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AREHART, Anthony "Tony" J., 34, of Ravenna died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Celebration of life: later in the spring
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 10, 1987, in Kearney
Parents: James and Lynn (Hermann) Arehart
Attended Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 2006
Worked in materials and receiving at Parker Hannifin in Kearney
Activities: loved to spend time with his three children; being a father was one of his greatest joys in life; loved building golf carts with his dad and teaching his children the trade as well; was an avid hunter, enjoyed building guns in his spare time; was always doing little favors for his friends and family; truly loved making others happy
Survivors include his parents, James and Lynn Arehart of Ravenna; sister, Ashlee Arehart of Kearney; children, Kolby, Kaylee and Kaden Arehart of Wahoo; grandma, Lorraine Hermann and grandpa, Dwayne Hill of Miller and Grandpa, Dwayne "Lee" Arehart of Kearney; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by his grandmother Jean Arehart
Kearney Hub, 7 January 2022
BAUMGARTNER, Debra A., 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 1, 1954, in Kearney
Parents: Albert and Pearl (Wollen) Baumgartner
Attended Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 1972; graduated from UNK, Kearney State College in 1976
Worked for Kearney Public Schools for 27 years as an office associate, was working there at the time of her death; had previously worked in Lexington at the Co-op and the Lexington Clipper-Herald
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney; was also active for many years in Chi Omega sorority and a member of BPOE Does; deeply loved her friends and family and will be fondly remembered for her kind and caring personalit
Survivors include her sister, Susan Sutherland and her husband Terry of Green Valley, Ariz.; nephews, Michael and Susanne Sutherland, Adam and Daniel Sutherland, all of Tucson, Ariz., and Trent Sutherland of Lexington, N.C.
Was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Jim Baumgartner
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 23 December 2021
BETHELL, Betty Lou, 87, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Graveside service: Monday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Pomona, Kan.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 25, 1934
Parents: Ralph H. and Callie K. (Grimes) Bethell of Pomona, Kan.
Attended Pomona High School; earned her master's in physical education/dance at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.
Taught physical education for one year at Manhattan, Kan.; moved to Kearney, taught at Kearney State College/UNK for four decades
Activities: was a patron of the arts, a Yankees fan, and a diehard Jayhawker; loved a good English mystery
Survivors include her partner Frank Robinson of Kearney, nieces, Shawna M Bethell of Fulton, Mo., Sandra K (Bethell) Abel of Carbondale, Kan., Glenna R. (Bethell) Guerrero of Topeka, Kan., and nephew, Jim Phillips of Lawrence, Kan.; along with many great- and great-great nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Richard W. Bethell and Robert H. Bethell, both of Pomona, and a nephew Michael W. Bethell of Fulton, Mo.
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter or the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary
Kearney Hub, 22 January 2022
BICKFORD, Ray E., 75, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Wednesday at Guide Rock Cemetery in Guide Rock
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: May 6, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Wilbur and Dolores (Ingram) Bickford
Grew up in Kearney and attended Kearney High School
Married Barb Pritts on March 12, 1976, in Norton, Kan.
Built grain bins and later did masonry work; retired from UNK after many years of employment
Activities: enjoyed going to casinos, talking about old cars but most of all, cherished his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Barb Bickford of Kearney; daughter, Mandy (Barry) Stearns of Ewing; son, Ben (Dawn) Bickford of Kearney; grandchildren, Barrett and Colten Stearns and Landon and Hailey Bickford; sister, Tovey Srack of Kearney; as well as many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; five sisters; and his step-father
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2021
BROCKMAN, Christopher Wayne, 56, of Kearney, formerly of Grove Center, Ky., died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center from long-term health complications
Funeral: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: April 3, 1965, in Kearney
Parents: John and Mary Jayne Brockman
Graduated from Kearney High in 1983; attended the Culinary Institute of DC
Was employed by the Job Corps for more than 10 years in Dennison Iowa, Treasure Island, Calif., and Morganfield, Ky., as a culinary instructor and center director; was transferred to the Union County School District as the food service director, and later by the Muhlenberg County Board of Education holding the same position
Activities: enjoyed automotive racing and hunting; loved spending time with his grandkids
Survivors include his father and mother, John and Mary Jayne Brockman of Kearney; two brothers, Steve and Sue Brockman of Thomasville, Ga., and Kurt Brockman of Kearney; one son, David and wife, Sarah Brockman of Sturgis, Ky.; one daughter, Amanda and husband, Cody Shelton of Sullivan, Ky.; six grandchildren; and two nieces
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vern and Orpha Brockman; as well as Dorothy and Ray Alloway
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2021
BROTT, Linda L., 73, of Nebraska City died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at her home
Memorial service: Friday at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Sept. 12, 1948, in Stapleton
Parents: Ollie Lynn and Lauretta Mae (McClain) Valentine
Attended school and graduated from the Kearney High School with the class of 1966
Worked for some 32 years for the Ambassador Group in Nebraska City in the office
Activities: member of the Eagles Auxiliary and enjoyed reading, needlework, sewing, baking and the company of her cats, family and friends
Survivors include her daughters, Carrie Crum (Scott) of Nebraska City, Shelia Sanford (Kevin) of Minden and Shaun Brott (Kiley) of North Platte; five grandchildren, Daniel Sanford (Emma), Jared Sanford (Madison), Levi Brott (Shelby), Aston Crum and Emily Brott; her mother, Lauretta Valentine of Kearney; sisters, Joy Slaughter (David) and Jerri Valentine, all of Kearney, and Jackie Hays (David) of The Villages, Fla.; special friend Irvin "Brub" Dixon of Nebraska City; along with other family and friends
Was preceded in death by her father in October 2018
Memorials: PAWS-itive Partners Humane Society in North Platte
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2021
CAMPBELL, James David "Jim", 62, of Holdrege, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Holdrege Memorial Homes
Memorial service: Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer
Born: April 1, 1959, in Kearney
Parents: David and Sandra (Peterson) Campbell
Was the oldest of four children, received his primary education from Pleasanton Public Schools, later graduated from Pleasanton High School with the class of 1977; received an associate's degree in diesel mechanics from Southeast Community College in Milford
Had a life-ling career in agriculture; worked in various areas including pivot maintenance and at the feedlot; most important was his farm and his Aubrac cattle, was very proud of this breed
Married: Sherri Waggoner; had four children together: April, Jamie, Ashley and Dylan; later divorced
Married: Feb. 20, 1995, to Teola Brown-Linder in Las Vegas
Lived in Holdrege for several years, then moved to the family farm near Kearney; together worked hard on the farm
Was diagnosed with cancer, through it all, his faith grew stronger; enjoyed attending the cancer support group at the First Presbyterian Church
