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ARNOLD, Jeff R., 59, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Private family burial: later
Born: Oct. 10, 1962, in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Parents: Robert and Dorothy (Trumble) Arnold
Graduated from Sumner High School; attended Kearney State College
Military: member of the National Guard
Spent his career as a plumber, receiving his masters and owning Arnold Plumbing in Plattsmouth; later moved to Kearney and worked for Snell Industries
Raised two sons, Dalton Cole and Sterling Alec, with ex-wife and good friend Vicki Holoubeck
Activities: childhood hobbies included hunting and fishing; later turned to bowling and watching anything history
Survivors include his son, Sterling Arnold of Omaha; brother, Pat (Betty) Arnold of Sumner; sisters, Cheri (Chuck) Radtke of Loup City, Connie (Bob) Gibson of Richland, North Carolina, and Lisa (Butch) Arnold of Omaha; significant friend Shari Keene and her kids, Shelbie, Daniel and David
Was preceded in death by his parents; his son Dalton; and brother Mike
Kearney Hub, 24 November 2021
ARNOLD, Steven Eugene, 77, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
A celebration of life gathering: Dec. 12 at Kearney Eagles Club
Born: in Lost Springs, Kansas
Parents: Vernon and Clara (Petri) Arnold
Graduated from Omaha North High School
Military: Marine Reserves for six years and often spoke fondly of those experiences
Married: Jan. 4, 1972, h to Sharon Powers at Phillipsburg, Kansas
Worked 38 years between Holiday Station Stores and Casey's General Store; enjoyed the relationships he made with customers, always admired the large groups of fire department and law enforcement customers who stopped in
Had a liver transplant in 2007 and spent a good part of his last 20 years of employment working through health problems, but proudly maintained a good attitude and great attendance; we are thankful for the organ donor who gave him a second life, and the team at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha who always took excellent care of him
Activities: loved his grandchildren and saw the best traits in all of them; enjoyed attending their events
Survivors include his wife Sharon Arnold; sons, Mitch Arnold (Michele) and Jeff Arnold (Megan), all of Kearney; sister Karen Montgomery (Monty) of Seeley Lake, Montana; brother James Arnold (Tricia) of Carter Lake, Iowa; and his grandchildren, Logan, Huston, Bronson, Bentley (Mitch's) and Nolan, Dexter and Lucy (Jeff's); and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Clara Arnold; and siblings, Kathryn Stuedemann and Michael Arnold
Memorials: The Russ Hiemstra Scholarship Fund; and the Kearney Junior Football League
Kearney Hub, 4 December 2021
BAY, Barbara "Barb" A., 76, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Friday at Faith Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 16, 1945, in Lincoln
Parents: Ivan and Adeline Borgman
In her early life, lived on several farms near Oxford and Edison, graduated from Oxford High School in 1963
Married: Tom Storz in 1964
Married: Riley Bay in 1988
Graduated beauty school in 1989, and worked at several nursing homes
Lived with Riley in Kearney and then on the family farm near Arnold; later in life they moved back to Kearney
Activities: truly was a farm girl at heart, loved the animals and the labor that goes with farm life; was a good steward of the family farm and especially loved the animals; in retirement, traveled extensively, visited many Western states and enjoyed camping; really enjoyed going to the ark; spoke of her love for her grandchildren and meeting Riley as the high points of her life, and added that she loved the farm life;
Survivors include her husband Riley Bay of Kearney; son, Ron (Michelle) Storz of Phillipsburg, Kan.; daughters, Lori Reetz of Lincoln, Stephanie (Josh) Budden of Kearney, Katreena (Eddy) Melo of Lexington; brothers, Ron (Gloria) Borgman of Spearfish, S.D., Mike (Wendy) Borgman of Beatrice; sisters, Lalonnie Marschel of Calhan, Colo., Chris (Dennis) Chesterman of Beaver City, and Jeri (Van) Lamb of Lincoln; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents Ivan and Adeline Borgman; and a daughter, Carol Ann Storz
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2021
BOND, Dorothy M., 100, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 27, 1921, on a farm north of Odessa
Parents: Adolph and May (More) Holoubeck
Attended a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade, then attended Odessa High School for the rest of her schooling
Married: Sept. 5, 1939, Bernard Bond
The next day after their wedding, moved to Nampa, Idaho, where work was available; after two and a half years, returned to Nebraska; lived on a farm in the Kearney area, helped with the livestock business; also raised chickens and had a large garden; canned and preserved vegetables, fruit and meat; in 1972, went into row crop farming, helped in the fields, ran a tractor and helped harvest corn; retired from farming in 1977, moved into Kearney; wintered in Mesa, Arizona for 10 years; Bernard passed away Jan. 19, 1987; had resided at Mother Hull Home the past five years
Activities: was a 4-H leader for several years, taught cooking and sewing to the local children; became a Methodist when she married, belonged to the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Together Sunday School Class; member of Elizabeth Valley Kensington and Kearney China Painters Club, loved painting her beautiful china; other hobbies were gardening, lawn work, playing cards, square dancing and ballroom dancing; enjoyed being with her family
Survivors include her daughter, Marie and Irv Reiter of Kearney; grandchildren, Linda and Ray Manfull of Valley Center, Kansas, Lori Reiter of Kearney, Paula and Lannie Marzolf of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Taylor Manfull and fiancé Brian Dukes of Wichita, Kansas, Steven Manfull and fiancée Rachel Lydon of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jenna Marzolf of Axtell
Was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Bond; daughter, Donna Day; grandson, Larry Day; sisters, June Harpham, Emily McCan and Esther Reynolds; and brother, Archie Holoubeck Sr.
