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ABBOTT, Dale Lee, 68, of Gibbon died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at Shelton
Graveside service: Nov. 8 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 3, 1953, in McCook
Parents: Delbert and Thelma (Zimmerman) Abbott
Married: Dec. 21, 1973, to Shirley Vrbas
Survivors include his children, Jason Abbott of Kearney and Jill Gomez of Kearney; siblings, Nancy Zimmerman of Mesa, Arizona, and Chuck Campbell of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 26 October 2021
ARMSTRONG, Melvin D., 72, of Elm Creek died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Elm Creek Methodist Church with the Revs. Venedith Vargas and Nate Krizek officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 1, 1949, agt Stuart, Nebraska
Parents: Marion L. and Inez (Hutcheson) Armstrong
Grew up on the family farm north of Bassett, graduated from Bassett High School in 1967; attended Western Nebraska Technical College at Sidney, received an associate's degree in auto body
Worked for John Hurt Chevrolet and Tom's Body Shop in North Platte, Randy's Towing in Lexington, L&S Tire and Auto in Elm Creek, and Kearney Towing in Kearney; retired and worked as a farmhand for Lance Bauer of Elm Creek; also drove a school car for Elm Creek Public Schools
Military: spent 21 years in the Nebraska Army National Guard
Married: Judy Weimer in Sidney on July 27, 1969; had two children together, Gary and Kimberly; later divorced: Married: Linda (Hanes) Knox of Curtis on May 24, 1986, in Bassett; lived in Elm Creek for 30 years
Activities: enjoyed hunting deer, turkey and was known to have gone rattlesnake hunting a time or two; enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids
Survivors include his wife, Linda of Elm Creek; son, Gary (Jamie) Armstrong of North Platte; daughter, Kim (Kevin) Keys of Omaha; stepson, Jeff (Erin) Knox of Wellfleet; stepdaughters, Jodi (Ron) Lemmert of Ogallala and Jami (Bill) Schaffnitt of Kearney; grandchildren, Jessica Ferguson of Bullhead City, Arizona, Ellie Nelms, Karlie Armstrong and Hayden Armstrong, all of North Platte; stepgrandchildren, Breanna Vanetta, Jayden Herig, Dalton Knox and Lydia Knox of Wellfleet, and Ayden and Avery Schaffnitt of Kearney; brother, Allen (Evelyn) Armstrong of Bassett
Was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Leo Hanes; and mother-in-law, Ruby Hanes
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 25 October 2021
BLACK, David A., 58, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at his home
Funeral service: later date at St. George, Utah
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 21, 1963, in Hildale, Utah
Parents: David and Alida (Witt) Black
Married: Nancy Jessop on Sept. 17, 1985
Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Kearney; daughters, Mellissa and Jesse Barlow, Rose Black, Lydia Black, Nicole Black, Kassy Black and Laure Black; sons, Andrew Black, Albert Black and George Black; mother, Alida Black; brothers, Jeff Black, Leroy Black; sisters, Varie Roundy, Virginia Barlow, Stephanie Stubbs, Heidi Black, Jo McDonald and Donna Black; along with 16 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2021
BRAMER, Kyle Weldon, 64, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Thursday at Elk Creek Cemetery near Ansley
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 19, 1957, in Broken Bow
Parents: Weldon P. and Naomi (Pirnie) Bramer
Grew up around Ansley, Mason City and Idaho; later moved to Amherst in 1963, graduated from Amherst High School in 1976
Married: Linda Adams on Aug. 11, 1984, in Kearney
Activities: member of the Kearney Baptist Church; enjoyed helping with the youths at Immanuel and at the Kearney Baptist Church; volunteered for the Salvation Army Church and was a foster parent; hobbies included collecting belt buckles, knives and camping with foster kids
Survivors include his mother, Naomi Bramer of Bertrand; brothers, Ken (Sherry) Bramer and Kerwin (Jane) Bramer, all of Amherst; foster-daughter, Rhiannon "Skye" Schulte of Kearney; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Bramer; and father, Weldon Bramer
Memorials: Elk Creek Cemetery
Kearney Hub, 8 November 2021
BUTTERFIELD, Eric Aron, 88, of Alma, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma
Celebration of life: Friday at Bauer-Torrey and Mach Funeral Home in Alma
Inurnment: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, with military honors
Born: Oct. 23, 1933, on the farm in Phillips County, Kansas
Parents: Allen and Louise (Schnuerle) Butterfield
Married: Claudia in 1957; she preceded him in death on Jan. 21, 2002
Married: 2004 to Irene Jelken Lodge
Survivors include his children, Judy Werner of Orleans, Cheri Parks of Phillipsburg, Kansas; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 November 2021
CLARK, Robert Dale "Bob", 72, of Meansville, Georgia, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2021
Memorial service: Nov. 10 at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Gibbon, Neb.
Mortuary: Moody-Daniel in Zebulon, Georgia
Born: in Kearney, Nebraska
Parents: Earl Clark and Wanola Bissell Clark
Military: veteran of the U.S. Navy, served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger
Worked as a welder for years, and in 1985, moved Wanola Ceramics to Meansville to become B&D Ceramics; for 38 years, carried on his parents' legacy
Survivors include his children, Becky Watts (James) of Zebulon, Dixie Benson (Nathan) of Barnesville, Brian Clark of Meansville and Heather McLaurin (Kerry) of Macon; grandchildren, Arielle, Will, Mikayla, Kiera, Rob, Luke, Gianna, Kaiden, Christian, Asher and Roxy; his former wife of 47 years, Diana Clark of Forsyth; sisters and brothers, Eulah Gangwish (Alex) of Nebraska, Dick Clark of Nebraska, Don Clark (Mary) of Colorado, Bill Clark (Terri) of Nebraska and Evelyn Jones (Steve) of Kansas; and many nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2021
CROWDER, Clifford W., 78, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at St. John's Good Samaritan Home in Kearney
Memorial service: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Sept. 21, 1943, in Evansville, Indiana
Parents: John C. and Katherine (Hall) Crowder
Survivors include his children, Clifford Crowder II of Kearney, Brian Crowder of Alma, Enola O'Brien of Elwood and Chad Crowder of Kearney; and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 18 November 2021
DECKER, Jerry L., 83, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Friday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: April 16, 1938, in Kearney
Parents: Clarence and Blanche (Shubert) Decker
Attended Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 1956; worked at George's Market and loved riding his doodlebug scooters
Married: 1959, to Carolyn Whitney of Funk; had two children, Kelly and Shelly
Moved to California, secured a great job at RCA Service Co.