Activities: enjoyed riding motorcycles with the Christian Motorcycle Association, Bikers for Christ, Hell Fighters and Loup Valley Road Riders; hosted and helped with several fundraisers and benefits to help spread their love of Christ; member of the Havens Chapel United Methodist Church near Kearney, where he had been baptized and confirmed as a youth
Survivors include his wife, Teola Campbell of Kearney; his four children, April Medina of Holdrege, Jamie Hazlett and her husband Donn of Kearney, Ashley Popple and her husband Casey of Holdrege, and Dylan Campbell and his wife Kelley of Grand Island; nine grandchildren, Gavin and Jirsie Klein, Bradie and Baron Medina, Miles and Evelyn Hazlett, Grayson, Layla, and Oakley Popple; his mother, Sandra Campbell of Hays, Kan.; brother, Dean Campbell of Blair; two sisters, Terri Cobb and her husband Dell of Hays, and Rena Fisher and her husband Dana of Pleasanton; father-in-law, Charles Brown and his wife Stephanie of Omaha; brother-in-law, Scott Brown and his wife Sheryl of Lexington; sister-in-law, Carrie McHarness and her husband John of Kearney; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, David Campbell; and mother-in-law, Elsie Brown
Kearney Hub, 17 January 2022
DAVIS, LaVaughn F., 92, of Ravenna died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Service: Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 10, 1929, in Amherst
Parents: William and Gertrude (Altmaier) Vermeulen
In her earlier years, enjoyed barrel racing and participating in rodeos
Married: Howard Davis on June 22, 1948, at St. Mary's Church in Ravenna
Lived in Ravenna, was employed as a bookkeeper
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and Altar Society; loved music and shared her talents by singing and playing the organ at church; volunteered for numerous groups and projects in Ravenna; was a tireless booster for the Ravenna community, supported the Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department, EMS and Ravenna Lions Club; was a Lioness and a member of the Cheerful Country Club; loved spending time with her family and friends; enjoyed watching her grandchildren's activities and watching them launch their careers; particularly enjoyed her time spent with her great-grandchildren and watching them learn and explore new adventures; loved nature and made certain that the squirrels, cardinals and all of the other birds received excellent care
Survivors include her daughter, Judy (Joe) Carranza of Kearney; son, James Davis of Kearney; four grandsons and three great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents and husband Howard
Kearney Hub, 21 December 2021
DOWNING, Kay J., 79, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Mass of Christian burial: Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 17, 1942, in Omaha
Parents: Robert and Ruth (Oliverius) Wilson
Grew up in Kearney; graduated with the class of 1960 at Kearney High School; received her bachelor's degree from Kearney State College
Was an elementary school teacher in both Fort Collins, Colo., and Kearney; made a successful career as a realtor at Coldwell Banker and later continued as an appraiser for Quality Appraisers
Activities: enjoyed gardening, playing golf and bridge, and was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Lorin Downing; sons, Rob (Aimee) Downing of Mooresville, N.C., and Brian Downing of Kearney; brother, Bob (Patty) Wilson of Kearney; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Nancy Larson and Diane Duren.
Memorials: Prince of Peace Catholic Church or Shriner's Hospital for Children
Kearney Hub, 23 December 2021
EDWARDS, Carma Victoria, 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family
Memorial service: Saturday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: in Dallas, S.D. on Feb. 23, 1931
Parents: Morris and Hazel (Wolf) Womeldorf
Grew up in that farming community, graduated from Dallas High School with the class of 1948
Married: identical twin Allen Edwards on 1948; had two girls, Linda and Marcia; Allen was killed in a farm accident
Married: Alvin Edwards in 1953, added two more daughters Janice and Genelle and son Tom to the family
Was first a partner and helpmate to her husband; helped support the family while Alvin was in veterinary school and did the accounting for his busy animal practice in Ainsworth; retired in 1974, moved to Manhattan, Kan., Alvin joined the faculty at KSU
Activities: was a devoted mother, was involved in their many activities; was also a talented painter, skilled quilter and knitter, an avid bridge player and active member of the Eastern Star and Methodist Church; traveled the world for business and pleasure; became an avid bird watcher; studied wildlife in the Galapagos Islands and watched the Great Wildebeest Migration on the Serengeti in Kenya
Survivors include her husband Al Edwards of Kearney; children Linda Edwards of Wymore, Marci Bartlett and her husband John of Gothenburg, Janice Powell and her husband Dave of Overland Park, Kan., Tom Edwards and his wife Deb of Manhattan, Kan., and Genelle Edwards of Olathe, Kan.; grandchildren, Chan Crooker and his wife Shenna of Marshfield, Mo., Jay Holmbeck and SO Shelby McGuire of Beatrice, Teresa Rupert and her husband Eric of Burwell, Brady Little and his wife Erica of St. Kitts, West Indies; Caley Curran and her husband Chris of Overland Park, Kan., Caitlin Thomas and her husband Kevin of Blue Springs, Mo., Sam Powell and Hannah Powell of Overland Park, Kan., Kyle Edwards and his wife, Ashley of Ft. Worth, Tx., and Derek Edwards of Hayes, Kan.; as well as ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association, Kearney First United Methodist Church or to AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 13 January 2022
ENQUIST, Winifred "Winnie", 97, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral: Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Williamsburg United Methodist Church of rural Elm Creek
Burial: Moses Hill Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 22, 1924, in Manhattan, Kan.
Parents: Cass and Margaret (Toothman) Bell
Moved to Nebraska at the age of 11; graduated from Scottsbluff High School with the class of 1941
Moved to Seattle, Wash., worked for Boeing Aircraft during World War II; moved to Elm Creek in 1946
Married: Raymond Enquist on Oct. 23, 1948, in Elm Creek
Lived on their farm south of Elm Creek
Activities: enjoyed reading, quilting and belonged to Quilts of Valor, American Legion, 50-year member of Williamsburg UMC, past 4-H leader and a longtime volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital; enjoyed being part of the Williamsburg Coffee Club girls since the 1950s
Survivors include her many nieces and nephews, Terry and Mary Gugle, Matt, Nichole, Cate, Callan Gugle, Lydia Bell, Linda Allgood, Keith and Vanessa Allgood, Kami, Justin, Jack, Luke, Shae Johannes, Johanna and John McCarthy, Casey, Cathy, Scotty, Corey, Alex Beije, Angie, Kevin, Khrystyne, Zach, Jordan, Austin Simpson, Sara Willmueller and family, Heather Wallace and significant other, Wes Peterson, Brandy Peterson and significant other, Preston Barnes, Ethan Watson, Morgan Jones and significant other, Taislee and Raylee, Amanda Jones and Significant other, Kinslee, Bryce Gosselin, and her beloved exchange girls, Elizabeth Klemmer-Wolff, Mette Ring, Dorit and Else
Was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Enquist; parents; sisters, June Beije and husband and Imogene Carlson and husband; brothers, Keith Bell and wife and Jackie Bell; and her niece, Vicki Peterson
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2021
ERICSON, Harriette Lee (Bloom), 92, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at her residence at Brookstone Gardens assisted living facility in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery where her ashes will be laid to rest next to her husband, Knowlen Ericson
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 11, 1930, in Minden
Parents: Archie and Medora Bloom (Mohney)
Was baptized in August 1930 in Bethany Lutheran Church; was raised on the Bloom family farm east of Axtell; graduated from Axtell High School in May 1947; subsequently attended Kearney State Teachers College for two years and taught for two years in the Holdrege Public School system