Memorials: Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 24 November 2021
BRENNAN, William 'Bill' Ray, 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at his home
Funeral: Tuesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 27, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Charles "Leo" and Ila "Joyce" (Drown) Brennan
Was raised in Kearney and attended St. James Elementary, Kearney Catholic and graduated from Kearney Senior High in 1973
Married: April 19, 1977, Cheryl Dosek
Activities: enjoyed bowling, NASCAR and spending time with his family
Survivors include his sons, Kyle (Sarah) and Kory (Crissy) Brennan, both of Kearney; grandchildren, Peyton, MacKinzey and Kaleb Brennan, Natalie Broadfoot, Bennett and Rawlings Brennan; brother Tom (Roxan) Brennan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister Mary Jo (Bruce) Hill of South Bend; four nieces and nephews; and many friends and extended family
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 4 December 2021
CLAUSEN, Whitney Wayde, 50, died Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at his home in Kearney of health complications
Memorial service: Saturday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 3, 1971, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Parents: Quinten and Diana (Whitney) Clausen
Grew up in Kearney with big brother Quinten Jr. and younger sister Delaney joined the family; was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church; graduated from Kearney High School in 1990; attended UNK while also working at Cabela's, Dandee Construction, and various other places; member of UNK Phi Kappa Tau fraternity
Married LeAnn (Kring) on July 10, 1999
After marriage, lived in Omaha, worked for Pedodontics PC for 14 years in the dental lab; finished an associate's degree in business from Metropolitan Community College in 2014 and moved back to Kearney
Activities: enjoyed boating, water skiing, snow skiing, traveling, jazz and oldies rock music, camping, Huskers, all sports and classic cars; especially loved spending time with his children and extended family
Survivors include his three children, Madelynn of Kearney, Fletcher and Oscar of Axtell; mother Diana Clausen of Kearney; brother, Quinten Jr and wife, Roxann Clausen; nephews, Quinten III, Evan, and niece, Allie of Kearney; and sister, Delaney and husband, Steve Cerny; nieces, Raylynne, Ashley and nephew, Dylan of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and lifelong family friend, Jim Schroeder; along with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by his father Quinten; and grandparents, Thurman and Doris Clausen, Harmon and Winona Whitney
Kearney Hub, 23 November 2021
COX, Erwin Anton, 75, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society – St. John's in Kearney
Funeral: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 10, 1946, in Ansley
Parents: Kenneth and Lucille (Knajdl) Cox
Grew up in Mason City, attended Mason City Public Schools from kindergarten through high school graduation in 1964
Military: US Army, 1965-1967; served in Vietnam as an intelligence analyst; was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service
Married: Wanda Rasmussen on Nov. 15, 1969, at St. Gabriel's Church in Hazard
After marriage, settled in Kearney; worked for West Company; returned to college at Kearney State College, graduated with a degree in business with emphasis in accounting; was employed by Midland Co-op, retired in November 2016
Activities: member of American Legion Post 52, served on the Kearney Legion Baseball Board; enjoyed sports, especially those that his children and grandchildren participated in; in his youth played basketball and baseball; enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and dancing, especially the polka
Survivors include his wife, Wanda, of Kearney; sons, Anthony "Tony" and wife Angie of Lincoln, Todd and wife Melissa of Norman, Oklahoma; daughter, Melissa and husband Tom Ruff of Lincoln; grandchildren, Ashlyn, Dylan and Lauryn Cox of Lincoln, Violet Cox of Norman, Oklahoma, Tyler and Molly Ruff of Lincoln; brothers, Kenneth (Sheryl) Cox of Stamford, Michael (Kathe) Cox of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Patricia Bridges of Elkhorn and Karen Rasmussen of Bloomington, Illinois
Was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lucille Cox; parents-in-law, Walter and Adeline Rasmussen; brothers-in-law, Gary Bridges and David Rasmussen; grandparents, Anton and Josie Knajdl and Wesley and Nora Harris
Memorials: Disabled American Veterans or St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 20 November 2021
ECKHOFF, Phyllis J., 85, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney
Funeral: Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Born: Oct. 17, 1936, in Shelton
Parents: Hubert and Francis Orth
Was raised by her aunt Jesse
Married: Bob Eckhoff in 1953
Tragically lost her youngest son Robbie at age 3, a sadness she carried with her the rest of her life
Activities: was a huge Elvis fan, attended a live concert in Lincoln in 1956
Ran her own café while living in Miller, The Hungry Farmer; later joined Baldwin Filters in Kearney, was proud to be able to buy her own home; spent the majority of her working years working in the food service industry
Survivors include her brother, David, and sister Faith; her sons, Ken, Steve, Jeff, Dan and Tim; her grandchildren, Andrea, Todd, Robert, Alexa, Carissa and Anna; and her great-grandchildren, Logan and Brenna
Was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Loice; her son, Robbie; and grandson, Mathew
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2021
EMRY, Leona Joan, 82, died Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Kearney after a fight with cancer
Memorial service: Saturday, Nov. 19, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: later
Born: May 27, 1939, in Ainsworth
Parents: Kenneth and Ortha (Reynolds) Emry
Married: Charles Mefferd on Dec. 15, 1957
Survivors include Johnny Cobb; four children, Kathleen Emry-Mefferd, Brett Mefferd, Chad Mefferd and Shawna Mefferd Kelty; siblings, Robert Emry, Ruth Micheel, Raleigh Emry and Tom Emry; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 17 November 2021
FINKNER, Phyllis Jeanne, 94, of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at the Minden United Methodist Church
Interment: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig Funeral Home in Minden
Born: Jan. 31, 1927, in Adams
Parents: Robert J. Hefti Sr. and Ethel A. "Allie" (Young) Hefti
Was the youngest of five children. and nearly 26 years younger than her oldest brother; attended school in Adams, graduated from Adams High School in 1944
Taught in one-room schools in the Adams area, including two years at the Lenora Country School and two years at the Pleasant Plain School; during that time, also attended classes at the University of Nebraska
Married: June 4, 1948, to John Richard "Dick" Finkner, at the Methodist church in Adams
After marriage, lived in Omaha where Dick attended the University of Nebraska Medical School in Omaha; taught for one year at Omaha's District 66 in a one-room school near Boys Town; took a year off when their first child was born, then returned to a two-room school on L Street in Omaha
Moved to Minden in 1953, where Dick started a medical practice
Activities: member of the Minden United Methodist Church, was active in United Methodist Women and the choir, also led a Bible study group and participated in PEO, Eastern Star, Rebekahs, Sweet Adelines, flower and garden club, bridge club and birthday club; appreciated music, played the violin and piano, and loved the challenge of crossword puzzles; enjoyed traveling with Dick and the Butlers, spending winters at South Padre Island, camping or spending weekends at their cabin at Harlan County Lake, fishing and being on the boat; was an avid follower of Minden Whippets and Nebraska Cornhusker sports and loved attending the activities of her children and grandchildren; cherished the company of their family and many friends
Moved, 2017, moved to a retirement community in Kearney and subsequently to the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home
Survivors include her husband of 73 years; her children, Mike (Kathy) Finkner of Kearney, ZoAnne (Dennis) Kunnemann of Imperial, Matthew (Ann) Finkner of Lincoln, and Sara (Dennis) Mann of Lincoln; her sisters-in-law, Marlene Veerhusen of Adams and Sharon Walker of Branson, Missouri; 13 grandchildren and their spouses; 38 great-grandchildren with three more on the way; as well as nieces and nephews. Phyllis's parents died when she was very young - her father when she was 13 and her mother when she was 17. Also preceding her in death were her siblings and their spouses, including Howitt (Hazel), Robert Jr., Ruth (Clarence) Gottula, and Paul (Lorraine) along with sister-in-law and brothers-in-law Mary Lea and Orville Weber, Cliff Veerhusen and Kenneth Walker
Memorials: the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Minden United Methodist Church, or donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2021
FISHER, Marilyn Kay, 80, of Amherst died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Haven's Chapel Cemetery at Prairie Center
Born: July 28, 1941, in Kearney
Parents: James and Maxine (Thomas) Miller
Was raised in Elm Creek, attended Elm Creek High School
Married: Jan. 16, 1959, Larry L. Fisher
After marriage, lived in Amherst, was a cook, waitress and bartender for many years
Activities: enjoyed bowling, reading and word search puzzles; most of all loved spending time with her family
Survivors include her sons, Larry "Dean" Fisher and wife, Terry of Amherst, Ricky Fisher of Kearney, Randy Fisher and wife, Fonda of Amherst, daughter, Becky Hydorn and husband, Carl of St. Edward; granddaughter raised by Marilyn, Jessica Respi and husband, Mike of Pleasanton; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry L. Fisher; daughter, Debbie Kay Fisher; sister, Carol Sue Beavers; and her brother, James Howard Miller
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2021
FORREST, Joyce M., 85, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at her home
Funeral: Friday, Dec. 3, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: October 22, 1936 in Oxford
Parents: Lawrence H. and Lucille (Lueking) Covey
Graduated from Oxford High School at the age of sixteen
Began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse, taught in several schools, then moved to Kearney in 1973
Returned to college, became a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in 1986, practiced in Kearney for 33 years until she retired; enjoyed helping many people in the Kearney area for many years
Activities: loved living in Kearney, studying the Renaissance Masters, traveling to Italy, and driving her black Ford Mustang; had a strong Devotion to Mother Mary
Survivors include: her daughters, Stephanne and Wayne Bengtson, Allyson Forrest-Jones; grandchildren, Jeremiah and Callie Bengtson, Calynn Forrest, Brittany Bengtson, Casey and Raymondson LaForest Sr., Brandi Bengtson; great grandchildren, Allie LaForest, Raymondson LaForest Jr.; brother, Lawrence H. and Shirley Covey Jr.
