Page 243
Back to Index for Obituaries
ADAMS, Ben M. (Mike) Adams, 70, of Elm Creek died Friday, March 11, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family
Funeral service: Thursday at Countryside Christian Church
Interment: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 30, 1951, in Lexington
Parents: Ben and Mary Jane (Davis) Adams
Grew up in Elm Creek, graduated from Elm Creek High School, 1970 After graduation; attended University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture in Curtis
Married: Susan Garrelts on July 2, 1971, at the Christian Church in Elm Creek
Worked as a farmer and rancher for most of his life; also worked at Hastings Grain as a grain sampler for 30 years until retirement
Activities: loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids; enjoyed raising cattle, registered quarter horses, deer hunting, Western movies, his coffee group and giving a hard time to all the employees at the area elevators
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Susan Adams of Elm Creek; son, Brad Adams of Kearney; daughter, Becky (Dean) Vagts of Anna, Texas; grandchildren, Ashley and Creighton Vagts of Anna, Texas; sisters, Cathy (Danny) Hill-Klein of Genoa and Linda Adams of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Lyle (Deborah) Garrelts of Bennington, Wayne (Barbara) Garrelts of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Mary "Mimi" Garrelts of Kearney, Janet (Dave) Barnum of Stapleton; uncles, Homer Davis of Elm Creek, Howard (Erlene) Davis of Arapahoe; aunt, Georgia Ashmore of Lexington; nine nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Robert and Esme Adams, and Homer and Faye Davis; brothers-in-law, Don Hill and Richard Garrelts
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 14 March 2022
ANDERBERY, Marilyn Elaine, 94, of Minden, formerly of Kearney and Axtell, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at Bethany Home in Minden
Funeral: Friday, Mar. 4, at Bethany Lutheran Church south of Axtell
Burial: Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery. Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: Jan. 20, 1928, on the family farm near Newark
Parents: Cort William Muller and Neva Pearl (Bloodgood) Muller
Was brought up in the Newark Methodist Church; attended elementary school at Newark and at Olive Branch country school; graduated from Kearney High School in 1945; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, then graduated from St. Luke's Hospital nursing school in Denver in 1950 as a registered nurse
Began her nursing career in Denver, then moved to Casper, Wyo.; later worked at the Minden Hospital for 18 years
Married: Oct. 14, 1951, to Philip Wayne Anderbery at the Methodist Church in Minden
Lived on a farm near Axtell; moved in Kearney in 1992, and in 2013, to Bethany Home in Minden
Activities: active member of Bethany Lutheran Church near Axtell, active in LCW and Women's Circle, served as a Sunday School teacher, and helped with many of Bethany's Midsummer Picnics; member of the Nebraska Nurses Association, Busy Susan's Extension Club, Women's Club, Red Hat Society and the Kearney Kiwanis Club; was active in the Nebraska China Painters for nearly 40 years, served as president during part of that time; was a 4-H leader and also served as a Cub Scout leader; enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad; also loved to go camping, especially at Sunlight Basin in Wyoming; spent many winters camping at Canyon Lake, Texas; was very creative
Survivors include her five children, Bruce of Axtell, Jan (Byron) Rapp of Wadestown, West Virginia, Lee (Janet) of Lincoln, Wayne of Axtell, and Dale (Sue) of Findlay, Ohio; brothers, Wendell and Gordon (Bev) of Kearney; her sister, Janet (Mike) Burton of Mesa, Ariz.; her brother-in-law, Rick Anderbery of Alma; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Philip; her parents, Cort and Neva Muller; and an infant brother, Merlin Wayne
Memorials: Bethany Home in Minden or to AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 26 February 2022
BERGT, Evonne L., 92, of Kearney, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society – St. Luke’s in Kearney
Funeral: Thursday, March 3, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 17, 1929, in Amherst
Parents: Frank K. and Marie J. (Kreutzer) Fisher
Attended Amherst High School, graduated in 1946
Married: Eugene C. Bergt on Jan. 1, 1948, in Amherst
Activities: member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and finally Holy Cross Lutheran Church; enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening and traveling; especially enjoyed sharing her Christian faith with her grandchildren
Survivors include her daughters, Corliss and Mike Merrick of Littleton, Colo., Debra and Robert Long of Amherst, Linnea and Raymond King of Amherst; son, Clarence and Lisa Bergt of Amherst; son-in-law, Claude Robertson of Texas; sister, Dorothy and Norman Fiddelke of Iowa Falls, Iowa; sister-in-law, Ruby Fisher of Beatrice; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; numerous other family members and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; daughter, Barbara Robertson; brother, Lowell Fisher
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 1 March 2022
BLESSING, Ron C., 72, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 22, 1949, in Salina, Kan.
Parents: Jack B. and Carolyn R. (Currie) Blessing
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1967; attended Kearney State College, earned a bachelor's degree; active member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at Kearney State
Married: Pamela Ball on Nov. 15, 2008, in Kearney
Founded Blessing Construction in 1998, provided concrete construction services in the Kearney, Grand Island, Lexington and surrounding areas
Activities: community was of upmost importance; gave his time to many causes, included UNK athletics, the Frank House, and numerous local construction projects supporting future generations; enjoyed current events, had a unique love for Victorian antiques, all kinds of music, and politics; enjoyed discussing his conservative views in an educational manner; loved his animals; cared deeply for his family, including his Blessing Construction family; held true to his convictions and morals; made sure people understood faith and hope in God should always be part of an individual's foundation
Survivors include his wife, Pam of Kearney; daughters, Mindy Bohn and her husband Timothy of Lancaster, Ohio and Brooke Blessing and her husband Shad Martin of Loveland, Colo.; brother, Scott (Bobbi) Blessing of Alma; sister-in-law, Julie Blessing of Ogallala, mother-in-law, Bonny Ball of Kearney, sisters-in-law, Holly (Steve) Curtiss of Doniphan, Peggy (Donnie) Mak of Kearney, and brother-in-law Alan (Sue) Ball of Highlands Ranch, Colo., seven grandchildren; numerous other extended family, friends and many loyal employees that Ron considered family
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joshua Ryan Blessing; and brother, Randy Blessing
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter, the Kearney Police and Fire Departments, the UNK Wrestling Program or to the Blessing family to be designated later
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2022
CARRANZA, Giliybardo 'Gil' B., 81, of Grand Island died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Service: Friday, Apr. 8, 2022
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Bprn: February 5, 1941 in Kearney
Parents: Pedro and María (Gonzalez) Carranza
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1960; earned his master’s degree in Spanish and Education from Kearney State College
Married: Tracy Cox on August 27, 1998 in Cozad
Loved his job as a teacher; taught in the Nebraska Public School System for over 50 years; taught Spanish, P.E., English as a Second Language, and coached wrestling; retired and enjoyed substituting in area schools for many years
Activities: loved visiting with family and friends, dancing, music, and singing; enjoyed betting the horses at Fonner Park, and spent most weekends during live racing there
Survivors include: wife, Tracy Carranza of Grand Island; sons, Ángel Carranza of Lincoln, Mael and Sarah Carranza of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughters, Lupe Carranza of Los Angeles, Ana and Jacob Booth of Phoenix; Gaby and Seth Holt of Phoenix; grandson, Calvin Carranza of Phoenix; sisters, Hilda Rodriguez of Kearney, Josie Rodriguez of Kearney, Dee Antillon of Kearney; brothers John Carranza of Kearney, and Jim and Rosario Carranza of National City, Calif., and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Cathy Castaneda; brothers, Atanacio (Nacho) Carranza, Joe Carranza, Emilio Carranza, and Eusebio Carranza
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2022 5 April 2022
CHANEY, Larry, 92, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: Springfield, Missouri
Born: July 15, 1929, in Trece, Kan.
Parents: Harry and Zella (Thomas) Chaney
Spent his early childhood in Gravette, Ark., and later moved to Wichita, Kan.; attended high school and Friends University in Wichita
Married: Nov. 20, 1950, Beverly Heilman in Wichita, Kan.
Military: United States Army
Was employed by the Social Security Administration, served as district manager in Grand Island and Springfield, Mo.