After his marriage dissolved, moved back to Kearney to spend quality time with his parents and brother, Jim
Activities: had a passion of rebuilding old cars with his high school buddies; later, in 1995, Kelly also moved to Kearney to enjoy swap meets and car building with his dad; in the last 13 years, was enjoying the company of Colene Beck as they were classmates since fourth grade, often traveled together to swap meets out of state and enjoyed each other's companionship
Survivors include Carolyn, Kelly and Shelly Decker
Was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Blanche; and his brother, Jim
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2021
De La ROSA, Paulita, 85, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: June 22, 1936, in Red Rock, Texas
Parents: Sabino and Cristina (Cantu) Espinoza
Married: Pedro de la Rosa
Survivors include her husband, Pedro de la Rosa of Kearney; children, Estanislado de la Rosa of Phoenix, Arizona, Ernestina de la Rosa of Topeka, Kansas, Pedro de la Rosa Jr. of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Javier de la Rosa of Littlefield, Texas, Christina Ledesma of Kearney and Elena Guzman of Lakewood, Colorado; two brothers; three sisters; as well as 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 October 2021
DORRIS, Helen J. (Hickenbottom), 96, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at WEL-Life in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Tuesday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway
Born: May 19, 1925 in Arnold
Parents: Leslie A. and Sophia (Beyer) Crow
Attended school in Arnold, graduated in May of 1943
Married: Bill Hickenbottom in 1947 in North Platte
After marriage, moved to a farm in the Callaway area in 1949; Bill died in 1991
Married: Gerald Dorris in 1999 in LeMoyne
Activities: enjoyed Square Dancing, camping, playing slots at the casino, playing cards, knitting and crocheting; made afghans and baby caps that she donated to many organizations over the years; member of the Kearney Newcomers and also the Birthday Belles in Callaway: long-time member of the Methodist Church
Survivors include her children, Jerry (Kathy) Hickenbottom of Kearney, Dick (Joyce) Hickenbottom of Holdrege and Sandra (Dick) Remmenga of Kearney; sisters, Kate Henry of Callaway and Sharon Leonard of North Platte; grandchildren, Carrie (Jeremy) Gumaer, Tim (Jenn) Hickenbottom, Crystal (Jake) Schuman, Chris (Megan) Hickenbottom, Danielle Jauregui, Brad (Pa Thoua) Remmenga and Matt (Ellie) Remmenga; 11 great grandchildren; several brothers and sisters in law and other extended family
Was preceded in death by her husbands, Bill Hickenbottom and Gerald Dorris; sisters, Eloise Walker and Burdette Deterding; brothers, Bob Crow and Darrell Crow; grandson, Christopher Burns
Kearney Hub, 5 November 2021 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
DURRE, Hazel L., 94, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Mount Carmel Keens Memorial in Kearney
Graveside service: Friday at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 12, 1927, on the family farm near Maxwell
Parents: John and Fern (Everling) Feeney
Graduated from Education District 177 in 1946; was the last surviving member of that class; attended the School of Business at Denver, Colorado
Married: Donald Durre on Jan. 1, 1957, in Sumpter, South Carolina
Worked at Nebraska Machinery and St. Mary's Hospital in North Platte
Activities: enjoyed cooking, quilting, painting and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Donald and Debora Durre of Kearney; grandchildren, Nathan Durre of Holdrege, Matthew and his wife Haley Durre of Kearney, Kristeen and her husband Glenn of Kearney; siblings, Alice Feeney of North Platte, Donna and Marian Effenbeck of North Platte, Darrel and Terrlyn Feeney of Fairbury, Rose and Don Fletcher of Maxwell, Glenda Feeney of Maxwell, Kevin and Shelia Feeney of North Platte and Ted and Ellen Feeney of Maxwell; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, James, Robert and John and his wife Joyce Feeney
Memorials: American Legion Auxiliary 181 at Maxwell
Kearney Hub, 27 October 2021
DYER, Nora Ellen, 89, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at St. John's Nursing Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday, Oct. 29, at United Church of Sumner
Burial: Sumner Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 11, 1931, at Sumner
Parents: Alfred and Rachel (Mason) Blumanhourst
Moved to the farm west of Sumner when 3 years old, attended Jewel Country School through sixth grade, taught by Marge Pierce; graduated from Sumner High School
Worked at the Buffalo County Courthouse in the treasurer's office
Married: Nov. 9, 1949, to Vernon Dyer at First United Methodist Church in Lexington
After marriage, lived on a farm near Sumner, later purchased Dyer Tavern, which they owned for 21 years; sold the tavern in 1971, then worked in Kearney a year at Central Typewriter, then at the Dawson County Courthouse 21 years for the surveyor's office, and the weed control
Activities: volunteered for school activities; was active in the Jolly Janes Club (a Sumner community service and social group), and the Legion Auxiliary; was the first president of the Sumner Alumni Association and served on the Selective Service Board for 20 years at the local and district levels; was also a caregiver for relatives, friends and neighbors; enjoyed making quilts, tablecloths and baby blankets for family members and friends; also enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens; was known for making pies; enjoyed country music and dances at Miller Hall; square danced and played cards; were devoted grandparents; enjoyed traveling south for the winters, eventually owned a winter home in Arizona; after extensive fire damage to their Sumner home in 2008, moved to Kearney
Survivors include her children, Betty Eggers, Robert (Janet Hagan) Dyer and Rhonda (Douglas King); brother, Dean (Lorraine) Blumanhourst; sisters, Elsie Dockweiler and Doris Dockweiler; sisters-in-law, Merna Blumanhourst, Doris Blumanhourst, Donna Dyer, Jan Dyer and Pat (Keith) Scoville; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Dyer; parents, Alfred and Rachel Blumanhourst; brothers, Alfred and Alvin Blumanhourst; brothers-in-law, Don Dockweiler, Dan Dockweiler, Wayne Dyer, Dick Dyer and Jim Dyer; sister-in-law, Mary Dyer; son-in-law, Gordon Eggers
Memorials: United Church of Sumner or Sumner American Legion Post 41
Kearney Hub, 26 October 2021
ELLIOTT, Patricia J., 88, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at her home
Private family service: in the spring
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Dec. 21, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Frank J. and Hazel V. (Rist) Snider
Married: Lyle Elliott on July 14, 1951, in Kearney; had two children, Jeffrey and LeAnn
Activities: enjoyed baking and was famous for her lemon cookies; was an avid gardener and enjoyed quilting in her spare time; loved her family and pets deeply
Survivors include her children, Jeffrey and his wife Cindy (Wempen) Elliott of St. George, Kansas, and LeAnn Elliott of Kearney; granddaughter, Katherine (Elliott) Dornes and her husband Brad of Spring Hill, Kansas; great-grandson, Lyle Dornes of Spring Hill, Kansas; her niece, Marsha (Michael) Jaeger; and her caregiver Joyce Wempen
Was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, in 2013; her parents; and her three sisters; and two brothers
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2021
FERGUSON, Jimmy "Jim" W., 88, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at Kearney Regional Hospital
Funeral service: Tuesday, Nov. 16, at Broken Bow Beran Bible Church in Broken Bow
Burial: Cumro - Box Elder Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Govier Brothers in Broken Bow
Survivors include: his wife Edna, and five children: Brad (Judi) Ferguson, Dan (Peggy) Ferguson, Brenda (Chuck) Lawson, Barb Ferguson, and Deanna (Jim) Byrne, 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as his brother, Tom Ferguson
