The Columbus Telegram, January 2, 1973
HERRGUTH - Carl F. Herrguth, 75, of 1464 29th Avenue, died Saturday at Behlen Community Hospital.
Services are set for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel and 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. A. H. Guettler officaintg. Burial will be in Columbus Cemetery. His body lies in state at the funeral home.
Son of the late Charles F. and Mary Louise Schroeder Herrguth, he was born July 17, 1897 at Platte Center, was graduated from Platte Center high school and attended Kearney State Collage.
Most of his life was spent in Columbus where he was associated with the Viergutz Lumber Company. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Elks Country Club, Izaak Walton League and a former Platte Center fireman.
An ardent fisherman, he made many fishing excursions to distant points.
Mr. Herrguth married Vera E. Viergutz on Feb. 25, 1922 in Columbus, and she died while they were vacating in Mexico in 1952. A brother, Alvin of Platte Center also preceded him in death.
Surviving are a niece, Mrs. Lloyd Loseke of Platte Center; one grandnephew; a brother-in-law, Gus Viergutz of Columbus; sister-in-law, Mrs. Mark McMahon of Akron, Ohio.
Pallbearers will be Emil Luckey, Carl Louis, Larry Byrnes, George Rambour Jr., J.O. Peck and John Ingold; honorary pallbearers, Milton Burdick, Frank Urdil, Arden Wolfe and Chester Isgrig.
The Columbus Telegram, January 5, 1973
KUTA - Funeral services for Janet Marie Kuta, 17, Humphrey, who died Dec. 29 of an accidental gunshot wound, were conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Catholic Church at Humphrey.
High Mass was concelebrated by the Rev. Edwin Albers and the Rev. Fergus Stevenson of Humphrey, the Rev. Leonard Ficenec of Tanorv and the Rev. Albert Polt, a cousin, of Omaha. Burial was in the St. Michael Cemetery at Tarnov.
She was born July 23, 1955, at Humphrey, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Kuta.
Janet attended St. Francis Elementary School and St. Francis Central High School, where she was a senior. She was an honor student and took part in many school and extra-curricular activities.
Surviving are her parents; four sisters Mary Kay, Karen, Lori and Julie, and two brothers, Gary and Michael, all at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Martischang of Lindsay and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kuta of Tarnov; great-grandfather, Joe E. Zoucha of Columbus; great-grandmother Mrs. Mary Martischang of Pierce, uncles and aunts.
Pallbearers were Stan J. Kuta, James Mrzlak, Terry Mausbach, Allen German, Daniel Zoucha, Jerry Michaelsen. Honorary ____ (remainder missing)
The Columbus Telegram, January 10, 1973
KINZLI - Mrs. Rosa Kinzli 89, former resident of the Columbus area, died Jan 3, at a nursing home in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Funeral services were conducted Jan. 6 at the Chapel of Memories by the Rev. A.C. Talbert, chaplain at the nursing home, and burial was in Evergreen Cemetery.
The daughter of Samuel and Pauline Mueller, she was born ___ (remainder missing)
[NOTE: Married 16 Jan 1906 to Frank Kuenzli (surname changed to Kinzli)]
The Columbus Telegram, January 15, 1973
BECK - Funeral services for Metro Beck, 88, Clarks, were conducted at 10 a.m. today at St. Peter Catholic Church of Clarks.
Officiating were the Rev. Joseph Kaup and the Rev. Stanley Mitera, and burial was in Clarks National Cemetery. McKown Funeral Home was in charge and pallbearers were grandsons Robert Beck, Frank Konwinski Jr., Dean Beck, Ron Beck, Wayne Beck and Dennis Anderson. Other grandsons were honorary pallbearers.
He was born Sept. 12, 1884, in Austria, and was married to Mary Durbala in 1906.
A retired farmer in the Clarks area, Mr. Beck was a member of St. Peter Church and the Holy Name Society.
He is survived by five sons, Edward of Columbus, Charles, Albin and Donald of Clarks and Walter of Central City; seven daughters, Mrs. Richard (Barbara) Savage of Columbus, Mrs. Frank (Kay) Konwinski Sr. and Mrs. Anna Starostka of Silver Creek, Josephine Beck and Mrs. Reuben (Rose) Anderson of Clarks, Mrs. Frank (Stella) Gonsior of Central City and Mrs. Charles (Dorothy) Gonsior of Genoa; 36 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and an infant son.
The Columbus Telegram, February 5, 1973
KOENIG - Miss Rose Mary Koenig, 70, of 3031 20th Street, died Thursday morning at her home. Services will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Bonaventure Church with the Rev. Regis Watts officiating.
Burial will be in the church Cemtery [sic]. Scripture service will be 7:30 p.m. tonight at McKown Funeral Home.
Miss Koenig was born March 3, 1902 at Columbus, daughter of Joseph and Theresa Gans Koenig. She attended Columbus public schools and lived her entire life in Columbus, working as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co.
She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Telephone Pioneers Association and St. Bonaventure Church.
She is survived by nephews and nieces, William C. Ernst, Mrs. Elmer (Mildred) Henke, Mrs. Helen Neemeyer, all of Columbus, Mrs. Emil (Vera) Cech of Schuyler, and other nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, five sisters, Minnie Elledge, Lucy Klenke, Anna Ernst, Clara Halverson and Mary Waldman; and four brothers, Herman Joe, Otto and John E. Koenig.
Friends may pay respects after 1 p.m. today at McKown Funeral Home.
The Columbus Telegram, February 6, 1973
BREWER - Mrs. Daniel (Bessie) Brewer, 84, of 2310 11th Street, died Monday at Good Samaritan Center in Osceola after a lingering illness.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. D. Lee Grace, 10 a.m. Wednesday at McKown Funeral Chapel with burial in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. Her body lies in state at the chapel.
She was born March 11, 1888 to Ignatius and Sarah Wanker in Iowa. On July 28, 1912 she married Daniel G. Brewer at Ainsworth, and lived in Columbus many years. She was former owner and manager of the Advertiser Print Shop, and a member of the Royal Neighbors.
Her husband died July 24, 1953. Surviving are two sons and one daughter, Clayton Brewer and Mrs. George (Maxine) Karges, both of Columbus; Elon Brewer of Somonauk, Ill.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were three brothers, four sisters, two granchildren [sic] and one great-grandchild.
Pallbearers will be Gerald Overturf, Don Clabaugh, Allan Brewer, Dan Karges, Jim Snyder and Darrell Randles.
The Columbus Telegram, February 15, 1973
LUERS - Funeral services for Miss Alwine W. Luers, 91, a retired teacher, will be conducted by the Rev. A.H. Guettler, 1 p.m. Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with burial in Columbus Cemetery.
Miss Luers, who resided at 2415 Ninth Street, died Monday at Behlen Community Hospital. Her body lies in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel.
She was born May 28, 1881 in Columbus to Henry D. and Gesine Kunneman Luers. A 1900 graduate of Columbus High School, she attended Chicago University and taught in Columbus public schools 10 years and at Wayne State Teachers College about 30 years. She also lived in Lawton, Okla., for some time.
She was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church, Wayne. In Columbus she was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, LWML, City Ladies Aid and Immanuel Circle.
Surviving are one brother, Walter of Grand Island; two sisters, Mrs. Edward (Emma) Loseke and Mrs. Earl (Elsa) Speck of Columbus; a foster daughter, Mrs. Daniel (Bonnie) Smith of Reno, Nev.; 13 nieces and nephews. A brother, Adolph, died in 1964 and a brother and sister died in infancy.
The Columbus Telegram, February 23, 1973
KINGSTON - Last rites for Ernest J. Kingston, 78, of 1476 22nd Avenue, Columbus, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at McKown Funeral Home.