Married: Knowlen Ericson of Axtell on June 16, 1951
Lived in Fort Riley, Kan., and Fort Hood, Texas, during Knowlen's two years of Army service; then moved to the family farm and lived there for 38 years, moved into Axtell in the summer of 1991; after husband's death on Sept. 2, 2005, at the age of 77, continued to live in Axtell; moved to Kearney in July 2016, lived with her son, Brad Ericson, and her daughter-in-law, Anna Cool, for three years; later lived at Brookstone Gardens assisted living facility in Kearney for the remainder of her life
Activities: enjoyed playing cards, watching "The Big Bang Theory," involvement with her church and being with her family
Survivors include her son, Brad Ericson and life partner, Tracy Whitaker of Kearney; a granddaughter, Ashley Ericson of Houston, Texas; a grandson, Gavan Ericson; daughter-in-law, Summer Ericson of Axtell; stepgrandchildren, Brent Bishop of Kearney and Teresa Morgan of Kearney; and great-granddaughter, Madison Traylor of Houston, Texas
Was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Ericson of Axtell
Kearney Hub, 27 December 2021
FOLLETTE, Shirley K., 74, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 24, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Raymond and Lola (Sheen) Andersen
Was a longtime employee of the Gibbon Turkey Plant and the Salvation Army; also kept herself busy raising six children
Married: Sept. 8, 1979, to Phalen "Dean" Follette
Activities: enjoyed crafts, playing bingo and Scrabble, and cooking
Survivors include her husband, Dean Follette of Kearney; children, Trina (Ricky) Crumm of Overton, John (Sue) Lawless of Odessa, Jolene (Bill Arthur) Kuhn of Rushville, Tim Lawless of Kearney and Wendy Lawless of Kearney; step-sons, Lonnie (Dulcie) Moore of Texas, Jim Follette of Norfolk; stepdaughter, Lisa Kobza of Norfolk; brothers, Don Andersen of Texas, Bob (Violet) Andersen of Gibbon and Larry (Sue) Andersen of Gibbon; sister-in-law, Jeanette Andersen of Kearney; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Misty Frost; sister, Betty Judd; and brother, Jim Andersen
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2021
FREEZE, Eleanore A., 101, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society St. John's in Kearney
Memorials service: April 27, 2022, at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 22, 1920, in Omaha
Parents: Allen and Laura (Fox) Howe
Moved with familyto Kearney in 1927, then to Riverdale in 1934
Married: Harold Freeze on Feb. 14, 1938, in Phillipsburg, Kan.
After marriage, lived at Amherst in 1938, and returned to Kearney in 1948; worked on the farm with her husband raising chickens, geese, and ducks; also worked at Earl May Nursery and Garden Center in Kearney for many years
Activities: took pride in her garden and helping with her friend's gardens; enjoyed canning and freezing the produce to use throughout the year; also loved quilting, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Dee and Marilyn Freeze of Keller, Tx.; daughter, Patsy and Lloyd Taber of New River, Ariz.; sisters, Lucille Stevenson of Atwater, Calif., Lois Jerome of Des Moines, Iowa; seven grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Sharon Freeze; five sisters; and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2022
FULTON, Thomas Albert, 84, of Grand Island died on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 with his loving family by his side
Celebration of life: Thursday, Jan. 6, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial of ashes with military honors: Aurora Cemetery
Born: Nov. 22, 1937, in Red Cloud
Parents: William and Dorette (Crow) Fulton
Graduated from Guide Rock High School class of 1956, his high school baseball team won state his senior year
Military: U.S. Air Force from 1957-1963
Married: Oct. 6, 1963 to Sharon Griess in Aurora
Purchased the family farm near Boelus in 1967; moved to Gibbon, 1975, continued his employment with Gibbon Packing, retired from Gibbon Packing after 36 years of service
Activities: served on the Gibbon Volunteer and Rescue for 19 years with many of those as Captain; enjoyments included Husker football, baseball, attending all his grandchildren's activities, old country music, camping, working on the family farm and spending time with his family and friends
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Sharon; daughters, Charlene (Todd) Dewitt of Boelus, Renee (Chika) Arungwa of Omaha, Teresa (Mike) Dunning of Grand Island and Amy Fulton (Perry Fritz) of Grand Island; grandchildren, Bryceson Dewitt, Dylan Dewitt, Gerard Dunning and Ava Dunning and special family, Rod (Mary) Griess and their children, Ryan and Andy; sisters, Margy Trambly and Beverly McDowell and sisters-in-law, Pat Fulton of Hastings and Marlys Fulton of Cairo
Was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Buren Fulton and Byron Fulton
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2021
GARRELTS, Richard Paul "Dick" died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at CHI Health St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln after a long fight with cancer
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Jan. 22, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Scattering of ashes: later
Born: Aug. 15, 1952
Parents: Edwin Paul Garrelts; grandparents: Orville Walter and Laura Strong
Grew up in the Kearney area
Military: enlisted in U.S. Army in 1972; was stationed in Giessen, Germany
Married Mary "Mimi" in 1975
Lived in Lytle, Texas, worked as a finish carpenter; in the mid 1980s, returned to Nebraska to run the family farm; was also a rural carrier for the United States Postal Service for almost 25 years and was especially known for acts of kindness both large and small and the care he showed his elderly customers; was a beloved husband and father
Survivors include his wife, Mary "Mimi" Garrelts; son, Richard Paul "Rick" Garrelts, Jr. and his wife, Alyssa, and children, Richard III, Rena, and Ruthanne of Westfield, Ind.; and daughter, Jodi Lea Garrelts of Lincoln; along with many close friends
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2022
GERIH, Lori L., 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Tuesday, Jan. 18, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 12, 1954, in Alliance
Parents: Robert and Patricia (Armstrong) Driml
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1973, attended Queen Anne Cosmetology School in Kearney, became an instructor there
Was employed by Baldwin Filters, Coleman Powermate and was a partner in Plaza Boulevard Catering; for the past 10 years, was employed by Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska, which included duties at the Petersen Senior Activity Center
Activities: enjoyed her fur babies, crafting, baking, designing and sewing all of the costumes for Kearney Community Theatre for many years
Survivors include her sister Kathy Secrist (John) of Holyoke, Colo.; brothers, Greg (Lori) Driml (Matthew and Ryan) and Brad Driml, all of Kearney; and significant other Jeff Knapp of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Peterson Senior Center or to Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2022
GRAHAM, Gary Robert, 78, of Grand Island died Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Mass of Christian burial: Monday at Resurrection Catholic Church
Inurnment: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Curran in Grand Island
Born: Jan. 22, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Robert and Elvena (Seifert) Graham
Grew up in Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1961; earned his bachelor of science degree in education and industrial arts in 1966 from Kearney State College
Married: Margaret Vacek on Sept. 28, 1963, at Ravenna
Lived in Grand Island, spent 20 years in the home construction industry followed by many years at G.I.A. and Chief Industries
