Page 238
Back to Index for Obituaries
ABELS, Betty Lou J., 88, of Kearney, formerly of Amherst, died Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at Central Nebraska Veterans' Home in Kearney
Funeral service; Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 11, 1933, in Bradshaw
Parents: Archie E. and Minnie J. (Dodson) Eldridge
Grew up and attended school in the Miller area, and graduated from Amherst High School in 1950; attended Kearney State College for 1 year
Taught in rural school for 5 years near Elm Creek and Amherst
Married: Marvin L. Abels on July 5, 1953, in Amherst
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst, was involved in the Alter Guild and also taught Sunday School; member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Good Samaritan Hospital Service League and the HOP Club; enthusiastically served in the role of a Mother; was the pillar for all family gatherings and celebrations; enjoyed reading and also spending time with her family and extended family
Survivors include her husband, Marvin Abels of Kearney; daughters, Patricia and Victor Branstiter of Kearney, Peggy and Greg McCollough of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, and Janet and Randy Hadwiger of Kearney; sister, Lois Thomas of Kearney; sister-in-law, Donna Eldridge of Burdette, Kansas; nine grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Everett Eldridge; and daughter, Kimberly Jo Hinson
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2021
ANDERSON, Daniel "Boone", 28, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in Grand Island
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Monday at New Life Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 6, 1993, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Parents: Daniel and Bernice (Ochoa) Anderson
Was raised in Milford, received his education from Milford High School, graduated in 2011; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, was part of the Loper football team, earned his degree in business management in 2016
Worked at GIX Logistics in Grand Island for the past five years
Married: Sept. 14, 2019, to Brooke Butterfield at Yanney Park in Kearney
Activities: member of New Life Church in Kearney; enjoyed golfing, singing and playing guitar, fishing and playing video games with friends; most of all, loved being a dad and husband
Survivors include his wife, Brooke Anderson of Kearney; daughter, Lennie Anderson of Kearney; parents, Dan and Bernice Anderson of Milford; sister, Becca Anderson and Scott Nickell of Atlanta, Georgia; grandparents, Kenneth and Linda Anderson and Marcelino Ochoa, all of Las Vegas, Nevada; mother-in-law, Dianne Butterfield of Kearney; father-in-law, Riley (Diana) Butterfield of Elizabeth, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Brittanee (Cody) Guenin of Gretna, Baylee Butterfield and Aggie Larsen, both of Kearney; grandparents-in-law, Agnes Weller of Littleton, Colorado, and Renee Keener of Aurora, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2021
ARNOLD, Dalton Cole, 26, of Omaha died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at his home in Omaha
Memorial service: Sunday at Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak, Cutler Mortuaries in Omaha
Born: May 31, 1995, in Plattsmouth
Parents: Jeff and Vicki Arnold in Plattsmouth
Attended Plattsmouth Elementary and later graduated from Bellevue West High School
Followed his father's footsteps and entered the plumbing profession, first in Kearney and then in Omaha
Activities: was always fascinated with tools at a very young age; detasseled corn, played on a Bellevue ice hockey team for several years; loved cars, had a BMW and Jaguar among others, video games, family, friends, but most all he loved his pitbull dog
Survivors include his parents, Jeff Arnold of Kearney and Vicki Holoubeck (Dan Lueders) of Plattsmouth; younger brother, Sterling Arnold of Kearney, grandparent, Terrence Holoubeck of Kearney; many aunts, uncles and numerous cousins
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Dorothy Arnold of Loup City and Sara Holoubeck of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 25 September 2021
BUETHE, Denise Lynn, 54, of Elk Creek died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, after losing her short battle with cancer at The Monarch House in Lincoln
Funeral service: Friday at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in rural Elk Creek
Interment: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: Wherry in Tecumseh
Born: May 15, 1967, in Kearney
Parents: Lawrence "Larry" and Nancy (Garringer) Schnacker
Grew up in Elm Creek, graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1985; graduated from Kearney State College with a double major in criminal justice and education; later earned her master's degree from Concordia University in Seward
Married: Aug. 28, 2004, to Brad A. Buethe at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Elk Creek; was a behavioral teacher at ESU 4 and taught previously at Overton Public Schools; cherished all of her students and fellow teachers; her family meant the world to her; was known for her "famous brownies;" enjoyed taking care of her flowers and plants as well as decorating her home
Survivors include her husband Brad; mother, Nancy Schnacker of Elm Creek; mother-in-law, Linda Buethe of Tecumseh; brother, Jeff Schnacker and wife Laurie of Elm Creek; sisters, Amy Schmidt and husband Will of Kearney and Gina Evans and husband Jason of Broken Bow; brother-in-law, Jeff Buethe of Fort Myers, Florida; and sister-in-law, Lori Buethe of Tecumseh; nieces and nephews, Morgan and Lauren Schnacker, Riley and Cambrie Schmidt, Kinsey and Kacee Evans and Jax Glasgo; and great-nieces, Evelynn and Madilynn Bowden
Was preceded in death by her father, Larry Schnacker; older brother, Scotty Schnacker; father-in-law, Ron Buethe; and grandparents, Wayne and LaRea Schnacker and Roy and Erma Garringer
Memorials: a scholarship fund for high school seniors planning to major in special education
Kearney Hub, 12 October 2021
CARMAN, Gary L., 69, of Litchfield died Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 3, 1952 in Kearney
Parents: Lindy and Carol (Fairchild) Carman
Attended grade school in rural Buffalo County, graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1970; graduated from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis
Came home to the family farm, farmed there for 30 years
Married: Christine Baye
In recent years, owned and operated GC Trucking
Activities: biggest source of pride was his children and grandchildren; favorite hobbies were fishing and family activities; could strike up a conversation with anyone
Survivors include his sons, Jesse (Abby) Carman of Shelton, Jeremy (Vanessa) Carman of Guymon, Oklahoma, Jimmy Carman of Litchfield and Jacob Carman of O'Neill; four grandchildren, Callee, Lilli, Colton and Colby; sisters, Barb (Larry) Lindner of Pleasanton, Cindy (Tim) Bittinger of Raymond, Pat (Dave) Peck of Osage City, Kansas, and Pam (Jay) Altmaier of Merriman; two aunts; one uncle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his son John, his loving parents; and niece Abby
Memorials: McKenna's Rae of Hope Foundation
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2021
CATTERSON, Gary Lynn, 69, of Tulsa, died Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in Tulsa
Service with military honors: Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson
Mortuary: Butler-Stumpff & Dyer in Tulsa
Born: Oct. 8, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: James Sr. and Dorothy (Wick) Catterson
Married: Oct. 11, 1975, Theresa Greco; in 2006, she preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Michael of Tulsa, Matthew of Tulsa, and Robert of Sand Springs; brother, James of Kearney, Nebraska, and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 22 September 2021
CLARK, Oneta I., 102, of Kearney, formerly of Scottsbluff, died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Kinship Pointe Kearney Northridge
Graveside service: Thursday at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 17, 1919, in Hemingford
Parents: Lee A. and Lucy E. (Fiedler) Roland
Grew up in the Hemingford area, attended Rocky Point Rural School in Box Butte County and later Hemingford High School
Married: William "Bill" D. Clark on Dec. 31, 1955, in Alliance
Taught school briefly and then worked for the U.S. Postal Service
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women's Circle, BPOE Does and the National Association of Federal Employees
Survivors include her daughter, Rayma (Robert) Kukas of Grand Island; grandchildren, Michael and Chandra Kukas; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Beth Clark; five sisters and one brother
Memorials: Nebraska Children's Home
Kearney Hub, 6 October 2021
COAKLEY, Rita M., 90, of Kearney died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at St. John's Good Samaritan Home
Funeral service: Wednesday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Interment: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 25, 1931, in Arcadia
Parents: Martin and Mildred (Elliott) Benson
Married: June 30, 1947, to Dale L. Coakley in Phillipsburg, Kansas
After marriage, lived on a farm near Comstock; served as director of the Grand Island YWCA for several years; also taught in Crawford and St. Edwards; later served as the pastor of the Franklin United Church of Christ and filled in as needed for several other churches in the area