Was preceded in death by her daughter Jennifer Forrest
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 2 December 2021 and hlmkfuneral.com
FRIEND, Carol A., 71, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: Friday at Grace Fellowship Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 25, 1949, in St. Louis
Parents: William and Jayne (Anderson) Peters
Spent her childhood years growing up in Okinawa, Japan, West Germany, and all over the United States, as the daughter of an Army officer; attended Lincoln Northeast High School, graduating with the class of 1967; graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 197
Married: 1972 to married Lee Friend
Was an elementary school teacher for a few years and then stayed home to raise her children; after her divorce in 1987, moved with her children to Kearney, did medical billing for several medical offices in Kearney; most recently, had worked at Walmart at the self-checkout registers for the past 10 years
Activities: enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening and canning; most of all loved spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her daughter, Nikki Friend of Kearney; son, Tim (Crystal) Friend of Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren, Casey, Luke and Claire Friend; and brother, William (Gretchen) Peters of Gering
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 8 December 2021
FURNISS, Catherine, 94, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at Kinship Pointe Northridge in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Interment: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 24, 1927, in Ord
Parents: Guy and Agnes (Kruml) LeMasters
Grew up in Ord and received her education from Ord High School, earned her nursing degree from St. Francis School of Nursing; entered into the Cadet Nurse Corps, but did not have to serve because WWII ended
Married: Robert W. Furniss
Worked in various hospitals and clinics while the couple lived in California, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Ogallala and Omaha
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney; enjoyed gardening, reading, canasta, crocheting and other hand-crafted work; was a passionate artist and displayed her work through multiple drawings and paintings; most of all, loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Gary Furniss of Burnsville, Minn.; daughter, Cathy (Steve) Miller of Santa Fe, N.M.; daughter-in-law, Carol Furniss of Kearney; grandchildren, Robert (Lindsey) Furniss, Katie (Matt) Smith, Andrea (Neil) Kemp; great-grandchildren, Riley, Wes, Annie, D.J., Kinley; as well as several extended family and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert W. Furniss; son, Robert G. Furniss; daughter-in-law, Kathy Furniss; sisters, Rose Lester and Norma Kaufman
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2021
GOODBRAKE, Donna Jean, 91, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at her home
Funeral: Wednesday at the Events Center in Taylor
Burial: Taylor Cemetery
Mortuary: Higgins in Loup City
Born: Aug. 25, 1930, at Hutchinson, Kansas
Parents: Earl L. and Alice Marie (Ivins) Stoner
Grew up and attended school at Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1949
Married: March 5, 1950, to John E. Goodbrake, Jr. at Hutchinson
In her late 20's, accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior; traveled throughout living in Ponce, Puerto Rico; New Iberia, La.; Aurora, Ill.; Taylor, Nebr., and then settling in Kearney; loved to play the piano; was the pianist at the churches she attended for over 75 years; member of the Baptist Church; was a beautiful wife and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother; had a kind spirit and generous heart and was a blessing to all who knew her
Survivors include her children, Janice (Delmar L.) Unruh of Taylor, and John (Tammy) Goodbrake of Kearney; sister-in-law, Penelope "Penny" Ann (Goodbrake) Howe of Georgetown, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter; grandson; and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2021
HADWIGER, Deane, 86, of Pleasanton died Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Norfolk Veterans Home
Service: Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 24, 1935, at Pleasanton
Parents: John and Josie (Unick) Hadwiger
Grew up in Pleasanton and graduated from Pleasanton High School
Military: U.S. Army from Jan. 5, 1955, to Dec. 13, 1956, during the Korean War
Married: Janice Brixie on Feb. 1, 1958, in Brookfield, Illinois
After marriage, lived near Pleasanton, farmed and was an insurance representative
Activities: charter member of the Pleasanton Lions Club; started the Pleasanton Jr. Stockmen, was a member of the Pleasanton Rural Fire Board and Pleasanton School Board
Survivors include his wife Jan of Pleasanton; children, Brenda (Bob) Janitscheck of Pleasanton, Nadine (Kevin) Beacom of Littleton, Colo., Darryl (Jill) Hadwiger of Pleasanton, Bruce (Laura) Hadwiger of Lincoln, Rhonda (Jack) Branigan of Glenwood, Iowa, Gail (Blaine) Johs of Lincoln, Dan (Chelsea) Hadwiger of Lincoln and Michel (Devyn) Anderson of Elkhorn; 22 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Carol Phillips
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 8 December 2021
HARTMAN, Sharilyn "Shari" Faye, 75, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Visitation: Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: October 11, 1946 in Kearney
Parents: Martin and Faye (Larson) Kahle
Grew up on their farm south of Kearney, attended Kenwood Elementary and Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 1964; attended nurses training at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Married: Jerry L. Hartman on September 2, 1967 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Was an excellent seamstress and an amazing homemaker, often had a large garden, and canned or froze food for her family
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; became an organ and tissue donor with Live On Nebraska upon her death
Survivors include: daughter Becky (Aaron) Axtell of Minden and their children Ashleigh (Kyle Jauken) Axtell, Austin Axtell, Mitchell Axtell, and Matthew Axtell; daughter Allison (Patrick) Quiroz of Exeter, California and their children, Kassandra Quiroz, Theodore Quiroz, Luke Quiroz, and Owen Quiroz; sister, LaNita (David) Wilke of Kearney and brothers Alton (Cathy) Kahle also of Kearney and Ron (Judy) Kahle of Texas; brother-in-law Larry (Lorretta) Hartman of Hickman, Nebraska; along with nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, infant daughter Catherine, and niece Amanda Johnson
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital
Kearney Hub, 7 December 2021 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
HINTON, Gloria, 83, of Ravenna, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Graveside Memorial Service for Gloria and Jeff Hinton, Friday, December 17, 2021 at the Ashby Cemetery in Ashby, Nebraska
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: August 8, 1938
Parents: Sid and Hulda Phillips
Grew up in the Hyannis, Nebraska area
Married: Darrell (Jeff) Hinton
Worked on the Minor Ranch as a cook while her husband was the foreman; together owned the only amusement center in Hyannis; family later moved to Maud, Oklahoma, lived there for 28 years; moved to Ravenna in 2016
Survivors include her sons, Brett (Jodi) Hinton of Lexington; Bartt (Kathy) Hinton of Konawa, Okla.; daughter, Tena Burch of Ravenna, 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and brother Marvin Phillips of Gordon, Nebr.
