grew up in Loveland, Colorado, and Holdrege; received her education from Holdrege High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: Nick Jessop on Nov. 8, 2007, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Grand Island, she was employed at Walmart; also had lived in Kearney
Activities: member at the Nazarene Church and the Evangelical Free churches in Holdrege and Kearney
Survivors include her husband, Nick Jessop; son, Dante Jessop; daughters, Anna and Maya Jessop; parents, Ed and Nina Putnam; and brothers, Mark (Kelly) Putnam and Ryan (Jessica) Putnam and families.
Was preceded in death by her uncles, Junior Jessop, Abe Jessop and Les Putnam; maternal grandparents, Marvin and Mary Arehart; uncle, Melvin Falk; paternal grandparents, Helen McQueen and Neil Putnam; and aunt, Sandi Lester
Kearney Hub, 14 July 2021
KAMM, Frank, 93, of Kearney, formerly of Blue Hill and Hastings, died Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: First Baptist Church in Kearney, Wednesday, July 7
Interment: Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 1, 1927, in Platte Cdnter
Parents: Elsena (Husmann) and Harry Kamm
Was the ninth of 11 children; grew up spending summers working on an uncle's farm near Platte Center; graduated from Platte Center High School in 1944
Military: U.S. Army, served at Fort Riley, Kansas, in the massive military demobilization process from Oct. 1945 to Dec. 1946; continued as a 1st lieutenant in the Army Reserve through Dec. 1959
Attended York College in York, graduated in 1950
Married: L. Faith Megill, on Aug. 30, 1949
Pursued a degree in family practice, graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1955
Provided family practice service in Blue Hill, 1955 to 1985; then was medical director at the Hastings Regional Center for about three years; then embarked on a period of providing locum tenens services to a far-flung array of medical practices in need of temporary medical service coverage, served at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota; the Crow Reservation and the Rocky Boy Chippewa and Cree Reservation in Montana; and Indian Health Service clinics in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Poteau, Oklahoma; filled in services to private practices extended from Craig, Alaska, in the Alaskan panhandle, to North Dakota, New Hampshire and Maine; in later years, filled in for many private practices scattered throughout the state of Nebraska, most notably Bloomfield and Osceola; retired 1994
Activities: throughout his life, maintained a deep connection to the land and appreciation of God's handiwork in the landscape around us, enjoyed driving on the back roads of south-central and central Nebraska; enjoyed being involved in the management of farm properties near Bladen and Blue Hill, Nebraska; served on the school board and board of the Commercial Bank and participated in activities of the Blue Hill United Methodist Church when time allowed
Survivors include: his wife of 71 years Faith of Kearney; daughter, Diane Aleem and husband Jeff of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Kelsey and husband Nick Hobbs along with granddaughter Mallory, her husband Elgin Johnson, and grandson Mekhi, all of the greater Dallas area; sister-in-law; Mary Fae Kamm, and her children, niece Kay Kamm, and nephew Herbert Kamm, Jr., of Duncanville, Texas; son, Phillip Kamm and wife Colleen of Kearney; granddaughter Kristen Kamm, currently in the process of moving to Eugene, Oregon from Boulder, Colorado; and granddaughter Janell Kamm of Boulder; and many other nephews and nieces
Was preceded in death by his parents, Elsena (Husmann) and Harry Kamm; son Steven Kamm; Kamm brothers, Alfred, Albert, John, Herbert (until 2020, of Duncanville, Texas), Dick (until 2015, of Columbus); sister Minnie and husband August Janssen; and sisters Esther with husband Louis and son Larry Michaelson; Dorothy with husband Raymond, son Dale, and daughter Kathy Treinies; Hattie and husband Albert Jenny; Anna and husband Forrest Hergert
Memorials: Frank Kamm Memorial Fund for the First Baptist (Kearney) Building Fund; the Blue Hill Community Foundation; a scholarship fund for graduates of Lakeview High School in memory of brother Dick Kamm; and a scholarship fund for religious-career-oriented students at the Baptist-affiliated University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in memory of Frank's son Steven Kamm