Activities: served on the school board at Westridge Middle School, was a Red Cross and Nebraska State Fair volunteer; enjoyed many years of coaching youth sports as well as a lifetime of hunting and fishing; was a faithful Husker fan; loved spending time with his grandchildren and family; member of Resurrection Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Home Builders Association of Grand Island
Survivors include his wife, Margaret "Meg" Graham of Grand Island; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Ron Gustafson of Omaha; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael "Mike" and Tricia Graham of Omaha and Jason and Dorian Graham of Wichita, Kan.; sister, Barbara and Howard Braydon of Kearney; brothers, Kenny and Sue Graham of Ravenna and Denny and Peg Graham of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, Isaac and Shelbi Gustafson, Josiah and Hadyn Gustafson, Hannah Gustafson, Anderson, Joseph, Sarah, Charlie and Simon Graham; and two great-grandchildren, Leni and Rori Gustafson
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Resurrection Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 23 December 2021
HALLET, Emily Ann, 28, of Kearney died peacefully at home, with her mom and dad by her side, in Kearney on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Portland, Ore., on April 5, 1993
Was adopted by David F. Hallet and Sandra K. Hallet, soon after birht from her birth family
Knew and loved both her birth family as well as her adoptive family; graduated from Mountain View High School at Loveland, Colo., continued to live at home and pursue her love for learning in her own special way
Survivors include many loving brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins as well as the countless people she touched with her smiling, loving, gentle kindness
Memorials: Best Friends Animal Rescue. (bestfriends.org) or St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlin, South Dakota
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2022
HANICH, Michael John, MD, 74 of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family
Funeral mass: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Michael Hanich, MD, 74, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. Born: Nov. 6, 1947, in Holdrege
Parents: Norman and Anna Marie (Dalton) Hanich
Was raised in Holdrege, graduated from Holdrege High School, 1966; later earned degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Military: served two years in the U.S. Army as a physician
Married: May 3, 1975, Karen Chalfant in Guthrie Center, Iowa
Served as a family physician at Kearney Clinic for 34 years, retired in 2013; also served as the medical director at Mount Carmel Home until 2019
Activities: was passionate about golf, Husker sports, traveling and anything to do with his family; member of St. James Catholic Church and the Physicians Emeritus Group
Survivors include his wife, Karen Hanich; daughter, Kristen Hanich; son, Paul Hanich, all of Kearney; grandson, Zackary Hanich-Pasco of Lincoln; sister, Shellee (Mark) Kersenbrock of Omaha; sister-in-law, Robyn Hanich of Olathe, Kansas; brother-in-law, Gary (Sue) Harlan of Wickenburg, Arizona; sister-in-law, Pat Chalfant of Omaha; sister-in-law, Judy (Mike) Bodwell of Ankeny, Iowa; brother-in-law, Barry (Kathy) Chalfant of Casey, Iowa; brother-in-law, Rick (Ann) Chalfant of Bondurant, Iowa; and many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Hanich; brother, Steven Hanich; and his sister, Terri Harlan. Kearney Hub, 4 January 2022
HASTY, Vernon L., 81, died Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2021, due to complications from COIVD-19, at the VA Hospital in Omaha
Memorial service: Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege
Inurnment: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege with military honors
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: April 9, 1940, in his beloved town of Red Cloud
Parents: Gilbert Wayne Hasty and Wilma (Killough) Hasty
Was a fierce competitor from the very beginning, learned to box as a kid with his brothers in their tiny apartment above the beer joint in Elm Creek; also loved bowling; received his primary education from Elm Creek Public Schools; graduated from Kearney High School in 1958
Following graduation, Vern enlisted in the United States Army on Military: U.S. Army, June 30, 1958 - Jan. 9, 1961, served in Germany, enjoyed boxing with the United States Army
Married: 1962, to Pat Carey in Minden; had four sons together: Vernon, Michael "Duke," David and Patrick
Began setting bowlings pins from the age of 12 when he began setting bowling pins by hand; was the manager of Hilltop Lanes in Kearney; moved his family to Holdrege, 1974; leased Recreation Lanes and later purchased what was to become his ever proud, Hasty Lanes; had a fantastically creative mind; developed and operated several Holdrege businesses including Hasty Lanes, The Bald Spot, Breaktime Lounge, Wiener World and Taste of Country
Married: Jan. 17, 1981, Marcia (Beaird) Hanson; traveled extensively together; embarked on continuous trip across the United States, 1987, in honor of the fallen veterans, rode his bike with the flag flying high and presented a flag to a veteran in each state, as he rode to Washington, D.C., with Marcia following in their van
Activities: was a true American patriot and always had a deep respect for the military and American flag; was a devoted Nebraska football fan to the end; greatly enjoyed exercising, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities over the years; longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church; a proud and faithful member of the Martin-Horn American Legion Post 66; a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 3132 of Holdrege; and the Benevolent and Protectant Order Elks 2062
Survivors include his sons, Vernon Hasty of Clearwater, Fla., Michael A. "Duke" Hasty and his wife Patti of Omaha, David Hasty, and Patrick Hasty, both of Oklahoma City, Okla.; three brothers, Duane Hasty of Kearney, Larry Hasty and his wife Patty of Broomfield, Colo., and Mark Hasty and his wife Lori of Watkins, Colo.; five stepdaughters, Cindy Hoxmeier and her husband John of Fort Collins, Colo., Kristie Hedges of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Mindy Sherwood of Phillipsburg, Kan., Kelly Perry and her husband Matt of Lawrence, Kan., and Angi McGinnes of Overland Park, Kan.; four sisters-in-law, Shirley Urbom and her husband Ron of Holdrege, Kathy Larson of Axtell, Brenda Splitler and her husband Monty of Kearney, and Julie Jordan and her husband Dan of Holdrege; one brother-in-law, Glen Frecks of Holdrege; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of special friends, including Sunday Billiard buddies of 20 years, Larry Schukar, Rook Thorell, Jim Urbom and Ron Urbom
Was precded in death by his parents, his wife, Marcia, on May 19, 2021; his sister, Paula Hasty; two sisters-in-law, Delores Hasty and Karol Frecks; and brother-in-law, Royce Larson
Memorials: a military memorial has been established in Vern's honor
Kearney Hub, 30 December 2021
HELLMANN, Rosalee (Sheen), 73, of Omaha died Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 in Omaha
Memorial service: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Private family interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 25, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: Clarence and LaVonne (Henning) Sheen
Married: Joel Hellman in 1967
Survivors include her children, Jeff Hellman, Jason Hellman, Jered Hellman and Jennifer Knust, all of Omaha; siblings, Steve Sheen of Kearney and Ed Sheen of Minden; and nine grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2021
HOFFMAN, Richard Eugene, 77, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Ceebration of life: Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Lions Community Center in Elm Creek
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 21, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Richard and Dorothy (Laue) Hoffman
Was raised in the area and attended Elm Creek High School
Military: served in the US Marine Corp from 1961 until 1965
After discharge, married Anna Castellanos
Owned and operated numerous car washes while in California
Married: Patricia Bjornson in Bullhead City, Ariz.