Was preceded in death by her husband Jeff, son Bradd, her parents, stepfather Bob Burgess, sister Sandy Carr, two nephews and one niece
www.rasmussenfh.com
HOYT, Barbara M., 57, of Minden died on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at her home
Funeral Mass: Wednesday at St. John's Catholic Church in Minden
Burial of cremains: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: Sept. 19, 1964, in Kearney
Parents: Darrel J. and Helen C. (Hemberger) Kominek
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1982; attended at Joseph's College of Beauty, earned a degree in accounting at Hastings Community College
Married: Steven A. Hoyt on Sept. 24, 1988, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Colorado and Minden; was employed at First National Bank in Kearney and Minden; later worked for Minden Public Schools in food service, enjoyed bonding with the students at C.L. Jones Middle School
Activities: member of St. John's Catholic Church, served as the church accountant and CCD teacher for many years; enjoyed cross-stitch, watching classic television shows and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren
Survivors include her husband, Steven Hoyt of Minden; daughters, Sara (Kent) Urwiller of Ravenna, and Shelby (Brian) Cody of Minden; grandchildren, Tessa, Kayden, and Aria Urwiller of Ravenna; father and mother-in-law, Errol and Jan Hoyt of Kearney; sister-in-law, Pat Kominek of Virginia; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Steven Kominek
Memorials: St. John's Catholic Church in Minden
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2021 CHECKED TO HERE
KAPPAS, Helen T., 94, of Plattsmouth died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Bellevue Medical Center
Private family service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 27, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Tom and Clara (Tourlis) Kappas
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School; earned a degree in education
Taught in various schools throughout the country
Activities: enjoyed singing and dancing
Survivors include her son Tom and Joanne Kappas of Plattsmouth; three grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her sister Mary Pallas
Memorials: St. George Orthodox Church
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2021
LEATHERS, Helyn Lenore, 89, of Kearney, formerly of Amherst, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 29, 1932, in Neligh
Parents: William J. and Elenor (Templin) Haynes
Attended school in Neligh, Hartington, Bassett and Loup City where she graduated in 1950
Married: John Leathers on July 12, 1953, at Kensington, Kansas
After marriage, relocated several times in Nebraska and Colorado for John's job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; settled in Amherst in 1980
Was a teacher's aide, librarian and accounting clerk; worked in the UNK Finance Office for 18 years, retired in 1994
Activities: enjoyed knitting and crocheting (especially baby blankets), watching sports, reading and spoiling her grandchildren; past member of the First United Methodist Church and VFW Post 1347 of Grand Island
Survivors include son, Bill Leathers of Amherst; daughters, Coni Rinaker, Kathryn (Errol) Coslor and Sandy (Mark) Palu, all of Kearney; her grandchildren, Ryan (Chelsie) Palu, Erika (Brian) Smith and Brad (Ashley) Palu, all of Kearney, Brandon (Kristen) Coslor of Houston, Texas, Courtney (Colin) Dale of St. Louis and Kendra (Blaine) Hostert of Stuart; and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Eleanor, Lylith, Kasen, Bryson, Olivia, Brooks, Raleigh and Maeson
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and brother
Memorials: Amherst Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 7 December 2021
MADISON, Ervin D., 88, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at his home
Memorial service: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Born: Nov. 30, 1933, in Geneva
Parents: George and Ida (Ebbeka) Madison
Grew up in the Hordville-Central City area, graduated from Central City High School in 1952
Military: joined the US Army in 1954, had basic training in Fort Bliss, Texas, then was stationed in Chicago at the Navy Pier
Married: Aleda Marie Dester, Aug. 14, 1955, in Grand Island
After marriage, lived in Chicago, was introduced to apartment living as were several other couples from New York, Kansas, Oregon and Nebraska
After his discharge, moved to Oklahoma, was in the truck stop business for two years; returned to Nebraska, operated a Frontier station and then the White Spot Truck Stop for several years; was then employed with the Josten-Wilbert Vault Co. as manager; retired after 30 years
Activities: enjoyed being in the stock car circuit, taking cars out on weekends and then working on them all week; enjoyed bingo and the many trips to Las Vegas with friends; especially enjoyed spending time with family on holidays
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Aleda Madison of Kearney; his daughter, Jolynn Gillispie and husband, Bobby, of Lincoln; sons, Gary Madison and wife, Lita, of Beatrice, Robert Madison and wife, Kimberly, and Terry Madison and wife, Heather, all of Kearney; 10 grandchildren, Chad Schneider and wife, Tanya, of Minden, Jamie Wade and husband, Nathan, of Brady, Jennifer Madison and fiancé, Jordan Hellwiger, of Hastings, Amanda Twehous and husband, Josh, of Hildreth, Anthony Madison of Kansas City, Mo., Alexander Madison and wife, Natasha, of Beatrice, Dakota Madison of Minden, Taylor Heili of Lincoln, Zachary Madison and Evelyn Madison, both of Kearney, and Jared Madison of Fairbury; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren
Was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Madison; parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Mary Jo Madison, and Don and Marie Madison; and brother-in-law, Wilbur Church
Kearney Hub, 13 December 2021
McINTIRE, Mildred "Millie", 96, of Denver died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Brookdale Parkplace in Denver
Graveside service: Saturday at Bureau Cemetery by Pierce Chapel near Clarks
Mortuary: Solt-Wagner in Central City
Born: Jan. 5, 1925, in Polk County
Parents: Dorsie and Ada (Spires) Church
Grew up in the Clarks area, graduated from Clarks High School and attended Nebraska Central Teacher's College
Married: Leonard L. McIntire on Dec. 23, 1946, in Kansas
After marriage, lived in Central City for a short time, then moved to Grand Island; in 1961, moved to Kearney
Activities: member of the First Lutheran Church of Kearney
Survivors include her son Lee and his wife Susan McIntire of Denver; grandson Benjamin McIntire; and Tutti Perrsson of Stockholm, Sweden; and great-grandson Sture Perrsson-McIntire
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard McIntire; son, Judson McIntire; and brother, Burdette Church
Memorials: Bureau Cemetery by Pierce Chapel
Kearney Hub, 26 November 2021
MEIER, William E. "Bill", 84, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at the Brookdale Long-Term Care facility in Greenwood Village, Colorado
Funeral: Dec. 4, 2021, at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 14, 1937, in Minden
Parents: William H. and Amelia Mabel (Utter) Meier
Attended and graduated from Minden High School
Military: United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962
Married: Rosella M. Zimmerman on June 4, 1969, in Kearney
Worked for 37 years as manager of Zimmerman's Printing in Kearney prior to his retirement, sold the business in 2006
Activities: enjoyed country line dancing, opened Meier's Ballroom in Gibbon, 2007, taught country line dancing and hosted many events, the last function at the ballroom before they sold it in 2017 was to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary; enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, motorcycle riding, engraving and photography; volunteered at Kearney Senior Center and the Classic Car Collection; member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include his daughters, Kelli Meier of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kambi and Nathan Jecminek of Aurora, Colorado; and grandchildren, Taylor Jecminek and Maximus Jecminek, both of Aurora, Colorado
Was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Rosella
Kearney Hub, 30 November 2021
MIIGERL, Mark, 58, of Ravenna died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Service: Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Mary's Prairie Center Cemetery southwest of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: June 6, 1963, at Kearney
Parents: Lawrence and Adarene (Hervert) Miigerl
Grew up on a farm southeast of Ravenna and graduated from Ravenna High School
Worked at Baldwin Filters in Kearney in the tool and die room; after 17 years there, started his own Company, L & M Machine Tools in Ravenna, continued his love of tool and die and fabrication for the next 26 years
Was engaged to Barbara Vierk; lived together on a farm near Litchfield
Activities: was a Ravenna EMT, a member of the Ravenna Tractor Pullers Association. Ravenna Economic Development Board and the Holy Name; hobbies included spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, camping, tractor pulls and farming