Activities: enjoyed doing arts and crafts, doing cross-stitch, leading Bible studies and being outdoors watching wildlife
Survivors include her sons, David Coakley and wife, Nadine of Nixa, Missouri, Daniel Coakley and wife, Mary, of Hastings, and Gene Coakley and wife, Nancy, of Kearney; grandchildren, Crystal Coakley, Wendy Evans and husband, Michael, Randi Genuchi and husband, Kyle, Dustin Coakley and wife, April, Justin Coakley and wife, Barb, David Coakley and Nicolas Coakley; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Evans, Nathaniel Evans, Madelyn and Roselyn Genuchi, Samuel Coakley and Olive and Frances Coakley; sister, Marilyn Hyatt of Broken Bow; and special family friend, Carol Wolters
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Coakley; daughter, Laurita; and grandson twins, Jason and Christopher; and great-grandson, Beau
Kearney Hub, 21 September 2021
CORNEER, Donald L. "Don", 90, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in Kearney. Funeral service: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery in Omaha
Born: Sept. 24, 1931, in Omaha
Parents: Rudolph and Doris (Witte) Corneer
Graduated from Omaha South High School in 1949
Military: U.S. Marines, 1951 till 1953
Married: Rose Van Severen on June 5, 1954, in Omaha
After marriage, lived in Omaha, moved to Kearney in 1966; worked for Producers Livestock for 45 years; operated the west sale barn in Kearney and then worked as a cattle buyer
Activities: enjoyed playing golf, cards, fishing and hunting, watching Kansas City Royals baseball, and spending time with his family and friends
Survivors include his wife, Rose Corneer of Kearney; son, Gary and Dianne Corneer of Livingston, Montana; granddaughter, Elizabeth and Tyler Siegmund of Fort Collins, Colorado; and great-granddaughter, Ava Siegmund of Fort Collins, Colorado
Was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Tari Lynn Corneer
Kearney Hub, 18 October 2021
DENTON, Jerry Linn, 78, died Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at Hospice House in Omaha
Memorial services: Saturday at Aurora Methodist Church
Interment: Grand Island Cemetery
Mortuary: Higby-McQuiston in Aurora
Attended Kearney High School, lettered in football, basketball, baseball and tennis and was on several championship teams; was elected class president his junior and senior years; played baseball at the University of Nebraska his freshman year and was recruited to the Innocents Society; struggled with bipolar depression his entire life; earned a BS in Business from Kearney State College (KSC) in 1966, was a member of Theta Xi, taught and was a guidance counselor at Ravenna High School; earned an MS in counseling from KSC, and then a doctorate degree in educational psychology from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in 1970
Devoted his life as a psychologist to guide and counsel hundreds of people; started his career as a professor of counseling at KSC in 1970, pioneered the Student Health and Counseling Center, served as director until he opened a private practice
Married: Susan Rojeski in 1967, who served as psychometrist and business manager of The Family Therapy Clinic
Married: Carole Sterup Kroeger in 1994; together counseled people; retired in 2020
Activities: had a passion for Jungian Psychology and traveled to many conferences; was an avid golfer and also enjoyed piloting small aircraft; traveled to many U.S. cities in his aircraft
Survivors include his wife, Carole; three children, Kimberly Denton-Hill and Chris Hill (Ava and Mara), Chris and Ashlea Denton (Henry, Magdalena, Wilhelmina), and Kevin Denton and Jessica Winter (Elliott and Freyja); two stepchildren, Caroline and Tim Jones (Alexandra and Samuel), and Cameron and Rose Kroeger (Franklin)
Was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Veva Denton, and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 6 October 2021
DUNCAN, Donald A., 73, of Alda died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at his home surrounded by family
Funeral service: Tuesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Prairie Center Haven's Chapel Cemetery
Born: Jan. 29, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: William and Viola ( Godown) Duncan
Was raised in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1966; earned his bachelor's degree in business at Kearney State College in 1971
Married: Jan. 29, 1971, to Sandra Stull at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Worked as an accountant at Monarch Industries and at T&E Cattle for many years; later worked at U-Save Foods and Cabela's; retired in 2010
Activities: was involved in numerous activities, including 4-H and FFA; was an avid sports fan always cheering on the Huskers and St. Louis Cardinals; enjoyed rodeos and attending many of his grandchildren's sporting events; most of all, loved time spent with his family
Survivors include his wife, Sandy Duncan of Alda; sons, Rob Duncan of Fremont and Chris Duncan of Lincoln; grandchildren, Riley, Carter and Ian Duncan; brother, Ron Duncan of Cairo; sister, Jolene Schroer and husband, Rod of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Terry Duncan
Kearney Hub, 8 October 2021
FLUCKEY, Larry Eugene, 71, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at his home surrounded by family
Private family service: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 20, 1950, in O'Neill
Parents: Loy and Elvera (Sorensen) Fluckey
Grew up in Chambers and attended Chambers High School; earned his auto mechanic certificate at Norfolk
Married: July 10, 1971, Kaydene Thompson in O'Neill
Owned and operated a gravel pit in O'Neill for several years; later moved to Kearney, started Superior Foundations Inc. in 1997, owned and operated the business for 24 years; accredited the success of his business to his outstanding and hardworking crew; was outgoing and enjoyed the conversations with his customers as much as the work itself
Activities: was an easygoing person; enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family; also looked forward to playing games with his family; favorite game was pitch; in his later years, enjoyed several trips; handled his illness with grace and a sense of humor; enjoyed banter with the health care workers that lightened the seriousness of the situation
Survivors include his wife, Kaydene Fluckey of Kearney; daughter, Rebecca Wilke of Omaha; son, Dustin Fluckey of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Alex and Mia Wilke; siblings, Ed Fluckey of Lincoln, Carol (Ron) McDermott of Alliance, Alan (Sue) Fluckey of Fort Calhoun and Calvin (Cindy) Fluckey of Plainview; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 21 October 2021
HAWKE, Lance Von, 52, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Colorado Springs
Private family service: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: June 22, 1969. in Kearney
Parents: Gregory and Karen (Nielsen) Hawke
Received his education from Gibbon High School, graduated with the class of 1987
Traveled the United States doing construction; specialized in slate roofs and worked on several historic buildings in Charleston, South Carolina; also did drywall for many high-end retail business all along the East Coast
Survivors include his mother, Karen Nielsen of Kearney; siblings, John Buso and Wade Buso, Matt Hawke, Cy Hawke and Kelly Hawke; aunt, Diane Nielsen; uncle, Dan (Sue) Hawke; cousin, Shon Hawke; and several extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Greg Hawke; grandparents, Alberta Grayek, Virgil Nielsen and Vernon and AnnaDean Hawke; and his uncle and aunt, Jeff and Betty Hawke
Kearney Hub, 20 October 2021
HINES, Rick D., 68, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at his home
Celebration of life: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Arapahoe Cemetery
Born: July 6, 1953, in Phillipsburg, Kansas
Parents: Lorn and Doris (Snyder) Hines
Was raised in Arapahoe; was a graduate of Arapahoe High School; attended Kearney State College, earned his bachelor's degree
Was the owner and operator of Central Nebraska Arbor Care, Inc. Survivors include his siblings, Ron Hines of Brady and Deanne Tracy of Arapahoe; several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2021
HURT, Delores A., 88, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Genoa Long Term Care in Genoa
Mass of Burial: October 13, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 1, 1933, at St. Paul
Parents: Albert and Helen (Lukasewski) Matousek
Grew up in St. Paul and graduated from St. Paul High School
Married: James "Jim" Hurt on Oct. 26, 1955, in St. Paul
After marriage, moved to Alliance, and then to Kearney in 1971; worked for General Telephone as an operator; also worked at Kearney Floral and then Cabela's in the telemarketing department, retired in 1995
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, was active in the Altar Society and many church activities
Survivors include her daughters, Janice Jones of Jacksonville, Florida, and Diane and Tim Trofholz of Levo, Kansas; brother, Ted Matousek of York; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her brother, Don Matousek
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church. Kearney Hub, 11 October 2021
JELINEK, Edith Rose, 99, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at her home
Funeral: Saturday, Oct. 9 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation services
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Born: March 3, 1922, at Carrol, Neb.