Activities: past president of Goodwill, United Way and the Lions Club; was also active with Meals on Wheels and the King's Way UMC in Springfield, Mo.; was an avid golfer and a fan of the Missouri State Lady Bears
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Chaney of Kearney; sons, Greg (Bunny) Chaney of Ham Lake, Minn., and Scott (Debbie) Chaney of Kearney; daughter, Susan (Mike) Healey of Castle Rock, Colo.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, AlbaDean Chaney of Siloam Springs, Ark.; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer Chaney; and his sister, Willa Roark
Memorials: King's Way United Methodist Church in Springfield, MO
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2022
CHRISTENSEN, David Lee, 50, of Pleasanton died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at his home
Funeral: Thursday, March 3rd at Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Dec. 19, 1971, in Holdrege
Parents: James Bruce & Charlotte (McClain) Christensen
Spent most of his childhood in Holdrege; moved with family to Kearney, attended Kearney Senior High School, received the John Phillips Sousa award, graduated in 1990; was active in band and marching band in the percussion line; also joined and played with many local bands, including the family band with his father and brother; later moved to Omaha, attended Metro Community College for computer/network programming and raised his children
Worked as an auto mechanic and in maintenance for various hotel chains
Returned to Kearney area in 2020
Married; Kelly (Houfek) Dean, March 26, 2021
Lived in Pleasanton
Activities: Drumming and music were the most important things to Dave, after his family; played and traveled with several bands in the past 35 years, including Risen, Sidewinder, Syzygy, Turbo Sex Chicken, Tim Holcomb and the Union Cowboys and Blue Mesa
Survivors include his wife Kelly Christensen; children, Andrew Christensen (Waterloo), Ethan Christensen, Alex Christensen and Taryn Christensen (all of Omaha), stepchildren, Cody Dean (York), Christina Dean (Kearney), Austin Dean (Kearney) and Joseph Bors (Pleasanton); his mother Charlotte (McClain) Christensen of Omaha; his brother James B. Jr. and wife Tracy (Fuerstenau) Christensen and nieces Abby and Laura of Omaha; four grandchildren, Kyson, Aiden, Wyatt, and Bluebell; his former wife Katie Wilson; niece Abbi and nephew Will; aunts, the Rev. Sylvia Landers (Norfolk), Carol (Dale) Asche (Republican City), Linda Christensen (Omaha), Jo Ina (Gary) Slaughter (Lyons); uncles, Louis (Monica) McClain Jr. (Lincoln), Douglas McClain (Wilcox) and Steven (Helen) McClain (Holdrege), more than 35 first cousins and a greater number of second cousins. Was preceded in death by: his father James Bruce Christensen Sr., grandparents, Clarence Andrew (CA) and Hildur (Bayer) Christensen and Louis Milton Sr. and Frances Marion Josephine (Brown) McClain; maternal aunts, Valyrea (McClain) Towne, Sharon (McClain) Johnson and Reatha (McClain) Lieb, wife Michelle (Truelsen) Christensen and three infant children, Shelby, David Jr. and Brandon
Kearney Hub, 1 March 2022
CRICK, Elvera "Elly" G., 89, of Kearney died Monday, March 7, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Friday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 2, 1932 in Grand Island
Parents: Frank and Hala (Lohman) Guenther
Was baptized at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island; in 1933 moved with her family to Kearney; was educated in the Kearney schools, graduated from Kearney High School in 1950
Married: May 18, 1952, to James Crick were married
After marriage, lived on a farm east of Kearney, retired in 1992
Activities: active member of the First Lutheran Church; will be remembered for her love of family, her concern for others and her hospitality
Survivors include: her husband, Jim of Kearney; son, Jeff Crick and his wife Beth of McCook; daughter, Jan Baker and her husband Al of Kearney; three granddaughters, Crystal (Scott) Hinrichs of Kearney, Jessica (Chad) Meyer of McCook, and Alyssa (Tyler) Wyant of Kearney; two grandsons, Brandon (Bailey) Crick of McCook, and Nate Crick of Omaha, five great grandchildren, Adyn and Adelyn Meyer, Avery and Leighton Hinrichs and Bowen Wyant; additional survivors include her niece, Kathy George, her husband Charlie Dickey of Estes Park, Colorado, her sons, Brian George and girls, Aleena and Arianny of Estes Park and Kyle (Jessie) George and sons, Landon and Jackson of Fort Collins, Colorado
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, LaVon Murray; in-laws, Ted and Pearl Crick; sisters-in-law, Myrna Marsteller, JoAnn Foged Tomasek, and Linda Payne
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or the Trails and Rails Museum
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2022
CUNNINGHAM, Thomas E., 79, died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney; had battled multiple myeloma and kidney disease for more than a decade
Cremation has taken place
Memorial service: Thursday, June 9, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Solt-Wagner in Central City
Born: July 2, 1942
Parents: Fred and Iona Cunningham
Spent nearly all of his youthful years on a small farm a mile east of Miller; learned his work ethic laboring in the corn and hayfields; learning to repair broken farm implements under his uncle Mart; mechanical aptitude formed the foundation - and subsequent passion - of his work life; graduated from Sumner High School in 1960, then from the Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney with a teaching certificate in K-12 music
Taught students first in Polk, then Central City High schools; is still remember for his detailed, creative and inspiring musical performances with choir and drama; directed church choirs at Central City and at Loveland, Colo.
Activities: his passion was restoring the General Motors Corp. Corvette... any broken, wrecked, busted-up Vette to its pristine condition; for several years, operated his own company, Corvette Revival Inc., serving the Loveland and Fort Collins area
Married: Lois Driewer of Bradshaw on Oct. 15, 1963; had two children, whose memories include boating on Nebraska lakes and holiday celebrations on the farms of their grandparents
Survivors include his children, Troy (Donna) Cunningham of Brighton, Colo., and Michelle (John) Vervaeke of Sammamish, Wash.; his sister, Kathy, married to Jack Nosal of Columbus, his sister, Pat, married to Jerry Stine of Omaha, and his brother, Don, who is married to Nancy Cunningham of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Iona; and grandparents, William and Mary Johanna Cunningham, and Mary and Edward Delimont
Memorials: Central City High School music department and St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 25 February 2022 and 4 June 2022
CUNNINGHAM, Thomas "Tom" Leo, 70, of Miller died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery near Eddyville
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 18, 1952
Parents: Pat and Agnes Cunningham
Attended Sumner and S-E-M public schools
Married: Dec. 4, 1971, to Nancy Jeffery
Worked most of his career at Rockwell in Kearney and Orthman's at Lexington; was a hard worker and a very skilled welder and finished his career as an Engineer
Activities: was known for being friendly, fun and welcoming; enjoyed high school and college friends, work and hunting buddies, vacations, and most recently going to "work" at Tub's each morning to play cribbage with the coffee club; excelled at being a family man; was the biggest fan for his grandchildren, loved attending games and performances; had a strong Catholic faith that was enhanced by his wife Nancy and passed on to their children and grandchildren; member of St. Patrick's, St. John Capistran's and Prince of Peace; was on parish council and was a caretaker of the St. Patrick's cemetery
Survivors include his children, Amy and Andrew Weides of Holdrege, Pete and Brandi Cunningham of Ansley, and Katie Cunningham of Miller; grandchildren, Jeffery, Lorna, Gradie, Nick, Owen, Ann and James; his sisters and brothers, Pat Deeds, Vickie Nietfeld, Jim and Thelma Cunningham, Mike and Jennifer Cunningham; sister-in-law, Joanie Hoos; brother-in-law, Mick and Cindy Jeffery; nieces and nephews, relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his wife Nancy; parents, Pat and Agnes Cunningham and LaVerne and Darlene Jeffery; infant sister, Beverly; brothers-in-law, Harry Deeds, Mert Nietfeld, and Gary Hoos; and infant child, Sammi
Memorials: Prince of Peace Catholic Church, St. Patrick's Cemetery Fund, the Spartan Foundation, the SEM Foundation or the Holdrege Public School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2022
DeLAET, Dorothy L., 83, of Kearney, died March 13, 2022, ending her battle with Alzheimer's Disease, at CountryHouse Assisted Living in Kearney
Funeral: Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 13, 1938, to Isabelle (Carr) Mess
Was baptized April 5, 1953, at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School with the Class of 1956; during high school, was editor of the school newspaper and wrote a column called Spots by Dot
Married: June 26, 1957, Celestian "Joe" DeLaet in Kearney; had three sons together
Graduated and obtained her teaching degree from Kearney State College
Taught at Kenwood Elementary School in Kearney for 26 years, retired in 1998; thoroughly enjoyed teaching her students and also developed many lifelong friendships with her coworkers; was awarded the Peter Kiewit Nebraska Teacher Achievement Award for promoting Random Act of Kindness with Kenwood students; also received the Kearney Public School Foundation Excellence Retired Educator Award
Activities: charter member of PEO Chapter IX and was a past president of the chapter; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, was active in many Bible studies, served on various boards, and was a past president of LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League); volunteered for Kearney Public Schools, CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital, and also with the adult literacy program; had a dry sense of humor and a quick wit; loved to travel with her husband and with her many friends after her husband passed away
Survivors include her sons, Greg (Marlene) DeLaet of Kearney, Doug (Arlene) DeLaet of Odessa and Brian (Maki) DeLaet of Wheat Ridge, Colo.; sisters, Gertie Lee of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Shirley (Neal) Scott of New York City; brothers, Leslie (Rosemary) Mess of Rogers, Ark., and Leroy Mess of Wheat Ridge, Colo.; grandchildren, Jim (Jeny) DeLaet of Herndon, Va., Nathan (Melissa) DeLaet of Grand Island, Noelle (Elliot) Wegner of Lincoln, Caleb (Afnan) DeLaet of Denver, John (Tessa) DeLaet of Kearney, Drew Chancellor of Colorado Springs, Colo., Noah DeLaet of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Cole Chancellor of Kearney, Megan DeLaet and fiancé Tyler Adelman of Kearney, Sarah DeLaet of Fort Collins, Colo., Anna DeLaet of Denver; great-grandchildren, Keith DeLaet, Jayson DeLaet, Kollin DeLaet, Kyle DeLaet, Frankie Wegner, Louie Wegner and Ellis DeLaet
Was preceded in death by her husband Joe in 2003; and her mother Isabelle in 2006
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 16 March 2022
DUMMER, Shelly, 53, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at Wel-Life Assisted Living in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: June 28, 1968, in Racine, Wis.