Officiating will be the Rev. J. Graydon Wilson, and burial will be in Columbus Cemetery. The body now lies in state at the funeral home.
Mr. Kingston died Thursday morning at Morys Haven. He had been in failing health the past two years.
He was born April 20, 1894 at Allen, the son of James and Susan Bennett Kingston. He was reared at Pender, moved to Platte Center in 1929, and then to Columbus in 1949.
Mr. Kingston was married to Faye Elsinger Nov. 19, 1912 at Dakota City.
A Methodist, he was manager of the furniture department at Montgomery Ward until retirement.
Surviving are three sons, Darrell B. of Columbus, Kenneth D. of Broken Bow and R. Dick of Lafayette, Ind.; one daughter, Mrs. Art W. (Wilma) Auliff, Columbus; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. William Clover, Pender.
Eleven brothers and sisters preceded him in death.
The family suggests that memorials may be directed to the Beta Sigma Phi Kidney Foundation.
Pallbearers will be Don Mares, Gayle w. Boyd, Bill G. Allen, George Johansen, Ernst Sudik and Vernon Fegley.
The Columbus Telegram, March 2, 1973
JOHANNES - Mrs. William (Clara) Johannes, 81, Columbus, died early this morning at Behlen Community Hospital.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, following a 1:45 p.m. family prayer service in the church basement. Her body will lie in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Home, 2 p.m. Sunday until noon Monday; 1-2 p.m. at church.
The Columbus Telegram, March 3, 1973
JOHANNES - Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus for Mrs. William (Clara) Johannes, 81, of Columbus, who died Friday at Behlen Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
The Rev. B.F. Meschke wil officiate and burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. A family prayer service will be held in the church basement 1:45 p.m. Monday preceding the services.
The body will lie in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Sunday until noon Monday and from 1 p.m. until time of services Monday at the church.
The daughter of Godfried and Marie Brock Marty, she was born May 21, 1891 in Platte County and received her education at Christ Lutheran Schools. She was married to William Johannes Feb. 20, 1914 and they farmed near Leigh 30 years before moving to Columbus.
A housewife, she was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church at Leigh before their move to Columbus when she became a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid.
Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Edgar (Hilda) Littelman of Creston, Mrs. Paul (Leona) Siefken of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Frank (Alice) Aerni of Columbus; three brothers, Walter of Columbus, Art of Leigh, Otto of Fresno, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Marie Wilke of Columbus, Mrs. Carl (Anna) Buelow of Fresno, Calif., Mrs. Walter (Rose) Ludwig of Columbus, Irma Marty of Columbus; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband in 1962; a son, Paul, in 1972; an infant daughter; three brothers, Godfried, Emil and a sister, Mathilda.
The Columbus Telegram, March 10, 1973
LOSEKE - Mrs. Elmer (Velma) Loseke, 65, of 1315 Ninth street, died Sunday afternoon in Behlen Community Hospital.
Wednesday there will be a 1:30 p.m. prayer service at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel and 2 p.m. services at Immanuel Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. B.F. Meschke. Burial will be in Columbus Cemetery. Visitation time begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Lifetime resident of Platte County, Mrs. Loseke was born March 21, 1907 to Louis and Pauline Asche Saalfeld.
She was educated at District 12, Immanuel and Christ Lutheran Schools; baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church and married Elmer Loseke, June 10, 1931 at Christ Lutheran. They farmed one mile north of Columbus until moving to town in 1962.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid and Immanuel Circle.
Surviving are her husband; three sons, Delano of Kearney; Bruce and Oliver of Columbus; one brother, Albert Saalfeld of Columbus; two sisters Mrs. C.E. (Mabel) Germeroth of Denver, Mrs. Arthur (Olga) Bakenhus of Columbus; and three grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Merle and Louis; parents; sister, Louise, and brother, Milton.
The Columbus Telegram, March 12, 1973
LOEFFLER - Mrs. Frank (Margaret) Loeffler, 87, of 1805 14th Street, died unexpectedly Sunday at Behlen Community Hospital.
The Rev. Regis Watts will conduct funeral services, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church and Cemetery. Her body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Tuesday at McKown Funeral Chapel where Scripture Service is set for 7 p.m Tuesday and Third Order rosary at 7:30 p.m.
Daughter of the late John G. and Anna Kohn Scharff, she was born May 16, 1885 at Hamilton, Ore., but spent most of her life in this area. She attended District 3 school near Columbus and was married to Frank Loeffler Aug. 6, 1913 in Columbus. Except for a number of years at Cedar Rapids and Burwell, they lived here.
She was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, Third Order of St. Francis, Christian Mothers, Fr. Flanagan's Mothers Club and Franciscan Missionary Union.
Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Louis (Mary) Miksch Sr. of Columbus, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and the following brothers and sisters: Paul, Kathryn, Ann, Lena, Elizabeth, John, Peter and George Scharff.
Pallbearers will be Marvin Peterson, Don Loeffler, Eugene Bernt, Art Miksch, Paul Scharff, Louis Miksch Jr.
The Columbus Telegram, March 19, 1973
[Photo of Mrs. Wayne Barber]
BARBER - Mrs. Wayne E. (Marg) Barber, 56, Columbus, died at 10:25 a.m. today in Behlen Community Hospital after a short illness.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Congregational Church in Norfolk with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery there. Home for Funerals at Norfolk is in charge.
As Margie Frances Currier, she was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Currier on June 26, 1919 at Glendive, Mont. She attended schools in Norfolk, graduating from Norfolk High School, and married Wayne Barber on July 18, 1941. They owned and operated Barber's Store in Norfolk from 1947 until 1963, when they moved to Columbus. He is director of marketing for Nebraska Public Power District.
Active in Republican circles, Mrs. Barber had served as state co-chairman of Nebraska Young Republicans and vice chairman of the State Republican Central Committee.
For many years she directed the popular "Lions Club Show" in Norfolk and while living there was very active in civic affairs.
After moving to Columbus Mrs. Barber served as Red Cross blood bank chairman and on the Friends of Music board of directors. She was also active in Federated Church, Daughters of the Nile, Eastern Star and a local garden club.
Surviving are her husband and one daughter, Mrs. Jerry J. (Wendy) Thompson of Alameda, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family requests that memorial be directed to the American Cancer Society.
The Columbus Telegram, March 23, 1973
GALUS--Mrs. Ed Vetick of Silver Creek received word of the death of her nephew, Joe Galus of Grand Island. His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island. [submitted by Marge Galus Sandlier]
The Columbus Telegram, April 3, 1973
BURNS - Funeral services will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bonaventure Church, Columbus, for Mrs. John C. (Kathryn) Burns, 91, 1311 17th Street, who died Monday at Behlen Memorial Hospital.
The Rev. Regis Watts OFM will officiate and burial will be in the St. Bonaventure cemetery. The body now lies in state at the McKown Funeral Home where scripture service will be held 7:30 p.m. tonight.
Pallbearers for the service will be Bob Lueke, Leo Hamling, Jerry Shank, Jim Shank, Tom Caffrey and Jim Chambers.
Mrs. Burns, the daughter of John and Mary O'Fallon, was born Feb. 10, 1882 in O'Neill and received her educaion [sic] at St. Mary School there. She was married to John C. Burns Sept. 30, 1908 at O'Neill and they lived in Platte Center until moving to Columbus in 1935.
She was a member of St. Bonaventure Church and Christian Mothers.
Survivors include her widower, John; a son, Robert F. Burns of San Francisco, Calif.; three daughters, Mrs. Edward (Helen) Weber of Fairfield, Iowa, Mrs. R.C. (Marius) Philips of Albion, Mrs. Harry (Rita) Shank of Columbus; a sister, Mrs. Julius (Anna) Moeller of Leigh; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son James in 1958, four brothers, a sister, two granchildren [sic] Tom Philips and Kathryn Anne Shank.