Was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Hazel Ferguson, sisters Bonnie Guilford and Shirley Wood, and his great grandson Ryan Stauffer
Memorials: Ethnos 360 Aviation Fund
Survivors include his wife Edna of Kearney; children, Brad Ferguson of Johnson Lake, Dan Ferguson of Johnson Lake, Brenda Lawson of Blue Spring, Missouri, Barbara Ferguson of Tucson, Arizona, and Deanna Byrne of Windsor, Colorado; and a brother Tom Ferguson of Eddyville; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 November 2021
FESTER, James A., 78, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by family
Memorial service: Tuesday at Kearney First Baptist Church
No visitation
Born: May, 9, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Alfred and Evva Fester
Worked at Eaton, Rockwell and West Company
Activities: loved his family, fishing, hunting and the Chicago Cubs
Survivors include his siblings, Larry Fester, Gail Fester and Shirley Wrage; his children, Scott Fester and Todd (Brenda) Fester; his grandchildren, Ryan Fester and Rylee Fester; and his great-grandson Ashton Fester
Was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandson Grady Fester
Kearney Hub, 4 November 2021
GANCOS, Donna Jean, 66, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island
Memorial service: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: later
Born: Sept. 18, 1955, in Loup City
Parents: James and Elaine (Bydalek) Maciejewski
Married: Tom Gancos on Nov. 30, 1974
Survivors include her sons, Corey Gancos of Kearney, Brad Gancos of Gibbon and Mitchell Gancos of Kearney; sister, Marcia Kuta of Omaha; brother, Gary Maciejewski of Pleasanton
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2021
GANT, Richard "Rick" Wayne of Mineola, Texas, formerly of Kearney, died at his home Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, surrounded by his family
Graveside service: Saturday at Elm Creek Cemetery
Born: June 15, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: William and Valeria Gant
Married: Brenda Wright on Nov. 8, 1969, in Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Gant; sons, Kurt and Kevin; brothers, Butch Gant and Dale Gant; sisters, Kathryn Cross and Cindy Durr; two grandsons; and one great-grandson
Kearney Hub, 27 October 2021
GERDES, Roberta "Bobbi", 77, of Tiffin, Ohio, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at St. Francis Senior Ministries in Tiffin
Memorial service: Monday, Nov. 15, at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: First Lutheran Church Columbarium
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 6, 1943, in Imperial
Parents: Earl S. and Edith M. (Clark) Slack
Was raised in Imperial and attended Imperial High School; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; earned her master's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Was a teacher for decades
Activities: enjoyed taking care of her cats, playing cards, going to the movies and spending time with her grandchildren; longtime member of the Kearney First Lutheran Church and the Gloria Circle
Survivors include her son, Lance Mowrey and wife, Mary Beth, of Findlay, Ohio; son-in-law, Rick McCaulley of Omaha; grandchildren, Mary "Ali" Mowrey, Edyn (Marcus) Gierke, Jaret Mowrey, Miranda Mowrey (Zach Bryant), Aiden Mowrey and Lina McCaulley; sister, Ruth Seward and husband, Randy, of Johnson Lake; Jason Seward and fiancée, Janet Klein, of Minden and Justin Seward of Mesa, Arizona; as well as extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Michelle McCaulley; and her husband, Mike Gerdes
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter or First Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 12 November 2021
HABE, Barbara, 89, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, at Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna
Service: Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 7, 1932, in Grand Island
Parents: John and Gertrude (Zimmer) Stittle
Was the oldest of five children; attended country school through the eighth grade, graduated from Ravenna High Class of 1950
Taught school for two years: Married: Henry Habe on June 17, 1952
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, was on many committees and taught CYC; enjoyed gardening, cooking and keeping up with the grandchildren
Husband Henry died July 29, 2012, after 60 years of marriage, living on a farm all of these years
Survivors include her children, Delores Altmaier of Hastings, Norma (Tom) Lutz of Holly Springs, North Carolina, Kristi Habe of Kearney, Larry Habe, Bernard (Deb) Habe and Tom Habe, all of Ravenna, and Gary (friend Maureen) Habe of Gothenburg; brother, Fred Stittle; sister, Joan Kriha; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; her parents; brother, John; sister, Margaret Neiderkorn; son-in-law, Doug Altmaier; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Habe
Memorials: St. Jude's or the donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 5 November 2021
HOLUB, Dr. Gregory Neal, 64, of Wilmington, North Carolina, died unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Wilmington
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 5, at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Wilmington
Born: July 7, 1957, in Kearney, Nebraska
Parents: Neal and Virginia Holub
Graduated from Kearney Senior High School in 1976; attended the former Kearney State College in Kearney, then received his doctorate in chiropractice care from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri
Married : Kathy Fyfe
Owned Holub Chiropractic clinic in Wilmington, North Carolina
Was an avid cyclist and runner, very active in Cape Fear Cyclists in Wilmington and Road Runners Club, participated in many triathlons and road races, also was a scuba diver; had many interests, the newest one was flying drones for his business "Eye in the Sky;" was a great Nebraska Husker and Kansas City Chiefs fan
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Kathy Fyfe Holub; his mother-in-law Kay Fyfe of Kearney; sister-in-law Autumn and John Shafer of Jamestown, North Dakota; sister-in-law Erin and Dr. Terry Becker of Kearney; nieces and nephews, Jazmin and Devin Renner, Ashlee Shafer, Derek Hynds, Austin Shafer, Faith, Anthony, Michaela, Isaac and Alexis Becker and numerous lifetime friends and family
Was preceded in death by his parents Neil and Virginia Holub of Wilmington; and father-in-law, Dr. Doyle Fyfe of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2021
HULSHIZER, Keith, 61, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at his home
Celebration of life: Sunday, Nov. 14, at the American Legion in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 26, 1960, in Ainsworth
Parents: William C. and Eva M. (Hamilton) Hulshizer
Grew up in the Kearney area; graduated from Kearney High School; earned an associate's degree in commercial horticulture and turf maintenance at Hastings Community College; in 1997 graduated from California State University with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology
Married: Cheryl Carr on May 20, 1989, at San Marcos, California; later moved to Oregon; later divorced
Activities: was very outgoing and loved to tell jokes, was always up for a witty conversation and never knew a stranger; had a passion for history, fishing and family; was protective of his family and sensitive to others
Survivors include his daughters, Katie Hulshizer and Annie Hulshizer; ex-wife, Cheryl Carr; sisters, Dianne Conner and her husband Lonnie, Susan Hulshizer, Lori Wilkins and her husband Ed; brother, Lyle Roy Hulshizer; and many extended relatives and friends
Was preceeded in death by his parents and one nephew, Cody Wilkins
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2021
ISAAC, Norma J., 84, of Kearney, died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 12, 1937, in Riverton, Iowa
Parens: Helen and Ray Misener
Gres up in Kearney with her brother Marvin Misener and sister Beverly Thomas-Schepeler