Parents: Charles and Joan (Alexander) Dummer
Moved to Kearney with family at age 7; graduated from Kearney Catholic High School in 1986
Activities: was very outgoing, was always happy and could easily make friends; was a huge fan of the Tri-City Storm and the Green Bay Packers
Survivors include her son, CJ Gunther of Holdrege; daughter, Kara (Jeffrey) Anderson of Kearney; mother, Joan Dummer of Kearney; brother, Jeff Dummer of Kearney; and several extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2022
FAGER, Harold Wayne, 74, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at Arbor Care Center in Fullerton
Funeral service: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 11, 1947, in Flager, Colo.
Parents: Harold M. and Lola M. (Fry) Fager
Was raised in Kearney, attended Kearney Public Schools
Military: U.S. Army, April 4, 1966 until Jan 31, 1967
Married: Margery Anne Shellhase on Sept. 3, 1972, in Kearney
Was a longtime employee of Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed bowling, fishing, walking and was an active member of Spirit of Life Open Bible Church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Marge Fager; son, Andrew Fager both of Kearney; daughter, Rachel (James) Slater of Indianola; granddaughters, Kyra Fager and Kendall Slater both of Indianola; brother, James Fager of Elkton, Va.; sisters, Karen Daake of Kearney and Cynthia Dady of Wells, M.N.; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Memorials: Spirit of Life Open Bible Church
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2022
FAHNHOLZ, Jack Martin, 16, of Kearney died Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Kearney
Funeral: Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 23, 2005, in Kearney
Parents: Dale E. and Amy (Miller) Fahnholz Was raised in the Kearney area, attended Amherst High School as a sophomore; had attended Zion Lutheran preschool program and was confirmed as a member of the Family of Christ Lutheran Church.
Was a loving, kind-hearted, quiet yet quick-witted young man; enjoyed time and activities with family and friends; enjoyed playing video games with his friends
Survivors include his mother, Amy Fahnholz; brother, Bryan Fahnholz; his uncle, Nathan Miller, and aunt, Tiffany, and their children Grace, Jaden and Sydney; his uncle, Shawn Miller, and aunt, Angela; his grandmother, Carol Barrett; his aunt, Debbon Shields and family; his aunt, Danna Gabel and family; and many other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Dale E. Fahnholz; grandparents, Dean and DeLoris Miller; and grandfather, Walter "Edward" Fahnholz
Memorials: Central Nebraska LOSS. Kearney Hub, 7 March 2022
GARRINGER, Thea Kay, infant daughter of McCrae and Dana Garringer, was born at rest Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, in Kearney
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Parents: McCrae and Dana (MacLaren) Garringer of Kearney
Other family members include her maternal grandparents, Mac and Kay MacLaren; paternal grandparents, Steve and Marni Garringer; aunts and uncles, Maggie and Stephen Heaton and Brad and Christie MacLaren; and numerous other extended family
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2022
GRUWELL, Coradell, 93, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at C.H.I. Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Monday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Naponee Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 13, 1928, in Kensington, Kan.
Parents: Ralph and Blanch (Conley) Norton
Graduated from Naponee High School, her teaching certificate from Kearney State College; later returned to school and earned her LPN in 1983
Married: Merlin Gruwell on June 13, 1948, in Franklin
Worked at the family business Gruwell's Grocery and Meat Locker in Naponee for 30 years; moved to Kearney, worked in nursing at Bethphage Mission in Axtell and various nursing homes; finished her nursing career as the administrator at Cambridge Court in Kearney for 18 years
Activities: active church member of the Weslyan Church in Naponee and the Evangelical Free church in Kearney; enjoyed spending time with her family and following her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities
Survivors include her daughters, Pamela and Mike Dunn of Naponee, Peggy and Lynn Haussermann of Naponee, Polly and Doug Sindt of Franklin, Patrese and Mike O'Brien of Paris, Tenn.; sister, Averil and Jerry Kerr of Tequesta, Fla.; 11 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; and special family friend Mary Kalen Romjue of Rockledge, Fla.
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband Merlin; great-granddaughter Aubree Sindt; great-great-granddaughter Navaeh Lucht; and special family friend Robert Romjue
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2022
HAGAN, Joan L., 52, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Memorial service: Friday, Mar. 11, at Butherus, Maser and Love Funeral Home. in Lincoln
Private family burial: later
Born: June 11, 1969, in Kearney
Graduated from Kearney State College in 1993 with a RN degree
Worked at Good Samaritan Hospital and at Kearney Floral; moved to Lincoln, worked in Home Health at Tabitha Health Care and later at interim health
Survivors include her three sons, Alexander, Spencer and Phillip Hagan; mother, Connie Moore; sister, Kim (Dave) Olsen of Lincoln; aunt, Sue Wood of Maryville, Mo.; niece Amanda Huerta; and cousins
Was preceded in death by father, Ted Trambly; and her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2022
HALL, Daryl M., 86, of Lincoln, a former Nebraska newspaper editor and publisher, died Monday, March 14, 2022, at Lincoln
Private family inurnment: Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha
Born: March 28, 1935, in Altoona, Kan.
Parents: Robert and Juanita Hall; after the death of his mother in July, 1935, was raised by his maternal grandparents, Clarence and Cora Carver
Graduated from high school in Neodesha, Kan., and from Independence Community College in Independence, Kan.; received a degree in journalism at the University of Kansas and remained a loyal alumnus and Jayhawks fan
Married: for 15 years to Rebecca Hammerton; had two children together
Military: two years of service in the U.S. Army
Worked at the McCook Gazette, which lead to positions at newspapers in New Mexico and Texas; later was editor of dailies in Ellensburg, Wash., and Coffeyville, Kan.; was editor of the Scottsbluff Star-Herald for 12 years, and publisher of the Kearney Hub for eight years; was transferred by the Omaha World-Herald to Carlsbad, N.M., where he served as publisher of the Current-Argus; retired to Las Cruces, N.M.; lived in New Mexico for 20 years before moving to Lincoln in 2013
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Janet; two daughters, Carri (Jim) Dirksen of Graysville, Tenn., and Sandy Nelson (Bob Loncke) of Bellevue; two stepdaughters, Deb (Rod) Lemke of Brady and Natalie (Jack) Peetz of Lincoln; grandchildren, Reid Dirksen, Connor Nelson, Blane (Jennifer) Lemke, Brenna (Jay) Rine, and Harrison Peetz; along with five great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; parents; and stepson, Barry Cross
Memorials: People's City Mission in Lincoln
Kearney Hub, 17 March 2022
HEDRICK, Tony Eric, 53, of Gibbon died at his home on Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Celebration of life: Friday, Mar. 18, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Nov. 1, 1968, in Hutchinson, Kan.
