Submitted by Doris Counts

Damero, Frederika Voss
April 5, 1928, The Frontier

MRS JOHN DAMERO

     Mrs John Damero passed away last Monday at the home of her daughter Mrs George Syfie, of Phoenix, where she has made her home for some time past.

     Frederika Voss was born in Schoneburg, Prussia, Germany, Feb 27,1837, she came to American in 1857, and on Feb 8,1861, she was united in marriage to John Damero, in Wolworth County, Wisconsin. In 1882 she came with her husband and family to Holt County and located upon a homestead a half mile south of the Old Greeley Post Office where they resided for many years.

     For a number of years, Mrs Damero has made her home among her children.

     Her surviving children are: Otto Damero, Aitkin, Minnesota; Frank Damero, Martin, South Dakota; Mrs Amelia Stockwell, Butte, Nebraska; Miss Lena Damero, Sterling, Nebraska; Mrs Edith Syfie, Harmon and John Damero, Phoenix, Nebraska; Ludwig and Emma are deceased.

     Funeral services were held from the George Syfie home at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Burial was made in the Phoenix Cemetery.

     Mr and Mrs George Bay, Peter W Duffy and M H McCarthy of O'Neill were in attendance at the funeral services; the latter two were pallbearers.

Submitted by Doris Counts

Henkel, Dr Franz
Jan 16,1970, Atkinson Graphic

RITES HELD FOR DR FRANZ HENKEL, 70

     Funeral services for Dr Franz H Henkel, 70, retired chiropractor who lived as a boy on a ranch near Atkinson, were held in chapel of Seger Funeral Home Saturday, Jan 10. Burial was in Phoenix Cemetery.

     Dr Henkel was a brother to Mrs Fred Tesch and Mrs Harold Kirkland, both of Atkinson, and Mrs Eugene Karr of Fremont. A brother, Albert, lives in Bridgewater, Iowa.

     Other survivors are his wife, Eunice of Des Moines, Iowa; and 2 sons, Franz of Des Moines and Zane Grey of Polk City, Iowa. 2 grandchildren, Laine and Lance.

     Dr Henkel was graduated from the Palmer College of Chiropractie of Davenport, Iowa in 1922 and for ore than 20 years practiced in Albany, Mo, Villisca, Denison and Des Moines, Iowa.

     Recently he operated the Henkel Music Studio in Des Moines.

     He entered Des Moines Hospital Oct 14, last year, and underwent treatment and surgery for cancer a short time later. He died Jan 7. Wednesday.

     Dr Henkel was born March 3,1899, near Kinon in Crawford County, Iowa, the son of Mr and Mrs Christian Carl Henkel. The Henkel family moved to a ranch near Atkinson when he was 6 years old.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

Submitted by Doris Counts

Lamphier, Francis J Achly
Aug 12,1921, Atkinson Graphic

MRS FRANCES J LANPHEIR

     Francis J Achly was born July 16,1852 at Fairfield, Wisconsin, and died at her home near Phoenix, Nebraska, Aug 3,1921, having attained the age of 69 years, 3 weeks and 3 days.

     Her girlhood days were spent in the home of her parents in the state of Wisconsin. She was married to George Lanphier on Dec 2,1871.

     Mr and Mrs Lanphier came to the northern part of Holt County in the year 1880 and here she lived on the old home place for over 40 years.

     Mrs Lanphier was of a quiet and unobtrusive disposition, loving home and friends, interested in her surroundings and her friends were known only by her acquaintances.

     She leaves to mourn her death one son, David J Lanphier of Chinook, Montana; 4 daughters, Rosa A Cady of Bassett, Mary P Damero, Edith J Damero and Elnora Anderson of Phoenix, Nebraska.

     Mrs Lanphier was converted at an early age and united with the Methodist Church. Later was affiliated with the Presbyterian and Congregational Church as opportunity afforded and was especially devoted to Sunday school work.