The family moved to Elm Creek in 1995 and Richard followed in 2006
Activities: in earlier years, enjoyed bowling, hunting and playing softball; more recently enjoyed motorcycles, fishing and his tractor
Survivors include his wife, Tricia Hoffman of Elm Creek; sons, Ricardo "Shorty" Hoffman and wife Suzanne of Elm Creek, Casey Hoffman of Kearney and Erik Hoffman of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Elani, Trenton, Anna and Ayston Hoffman; siblings, Doug (Elaine) Hoffman of Kansas City, Mo., Dave (Carol) Hoffman of Amherst, LaVonne (Lyle) Hebb of Odessa, Patty Welty-Hoffman (Carroll Sole) of Nelson, Melanie (Joel) Kanode of Shelton, Rick (Dotty) Hoffman of Elm Creek, Connie Slack of Kearney, Tammy (Matt) Bartling of Kearney and James Hoffman of Kearney; sister-in-law, Carolyn Hoffman of Maxwell; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dennis Hoffman
Kearney Hub, 15 and 29 January 2022
HOWE, Russell Henry, 98, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at his home in Omaha
Funeral: Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: April 3, 1923, in Weld County, Colo.
Parents: Arlow and Stella Duncan Howe
His parents had homesteaded near New Raymer, Colo., in 1919 not far from the "Pawnee Buttes;" after his father's death in 1933, his mother and her four sons returned to Buffalo County and made their home with grandparents Joseph and Jennie Duncan; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1941
Married: C. Corinne Baker on June 11, 1950, at the Methodist church in Ericson
Farmed in Buffalo County until the late 1970s, leased the farm ground and devoted his time to a lifelong dream of restoring Model A Ford cars; this hobby grew into a business, he remained active in this endeavor until his 85th birthday in 2008; took great joy in participating in bringing the Classic Car Museum to Kearney
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church in Kearney, served in numerous capacities; charter member of the Fort Kearney Antique Auto Club and later the Central Nebraska Car Club; enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles
Survivors include his wife of nearly 72 years, Corinne; son, Dr. Jerry Howe and his wife Terri; daughters, Susan Anderson and her husband Loren and Arlene Howe and Brad LaVallee; grandchildren, Dr. Jarett Howe and his wife Vicki, Maggi Howe and Erik Marasco, and Kyle Anderson; great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Maison, Stella and Greta; sister-in-law, Nevabelle Howe
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James/Jean, Andrew and Clarence; and an infant sister
Memorials: First Methodist Church in Kearney or the donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2021
JOHNSON, Jerry Jon, 78, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Thursday, Jan. 13, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 17, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Arlie and Opal (Metz) Johnson
Grew up happily on the family farm south of Pleasanton; moved with his parents to Kearney in 1965
Survivors include a brother Charles Johnson and wife Carol Lee of Pleasanton; a sister Gweneth Adkins and husband Doug of Columbia, Tenn.; several nieces, nephews, relatives and especially his wonderful friends and caregivers at Mid Nebraska and St. Luke's Home in Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 11 January 2022
KING, Linda Gaylene, 78, of Minden died Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at Bethany Home in Minden
Celebration of life: Friday at Craig Funeral Home in Minden
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: June 15, 1943, in Omaha
Birth mother: Mathilte "Tillie" Harms Robinson
Adopted by parents: William B. and Gail (Thomas) King, on Feb. 5, 1944
Was raised in Elm Creek and later moved to Kearney, attended Kearney Public Schools
Was employed in housekeeping for Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed church, Bible studies, reading her Bible, devotions and other books; also loved going to movies, watching movies and game shows, shopping, and bingo; dearest to her was spent with her friends; also loved ice cream
Survivors include her two nieces, Melinda Ratzlaff and Carol Coffer; special friends, Galyn and Terri Lind, Dani Hemmer and Dayna Phillips; along with her WEL-Life family and in recent years her Bethany Home family
Was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother
Memorials: Bethany Home in Minden, WEL-Life in Kearney or to the donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 13 January 2022
KLOSTERMAN, Jane Alexandra, 75, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at her home
Service: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 7, 1946, in David City
Parents: Henry F. and Oda (Vermillion) Klosterman
Was raised in David City, graduated from David City High School in 1964; earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln; later received her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska Kearney; finished her education at Pacifica Graduate Institute in California
Worked as a mental health therapist for many years
Survivors include: her son, Christopher Martin and wife, Sarah Ikard of Kearney; daughter, Carson Martin and husband, Dan Reitz of Westminster, Colorado; 3 grandchildren; siblings, John C. Klosterman and wife, Beth of David City, Ann Klosterman of Golden, Colorado, and Kate Ratiner of Silver Springs, Maryland; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 27 December 2021 www.osrfh.com
KNEPPER, Paula Joan Roehrkasse, 84, of Holdrege died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in her home
Memorial service: Monday, April 4, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege
Inurnment: Woodlawn Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Nov. 11, 1937, in Grand Island
Parents: Raymond and Pauline (Holtorf) Roehrkasse
Was the first of three daughters born into the musical family; was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Island; graduated from Grand Island High School in 1955; graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in music education; was selected for Alpha Lambda Delta freshman scholastic honorary, Pi Lambda Theta education honorary, soprano soloist for The Messiah, and leads in several University of Nebraska at Lincoln theater productions, including the Kosmet Klub The Pajama Game; member of Sigma Kappa social sorority and Mu Phi Epsilon music sorority; was active in the University Lutheran Chapel and choir; pursued a master's degree in music with an emphasis in musical theater
Married: Ralph Eldon Knepper on Aug. 2, 1959; he recently passed on Aug. 8, 2021
After graduation of her husband, lived in Hastings and then Holdrege; taught vocal music at Oxford, Minden, and Holdrege, had a private voice studio in her home for decades, directed choirs at Mt. Calvary and Bethel Lutheran Churches, created and directed the community's annual Prelude to Christmas on Christmas Eve for more than 30 years, and was the director of The Group (a choir of 32-36 adult members, vocal students and accompanists). This select group of singers performed in the Holdrege area for decades, especially throughout the Christmas season
Activities: served on the Community Concert Association Board of Directors; served as the president of The Tassel performance center; was active in Chapter H of PEO, AAUW, Camp Fire Girls, the Library Board, Alpha Delta Kappa, and the Arbutus Bridge Club; member of the Holdrege Country Club, won several women's club championships, competed at state golf tournaments, and served on the board of the Nebraska Women's Amateur Golf Association; enjoyed reading, painting, and travel; with Raplph, attended concerts and Opera Omaha productions for decades; attended all of the Cornhusker home games and several bowl games; toured many other countries; throughout their 62-year marriage, they were totally committed to each other in every endeavor, especially after Ralph's diagnosis of Parkinson's disease; were blessed with a loving extended family of sisters, brother in laws and nieces and nephews
Survivors include her two sisters, Claire Eason and her husband Michael G. Eason of North Bend, Nebr. and Kathryn Trebelhorn of McAlester, Okla.; three sisters-in-law, Doneta Steinert of Lincoln, Berneta Steinert of Wauneta and Shirley Pamp and husband Jim of Centennial, Colo., and numerous nieces, nephews and their families
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and three brothers-in-law, Glenn Trebelhorn, Bernard and Ray Steinert
Memorials: Phelps County Community Foundation and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2022
KRELL, Robert "Bob" Lee, 77, of Kearney, formerly of Hays, Kan., died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at his home