Kearney Hub, 3 July 2021
KAPS, Stanley "Stan", 77, of Aurora died Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Bryan LGH East Hospital in Lincoln
Funeral service: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Pleasanton with military honors
Memorials: Pleasant Valley Cemetery or to the Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial
Kearney Hub, 23 July 2021
KEOUGH, Doris E., 95, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society - St. Luke's in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Wednesday, June 30, at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: August 5, 1925, in Kearney
Parents: W. Elwood and Alma (Ralston) Bowker
Grew up in Kearney attending Kearney Public Schools until the 11th grade, graduated from High School in Adams City High, Colorado in 1942
Married: John Keough November 15, 1943, in Kearney at the Air Base
Worked at the Air Base for several years; later worked as a Teacher’s Aide for Kearney Public Schools until she retired
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, active in the RC.I.A. program, charter member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. James Court, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, and the Fireman’s Auxiliary; enjoyed spending time with her big family
Survivors include: her daughters, Mary Ann Jahn of Minden, Cecilia Ingram of Kearney, Regina and Gilbert Molina of Kearney, Elizabeth and Mike Rawlings of St. Paul, Theresa and Ron Baack of Kearney, sons, Joseph and Linda Keough of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Patrick and Gay Keough of Seward, Michael and Kerry Keough of Kearney, son-in-law, Larry Taggart of Pompano Beach, FL; daughter-in-law, Joyce Keough of Centennial, CO, Julie Keough of Kearney, son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Dave and Jacki Lewis of Kearney, Cousins, Gale and Ollie Dady of Kearney, Ardela Roberts of Kearney; 36 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, John Keough; daughters, D. Louise Taggart, Catherine Lewis; sons, Thomas and wife Dee Keough, Dominic Keough, son-in-law, Lendall Jahn; daughter-in-law, Judy Keough; granddaughter, Brenda Geiger; grandsons, Jeffrey Ingram, Gregory Obermeier; siblings, Grace and husband Tom Francis, Ryall and wife Nikki Bowker, George and wife Frenchie Bowker; several nieces and nephews
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 28 June 2021
KING, Noreen R., 49, of Kearney died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at her home surrounded by family
Memorial service, private: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 5, 1972, in Cozad
Parents: Ivan and Jacqulyn (Brown) Harwood
Survivors include her children, Owen Harwood King and Mara Harwood King, both of Kearney; parents, Ivan and Jackie Harwood of Kearney; and brothers, Kevin Harwood of Cozad, Loren Harwood of Cozad and Mark Harwood of North Platte
Kearney Hub, 6 July 2021
KNITTEL, Marvin Glenn, 87, of Rochester, Minnesota, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, June 3, 2021, in Rochester
Memorial service: Aug. 9 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 24, 1933, at Gregory County, South Dakota
Parents: Adolph and Anna (Voos) Knittel
Graduated from Gregory High School in Gregory, South Dakota, in 1951; earned a degree is social science education from the University of South Dakota and master's degrees in speech pathology in 1958 at USD and counseling in 1961 at the University of Missouri; earned his doctorate of counseling and educational psychology from USD in 1963
Married: Donna Lueck in 1955
Moved to Kearney in 1963, started his 30-year career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; served as a professor, the department chair of Educational Psychology and Counseling, interim president and vice president of Academic Affairs; returned to the classroom for the final 10 years of his time at UNK; his passion was teaching and educating young counselors; was presented the Heines-Pratt award in 1987; retired in 1993, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family; Donne died from cancer in 1998