Married: James H. Isaac on Sept. 11, 1955, the first couple married at Faith United Methodist Church
Lived briefly in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where Jim was in the service; moved to Kearney where they owned and operated Midwest Printing
Loved and cared for many children in her home throughout the years; worked at Target when it opened in 1994 in Kearney, loved seeing and visiting with people as she worked, most often, behind the service desk for many years
Activities: loved her boys, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren so much; will be remembered for being a great mom, grandma, a wonderful cook, always having a dish of Smartie candies ready for the kids and having the best Halloween candy
Survivors include her children, Mike Isaac (Kim), Kevin Isaac (Sue), Brad Isaac and Darin Isaac (Laura); grandchildren, Deidre Hollister (Brant), Shauna Isaac (Andrew), Jordan Isaac, J.D. Isaac (Breanna), Makenzi Isaac (Tanner) and Ryan Isaac; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Norton, Raiden Isaac, Violet Hollister, Lydia Hollister, Adalida Isaac and James Isaac
Was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, who passed away on Jan. 11, 1994; her parents; and her brother Marvin Misener
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2021
KARASH, Carolyn, 68, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at her home surrounded by family
Funeral service: Monday at Faith Baptist Church in Kearney
Interment: Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 14, 1952, in Cambridge
Parents: Ambrose and Wilda (Bassford) Karash
Grew up in Cambridge, graduated from Cambridge High School, graduating with the class of 1971; attended Grand Island School of Business
Moved to Kearney in 1972, worked at Baldwin Filters and Rockwell International
Later attended Hastings Central Community College
Was a caregiver for a short time, then owned and operated a cleaning business for many years
Activities: enjoyed reading and flowers; longtime member of Faith Baptist Church in Kearney
Survivors include her sister, Marilyn Karash of Kearney; brother, Dennis Karash of Cambridge; special cousin, Mary Martin of Arapahoe; as well as many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Collage Center in Kearney or Faith Baptist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 5 November 2021
KAUDERS, Richard Frederick., 74, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial service: Sunday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney
Inurnment: St. Luke's Church Columbarium
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 6, 1947, in Salem, Massachusetts
Parents: Frederick and Anita Hajkova Kauders
Was raised in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts, attended Shore Country Day School, Beverly, Massachusetts; prep school at St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire; earned his bachelors' degree in 1969 from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; earned his MBA in 1972 from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
Moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to join Union Pacific Railroad, worked there for 29 years, primarily in the finance department
Married: Audrey (Snorsky) Gryder on Nov. 7, 1981, in Omaha; recently marked their 40th wedding anniversary
Moved to Kearney, 2002, continued to enjoy his retirement, Audrey became director of the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)
Activities: member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, a member of the vestry and very active with the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska; also involved with the Kearney Noon Rotary, Kearney Concert Association and Senior College of Central Nebraska; was known for his dry wit and generous spirit; major supporter of the arts, served as chairman of the Omaha Symphony Board of Directors; member of Delta Chi Fraternity, served on the Cornell Chapter Building Committee at the time of his death; lifelong collector of art; commissioned a chamber orchestra piece in honor of their fifth wedding anniversary, and was an active volunteer at MONA
Survivors include his wife, Audrey S. Kauders of Kearney; sister, Debbie and husband Dr. Steve Spangler of Boston; son, Chris Gryder and wife, Sheila Guarnagia, of Roanoke,Virginia; daughter, Roxanne Gryder and husband, Stephen Balogh, of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Rowan Gryder, Charleston, South Carolina, Chelsea, Kaitlyn and Nicholas Balogh of Portland; nieces, Heather, Rebecca, Carrie and Bailey Spangler; great-nephew, Shane Thomas; stepsisters, Dr. Lisa Crockett and Phyllis Gallagher; and numerous Kauders/Leonard cousins and their families
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepmothers, Connie Hodges Kauders and Pippa Crockett Kauders
Memorials: St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Kearney Hub, 20 November 2021
KRIHA, John Leonard, 75, of Ravenna died Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery southeast of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rassmussen in Ravenna
Born: April 11, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Leonard James and Rose Mae (Hofbauer) Kriha
Grew up on a farm south of Ravenna; attended District 65 and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1964
Farmed the family farm.
Married: Sharon Rhinehart on June 2, 2004
After marriage, lived on the farm, moved to Ravenna in 2020
Activities: member of the Ravenna Area Vision Foundation, Ravenna Economic Development Board, Fort Kearny Shooting Sports Association, St. Wenceslaus Cemetery Board, Rural Fire Board and Township Boards; enjoyed auctions and sales, shooting, attending tractor pulls and collecting toy tractors
Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Kearney; stepson, Terry Kindschuh of Vancouver, Washington; sister, Judy Weber of Salina, Kansas; and numerous cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law Ron Weber
Kearney Hub, 18 November 2021
LUCAS, Gary Mark, 69, of North Grafton, Massachusetts, died on Aug. 20, 2021
Celebration of life: Sunday Nov. 7, at Copperfields in downtown Kearney
Parents: Charles and Patricia Lucas
Grew up in Kearney with six siblings; was a very bright child and young man; enjoyed playing drums; made a band with friend; followed his dreams, became a musician and moved to the East coast in the '70s and lived there until his death; enjoyed traveling and making friends
Kearney Hub, 4 November 2021
MAPES, Renae Vasquez, 59, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at her home surrounded by family
Memorial service: Tuesday, Nov. 16, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Aug. 2, 1962, in Kearney
Parents: Gilbert and Sally (Rodriguez) Vasquez
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
Worked at the Buckle Warehouse for several years; lived in Colorado, later moved back to Kearney
Activities: enjoyed the mountains, camping, hiking, visiting Estes Park and searching for bears in Rocky Mountain National Park; took pride in caring for all her plants; loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren
Survivors include: daughters, Kylie Epp (Adam Quintana) of Kearney, Kayla Mapes (Garret Heitman) of Houghton, New York, and Korie Mapes (Shawn Frye) of Nunn, Colorado; six grandchildren, Marley, Aralin, Mila, Maxwell, Knox, Daemyn; granddaughter on the way; mother, Sally Vasquez of Kearney; brothers, Ruben Vasquez of Laramie, Wyoming, Rick Vasquez, Ronnie Vasquez of Kearney, and Rusty (Gwen) Vasquez of Kearney; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and many beloved friends
Was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Vasquez; twin sister, Rhonda Vasquez; grandparents, Phillip and Margaret Rodriguez and Frank and Isabel Vasquez; an aunt; several uncles and cousins
Kearney Hub, 15 November 2021 and www.osrfh.com
MAURER, Doris Mae, 92, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral: Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 13, 1929, in Hardy