Memorial services: Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Jan. 15, 1944 in Milford, Nebraska
Was raised by his birthmother, grandparents and great-grandparents until he was four years old
Was adopted by Eva and Gerald Krell on September 1, 1948, and became the center of Eva and Jerry‘s life
Attended Emerson Elementary and Central Elementary in Kearney, and Longfellow School and Kearney High School; made many friendships, especially including Dwight, Dennis and Duane Bond; graduated from Kearney High School in 1962
Military: enlisted in the National Guards
Married: Sherry Heusel, September 19, 1964
Honed his skills as a master machinist, was employed at Rockwell, Baldwin Filters and a brief time at Coors; then owned and operated Krell’s Fabrication, Krell’s Machine Shop and Concepts Machining, with Sherry and son Cobey working along his side; in later years, sold the business and moved to Hays, Kansas
Activities: greatly enjoyed fishing, boating and camping with his family; also enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and open-road motorcycle trips with his friends; when his diagnosis of cancer became terminal, moved back to Nebraska to live with daughter and son-in-law Rochelle and son-in-law, Scott Morris; their family will always be grateful for the support and love they received from family,
Was preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Gerald Krell
Survivors include his significant other, Mavis Kingsley of Hays, Kansas; son, Cobey Krell of Kearney; daughter, Rochelle Morris and her husband Scott Morris; grandchildren, Codey Krell and Carli Krell of Kearney, and former wife, Sherry Krell of Kearney, Nebraska; also extended family members and friends
Memorials: Aseracare of Kearney, or a scholarship fund to support future students entering Bob’s trade/vocation as a machinist
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2021 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
LINER, Tawnya Marie, 40, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 3, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday, Jan. 8, at Ramada in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 23, 1981
Parents: Connie Richards and Dan Liner
Survivors include her four children, Kami, Jaiden, Bryson and Araya; her grandmother, Inez Richards of Purdum; mother, Connie and stepdad Rod Roeder of Kearney; her father, Dan Liner of Lincoln; stepmother, Dee Liner of Kearney; sister, Holly Liner of York; and her stepbrother, Cyrus of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2022
LINK, Devin Charles, 31, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in Kearney
Memorial service: Tuesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Aug. 3, 1990, in Kearney
Parents: Craig and Linda (Pohlmeier) Link
Graduated from Kearney High School in 2009, attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Worked in management at restaurants in the Lincoln/Omaha area several years; returned to Kearney, found the job he had always dreamed of, the love of his life and was reunited with family
Worked for the owners of Cunningham's On The Lake, and greatly appreciated their kindness and generosity to him, even through his battle with cancer
Activities: touched many lives with his sincere friendship, genuine love and caring of others; loved managing restaurants and providing outstanding service to his customers as well as the staff that worked with him; loved his pets, sports and video games, but family life meant everything to him
Survivors include his parents, Craig and Linda Link of Kearney; brother, Benjamin Link of Pueblo, Colorado; sister, Rachael Link of Arvada, Colorado; sister, Kara (Jarzynka) Johnson and her husband Dane of Elm Creek; the love of his life, Belen Ledesma and her two children, Haziel and Genesis, who called Devin "dad"; grandmother Lola Yetman of Hastings; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Edith Link of Broken Bow and Vincent Pohlmeier of Hastings
Kearney Hub, 7 January 2022
MARZOLF, Rita Jo, 71, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Aug. 15, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Clarence and Madge (Smith) Fuqua
Was raised in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1968
Married: March 4, 1981, to Charles "Chuck" Marzolf in Elwood
Was employed by Baldwin Filters as an assembler for more than 30 years
Activities: enjoyed watching movies, reading and spending time with her family
Survivors include her brothers, Jim (Barb) Fuqua of Grand Island, Rickey (Cheryl) Fuqua of Red Cloud; sisters, Gwen Traxler, Joanne Hansen, all of Kearney; nephew, Bodie (Julie) Fuqua of Kearney; great-nieces, Hailey and Sydney Fuqua of Kearney; as well as many other nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles Marzolf; brother Rex Fuqua; sisters, Connie Weidel and Joan Cash; and half-sisters, Ethel Mae Bickford and Hazel Henry
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2022
MAXSON, Bernard "Barney" of Kearney, 85, formerly of Ord, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022
Funeral: Friday at Burwell Baptist Church in Burwell
Burial: Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell
Mortuary: Hitchcock in Burwell
Born: April 28, 1936
Parents: Arlo and Erna (Fisher) Maxson
Married: June 22, 1958, to Marilyn Keenan; she preceded him in death
Survivors include Tammy Maxson Bossom of Kearney, Kelsey Maxson of Galveston, Texas, Kelly Joe Maxson of Wayne; sister, Norma Janitscheck; brother, Eldon Maxson; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one on the way
Kearney Hub, 18 January 2022
MAYFIELD, Richard "Dick" Allen, 93, of Shelton died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Society - St. John's in Kearney
Graveside services with military honors: Monday Jan. 17, at Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: April 11, 1928, at rural Shelton
Parents: Leo James and Lucile Aleta (Campbell) Mayfield
Grew up and received his education in Shelton, graduated from Shelton High School; continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, played on the football team
Married: Wilma Jean Riley on Aug. 16, 1950
Lived in Shelton, later moved to the farm
Military: U.S. Army in 1952 until 1954, served during the Korean conflict
Returned to farm near Shelton; retired in 1995 and moved into Shelton
Activities: member of the Shelton United Methodist Church, the American Legion and the Elks Lodge; was honored by the Nebraska Athletic Directors Association for his service as a timekeeper for the Shelton High School basketball and football games; also was inducted into the Shelton High School Hall of Fame
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Riley and Jennifer Mayfield of Gibbon and Randy and Shelley Mayfield of Grand Island; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Wilma Jean Mayfield
Kearney Hub, 15 January 2022
McCURRY, Donnie Miles, 49, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: Saturday, Jan. 8, at Living Faith Fellowship
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 24, 1972, in Kearney
Parents: Jack and Rosalie (Wood) McCurry
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1993
Worked for 25-plus years at Pizza Hut, for which his picture proudly displayed on the wall at the restaurant
Activities: loved people and made many friends in school, at Pizza Hut and all over town; enjoyed his family, especially his sister and nieces; had a special bond with his 102-year-old great aunt Pearl; loved cars and car parts and going to car shows and anything else car-related; member of the Central Nebraska Auto Club; Ronald McDonald Houser made it possible for Donnie to receive the education and services he needed as a child and provided support for his mother and family during weeks of annual testing
Survivors include: his mother, Rosalie McCurry of Kearney; sister, Charlene (Shawn) Pierce of Omaha; nieces, Vanessa (Ross) Engel of Omaha and Tayler (Dylan) Jensen of Iowa; his grandniece, Ava Rose Engel; and grandnephews, Conor Keith Engel of Omaha, Asher Floyd Rozmiarek, Nixon Wayne Rozmiarek and Cameron Patrick Jensen of Iowa; many cousins, and friends; his uncle, Bob McCurry; half-sister, Jackie McCurry and many cousins in California
Was preceded in death by his father, Jack McCurry in California; grandparents, Leota and Charles Wood of Sidney; grandparents, Geraldine and Oscar McCurry; his half-sister, Vickie Greg; and half-brother, Bradley McCurry; as well as aunt, uncles and cousins in California
Memorials: Ronald McDonald House or to Central Nebraska Auto Club
Kearney Hub, 30 December 2021
MILLER, Jerry Lee, 80, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2021, at St. John's Good Samaritan Home in Kearney after a six-year battle with Alzheimer's