     Funeral services were had at the home Friday, Aug 5 and interment was made in the Phoenix Cemetery and her body placed by the side of her husband who preceded her in death about five years. Rev E L Peterson pastor of the M E Church of Atkinson, conducted the funeral services.

Submitted by Doris Counts

Nilson, Blanche L Roberts
January 20,1983 Atkinson Graphic

SERVICES HELD FOR MRS CLYDE NILSON, 80

     Mrs Blanche L Nilson, 80, died January 13 at the Good Samaritan Center, Atkinson.

     The Rev Dale O'Connell conducted a family service Monday morning at the Seger Funeral Home. A memorial service was held at 2 pm at the First United Presbyterian Church. Burial was in the Phoenix Cemetery.

     Mrs Nilson was born on December 22,1902 to Melford and Cynthia (Summers) Roberts in Dixon, Nebraska. She and Clyde Nilson were married January 15,1921 in O'Neill.

     She is survived by daughters, Mrs Fred (Marian) Roberts of Atkinson and Mrs John (Mavis ) Neslen of Denver; brothers, Fred Roberts of Atkinson and Roy Roberts of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho; a sister, Mrs Lester (Grace) Harding of Whiting, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

     Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Clyde. One son, Faye, an infant daughter, and three brothers.

Submitted by Doris Counts

Roberts, Cynthia Arlepha Summers
November 28,1941, Atkinson Graphic

MRS M W ROBERTS STRICKEN SUDDENLY

     Atkinson Woman, 70, Drops Dead In Her Home; Funeral Held at Presbyterian Church

     Mrs M W Roberts, 70, was stricken with a heart attack and dropped dead in her home in Atkinson at 8:45 o'clock last Friday morning. Although she suffered intensely with inflammatory rheumatism for many years, she was not confined to her bed and was able to do the lighter chores of housework.

     Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon with rites at the Presbyterian Church at 2 o'clock and burial in the Phoenix Cemetery northeast of Atkinson. The services were conducted by the Rev Willard C Brewer, pastor, who spoke from the text found in James 4:14, "What is Thy Life?" A quartet composed of Mrs G E McClurg, Mrs Helen Raymer, Ira and Raymond Elder, sang, "Does Jesus Care", "Ivory Palaces", and "No Night There". Lois Jean Elder played the accompaniments.

     Relatives from out of town who were here to attend the funeral included Mr and Mrs Lester Harding and Son, Calvin, Ticonic, Iowa; Mr and Mrs Ernest Hagerman, Sioux City; Emmett and Everett Roberts, Allen; Mr and Mrs Ed McDaniel and children, Leona, Lucille and Marilyn, of Clearwater; Mr and Mrs David Milne of Creighton.

OBITUARY

     Cynthia Arlepha Summers was born in Iowa on March 25, 1871, and departed this life, November 21, 1941, at the age of 70 years, 7 months, and 28 days. She was the daughter of Sampson and Maria Summers.

     When about six weeks old she moved with her parents from Iowa to Indiana where she lived until she was 11 years of age then moved with the family to Texas County, Missouri. With hardships and deprivations, the trip was made in a covered wagon and six weeks was required to complete the journey.

     When she was 19 years of age she was married to James M McDaniel. To this union one son was born, John Edward. Six years later she was married to Milford W Roberts of Allen, Nebraska, and since that time she had been a resident of Nebraska.

     To this union were born two daughters and four sons. Grace Roberts Harding of Ticonic, Iowa; Blanch Roberts Nilson of Atkinson; Loyd V of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Ray S of Sweet Home, Oregon, Fred A and Walter M of Atkinson.

     Besides the above named children, she leaves to mourn her departure, her husband; 14 grandchildren; three brothers, Marcus Summers, Mansfield, Washington; Carl and Herman of Madera,California; one sister living in Missouri, many other relatives and friends.

     In 1918 she and her family moved from Dixon County to Holt County, locating on the old Peter Greeley ranch in the Phoenix Community northeast of here. Two years later they moved to the Otto Nilson farm in the same community and later to the Atkinson Vicinity where she resided until her death.

