Page 13
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers and submitted by readers
SCHMIDT, Gladys H., 98, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday Dec. 11, 2003, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Omaha
Services: Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa
Burial: Emerson, (Iowa) Cemetery
Born Sept. 6, 1905, in Montgomery County, Iowa
Parents: Charles and Minerva (Karnes) CONFER
Married: Jan. 27, 1931, to Emmitt McDowell in Red Oak. He died in August 1963 in Kearney
Married: Dec. 2, 1965, to Walter Schmidt in Rochester, Minn. He died July 9, 1978
Survivors include two grandchildren and two great-grandsons
Kearney Hub, 15 December, 2003
WACHTER, Bernice L., 74, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village.
Services: Thursday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: designated at a later date
Born July 14, 1929, in Geneva
Parents: Morgan and Hazel (Morgan) ELDRIDGE
Grew up in and attended school in Kearney
Married: Dec. 15, 1948, to Walter Wachter in Kearney. He died in 1996
Followed her husband's military career; lived in Texas, South Dakota, French Morocco in Africa, California, England and Germany; moved back to Kearney in 1975; worked at West Co. for 23 years before retiring
Activities: enjoyed working with ceramics; owned and operated BeaWare Ceramics in Kearney
Survivors include: sons, Robert of St. Cloud, Minn., Lawrence of Kearney, Bruce of Seattle and Richard of Springdale, Ark.; daughter, Sheila Lindenstein of Odessa; brothers, Dwight Eldridge of Springfield, Ore., and Marvin Eldridge and Russell Eldridge, both of Flagler, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, a son and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 17 December, 2003
WALKER, Hiram R., 78, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: Hiram and Suz Walker Scholarship established with the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation or to the church
Born Dec. 2, 1925, in Harlan County
Parents: Lovell and Mabel (Coe) Walker
Graduated from Orleans High School in 1943
Military: U.S. Marines during World War II
Married: Oct. 22, 1947, to Suz Hays in Oxford
Attended Kearney State College; graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1954; did his internship at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, 1954 and 1955
Was in family practice in Alma, 1955-1965; moved to Kearney, was a partner at Kearney Clinic; served as vice president of medical affairs at Good Samaritan Hospital
Was a member of various medical and family practice associations; was on the faculty of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and clinical associate professor in the department of family practice; was a preceptor for the UNMC for 21 years and was chairman of the preceptorship committee, 1974-1985
Received the J.G. Elliott Award from UNMC on May 12, 1990, for his support of family practice education and promotion of quality rural health care in Nebraska
Activities: president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Alma for two years and served on the school board for three years; member of Kearney Elks Lodge 984; served as the exalted ruler, 1973 and 1974; past president of the Kearney Country Club, a past board member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Colonel's Committee; member of American Legion Post 52 in Kearney; member of the church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife; sons, Steve of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Tim of Lewiston, Idaho, and Tom of China Township, Mich.; daughters, Susy Smith of Fort Collins, Colo., Mary Beth Mudrick of Topeka, Kan., and Monica Lister of Louisville, Colo.; brother, Oscar of Holmes Beach, Fla.; sister, Ellen Kerr of Billings, Mont.; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Kathy of Oak Ridge, Bobbi of Lewiston and Rhonda of China Township; and sons-in-law, Scott Smith of Fort Collins and Dave Mudrick of Topeka
Was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence
Kearney Hub, 16 December, 2003
WALLACE, Lawrence A., 89, of Grand Island, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, at Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island
Services: Thursday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island
Born Nov. 3, 1914, in Long Pine
Parents: Reuben and Louella (Jackson) Wallace
Grew up in and attended school in Long Pine
Military: entered the U.S. Army on March 13, 1942; discharged on Oct. 16, 1945
While in the military, married Elizabeth Carter in England
Following discharge, the couple returned to Nebraska, ranched in the Bassett area until 1970
Moved to the Grand Island/Kearney area, and he was employed as an auto tender at Eaton Corp.; retired, 1980
Survivors include his sons, Kenneth of Salt Lake City and Dennis of Athens, Ga.; daughter, Sheila Scott of Elm Creek; sisters, Mabel Marvin of Gettysburg, S.D., Elsie Smith of Ainsworth, Hazel Voss of Omak, Wash., and Ruth Baker of Ainsworth; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 17 December, 2003
FINNIGSMIER, Nellie, 91, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Services: Thursday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Born Feb. 10, 1912, in Madison
Parents: James and Gertrude (Walters) McKIBBON
Attended grade school in Foster, graduated from high school in Center
Married: February 1934 to Harvey Huddleston in Yankton, S.D.; farmed near Bloomfield until his death, February 1952
Moved to Kearney in 1957
Married: Jan. 28, 1969, to Harley Finnigsmier. He died Nov. 6, 2002
Was employed at Kearney State College; retired, 1978
Activities: member of the church in Kearney; past member of the Eagles Auxiliary
Survivors include her sons, Dale Huddleston of Kearny, Ariz., and Lee Huddleston of Kearney; daughter, June Espenhover of Kearney; sister, Bernice McFarland of Cloquet, Minn.; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; stepson, Leroy of Heartwell; and stepdaughter, Barbara Holland of Tulsa