Survivors include his fiancé, Barbara Vierk; sons, Brandon (Krystle) Miigerl of Ravenna, Micah (Taylor) Miigerl of Hazard; daughter, Tiffany (Andrew) Russell of Overland Park, Kan., seven grandchildren, Penelope, Violet, Morgan, Malachi, Meyer, Jaiden and Alexander; parents, Lawrence and Adarene Miigerl of Ravenna; brothers, Mike (Candy) Miigerl, Myron (Kay) Miigerl and Matthew (Jenny) Miigerl; sister, Shelly (Brad) White; and former spouse Vicky Miigerl
Was preceded in death by his sister, Monica Miigerl; and his grandparents, Albert and Catherine Miigerl and Frank and LaFern Hervert
Memorials: Ravenna EMTs
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2021
NEEMANN, Phyllis E., 87, of Holdrege, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at Holdrege Memorial Home
Graveside service: Wednesday at Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: March 22, 1934, in Oakdale
Parents: Raymond and Emma (Newton) Burkhead
At age 5, moved with family to Missouri, then Iowa, and then to Kearney at age ten
Married: June 1, 1952, to Roger Johnson in Kearney; he died in 1974
Worked at Kearney Public Schools for nine years
Married: Merlin Neemann on May 12, 1978
Lived in Gibbon, was a longtime employee of Foster's Family Foods and later Morris Press
Activities: member of Kearney First Lutheran Church; enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with her family
Survivors include her children, Craig (Bonnie) Johnson of Holdrege, Sonda (Bernie) McClellen of Moorefield, Brent Johnson of San Antonio, Texas, Janice Teten of Auburn, Michael (Judy) Neemann of Lorton, Susan (Roger) Rice of Nebraska City; daughters-in-law, Jolene Neemann of Omaha and Toby Johnson of Kearney; brother-in-law, Lee (Jo) Neemann of Lakeland, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Shirley Burkhead of Overton, Gladys Johnson of Holdrege and Helen Neemann of Lincoln; several grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; as well as, several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Darlene (Harold) Johnston; brothers and sister-in-law, Eugene Burkhead and John (Beverly) Burkhead
Memorials: Kearney First Lutheran Church or to Riverside Cemetery
Kearney Hub, 20 Decemb
NICOL, Jennifer O., 49, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at her home
Funeral service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Nov. 7, 1972, in Hastings
Parents: Gary and Lorraine (Beat) Feind
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1991; studied history at University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: Sean Nicol on July 7, 1995, in Las Vegas
After marriage, lived in Kearney; worked in housekeeping at Richard Young, Good Samaritan Hospital and University of Nebraska at Kearney for the last seven years
Activities: enjoyed going to garage sales and her animals
Survivors include her husband, Sean Nicol of Kearney; sons, Dylan and Molly Nicol of Grand Island, Reece and Hope Nicol of Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, and Cade Nicol, Kason Nicol and Zak Nicol, all of Kearney; parents, Gary and Lorraine Feind of Kearney; sisters, Erin Feind of Bellevue and Jordan Sollazzo of Council Bluffs, Iowa
Was preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth Nicol
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 10 December 2021
PETERSON, Arlene, 99, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at the Homestead Assisted Living facility in Kearney
Celebration of life service: Monday at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 1, 1922, in Eddyville
Parents: Marion R. and Nellie (Lahm) Marshall
Attended Eddyville High School, graduated with the class of 1937; attended Kearney State College for two years and earned a teachers certificate
Taught school for four years in rural Dawson County
Married: Harold E. "Pete" Peterson on May 23, 1943, in Eddyville
Lived on farms in the Pleasanton and Riverdale areas, retired in 1982
Activities: enjoyed quilting and church circle; past member of First United Methodist Church and also the Rebekah Lodge in Riverdale; served as a foster grandparent in Kearney for more than 21 years
Survivors include her sons, Jerry and Linda Peterson of Mesa, Arizona, Tim and Sherri Peterson of Broken Bow and Don and Terry Peterson of Pleasanton; daughters, Sharlene Burns of Juniata and Marcia and Rodney Holtz of Lexington; siblings, Lois and LaVern Leach of Loveland, Colorado, Bill Marshall of McCook, Betty Hagen of Lincoln and Bonnie Meyer of Callaway; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; several other extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; son-in-law, Richard Burns; four brothers; two sisters; and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 4 December 2021
PETERSON, Dr. Marilyn A. Whitney, 88, of Cozad died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Service: Thursday at Cozad United Methodist Church
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Mortuary: Berryman Funeral Home
Born: July 22, 1933
Parents: Claude and Esther (Soderholm) Whitney of Funk
Attended elementary education at Shetler School, Litchfield, and graduated from Loup City High School in 1951; participated in pep club, choir and band. was a class officer, student librarian, FFA princess, and member of the newspaper and yearbook staffs; was president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship; enrolled at Kearney State College, majored in English, with minors in art and music and additional studies in journalism, was inducted into several honoraries, participated in various music and journalism activities; graduated om 1955
Taught one year at Gothenburg
Married: Richard Peterson, June 17, 1956, at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Taught Kearney Junior High School, Cozad, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Eustis; studied further at the University of Albuquerque; St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas; University of Hawaii; major media centers in Europe, and the University of Nebraska
In 1964, began her career as assistant professor of journalism and English at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont; continued there as associate professor; received many awards and held many various positions in educational organizations and boards, and in the Methodist Church
Survivors include her sister Carol Whitney Decker, Modesto, California; and sister-in-law, Beverly Whitney Grant, and her husband Kenneth, Pasadena, California; nieces and nephews, Lindell (Beth) Whitney, Aurora, Colorado, Leyden Whitney, Northglenn, Colorado, Kelly Decker, Kearney, Shelly Decker, Los Angeles, John (Kathy) Rosenbloom and his sister Leslie, Boulder, and special cousins, Joanne Nelson, Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Art (Debbie) Soderholm, Johnston, Iowa; Doug (Brenda Grant) Peterson, Rod (Debbie) Miller, and Pam Peterson, all of North Platte, Barbara Gigax, Blake (Mary) Gigax of Hayes Center, Maggie Gigax, Jacksonville, Fla., Jane Peterson, Irving, Texas, Mitchell (Lisa) Peterson, Denver, Jon (Jenith) Peterson, Plano, Texas, and Amy Jo Croteau, Stephensville, Texas; and many extended family members
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick; a brother Winston; baby brother; sister-in-law, Louise Whitney; brother-in-law, Jerry Decker; nephew, Lanford; and half-sister, Virginia Whitney Rosenbloom and her daughter Martha
Memorials: Wilson Public Library
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2021
REITER, Gwendolyn, 89, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at CHI Good Samaritan - St. John's in Kearney
Funeral: Tuesday, Nov. 30, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: Oct. 11, 1932, in Gibbon
Parents: Wayne and Florence (Webster) Kenton
Grew up in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School; earned her nursing degree from Kearney Nursing School
Married: Bruce Reiter on Dec. 31, 1950, in Kearney
Worked as a LPN for Good Samaritan Home in Gibbon and for Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney; later worked as the Plant Nurse at Eaton Corp. for 19 years
Activities: enjoyed golfing, painting, and bowling for many years; member of Rebekah Lodge
Survivors include her children, Rick (Karen) Reiter and Debra Brush, all of Kearney; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; sons-in-law, Dave Ohlman and Jerry Carter, both of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters, Pam Ohlman and Cindy Cater; son, Doug Reiter; sister, Charlotte Kenton; and brother, Kenny Kenton
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2021
RICHARDSON, Fred D., 80, of Lincoln died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021
Funeral: Friday at Christ Lutheran Church
Interment: Wyuka Cemetery
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser and Love in Lincoln
Born: Feb. 10, 1941, in Kearney
Parents: Harold and Marguerite (Bass) Richardson
Married: Sharon Lingelbach on Oct. 24, 1963; celebrated 58 years of marriage this past October
Obtained his undergraduate degree from Kearney State College in 1964 in mathematics and science; earned his master's degree in education with an emphasis in math and science from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1969; later obtained a Ph.D.