     She was ever a kind and loving wife and mother, and a friend to all who knew her, and will be greatly missed by the family and friends. She was a member of the Friends Church in her earlier days, and in recent years her health did not permit her to take an active part in Church Work.

Submitted by Doris Counts

Roberts, Fred A.
Dec 1984, Atkinson Graphic

RITES TUESDAY FOR FRED ROBERTS, 75

     Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 4, at the Presbyterian Church, Atkinson, for Fred A Roberts, 75, who died Sunday at West Holt Memorial Hospital.

     Officiating was the Rev Robert Neill with burial in the Phoenix Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 8 pm Wednesday at the Seger Funeral Home.

     Roberts spent most of his life as an operator of road construction machines for Holt County. He was born June 3,1909 in Dixon County to Milfored and Cynthia Arlepha (Summers) Roberts. He married Marian Nilson in O'Neill on December 9,1933.

     He is survived by his wife, Marian, three sons, Richard "Bud" of Lawton, Oklahoma; Gary of Holdredge and Ronald of Council Bluffs, Iowa; three daughters, Patricie Butterfield of Kearney; Mickie King of Chicasha, Oklahoma; and Mona Scott of Arvada, Colorado; a sister, Mrs Lester Harding of Whiting, Iowa; a brother, Ray Roberts of Bonner Ferry, Idaho. Also surviving are 32 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one granddaughter.

Submitted by Doris Counts

Roberts, Milfred W.
April 20,1951, Atkinson Graphic

M W ROBERTS, 81, DIES OF HEART ATTACK

     Funeral services were held at 2 pm Thursday for Milfred W Roberts, 81, who died Tuesday at about 1:30 pm of a heart attack at the Stuart Hospital.

     Rev Orin Graff conducted the rites from the Presbyterian Church here. Interment was at Phoenix, Nebraska.

     Laura McClurg and Elaine Harshfield, accompanied by Onie McClurg, sang, "When They Ring The Golden Bells" and "Ivory Pallaces".

     Pallbearers were Ned Harshfield, Henry Dierks, B A Sorey, Dave Beck, Fritz Dunn, and F J Brady.

     Mr Roberts had been ill for about a year, seriously ill for a month.

     Milfred Roberts was born September 30,1869 at Waterbury, and died April 17,1951 at Stuart at the age of 81 years, six months and 18 days. His parents, both of whom preceded him in death, were Aaron and Mary Roberts.

     On March 25,1896 he married Cynthia Arletha Summers at Sioux City, Iowa. They lived near Allen, Nebr until 1903, when they moved to northern Cedar County. In 1906 they moved to Dixon, in 1908 to Holt County.

     In 1928 they moved to Atkinson, where Mr Roberts made his home until the time of his death. Throughout most of his life Mr Roberts was a farmer; in his later years, he retired from farming and worked as a carpenter in and around Atkinson.

     Survivors include a step son, Ed McDaniel, Page; six children, Mrs Lester Harding, Whiting, Iowa; Mrs Clyde Branch Nilson, Atkinson; Fred Roberts, Atkinson; Lloyd Roberts, Roseburg, Oregon; Ray Roberts, Naples, Idaho; Walter Roberts, Dakota City, Nebraska.

     Other survivors are two brothers, F L Roberts, Allen and Alfred Roberts, Puento, Cal; and a sister, Mrs Elba Valentine, Batesland, SD; 18 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

     Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, who died Nov 21,1941; three brothers, and three sisters.

     Out of town relatives attending the funeral included; Mr and Mrs Lester Harding and son Calvin, Whiting, Iowa; Mr and Mrs Walter Roberts, Dakota City; Mr and Mrs F L Roberts and son Everett, Allen, and Lavern Harding, Climbing Hills, Iowa.

Submitted by Doris Counts

      A little girl - living near Anncar died Saturday and was buried in the Phoenix Cem, Monday afternoon.

Submitted by Doris Counts

     John Schwint, one of the Russians in O'Brien's Colony, died very suddenly on Friday of last week and was buried Monday at Phoenix. He leaves one son in Holt County, one daughter in Havenlock, two daughters in Lincoln, and one at Hastings. All were present at the funeral except the daughter in Hastings. Mr Schwint was 74 years old. His wife preceded him in death about one year.