Parents: Philip and Nellie Burress
In early childhood, moved to a ranch in west Cherry County, near Gordon, grew to womanhood there; was the last of the 10 children to pass
Married: 1934 to Roscoe Jelinek of Riverdale
After marriage lived near Riverdale, raised registered Angus cattle; retired and moved to Kearney in 1977; had seven children together
Activities: chose to serve the Lord, her faith in Him sustained her in many aspects of life; cherished the privilege to host fellowship services with friends and ministers; loved life, and loved people, enjoying doing what she could do for others; made custom draperies as a business and met many people through this
Survivors include her children, Linda Pearson of DeLand, Florida, Larry and wife Alice of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Stuart and wife Beth of Overland Park, Kansas, Elaine Tipton of Kearney, Leon and wife Maxine of Broadwater, Paul and wife Nancy of Omaha, Lori and husband Wayne of Carleton, Michigan; 22 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband Roscoe in October 2001; five brothers; and four sisters
Memorials: Kearney Police Department or charity of one's choice
Kearney Hub, 6 October 2021
JONES, Jeanette L., 85, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 30, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois
Parents: Bruce and Edna A. (Warp) Kocher
During her early childhood years, was raised by John and Marie Petersen, who took her into their home, and loved and nurtured her as one of their own; became a lifeguard at the swimming pool when she was a teenager; sang in the choir and participated in musicals as well as the Minden Christmas Pageant; attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when she was 18, but returned to Minden, worked at Pioneer Village, even modeling for the first postcards for the museum in the 1950s; attended Minden High School and graduated with the class of 1954
Married: Harold E. "Coppy" Jones on Oct. 29, 1954, in Minden; were blessed with 45 years of marriage
Was a farmwife and kept gardens with tomatoes and corn, sold garden produce, as well as operated a roadside stand that served hot dogs, root beer and ice cream; while the interstate was being built through the area in the 1960s, mobilized her stand via a van and served the construction workers along the way; eginning in the '70s, operated Jeanette's House of Flowers in rural Gibbon for more than 25 years as a talented florist, cake decorator and artist; also assisted her daughter Katherine in her business venture, Annie B. Loom Works, harnessing her artistic talent to create unique handmade designs; member of the Open Door Fellowship Church in Gibbon
Survivors include her son, Gregory (Elaina) Jones of Gibbon; daughter, Katherine Stalder of Gibbon; daughter, Angela (Darrel) Hauer of Greeley, Colorado; and son, Hal (Kim) Jones of Gibbon; brother, Vernon (Inez) Schneider of Gibbon; grandchildren, Nick (Amy Luo) Jones, Annessa (Brett) Bauer, Erika (Brandon) Jessop, Aubrey Jones, MacKinzie Jones, Jori Jones, Blaine (Makayla) Jones, Nate Jones, Gabby Jones, Wyatt Jones, Avi Jones; three great-grandchildren, Branigann Stalder, Dustin Jones and Emberlynn Jones
Was preceded in death by her parents; Grandpa and Grandma Petersen; husband, Coppy Jones; son, Mark Jones; and sister, Maxine Noltie
Memorials: Open Door Fellowship Church in Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 21 October 2021
KICKEN, Enid Darline, 88, formerly of Shelton and Ainsworth, died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Shelton
Burial: Friday at Hyannis Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 4, 1933, in Hyannis
Parents: Hans and Leola (Herzell) Dubs
Grew up on the family homestead south of Ashby, graduated from Ashby High School in 1950
Following graduation, worked on various ranches, then moved to Alliance to work at the Safeway grocery store
Married: Raymond (Ray) K. Kicken on Nov. 27, 1955, in Alliance
Together managed the Co-op store in Bingham for several years, then moved to a ranch on Hagen Lake in southern Brown County in the mid 1960s; purchased the Fegley place south of Ainsworth, farmed and ranched until the farm crisis of the 1980s; Enid was a housekeeper at the Brown County Hospital for several years and then a janitor at the Ainsworth United Methodist Church; retired and moved to Shelton in 2004, had her most favorite job of all, taking care of her grandkids
Activities: was very social and loved to be on the go; especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities; was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Ainsworth, active in the extension clubs in each county that she lived in and was recognized this past summer with her 50-year membership in the American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed visiting over coffee with friends, playing cards, reading books about the Amish and collecting community cookbooks
Survivors include her son, Gary (Gloria) Kicken of Union, Kentucky; daughter, Jeanne (Jeff) Pope of Ravenna; granddaughters, Kami Kicken (special friend Craig) and Keri Kicken of Austin, Texas, Jaylea and Justine Pope of Ravenna; grandson, Johnathon Pope of Ravenna; and great-granddaughter Ava Hassenmiller of Austin, Texas; sisters-in-law, Carol Dubs of Ashby, Carol Wears of Lincoln and Dee Kicken of Ainsworth; brothers-in-law, Lucien (Margaret) Kicken of Scottsbluff and John (Shari) Jensen of Arthur; plus numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ray (09/06/2005); half-brother James (Pete) Johansen; sister Hazel Roth; brothers John (Jack) Dubs and Art Dubs; sisters-in-law Beverly Jensen and Dotty Dubs; brothers-in-law Wray Roth, Jim Wears and George Kicken
Kearney Hub, 6 October 2021
KING, Randall "Randy", 70, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Thursday at New Life Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 15, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Glenn R. And Elsie M. (Gustafson) King
Grew up on a farm near Kearney and Mason City with his seven siblings; graduated from Loup City High School in 1969; attended one year at Kearney State College
Began farming and ranching near the Basin Ditch south of Mason City
Married: Dec. 4, 1977, Susan Johnson
After marriage, farmed until 1988; moved north of Kearney, was employed at Eaton Corporation; retired in 2010 and then began part-time work for a neighboring farmer; also worked with Susan irrigating neighboring fields and putting up hay
Activities: loved fishing on the South Loup River, playing card games like pitch with his kids, and playing "Garbage" with his grandkids; most of all, loved Jesus, longing that all family, friends and others would believe in the salvation of Christ's burial and resurrection
Survivors include his wife, Susan (Johnson) King of Kearney; sons, Lynn (Joanna) King of Baltic, South Dakota, Scott King of Kearney, Todd (Natalie) King of Stromsburg; his grandchildren, Addison, Moriah, Thaddeus, Molly and Titus; his siblings, Joan (Robert) Meier, Donna (Cleve) Kennedy, Richard King, Ilene King, Sandra Behn, Audrey (Gordon) Taylor and Peggy (Dennis) Triplett
Was preceded in death by his son Devin in 2014; his parents; Susan's parents; brother-in-law; sister-in-law; and other family members
Kearney Hub, 20 October 2021
KIZZIER, Richard G., 90, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at Life Care Center in Tucson
There will be no services
Interment: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Born: April 23, 1931, in Crescent, Iowa
Parents: Roy H. and Lucy (Ochampaugh) Kizzier
Graduated from Holdrege High School; attended college at Northwestern University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Military: United States Air Force, 1952-1956