Was preceded in death by her husbands, a son, five brothers and a stepson
Kearney Hub, 17 December, 2003
EHRESMAN, Irene L., 82, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Services: Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: the church in Kearney
Born Sept. 23, 1911, on a homestead north of St. Paul
Parents: Neils and Anne (Mortensen) SORENSEN
Attended country school at District 21; graduated from St. Paul High School, 1929
Married: Sept. 14, 1939, to E. E. Ehresman. He died in 1977
With husband, farmed for several years in the Elm Creek area
Operated Irene's Dairy Creme and Cafe in Elm Creek from 1953; retired 1959
Was a resident of the Elm Creek area for 60 years; moved to Kearney in November 2002
Activities: member of the church in Kearney
Survivors include: daughter, LaVonne Shelker of Scottsdale, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; also son-in-law, Robert Shelker of Scottsdale
Was preceded in death by her husband, 11 brothers and sisters
Kearney Hub, 19 December, 2003
HARNEY, Naty E., 87, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Saturday at the Church of Christ in Kearney
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: the church in Kearney
Born May 25, 1916, in Plum Creek
Parents: Benjamin and Edith (Hultgren) CLARK
Grew up in the Riverdale area, graduated from Riverdale High School
Attended Kearney Normal School; taught school in Washington and California
Moved to Kearney in 1967; taught rural school north of Kearney
Later worked at Baldwin Filters until she retired
Activities: member of the church in Kearney
Survivors include her brother, Robert Jacobson of Fort Meyers, Fla.; also several great nieces and nephews; was preceded in death by her parents and a half brother
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2003
TRAVIS, Karen Sue, 60, of Shelton died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at her home
Services: later. Body will be cremated
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary of Gibbon/Shelton
Born March 21, 1943, in Grand Island
Parents: Gaylord and Catherine (Echternacht) ARCHER
Married: August 1965, to George Schepers. They later divorced
Married: Dec. 17, 1971, to Michael Travis in Brighton, Colo.
Survivors include her son, Brian of San Jose, Calif.; brother, Dan Archer of Grand Lake, Colo.; sisters, Kathy Mashburn and Cherie Lacy, both of Shelton, and Susie Baum of Dyer, Ind.; and fianc‚, George Schepers of Shelton
Kearney Hub, 18 December, 2003
BURGE, Paul L., 95, of Miller died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Monday at Miller Christian Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller, rites by Masonic Lodge 170 of Mason City
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney Memorials: the church, the Flag Fund at the Armada Cemetery or Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Born Jan. 6, 1908, at Versailles, Mo.
Parents: Leon and Emma (Hart) Burge
Attended school and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1927
Attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Chicago Institute of Art
Married: May 19, 1936, to Opal Haynes in Ogallala. She died Dec. 17, 1952
Married: July 23, 1954, to Marybelle Nichols in Loup City
Employment: early in his career, worked for the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads as a helper, station agent and telegrapher; served as the last depot agent in Miller during the early 1950s; also worked as a locksmith and had shops in communities including Las Vegas, Yuma, Grant's Pass, Ore., and Kearney
Had lived in Miller since 1975
Activities: member of churches in the communities where he lived and of Masonic Lodge 170 and Eastern Star in Mason City; received his 50-year pin from the lodge in 1996; was a charter member of Miller Senior Citizen Club
Enjoyed his family, friends, playing on the Perkins County football team, listening to and recording music, reciting poetry, building early model airplanes, golfing, oil painting, swimming, and all phases of photography
Survivors include: wife; son, Leon of Yuma, Ariz.; daughters, Marsha McGrath of Dunedin, Fla., and Lynn Weston of San Diego; and sisters, Gladys Fitzgerald of Grant an Elizabeth Lewis of Loup City; also daughter-in-law, Carol of Yuma; sons-in-law, Francis McGrath of Dunedin and Gregory Weston of San Diego; and grandchildren, Kevin of Yuma, Dawn Santeford of Phoenix and Eric Weston of San Diego
Was preceded in death by his first wife, his parents and six brothers
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2003
CHRAMOSTA, Mary B., 88, of Ravenna died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery south of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen Mortuary in Ravenna
Born Dec. 22, 1914, on a farm south of Ravenna
Parents: Joseph and Mary (Kleimot) Chramosta
Spent her early years on the farm; was educated in rural Buffalo County schools and Ravenna High School; received her master's degree from Kearney State College
Taught school in rural Buffalo County for many years; taught in Gibbon for 17 years, and at Park Elementary School in Kearney for 24 years
Activities: member of the church in Ravenna
Survivors include nieces and nephews; was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Joe, and a sister, Helen
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2003
DONALDSON, Wilbur P., 78, of Shelton died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Tuesday at Godberson Mortuary, Gibbon
Burial: Shelton Cemetery, military rites by Shelton American Legion Post 297
Born Aug. 22, 1925, in Gibbon
Parents: Guy and Ethel (Haug) Donaldson
Married: 1947, to Helen Morris in California; later divorced
Married: Dec. 8, 1967, to Marjorie Walker
Survivors include: wife; daughter, Charlotte McGlothlin of Cadiz, Ky.; sister, Eloise Thatcher of Santa Maria, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; and stepsons, Charles Walker of Shelton and Joel Walker of Colombia, S.C.