Parents: Dennis and Judy (McKee) Hedrick
Moved around a lot in childhood as his father was a dispatcher for the railroad; spent his formative years in Yukon, Okla.; moved to Alliance during his preteen years, made lifelong friends there; graduated from McCook High School; went on to study music at McCook Community College
Played in multiple bands during his lifetime, playing guitar and bass; cherished the memory of playing with his brothers in their band Joe Bones
Married: Kendi Schwarz in January 1993; had a son together, later divorced
Worked in the printer repair business for several years
Started dating AnnEtta Brown in April 2006; married April 1, 2016; two daughters and a son
Activities: was very enthusiastic about his music, and most proud of his children and grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, AnnEtta Hedrick of Gibbon; his father in-law, David Smith of Gibbon; his children, Dylan Hedrick of Elwood, Chelsie (Brown) Salinas of Shelton, Dayvie Brown of Kenesaw, and Briant Brown of Franklin; his grandchildren, Titus and Malachi Hedrick of Lexington, Jaron, Zaevan, and IzaBella Zysset of Columbus, Cale and Parker Harvey of Kenesaw, and Greyson Brown of Franklin
Was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Judy Hedrick; mother-in-law Betty Smith; grandparents, Bob and Geth Hedrick, Howard and Ada DeMoulin; sister Tami Sue Hedrick; brothers, Tracy Lee and Tim Allen Hedrick
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2022
HOOS, Joanne (Joanie) Kay, 76, of Grand Island died Monday, March 14, 2022
Funeral: Monday at Grace Lutheran Church in Grand Island
Burial: Grand Island City Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: Sept. 8, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: Laverne and Darlene (Fairchild) Jeffery
Grew up on a farm near Miller; attended Watertown Rural District 101 in Amherst and graduated from Sumner High School in 1963; earned a bachelor of arts degree in education from Kearney State College in 1967, and a master's degree plus 45 hours in education
Married: March 18, 1967, to Gary Hoos of Sumner
Taught in the Grand Island Public Schools over a span of 30 years, in special education and various elementary classrooms
Activities: enjoyed their cabin at Calamus Reservoir and the beautiful view from the deck of their cabin; enjoyed having family and friends at the cabin, especially grandkids; loved having "Grandma Camp" every summer, attending all her grandchildren's activities as well as spending time with her family
Survivors include her daughter, Becky (Jason) Groves of Gretna; sons, Paul (Sally) Hoos and Mark (Michelle) Hoos of Grand Island; grandchildren, Brionna (Alex) Czarnek, Kylie Groves, Mackenzie Hoos, Keaton Groves, Isabelle Hoos, Miranda Hoos, Sammi Hoos, Raygan Hoos, Miles Groves, Braxtyn Hoos, Bensyn Hoos and Mattyx Hoos and two great- grandchildren; brother, Mick (Cindy) Jeffery; in-laws, Shirley (Rod) Swanson, Dixie Line, Tony (Deb) Hoos, Ron (Shari) Hoos, Doug (Carol) Hoos; and numerous nieces & nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, sister Nancy; brother- in- law Tom Cunningham; brothers-in-law, Doug Line and Larry Hoos; and nephew, Jon Hoos
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association and The Student Kindness Fund (GIPS Foundation)
Kearney Hub, 17 March 2022
HORN, Charles Leslie, 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at the Oconto Community Center in Oconto
Burial: Rosehill Cemetery at Callaway
Mortuary: Govier Brothers
Born: April 2, 1941, in Broken Bow
Parents: Leslie and Vera Mae (Voltzke) Horn
Married: Patsy Empfield on Nov. 27, 1960; she preceded him in death
Survivors include his daughters, Lori Jorgenson and Kent Jorgenson of Elkhorn and Lana Horn of Kearney; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2022
ISAACSON, Shane A., 59, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Cremation was chosen
Celebration of Life: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: October 21, 1962 in Alma
Parents: Carol and Dianna (Porter) Isaacson
Attended Holdrege High School and graduated with the class of 1981
Military: United States Army
Was a talented carpenter before he was forced to retire due to health issues
Activities: enjoyed his membership in the Kearney B.P.O.E. Lodge #984 and was also very knowledgeable about sports; especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers
Survivors include: his sister, Michele Isaacson and brother, Bret Isaacson both of Kearney; nephew and nieces, Riley, Willow, Gretchin and Piper Isaacson all of Kearney; uncle, Warren Isaacson of Holdrege
Was preceded in death by his parents; longtime companion and service dog, Bear
Kearney Hub, 22 February 2022 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
JANSSEN, Ruth Ann, 87, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: November 9th, 1934, in Sac City, Iowa
Parents: Osroe and Harriet Fuchs
Attended Cherokee Country Schools, loved learning and education; graduated from Wilson High School in Cherokee Iowa as valedictorian of her class of 68 students in 1953
Married: Ronald Pigott shortly after her graduation
After motherhood, was one of the early non-traditional students attending college, completed a double major in Elementary Education and Sociology in 1972 at Westmar College; earned a Master’s degree in Sociology from Iowa State University in 1974 and started teaching for Kearney State College; continued her education and ultimately earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1985
Was awarded an associate professor of Sociology position at the University of Nebraska, then moved on to full professorship; retired in the 1999-2000 school year after spending a 5-year term as chair of the department
Married: Wally Janssen in her retirement, sharing experiences traveling, dancing, and visiting with friends and relatives
Survivors include: two sons: David Pigott and Dean Pigott; two sisters, Margaret Mundt and Catherine Flanagan and family members; stepdaughter Rowan Buckley, step son Gary and wife Susanne Janssen and family members; sister-in-law Donna Janssen; niece Judy and Alden Pfannenstiel
Was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Ronald Pigott and Wally Janssen, brother-in-law Gilbert Janssen and wife, sister Joann Werthman, brother-in-law Dr. Marvin Mundt, and nephew Martin Mundt
Kearney Hub, 26 February 2022
JOHNSON, Patricia Ann, 68, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Born: January 7, 1954
Grew up in Kearney, enjoyed spending time with her father at the Buffalo County Courthouse where he worked as a janitor; took part in roller skating competitions, figure skating events and roller hockey games; also rode and showed horses in 4-H, Glenwood Wranglers, and open horse shows; after high school, attended the Colorado Police Academy
Served as a deputy sheriff on the Weld County (Greeley Colorado) Sheriff's Department for over ten years; also served as an overnight counselor at the Youth Development Center
Activities: joyfully invested her whole self into the care and well-being of her family; enjoyed caring for people and animals; raised Macaw parrots, Bengal cats, dogs, and tortoises; showed her bangle cats in shows all around the United States and won several best of show; was an advance open water diver and a member of The International Oceanographic Foundation; was always available to help out a friend or neighbor in need
Survivors include her son Landon Johnson, and his two children, Nolan and Kodah; her mother Lola Mae Johnson; her nephew Jeff Coleman; cousins Keith Johnson, Don Johnson; and special friends Norma Still, Kevin Christofel, Joel Bieschke, and Larry Chamberlin, along with numerous other friends and family members
Was preceded in death by her father Warren 'Shine' Johnson; her sister Sherry Coleman; nephew Blake Coleman; and brother-in-law Tony Coleman
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2022
MAASKE, Kent, 64, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Highland Cemetery in Bertrand
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 30, 1957, in Lexington
Parents: Kenneth and Bonnie (Swanson) Maaske
Grew up on the family farm, helped his dad with farming and raising cattle; was involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and church youth group; received his education from Bertrand High School, graduated with the class of 1975; played football, basketball, golf and baseball, was also involved in numerous musical groups; attended Kearney State College
Married: March 26, 1993, Teresa L. Poorman at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney
Was an on-air radio personality for several years before becoming an account executive for NRG Media (KQ106/KGFW) for more than 35 years
Activities: enjoyed auctions, attending hockey games, Nebraska volleyball and football, and doing anything his son was doing; had a love for music and was part of several rock and country bands playing bass guitar and banjo; longtime member of Kearney Community Theater and Faith United Methodist Church
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Poorman-Maaske of Kearney; son, Jacob Maaske of Kearney; sisters, Jan Maaske and Julie Maaske and spouse, Chris Dooley, all of Lincoln; niece, Brie Gorsett and spouse Cody of Bennington; aunt, Theone Winkler of Holdrege; cousins, Lisa Havens of Holdrege and Scott Winkler and fiancé Tony Morrison of Omaha; close family friend, Lynn Ploeger of Kearney; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Lisa Poorman of Kearney; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Mary Poorman of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Alton and Alma Maaske and Oscar and Clara Swanson; uncle, Robert Winkler; and several other extended family members
Memorials: Kearney Community Theatre or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 22 February 2022
MAYO, Ray "Duffy", 87, of Gibbon died Friday, March 4, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial service: Friday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 10, 1934, in Mesic, North Carolina
Parents: E.R. and Neva (Lincoln) Mayo
Was raised in Mesic, N.C., graduated from the New Pamlico County High School in 1952; throughout childhood, worked the vegetable farm alongside his parents; was active in fall and spring baseball at his school, played in the state finals his senior year; also enjoyed basketball and hunting with his dad whenever possible
Military: U.S. Navy, learned the electrical trade (working on airplane systems)
Married: Janice Cline, July 22, 1956, at the Gibbon Baptist Church
After marriage, traveled the U.S. with the U.S. Air Force, so they could stay stateside together; settled and raised their family in Gibbon; became very active in the community and ventured into several businesses: Duffy's Barber Shop, Mayo's Convenience Store and Mayo's Electric Services
Activities: was an avid hunter following his dogs in the fields; became a golfer; active member in the Gibbon American Legion, fillied many positions over the years
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Janice Mayo of Gibbon; children, Curt (Lorri) Mayo of Gibbon, Renee Mayo of Grand Island, Shannon (Mike) Weidner of Cypress, Texas; grandchildren, Brett (Meagan) Mayo, Erin (Bryce) Feeney, Ryan Mayo, Jayden Weidner and Kylee Weidner; great-grandchildren, Landon, Kaleb and Simone Mayo
Was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Max and Ethel Cline; and his great granddaughter, Cecelia Wynn Mayo
Memorials: Gibbon American Legion Post 310
Kearney Hub, 8 March 2022
NAGEL, Harold G. 'Hal', 81, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas
Graveside service: Tuesday, Mar. 15, at the North Lutheran Cemetery in Natoma, Kan.