Married: Yvonne Moran at Holdrege on May 31, 1959
Worked for his father at Kizzier-Anderson Chevrolet in Holdrege, then moved to Kearney and opened Kizzier Chevrolet, which he owned and operated for many years
Survivors include his wife, Yvonne of Tucson, Arizona; son, Kyle (Wendy) of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Cynthia (Dan) Theobald of Kearney; brother, Roy (Cheryl) of Lincoln; sister, Carolyn Naglestad of San Diego, California; three grandchildren, Natalie, Julia and Sean Kizzier; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dwayne and sister Joyce Webers
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 3 October 2021
LANE, Paul R., 92, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney
Private family graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 29, 1929, at Yankton, South Dakota
Parents: Raymond and Sophia (Kubal) Lane
Graduated from Gregory High School in South Dakota; earned a degree in industrial arts from Kearney State College
Married: Leona Ring on Sept. 23, 1951, in Winner, South Dakota
Worked in production printing at the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 25 years; enjoyed building model airplanes and flying
Survivors include his wife, Leona Lane; children, Val Lane and wife, Sherry, Kevin Lane, and Julie Arnold and husband, Monte; grandchildren, Jennifer Lane, Brian Lane and wife, Roxie, Kenny Lane and wife, Gloria, Adam Lane and wife, Michelle, Spencer Lane and Emily Arnold; great-grandchildren, Ava, Victoria and Wednesday Lane; sister, Imogene Mendlik; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Douglas Lane; sister, Linda Lynaugh; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Mary Ring
Memorials: Shriners Children's Hospital or Shrine Auxiliary of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 11 October 2021
LANGTRY, Walter S., 69, of rural Kearney died Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island
Memorial service: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 22, 1952, at Oakland, California
Parents: Fred and Helen (Cox) Langtry
Was raised in Kearney, received his education from St. James Catholic School and Kearney High School; graduated in 1972
Worked at the Kearney Holiday Inn in the maintenance department for many years; later started his own landscaping and property maintenance company
Activities: enjoyed gardening and maintaining his acreage south of Kearney
Survivors include his siblings, Jim (Linda) Langtry of Lincoln, Mary Langtry of Lincoln, Fred (Kathy) Langtry of Riverside, California, and Barbara Drake of Hayden, Idaho; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family; and a close friend, Linda Starkey of Ravenna
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Bekker; and brothers, Richard and Donald Langtry
Kearney Hub, 27 September 2021
MAUL, Emmett J. Jr, of Kearney, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 17, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: Emmett Sr. and Marvlyn (Daake) Maul
Was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Amherst, graduated from Amherst High School class of 1963; attended auto body technical school in Omaha
Married: Carol Jean Silas on June 6, 1965, in Kearney
Owned and operated Maul Body Shop in Kearney until 2001; retired from the body shop business, then worked for Morris Press, Brown Transfer and Century 21 Midlands; also worked at Mother Hull Home in Kearney for 13 years, retired in 2020 due to health reasons; especially enjoyed his time at Mother Home Hull Home and considered the staff there part of his extended family
Activities: member and past president of Kearney Jaycees, 56-year member of the BPO Elks Kearney Lodge 984, Boy Scout Master with Troop 136 while his sons were active in the Scouts; a favorite hobby was brewing beer, was a founding member of the Kearney Brewers Association, won awards at the county and state fairs; was especially proud to be a 45 year member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department; loved his fellow firemen and firewomen; actually passed away on the day of his 45th anniversary as a member of the KVFD
Survivors include his wife, Carol Jean of Kearney; sons, John and Petrina Maul and Joe and Mishelle Maul, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Gage Maul, Alyssa Maul, Erica Maul, Dayton and wife McKenzie Maul, and a great-grandson, Bexton Maul, born on June 20, 2021; also adopted granddaughter to Kassie (Hartman) Quiroz, the daughter of a close family friend; brother and sister-in-Law, Don and Susie Maul; brother-in-law, Howard Strong; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Sr. and Marvlyn Maul; sister, Peggy Maul; and stepmother, Zola Maul
Memorials: Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 110 October 2021
MAUPIN, Eric W., 50, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 21, 1970, in North Platte
Parents: Wayne and Diana (Miranda) Maupin
Grew up in Venango, attended Venango High School, graduated with the class of 1989; attended Kearney State College, earned his degree in actuarial science and statistics
Married: Feb. 12, 1994, to Vicki McCown in Venango
Military: U.S. Army Reserves
For the past 15 years, joyfully worked with his "Intellicom family" as a purchasing manager
Activities: loved Christ first, his family second, and all others third; enjoyed playing tennis, pickleball, and any game that could make his family laugh; was heavy involved as a member of Kearney Evangelical Free Church, an active elder, Men in Action, Children's Ministries and as a leader of a life group; was a past Scout leader, was a lifelong Husker fan and an avid Denver Broncos' fan
Survivors include his wife, Vicki Maupin of Kearney; children, Callen (Hannah) Maupin of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and daughter Jordyn Maupin of Kearney; parents, Wayne and Diana Maupin of Venango; brother, Paul (Niesje) Maupin of Denver, Colorado; niece and nephew, Zoie and Jacob Maupin; brothers-in-law, Steve (Pam) McCown and Gary McCown; sisters-in-law, Tammy Portenier, Jackie (Kelly) Tridle, and Shelly (Scott) Hoyt; several nieces and nephews and numerous friends
Was preceded in death by his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 14 October 2021
McNUTT, Harold Allan "Herb", 85, of Kearney died at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021
Funeral service: Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook
Burial: Trenton Cemetery with military honors
Born: in McCook on Sept. 4, 1936
Parents: Roy and Lucille (Marcum) McNutt
Went to school in McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1954
Military: United States Army, Oct. 28, 1954 to Oct. 28, 1956; served in Germany
Married: Shirley Kay "Tootie" Propp; had two sons, Rodney and Randy
Married: Sept. 12, 1998, to Coraleen "Kae" Matson-McNutt, family grew by two adding David and Diana
Was employed by Stickney's for 20 years, then worked for Lee Jensen selling cars; moved to Kearney, 1999, and managed an apartment complex; later worked for Cabella's for 12 years in the phone order department
Activities: loved to watch both NASCAR and the Husker football on TV or radio; enjoyed spur-of-the-moment road trips; played in the band with Ron Scott and the Road Masters
Survivors include his wife "Kae" of Kearney; two sons, Randy of Kearney; Dave (Cheri) of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; daughter, Diana (Steven) Arhart of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; one sister, Rita Tyson of Blackfoot Idaho; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lucille; son, Rodney; brothers, Merle and Jerry McNutt; sister, Lori Synder; and brother-in-law, Otis Tyson