Parents: Christian and Esther (Hansen) Pedersen
Received her education in Hardy, graduated with the class of 1946; earned her normal school license and taught at several one-room schools in Nuckolls County
Married: Aug. 5, 1955, to Lyle Maurer in Worthington, Minnesota
Attended Kearney State Teachers College for eight summers while teaching school in the winter; earned her BA in education and English in 1958; also taught in Pleasanton and Plattsmouth and substitute taught in the Kearney Public Schools system; was honored, 2019, by the University of Nebraska/UNK, for her outstanding work as a One Room, One Teacher; retired from teaching in 1975, then worked for JCPenney Company, retired in 1994; then volunteered for the Good Samaritan Hospital for 20 years
Activities: longtime member of First Lutheran Church, was active in Gloria Circle; past member of the American Legion Auxiliary, past president of VFW Auxiliary, and D.O.E.S.; also a member of the Danish Brotherhood of America and Kensington Club, Wildlife Club and a lifetime member of Alpha Delta Kappa; was a very active board member with the Kearney Hospitality Senior Center and was instrumental in raising funds and establishing what is now the Peterson Senior Activity Center
Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia (Ed) Luhn of Kearney; son, Mark (Carla) Maurer of Doniphan; grandchildren, Nathan (Laura) Luhn of Grand Island, Nicholas (Sierra) Luhn of Lincoln, Ashley (Tyler) Bell of Lincoln, Heath (Taylor) Maurer of Lincoln; sister-in-Law, Loetta Pedersen of Superior; and a special cousin Judy Schrock of Elm Creek; six great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Maurer; brothers, Joe, Marion, Ralph and Kenneth Pedersen; and sister, Betty Lou Alderman
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or Peterson Senior Activity Center
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2021
McLANE, John Marle, 83, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens
Memorial service: Monday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 9, 1938, in Albert, Oklahoma
Parents: John W. and Hazel Lee (Sensintaffer) McLane
Received his education at Cambridge, graduated in 1956; earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Chadron State College in 1961 and 1966, respectively
Taught and coached in schools at Oshkosh, Pierce, Morrill and Mitchell; owned Olympic Athletic Service in Scottsbluff from 1968 to 1983, then moved to Ogallala and became vice president of the Bank at Keystone, later became president of the bank
Married: Nov. 28, 1986, to LaVon Cole near the family ranch in Cherry County
Moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1989, John recertified his administrative degree at Colorado State University; became the high school principal at Sidney, them Wilcox, Ainsworth and Central City; enjoyed guiding teachers and students and working with boards of education during his career; retired to Kearney
Activities: was a lifetime member of BPOE and Shriners International, served as Master Mason of Masonic Lodge 136 in Long Pine and president of Rotary International in Sidney; charter board of director of West Nebraska All Star Sports in 1977 and served as president in 1978; member of Nebraska Schoolmasters since 1997, served as president in 2006-07; was inducted into the Chadron State College Hall of Fame in 1985, member of the 1958 undefeated football team, and an All Nebraska College Conference tackle in 1958 and 1959; had a colorful and eventful life and loved to tell stories; his ability to recall names and events from decades earlier was legendary; enjoyed several golf outings to Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and trips to visit family in San Antonio, Texas and Pennsylvania
Survivors include his loving wife, LaVon; sons, Jeff, Greg and Andy; stepchildren Rebecca and Kent (Amanda); sister Marilyn (Phil) and nine grandchildren
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or to Chadron State College Foundation
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2021
McMULLEN, William "Bill" Clark, 64, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln
Memorials service: Saturday at the American Legion Club in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 1, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Andrew and Patricia (Wolford) McMullen
Received his education from North Hollywood High; attended Central Community College and then University of Nebraska at Kearney, earned a degree in psychology
Was a longtime board chair of the Buffalo County Board of Commissions; worked as the manager of the American Legion in Kearney for decades
Survivors include his stepmother, Bonnie McMullen of Omaha; brothers, Ross McMullen and girlfriend, Kristina Serman, of Lincoln, and Barrett (Shelly) Roessler of Kent, Washington; special niece, Emily Wiggins Parker; and many other nieces and nephews; longtime friend, Deb Mitchell of Kearney; extended family, Katie Dornhoff of Kearney and Cole Dornhoff of Kearney; stepdaughters, Jamie (Curtis) Spangler of Kearney, and Jacy (Kevin) Mays of Castlerock, Colorado; and stepgranddaughters, Kaitlyn and Bailey Spangler, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Christopher Kelley; brothers, Andrew J. McMullen Jr. and Robert J. McMullen
Memorials: Central Nebraska Veterans' Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 15 November 2021
NELSON, Phyllis (Adelung), 84, of Broadview, Montana, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at Broadview
Burial: later
Married: Lewis (Ward) Nelson on Dec, 26, 1955
After marriage, lived on a farm on the outskirts of Amherst, Neb.; raised sheep, hogs and cattle
Activities: enjoyed cooking, gardening, being with family and most of all - playing cards
Survivors include Janet of Harlen, Iowa, Barbara Hall and husband George of Pearcy, Arkansas, Doug and wife Christy of Amherst, and Dennis and wife Crystal of Broadview, Montana
Kearney Hub,1 November 2021
NICKMAN, Doris, 87, of Pleasanton died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at her home in Pleasanton
Service: Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Nov. 26, 1933, in Hazard
Parents: Frederick and Beatrice (Zimmer) Rasmussen
Grew up in Hazard, graduated from Hazard High School
Married: Byrle Asher, later divorced
Married: Robert "Bob" Nickman in 1966
Lived and farmed near Pleasanton; after Robert's death, moved into Pleasanton
Activities: member of St. Mary's Catholic Church; member of the quilting circle and enjoyed quilting and gardening
Survivors include her children, Connie (Doug) Farritor-Rosse, Randy Asher, Mike Nickman, Pamela (Jim) Wetzel, Barbra (Doug) Mendyk and Carolyn (Paul) Trishman; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Zoucha
Was preceded in death by her husband Bob, and siblings, Winona Zeller, Arlone Margritz, Wendell Rasmussen and Delores Wheeler
Kearney Hub, 2 November 2021
NORBLADE, Judy Ann of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Hillcrest Grand Lodge in Papillion
Memorial service: Monday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include her husband Paul of Papillion; son Jeff and his wife, Kimberly, of Papillion and their children, Jared and Tate; daughter Jill and her husband, Steve, of Beaver Lake and their children, Danica, Mallory (husband Grant Spratt), Morgan and Macie (fiancé Logan Bunger); son Justin and his wife, Kristy, of Papillion and their children, Madison (fiancé Ryan Earith), and Chase; sister Jane Rohman of Brownsville; sisters-in-law, Judy Miller of Omaha, Rochelle Wendell and her husband, Wayne, of Fort Morgan, Colorado, and Diane Norblade of Axtell; brother-in-law, Terry Norblade, and his wife, Brenda, of Axtell; along with numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rose Miller; infant brother George; sister and husband Adelle and Elton Griffis; brothers, Phil Miller, Richard Miller and Dean Miller and his wife, Delores; and brothers-in-law, Willard Bellamy, Clark Norblade and Carl Rohman