Submitted by Doris Counts

TWO OF COUNTY'S PIONEERS DIE THURSDAY AFTERNOON

     Claus Storjohann, one of the real pioneers of the northern part of this county, died at his farm home about 2:30 this afternoon, according to word received in this city from one of his sons, Henry. Mr Storjohann had been a resident of that section of the county for over fifty years and was about 85 years of age. He had been in failing health for the past five or six months.

Aug 22,1935, The Frontier

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD SUNDAY AT THE HOME FOR CLAUS STORJOHANN

     Claus Storjohann died at his ranch home north west of this city last Thursday afternoon, after an illness of several months of ailment incident to old age, at the age of 83 years and 13 days. The funeral services were held at the farm home last Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev E E Dillon officiating and burial in the Cemetery at Phoenix, a short distance from his original home in that section. The funeral was largely attended, people coming for many miles to pay their last tribute to this rugged pioneer.

     Claus Storjohann was born in Alvesloke, Barmstedt, Holstein, Germany, on Aug 2,1852. When a young man he came to the United States and for three years lived in Iowa, coming to Holt County from Minden, Iowa, in the spring of 1884 and settled on a farm near Phoenix, where he lived for several years, then he built a new home on another farm that he had acquired a couple miles east of the old homestead, where he resided up to the time of his death.

     On Jan 24,1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Steenbock, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, who with seven children are left to mourn the death of a kind and affectionate husband and father. The children are: Henry and William at home, and August, who lives on the old home place near Phoenix; Mrs Emma Butzke of Dallas, SD; Mary DeVall, Meek; Martha Johring, Red Bird; Rose Goeke, Atkinson. In addition he is survived by 38 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and one brother, Hans, of Spencer.

     Mr Storjohann was one of the pioneers of the Phoenix neighborhood, moving into that section of the county fifty one years ago last spring, when there were very few settlers in that section of the county. He endured all the hardships and privations of the early days, when neighbors were few and far between. He went through the destructive blizzard of 1888 to the panicky times of the nineties, but throught it all he never complained having sincere faith in the future of the section that he had chosen for a home. And that hope was realized for he had one of the most commodious farm homes in the county, with all modern conveniences, and one of the best improved farms in this section, of the state, at the time of his death.

     He was reared in the Lutheran faith but in 1894 he joined the Church of God and was a faithful member of that faith up to the time of his death. For many years he had been known as Grandpa Storjohann and was beloved by all the members of his family as well as his neighbors and friends for his many fine traits of character and his liberality to those in distress. He was an outstanding citizen and his passing will be sincerely regreted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Submitted by Doris Counts

RITES TODAY FOR HENRY STORJOHANN

     Funeral services for Henry H Storjohann, 84, O'Neill, will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the First Christian Church with the Rev Donald Schoepf officiating.

     Mr Storjohann died from injuries sustained in a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Inman and Highway 20, Tuesday. He was driving a pickup and was leaving Inman to return to O'Neill. The other vehicle was a 1966 car traveling east driven by Mrs Joan E Thramer, of Ewing.

     Survivors include Mrs Louis Goeke, Atkinson; Mrs Emma Diehl, Sioux City, Iowa, and Mrs Martha Johring, O'Neill.

Submitted by Doris Counts

LOUIS A STORJOHANN

     Louis August Storjohann was born March 31,1923 at Atkinson to August and Nellie (Goeke) Storjohann, and died December 21,1995 at Clarkson Hospital, in Omaha, at the age of 72.

     Funeral services were held December 26 at the First Christian Church, Burwell with Rolly Salts officiating.

     Pallbearers were Ruby Wabs, Paul Oxford, Billy Weber, Jim Hawk, Gene Thoene, and Tom Storjohann. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Manasil, Buck Bolli, Richard Brockman, Gaylord Wallace, Dale Crandall, Jim Mach, Ray Guggenmos, and Melvin Thoene.