Memorial service: Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 20, 1941, in Gothenburg
Parents: Niels Herman and Freda (Christensen) Miller; was also welcomed by his five sisters
Began working at Rockwell International in 1963
Married: Rosemary Ann Felt on March 28, 1968
Completed KSC while working as a senior design engineer at Rockwell; graduated from KSC in 1973 with a bachelor's in math and physics; continued at Rockwell until 1985, when Rockwell moved to North Carolina; then worked at Delux Manufacturing, Ag Dryer and Chief Industries; retired in 2004
Activities: was a husband, a father, grandfather and gardener extraordinaire; some of his greatest joys were his daughters and grandchildren; was passionate about his family, and had a jovial spirit; loved of all kinds of gardening, woodworking, photography, stargazing, grilling, golfing and listening to music; in spite of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's in 2015, was able to go on many bus trips; lived at home until May 2021, entered Prairie View Gardens; contacted COVID at the end of August, was hospitalized and then moved to St. John's Home
Survivors include his wife; his Triple A Girls and sons-in-law, Amy (Layne) Lueders of Blair, Anne (Kelly) Roberts of Leawood, Kan., and Ashley (David) Klein of Elkhorn; grandchildren, Grace, Samuel and Theodore Lueders, Tallula and Abraham Roberts, and Brigham and Whitaker Klein, nieces and nephews and many good friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Fern (Harry) Lemaster, Maxine (Dale) Cain, Imogene (Robert) Bailey, Betty Lou (Dale) Clark, and Eldene (LaVerne) Pollat
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or to Alzheimer's Association
Kearney Hub, 11 January 2022
MOUSEL, James F., 59, of Kearney died at home on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021
Private memorial: later
Mortuary: The Nebraska Cremation Society in Wahoo
Born: Oct. 21, 1962, in North Platte
Parents: James A. and Nikki (Hanna) Mousel
Survivors include his mother, Nikki; sister, Madison; daughters, Kelly Curtis and Stephanie Caple; son, Todd Mousel; and his grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 4 January 2022
MURR, Jack Ray, 83, of Gibbon died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Graveside service: Thursday at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 29, 1938, in Sac County, Iowa
Parents: Charles and Jessie (Hunt) Murr
Survivors include two nephews; many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins
Kearney Hub, 21 December 2021
NUTT, Joyce, 90, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: June 25, 1931, in rural Hamilton County, Tenn.
Parents: Julia and Wilkes Baker
Was one of six children; had many adventures growing up with her siblings
Worked as a telephone operator at Miami, Fla.
Married: Marion "Lee" Nutt of Curtis who was stationed in Miami with the United States Navy
After marriages, moved to North Platte
Worked at the jewelry counter at JC Penney for many years; later moved to Wellfleet, enjoyed many years together and made wonderful friends
Activities: loved shopping for just the right fabrics for her quilt projects, gave many personalized, hand-quilted blankets to her friends and family; enjoyed bird watching, gardening and spending time with her family; was always described as a sweet Southern lady; always remembered her home in the hills of Tennessee with great love and affection
Survivors include her daughter, Brenda (Stan) Gilbert; granddaughter Linda (James) Jones; great-grandchildren Britton, Lily and Zoe, all of Kearney, and Isaiah Lindsey of Hixson, Tenn.; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lee Nutt; sisters, Ruth, Dolly, Annabell and Imogene; and brother Buddy
Kearney Hub, 30 December 2021
O'BRIEN, Twyla Claire 96, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Omaha at her daughter's home surrounded by her loved ones
Celebration of life: Sunday at the VFW Club in Kearney
Born: Aug. 23, 1925, in Gibbon
Parents: Willard and Pauline (Arbuckle) Frink
Was baptized at age 16 at the Presbyterian Church in Gibbon
Married: Dec. 8, 1945 to Gerald O'Brien; raised 8 children together
Made a lasting impact on four generations of her family; will be remembered for her kind heart and selfless love; loved her family fiercely; enjoyed playing Skip Bo with her grandchildren; had a smile that could light up any room and brought comfort to those around her
Survivors include four of her children, Kelly Sieck, Linda Gant, Steve O'Brien, Brett O'Brien, and Angela Jones
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother Paul Frink; and children, Cinda Egge, Michael O'Brien, Eva Smith, and Bill O'Brien
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2022
PEDERSEN, Tonya Renee, 52, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: 2 p.m. on Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home
Born: Aug. 11, 1969, in Scottsbluff
Parents: Robert "Willie" Willson and Shirley Krentz
Grew up in Grand Island, graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1988
Spent much of her life working in customer service
Activity: enjoyed working with and helping people; also enjoyed camping, listening to music, and tanning; more than anything, loved spending time with, dancing with, and cooking for her family and grandkids
Survivors include the love of her life, Jamie Graczyk; children, Nate (Emily) Willson, Jon (Megan) Blair, Cody (Carley) Pedersen, and Toby (Kalaya) Pedersen; her father, Don Vance; brothers, Robert Willson, Kurt Vance, Shane Vance, DJ Vance, Timmy Vance; and sisters, Tammy Scarborough, and Mindy Heusinkvelt; and eight grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley; her grams and grandad; Aunt Sharon Pile; and Uncle Bob
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2022
PESEK, Jeanine V., 71, of Gibbon died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: in Loup City on July 26, 1950, to Maxine (Gallaway) and Boyd Gregory
Parents: Maxine and Lyle Diefenbaugh
Graduated from Litchfield Public Schools in May 1968
Married: Aug. 17, 1968, to Robert L. Pesek Sr. in Kearney
Lived on a farm and raised cattle north of Gibbon until they retired
Attended UNK, graduated with a bachelor of science degree and a master's in art education
Taught glassblowing at UNK; loved her art, especially glassblowing and casting iron and bronze; was a talented artist, who held many shows of her work in Nebraska and surrounding areas
Activities: loved to travel, read and garden, also loved raising cattle; favorite thing was to go out in the morning to watch the calves play in the morning sun; longtime member of the Kearney Art Guild and St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include her three children, Angeline Pesek-Brown and her husband Stacy, Mary Anderson and her husband Michael of Gibbon, and Robert Jr. and his wife Cyndi of Kearney; grandchildren, Mikalah Brown of Clay Center, Blake Brown and his wife Kali of Harrisburg, Pa., Christopher Anderson of Kearney, Zoe Anderson of Gibbon, and Madelyne and Alexander Pesek, of Kearney; brother-in-law, Steve Pesek of Gibbon, and sister-in-law, Rebecca Cyza of Omaha; as well as several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Maxine and Lyle Diefenbaugh; husband, Robert Pesek Sr.; and brother Michael Gregory
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2022
REMNET, Jessica Ann, 30, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Born: Oct. 9, 1991, in Minden
Parents: Mark and Sally (Dahl) Lempp
Attended school in Kearney, graduated from Alma
Worked at Cabela’s, excelled quickly; was diagnosed with MS, ended her career with Cabela’s and went into home healthcare; cared for her brother Richard until she passed away
Married: January 8, 2015, Eric Remnet
After marriage, lived in Kearney together
Activities: had many hobbies including spending time with family, tubing down the river, and putting puzzles together with her best friend Melissa; loved video games, doing nail art and doing fun stuff with her hair; enjoyed collecting crystals and loved her animals
Survivors include: her mother Sally Lempp, father Mark Lempp, brother Richard Dahl, and loving husband Eric Remnet all from Kearny as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many many friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 22 January 2022 and hlmkfuneral.com
RICKERT, Mary Jayne, 101, of Kearney, formerly of Columbus, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society - St. John's in Kearney
Celebration of life: Jan. 29 at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus
Burial: Columbus Cemetery
Mortuary: Gass Haney in Columbus
Born: Sept. 5, 1920, in Tyler, Minn.