Married: Dearwyn Loewenstein in 1999; moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 2001, traveled to visit their five children and eight grandchildren throughout the country
Activities: longtime member of First Lutheran Church of Kearney, sang in the choir; enjoyed writing, singing, traveling, bicycling and his family; published three books, many articles and had a blog with Psychology Today magazine
Survivors include: his wife of almost 22 years, Dearwyn; his son Greg (Susan) Knittel of Manhattan, Kansas; his daughter Lisa (Jeff) Fahrlander of Omaha, stepsons, Casey Hudson of San Antonio, Texas, Michael (Jeanne) Hudson of Rochester, Minnesota, and Patrick McCarthy of Rochester, Minnesota; his eight grandchildren, Emma (Sebastian) Edwards, Jake Fahrlander, Olivia Fahrlander, David Knittel, Hannah (Mark) Carney, Alexander Hudson, Abigal Hudson and Andrew Hudson; two great-grandchildren, Henry and Stella Edwards; his two sisters, Arla (Kenneth) Wurtz of Elk Point, South Dakota, and Judith Meierhenry of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Anna Knittel; his brother Donald Knittel; his first wife Donna Knittel; and brother-in-law Mark Meierhenry
Memorials: First Lutheran Church Pre-School and the Kearney Children's Museum
Kearney Hub, 26 July 2021
KREBS, Teresa, 58, of Ravenna died Friday, July 2, 2021 at CHI St. Francis in Grand Island
Memorial Service: later
Born: Sept. 8, 1962 in Grand Island
Parents: Richard and Shirley (Thomas) Hald
Lived in Dannebrog, moved to Ravenna; graduated from Ravenna High School
Worked at Ravenna Cheese Company which was later Leprino Foods
Married Alvin Krebs, later divorced
Activities: enjoyed flower gardening, camping, fishing, spending time with her nieces and nephews and her cat
Survivors include her sister, Sherry (Dale) Harris of Rockville, brothers, Gary (Cindy) Hald of Ozark, Arkansas and Marty Hald of Ravenna and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Hald, Sr. and Shirley (Bruce) Jordan; brothers, Rick, Bruce and Don, and nephew Lucas Hald
www.rasmussenfh.com
MATZNER, Clifford LeRoy "Cliff", 75, of Aurora died Thursday, July 22, 2021
Memorial service and celebration of life: Thursday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island; military honors
Born: Dec. 29, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Lillie (Brisbin) Matzner
Graduated from Kearney Senior High School, Class of 1964
Military: Nov. 19, 1964, entered the United States Navy and served his country as a Seabee in Vietnam; was honorably discharged Oct. 15, 1968
Married: Dec. 23, 1969, Helen Beckman
After marriage, lived in Colorado for a few years; spent time with the Colorado Mounted Rangers Troop C, serving as their captain
Received his 30-year pin after 30 years employed in HVAC service with CHI Health between Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Thomas Moore Hospital
Activities: was a quiet, private man, loved the outdoors, and fishing was his passion; loved his family and was his grandkids beloved "Papa"
Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, Michelle (Robert Jr.) Jackson of San Antonio, Texas, Kimberli (Hal) Jones of Kearney and Chad (Mieke) Matzner of Grand Island; eight grandchildren, Quenton, Kayla, Malik, MacKinzie, Blaine (Makayla), Wyatt, Alieka and Cairee; and two great-grandchildren on the way; a brother and his wife; two sisters; a brother-in-law and his wife; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Lawrence and Josephine Beckman; a brother and three sisters
Memorials: an outdoor memorial in Cliff's honor
Kearney Hub, 26 July 2021
McDONALD, Margaret, 90, a former Shelton resident, died last Tuesday at Aberdeen, Washington
Funeral service: Saturday afternoon at the Amos Funeral Home
Graveside service by members of Shelton Chapter No. 286 O.E.S.
Burial: Shelton cemetery
Would have been 91 on May 12
Came to Shelton in 1909 with her husband, William W. McDonald; he died in 1922; lived mostly in Shelton until 1949; lived with her daughter, Mrs. John Wise at Aberdeen
Activities: member of the First Presbyterian Church and a life member of the Order of Easter Star
Survivors include: two daughters, Mrs. Wise of Aberdeen, Wash., and Mrs. Mabelle Weaver of Albuquerque, N.M., both of whom were here for the services; a grandson, MacDonald Weaver of Albuquerque, and a sister, Mrs. George Gibbs, Grand Rapids, Minn.