The Columbus Telegram, April 11, 1973
JOHNSON - Iver C. Johnson, 63, of 2169 32nd Avenue, died Tuesday night at Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church and Roselawn Cemetery. The body will lie in state from 1 p.m. Thursday until noon Friday at McKown Funeral Chapel; 1-2 p.m. at church.
The Columbus Telegram, April 12, 1973
JOHNSON - The funeral of Iver Carl Johnson, 63, of 2169 32nd Avenue, will be 2 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. J. Graydon Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
His body lies in state at McKown Funeral Home until noon Friday, then at church from 1 to 2 p.m.
Mr. Johnson was born Feb. 8, 1910 at Plainview, attended Pierce County Schools and farmed in that county until moving to Columbus in 1957. Here he was a member of United Methodist Church and Keystone Club.
On Dec. 1, 1934 he married Blanche Ligenfelter in Madison County, and she survives. Also surviving are one son and three daughters, Dwight and Julie of Lincoln, Cheryl of Mountain View, Calif., Mrs. Glenn (Carolyn) Hanke of Omaha; six grandchildren; one brother, Lehr Johnson of Plainview; two sisters, Mrs. Mardelle Hess of Rosanky, Tex., and Mrs. Robert (Arlene) Murray of Norfolk.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Magdalena Vossberg Johnson, and a grandson, Scotty, age 5.
Pallbearers will be Lorin Lingenfelter, Steven Lorenz, Marvin Elwood, Bob Hanke, Duane Boswell, Saeger Miessler.
The Columbus Telegram, April 19, 1973
BILSTEIN - John (Red) Bilstein, 59, Rt. 4, Columbus, died Wednesday evening at Behlen Community Hospital. He was in failing health the last two years.
Services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday at McKown Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Delwyn Milander officiating, and burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery with military rites. His body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel.
Mr. Bilstein was born Sept. 25, 1913 at Albion; attended Boone and Holt County schools; and married Evelyn Faye Weeks, July 2, 1935 at Atkinson. In 1953 they moved from Atkinson to Columbus where he was since employed by Becton-Dickinson.
A World War II veteran, he served in the Army's 60th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1944-45.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Kenneth (Eileen) Witt of St. Edward, Mrs. Joe (Glenna) Rinke of Bellwood; one son, Dennis of Shelby; two grandsons five granddaughters; mother, Mrs. Nettie Bilstein of Amelia; four brothers and three sisters.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Shirley, and his father, Gus Bilstein.
Pallbearers will be Duane Studnicka, Mike Podraza, Cecil Feehan, Frederic Loeffler, Larry Spence and Jim Ostrander. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
The Columbus Telegram, April 20, 1973
BREZINSKI - Mrs. Jake (Anna) Brezinski, 69, Heritage House, died Thursday in Columbus Manor. She had been in failing health the last two years.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. The Rev. Laurin Buzynski will officiate. Rosary service is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday at McKown Funeral Home where the body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Sunday.
Resident of Fullerton and Columbus most of her life, Mrs. Brezinski was born May 25, 1903 at Tarnov. Her parents were Stanley and Anna Kula Torczon.
She married Jacob T. Brezenski, Oct. 7, 1925 at Tarnov. He died Jan. 29, 1969.
Surviving are two sons, Larry of Columbus, Raymond of Loveland, Colo.; one daughter, Mrs. Stanley (Lucille) Ziemba of St. Edward; nine grandchildren; three brothers and four sisters, Joe Torczon of Platte Center, Mrs. Henry (Cecelia) Shotkoski Sr. of Genoa, Mrs. Mayme Komasinski of Omaha, Sister M. Epiphana, Ignatz (Jim) Stanley, Josephine and Barbara Torczon, all of Columbus.
One brother, Leo, and three sisters, Sister M. Honorita, Sister M. Monica and Mrs. Charles (Clara) Krzycki preceded her in death.
Pallbearers will be Steve Wielgus, Ed Brezenski, Casimir Beller, Henry Shotkoski, Eugene and Clarence Torczon.
The Columbus Telegram, April 26, 1973
LUSCHE - Funeral services for Chauncey Lusche, 78, 2815 21st Street, will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church with burial in Columbus Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. H.M. Rathkamp.
The body will lie in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel, 1 p.m. Friday until 2:30 p.m. Saturday; 3:15 to 4 p.m. at church.
A retired farmer and lifetime resident of this area, Mr. Lusche died Wednesday morning in Behlen Hospital after a long illness.
He was born Nov. 6, 1894 in Colfax County to John and Rosa Lueke Lusche and attended Colfax County schools. He married Martha E. Anderson in Columbus, May 27, 1920. They celebrated their golden anniversary in 1970.
Surving [sic] are his wife; three sons, John W. of Lakewood, Colo., Robert E. of Danville, Calif., and Warren A. of Paradise Valley, Ariz.; one sister, Mrs. Theodore (Emma) Kaufman of Columbus and six grandchildren.
His parents, one infant son, one brother and one sister preceded him death.
The family suggest memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he was a member.
Pallbearers will be Neal Hasselbalch, Harold Smith, Walt Gregorius, Gilbert Asche, Dean Soulliere and Harvey Loseke.
The Columbus Telegram, May 8, 1973
KOPECEK - Funeral services for Anastazia Kopecek, 94, of Bruno, will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bruno with the Rev. Stanley Schleffer officiating. Burial will be in Assumption Church Cemetery in Appleton.
Miss Kopecek died May 23 in the Frances Gray Home, David City, where she resided since January, 1971.
Parish wake will be held 9 p.m. tonight at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bruno.
Miss Kopecek was born Jan. 10, 1879 in a sod house built near Bruno by her parents, Antonin and Maria Walla Kopecek. She lived in the home many years, moving to Bruno and then to David City.
Survivors include a sister, Johanna (Jennie) Kopecek, 85 of Frances Gray Home, David City. She was preceded in death by her parents, six sisters and two brothers.
The Columbus Telegram, May 10, 1973
BROCK - Tom Brock dies this morning
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Tom Brock, executive director of Ak-Sar-Ben, died Thrusday morning at an Omaha hospital. He was 53.
Brock died at Bergan Mercy Hospital. He had been hospitalized about five weeks for treatment of a brain tumor.
Funeral services will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church in Omaha at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. A rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Friday at Crosby-Burket-Kunold Funeral Home.
Brock became ill during the early stages of the 1972 Ak-Sar-Ben racing meeting. He had opened that 59-day meet on schedule after setting a mult-year [sic] contract with horsemen.
After recovering from surgery last May, Brock kept up a heavy Ak-Sar-Ben work schedule, finished two years as president of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, continued a fight against off-track betting and recently completed a business-vacation trip to the Far East.
Brock re-entered the hospital in April and had undergone additional cobalt treatment.
Brock, a native Nebraskan, left his imprint on the midlands in four principal directors: athletics, education, livestock-agriculture and business.
In athletics, he was a standout football player at Columbus, Neb., High and Notre Dame and later coached at the University of Omaha.
Educationally, he organized the major in physical education for men at Omaha University, and established an advanced program in the graduate field. He was an associate professor.
Livestock-agriculture includes participation in horse-racing, 4-H shows, rodeos and other allied Ak-Sar-Ben projects.
[photo of Tom Brock]
In business, he headed one of the area's largest concerns which, through entertainment and community contributions touches thousands of lives in the Midlands.
Brock left the muncipal [sic] university and joined Ak-Sar-Ben as assistant to General Manager J.H. Isaacson in 1958.