     Burial was at Phoenix Cemetery.

     He grew up north of Atkinson near the Niobrara River and attended rural school. He married Doris Eppenbach on September 15, 1944, they ranched on the family ranch until 1957 when they moved to Burwell. Louis bought the International Harvester Implement business in Burwell and he alsohad the Ford dealership from 1959-1961. Louis sold the implement business in 1965 and went to work for Lincoln Life and Casualty where he worked as state manager until his retirement in 1984.

     Mrs Storjohann passed away in 1985.

     On February 14, 1987, Louis married Lydia Svatos. They made their home in Burwell until his death.

     Survivors include his wife, Lydia.three sons, David of Cozad, Harry of Omaha, and Larry of Phoenix, Arizona; three daughters, Shirley Belisle of Denver, Colorado; Linda Hendrickson of Big Springs, and Deborah Clark of Cozad. Step children; Alan Neal of Beatrice, Galen Neal of California, Patricia Schmitz of Norfolk, Connie Neal of NY one brother, Earl Storjohann of Spencer, 8 grandchildren, and 5 step grandchildren.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Doris.

Submitted by Doris Counts

MRS STORJOHANN DEAD FOLLOWING A SHORT ILLNESS

     Services Will Be Held Next Sunday Afternoon At The Home and Burial at Phoenix

     Mrs Marie Storjohann died at her home east of Phoenix at 2 o'clock this morning after an illness of but a few days of a paralytic stroke, at the age of 76 years 6 months and 26 days. The funeral will be held next Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with services at the residence and burial in the Cemetery at Phoenix at the side of her husband who passed away last August.

     Marie Steinbock was born at Hamburg, Germany on Aug 30,1859. When a young lady she came to American with her parents and they located near Minden, Iowa. On Jan 24,1883, she was united in marriage to Claus Storjohann at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Six children were born of this union and they are left to mourn the passing of a kind and affectionate mother. The children are: Henry, August and William of Spencer; Mary DeVall, Meek; Martha Johring, Redbird; Mrs Rose Goeke, Atkinson. She also leaves a sister, Mrs Hans Storjohann of Spencer.

     Mrs Storjohann was one of the real pioneers of the northern part of the county. In March 1884, the year following her marriage she came to this county with her husband and they located north of the Eagle, a few miles east of Phoenix, where she had made her home for over half a century. Mr and Mrs Storjohann were recognized as among the stalwart citizens of the county and had a host of friends, not only in the immediate neighborhood but in parts of the county where they were well known.

     When Mrs Storjohann came to the county and they settled on the farm on the hills north of the Eagle there were very few settlers in that part of the county. He filed on a quarter section of fertile land and assisted by his faithful wife it was only a short time until they had one of the nicest and best improved farms in the entire county, with abundant shade trees and fruit trees of almost every description. The original homestead grew until at the time of his death last August, Mr Storjohann and his wife were the owners of a couple of sections of fertile Holt County soil. A new home had been erected a few years ago across the road from the old homestead, equipped with all modern convencies and they spent their declining years in peace and comfort.

     With the passing of her loving companion of over half a century, in August of last year, she appeared to lose much of her interest in life, not being nearly as active as she had been before his death. But she was in fairly good health until a few days before her death. Not withstanding that all that could be done by medical aid and careful nursing was done, she passed peacefully away early this morning.

     Another old timer, who played an important part in the development of this section of the state, has passed from our midst and her passing will be mourned, not only by her immediate relatives but by a large circle of friends thruout the county.

Submitted by Doris Counts

MRS NELLIE STORJOHANN

     Mrs Nellie Storjohann died at her home near Phoenix last Saturday, morning, after an illness of but three days of an attack of double pneumonia, at the age of 53 years 3 months and 9 days. Funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon with Rev M Hubby in charge and burial in the Cemetery at Phoenix.