Grand Island (Nebraska) Daily Independent Tuesday, February 21, 1956
McSWEENEY, John "Jack", 79, of Kearney died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at his summer home in LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Mass of Christian burial: July 9 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Burial: Big Creek Cemetery in rural LaValle, Wisconsin
Celebration of life: July 24, 2021, in Kearney at St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Longtime resident of Kearney, a co-owner of Century21 Midlands Real Estate Company, was involved in the community, stepped up to serve when he could
Survivors include his wife, Janice Wiebusch; his children, Jodi (Bill) Nelson, John (Michelle) McSweeney; son-in-law, Robb Thompson (Meegan, deceased), and sister, Norine Murphy; grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends
Full obituary: on the website of the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Kearney Hub, 9 July 2021
MORTIMORE, Rita, 62, of Kearney died Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 20 July 2021
NAVARRO, William "Bill", 74, of Kearney died Monday, July 12, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Born: Sept. 9, 1946, in Santa Rita, New Mexico
Parents: Guillermo Navarro and Rosa Reyes
Received his education from Central High School in Pueblo, Colorado, graduated with the class of 1964
Military: served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1969
Graduated from Solano Community College in Fairfield, California, earned his degree as a registered nurse
Worked as a registered nurse in Vallejo, California; moved to Denver, worked at the Denver VA Hospital for 35 years
Married: Sandy Mercer on May 16, 1991
Later moved to Kearney
Activities: avid sports fan, especially anything related to Colorado sports; enjoyed watching James Bond movies and comedies, playing with his dogs and spending time with his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and the rest of his family
Survivors include his wife, Sandy Navarro of Kearney; sons, William "BJ" Navarro of Pueblo, Colorado, Brad Navarro and wife, Erin, of Norman, Oklahoma, and Randall Navarro and wife, Stephanie Tanny, of Centennial, Colorado; grandchildren, November and Rose Navarro, and Asher, Aedyn and Ainsley Navarro; brother, Anastacio Navarro of Thornton, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Clara Navarro
Memorials: Wish For Our Heroes
Kearney Hub, 14 July 2021
NEAL, Arlette, 98, of Kearney died Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday August 3, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Burial: later
Born: Sept. 15, 1922, in rural Kearney County
Parents: Ray W. and Louise A. (Nickel) Neal
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1940
Worked for the city of Kearney and retired as city clerk in 1987
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include her nephew Tim (Kathy) Neal of Fort Collins, Colorado; nieces, Lori Neal and Pam (Doug) Reinert, all of Wes Des Moines, Iowa; six great- and eight great-great-nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Arlene Neal; brother, K. Arvard Neal; and sister-in-law, Wilma (Thomsen) Neal
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 1 August 2021
NICHOLS, Karen L., 59, of Elm Creek died Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life: Tuesday, July 13, at Elm Creek Community Center
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Karen L. Nichols, 59, of Elm Creek died Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center. Born: July 20, 1961, in Madison, Wisconsin
Parents: Merlin and Ruth (Hodges) Cross
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1979
Married: May 14, 1994 to Mike Nichols in Miller
After marriage, lived near Elm Creek, was a longtime employee of Morris Press; later worked for Village Cleaners and most recently at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home
Activities: enjoyed classic cars, antiques and her pets; loved to travel and spend time with her family
Survivors include her husband, Mike Nichols of Elm Creek; son, Cody Nichols of Elm Creek; sisters, Patty Freeman and husband Lee of Kearney, Melissa Cross and husband Chuck Patient of Kearney and Vickie Miller and husband Mark of Raymore, Missouri; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and sister Cindy Salpas
Kearney Hub, 6 July 2021
NISPEL, Dale D., 80, of Kearney died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 26, 1940, at Beatrice
Parents: Herman and Bertha Nispel
Was raised in the Plymouth area; graduated from Plymouth High School and Kearney State College
Taught school at Bruening High School, then took a job as an engineer for Motorola Inc.