Kearney Hub, 21 September 2021
MEREDITH, Irene J., 90, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 26, 1931 in Hastings
Parents: Frank and Amelia (Baker) Barth
Graduated from Hastings High School
Married: Dr. Milton A. Meredith on April 9, 1950, in Hastings
After marriage, lived in Kearney for more than 65 years; enjoyed her role as a mother and a homemaker; was also an accomplished seamstress, sewing clothing, Halloween costumes, prom dresses and much more; was a valued employee at both Top Hat Furniture and Ruter's Bridal
Activities: participated in various organizations in the community: Campfire Girls leader, Jaycee Wives, Salvation Army Advisory Board member, Job's Daughters council member, and Patient Advisory Board appointee of Good Samaritan Hospital; faithfully served First Presbyterian Church in many roles over the years, as a deacon, ordained elder, shepherd leader, 20-year volunteer wedding coordinator, and funeral committee volunteer; interior design and decorating were among her many talents
Survivors include her daughters, Dana Lang (John) of Westport, Connecticut, Nancy Beitel (late Robert) of Mullen, Marcy Stevens (Bill) of Kearney, Susan Kaniut (Chris) of Jacksonville, Florida, Elizabeth Engel (Brent) of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and sister Freddie Ewert of Bakersfield, California; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her loving husband, Milt; sister, Paula Fullmer; son-in-law, Bob Beitel; and several in-laws
Memorials: Salvation Army or First Presbyterian Church music department
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2021
MERRYMAN, Barbara J., 87, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 29, 1934, in rural Shelton
Parents: Edwin J. and Katie M. (Lyon) Manfull
Attended Gibbon High School, graduated with the class of 1951; later attended Kearney State College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1971
Married: William C. Merryman on March 30, 1956, in Gibbon
Taught school in area country schools and was a media specialist at Grand Island Central Catholic School
Activities: longtime member of First Baptist Church in Kearney; member of the B.P.O. Does, ladies golf league, Kearney Area Retired Teachers Association, Kearney Women's Club and the Kearney Toastmasters; also hosted several high school exchange students during the years
Survivors include her daughters, Debra (Mike) Eickhoff and Kim (Steve) Reidy, both of Kearney, and Jane Shurrush of Nazareth, Israel; sister, Doris and Don Haney of Lubbock, Texas; six grandchildren, Chad (Jill) Eickhoff, Allie (Jared) Argo, Khriesto (Nardeen) Shurrush, Haneen (Rami) Mazzawi, Jace Reidy, Shauna (Mannie) Reinsch; and eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; two brothers; son-in-law, Amin Shurrush; and grandchildren, Eleyah Shurrush and Shelby Reidy
Memorials: First Baptist Church or Crane River Theater
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2021
MIDDLESWART, Carla, 68, of Gibbon died Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at her home
Celebration of life: Friday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Inurnment: Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 23, 1953, in Kearney
Parents: Carl and Catherine "Kay" (Braden) Moffett
Received her education from Gibbon High School and graduated with the class of 1971
Married: William "Max" Middleswart on March 30, 1973, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, later moved to Gibbon
Worked for West Pharmaceuticals from 1975 to 2008
Activities: loved her family and her community; enjoyed taking tickets at the Gibbon School activities; was always willing to help the elderly; member of the Gibbon Baptist Church; member of the American Legion Auxiliary, helped with funeral luncheons and volunteered with many veterans' activities; veterans were her great love, never missed an opportunity to thank them for their service
Survivors include her sons, William D. Middleswart of Washington, D.C., and Carl W. Middleswart and wife Angela of Warren, Michigan; two granddaughters, Catherine and Maya Middleswart of Warren, Michigan; sisters, Jean Widdowson and husband Joe of Gibbon and Rhonda Ammon and husband Jerry of Bassett; sisters-in-law, Donna Middleswart of Minden and Deb and husband Ron Belau of Gibbon; brothers-in-law, Larry Middleswart and wife Brenda of Gibbon and Chuck Middleswart of Miami, Florida; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Fern Dye; and brother-in-law, Gary Middleswart
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church or Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2021
OSBORNE, Bradley L., 70, of Gibbon died Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at his home
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 12 October 2021
PHELPS, Mary Elizabeth "Ibet" Spray, 85, of Crawford died Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Crawford
Celebration of life: Friday at the Methodist Church in Crawford
Burial: Crawford Cemetery
Mortuary: Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron
Born: Dec. 8, 1935, on a very snowy day
Parents: Eldon Randall Spray and M. Elizabeth "Betty" Squires Spray
Was the third of three children; attended school in Crawford, graduated salutatorian in 1954; attended Kearney State Teachers College; cherished the friendships with high school and college mates
Married: Aug. 25, 1956, Duane Kuhnel
After marriage lived in Crawford, moved to Kearney in 1962; later returned to Crawford
Married: James Carl Phelps on June 24, 1987; lived in Derby, Kansas, and then again in Crawford in 1996
Was a deputy in the Buffalo County Registrar of Deeds office, the curator of the Crawford Historical Society Museum and served on the Board of Directors at the Ponderosa Villa
Activities: was involved with her children's activities, was a Camp Fire Girls leader and helped with 4-H groups; loved the Crawford and Fort Robinson area; supported the Post Playhouse by sharing her season tickets with others; enjoyed bridge, her daily crossword puzzles, and sang in the Methodist church choir; loved to golf, was fun, creative and kind; member of PEO; member and state officer in the Christopher Robinson Chapter DAR; presented the wreath on Memorial Day at the Crawford Cemetery
Survivors include her husband James; her children, Marcella (Ronnie) Thompson, Crawford, Darci Kuhnel, Kearney, Deana Murphy, Denver Colorado, Chad (Kris) Kuhnel, Granby Colorado; her grandchildren, Shela, Alyssa (Jon), Paige (Rich), Sahar (Mat), Emma (Mario), Seamus, Sage (Makayla), Chloe, Ben and Abby; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister Sue Ann Hankins, Kearney; nieces, Holly Hankins and Samantha (Scott) Leibhart
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother John; aunt Carolyn "Opal" Sammons; uncle Charles "Chili" Spray Jr; great-granddaughter; and cousin Don Spray
Memorials: the Chadron or Crawford VFD, Methodist Church Organ Fund and Crawford Historical Society Museum
Kearney Hub, 30 September 2021
RASMUSSEN, Beverly A., 90, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2021
ROCKEFELLER, Scott Michael, 31, of Kearney went missing on June 29, 2020, and was found Sept. 29, 2021
Memorial service: Friday Oct. 22, 2021, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Minden Cemetery
Born: June 18, 1990, in Kearney
Parents: Steve and Debra (Westesen) Rockefeller
Was raised in Kearney, received his education from Kearney High School, graduated in 2009; earned his degree in auto body technology from Hastings Technical College