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2003
LAWVER, Tim, 47, of Elm Creek, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at his home
Services: Monday at New Life Assembly in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Born Feb. 7, 1956, in Oberlin, Kan.
Parents: Stan and Oma (Williams) Lawver
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from high school there
Received nursing certificate from Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, 1973-1976; National Guard, honorably discharged in February 1994
Lived in Kearney, worked as licensed practical nurse at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Activities: member of the church in Kearney; enjoyed listening to country music and dancing
Survivors include: parents of Kearney; sons, Timothy of Ponca City and Joeseph of Ord; daughters, Meshell Valentine of Elm Creek and Tiffany Derr of Kearney; brother, Stan of Kearney; sister, Joy Curfman of Kearney; and 11 grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 20 December, 2003
MILLER, Marlin Vaun, 78, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military rites by American Legion Post 52, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and the National Guard Unit, all of Kearney
Memorials: Salvation Army
Born Feb. 22, 1925, in Cozad
Parents: William and Reta (Handley) Miller
Attended schools in Lexington and Cozad; attended Central Nebraska Technical School in Milford
Military: U.S. Army during World War II, was injured in a training accident and received a medical discharge
Married: Feb. 9, 1948, to Catherine Resch in Holdrege
Lived in Lexington before moving to Kearney
Worked a short time at a hay mill and Nebraska Natural Gas Co. at Lexington; worked for the Union Pacific Railroad at Lexington, Gothenburg, Beatrice, Cozad and Kearney for 30 years until retirement; operated a motel at Gothenburg for seven years
Entered St. John's Care Home in Kearney in May 2003
Activities: enjoyed remodeling the homes they lived in and rental properties they owned, attending auctions, carpentry, collecting coins, antiques and meeting people
Survivors include: wife; sons, Don of Cozad, Duane of St. Louis and Glen of Kearney; daughter, Linda Jensen of Long Beach, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren;
Was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister
Kearney Hub, 22 December, 2003
SMITH, Esther, 95, of Imperial, formerly of Pleasanton and Kearney, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2003, in Imperial
Services: Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Memorials: church in Pleasanton
Born Jan. 9, 1908, in Davey
Parents: Nels and Anna (Palmstein) ANDERSON
Married: March 16, 1926, to Theodore Smith in Smith Center, Kan.; lived in and around Hazard and Pleasanton and farmed from 1945 to 1973; moved to Pleasanton; she moved to Cimarron Court in Kearney, 1991
Moved to Pine Grove Senior Living apartments in Imperial, August 2003
Survivors include son, Harlan of Imperial and daughter-in-law, Joy of Imperial
Was preceded in death by her husband in 1986, and by a son, Delmar in 1991
Kearney Hub, 22 December, 2003
BETKE, Robert Vernon, 79, of Ravenna died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, near Ravenna
Memorial services: January 10, 2004
Mortuary: Rasmussen Mortuary in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Born Feb. 28, 1924, on a farm southwest of Ravenna
Parents: Otto and Alma (Muhlbach) Betke
Attended Union Ridge Grade School District 62; gradutated from Ravenna High School, 1941
Military: enlisted in ROTC in 1942 as a student the University of Nebraska; active duty in U.S. Army Air Corps, 1943-1946; was an aircraft radio operator
Was baptized at the University of Nebraska Campus Chapel in 1948
Married: June 14, 1951, to Alice Arnold
Returned to the University of Nebraska College of Engineering; had several positions, including field engineer, with RCA and Magnavox while living in Denver; later worked for T&L Irrigation in Hastings; operated an appliance store in Ravenna before farming south of Ravenna for several years.