Before joining the OU caoching staff, succeeding his brother Charlie, in 1949, he had been athletic director and three-sport coach in King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
His intense interest in horse racing was rewarded with his 1970 election to terms as president of the Thoroughbred Racing Association (TRA), the guiding force of American turf.
His major accomplishments as president were the inauguration of the Eclipse Awards Dinner, to recognize the sports zest horses and individuals, and his stern fight against off track betting, which he considered a genuine threat to the sport.
He was one of seven boys and two girls and the family was abundant with athletes.
Mike, a Midland College star, now is retired in San Diego; Charlie, former All-American center at Nebraska, is an executive with the Green Bay Packers; Bill, Omaha businessman, was on Creighton's last football team, in 1942, and Fred, a Purdue gridder, lives in Aurora, Ill.
John, now of Omaha, and Bob, still in Columbus, did not play college football.
Tom's Notre Dame varsity years were 1940, '41 and '42 - one for Coach Elmer Layden and the last two for the famed Frank Laehy. He was a center.
Tom's youngest child, Mark, a Westside High senior, has signed a football letter of intent at Nebraska.
Brock's service career began as a Marine Corps private in World War II and he was discharged a first lieutenant.
He served on Guadalcanal, Guam and Iwo Jim's Mount Suribachi.
Brock's memberships included Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, YMCA, Sportscasters Association, Rodeo Cowboys Association, Notre Dame Alumni, Omaha Fraternal Order of Police.
He was president of the American Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers, and was affiliated with the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Nebraska and Iowa 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Island of Hope and the Interntational Association of Auditorium Managers.
Survivors include his widow, Ruth; two [sic] sons, two daughters; six brothers and two sisters.
The Columbus Telegram, May 31, 1973
BATES - Services are scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday at McKown Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Carrie E. Bates, 83, of 3003 27th Street. She died Wednesday at Annie Jeffrey Hospital, Osceola, after a day's illness.
The Rev. J. Graydon Wilson will officiate at the funeral, with burial in Roselawn Cemetery. Her body will lie in state at the chapel after 1 p.m. Friday.
Born Aug. 20, 1889 at Tunnel Hill, Ga., she was the daughter of William C. and Sarah Ann Smith Moody. She married James B. Bates, Feb. 26, 1913 at Tunnel Hill, and lived at Atlanta, Ga., until moving to Columbus in 1940. She was a Methodist.
Surviving are one son, W.F. Bates of Columbus; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 1930; son, C. Jack Bates, in 1971; and one sister and four brothers also preceded her in death.
Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Clarence Wilken, Allen Wilke, Con Keating, Harold Clausen, Robert Rice and Lester Steenbock.
The Columbus Telegram, June 4, 1973
LACHNIT - Mrs. Eileen Lachnit, 80, died Sunday at home, 2554 45th Avenue, after an illness of several months.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Jerome Spenner, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Isidore Catholic Church with burial in the Catholic Cemetery. Rosary service will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at McKown Funeral Chapel where the body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Born Nov. 18, 1892 at Platte Center, she was the daughter of David H. and Ellen Carrig Perkinson. She attended St. Joseph School, Platte Center, and married Leo A. Lachnit, Nov. 27, 1917 at St. Joseph Church there. Except for 15 years at Tujunga, Calif., she lived in this area. In Columbus, she was a member of St. Isidore Church and Christian Mothers.
She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Ivan M.; grandson, Terry D. Lachnit; brothers, Don J. and Edward D. Carrig. Surviving are one son, Terry of Grand Island; two sisters, Molly Carrig and Billie Westring of Columbus; three grandchildren, Craig Lachnit of San Diego, Mrs. Ray Reichert of Los Angeles and Mike Lachnit of Grand Island.
The Columbus Telegram, June 16, 1973
LUEKE - Mrs. Nettie Lueke, 78, of 1580 29th Avenue, died Thursday at the Columbus Manor. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Federated Church.
The body will lie in state after 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Gass-Haney Funeral home and from 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Columbus cemetery.
The daughter of Charles and Anna Mouden Ostrander, she was born Aug. 6, 1894 in Nance County and attended Nance County Schools. She was married to Emil H. Lueke Jan. 6, 1915 in Columbus and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary January, 1965. A long-time resident of Columbus she was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, Federated Church and an honor member of the Union Pacific Old Timer's Club.
Survivors include two grandchildren, James Dean Larsen of Lincoln, Diane Darlene Dye of Lincoln; a great-grandchild, Christopher Dye of Lincoln, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Carroll, five brothers and a sister.
The Columbus Telegram, July 2, 1973
BROCK - Mrs. Bill Brock, 52, former Columbus resident, died Sunday in Omaha. She was the former Betty Kemnitz, sister of Mrs. Al Wunderlich.
Rosary will be 8 p.m. Wednesday at Gentleman Mortuary, 72nd & Western, Omaha; funeral services, 10 a.m. Thursday at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, 3405 South 118th Street, Omaha.
The Columbus Telegram, July 3, 1973
BROCK - Funeral services for former Columbus resident Mrs. William (Betty) Brock of 3715 So. 101 Street, Omaha, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mary Our Queen Church, 3405 So. 118 Street, Omaha.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Rosary service is set for 8 p.m. Wednesday at John A. Gentleman Westside Chapel, 72nd and Western, Omaha, where the body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Mrs. Brock, 52, died Sunday after an extended illness.
She was born to Francis and Genevieve Kemnitz June 30, 1921, In Platte Center. She came to Columbus as a child and attended St. Bonaventure elementary and high school.
On May 18, 1943, she was married to William R. Brock at St. Bonaventure Church. The family moved to Omaha in 1963 and had since resided there.
Surviving are her husband; four daughters, Mrs. James (Linda) Herbert of Anchorage, Alaska, and Diane, Susan and Janet, all of Omaha; three sons, Gerald of Kansas City, Mo., Michael and Patrick of Omaha; one grandson, Jonas Brock; one sister, Mrs. Al (Emogene) Wunderlich of Columbus; and one brother, Richard F. Kemnitz of Columbia, Mo.
Mrs. Brock was preceded in death by an infant son and her parents.
The Columbus Telegram, July 5?, 1973
BOLT - Funeral services for Carl Bolt Jr., 52, a former Schuyler resident, were held Tuesday morning in Atlanta, Ga. He died Sunday morning after a lingering illness.
Survivors include his widow; father, Carl Bolt of Schuyler; one son; one daughter; and a sister, Mrs. Jack (Rita) Mares of Columbus.
The Columbus Telegram, July 9, 1973
LATHROP - Word has been received of the Saturday death of Frank Lathrop, Elvaston, Ill. He was the father of Mrs. John Swope, Kirksville, Mo., former Columbus resident. He and the late Mrs. Lathrop had visited here often and had many friends here. Funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon in Hamilton, Ill.
The Columbus Telegram, July 16, 1973
KIPPLE - A former Columbus resident, Paul C. Kipple, died July 14 in Long Beach, Calif. He was the husband of the former Alfonsa Chlopek and brother of Rose Becher, Esther Helms, Mary Guernsey, Catherine Wyatt and Martha Hewitt.
Rosary service will be 7 p.m. today and Lutheran service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, both at Utter McKinley Lakewood Chapel, Lakewood, Calif., with burial in All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach.
The Columbus Telegram, July 18, 1973
BORNEMAN - Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the Trinity Lutheran Church for Mrs. Anna A. Borneman, 85, resident of Heritage House, who died Tuesday morning at Mory's Haven following two months of illness.
The Rev. Hugo Rathkamp will officiate and burial will be in the Columbus Cemetery. The body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Thursday at McKown Funeral Home and from 1-2 p.m. Friday at the church.