Memorials: Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 3 November 2021
PREDMORE, Sheila "K", 57, of Kearney, died Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Metz Mortuary Chapel in York
Inurnment: later date
Born: Nov. 3, 1964
Parents: Bruce and Shirley (Holmes) Todd
Married: Corby Predmore, later divorced
Was a homemaker
Activities: enjoyed drawing and music; loved animals, especially her dogs
Survivors include her daughters, Sarah (Dustin) Taylor of Grand Island, Kati Burres of York, Chelsey Essex of Kearney, Rebekah (Johnny Jr.) Essex Mackey of Independence, Missouri; and grandchildren, MacKenzie Essex, Hayleigh Burres, Abbi Burres, Taylynn Taylor, Laneigh Burres, Brekin Taylor, Riggs Taylor and Thea Mackey; her brother, Doug (Elisa) Todd; her sister, Nicki (Jason) Ackerman, all of York; fiance, James Hatfield II of Kearney; and her mother, Shirley Todd of Grand Island
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2021
RITTER, Harold R., 93, of Omaha, died peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at Hillcrest Millard
Service: Friday, Nov. 19, at Columbus First United Methodist Church
Burial with military honors: Pleasanton Cemetery
Born: Dec. 11, 1927, near Pleasanton
Parents: Charles Ritter and Esther Rodehorst Ritter
Was the third of six children; grew up on the farm south of town; attended Sun Flower Grade School and Pleasanton High School
Military: U.S. Army; was part of the Occupation Forces of Japan following World War II; served as company clerk at Yokohama, Japan
Following his discharge from the army, returned to Pleasanton
Married: Elizabeth Marie Rone in 1949; had six children together
Always had a desire to be a farmer, and did so on the side for many years; made his living in his young adult years as the owner and operator of Ritter Oil Company and Tank Wagon Service; later took employment at both Rockwell Manufacturing and Eaton Corporation in Kearney, ran the heat treat furnaces
Activities: loved cars, gardening and tree planting; planted well over 1,500 trees in his lifetime; grew special yellow watermelons, many of which he gave away; spent the first 13 years of his retirement in Melbourne Beach, Florida, and spent his time fishing, flying kites on the beach, golfing and riding his bike
Married: Elayne Nickman Brown in Florida
Later moved to Columbus to be near family and continued his hobby of biking, fruit trees and watermelon, including his special square melon; liked to take epic cross country car trips without using a map or traveling on an interstate highway; was a faithful member of the Pleasanton United Methodist Church and Columbus First United Methodist Church
Survivors include his sister Sharon Ritter Sands; children, Bruce and Irasema Ritter of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Joe and Brenda Costanza of Friendswood, Texas, Rev. Bill and Debbie Ritter of Omaha, Brad and Cathy Ritter of Denver, Colorado, Drs. Alan Osborn and Beth Ritter of Omaha and Todd and Barb Ibach of Sumner; grandchildren, Aaron, Ellen, Brett, Briana, Blake, Zac, Issac, Joey, Jillian, Neal, Molly, Sam, Ian, Lauren, Rachel and Colin; great-grandchildren, Brennan, Briar, Braxton, Xander, Reese, Aubrey, Fianna, Lutreo, William and Adeline; and his friend Jane Graham of Columbus
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale and Carrell; and sister Mae Ritter Lange
Memorials: Nebraska Arbor Day Foundation or Columbus First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2021
RODRIGUEZ, Adam M., 45, of Las Vegas, Nevada, formerly Kearney, died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, surrounded by family from complications due to COVID
Memorial service: Friday, Nov. 5, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: April 18, 1976 in Kearney
Parents: J. Mario and Hilda B. (Carranza) Rodriguez
Received his education from Kearney High School, graduated with the Class of 1994
Military: United States Air Force; unwavering commitment and courageous heart led him to serve his country for 20 years; completed several distinguished military schools, including earning his Airborne Wings
After military retirement, was a Lead Civil Engineer at the Hoover Dam, volunteered for the Red Rocks Search and Rescue, and traveled the world fulfilling his dreams to seek the whitest of sands and the warmest waters
Was a much-loved son, father, brother, family member and friend, had a zest for life and shared it with everyone who crossed his path; loved his family and friends, and was the life of the party
. Survivors include his children, Taylor Rodriguez Vance (Andrew), Riley Rodriguez, and Aarron Rodriguez; mother, Hilda (Carranza) Rodriguez; and his siblings, Eva Priebe (Rich), Joe Rodriguez (Jen), Rita Carter (Jim), Jaunita Koerner (Paul); and his grandchildren; Ethan, Evan, and Claire Vance; Girlfriend, Sharilyn Hetherington
Was preceded in death by his father, J. Mario Rodriguez
Memorials: Red Rocks Search and Rescue (Las Vegas), American Legion and the Memorial Bataan Death March Marathon
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2021
ROESLER, Margie, 88, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 29, 1933, in rural Hildreth
Parents: Thomas and Rose (Dorn) Westerbuhr
Grew up in Wilcox, received her education from Wilcox High School; attended Kearney State College for one year
Married: Wayne Roesler on Oct. 21, 1951
Worked for Wilcox Public School as a secretary for several years; later with her husband, owned and operated Roesler Building Supply
Activities: enjoyed traveling, bird watching, bridge club, and most of all, spending time with her family; was very active in the community and volunteered for numerous organizations
Survivors include her daughter, Glenda Fraber of Kearney; son, Alan (Mary) Roesler of Kearney; sister, Ellie (Don) Skokan of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law, Barbara Johnson of Laguna Woods, California, and Marcia Westerbuhr of Scottsbluff; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Terry Roesler; and brother, Lloyd Westerbuhr
Kearney Hub, 18 November 2021
SCHMITZ, Robert P. "Bob", 75, of Kearney passed away Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Mass of Christian burial: Nov. 16 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Broken Bow
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery in Oconto
Mortuary: Govier Brothers
Born: March 6, 1946, in Oconto
Parents: Frank and Irene (Barrett) Schmitz
Was a resident at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home in Kearney
Survivors include his two sisters, Catherine Schmitz and Anne Finnefrock of Denver, Colorado, and one brother, Paul Schmitz of Hyattsville, Maryland. Kearney Hub, 9 November 2021
SCHULZ, Dorothy, 66, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at her home
Memorial service: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: April 26, 1955, in Hampton, Virginia
Parents: Ernst and Pauline Harrison
Attended Kearney Catholic High School and later earn her GED
Married: June 9, 1984, to Donald Schulz
For several years worked at K and S Auctions and then as the head housekeeper at Western Inn South in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed collecting cups and saucers, angels and anything Elmo related; also loved attending concerts
Survivors include her husband, Donald Schulz; daughter, Amanda Schulz and husband, Josh; son, Donald Schulz and wife, Sally, all of Kearney; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 10 November 2021
SIMMERMAN, Delbert Wayne, 90, of Elm Creek died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at Elm Creek Christian Church
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born: Feb. 7, 1931 in Sterling, Colorado
Parents: [Delbert and Lora (Fellows) Simmerman] Moved to Kearney when very young, and them to Elm Creek, attended elementary grades in rural schools; graduated from Elm Creek Public School in 1949
Worked for the Peterson Mortuary in Elm Creek and Central Typewriter Company in Hastings after breaking his back due to a fall from a horse; then worked at the Peterson Conoco and Café in Elm Creek in 1950 and later at McKee Implement – International Harvester from 1951-1952