Married: Elaine Ann Niedfeldt on May 23, 1965, at Falls City
After marriage, lived in Dallas, Texas; moved to Kearney in 1971, started his own business, Platte Valley Communications
Activities: loved the challenge of running his own business; enjoyed volunteering in many duties at his church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, as Sunday school teacher, elder, building and calling committees, and working with the church's computer systems
Survivors include his wife Elaine of Kearney; sons, Mark (Sara) of Denton and David (Sonya) of Kansas City; a brother Howard (Carla) Nispel; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Bertha Nispel
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or the Mayo Clinic
Kearney Hub, 29 June 2021
NUTTELMAN, Beverly A., 71, of Kearney died Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at her home
Funeral service: Monday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 10, 1949, in Lincoln
Parents: Ralph and Marie (Oehm) Burd
Was baptized into Christ on February 5, 1950, at Pleasant Dale Methodist Church; graduated from high school in Malcom, attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Worked in Lincoln at Cliff’s Notes, the academic publisher, for 17 years
Married: Keith Nuttelman on November 16, 1985, in Pleasant Dale
Was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney on May 11, 1986, was active in the Mary Martha group and Lutherans for Life, and taught Sunday School for more than 25 years
Activities: was well-known around Kearney for selling apples from the orchard she and Keith have owned and operated since 1985; over the years countless local children have learned about fruit growing from the ‘Apple Lady’s’ school tours
Survivors include: her husband Keith Nuttelman of Kearney; sons, Christopher and Amy Nuttelman of San Antonio, TX, Jared and Tenaya Nuttelman of Kearney; grandchildren, Joanna and Salome Marie Nuttelman of San Antonio, TX, Declan Nuttelman of Kearney; sister Deborah and Rick Schneider of Pleasant Dale and brother, Duane and Ruth Burd of Pleasant Dale
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 9 July 2021
ONATE, Jesse Jr., 89, of Gibbon died Monday, June 28, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Graveside service: Friday at the Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 14, 1931, in Manvel, North Dakota
Parents: Jesus and Cruz (Ortiz) Onate
Moved to Gibbon at age 11, received his education from Gibbon Public Schools
Married: Nov. 15, 1950, to Cora Whiting in Kearney
After marriage, lived at Gibbon, was self-employed in the salvage industry
Activities: enjoyed attending auctions and consignment shops; most of all, loved the time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include his son Nicky Onate and wife Karen of Gibbon; daughters, Debra Onate and special friend John Wolf of Kearney, Terri Oliver and husband Rusty of Gibbon, Lori Tucker and husband Tim of Omaha; brother Frank Onate and wife Joan of Harker Heights, Texas; sisters, Marcie Galavez and husband Dom of Gibbon, Tomise Livers and husband Glenn of Lincoln, Mary Buell and husband John of Jackson, Missouri, and Bernice King and husband David of Kansas City, Missouri; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife Cora Onate; sons, Jesse "Sonny" Onate, Jacob "Jake" Onate and Eric Onate; sister Lupe; and brother Nick
Kearney Hub, 1 July 2021
PAITZ, James, 75, of Amherst died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Mass of Christian Burial; Thursday, July 8, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 14, 1946, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Parents: Leo F. and Florence K. (Fees) Paitz
Spent his early years south of Mason City on the farm; attended country school in Custer County; moved to the Amherst area, attended both country and "town" school; graduated from Amherst High School in 1965
Lived in the Amherst and Pleasanton areas his entire adult life, purchased the home place in 1992; was devoted to his life of farming, raising cattle, machinery maintenance and frequently visiting the sale barn
Survivors include his siblings, Kathleen and Ray Rischling of Lawrence, Donna and Bill Bumgardner of Hastings, Robert and Doreen Paitz of Kearney and Mary and Steve Dunn of Bellevue; nieces and nephews, Chris (Andrea) Rischling, Nathan Rischling, Chad (Sarah) Bumgardner, Melissa (Tolynn) Wiles, Amber Bumgardner, Stephanie (Nick) DeLong, Phillip (Katie) Paitz, Renae (Adam) Altmaier, Heidi (Brian) Harter, Sara Dunn and Rebecca Dunn; 20 great-nieces and great-nephews; other extended family and friends.
Was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Carman Paitz
Kearney Hub, 6 July 2021
PATSIOS, John P., 63, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Tuesday, June 29, at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 11, 1957, in Kearney
Parents: Nick D. and Betty P. (McDowell) Patsios
Graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1975; spent his early years working as a cook in restaurants owned by the family
Moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and continued his culinary skills, worked in several hotel restaurants; returned to Kearney, worked several years with his brother Mick in their business, P&P Painting; found a lot of joy restoring people's homes with a fresh coat of paint and seeing them smile