Parents: Albert and Hazel (Dale) Nelson
Family moved to Marshall, Minn., in 1924; attended school and graduated from Marshall High School in 1938
Worked for Northwestern Bell; transferred to Merced, California, to work for Pacific Bell in 1944
Married: Aug. 20, 1945, to Lt. Greeley Rickert, an aviation cadet, at Castle Army Air Force Base in Merced, Calif.
After the war, moved to Pasadena, Calif., then to Fresno, Calif.; worked at the Fresno County Welfare Department; moved to Columbus, 1956; was a secretary at the Platte County Veterans Affairs, retired in 1987
Activities: charter member of Peace Lutheran Church, was active in LWML; also was active in Platte County Extension Club, and was past commander of Navy Mothers; enjoyed dancing, traveling, playing cards and watching sports, especially Husker football and volleyball
Survivors include her daughter, Cathy (Bill) Walters of Kearney; her son, Gary (Julie) Rickert of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren, Ryan (Mayra) Walters of Indian Hills, Colo., Kelli (Joey) Caroselli of Gretna, Kyle (Megan) Rickert stationed at Visalia, Calif., and Erin Rickert (Kyle Scharlau) of Kansas City, Mo.; and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Londyn Caroselli and Brodie Rickert; sister-in-law, Laverna Rickert, of Columbus; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Hazel Peach of Fresno, Calif., and Donald Nelson of Portland, Ore.; nephew, Donny Peach; brothers-in-law, Robert Peach, Clarence, Martin, Adolph and Marvin Rickert, and Herb Piper; and sisters-in-law, Viola Piper, Vernetta, Irene, Ruth and Irma Rickert
Kearney Hub, 19 January 2022
SIDLO, Mary J., 72, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Tuesday at the Kearney Church of Christ
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 24, 1949, in Red Cloud
Parents: William B. and Frances L. (Peterson) Johnston
Graduated from Red Cloud High School in 1967
Married: Emil (Sonny) Sidlo on May 10, 1971, in Inavale
Worked for over 20 years at St. John's Good Samaritan Center as a Med Aid and also as a Nurses Aid
Activities: member of the Church of Christ Church in Kearney; enjoyed baking, especially supplying the local Red Cross with cookies for their blood drives; also enjoyed embroidery
Survivors include her husband, Sonny of Kearney; son, Michael D. Sidlo of Virginia; daughter, Misty Daneen of Lubbock, Tx.; six grandchildren; and four brothers
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2022
SMITH, Leslie Phillip, 59, of Miller died Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Wednesday at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow
Burial: Broken Bow Cemetery
Born: Jan. 14, 1962, in Broken Bow
Parents: Phillip and Cheryl (Bailey) Smith
Survivors include his wife Kerry Smith of Miller; son Tyler Smith of Odessa; daughter Jordan Dowhy of Kearney; stepchildren, Kenny Eckel of Gibbon, Chanon Eskridge of Lincoln, and Luke Kenney of Lincoln; his parents Phil and Cheryl Smith of Broken Bow; brothers, Rob Smith and Russ Smith, both of Broken Bow; and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2021
SMUSKIEWICZ, David "Muskie", 66, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Celebration of life: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Jan. 17, 1955, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Parents: Stanley and Marie (Waddell) Smuskiewicz
Received his education from Republican Valley High School, graduated with the class of 1973; earned a degree in auto body repair from Central Community College in Hastings
Married: Kathrine Lammers, Jan. 30, 1982, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley
Worked at Kinman's Chevy Cadillac; later owned and operated Muskie's Auto Repair in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and gardening; most of all, loved spending time with his family
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Smuskiewicz of Kearney; daughters, Laura Smuskiewicz of Lincoln, Stephanie Gifford of Omaha, Kaitlin (Dan) Greene of Kearney; grandchildren, Persephony, Violet, Frankie Jo, Bodhi, Wes and Finley; sister, Theresa "Char" (Dan) Shiers of McCook; brother, Steven Smuskiewicz of Louisville, Ky.; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Bill (Cindy) Lammers of Grand Island, Mary (Paul) Hoepner of Bloomington, Minn., and Susie (John) Graff of Greeley; as well as many nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, LeRoy Smuskiewicz
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2021
TURNER, Edward, 74, of York died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family
Memorial service: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Elm Creek
Born: March 11, 1947 in Kearney
Parents: Harding and Helen Turner (Beavers)
Grew up in the Odessa/Elm Creek area, graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1965. Married: 1980 to Debra (Orsborn)
Moved to York, worked for more than 20 years as a certified machinist at Hamilton Sundstrand Aviation
Activities: was confirmed in the Catholic faith in 1985, becoming a member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish; loved to travel, was an active outdoorsman; visited the Snowy Range in Wyoming almost every year; shared his love of the outdoors with his wife, children and grandchildren, spent many weekends hunting, fishing or camping; in retirement found new passions: gardening and the internet, spent hours sitting at the computer researching any and everything, and in the spring and summer spent hours outside in the garden; also enjoyed his daily walks with his loyal dog
Survivors include his loving spouse, Debra; his children: Nick, Shane and Sheri; his grandchildren, Brooke, Lane, Brendon, Paige and Harding; his three siblings, Sharon, Rick and Kevin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2022
ZAPATA, Jose, 63, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln
Funeral: Friday, Jan 21, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 21, 1958, in Hondo, Texas
Parents: Jose and Guadalupe (Garcia) Zapata
Moved to Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1977; graduated from Kearney State College in 1982
Worked for Mid-Nebraska Community Services in the Kearney area for many years
Activities: served on the Kearney Area Habitat For Humanity Board from 1990 to 2001, Kearney City Council from 1992 to 2002, Nebraska State Head Start Association Board Member 2002 to 2012, Grand Island City Council from 2007 to 2010; in 1998 was named the Hispanic Man of The Year; loved being a grandpa and spending time with his family; enjoyed traveling and being a foodie
Survivors include his daughters, Cadie and Kyle Johnson of Manhattan, Kan., McKenzie Zapata of Grand Island; grandson, Elijah Johnson of Manhattan, Kan.; brothers, Tino Zapata of Kearney, Gabriel and Christina Zapata of Kearney, Max and Betty Zapata of Alliance, Victor Zapata of Kearney, Paul Zapata of Kearney; sister, Gloria Arredondo of Kearney; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Elliot Johnson; and brother Ricky Zapata
Kearney Hub, 19 January 2022