Married: Phyllis Williams
Owned owned the Standard Filling Station on Hwy 30; moved to Phelps County, worked for Clyde Cruise; then returned to Elm Creek, became patrol operator for the Elm Creek Township until 2014; in retirement, drove the bus for the Elm Creek School; also worked for Neilsen Mortuary, Godberson Mortuary and later the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home; always wished he could have gone to school to be a funeral director
Activities: with Phyllis, served on the Elm Creek Centennial Committee in 1987; for 55 years, was the “Voice of the Buffaloes” announcing for all the football games; received the Nebraska State Athletic Association presented him an award for Outstanding Service to Nebraska High School Athletics in 2014; also opened his own Small Engine Repair business which he has worked in until recently; was known as “The Snakeman”, because he traveled to schools, county fairs and to other groups and gave educational talks about snake safety and identification of snakes of the United States
Survivors include his children Bill (Nancy) Simmerman of Elm Creek; Keri (Mark) Phillips of Omaha and Pegi Simmerman of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Granddaughters Lauren (Drew) Schneider and Kati (Chase) Newcomer. Eight great-grandchildren: Addison, Shyan, Nevaeh, Easton, Jude, Eloise, Otto and Freddie. His sister Ardis and two brothers Harlan and Dick as well as many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, daughter, Lori Ruth, granddaughter Annie Ruth, his parents, two sisters and three brother-in-laws
Memorials: Elm Creek Emergency Unit, Elm Creek School Foundation, Christian churches of Elm Creek and Overton and the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 22 October 2021 and /www.osrfh.com
STUNKEL, Darlene (Haddix), 80, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Wednesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: April 22, 1941, in Ansley
Parents: Delmar and Louise (Hastings) Haddix
Was raised near Mason City, attended Mason City High School, graduated with the class of 1959
Married: May 21, 1961, to Dale W. Stunkel in Ansley
Together, owned and operated D's Shoe Hospital in Lincoln and later the Kearney Shoe Hospital and Saddle Repair until Dale's passing in 2009
Activities: member of Living Faith Fellowship Church, longtime volunteer at the Petersen Senior Center; enjoyed gardening
Survivors include her daughter, Dalene (Steve) Palmesano of Lincoln; son, Dwight (Laura) Stunkel of Lincoln; grandchildren, Lauren and Joshua Palmesano; stepgranddaughter, Kristen (Jeff) Zimmerman; great-grandchildren, Hayven Danielson; stepgreat-grandchildren, Hailey and Emmitt Zimmerman; siblings, Clyde Haddix of Phoenix, Arizona, Leo Haddix of Gibbon; and sister-in-law, Linda Haddix of Broken Bow
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale Stunkel; one brother, Randy Haddix; and Ione (Rhode) Turner
Memorials: Living Faith Fellowship Church
Kearney Hub, 1 November 2021
TICKLES, Yvonne Sylvia, 80, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Celebration of life: Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, Kansas
Burial: Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: June 9, 1941, in the family home in McCook
Parents: Verlyn and Dora (Alberts) Rice
Was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook; grew up and attended school in McCook, graduated from McCook High School in 1959; attended McCook Junior College for one year, then moved to Kansas City for additional schooling
Worked at Gill's Studios as a commercial artist for 35 years, retired at the age of 55
Married: June 26, 1982, to Joe Billy Tickles in Mission, Kansas; was thrilled with the new family that she gained with Joe's three children; enjoyed their lake home at the Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends; enjoyed traveling together until his death in 2002; after 60 years in the Kansas City area, relocated to Kearney in July 2021 to be closer to her sister
Activities: very active at Trinity Lutheran Church, ministered as a Stephen Minister, was active with the youth group, participated in the 55-plus group along with various other church groups; enjoyed journaling her days, collecting angels, quilting and spending time with her family and friends
Survivors include her sister, Verleen Kuhlmann of Kearney; niece, Darcie Nightingale of Kearney and nephew, Garth Kuhlmann of Jefferson, South Dakota; stepson, Mike (Sheri) Tickles of Macomb, Michigan; stepgrandchildren, Danielle (Josh) Hunter of Stover, Missouri, Jaimeson Bard of Gardner, Kansas, Brianna Tickles and Alyssa Tickles, both of Macomb, Michigan; along with three stepgreat-grandchildren, numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Verlyn and Dora; husband, Joe Tickles; stepchildren, Kathy Bard and Brian Tickles; and various brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law
Kearney Hub, 2 November 2021
WADE, Dolores F., 83, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: later in Arizona
Born: Dec. 1, 1937, in Los Angeles, California
Parents: Clifford and Faye (Daniels) Tew
Survivors include her children, Rhonda Underwood of Redmond, Oregon, Arthur Ellison of Elm Creek, Tina Orlando of Axtell, Karen Frauen of Kearney, Erik Ellison of Everett, Washington, James Stone of Cooks, Michigan, and Charles Wade of Glendale, Arizona; 22 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 22 October 2021
WARD, Teresa "Teri" L., 67, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Dec. 29, 1953, in Belleville, Kansas
Graduated from Wichita North High School
Married: Nov. 18, 1971, to Jim Ward
Activities: loved family gatherins, providing big meals for her family, and spending time with her grandchildren; made over 200 quilts for all of her family and friends with Jim alongside; also enjoyed watching all of God’s beautiful wildlife on their farm; enjoyed gardening, canning, andthe beautiful flowers and trees in her yard; was an avid reader of her Bible, Christian books and biographies; but others before herself
Survivors include: her husband, Jim Ward (Kearney); her parents Albert and Barbara Chatfield (Lincoln), mother-in-law Mary Ward (Gothenburg), her daughter Jeni Wallgren and her husband Ty (Kearney), and son James Ward and his wife Heidi (Lincoln). Five grandchildren Zach Wallgren and his wife Cierra (Smith Center, KS), Brock Wallgren and his wife Kelli (Smith Center, KS), Jonah Coleman (Ft. Jackson, SC), Taytem Coleman (Gunnison, CO), and Ava Ward (Lincoln). One great-grandchild Emberleigh Wallgren (Smith Center, KS). Sister Connie Schaefer and her husband Scott (Winfield, KS), sister Ruthie Ostergard and her husband Doak (Gothenburg), brother-in-law Bill Ward and his wife Gayla (North Platte), sister-in-law Sherry Davis and her husband Norm (Gothenburg), and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her brother Marty Chatfield, brother-in-law Rodney Franzen, and father-in-law Scott Ward
Memorials: Gideons International
Kearney Hub, 1 November 2021 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
WEAKLEY, Larry D., 78, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Graveside service: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 16, 1943, in Gibbon
Parents: David and Blanche (Gray) Weakley
Was raised in Gibbon, received his education from Gibbon High School, graduating with the class of 1962
Married: June 26, 1966, Jolene Wicht at the Baptist Church in Cairo
Began his career with Eaton Corporation in 1969, retired after 34 years of employment with near perfect attendance
Activities: enjoyed fishing and camping during the years; was an avid Husker football and Chicago Cubs fan
Survivors include his wife, Jolene Weakley; daughters, Tammie Weakley and Michelle Weakley, all of Kearney; as well as many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald Henderson; sisters, Rosella Richards and Joanne Weakley