Born April 9, 1888 at Shell Creek, she was the daughter of Henry Lusche and Minnie Muhle and received her education in area rural schools. She was married to William Borneman Sept. 13, 1912 in Columbus.
A life-long resident of Columbus, she was employed at J.C. Penney Company and with Kaufmann Hardware for many years.
She was a member of P.N.G. Vashti Rebecca Lodge, Friendly Neighbors, Rebecca Kensington, and Past Noble Grands Clubs. Membership also included the United Lutheran Church Women and Ladies Aid.
Surviving her are a daughter, Mrs. Fred (Wilma M.) Shaw of Columbus, and a grandson, Robert Shaw of Columbus.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and two brothers.
Memorials are to be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church.
The Columbus Telegram, July 30, 1973
BETHSCHEIDER - Carroll Francis Bethscheider, Cedar Rapids grocer and member of the Cedar Rapids city council and school board, died Friday night at his home. He was 57.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. The Rev. Michael Printy will officiate, and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 3 and 8 p.m. today.
He was also past president of the Cedar Rapids Community Club; commander of the Amerian Legion; member of the board of directors of the General Wholesale Store in Norfolk and the Boone County Hospital Board. He was a World War II veteran.
Son of Carl H. and Katherine (Zingg) Bethscheider, he was born June 5, 1916 in Platte Center.
Mr. Bethscheider is survived by his widow, formerly Marcella Frey; one son, Tom of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Mrs. Dave (Kay) Swerczek of Hartington, Mrs. James (Sue) Cox of Cedar Rapids and Jane Bethscheider at home; two sisters, Mrs. Marion Towns of Corona, Calif., and Miss Mary Bethscheider of Washington, D.C.; two grandchildren.BAASCH - Mrs. Rudolph (Mabel) Baasch, 73, of 3029 20th Street, died Saturday in Lincoln General Hospital.
Funeral rites will be conducted by the Rev. H.M. Rathkamp, 2 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church with burial in Columbus Cemetery. Her body lies in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel until noon Tuesday, then at church from 1 to 2 p.m.
Daughter of the late William and Alvina Beberniss Herman, she was born Feb. 20, 1900 in Grand Island, where she attended school and married Rudolph Baasch on May 28, 1918. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last May.
She spent her lifetime in Grand Island and Columbus. Here she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and memorials may be directed to the church's memorial fund.
Surviving are her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Maxine) Terry of Grand Island, Artiese White and Frances Drake of Columbus; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. George (Hazel) Pedersen of Grand island; one brother, Raymond Herman of Council Bluffs, Iowa. One brother and one sister preceded her in death.
The Columbus Telegram, August 9, 1973
BECHER - Arthur Becher, 63, Carriage House Estates, died this morning in University Hospital, Omaha. He was severely burned June 18 in an explosion that occurred while he was cleaning paint brushes with a flammable liquid.
Arrangements are pending at Gass-Haney Funeral Home.
The Columbus Telegram, August 10, 1973
BECHER - Funeral services will be held Monday for Arthur R. Becher, 63, resident and employe of Carriage House Estates, who died Thursday morning at University Hospital, Omaha. He had been severely burned in a June 18 explosion.
The Rev. M.W. Goldhammer will officiate at the 10:15 a.m. family prayer service and 10:30 a.m. public service, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
His body will lie in state after 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel; 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday at church.
Son of the late John and Clara Hellbusch Becher, Arthur was born Oct. 29, 1909 in Fremont, but spent his lifetime in this community. Educated at St. John Parochial School, north of Columbus, he married Adelle Henke on Feb. 9, 1932 at Christ Lutheran Church.
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Izaak Walton League.
Surviving are his wife; three children, Lowell and James A. of Columbus, Mrs. LeRoy (Sylvia) Loseke of Elkhorn; 13 grandchildren; two brothers, Norvin of Faribault, Minn., Leonard of Columbus; two sisters, Mrs. Walter (Viola) Berends of Columbus and Mrs. Don (Lorna) Warnke of Meadow Grove. A son, Aryln of Yankton, S.D., preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, August 22, 1973
BARDSLEY - James A. Bardsley, 31, of 3110 Sixth Street, died Tuesday afternoon in Clarkson Memorial Hospital, Omaha. He had been hospitalized one week following a motorcycle accident.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at McKown Funeral Chapel and Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, with the Rev. D. Lee Grace officiating. The body will lie in state at the chapel after 1 p.m. Thursday.
Son of Bennie A. and Elizabeth (Bradley) Bardsley, he was born April 30, 1942 at Sioux City, Iowa; lived in this area since 1950; attended Platte County schools and was baptized at First Baptist Church, Platte Center.
He served three years in the Navy after graduating from Monroe High School. He was a crew leader in the shipping department at Behlen Mfg. Co. and a member of the Behlen Credit Union.
Surviving are a son, Donald, and two daughters, Deidria and Denice; his parents of Monroe; brothers and sisters, Mrs. Henry (Bonnie) Peach Jr., Sherry, Patsy, Jodie, Bennie Jr., Brenda Lee, Tommie and Todd, all of Monroe, Mrs. Nancy Meyers and Mrs. Kurt (Debbie) Berchtold of Columbus, Mrs. Dale (Mary) Morris of Clarks, Mrs. Marlin (Pamela) Keeler of Omaha; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Hillyer of Portsmouth, Iowa.
His paternal grandparents preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, August 23, 1973
BOROVIAK - Mrs. Mary M. Boroviak, 83, of 1872 39th Avenue, died Wednesday in Behlen Community Hospital.
Funeral rites will be conducted by the Rev. Flavius Czuba, 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church with burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Scripture service is 7:30 p.m. Friday at the McKown Funeral Home where the body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Friday.
Mrs. Boroviak was born Nov. 1, 1889 in Polk County, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes Gunzer Drowal Martys. She married Paul Boroviak, Nov. 29, 1905 at St. Bonaventure Church. She was a life-long resident of Columbus and member of St. Anne Society of St. Bonaventure Parish.
The last 11 years she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Dale (Irene) Miles. Also surviving are her son, Clarence of Clarks; daughters, Mrs. Lonnie (Clark) Mielak and Mrs. Louis (Loretta) Nickolite of Columbus; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1936; sons, Mathew in infancy and Frank in 1960; three brothers; two sisters; one half-brother and two half-sisters.
The Columbus Telegram, September 4, 1973
KASPER - Mrs. Rudy (Mae L.) Kasper, 54, of 3516 18th Street, died Monday in Behlen Hospital after an illness of nine months.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. L.E. Mortensen, 2 p.m. Wednesday at the McKown Funeral Chapel with burial in Columbus Cemetery. Her body lies in state at the chapel.
Lifetime resident of Columbus, Mrs. Kasper was born Sept. 20, 1918 to Walter and Elsa Pearl Smith Lusche. She attended local schools and married Rudy Kasper, June 16, 1937 at Trinity Lutheran church.
Surviving are her husband; three sons, Dwight and William of Columbus, Gary of Dallas; mother, Mrs. Walter Lusche and brother, William H. both of Columbus. Her father died in 1964.
The Columbus Telegram, September 19, 1973
BUSCH - Funeral services for Mrs. Dean (Donna Lynn) Maybon Busch, 22, will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Church in Fullerton with Msgr. Theo Buelt officiating.
Originally of Fullerton, Mrs. Busch lived in Richland. She died Monday in a train-car accident in Richland.
Burial will be in the Fullerton Catholic Cemetery. The body will lie in state 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Fullerton Memorial Chapel. Rosary will be said at 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Born Nov. 19, 1950 in Central City, she was the daughter of Othoe and Opal Medberry Maybon and was married to Dean F. Busch Oct. 10, 1970 in Fullerton. She graduated from Fullerton High School and was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, Columbus.