Mortuary: Cline's-Keithley, Hays, Kansas
Born: May 17, 1940, on the family farm near Natoma, Kan.
Parents: George Henry and Pauline (Hackerott) Nagel
Was brought up in the Lutheran Church; spent his childhood exploring nature, getting to know the plants on the farm and stargazing on the roof of the chicken house, experiences which laid the foundation for his career in science; graduated from Natoma High School; earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in botany from Fort Hays State University; received an assistantship to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, earned a doctorate in entomology
Married: Jan. 28, 1967, to Glennis Carpenter at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Goodland, Kan.; had a daughter together, later divorced
Joined the biology department at Kearney State College, now University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) in 1968; was the first professor to receive all three of the prestigious Pratt-Heins Awards, for research/scholarship (1986), service (1990) and teaching (1994), respectively, as well as the Leland Holdtecurity Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award (2004), which is awarded annually to outstanding teacher-scholars; at UNK, served as chair of the Department of Biology and as president of Faculty Senate, also helped establish AIM Environmental Group, a research organization for UNK science faculty; retired from UNK in 2005
Activities: charter board member of the Prairie Plains Resource Center, an organization established to preserve Nebraska prairies; served on the Crane Meadows Nature Center Board of Directors and was the first manager of the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie for the Nature Conservancy, near Red Cloud; served as president of Big Bend Audubon Society, which helped defeat the proposed Mid-State Reclamation Project
Survivors include his daughter, Anne of Lincoln; sister, Marvel Nelson of Blacksburg, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews; great-niece, Patty (Dale) Eickhoff of Natoma, Kan., was his caregiver in his later years
Was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Arlene Scheffer and Lorene Kreft
Memorials: Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2022
NEUHEISEL, Beverly J., 71, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at her home
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial will be at the Kearney Cemetery. Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 7, 1950, in Mitchell, South Dakota
Parents: Arthur and Elsie (Volk) Schlaffman
Grew up in Ethan, S.D., graduated from Ethan High School in 1968
Married: Bill Neuheisel on April 14, 1972, in Ethan, S.D.; later divorced
Moved to Kearney, 1984; worked for Kearney Public Schools in the office at the junior high for 20 years; for the last 10 years, worked with her daughter, Lisa, at The Sequel Bookshop
Activities: loved attending her grandchildren's events and supporting them in all of their activities; also enjoyed traveling, shopping, going to concerts and going to the casino with her friend, Linda Van Orsdall
Survivors include her daughters, Lisa Neuheisel of Kearney, and Amy and Scott Lowery of Kearney; grandchildren, Austin Lowery and his fianceé Clarissa Lambert and their children Emory and Kyzer of Kearney, Ashley Lowery of Phoenix, Ariz., Aiden Lowery and Colton Lowery of Kearney; brothers, Melvin and Pam Schlaffman of Bullhead City, Ariz., Gary and Marge Schlaffman of Mitchell, S.D., Dan and Diana Schlaffman of Ethan, S.D.; sister, Rose and Dan Walters of Corsica, S.D.; sister-in-law, Barb Schlaffman of Mitchell, S.D. and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jason Neuheisel; and brother, Jim Schlaffman
Memorials: Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 2 March 2022
NUTTER, Craig, 77, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral: Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 7, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Donovan and Ramona (Major) Nutter
Grew up in Gibbon and graduated from Gibbon High School in 1962
Married: Julene Beck on June 19, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
After marriage, lived on a farm outside of Gibbon, farmed there his entire life; was known for being able to fix anything Activities: enjoyed traveling, square dancing and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the Gibbon Rural Fire Board, served on the fire board for many years; member of the Corn Growers Association, Central RVers Camping Club and was involved in in the Gibbon Tractor Pull
Survivors include his wife, Julene Nutter of Gibbon; children, Brett (Mina) Nutter of Geneva, Trisha (Brian) Kroll of Shelton, Christina (Justin) Stade of Pipe Creek, Texas, Carrie (Tim) Wiebe of Omaha; grandchildren, Morgan (Jake) Stutzman, Derek (Taylor) Kroll, Sydni Kroll, Ethan (Maddie) Nutter, Marrissa Nutter, Jacob Nutter, Carston Wiebe, Jadon Wiebe, Sawyer Wiebe, Keller Wiebe, Colton Stade and Lawson Stade; great-grandchildren, Owen, Ian, Wade, Georgia and a baby on the way; brother, Steve Nutter of Abilene, Texas; sister, Theda (Jim) Potter of Ohio
Was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Tovy, sister, Carol; and his brother, Van
Memorials: Gibbon Rural Fire District No. 2
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2022
PABIAN, Bonnie, 83, of Ravenna died Wednesday, February 23, 2022 in Ravenna
Memorial Service: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 8, 1938, along with her identical twin sister, Betty on the family farm in Sherman County
Parents: Charles and Mary (Matejka) Pabian
Attended District 42 and Ravenna High School; had her first job at age 11 working behind the candy and ice cream counter of a local tavern; worked hard on the family farm and saved money to attend business school and earned an Associates Degree from Lincoln School of Commerce
Worked at Baldwin Filters in Kearney for over 45 years; even after retirement, continued to work part-time at different venues
Activities: with twin sister Betty, had a passion for horses and raised and showed award winning Palomino and Quarter horses winning some national titles with both; was athletic in her youth and pitched softball and taught Red Cross swimming lessons; enjoyed sports and was a season ticket holder for 30 years at Nebraska Memorial Stadium and attended several bowl games; served on many local organizations and was a member of the Congregational Church; loved antique auctions and traveling; was an active driver and could be seen driving all over in her little red Jeep until her health began to fail
Survivors include several nephews, nieces, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Vern Pabian; sisters, Elaine Behrendt, Ardyth Sanders and her twin sister, Betty Pabian; her brothers-in-law, one nephew and two great-nephews
Memorials: Congregational Church in Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 1 March 2022
PATTERSON, Mabel Erline, 102, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 in Kearney with family by her side
Private family graveside service: Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence, Kan.