Began teaching at Charles Culler Junior High School in Lincoln, where he taught science and math; was the head boys' basketball and track coach leading the Cougars to numerous city championships during his 38 years at the school
Was a devoted husband, father and papa who cherished each of his grandchildren; loved cheering for the Cornhuskers in every sport but especially football Saturdays at Memorial Stadium
Survivors include his wife, Sharon; sons, Brad (Miki) from Leawood, Kan., grandchildren, Owen and Brock, Chris (Susan) from Elkhorn, grandchildren, Carter and Kennedy; brothers, Jim Richardson and Max (Jan) Richardson; nieces and nephews, Erika Moore, Julia, Laura, Jase and Aaron Richardson, Cecilia Baumgardner and Will Richardson, Randy and David Rutt
Was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Traci Richardson
Memorials: Christ Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 8 December 2021
RICHARDSON, Ilene, 103, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at Brookdale Kearney Northridge Assisted Living in Kearney
Graveside service: Thursday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 29, 1918, in rural Kearney County
Parents: Christian and Margaret (Gerbert) Pinn
Attended school at Newark through the 10th grade, then attended and graduated from Kearney High School
After her father's death, Ilene and her mother moved to Kearney
Spent most of her working life at the Buffalo County Assessors Office, eventually retiring
Married: George T. Richardson on April 21, 1961, in Kearney
After marriage, lived on the Platte River and remained there for more than 50 years until George's passing, then moved to Northridge where she resided until her death
Survivors include her nephews, Bill Pinn of Newkirk, Scotland, UK, and Ron Pinn and his wife Patsy of Newark; nieces, Sue Wickham of Kearney and Virginia Hinricks of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her husband, George; brother, and William Pinn
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 2 December 2021
RIESSLAND, Randall "Randy" L., 70, of Grand Island died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at his home
Funeral service: Monday, Nov. 29, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 23, 1950
Parents: Dale and Gladys (Pfeiffer) Riessland of Amherst
Graduated from Pleasanton High School with the class of 1969; attended Wesleyan University, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and his Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from St. Elizabeth
Married: Jill Fuestman on Oct. 12, 1974
Worked at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island for 37 years
Activities: member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island; enjoyed fishing, horse racing, spending time with grandkids, and especially enjoyed the 4th of July
Survivors include his wife, Jill Riessland of Grand Island; daughter, Megan (Nic) Fryda of Kearney; son, Greg Riessland of Grand Island; three grandkids, Paige, Hudson and Archer Fryda of Kearney; a sister, Sherry Lammers of Amherst; a brother, Larry (Carole) Riessland of Pleasanton; brother and sisters-in-law, Kay (Gary) Nuttelman of Bertrand and Janet (Roger) Riessland of Amherst
Was preceded in death by his parents; and in-laws, Dale and Genny Fuestman
Kearney Hub, 27 November 2021
RODRIGUEZ, Lillianna Natillie, 16, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 17, 2005, in Kearney
Parents: Freddy and Misty (Nielsen) Rodriguez
Was raised in Gibbon, was currently a junior at Gibbon High School, active in FBLA, FCCLA and choir
Activities: had a love for the arts and enjoyed music, dancing and drawing
Survivors include her parents, Freddy and Misty Rodriguez of Gibbon; brothers, Jorge Rodriguez of Lexington, Osmin Rodriguez and Dante Rodriguez, both of Gibbon; grandmothers, Joyce Nielsen of Upland and Martha Escobar of Mazatenango, Guatemala; as well as many aunts, uncles and extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 22 November 2021
SCHRINER, Florence Mae, 92, of Kearney, formerly of Naponee, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Kearney
Funeral: Monday at Hutchins Funeral Home in Franklin
Burial: Naponee Cemetery
Born: Sept. 19, 1929 at Bloomington, Nebr.
Parents: Lovell P. and Louise C. (Kersting) Taylor
Started first grade at Luke school southwest of Bloomington, later in the school term her parents moved there family to a farm southwest of Naponee in Harlan County; attended the rest of her grade school through the eighth grade at District 42 southeast of Republican City and graduated from Naponee high school in 1947
Married: Merlyn Schriner on June 7th, 1947, at Phillipsburg, Kan.; he passed away in March 2001
After marriage, lived on a farm south of Naponee till her husband's health forced them to sell out and move to Kearney in 1982, to be closer to his doctors; always raised a big garden, did lots of canning and dressed 300 chickens every summer to put food on the table through the winter months besides helping Merlyn in the field as his hired hand; worked 17 years at Becton Dickinson in Holdrege, retired Jan. 1st, 1994, to care for Merlyn as his health worsened; also took care of her flowers and lawn
Activities: loved to read and embroidery making each of her children and grandchildren a set of tea towels and a baby quilt for each of her great-grandchildren; also made photo albums for each of her children and grandchildren from birth and kept them updated with pictures through the years
In Oct. of 2012, had an auction and moved in with her son Bobby; resided with him until her death
Survivors include her sons, Vernon and wife Stephanie of Grand Island, Bobby of Kearney and David and wife Vickie of Agra, Kan.; daughters, Barbara Blankie of Stockbridge, Ga. and Kathleen Whetstine and husband Keith of Republican City; sister-in-law Maxine Taylor of Naponee; brother-in-law Merlyn Brown, Sr., of Monticell, Iowa; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years; three brothers LeRoy in 1995, Eugene in 2001, Vincent in 2005; her sister Joan in 2000; and sisters-in-law, Doris Jean Taylor and Kay Taylor
Memorials: Shriners Children's Hospital
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2021
SHIERS, Karen, 71, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at her home
Funeral: Friday at Faith United Methodist Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 1, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Clifford "Wayne" and Lois Ann (Johansen) Shiers
Grew up near Gibbon and graduated from Gibbon High School in 1968
Worked at Brown Transfer as an executive assistant for more than 40 years, retired in 2016
Activities: loved spending time with her nieces and nephews; was the rock in the family whom everyone felt comfortable talking to; enjoyed shopping, especially for the perfect Christmas gift for family members; was a perfectionist, took pride in taking care of her beautiful home and flowers; was very proud of her home as she designed and built it in 2004; also enjoyed doing embroidery, going to concerts, and collecting Fenton Eggs and miniature clocks
Survivors include her siblings, Dianna Frew, Bill and Lynn Shiers, David and Carol Shiers, Pamela and Steve Rasmussen, all of Gibbon; sister-in-law, Kindra Shiers of Gibbon; nine nieces; eight nephews; 22 great-nieces and -nephews; four great-great-nieces and -nephews; numerous cousins and distant relatives; and lifelong friend Rae Bernt
Memorials: Asera Care Hospice or the donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2021
SHRADER, Raymond Allen, 78, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 29, 1943, in Riverton, Wyoming
Parents: Alfred and Mildred (Wagner) Shrader
Survivors include his longtime friend, Barbara Maxwell of Kearney and her family