Kearney Hub, 26 October 2021
WIDDOWSON, Helen, 90, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: Saturday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: March 13, 1931, on the farm south of Shelton
Parents: Charles and Josephine (Picard) Kappius
Attended various schools in Montana and Iowa, returned to Shelton in 1942; was a 1948 graduate of Shelton High School
Married: George Widdowson on Aug. 21, 1951, in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Spent 39 years of their married life on the Widdowson farm
With friend, Katherine Lowe, started a business painting barns, later developed a successful interior painting and wallpaper business for more than 20 years
Moved to Shelton on Nov. 6, 1990, where they resided until their death
Activities: loved to sing, was a choir director and soloist at the Shelton Methodist Church for many years; was also very involved in the community in various clubs and social activities
Survivors include sons, Richard (Susan) Widdowson of Naperville, Illinois, Thomas (Mary) Widdowson of Kearney, and daughter, Jenny Watzke of Bennington; nine grandchildren, Heath Widdowson, Katrina Johnson, Stacy (Arnold) Diaz, Andy Widdowson, James (Katherine) Mussman, Porscha Botak-Widdowson, Brittany Botak-Widdowson, Kevin Mussman and Colin Watzke; eight great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law Joyce Martin of Fort Collins, Colorado
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband George; brother Robert; and sister Patricia
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 3 November 2021
WILLIAMS, Georgia Carol, died Nov. 1, 2021, ending her 14 year battle with brain cancer
Celebration of Life: Thursday, Nov. 11, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln
Born: July 24, 1944 in Kearney
Grew up in Lincoln with her mother Barbara (Oertwig) and adopted father Joseph Geist
Was the eldest of three girls, spent her adolescent summers at the Oertwig farm north of Amherst learning new recipes from her Grandma Nora and tinkering around the barn; was active in Lincoln Northeast Theatre, participated in music and many Rocket Revues; graduated with the class of 1962
Moved to the west coast; graduated from the Hancock School of Theatre in Santa Maria, Calif., after several successful performances; was an accomplished seamstress and stage manager; spent the better part of 30 years between California, Oregon and Washington, making friends and relishing life
With daughter Amanda, returned to Lincoln; began work at Geist Manufacturing as a Customer Service Rep and later an OSHA Safety Coordinator; really enjoyed working with her family and took any class available from computer programming to shorthand to ensure she was always ready to help; later took the Secretary and Christian Ed Director position at their home church, Northeast United Church of Christ; took pride in building a strong Youth Program and inspiring stewardship within the church; there were many clever melodramas directed by Georgia and Christmas craft camps for the kids of the church
Activities: taught piano; enjoyed going to the Farmer’s Market, antiquing, Lied Center performances, watching movies and puttering in the craft room; her creative vision and talents were such gifts; her selflessness, giving heart, and dynamite personality were her strongest traits; also had an innate talent of soothing and calming those who needed a shoulder, hug, or kiss on the cheek
Survivors include: her father, Joseph Geist of Lincoln; sister, Patti (Geist) and Marty Edwards of Kansas City, Missouri; niece, Tania (Madison) and Doug Kruce of Lincoln; daughter, Amanda (Williams) and Jim Remmenga of Holdrege, NE; grandchildren, Robert and Cecily Remmenga; nephew Matt and Courtney Edwards, nephew Craig and Katie Edwards, nephew and nieces Noah, Jordan, and Eden Kruce; dear friends, Pat and Megan Young, Vyrla Jackson, and countless other friends who were as close as family
Was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara, sister, Karen, grandparents, aunts and uncles
www.dignitymemorial.com
WINSLOW, Harvey R., 64, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Memorial Mass: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 5, 1957, in Kearney
Parents: Maurice and Marjorie (Turner) Winslow
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1975; earned an associate degree in diesel mechanics from Hastings Community College
Married: Sue McGuigan on May 10, 1986, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney; worked as a mechanic for various auto shops and was employed as an auto diesel mechanic with the Nebraska Department of Transportation for 29 years, retiring in June 2021
Activities: enjoyed spending time with family and friends, enjoying a cold beer, fishing (catching) at Calamus Reservoir, soap box derby racing, rebuilding cars, helping remodel his house and his family's projects, and most recently woodworking; could fix almost anything
Survivors include his wife, Sue Winslow; daughter, Sara and husband Breck Wahl; son, Luke and wife Kelly Winslow; granddaughter, Jaelyn Wahl; mother, Marjorie Stutzman; sister, Jackie and husband Kris Krueger; brother, Rich and wife Diana Winslow; sisters-in-law, Bobbi Samway and Mary McGuigan; brother-in-law, John and wife Julie McGuigan; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Winslow; and brothers, Arthur and Greg Winslow
Memorials: Nebraska Game and Parks for Calamus Reservoir
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2021
WOODMAN, Floyd "Dean", 83, of Shelton died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at his home
Funeral: Monday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Kenesaw Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born: Nov. 20, 1937, in Ansley
Parents: Floyd and Orpha (Johnson) Woodman
Moved to Shelton; attended grade school in rural Adams County, graduated from Kenesaw High School in 1955
Married: Norma Monthey in 1960
After marriage, farmed in rural Kenesaw, later returned to Shelton and became a partner at Woodman Irrigation; after 10 years with Woodman Irrigation, returned into farming
Activities: had served on the Shelton School Board, the Shelton Fire Department, was a Buffalo County supervisor and the Nebraska National Guard; enjoyed attending auctions and buying antiques, fishing and hunting, watching baseball and football on TV, and playing pitch with the guys
Survivors include his wife, Norma of Shelton; sons, Michael (Carol) of Kearney, Bradley (Lisa) of Evanston, Illinois; grandchildren, Philip (Kristen) Brandt of Shelton, Ann (Matt) Long of Pleasanton, Matthew of New York, Austin of Illinois, and Cole of Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Reagan, Harrison, Linkoln and Monroe Brandt, Ellie, Carson and Jackson Long
Was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Charlotte Hromas and Marcile Fletcher
Kearney Hub, 15 November 2021
WOOLLEY, Lorin D., 58, of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at UPMC Williamsport
Funeral: Wednesday at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Hughesville
Burial: Montoursville Cemetery
Born: Jan. 30, 1963, in Kearney
Parents: Donald L. and Esther Jane (Schroeder) Woolley
Was a truck driver for XPO Logistics of New Columbia for nine years; also worked as a shift supervisor at West Pharmaceutical for 15 years
Activities: enjoyed traveling, riding his Harley, watching his favorite college football team, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and hunting with his family; loved spending time with his family, especially with his granddaughter
Survivors include one daughter, Ashlea R. Woolley of Muncy; a son, Aaron D. Woolley of New Jersey; his mother; Esther Jane (Schroeder) Woolley of Kearney, Nebraska; two brothers, Kevin P. (Maria) Woolley of Grover Beach, California, and Vincent M. (Charlotte) Woolley of Kearney; a granddaughter, Kierra D. Sheets; and a girlfriend, Debra L. Adams of Montoursville
Was predeceased by his father and a sister, Charlene J. Woolley
Kearney Hub, 8 November 2021