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: May 13, 1919 at home in Florence, Kansas
Parents: Elmer and Irene (Bowlby) Johnson
Spent her early life in the small town of Florence, graduated from Florence High School in 1937
Married: John Martin on Sept. 30, 1939, in Florence; Johan was killed in a car accident in the spring of 1940 and the following October their son John was born
Served the Methodist Church as treasurer, worked at Kansas Power and Light company and worked in her parents' business, Johnson's Variety Store; also worked for a short time as a "parts runner" at the Great Bend, Kan., Army Airfield during World War II
Married: April 14, 1946, to James Howard (Pat) Patterson, a widower with a young son, James "Jim" Jr.
After married, lived in Arkansas City, Kan., and then in El Dorado, Kan., in the late 1940s; had a daughter Barbara there
Was a homemaker and worked at the El Dorado High School cafeteria and sold Avon; later moved to Great Bend, Kan.; after Pat's death in 1984, moved to Fremont, Neb., to help her daughter and son-in-law with their children, which included newborn twins; moved to Kearney in 1987 her daughter's family moved there
Activities: was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and cook; volunteered in each church she was a member of, often helped in the kitchen helping prepare for wedding receptions, church potlucks, funeral dinners, etc.; active member of the American Legion Auxiliary; with Pat, was a member of the Bluestem Campers and Good Sam camping clubs; also enjoyed playing cards and bingo; was very independent and wanted to do for herself as much as possible; lived on her own until breaking a hip in April 2018 and the other hip in November 2018, moved to Mother Hull Home; celebrated her 100th birthday at Mother Hull Home with friends and family in May 2019
Survivors include her children, John L. Patterson, Jean and Jake Jacobson; daughter-in-law, Carol Patterson; grandchildren, Mike Patterson, Megan Patterson, Briana Patterson and her children Annabella and James, Benjamin Jacobson, Amy Jacobson and Connor Jacobson
Was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; her brother and sister; her son, Jim; and daughter-in-law, Sheila Patterson
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice, First Presbyterian Church or Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2022
PETERSEN, Betty Carroll, 93, of Abilene, Texas, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, March 11, 2022
Celebration of life: Saturday, June 4, 2022, Harmon Park Activity Center
Burial: later
Born: April 7, 1928, in Madison, Neb.
Parents: Elizabeth and Edward Pockrandt
After her father's untimely death, her mother was remarried to Louis Fuqua of Kearney
Married: Robert B. Petersen, on Aug. 28, 1949; enjoyed over 72 years of marriage
Activities: enjoyed weekends in the camper with Bob at Fort Kearney, and longer adventures to the mountains with the family; loved to travel and enjoyed large family gatherings; loved children and was a licensed child care provider for many years; sang in the church choir, at family events, and during her housework; was very kind, lighthearted and a friend to all; was an awesome cook, loving mother and mentor
Survivors include her husband Robert; son Bruce and his wife Georgia, son Dennis and his wife Flora, daughter Carol and her husband Andy Jencks, and son David and his wife Deb; brothers Donald Fuqua and Louis Fuqua; sister Kate Rozeboom; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a very large extended family
Was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles Fuqua and David Fuqua; sisters, Phyllis Hagood and Bonnie Richards, grandson Christopher Petersen; and daughter-in-law Connie Petersen
Kearney Hub, 15 March 2022 and 21 May 2022
PETERSEN, Linda K., 77, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: All Faiths in Grand Island
Born: Jan. 5, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: James and Carolmae (Krebs) Petersen
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1963; went to Kansas City, trained to become a licensed cosmetologist
Returned to Kearney, worked at Carolmae's Beauty Salon; enjoyed her clients, many of whom remained lifelong friends
Beginning in 1969, began taking classes at Kearney State College, graduated, honorable mention, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and psychology in 1973; throughout 1974 and 1975 was a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Activities: loved to socialize, filled her free by bartending; enjoyed good conversation, playing cards and helping out at the Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and the Veterans Club; was an avid reader and later became interested in learning about natural health and healing; also enjoyed crossword puzzles, Sudoku and Nebraska Lottery scratch games
Survivors include her son-in-law, Stanley Schwartz (Rocky Williams) of Joshua, Texas; brother, Kern (Marsha) Petersen of Hastings; cousins, Shari Schnuelle (Richard Sharkey) of Grand Island, Robert Schnuelle of Tempe, Ariz., and Rebekah Polski of Madison, Wis.; niece Lindsey (Dan) Gallaway of Hastings; grandnieces and grandnephews, Phoebe Manandik, Katelyn Gallaway, Nathan Gallaway and Daniel Gallaway; and great-grand-niece, Liliana Lee Martin
Was preceded in death by her parents; son Jeffrey Charles Smith on May 29, 2011; and nephew James L. Petersen on Dec. 21, 2012
Memorials: MONA, the Museum of Nebraska Art, or KAAS, the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2022
PITCHER, Lane, 79, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family ceremony: later
Born: in Kearney on Feb. 3rd 1943
Parents: Everett and Ardys Pitcher
Married: October 11th, 1979 to Barbara Hudspeth at his family home in Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Pitcher; daughters, Molly (Christopher) Bussard of Loveland Colo. and Sarah Tilley of Kearney; grandchildren, Taylor Bussard, Emerson Bussard, Keane Bussard, Nova Tilley and Orin Tilley
Was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Ardys; and his sister, Lana Sigler
Memorials: Light Shine K-9
Kearney Hub, 1 March 2022
PLAMBECK, Vernon L., 86, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Brookstone Village in Omaha
Memorial service: Saturday, June 11, at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 23, 1935, the younger of a pair of twines
Parents: Earl and Huld (Shukei) Plambeck) Father died 1938, leaving his mother with four children under the age of 5; lived in Kenesaw, moved to Hastings in 1948; at Hastings High School, participated in football, basketball, track and American Legion Baseball; graduated from Hastings College in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in English and secondary education; earned his Master's degree from UNL in 1964, and his Ph.D in 1973
Married: Marlene Nicholas on May 25, 1958, in Valentine
Taught English in Fairbury, moved to Kearney in Kearney in 1964, taught in the English Department at Kearney State College, retired in 2000
Activities: during college in 1954, began an avocation in high school sports officiating, continuing as a basketball referee until 1989 and as a football referee until 2006; was happy to stay in football officiating until the age of 71, working his last game at O'Neill, ending a 52-year career; reffed the first overtime football game in Nebraska high school football, received the Nebraska High school Sports Hall of Fame distinguished Service Award in 2005, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2006; in Kearney, was editor of The Platte Valley review, 1976-2000; president of the KSC Faculty Senate during the 1985-86 term; member of the Board of Directors of the Kearney Symphony Orchestra, and served two years the president; member of the Kearney Public Schools' arboretum committee and for many years was titular chair of that committee; served in other sports and drama positions
Survivors include his children and their families: Dr Thane Plambeck and his wife Gloria Gatlin of Palo Alto, Calif., and their sons Cole and Owen Plambeck; Alison Plambeck Braun and her husband Michael of Omaha, and their son Nicholas Gilbert and his wife Lindsey Lemaster Braun and sons Mason and Benjamin; and their son Scott Michael and his wife Kayla Johnson Braun and their children Lucas, Emma and Ava.; brother Loren Plambeck; sisters Verlene McFerren and Margaret Lovgren and their families
Was preceded in death by his wife Marlene in 2003; his father Earl Plambeck in 1938; and mother Hulda Shukei Plambeck in 1992; special friend Sylvia Gustin in 2021
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2022 and 7 June 2022
RAGER, Walter Ray, 94, of Seneca Sunrise in Ravenna died Friday, March 4, 2022
Funeral: Thursday, Mar. 10, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Oct. 27, 1927, in Thurston
Parents: Thomas and Emma (Bourelle) Rager
Was the second youngest of nine children; attened school in Thurston County, completed the eighth grade
Began working for the CB & Q Railroad at the age of 16 during the summers, then worked at the packing house in Sioux City, Iowa, during the winters; also worked at Fort Randall as a carpenter apprentice learning a trade that would serve him all his life
Military: U.S. Army on Feb. 28, 1946 - Aug. 27, 1947, achieved the rank of sergeant at Fort Bliss, Texas; returned home to Thurston County after his discharge
Married: Helen Leedom on Feb. 3, 1951
Lived in Winnebago until 1957, relocated to Ravenna; worked for Burlington Northern Railroad until 1965; owned and operated the Dairy Kreme from 1965-1972; worked as custodian for Ravenna Publis Schools for 24 years at the "White School;" also worked as the maintenance director at Grand Manor for 20 years, then both retired from the manor
Activities: during the 69 years together Walt and Helen caught countless fish, picked their KENO numbers, and bet on the dogs and ponies, all while loving their family; enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; loved to play cards with his coffee friends, football and taking drives with Helen
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Benjamin, Michael (Marilyn), Kelly, Mary (Jim) Pernicek, Melanie (Michael) Gutzmer and Travis; sister Daisy Pointer; sister-in-law Anniveve Rager; brothers-in-law, Robert Leader Charge and Dick Leedom; 19 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren; along with extended family and numerous friends
Was preceded in death by his spouse Helen, on June 13, 2020; parents and in-laws; son Patrick; daughters-in-law, Arlene and Barb; five brothers; and two sisters
Memorials: Ravenna Fire Department and EMTs Kearney Hub, 9 March 2022
RALL, Marvin Lee, 84, of Kearney died Monday, March 14, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial Mass: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 15, 1937
Parents: Virginia and William Rall
Attended Kearney High School, later earned his GED
Military: U.S. Marine Corps at Pendleton, Calif.