Kearney Hub, 30 November 2021
STANDAGE, Patricia, 85, of Ravenna died Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, surrounded by loved ones
Funeral: Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: March 22, 1936
Parents: William and Clara (Ripp) Rochford
Graduated from Kearney High School, attended Kearney State Teachers College
Taught elementary school at School District 88 and Pleasant Hill for two years
Married: 1957, to Roger Standage; had 63 years of marriage
After marriage, lived on the family farm
Activities: was very active in the community, served as a 4-H leader to many, member of the Poole Women's Club, Our Lady of Lourdes Altar Society, CCW catechism teacher and the Quilt Guild in Kearney; was a beautiful seamstress and a wonderful cook; enjoyed her lawn and garden; was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother
In her final years of living with Alzheimer's, Country House became her new home and they loved her so well. We shared many activities, stories and memories there together with her. Survivors include her eight children, Lori (Larry) Buchmann of Lincoln, Bob (Krystal) Standage of Colby, Kansas, Sharon (Diane) Standage of Leona Valley, California, Scott (Melinda) Standage of North Platte, Doug (Barb) Standage of Elmwood, Mark (Heidi) Standage of Ravenna, Kevin Standage of Ravenna, Matt (Shannon) Standage of Lincoln; sister Dee Keaschall of Ravenna; brothers, Bill (Jan) Rochford of Kearney and Dan (Lou) Rochford of North Platte, 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, William and Clara Rochford; and sister, Mary Valentine
Memorials: Roger and Pat Standage Memorial Scholarship fund
Kearney Hub, 22 November 2021
STEARLEY, Dale, 79, of Gibbon died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at Miles Memory Care in Papillion
Graveside service: Thursday at Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon, military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 29, 1942, in Shelton
Parents: Gerald W. and Phyllis F. (Brown) Stearley
Attended Shelton High School, graduated with the class of 1960
Miliatry: United States Navy during the Vietnam War
Married: Carol Hegel on Oct. 5, 2002, in California
Survivors include his wife, Carol of Gibbon; daughter, Carolyn and Doug Schmitt of Winton, Calif.; sisters, Joyce and Vern Bauer and Mary Wrede, all of Grand Island, Sue and Jim Farley of Winton, Calif.; brother, Richard Stearley of Eureka, Calif.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Johnny Stearley; sister, Lynne Smolnik; and brother-in-law, Dale Wrede
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 15 December 2021
SWAFFORD, Sharon E., 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Private family graveside service: Westlawn Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 18, 1945, in Grand Island
Parents: William Luther and LaVerne (Bozarth) Swafford
Grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1963
Moved to Kearney in 1975; worked at West Company and Cabela's
Survivors include her brother, Jim and Lolly Swafford of Rock Springs, Wyo.; sisters, Linda Barger of Scottsdale, Ariz., Barbara Morris of Scottsdale, Ariz., Justine and Rick Adkisson of Las Cruces, N.M.; nieces, Jessica and Donovan Taylor of Santa Rosa, Calif., Audrey Adkisson of Glendale, Ariz., Tammie Mondragon of Rock Springs, Wyo.; nephews, Stephen Adkisson of San Marcos, Texas, Kirke and Heather Adamson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; great-niece, Jennifer and Mark Beardsley of Rock Springs, Wyo.; great-nephews, Adam Keith of Glendale, Ariz., John and Megan Smith of College Station, Texas; great-great-nephews, Ryker Beardsley of Rock Springs, Wyo., Xander Smith and Jacobi Smith of College Station, Texas
Was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law, John Barger, and nephew John Smith
Kearney Hub, 16 December 2021
TAPIA, Brianna Cervantes, 35, of Grand Island died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island
Funeral mass: Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 17, 1986, in Kearney
Survivors include her husband, Christian Tapia of Grand Island; children, Karina Cervantes and Ibia Villanueva, both of Grand Island; mother, Joyce Favela-Adams of Grand Island; four sisters and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 20 November 2021
TOOL, Jerry Lee "JL", 81, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Monday at Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 3, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: Donald and Ethel (Winslow) Tool
Was raised in Elm Creek, received his education from Elm Creek High School, graduated with the class of 1958; attended Kearney State Teachers College and later the University of Arizona
Worked as an assistant herdsman with registered show cattle out of Fort Worth, Texas
Military: US Army in November 1963 till November 1965; received his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Riley, was part of the 1st Infantry Division Military Police; served in Vietnam, member of an advanced infantry team known as "Big Red One;" his final assignment was being a personal bodyguard for 2nd Brig. General Col. Simmons
Returning from the service, earned his degree in animal science from Kansas State University in 1968
Returned to Elm Creek, operated his own trucking business for many years; later worked for Kearney Implement as their truck driver until his retirement
Activities: enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and collecting antique toys; was an avid UNK Loper fan and was a longtime season ticket holder; 50-year member of the Elm Creek United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Elm Creek American Legion Post 316
Survivors include his sister, Ginny Bennert of Elm Creek; brothers, Richard (Pam) Tool of Elm Creek and Daniel Tool of Kearney; nephews, Trace Tool, Tobian (Heather) Tool and Tanner (Kris) Tool, all of Elm Creek; great-nieces and great-nephews, Trista Tool, Aspen, Emerson and London Tool and Cavan and Carden Tool
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Raymond Bennert
Memorials: American Legion Post #316 or to the Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 20 November 2021
TROELSTRUP, Kristen Dawn, 51, of Omaha died peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, following a long-term illness in Omaha
No funeral or memorial services are planned
Born: Aug. 29, 1970, in Kearney
Parents: Harold and Betty Mills
Married: Nevin Troelstrup on Oct. 19,1996
Survivors include her husband, Nevin; children, Pressley, Ty, Samuel and Parker; sisters, Deb Malone, Cyndi Prince and Kim Porter; and brother, Tom Mills
Kearney Hub, 3 December 2021
TSCHEDDER, Joni Marie, 70, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family
Service: Thursday, Dec. 2, at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 17, 1951, in Huron, South Dakota
Parents: John and Alice (Gross) Tschetter
Graduated from Huron High School and received her bachelor's degree in psychology with honors from Huron College
Married: Kurt Siedschlaw on June 27, 1971, in Huron, South Dakota
Held professional positions but decided to be a stay-at-home mother, vested her life in her children, grandchildren and advising, coaching and guiding her husband in academic and professional endeavors and her artwork