Activities: had a good sense of humor, was easy to talk to and enjoyed helping others; enjoyed yard work and helping others with their gardens; was a talented handyman, enjoyed fixing anything that was broken; was baptized at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Grand Island and served as an altar boy at St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney
Survivors include his brother Mick Patsios of Kearney; sisters, Joanie Klein and husband Mark, Stephanie Patsios, all of Kearney, and Nancy Surina and husband John of Reno, Nevada; nephews, Matthew Klein and Shawn Patsios and wife Heidi and children Schylar and Gavin Patsios, all of Kearney, Justin Surina and wife Brittany, and children Madeline and Christian Surina of Reno, Nevada, Jeffrey Surina of Las Vegas, Nevada; niece, Jennifer Surina of Reno, Nevada; aunts, Arlene Patsios and Delores Garrelts, both of Kearney, Suzanne Wilson and husband Dennis of Cozad, and Karen McDowell of Ravenna; as well as numerous cousins and several very dear friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Don and Helen Patsios and Raymond and Elizabeth McDowell; and brother, Nick D. Patsios II
Memorials: St. George Orthodox Church
Kearney Hub, 28 June 2021
PESHEK, Lillian D., 94, of Kearney, formerly of Fairfield, died Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral service: July 30 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenvil
Burial: Glenvil Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 4, 1926, on the family farm in Spring Ranch
Parents: George Jr. and Dora (Riese) Paus
Was a graduate of Glenvil High School, attended Hastings College and attained her elementary teaching accreditation
Taught in a one-room schoolhouse at Spring Ranch just north of her home at the Pawnee Stock Farm
Married: July 25, 1948 to Joseph Peshek
After marriage, lived on a farm west of Fairfield and began life together; purchased a herd of Ayrshire dairy cattle, milked cows for 28 years; was an engaged farm wife who worked side-by-side with Joe milking cows, raising bottle calves, and hundreds of chickens, and was an able hand in the field driving her John Deere B tractor; gardened, cooked and baked fantastic meals
Activities: was baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenvil, taught Sunday school and summer vacation Bible school for a number of years; the verses and lessons provided to the children in her classes resonated with Lillian in her last years of life; fondly remembered the camaraderie of her lady's circle Bible study and association with the Blue Bonnet's Extension Club; in retirement, enjoyed traveling; spent winter months in La Feria, Texas; enjoyed doing needlepoint, writing letters, reading books and taking the occasional dip in the RV park's pool and Jacuzzi
Survivors include her three boys, the Rev. John (Dee) Peshek of Alexandria, Minnesota, Lyle (Aileen) Peshek of Oceanside, California, and Craig (Jodi) Peshek of Kearney; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by Joe, her husband of 68 years; Alvin, her older brother; and Darlene and Vera, her younger sisters
Memorials: Immanuel Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 28 July 2021
PINKHAM, Charles "Chuck" Leslie, 78, of Minden died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life: July 31 at Minden Evangelical Free Church
Interment: Minden Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: April 13, 1943, in Omaha
Parents: Leslie and Doris (Latham) Pinkham
Graduated from Kearney High School with the Class of 1961
Military: United States Navy from 1961 to 1965
Earned a degree in economics from Kearney State College
Moved to Aurora; had Pinkham Financial Services on the square
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church and choir; served as president of the Alice M. Farr Library and enjoyed being a member of Rotary
Survivors include his sons, Charles Scott Pinkham and his wife, Lorie, of Minden and Kevin Neal Pinkham of Loveland, Colorado; daughter, Anissa Pinkham Potter and husband Jonathan of Portland, Maine; grandchildren from Charles Scott and Lorie, Christopher and his wife, Faith, of Minden, Joshua, Callie, USN Petty Officer 2nd Class Sophie and USAF Senior Airman Ian Pinkham; grandchildren from Anissa, Cass Pinkham of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Charlotte and Aghna Pinkham Potter of Portland, Maine; great-granddaughters, from Christopher and Faith, Eleanor Rose and Elizabeth; brother, Joe Pinkham and his wife, Geri, of Lexington, South Carolina; sisters, Rhonda Stines and her husband, Ken, of Grand Island and Leslie Weber of Bullhead, Arizona; as well as a host of other relatives and close friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Doris; sister, Nila (Pinkham) Bachkora; and brother-in-law, Lynn Weber
Kearney Hub, 20 July 2021
RAGAINS, Nancy Marie, 87, of Denver, Colorado, died May 23, 2021, while in hospice care
Service: later
Mortuary: Horan McConaty
Born: 4 Apr 1934 in North Platte, Nebraska
Parents: Richard and Elma Anderson