Married: Sharon Zimmerman of Riverdale were married May 7,1958, in Kearney; raised four daughters together
Worked for Sears in downtown Kearney for 37 years in sporting goods and automotive
Activities: loved fishing and hunting; active member of the Kearney Knights of Columbus Slow Pitch softball team for many years; enjoyed swimming with his daughters and family; was proud of maintaining his house and the landscape in Kearney; member of St. James Catholic Church; cared deeply for his family and held true to his convictions, morals and faith
Survivors include his wife Sharon of Kearney; his brothers, Jack, Joe and Jim; his daughters, Deb, Cindy, Susan and their families; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren with another on the way
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jerry; and daughter Lori
Memorials: Kearney Catholic School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 17 March 2022
RITCHIE, Paul John-Robert, 28, of Hastings, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in Hastings
Private family Celebration of Life: Sunday, Feb 20
Born: Nov. 17, 1993
Parents: Cary Traxler and Peter Ritchie
Survivors include his children, Dean and Meadow; his significant other, Ellie; mother, Cary Traxler; father, Peter Ritchie; siblings, Crystena Richie of Kearney, William Ritchie of San Diego, Calif., and Craig Marsh of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 17 February 2022
RODEHORST, Dana R., 52, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Tuesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 14, 1969, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Parents: Keith and LeAnn (Graybeal) Rodehorst
Attended Kindergarten in Mt Pleasant, Iowa.; grew up in Ogallala, Nebr.; graduated from Ogallala High School in May 1987; attended Kearney State College and Southeast Community College in Lincoln
Worked with Amigos Restaurants in Omaha and Kansas City, Mo., managing the opening of new stores; returned to Kearney in 1994; loved the hospitality industry and bartending; managed Maxwells, The Elephants Eye and Pony's in Kearney; owned and operated the Dome Lounge, from 1998 and for 24 years.
Married: 1996 to Jennifer Behlmann in Kearney; had two children, Jaden Robert and Megan Hannah Rodehorst
Married: 2010 to Kari Nutt; welcomed 3 bonus children, Jordan, Dakota and Joslyn Poff
Activities: loved entertaining, foved family events, cooking for friends, holidays and parties; loved his business but truly loved his "Dome family", customers who were all friends and family; had a huge heart, was generous, loyal and patient; loved water, swimming, boating, fishing and beach activities, enjoyed road trips, especially a recent trip to Washington with son Jaden; completed professional K9 training in Indiana in the 1990s and was proud of those skills, and the dogs he trained and loved; was a huge fan of all things Pink Floyd, The Raiders, and the Avalanche, and playing fooseball; was a favorite uncle of his nieces and nephews
Survivors include his children, Jaden Rodehorst and Megan Rodehorst and fiancé Elijah Cortez of Kearney; mother LeAnn (Jim) Ayres, of Ogallala; father Keith (Jan) Rodehorst, of Kearney; grandfather Bob (Carolyn) Graybeal of Richland; Wash.; sisters, Emily (Casey) Mack of Buckeye Ariz., Erica (Darby) Flansburg Ogallala; step-brother James (Angie) Ayres of North Platte; step-sisters, Jacque Ayres of North Platte, Jodi (Doug Radke) Whelan of Grand Island; step-children, Jordan Poff and Dakota Poff Omaha, and Joslyn Poff Kearney; honorary grandson, Cristian Cortez Kearney; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his huge amazing Dome family
Memorials: K-9 Freekz Rescue
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2022
SCHEUFFELE, Douglas 'Doug' Robert, 65, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
A celebration of life luncheon: March 12, at the Kearney Eagles Club
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: February 21, 1956 in Caldwell, Idaho
Parents: Ludwig and Dollie (Reed) Scheuffele
Grew up in Marsing, Idaho; due to the death of his parents, when Doug was 12, with his brother Gary, moved to Loomis, Nebr., and were raised by his Uncle Albert and Aunt Vera Reed; favorite class was art, lettered in football and wrestling; graduated from Loomis High School in 1974 and moved to Kearney
Married: Janice Ramsey on June 24, 1979
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Military: National Guard from 1977-1989, was tank commander in the Holdrege unit; was honorably discharged with the rank of E6
Worked at West (Company) Pharmaceuticals, YRTC and the City of Kearney, retired in 2015
Activities: was past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Eagle Riders; had many hobbies including coin collecting, hunting, antiquing, fishing, motorcycles, wood turning and hand-crafted knives, the latter of which was his favorite; sold his knives at many gun shows and created custom-ordered knives
Survivors include: his wife, Janice of Kearney; daughter, Kristy (Dave) Foster of Omaha; son, Justin Scheuffele of Kearney; grandchildren, Jaxson and Jobey Foster of Omaha; Dagon and Denae Scheuffele of Kearney; sister, Janice Summers of Stanwood, Washington; brother, Gary (Pam) Scheuffele of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother Melvin and sister Vickie
Kearney Hub, 8 March 2022
SCHROEDER, Louise Helen, 97, of Kearney died on Friday, March 4, 2022
Memorial service: June 11 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Nov. 17, 1924, in Bellefont, Kansas
Parents: Louis and Clara (Hattrup) Peintner
Was raised on a farm in Spearville, Kan., with her 14 brothers and sisters, Oscar Peintner, Dorothy Ambler, Martha Fuller, Hugo Peintner, George Peintner, Clotilda Weltz, Helen Weltz, William Naab, Andrew Naab, Gin Naab, Deloris Ravencamp, Dorothy Schook, Leonard Peintner and Joellyn Lubbers; attended St. Francis School of Nursing in Wichita, Kan., and graduated with an RN degree
Married: Raymond F. Schroeder on March 27, 1947; he preceded her in death on Feb. 15, 2009
Survivors include her children, Sharon (Larry- deceased 2011) Ganskow, Patricia (Rick) Christensen, and Michael (Judy) Schroeder; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and seven step great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2022 and 4 June 2022
SEATON, Mike Allen, 66, of Kearney died Monday, March 7, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney with family by his side
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Andrews, Texas, on Dec. 29, 1955
Parents: Orville A. and Nellie Mae (Griffith) Seaton
Married: Leatha Robinson on Sept. 3, 1974
Survivors include his wife, Leatha Seaton of Kearney; his three children, Matthew Seaton, Kelli Seaton and Tausha Low; three sisters, Linda Sue Guttery, Betty Seaton, and Barbara Carpitcher; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 March 2022
SMUTNY, John Robert, 77, of Kearney died Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Funeral: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: April 25, 1944, in Omaha
Parents: James and Mary (Smola) Smutny
Was raised in Omaha, received his education from Omaha Central High School; later attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha
Military:served in the Nebraska National Guard
Began his career in the beer distributor business in Blair; went on to be owner in Nebraskaland Distributors working in Hastings and McCook; later owned and operated Little Kings in Kearney for several years; most recently worked for VisionComm to keep himself busy; most importantly, was a dedicated father to his sons, Bob and Chris
Activities: had a passion for dogs, was a German shorthaired and Vizsla field trainer and received many awards in competitions across the Midwest; loved all things outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, feeding the deer and spending time at his cabin at Harlan County Lake; especially enjoyed spending time with his friends and family; biggest joy was the love for his grandkids
Survivors include: his sons, Bob (Crystal) Smutny, Makenzie, Ryaan and Blake of Kearney; and Chris (Christine) Smutny, Madelyne and Andrew of Tekamah; brother, Chuck (Jan) Smutny of Danville, Calif.; sister, Mary (Rick) Donovan of Omaha; special friend, Deb Beerman of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sherry Smutny and their son Michael Smutny
Kearney Hub, 16 March 2022
SNART, Ronald E., 65, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral: Wednesday, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Orleans Cemetery