Activities: was avery talented artist, created numerous pieces of commissioned artwork; founding member of the Dakota Images Art Festival and the first chairwoman for art shows; was commissioned to create the portrait of Gladys Pyle, the first female senator for the state of South Dakota, as well as commissioned to reproduce the North Dakota and South Dakota state banners for the State Centennial in 1987; was in many juried art competitions and art shows, completed artwork from portraits to still life and moved into miniature painting using sliced agate and other precious stone as her canvas; her favorite subjects were portraits, and images of Christ, the Madonna and Child, angels and Native American scenes; enjoyed baking for her loved ones, sewing and was an avid Husker fan; member of First United Methodist Church; her faith was a central tenant in Joni's life, guiding her every action and fanning her desire to help those in need
Survivors include her husband, Kurt Siedschlaw; Tschetter-Siedschlaw children, Alissa (Edward) of Des Moines, Iowa, Caleb (Tisha) of Dodge City, Kansas, Seth (Justine) of Kearney, Maia (Matthew) of Kearney; grandchildren, Breanna, Noah Kurt, Madilyn, Tyler, Samuel, Cadyn, Tegan, Camden, Brigham, Hudson, Henry, Ella, Laila, Maika; stepgrandchildren, Noah Oliver, Georgi; brother, Kenneth (Jan) Tschetter of Huron, South Dakota; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dennis Tschetter
Kearney Hub, 29 November 2021
ULRICH, Braxton Davis, 4 days old, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, of Trisomy 18, in his parents' arms
Family service: private
Burial: Ord City Cemetery
Mortuary: Ord Memorial Chapel
Born: Nov. 30, 2021
Parents: Sarah Evans and Jesse Ulrich
Was loved deeply by family and friends
Survivors include his parents, Sarah Evans and Jesse Ulrich; maternal grandparents; Amy "Gigi" and John "Papa" Evans; paternal grandparents, Jennifer "Gemma" Ulrich, Wes Ulrich and Jeanette Kadow; maternal great-grandparents, Tish and Dennis Higginbotham, Bill and Miche Rowell, and Tom and Brenda Evans; paternal great-grandparents, Peggy and Leonard Krason; great-aunts and great-uncles, Lynn and Chad Bundy, Scott and Jenny Ulrich, Kevin and Jackie Krason, Tara and Dave Glendy, Mike and Amber Evans, and Amy Pelowski; uncles, Nathan Evans, Brody Evans, Logan Miller, Jackson Ulrich, Jaden Trompke, and Tim Ulrich; aunts, Tristen Evans, Nicole Miller and Heather Liesveld; cousins, Ella Evans, Makayla Liesveld, Ava Liesveld, Camden Liesveld, Leo Miller, Mason Miller and Vera Miller
Was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Ernest and Carolee Ulrich
Kearney Hub, 7 December 2021
WILLENBERG, Bradley Roger, 53, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow
Burial: Broken Bow Cemetery
Born: July 7, 1968, at Valentine
Parents: Paul and Donna (Vance) Willenberg
Married: Brenda Stouffer on Oct. 18, 2018
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Stouffer-Willenberg of Kearney; a daughter, Siarah Willenberg of Kearney and a son, Seth Willenberg of Kearney; his parents, Paul and Donna Willenberg of Oshkosh; a brother, Jeff Willenberg of McCook; and two sisters, Debra Rosenblum of Grant and Christine Mathews of Lincoln
Kearney Hub, 20 December 2021
WOODSIDE, Mick Lorens, 67, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral mass: Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Ann's Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 24, 1954, in Lexington
Parents: Harold and Rosa (Schwarz) Woodside
Graduated from Lexington High School, 1972; attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha, played football; later earned his degree from Kearney State College
Married: May 27, 1977, Rita Brewer in Lexington
Moved to Kearney, worked for YRTC as a youth supervisor for more than 35 years
Activities: loved working with his hands, was known for his craftsmanship; was an excellent carpenter, took pride in his many projects; will be remembered for his generous and loving personality
Survivors include his wife, Rita Woodside of Kearney; son, Luke (Lisa) Woodside of Wheaton, Illinois; daughter, Teslynn Set of Omaha; grandchildren, Keira and Declan Woodside; brothers, Bernard (Judy) Woodside of Holdrege and Wayne (Pat) Woodside of Odessa; brothers-in-law, Gary (Luming) Brewer of Lincoln and John Brewer of Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Dorothy, Leonard, Terry, Dick, Delbert, Lena, Viola, Paul and Leroy
Memorials: Addison Samuelson-Carbaugh Memorial Scholarship
Kearney Hub, 24 November 2021
YOCKEY, Carolee, 85, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society – St. Luke's in Kearney
Memorial service: Tuesday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Inurnment: Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 30, 1936, in Lincoln
Parens: Bill and Ilene (Marquis) Carter
Grew up in Gibbon and received her education from Gibbon Public School, graduated with the class of 1954
Married: Dean Yockey on Jan. 2, 1955, in Gibbon
Lived in various states while Dean was in the Air Force; provided childcare at Air Force Bases all over the country; returned to Gibbon, worked as a secretary at Faith United Church and later worked at Parkview Grocery with her sister
Activities: enjoyed playing bingo and most of all spending time with her grandchildren; member of Faith United Church in Gibbon and the P.E.O.
Survivors include her sons, Dan (Brenda) Yockey, and Bill (Renae) Yockey, all of Gibbon; sisters, Kay (Fred) Reed of North Bend, Pam (Don) Canady of Hastings; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; two great-grandchildren; and her parents
Memorials: St. Luke's Good Samaritan or to Faith United Church in Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 11 December 2021
ZWIENER, Weldon "Willie" Dee, 71, of Pleasanton died Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, on his farm outside of Pleasanton, surrounded by his family
Funeral mass: Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton
Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton with military honors Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 23, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Bernard and Corlene (Bernert) Zwiener
Attended school in Pleasanton and helped his parents on the family farm; enjoyed riding his motorcycle and racing his brothers home, among other activities; graduated in 1968
Military: United States Army, stationed in Germany
Married: Deborah Troutt, April 20, 1974, in Pleasanton
Eventually bought land and built their home near his parents' farm southwest of Pleasanton; raised nine children and shared their life; continued to farm and took other jobs to support his family; was always a very hard worker and took pride in his work
Activities: enjoyed time with friends, living in the country, and the everyday joys of being on the farm; especially enjoyed a full house of kids and later grandkids, playing games, watching movies, telling stories, camping, fishing and just hanging out; cherished his time with family and never hesitated to show off his athleticism, demonstrating how to do push-ups and handstands to even the youngest of the grandkids; loved to laugh and was always there when someone needed him; was kindhearted, soft-spoken, and loving
Survivors include his wife Deborah Zwiener and their nine children, Heather (Ryan) Mulligan of Omaha, William (Debra) Zwiener of Omaha, Christopher (Jill) Zwiener of Fremont, Melissa (Christian) Summers of Lincoln, Jeremiah (Tabitha) Zwiener of Kearney, Gabriel (Kim) Zwiener of Pleasanton, Elijah (Brittany) Zwiener of Pleasanton, Laurel Zwiener of Lincoln, and Mariah Zwiener of Lincoln; his grandchildren, Brea, Joel, Trevor, Ella, Bryson, Karsten, Aivla, Katelyn, Zachary, Sydney, Aubrey, Isiah and Noah; his older brother Ed (MaryAnn) Zwiener and twin brother, Wayne (Shirley) Zwiener, both of Pleasanton, and his younger sister, Sharon (Al) Cover of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Corlene Zwiener; nephew, Shawn Zwiener; father-in-law Samuel Troutt; sister-in-law, Denise DeLong
Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church or Pleasanton American Legion Post 321
Kearney Hub, 9 December 2021