Spent many years employed by the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the Learning Center; truly enjoyed her career with the university along with the many friendships she made while working there; retired to Denver, Colordao in 1999; approached her move to Denver as an adventure exploring every aspect of this great city
Activities: was a fabulous cook, preferred to dine out at her favorite restaurants; was always on the move, was an avid walker, walked two miles a day when she entered her 80s; loved to drive and explore new places; member of the Eagles and the Eastern Star; spent many years living on the ranch raising horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and numerous family pets; became a big animal lover
Was the beloved mother of Susan (Bill), Mike (Nancy) and Lesa, grandmother of Amanda (Neil), Matthew, Michaela, Nick, Brianna, and Annie and great grandmother to Jackson
Memorials: Safe Harbor Lab Rescue or the Humane Society of the United States
Kearney Hub, 28 June 2021
REICHERT, Marvion Eugene Sr., 91, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Aug. 13 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Interment: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 20, 1930, in Scottsbluff
Parents: Jacob and Elizabeth (Wirth) Reichert
Was the oldest in a family of eight; grew up in the Dirty Thirties; quit school during his eighth grade year to help support his mother, two brothers and four sisters Married: Lois Burkey Feb. 10, 1952, at the Elm Creek Christian Church; were married for 68 years until Lois's death in November 2020
After marriage, lived on a farm near Yoder, Wyoming; moved, 1961, to a farm north of Elm Creek and in 1976 to a farm and new home south of Elm Creek; in 1996 they moved to Kearney, resided there till their passing
Activities: served on numerous boards, including Kearney's Park and Rec, in which he was instrumental in the building of the city's Skate Board Park; was a smart, hard worker, unafraid to take advantage of any opportunity to better his family. He had a keen eye and sharp pencil and was able to buy many farms, improve them and then sell for a profit; was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; was a wealth of knowledge, common sense, optimism and generosity that will be sorely missed; especially enjoy playing the accordion and polka music; music provide him with many hours of enjoyment; enjoyed traveling with family to Europe and Russia to meet with distant relatives and sightsee
Survivors include his daughters, Tina Reichert (Stacia Mason), and Debra Reichert Robbins; sons, Jerry Reichert and Marvion Jr. (Janet) Reichert; grandchildren, Haylee (Tom) Baer, Hilary Reichert and Hubble (Melisa) Reichert, Hannah (Malachi) Washington, Hans Robbins; and great-grandchildren, Nate, Wyatt, Grace McElhinny, Shepard Reichert and Harrison Perchal
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lois; brother Jerry; and sisters Darlene, Betty, Jeanie and infant Geraldine
Kearney Hub, 7 August 2021
RIDGLEY, Linda L., 86, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Service: pending
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 17 June 2021
SAMUELSON, Shane Roger, 53, of Chapman died Monday, June 28, 2021
Memorial service: Friday, July 9, at the Apfel Funeral Home in Wood River
Born: March 27, 1968, in Kearney
Parents: Dennis and Judith (Partridge) Samuelson
Grew up in Shelton and Kearney and received his education from Shelton and Kearney High School
Married: Michelle Broadfoot on July 28, 1990, in Kearney; had two children together, Stacia and Austin; later divorced
After divorce, lived in Shelton and Chapman, was self-employed
Activities: enjoyed baking with his grandkids, fishing, napping, bowling and tinkering on everything; loved spending time with his grandchildren
Survivors include his girlfriend, LaRanda Holland; son, Austin Samuelson; daughter, Stacia Samuelson; stepdaughters, Riele Lewis, Breanna Johnson and Payton Johnson; nine grandchildren, Abby, Joyce, Aliyah, Kinley, Lily, Maren, Maddie, Max and Mason; brother, Samuel Samuelson; sisters, Shawna Fisher and Sandra Samuelson; and his nieces and nephews, Devin Samuelson, Samantha Samuelson, Tristan Walker, Zachary Walker, Ethan Samuelson and Evan Samuelson
Was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 8 July 2021
SCHLATTMANN, Henry Emmit "Hank", 87, of Kearney died Friday, July 23, 2021, at his home
Funeral service: Wednesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; Military rites
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 27, 1933, on a farm near Elm Creek
Parents: Henry Schlattmann and Bertha Patterson-Schlattmann
Was the youngest surviving son in a large family; early years were spent on a dryland farm near Poole, learned to milk the cows, gather the eggs and other typical chores on a farm during the Great Depression; attended Ravenna High school, played basketball and football; during his senior year was selected as first string all conference as a 140-pound left guard; graduated in 1952
Military: joined US Army in November that year; after infantry and artillery training, was stationed in Germany, was assigned to the 2nd Armored "Hell on Wheels" Division in an armored artillery unit, acting as a deterrence against Russian aggression at the beginning of the Cold War; was discharged in October 1955