Survivors include her widower; a son, Brent; her parents a brother and two sisters.
The Columbus Telegram, September 22, 1973
BESCH - Funeral services for Mrs. Francis (Nellie) Besch, 40, who died in a traffic accident near Bellwood Thursday, will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday in St. Peter Catholic Church, Bellwood, Rev. Gerald Messman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The body will lie in state Sunday in David City Memorial Chapel 3-9 p.m., with a parish wake at 8 p.m.
She was born Dec. 8, 1932, in David City, daughter of Henry and Lucille Glasby Jacob Jr. She was married to Francis Besch. Survivors are her parents; husband; a son Michael of Omaha, daughters Susan of Anaheim, Calif., and Debra of Lincoln, and these children at home: Patrick, Thomas, Matthew, Timothy and Jean Marie; two grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Gerald (Marie) Randall of Bellwood. She was preceded in death by a son.
The Columbus Telegram, September 25, 1973
BEHLE - Eugene J. Behle, 2165 27th Avenue, died early this morning in Behlen Hospital. He was 76.
Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with burial in Columbus Cemetery. A 1:45 p.m. family prayer service will be held in the church basement.
The body will lie in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel from 1 p.m. Thursday until noon Friday, then at church from 1 to 2 p.m.
The Columbus Telegram, September 26, 1973
BALAK - Last rites for Troy Daniel Balak, 20 months, of Clarkson, will be conducted at 10 a.m Thursday at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson.
Officiating will be the Rev. Lucian Astuto, and burial will be in Plano, Tex. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. today at Miller Funeral Home in Clarkson.
Troy died Tuesday when run over by a car at the farm home of his parents.
Surviving are his parents, Allen and Delores Uhing Balak; five sisters and eight brothers; and grandmothers, Anna Uhing of Dodge and Anastasia Balak of Howells. His grandfathers preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, September 27, 1973
BEHLE - Services will be held Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church for Eugene J. Behle, 76, of 2165 27th Avenue, who died Wednesday in the local hospital.
The Rev. B.F. Meschke will conduct a 1:45 p.m. family prayer service and 2 p.m. public rites. Burial will be in Columbus Cemetery. The body lies in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel until noon Friday, then at church from 1 to 2 p.m.
Son of the late Henry and Emilie Bebler Behle, he was born Oct. 9, 1896 in Platte County and farmed north of Columbus until retiring to town in 1951.
Educated at Immanuel Country School and District 12 he married Martha Landwehr, Oct. 5, 1921 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he was a lifetime member.
Surviving are his widow; three children, LaVern, Gene and Mrs. Charles (Nancy) Gonka, all of Columbus; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Erich of Columbus; two sisters Olive of Columbus and Mrs. Nora Clausen of Schuyler.
He was preceded in death by two children, Robert and Mrs. Lucille Cattau; two brothers, Henry and Adam; two sisters, Mrs. Fred Wille and Mrs. Fred Lipps.
The Columbus Telegram, October 3, 1973
JERUZAL - A former Columbus resident, Leo Michael (Leap) Jeruzal, 51, died unexpectedly Tuesday in a North Platte hospital.
He fas [sic] a carman for the Union Pacific Railroad since 1942 and had lived in North Platte since 1971.
Funeral rites will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church with the Rev. Laurin Buzynski officiating. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
The body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Thursday at McKown Funeral Chapel where parish rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday; Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 p.m.
Leo Jeruzal was born in Columbus, Feb. 11, 1922, and spent most of his life here. He was a graduate of St. Bonaventure High School, member of the Eagles Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and St. Patrick Catholic Church in North Platte.
On Oct. 15, 1967 he married Helen Storz Gaver at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Columbus.
Surviving are his wife; daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Syliva) [sic] Colfack of Red Oak, Iowa and Mrs. David (Janice Joy) Kallhoff of Columbus; three grandchildren; three brothers, Carl, Al and Don Yelli of Chicago; three sisters, Mrs. Emil Miller and Mrs. Mary Sliva of Columbus, Mrs. Edwin Micek of Ord; half-sister, Mrs. Steve Boroviak of Rising City.
His parents, Michael and Anna Martys Jeruzal preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, October 4, 1973
BREUNIG - Arthur H. Breunig, 88, of 118 East Parkway, died this morning in the Central City hsopital.
Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Rosary is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sunday at McKown Funeral Home, where visitation hours begin at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The Columbus Telegram, October 5, 1973
BREUNIG - Funeral rites for Arthur H. Breunig, 88, of 118 East Parkway, will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church with the Rev. Regis Watts in charge. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
Mr. Breunig's body will lie in state at the McKown Funeral Home after 1 p.m. Sunday. Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary at 7 p.m. Sunday ad there will be a Scripture service at 7:30 p.m., both at the funeral home.
A former hardware and furniture dealer in Leigh for 32 years, Mr. Breunig had lived in Columbus the last 23 years. He died Thursday in Central City after a long illness.
Son of the late Henry and Rose Anselm Breunig, he was born Sept. 1, 1885 at Rhodes, Iowa. He attended St. Francis School in Humphrey and married Anna Keller at St. Mary Catholic Church, West Point, Oct. 25, 1910.
In Columbus he was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, Order of St. Francis and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus.
Surviving are his wife; five children, Alvin of Sacramento, Calif., Wilbur of Minneapolis, Minn., LeRoy of Los Angeles, Quentin of Omaha, Mrs. Charles J. (Ethel) Meeney of Central City; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Ceil Olk of O'Fallon, Mo., Della Van Ackeren of Wallace, Henrietta Ternus of Cleveland, Ohio, Mary Griffis of Hastings and Florence Balduff of Fremont.
A son, Donald; brother, Charles; sisters, Ida Vanderheiden and Evelyn Edwards preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, October 16, 1973
KNOPIK - Mrs. Josephine Katherine Knopik, 2921 Sixth Street, died Monday in Behlen Community Hospital after an illness of three months. She was 85.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony Catholic Church with burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. The Rev. Laurin Bozynski will officiate. Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at McKown Funeral Chapel where the body will lie in state after 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Lifetime resident of Columbus, she was born here Aug. 8, 1888 to Andrew and Catherine (Bosik) Sturek and attended St. Francis Academy. She married Joseph Knopik, Nov. 11, 1911 at St. Anthony Church.
Surviving are three sons, Edward L. and Paul of Columbus, Basil of Omaha; three daughters, Mrs. Herbert P. (Elizabeth) Schultz, Mrs. Helen Meays and Mrs. Dorothy Meays of Columbus; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Leo and Raymond; three sisters, Mary Rodak, Clara Cutsor and Rose Deyo; two brothers, Joseph and John Sturek; one great-granddaughter, Donna Meays.KINZER - Leo James Kinzer, 78, 149 D Heritage House, died Wednesday at Veterans Hospital, Lincoln, after an illness of several months. He was an Army veteran of two major wars.
Funeral rites are set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. J. Graydon Wilson officiating. Military graveside services will be conducted in Roselawn Cemetery. The body will lie in state at McKown Funeral home after 1 p.m. Friday and at church after 9:30 a.m, Saturday.
Son of Hugh and Mary Ellen Kesterson Kinzer, he was born June 2, 1895 at Albion, where he attended the public schools. He also lived in Shelby and St. Edward before coming to Columbus.
During World War I he served in the Army from August, 1917, to June 1919, including time in France. His World War II service was from November 1942 to May 1945. He was affiliated with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A retired Columbus city park department employe, Mr. Kinzer was a member of First Methodist Church and his hobbies were flowers and gardening.