     Nellie Goeke was born at Atkinson, Nebraska on Feb 17,1892 . She grew to young womanhood in the vicinity of her hometown and on June 22,1922 she was united in marriage to August Storjohann and went to live on the farm near Phoenix where she lived up to the time of her death. She was the mother of two children, Louis and Earl, both living in the north part of the county. She is survived by one brother, Louis M Goeke who lives near Emmet, who with her husband are left to mourn the passing of a kind and affectionate wife, mother and sister.

     Mrs Storjohann was very popular in her section of the county, where she had a host of friends, and they will sincerely mourn her passing in the very prime of life.

June 1,1945, Atkinson Graphic

MRS AUGUST STORJOHANN, 53, IS PNEUMONIA VICTIM

     Mrs August Storjohann, 53, died at her home in the Phoenix community northeast of here Saturday, May 26. Her death came a short time after she contracted pneumonia,and was an unexpected shock to relatives and neighbors in the community where she had lived for 23 years.

     Mrs Storjohann was the former Nellie Gieke, daughter of August and Louise Goeke, and was born near Atkinson on February 17, 1892. She attended school at St Mary's Academy in O'Neill.

     She was married to August Storjohann June 28,1922, in O'Neill, and was the mother of two sons, Louis A and Earl C. Storjohann, who with their father mourn her early death.

     She was baptized July 6,1923 in the Church of God at Spencer, and remained loyal to her faith until death, which came at the age of 53 years, three months and nine days. She had been in poor health most of her life.

     Funeral services at the Storjohann home at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon were conducted by the Rev Meridith Hubby of Spencer. Burial was in the Phoenix Cemetery. The pallbearers were Ralph Ernst, Joseph Stein, Arthur Doty, Jake Sengleman, Romaine Rohde, and George Syfie.

     She also leaves one brother, Louis Goeke of Atkinson, other relatives and a great many friends and neighbors who mourn her death.

Submitted by Doris Counts

JOACHIM WABBS

     Joachim Wabbs, an aged resident and early settler in the north side of the county, died Monday the 1st at the home of his son, Henry Wabbs, 2 miles east of Phoenix postoffice.

     Deceased was in his 80th year. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, and interment in the Phoenix Cemetery.

Nov 1923 The Frontier

JACHIM WABS

     Jachim Wabs, one of the early settlers of Holt County, died at the home of his son, Henry, last Monday morning. The cause of his death is given as heart failure.

     Mr Wabs had been in fairly good health until last August when his health began to fail. For the past 6 weeks he had been confined to his bed most of the time.

     Jachim Wabs was born in Holstein, Germany, March 14,1844. He came to America about 42 years ago and located at Avoca, Iowa. He came to Holt County and located upon a homestead 1 1/2 miles north of the AnnCar Postoffice, where he has since made his home.

     He was a soldier in the German army before coming to America.

     He was married in Germany to Catherine Storjohann. To this union were born 3 sons, August, Henry, William, all of whom reside near the old home place in the northern part of the county.

     The funeral services were held Wednesday from the home of Henry Wabs, burial made in Phoenix Cemetery.

Submitted by Doris Counts

GRAVESIDE RITES SET FOR MRS LEO WABS

     Graveside services will be held Saturday, Dec 13 at the Phoenix Cemetery for Mrs Leo (Mildred) Wabs, 65, who died Dec 8 at Jackson, California. She and her husband resided at 5501 Buena Vista, Ione, California 95640.

     The Rev Fr Francis Price will conduct services at the cemetery located at the Phoenix Community north of Atkinson.

     Mrs Wabs was born March 4,1921 at Bristow, Nebraska to William and Anna (Henbenck) Scheinost. She and Leo Wabs were married on July 24, 1943 in Bothan, Alabama. They were Holt County residents before moving to California.

     Survivors include her husband, Leo of Ione; sons, John of Ione and Jim of Chico, Cal; daughters, Jane Wabs of Ione; Mary Jo Spangler of ?inlock, Wash; Sara Greer and Kathy Randal , both of Ione; 14 grandchildren; two brothers, Edwin and Leo Scheinost, both of Fremont; a sister, Marie Johnson