Returned home, worked at the new Rockwell manufacturing plant in Kearney
Married: Sandra Sue Cederquist of Ravenna, on Oct 21, 1956; she died in 1997
Was tranferred to Atchison, Kansas, in 1964, remained there for the next 35 years; advanced professionally as a quality engineer and supervisor at Rockwell and later with Atchison Casting
Married: 2000 to Norma Fiebig-Johnson
Activities: was invested in his community, at Trinity Lutheran Church, as a volunteer coach/leader in his sons' youth sports, music and scouting activities, and as a loving father, brother, uncle and grandfather; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed golf and playing poker with his "poker buddies"
Survivors include: his wife Norma; three sons and their wives; his sister Rose Moritz and her husband Paul; his brother-in-law Charles Fiebig and his wife Marilyn; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his first wife Sandra; his daughter Annie and her husband Gary; brothers Bill, Bob, Dale, Harold, Eugene, Jimmy and Dickie, and sisters Silva, Millie, Fern and Maxine
Kearney Hub, 27 July 2021
SINNARD, Rodney G., 57, of Kearney died Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney
Burial: July 31, at Fredericksburg Cemetery near Minden
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 17 July 2021
SPARVIER, Tammy, 52, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings
Memorial service: July 15, 2021, at the Church of the Nazarene in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 17, 1968, in Hartley, Iowa
Parents: Rodney and Janis (Schoelerman) Hilbert
Graduated from Holyoke, Colorado, high school; earned her degree in elementary education from the University Nebraska at Kearney in 1990; later earned her master's degree in special education, speech therapy and curriculum design from Oklahoma State University in 1998
Worked in education until 2012, when her health began to fail due to Huntington's disease
Married: Stuart Sparvier on July 14, 1990, in Kearney at the Church of the Nazarene
Activities: active member in the Nazarene church; also enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing and making crafts with her daughters
Survivors include her husband Stuart Sparvier of Kearney; daughters, Sarah and Rosa Sparvier of Kearney; mother Janis Hilbert of Kearney; sisters, Theresa and Jim Austin of Loveland, Colorado, Tonya Jensen of Kenesaw, and Trudy and Kevin Klippert of Omaha; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 26 June 2021
ZWIENER, Catherine Elizabeth, 95, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away on June 27, 2021, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle Washington, after two and a half weeks in the hospital due to a life threatening illness
Funeral mass: July 29, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Fort Collins
Burial: Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Collins
Mortuary: Bohlender Funeral Chapel
Born: January 11, 1926 in Bellwood, Nebraska
Parents: John and Maria Moes
Moved to a farm outside of Kearney; was the oldest of six children and shared in the care of her siblings especially the three youngest siblings; graduated from Longfellow High School in 1943
Moved to Chicago, lived with her Uncle Jim and Aunt Madeline; worked in the Chicago area a few years, then returned home to the family farm
Married: September 20, 1947, to Sylvester Zwiener
After marriage, lived on a farm of their own outside of Pleasanton; farmed and raised cattle, and various other livestock; moved to Fort Collins, Colo., in 1967, within a year or so bought a farm near Wellington Colorado; worked doing clerical work at Human Resources, and Mountain Bell etc.; also worked a while at the Teledyne Waterpik Company
Activities: had a great love of painting and created many beautiful paintings; one of her most beloved paintings was that of Longfellow High School, kept that painting above the fireplace mantel; painted in oils (her favorite) watercolors and pastels; enjoyed sewing and took in garments for people that needed alterations or repairs; also enjoyed traveling and had the good fortune of winning a trip to Rome in the early 1990’s; visited relatives in Luxemburg; volunteered her time working for the local and national elections and served as an election judge as well for many of the elections; with Sylvester, was one of the founding members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish; has always been active in her church and her faith was very important to her
Was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester, her mother and father and three of her siblings, Ernest, Fred, and Frances Moes
Survivors include: son Ernest whose wife is Adair and their children Andy whose wife is Sandy; Joe whose wife is Deb and Frances. Daughter Rosemary whose children are Amie and Daniel whose wife is Kara; Daughter Sandra whose husband is Luis and their children Christopher, Brian and Briana; also five great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews as well as many cousins throughout Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona and California
Memorials: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish or Catholic Charities
Kearney Hub, 15 July 2021 and bohlenderfuneralchapel.com