[handwritten - married May Bader March 10, 1920]
Surviving are his wife; five sons and 10 daughters; 45 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Elmer (Lula) Killham of Grand Island.
The children are: Ralph of Greeley, Colo., Charles, Hartzel and Beloit of Columbus; Donald of Denver; Mrs. Harold (Barbara) Schroeder of Buena Park, Calif; Mrs. DeLaine (Geneva) Johnson of Denver; Mrs. Rudy (Virginia) Micek, Mrs. Tom (Beverly) Dischner of Rawlins, Wyo.; Mrs. Harry (Sharon) Heller of Lingle, Wyo.; Mrs. Curt (Judy) Harouff of Stamford, Neb.; Mrs. Russell (Lula) Hopkins of Duncan; Mrs. Anthony (Della) Bernecki, Mrs. Mary Johnson and Mrs. Ardith Redler, all of Columbus.
One daughter, Mrs. Donald (Merna) Kissell of Des Moines, Iowa, is deceased . Also preceding him in death were his parents, one brother; one sister; five grandchildren; son-in-law Harold Schroeder, and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Hartzel (Nancy) Cartwright Kinder.
The Columbus Telegram, October 29, 1973
BOROWIAK - Graveside services for Mary Borowiak, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Borowiak, were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Bonaventure Cemetery with the Rev. Basil Tsung officiating.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by two brothers, Daniel and David; two sisters, Genevieve and Beverly; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Borowiak and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mueller.
McKown Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
The Columbus Telegram, November 12, 1973
BELL - Mrs. Rose F. Bell, 69, Rt. 1, Columbus, died Saturday morning in Behlen Community Hospital. She was a lifetime resident of this area.
Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church and Roselawn Cemetery. The Rev. J. Graydon Wilson will officiate. Now lying in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel, the body will also lie in state at church, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Daughter of Charles and Louise Benning Reinke, she was born Oct. 10, 1904 in Columbus and attended Platte County schools. She was married to Fred Bell Sr., at St. John Lutheran Church, Shell Creek.
Mrs. Bell was a member of United Methodist Church.
Preceded in death by her husband in 1969, she is survived by five sons, Merlyn of Richland, Delane of Washington state, Don of Genoa, Fred and Eugene of Columbus; her mother, Mrs. Louise Reinke of Columbus; brothers, Martin and Carl Reinke of Columbus; five sisters, Mrs. Herman (Margaret) Schaer of Richland, Mrs. Frank (Louise) Valish and Mrs. Mary Gerrard of Schuyler, Mrs. Magdalena Iossi of Columbus, Mrs. Elsie Prell of Osceola; and nine grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her father; a son, Gary; and two grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the Amerian Cancer Society.
The Columbus Telegram, November 14, 1973
BURESH - Funeral services for Alan David Buresh, 16, Platte Center, who was accidentally killed Tuesday, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church at Platte Center.
The Rev. John C. Starostka will officiate and burial will be in Clarkson Cemetery. The body is to lie in state after 1 p.m. Thursday at McKown Funeral Home, where rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m. Thursday.
He was born Oct. 15, 1957, at Platte Center, the son of Reynold S. and Alice Steiner Buresh, and was a student at Lakeview High School. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America Chapter.
Alan was affiliated with St. Joseph Church.
Surviving are his mother, of Platte Center; six brothers and sisters, Mrs. David (Judith) Weaver of Columbus, Mrs. Jerry (Carolyn) Mason of Omaha, Mrs. Ron (Monica) Scribner of Norfolk, and Daniel, Beverly and Geraldine Buresh; grandmother, Mrs. Mary Steiner of Clarkson; uncle, Lumir Buresh of Clarkson.
He was preceded in death by his father, on March 7, 1960; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Buresh; and grandfather Rudolph Steiner.
The Columbus Telegram, November 21, 1973
JUSTUS - Services will be 9:30 a.m. Friday at Grace Episcopal Church for Frank (Mose) Justus, 88, of 2221 10th Street, who died Tuesday morning at Behlen Community Hospital following several months' illness.
The Rev. Robert Ahlenius will officiate and burial will be in the Columbus Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the Gass-Haney Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Thursday.
The son of Henry and Sarah Lukas Justus, he was born April 8, 1885 in Trenton, Mo., and attended schools there. He married Mary Fairchild in Columbus in April, 1915.
In his younger days Justus was a coal miner in Missouri and later became a professional baseball pitcher in several states. He arrived in Columbus in 1910 and pitched from 1912-13 for Columbus with the old Nebraska State League and later managed the Columbus State League from 1918-25.
In 1922 he entered partnership with the late Joe Gutzmer and managed the Rex Club Room Bowling and Pool Hall until 1939.
In 1926 he built a ball park were the Columbus Drive-in Theater stands. It closed in 1932. He later coached minor league baseball. From 1940-55 he was employed by the Nebraska State Highway Department as an inspector until his retirement.
Survivors include his widow; son, George of Columbus; daughter, Eleanor Hoen of Denver, Colo.; and two granddaughters.
Preceding him in death were his parents, eight brothers and three sisters.
The family suggests memorials to Grace Episcopal Church.
The Columbus Telegram, November 23, 1973
BORNEMANN - The funeral of Mrs. Wilhelmina Bornemann, 94, Rt. 1, Columbus, will be Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church and Cemetery with the Rev. B.F. Meschke officiating. Prayer service at 10:15 a.m. will precede the 10:30 a.m. funeral rites.
Her body lies in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel today, and will be at church Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
She was born Oct. 20, 1879 at Worden, Ill., the daughter of William and Mary Brunnworth Blase.
On May 8, 1904 at Worden, she married the Rev. H.L. Bornemann and they lived at Wakefield, Neb., before moving to Columbus 45 years ago. Her husband served as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church until his death in 1939, and their son, the Rev. Martin Bornemann succeeded him the following year.
She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.
Surviving are six children; Rev. Theodore of Algonquin, Ill.; Mrs. Elmer (Marie) Grotelueschen of Elgin, Ill.; Mrs. Linton (Dorothy) Ellwin and Rev. William of Cheynne, Wyo.; Rev. Martin of Columbus; Mrs. Walter (Martha) Zwintcher of Fort Wayne, Ind.; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
These brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. Fred Lueker and William Blas [sic] of Worden, Ill.; Mrs. Lena Flach of Peoria Heights, Ill.; Mrs. Martha Renken, Mrs. Emma Schumacher and Martin Blase of Hamel, Ill.BATOR - Funeral rites will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony Catholic Church for Thaddeus (Ted) Bator, 68, who was found dead Wednesday at his home, 762 26th Avenue. Death was believed to have occurred Monday.
The Rev. Laurin Buzynski will officiate at the funeral, and burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with military graveside services for the World War II veteran. Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. today at McKown Funeral Home where the body lies in state.
Mr. Bator, in ill health since July 4, was formerly associated in the operation of Boulevard Lanes. He served in the Army from June 1941, to June 1944, and was affiliated with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He was a member of St. Anthony Church.
Son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Stanczyk) Bator, he was born Sept. 9, 1905 in Columbus where he attended St. Francis Academy, St. Anthony School and Columbus High. He spent his life in Columbus and Chicago.
Surviving are one sister, Valerie Huntington of Redondo Beach, Calif.; one brother, Cec__ of Los Angeles; nephews, Cec___ Bator Jr. of Los Angeles, Ken Bator of Lincoln, Jim Bator of Columbus, Dexter Huntington of St. Louis, Kenneth Kearns of Sheridan, Wyo.; nieces, Judie Bator Johnson of Costa Mesa, Calif., Ardeth Hungtinton of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Sandra Bator Sayler of Omaha.