Held numerous jobs in auto body repair and construction; most recently had been working at Fiddelke Heating and Air
Activities: loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting every chance he had
Survivors include his father, Steve Rockefeller of Kearney; sister, Emily (John) Bengtson and their children, Brooke and Michael, all of York; grandparents, John and Marjorie Westesen of Kearney; uncles and aunts, David (Beth) Westesen and Jay (Lisa) Westesen, all of Kearney, Debra J. Rockefeller of Tomball, Texas; as well as many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Rockefeller; grandparents, Carl and Shirley Rockefeller
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2021
ROHDE, Margaret, 95, of Palm Desert, CA, formerly of Ravenna died July 17, 2021 in Palm Desert. Memorial Service: Friday, September 17, 2021 at Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Interment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 14 September 2021 Rasmussen
SAMUELSON, Alyshia Ann, 31, of Kearney, formerly of Newman Grove, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Newman Grove
Burial: later
Mortuary: Levander of Newman Grove
Born Sept. 8, 1990, at Lincoln
Parents: Cory and Beth (Stone) Nelson
Was baptized at Looking Glass United Methodist Church on Nov. 20, 1990; attended school at Newman Grove Public School and graduated high school in 2009; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and graduated in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in business administration/marketing
Married: Drew Samuelson, Sept. 5, 2015, at York
After marriage, lived in Kearney; was the senior project manager for Bozell Marketing
Activities: loved to socialize; was the president of YPN Kearney, a member of Leadership Kearney Class 28, the Kearney Chamber of Commerce and Kearney Envoys
Survivors include her husband Drew of Kearney; parents, Cory and Beth Nelson of Newman Grove; two sisters, Brooke (Ben) Vincent and daughter Luxley of Marquette, Megan (Jonny) Guenther of Lincoln; parents-in-law, Darren and Marlynn Samuelson of Bertrand; brother-in-law Derek (Cari) Samuelson and children Cash, Casen, Cora and Cain of Loomis; sister-in-law Brooke (Andrew) Meister and children Graham and Lyvia of West Point; grandparents, Leon and DeAnn Nelson, Merle and Ruth Stone, all of Newman Grove; grandparents-in-law, Darryl and Karen Samuelson of Loomis; along with aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends
Was preceded in death by her uncle Delayne Stone; grandparents-in-law, Mel and JoAnn Slaughter; and uncle-in-law Darwin Samuelson
Kearney Hub, 21 October 2021
SCHLUND, Debra A., 68, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Graveside service: Wednesday at Litchfield Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 3, 1953, in Sargent
Parents: Victor "V.C." and Dorothy (Fisher) Howard
Graduated from Litchfield High School in 1971
Started working for M.N.I.S. in Broken Bow; enjoyed the many clients she met through her work
Married: Bill Schlund; later divorced
Moved to Tooele, Utah, in 1984; continued working as a social worker until retiring in 2012
Activities: loved spending time with her family and friends, her grandchildren were her pride and joy; also enjoyed reading, watching westerns, shopping, jewelry and Avon
Survivors include her sons, Derek Schlund of Kearney, Brian and Virginia Schlund of Tooele, Utah; daughter, Nicole Schlund of Tooele, Utah; brothers, Brent Howard of Litchfield, Brad and Michele Howard of Litchfield; sisters, Vicki and Paul Peters of Casper, Wyoming, Emma Whitaker of Loudenville, Ohio; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by two infant brothers; sister-in-law, Ronda Howard; brother-in-law, Mark Whitaker; and great-nephew Hudson Lee Hendricks
Kearney Hub, 14 October 2021
SCHNEIDER, Kris, 62, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at her home
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 6, 1959, in Kearney
Parents: Martin and Phyllis (Walters) Straatmann
Attended Kearney Senior High
Worked for her dad; also worked in day care in Kenesaw, Atkinson, Kansas City and Kearney
Married: Richard Schneider on July 16, 1976, and they later divorced
Also lived in Kansas City and Blue Springs
Activities: collected angels, loved watching K.C. Royals baseball, Husker football, NASCAR, especially her favorite driver Kyle Busch; also enjoyed going fishing, taking photos, playing cards, dancing and searching Facebook for the kids she cared for over the many years of day care
Survivors include her sons, John Schneider of Kearney, Josh Schneider of Atlanta; daughter, Jazmine Schneider of Kearney; grandchildren, Gregory and Stephen Schneider; friends, Glenda Spurgeon of Grain Valley, Missouri, LaNita Woods and Tiffany Trummer of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Lara Schneider; son, Jason Schneider; and her parents
Kearney Hub, 25 October 2021
SHADA, Dolores K., 95, of Loup City died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Mass of Christian burial: Thursday at St. Josaphat's Catholic Church in Loup City
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Higgins in Loup City
Born: June 23, 1926, at Loup City
Parents: Hugh and Helen (Stanczyk) McCarville
Grew up and attended school in Loup City
Married: March 28, 1976, to S. Perry Shada at Kearney
Worked on the family farm, moved to Loup City, worked at the Cornhusker Ammunition Plant in Grand Island; moved to Kearney and worked at Eaton; retired from Eaton and they moved back to Loup City
Activities: member of St. Josaphat's Catholic Church in Loup City, Circle 3 and Rosary Sodality; member of the Hospital Auxiliary; enjoyed her flower garden and jigsaw and crossword puzzles; could always be found straightening up the church sanctuary after services
Survivors include her children, Connie (Norm) Lund of Omaha, Linda (Robert Ferraguti) Kosmicki of St. George, Kansas, Kenneth (Janet) Kosmicki of Loup City, Becci (Earl) Teichmeier of Loup City, and Bernadette (Ken) Kuszak of Geneva; sister, Kathleen Palu of Plattsmouth; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Perry; five siblings; and one grandchild
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2021
SMITH, Donna L.C., 94, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday, Oct. 30, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Donated her body to science at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 28, 1926, in Norton, Kansas
Parents: Seena and Robert Cousins
Received her nursing degree from Christ's Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka, Kansas, in 1945
Married: 1948 to James E. Smith Jr. of Topeka
Traveled to Japan and Germany while her husband was in the U.S. Army; settled in Kearney in the mid-1960s; in Kearney, worked for many years as the Head Start nurse
Activities: volunteered at the Jubilee Center, donated hours painting and hammering at Habitat for Humanity homes, sang in the choir and served in the altar guild at St. Luke's church; member of the Nebraska PEO Chapter FN; enjoyed her participation in Knit, Chat and Sew and Peasant Gourmet; was an avid card player, played bridge and taught all of her grandchildren how to play Hand and Foot; also enjoyed traveling with her friends and attending family destination weddings; received the Sertoma's Service to Mankind Award in 1980, and the Kearney Hub Freedom Award for humanitarian endeavors in 2004
Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Smith of Southport, North Carolina; son, James E. Smith III of Madisonville, Lousiana; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two cousins; her brother-in-law; and eight nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Smith Jr.