Born: Feb. 15, 1957, in Kearney
Parents: William G. and Leah (Russell) Snart
Activities: attended the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Surviving relatives include his brother, Rocco Snart of Golden, Colo.; aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Billy
Memorials: People First Kearney or the ARC of Buffalo County
Kearney Hub, 1 March 2022
SWIFT, Patrick B., 72, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at his home in Kearney
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 13, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Keith and Delores (Muller) Swift
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1967; attended Kearney State College; spent much of his time as a child at his grandparents' farm in Miller and that led to his lifelong love of livestock; participated in 4-H throughout his youth showing sheep and cattle
Married: Kathy Bish on Oct. 28, 1970, in Alma
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Raised hogs, sheep and a few heifers, eventually started his own cattle herd, grew that herd in the years to come while working full time at Western Alfalfa, Dekalb and Cash-WA Distributing Company; with his brother David, also owned and operated Interstate Underground Sprinklers until the mid-1980s
Activities: loved being at the farm in Miller and was happiest working with his beloved Black Angus cattle; enjoyed time other farmers and friends, was always happy to lend a helping hand to his farming neighbors when needed; was a jack of all trades and never found a project too big to tackle, could build and fix anything, was a wealth of information; was known as Patipedia because he just seemed to know everything; loved spending time with his boys and never missed a single swim meet, baseball or basketball game; coached Little League and was active on the Kearney Legion and Little League boards
Survivors include: his wife, Kathy Swift; sons, Brent and Amanda Swift, Keith and Jami Swift; grandsons, Henry Swift, Kamden Swift and Greyson Swift, all of Kearney; sister, Connie and Kevin Hendrickson of Lakewood, Colo.; brother, Tom and Patty Swift of Glendale, Ariz.; and sister-in-law, Patti Swift of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; and brother David Swift
Memorials: college education fund for his grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2022
TAYLOR, Bessie "Eloise", 95, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Fullerton Cemetery
Born: March 16, 1926, in Hastings
Parents: Jesse and Clara (Helblig) Wagoner
Came from a family of eight children, was the second to the youngest; her father was a high school science teacher and instilled a lifelong love for educational pursuits; graduated from Hastings Senior High in 1944
Joined her two sisters who were living and working in Washington, D.C., during the war years; was employed by the FBI as a clerk-typist from 1944 to 1946; came back to Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years, eared an associate degree in home economics
Married: Warren Lester Taylor, Aug. 28, 1948 in Bremerton, Wash., where her parents were living at the time
After married, lived in Lincoln, moved to O'Neill in January 1949; after two years, moved to the Taylor family farm at Belgrade, helped Warren's dad with the farm; moved to Albion in 1958, operated the Taylor 66 Oil Company (gas station); owned and operated this business for 30 years; worked for 20 years as bookkeeper and office manager for the Taylor 66 Oil Company
Activities: an active member in the United Methodist church in Albion for more than 50 years, attended the United Methodist church while in Kearney; enjoyed camping and traveling and spent 18 years as "snowbirds" going to Mesa, Ariz., in the winters; loved reading, bird watching, hiking, swimming and meeting new people; was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Taylor in 2004
Moved to Kearney in 2011 to be near her daughter; lived in an independent apartment at Regency, and then at Homestead Assisted Living, moved to Mount Carmel skilled nursing care in 2018
Survivors incude her children; Steven Taylor and wife Pam of Kirbyville, Mo., Paul Taylor and wife Joyce of Bartlesville, Okla., Gloria Geiselman and husband Jeff of Kearney, Richard Taylor and husband Angelo of Scituate, Mass.; six grandchildren, Stephanie Cliff and husband Michael of Jenks Okla., Brian Taylor and partner Catherine Rescher of Pittsburgh, Pa., Amanda Taylor and wife Emily of Jenks, Okla., Jessica Clemence and husband Jon of Everett Wash., Joshua Geiselman and wife Judith of Riverdale, and Justin Geiselman of Norfolk; 11 great-grandchildren, Audrey, Scott, Grant and Olivia Geiselman, Alexander and Ethan Cliff, Brodie and Eliana Clemence, Ellie, Oakley and Anderson Taylor as well as nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband and all of her immediate family of three sisters and four brothers
Memorials: Albion United Methodist Church or to Rowe Sanctuary
Kearney Hub, 1 March 2022
VanMATRE, Francis "Frank" A., 68, of Claudell, Kansas, died peacefully Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, at his home
Memorial service: Sat. March 5, in Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, Kan.
Burial: Kirwin Cemetery in Kirwin, Kan.
Born: Sept. 26, 1953, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Clifferd and Lila Mai (Heider) VanMatre
Married: Pamela Frink on Nov. 24, 1973; had two daughters together, Holly and Heather
Married: Darla Reynolds in 1994, gained two stepchildren, Jeremy and Rachelle
Was a hardworking, dedicated employee of Eaton manufacturing in Kearney for 34 years; after retiring, worked for BIH Plumbing and Electric
Activities: enjoyed his weekends with family and friends and thoroughly enjoyed updating and caring for the farm
Survivors include his wife Darla of Cedar, Kan.; daughters Holly (Robb) Anway of Kearney and Heather (Cory) Smallcomb of Gibbon; stepdaughter Rachelle (TJ) Steckelberg of Boulder City, N.V.; brothers, Nick (Deb) VanMatre, Todd (Tia) VanMatre and Luke VanMatre, all of Gibbon; sisters Gail (Clyde) Jones of Lee Summit, Mo., and Joan (Tim) McAuliff of Papillion; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; his wife's parents; his brother-in-law Dean Reynolds, and stepson Jeremy Johnson
Memorials: First St. John Lutheran Church or Hospice Services
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2022
WARTA, Edward Anton, 92, of Loup City, formerly of Miller, died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Rose Lane home in Loup City
Funeral: Wednesday at United Church of Sumner East Campus in Sumner
Burial: Sumner Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Born: May 26, 1929
Parents: Ben and Emma Warta
Survivors include his children, David Warta of Elkhorn, Eddie Warta Jr. of Oconto, Danny Warta of Colorado Springs, Colo., Carol Warta of Kearney and James Warta of Bertrand; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2022
WICHT, Waunda L., 99, of Kearney died Tuesday at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Home in Kearney
Funeral: Saturday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 8, 1922
Parents: Marion and Alma (Mosser) Dubbs
Married: On Dec. 17, 1941, to John Wicht; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her children, Janell Wicht of Sidney, Jenith Hiatt of Kansas City, Mo., JayDee Wicht of Scottsbluff and James Wicht of Gibbon; 10 grandchildren; along with many great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2022
WILSON, Suzan K., Omaha resident, formerly of Kearney, 63, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, in Omaha
Celebration of life: later
Born: Oct. 5, 1958, in Minden
Parents: R.D. and Donna Wilson
Was the youngest of four children; graduated from Kearney High School in 1976; received her bachelor's degree in education/special education at Kearney State College and her master's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Was an educator at heart; taught for many years in several towns in Wyoming and in Kearney; enjoyed the years she spent in special education working with children and adults; especially enjoyed using her love of horses and farm life to provide opportunities to others
Survivors include her siblings, Clark (Cherlyn) Wilson and John (Laura) Wilson; nieces and nephews, Shannon Murry, Brian (Lindsey) Murry, Chrisanne (Bryan) Wickham, Kisten Wilson, Erik Wilson and Katerina Wilson; and her best friend Michael Bond
Was preceded in death by her parents, R.D. and Donna Wilson; and sibling, Sherri Wilson
Memorials: Kearney Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2022