Two sisters, Wilma Stachura and Stella Kearns, and two brothers, Steve and Leonard Bator, preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, November 27, 1973
JANAK - Last rites for Edward (Eddie) Janak, 52, well-known Omaha polka band leader who was a native of Brainard, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday from Dworak Funeral Home in Omaha and at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Church in that city.
Mr. Janak, who died Sunday night of an apparent heart attack, played saxophone and clarinet in bands since 1936 and led the Eddie Janak orchestra the past 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Helen; father, Pete Janak; sons, Edward Jr. and Donald; daughters, Sharon and Susan, all of Omaha; and another daughter, Betty Colvard of Murray.
The Columbus Telegram, December 4, 1973
LOSEKE - Mrs. Emma C. Loseke, 87, Columbus died Tuesday evening in Behlen Community Hospital.
Services are set for 3 p.m. Thursday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Officiating will be the Rev. M.W. Goldhammer and Rev. Martin Bornemann.
Her body will lie in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel after 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Daughter of the late Henry and Gesine Kunnemann Luers, she was born Feb. 26, 1886 in Columbus; graduated from Columbus High School in 1905 and attended Peru State Teachers College.
She was a rural school teacher in Platte County before her marriage to Edward G. Loseke, Nov. 10, 1909. In 1941 they moved to Manchester, Iowa, and after her husband's death she returned to Columbus in 1969.
Baptized, confirmed and married in Immanuel Lutheran Church, she was also a member of the Ladies Aid. Some years ago she was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Ladies Aid whie a member of that congregation.
Surviving are six daughters, Dr. Lucile Loseke of New York City; Mrs. Roland (Ellen) Dasenbrock of Anamosa, Iowa; Elaine of Patterson, N.J.; Mrs. Herbert (Doris) Klug of Columbus; Mrs. George (Imogene) Grimmer of Albany, N.Y.; and Mrs. James (Dr. Margaret) Sommerville of Atlanta, Va.
Other survivors include 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Walter Luers of Grand Island; one sister, Mrs. Earl (Elsa) Speck of Columbus.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nov. 10, 1968; two brothers, Adolph and Emil; two sisters, Alwine and Ida.
The Columbus Telegram, December 7, 1973
KOUMA - Funeral services for Anthony J. Kouma, 32, Dwight farmer, will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Assumption Catholic Church, Dwight, with burial in the parish cemetery. The Rev. Harold Birkel will officiate. Rosary will be 6:30 p.m. today at Holesovsky Funeral Home, Brainard.
Mr. Kouma was killed Wednesday when the pickup truck he was driving went out of control on an icy road near Dwight.
Lifetime resident of that community, he was born Dec. 19, 1940 to Anton and Frances Hofpar Kouma. He was a member of Assumption Church and attended the parish parochial school.
Surviving are his parents; sister, Mrs. Frank (Bessie) Jetensky of Elgin; nieces and nephew. A brother and sister preceded him in death. The Columbus Telegram, ?, 1973
[Note: Findagrave gives date of death as Dec. 8, 1973] LESIAK - One of Nebraska's oldest residents, 103-year-old Michael (Mike) Lesiak of Fullerton, died Saturday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Peter Catholic Church in Fullerton, with the Revs. Richard Ciurej and L.S. Sledz officiating, and burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
The body lies in state from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. today at Fullerton Memorial Chapel, where Holy Name will pray the rosary at 7:30 p.m. today and the parish at 8 o'clock.
He was born Sept. 8, 1870, in Pilsno, Poland, the son of Stanislaus and Catherine Sukala Lesiak, and had been a resident of Nance County since 1878. He was married to Victoria Knopik in 1898 at the Krakow church.
Mr. Lesiak was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society.
Surviving are two sons, Charles J. of Fullerton and Frank Z. of North Platte; two daughters, Mrs. Michael (Rose) Shotkoski of Fullerton and Mrs. Theo (Minnie) Wozniak of El Cerrico, Calif.; two sisters, Victoria Colette and Helen Michaelina of Sylvania, Ohio; 18 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and a son, Leonard.
The Columbus Telegram, December 10, 1973
BARGMANN - Mrs. Fred (Emma) Bargmann, 75, died unexpectedly Sunday at home, Rt. 3, Columbus.
The funeral will be Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with the Rev. B.F. Meschke officiating at a 10:15 a.m. prayer service and 10:30 a.m. funeral rites. Burial will be in Columbus Cemetery. Her body lies in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel.
Lifetime resident of Platte County, she was born Oct. 3, 1898 to Dirk and Catherine Johannes Becher. Baptized at St. John Lutheran Church, she attended St. John School and Columbus High School. She was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was a member of the Country Ladies Aid.
Married to Fred Bargmann, Dec. 21, 1919 at Immanuel Lutheran, she is survived by her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Bill (Ferne) Strong of Monroe; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Fred Becher of Columbus; two sisters, Mrs. Henry (Hannah) Kapels of Creston and Mrs. J.R. (Louise) Prest of Columbus.
A son, Harry, died in 1967. Four brothers and one sister also preceded her in death.BIRKEL - P. Michael Birkel, 30, prominent David City farmer, died Saturday in Butler County Hospital after a long illness.
Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Presentation Catholic Church, Bellwood, with burial in the parish cemetery. The Rev. Paul Rutten will officiate. Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary at 7 p.m. today at Knott Funeral Home, and there will be a parish wake at 8 p.m.
Mr. Birkel was born Aug. 15, 1934 in Columbus to Peter and Olivia Ebel Birkel. He attended St. Mary Schools in David City, graduating from high school in 1961. He married Betty Shonka, Oct. 12, 1963 at Ulysses.
In 1972 he was cited by the David City Jaycees as Butler County's Outstanding Young Farmer-Rancher. He was affiliated with the Knights of Columbus.
Surviving are his wife; three children, Denise, 8, Rodney, 7, and Scott, 5; his parents, sister Zita and brothers, William and Max, all of David City and another brother, James of Omaha.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Michael Birkel and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ebel Sr.
The Columbus Telegram, December 18, 1973
BALL - Willie P. (Spud) Ball, 770 24th Avenue, died this morning in Behlen Community Hospital. He was 81.
Services are set for 10:30 a.m. Friday at McKown Funeral Chapel with the Rev. J. Graydon Wilson officiating, and burial will be in Columbus Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the funeral home after 1 p.m. Thursday.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ball, he was born Dec. 2, 1892 at Bellwood and attended Columbus schools. He was a cement finisher for Glur Cement Works for many years. His hobbies were hunting and fishing.
Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Florance Black of Omaha; nieces and nephews. His parents, one sister and three brothers preceded him in death.
The Columbus Telegram, December 27, 1973
BLESSEN - A 1:45 p.m. family prayer service and 2 p.m. funeral rites will be held Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church for Mrs. David (Lois) Blessen, 34, of 810 20th Street. She died Wednesday in Behlen Community Hospital.
Officiating at the funeral will be the Revs. B.F. Meschke and M.W. Goldhammer. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. The body will lie in state at Gass-Haney Funeral Chapel, 1 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday; at church, 1-2 p.m. Saturday.
Daughter of Lloyd H. and Vera Uppfalt Hill, she was born May 2, 1939 at Monroe and attended District 11 School and Monroe High School. She married David Blessen on May 1, 1965 at the EUB Chuch [sic] in Monroe.
Formerly employed by J.C. Penney Co. and Becton-Dickinson Co., Mrs. Blessen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Loyal Club.
Surviving are her husband; daughter, Lori; mother, Mrs. Vera Hill of Monroe; two brothers, Glenn E. of Streamwood, Ill., and Milton J. of Norfolk, Va.; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Ruth) McHugh of Columbus and Mrs. Dean (Mila) Curtis of Guide Rock. Her father preceded her in death.