Memorials: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Kearney Hub, 26 October 2021
SPEAK, Georgia Mae, 91, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: Nov. 19 at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington
Inurnment: Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington
Born: Nov. 24, 1929, in Lexington
Parents: George and Ida (Hatfield) Hofferber Lived in Lexington, graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1947 Married: Bill J. Speak on Dec. 7, 1947, at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington
After marriage, lived in Lexington with their two children; moved to Kearney in 1957, helped her husband run their Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge dealership, Speak Motor Company; retired in 1983
Activities: past member of the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Directors, past president of PEO Chapter FN and a member of the First United Methodist Church; retired in Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1984,was active in the community, PEO and the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista; loved to travel, play tennis and golf, and was involved in several different bridge groups throughout her life; was passionate about researching Speak family genealogy and was a founding member of the Speak Family Association; was an avid Husker fan
Survivors include her son, Todd (Ann) Speak of Debary, Florida; daughter, Tobie Johnson of Kearney; brother, Bill Hofferber of Kearney; sister-in law, Jan Hofferber of Riverdale; grandchildren, Kirk Johnson (Justin Doran) of Rogers, Arkansas, Karlie (Dan) Hermsen of Papillion, Kevin (Andrea) Johnson of Wood River, Ben (Jessica) Speak of Castleberry, Florida, Stephanie (Shawn) Darr of Kingsport, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Neleigh, Paige and Olivia Hermsen, Allie, Kaitlyn, Lauren and Kasey Johnson, Nicholas and Anna Speak, Kane, Everett and Dani Darr, and Zac Doran; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; brothers, Donald and Gary Hofferber; two sisters-in-law, Betty and Fran Hofferber; and son-in-law John Johnson
Kearney Hub, 11 November, 2021
STARK, Margaret E., 78, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Monday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 18, 1943, in Hershey
Parents: Theodore and Maxine (Nation) Johnson
Was raised in Hershey and received her education from Hershey High School; earned her associate's degree in computer sciences
Married: Keith Kostman; had two children, Lori and Arvin; later divorced
Married: Gerald Lee Stark; had one son, Jerry R. Stark
Worked 40 years at Baldwin Filters, 10 years at Good Samaritan Hospital and the past 15 years at Walmart as a stocker
Activities: enjoyed doing puzzles, bowling, watching sports, especially Husker football; had a heart of gold, was devoted to her family and treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include her children, Jerry (Denise) Stark of Kearney, Lori Kostman of Colorado, Arvin (Twyla) Kostman of Cozad; grandchildren, Jon (Hannah) Stark, and Matty and Andrea Stark, Alicia, Andrew and Harley Lipker, Tyler Britt and Brandie Morrison; great-grandchildren, Aislee and Gracie Stark, Kinzlie Britt and Roakker Morrison; sister, Annie (Tom) Gunther; brother, Ted Johnson of Gothenburg; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and grandson, Kyle Britt
Kearney Hub, 21 October 2021
TRYBA, James Anthony, 87, of Ravenna died Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Memorial Service: Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Burial:Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Born: February 19, 1934 in Howard County
Parents: Steve and Elizabeth (Roschynialski) Tryba
Attended country school; enjoyed spending time with his cousins, especially Ervin and Richard Woltman
Military: served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1958-1964
After his discharge, stayed with his Uncle John, helped him on his farm with cattle and livestock; later returned to Nebraska; lived on a farm near Ravenna with his parents before they passed away
Loved raising Holstein cattle, hogs and his main love was buffalo
Activities: enjoyed giving and helping people, not wanting payment but was appreciative when he got paid; enjoyed doing fencing work, loved the outdoors
Survivors include many cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, one who died in infancy and Eugene who passed away at a young age
The Grand Island Independent, 26 September, 2021 and www.rasmussenfh.com
VENABLE, Delmas L., 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney
There will be no services
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 23, 1945, in Holdenville, Oklahoma
Parents: Richard and Virginia (Booth) Venable
Married: Judith Rein on Oct. 14, 1966
Survivors include his wife, Judy Venable of Kearney; son, Lee Venable of La Vista; sisters, Janice Stevenson of Dumas, Texas, and Sherry Rawlins of Amarillo, Texas; and one granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 1 October 2021
VINCENTINI, Constance L., 81, of Omaha died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021
Funeral service: Saturday at West Center Chapel, Omaha
Interment: Resurrection Cemetery
Was a longtime teacher with Kearney Public Schools, both at the junior high and senior high
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Vincentini, and brother, Randy L. Dick (Mary); Connie's legacy includes daughters, Cindy L. Francis and Kelli Anne Francis, and her son, Scott E. Francis (Jen); seven grandchildren, Jason (Ashlee), Joshua, Jeremy (Taylor), Heather, Jeffrey, Ashley and Libby; niece, Melissa Cook (Tom); and grandnephews, Keaton and Owen
Was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Viola Dick
Kearney Hub, 11 October 2021
VOLQUARDSEN, Jerry Gene, 62, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Interment: Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: April 8, 1959, in Kearney
Parents: Alvin and Charlene (Marks) Volquardsen
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School in 1977
Worked at Eaton Corporation; moved to Texas, worked construction; later moved to Wisconsin,worked as a heavy equipment operator at an asphalt company until his health did not allow him to work anymore
Activities: loved his 1978 Trans Am, classic cars, Diet Coke and cats
Activities: member of the Sons of the American Legion and International Union of Operating Engineers
Survivors include his brothers, Randy and Diane Volquardsen of Omaha, and Darryl and Denise Volquardsen of Gibbon; nieces and nephews, Jason and Sarah Volquardsen of Kearney, Johnny and Christina Ellis of Wahoo, Zachary and Bridget Volquardsen of Kearney, and Matt and Emily Steenson of Wolbach; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Luca and London Hogins, Jeron and Jade Steenson, and Oliver and Knox Volquardsen
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2021
WAGNER, Denise J., 67, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Interment: later
Born: May 5, 1954, in Geneva
Parents: Gerald and Betty (Osborn) Pickerell
Was raised in Geneva, moved with her family to Bruning, graduated with the class of 1972
Worked as a bank teller in Seward and in Kearney; later worked as an administrative assistant for the Gateway District for many years
Married: Feb. 14, 2003, to Richard Wagner at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Lived in Washington state, returned to Kearney in 2011
Was also a longtime employee at Walmart and most recently at Central Hydraulics, retired in 2020
Activities: had a zest for life and enjoyed being around people
Survivors include her husband, Richard Wagner of Kearney; sons, Ben Kerwood and wife AJ of Lincoln and Dan Kerwood and wife Cindy of Alexandria; daughter, Sarah Olival of Spokane, Washington; sisters, Judy Pendergraft and husband Ron of Gold Canyon, Arizona, Sue Naiman of Newman Grove and Nancy Calahan of Chandler, Arizona; brother, Don Pickerell and wife Dorothy of Columbia, Missouri; sister-in-law, Marti Miller and husband Des of Mountain View, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and stepchildren, Randall and Rebecca Wagner
Kearney Hub, 11 October 2021
WILMOT, Lola G., 87, a Lincoln resident, died Friday, Oct. 8, 2021
Funeral: Monday at St. Mark;s United Methodist Church, Lincoln
Private family burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Butherus Maser and Love in Lincoln
Born, along with a twin sister: Feb. 14, 1934, in Arcadia
Parents: Frank and Irene (Swayze) White
Married: May 20, 1952, to Paul D Wilmot
Survivors include her daughter, Sondra Helsel (Rick); son, Delwin (Pamela); and daughter, Joni; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Paul; sister Lucile Minne and her husband Lewis; brother Thomas White and his wife Evelyn; sister Gertrude Kyon; brother Wayne White and his wife Wilma; and brother Calvin White and his wife Florence
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney; St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln or the UNK Athletic Department
Kearney Hub, 13 October 2021
WING, Mary Margaret, 75, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, peacefully at home in Lincoln
Mass of Christian burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lincoln
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser, and Love Funeral Home in Lincoln
Born: June 16, 1946 at Lincoln
Parents: Glenn W. and La Verne E. (Coulter) Urwiller
Attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Pius X High School in 1964; graduated from Joseph College of Beauty as a cosmetologist after high school and worked in Crete
Married: Charles "Charlie" E. Wing on Feb. 12, 1966, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lincol
Lived in Lincoln, Overton, Elm Creek, Riverdale, Gering, Ravenna and Kearney; managed Countryside Mobile Park in Kearney for 30 years; retired and moved back to Lincoln with Charlie
Activities: member of Jaycees, a Girl Scout troop leader, a member of St. James, Prince of Peace, and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches, and loved television, reading and quilting; especially loved being a Grandma
Survivors include her husband, Charlie Wing; sister, Cheryl A. Urwiller, both of Lincoln; daughters, Heidi M. Sampson of Omaha and Sonya Kay Wing (Patrick H. Mowry) of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jessica, Ashleigh, Job, Patience, Faith and Johnah; great-grandchildren, Logan, Nanaleigh, Salem, and Arya, all of Omaha; along with many cousins, and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and brother, Jerome E. Urwiller
Kearney Hub, 3 October 2021
YENDRA, Mary Rebecca, 94, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society - St. John's in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Inurnment: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Mary Yendra, 94, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society-St. John's in Kearney following a short stay. Prior to that, she Born: Nov. 2, 1926, in Axtell
Parents: James T. and Katie (Battreall) Muchmore
Married: K. Neil Yendra of Gibbon on Jan. 16, 1947
After marriage, lived on a farm for 33 years near Gibbon, then moved to Kearney; worked at the Kearney Head Start program
Activities: volunteered at the Trails and Rails Museum; enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, rock collecting, painting, genealogy, reading and creating crafts; enjoyed her independent living at Regency Retirement Residence
Survivors include her two sons, Patrick (Deb Stickney) Yendra of Kearney, and Carl (Dianne) Yendra of Laporte, Colorado; four grandchildren, Melissa (John) Minard of Austin, Arkansas, Michael (Lacee) Yendra of Kearney, Zachary (Rachel) Yendra of Laporte, Colorado, and Whitney (Derek) Herider of Laporte, Colorado; 10 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James and Alvin Muchmore; and her husband of 66 years, Neil Yendra, who died on Nov. 29, 2013
Kearney Hub, 10 October 2021
ZINNEL, William "Bill" Henry, 87, of Ravenna died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Jan. 21, 1934, in Sweetwater
Parents: Herbert and Ella (Heermann) Zinnel
Was an excellent student and athlete, held the school record for the 880-yard run for 32 years and won the all-class gold medal at state his senior year; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1951
Married: Dorothy Jean Melton on Jan. 10, 1954; remained together for 61 years, until Dorothy's passing
Lived their entire married life engaged in farming north of Ravenna; loved farm life, remained an active farmer up to the time of his death
Military: U.S. Army for two years, 1956-1958; stationed in New Jersey, Alabama and Texas
Activities: life revolved around his wife and family, the church and, of course, the farm; delivered Meals on Wheels weekly with his wife and also after her passing
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Jeff and Teresa Zinnel of Ravenna, Dan and Kathy Zinnel of Kearney, Annette and Darrell Holzinger of Grand Island, Brad and Sheri Zinnel of Kearney and Mike and Shannon Zinnel of Elkhorn; grandchildren, Anthony Zinnel of Ravenna, Brooke and Kellen Fraser of Hastings, Ashley and Jesse Hilton and Ryan and Lexi Zinnel, all of Kearney, Jamie and Teddy Driewer and Darren and Jessica Holzinger, all of Grand Island, Andrew Kennedy, Kristen and Briar Jewell, Brett and Braden Zinnel, all of Kearney, and Kaitlyn and Nathan Zinnel of Elkhorn; great-grandchildren, Paisley and Houston Hilton, Colin, Spencer and Lucas Driewer, Mason Preitauer and Jett Jewell, Nixon Zinnel and Kainen Fraser; his sister Norma Vocke; and brother Art Zinnel
Was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brothers, Marvin and Eldon; and sisters, Rosetta and Elaine
Memorials: to the church
Kearney Hub, 12 October 2021
ZWIENER, Corlene J., 96, of Pleasanton died Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Private family service
Interment: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 1, 1925, on the family farm south of Mason City
Parents: Felix and Jesse (Linder) Bernert
Attended a small school house south of Mason City and later graduated from Mason City High School; walked and rode horses to school daily; took the time to walk to her Aunt Minnie Trampe's house to help her with daily chores and care for their seven children
Married: Bernard Zwiener, Feb. 8, 1947, on the anniversary of Corlene's parents
After marriage, settled on a farm southwest of Pleasanton; after Bernard's death in 2000, remained on the family farm, managing her land and home until her death
Was a farm wife, helping Bernard with farm chores and field work while raising her four children; raised a large garden and flocks of chickens; canned, cooked and baked wonderful meals; enjoyed having all the family come for holidays; usually found a chair in the corner and would laugh and watch all the commotion of the little kids running back and forth
Activities: faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton, belonged to the Alter Society and was always willing to help out; in her later years, enjoyed watching the deer and turkeys cross her yard, rabbits playing by her front door, the birds setting on the electric lines and the cows and horses coming in for water; these little things brought her much joy
Survivors include her daughter, Sharon (Al) Cover of Kearney; sons, Ed (Mary Ann) Zwiener, Wayne (Shirley) Zwiener and Weldon (Deb) Zwiener, all of Pleasanton; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a grandson; two brothers, Edward Bernert and Francis (Vivian) Bernert; sister-in-law, Bernice
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2021