Survivors include: sister, Lois Walter of Mapleton, Iowa.; also brother-in-law, Irven Walter of Mapleton; nephews, John Walter and his wife, Sandra, of Ankeny, Iowa, and Kirk Walter and his wife, Wendy, of Sonoma, Calif.; nieces, Pamela Paulsrud and her husband, Art, of Wilmette, Ill., and Peggy Jacobson and her husband, Sheldon, of Mapleton; six great-nieces; two great-nephews; two great-great-nephews and one great-great-niece;
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 6 January 2004
BOOK, Marvin E., 93, of Ravenna died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: Wednesday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Born Jan. 6, 1910, on a farm southwest of Sodtown, born during a blizzard on his father's birthday
Parents: John and Flora (Turley) Book
With family moved to Sheridan, Texas, in 1911; started school there when he was 7 years old; attened school in Fowler, Colo., and Sodtown, Nebr.; moved near Ravenna, 1922, and attended Dry Creek District 20 in Sherman County; moved to a farm southwest of Poole, March 1, 1923, and attended Cedar Creek District 10 in Buffalo County; attended school in Poole, 1925-26; attended Ravenna High School for two years, graduated, 1928; attended Kearney Normal School for one semester
Married: March 5, 1932, to Isla Rizer in Holdrege; lived on a farm southwest of Poole; later moved to Ravenna
Began carrying the Star Route mail from Ravenna to Pleasanton and Poole, 1934; retired in 1974 after 40 years; was a member of the National Star Route Mail Carriers Association
Actitivites: enjoyed music and played the piano by ear; the couple enjoyed travel, had traveled by car with their family to every state in the continental United States and had been to most of the state capitals
Survivors include his son, Roger of Doniphan; and daughters, Rita Rohrich of Riverdale, Barbara Tines of Venango and Beverly Andrews of Sturgis, Mich.; also grandchildren, Brenda and Bradley Rohrich of Riverdale, Jennifer of London, Andrea and Mark Tines of Omaha, John Tines of Venango and Kyle Andrews of Sturgis, Mich.; daughter-in-law, Bronwen Teuton-Book of Paraparaumu, New Zealand; and sons-in-law, Tom Tines of Venango and Don Andrews of Sturgis
Was preceded in death by his wife, Nov. 10, 1992, and by parents, brother, Floyd; sister, Ethel Mae Pope; and son-in-law, Marvin Rohrich
Kearney Hub, 23 December, 2003
KUEHN, Doris F., 70, of Holdrege, formerly of Pleasanton, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Holdrege Memorial Homes
Services: Pleasanton Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: the church in Pleasanton or Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege.
Born July 6, 1933, in Kearney
Parents: Horace and Violet (Lewis) BERKHEIMER
Graduated from Pleasanton High School, 1950
Married: Nov. 7, 1953, to William Kuehn in Minden; lived in Pleasanton
Worked as a bookkeeper for Farmers Union Co-op, retired in 1975
Lived in Pleasanton for 28 years, moved to Holdrege in 1994
Activities: member of Evangelical Free Church in Pleasanton and the American Legion Auxiliary in Pleasanton
Survivors include: husband; sons, Rick of Phillips, Larry of Alvo, Daryl of Sedgwick, Colo., Randy of Aurora and Kent of Kearney; daughter, Debra of Kansas City, Mo.; and eight grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 23 December, 2003
RISE, Audrie R., 63, of Fremont, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Fremont Area Medical Center
Services: Monday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont
Burial: Memorial Cemetery in Fremont
Mortuary: Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont
Born Dec. 29, 1939, in Kearney
Parents: George and Cecelia (Hellriegel) LAMBERT
Married: April 5, 1962, to Arnold Rise in Fremont
Survivors include: husband; sons, Richard of Fremont and Al of Camp Verde, Ariz.; daughter, Linette of Fremont; brothers, George Lambert of Kearney and Stanley Lambert of Champaign, Ill.; sisters, Merna Bise of Dayton, Ohio, Lois Bise of Salt Lake City and June Lambert of Fremont; and four grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 23 December, 2003
SHIPP, Eugene, 77, of Ravenna died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Friday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen Mortuary in Ravenna
Memorials: the church
Born June 4, 1926, in Irwin, Iowa
Parents: Floyd and Melinda (Axland) Shipp
Graduated from high school Manning, Iowa, in May 1943
Attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1943 and 1944 on a football scholarship
Military: entered the U.S. Army Air Force Officer Training Program in December 1944; was discharged in 1947
Returned to Drake University, graduated in May 1950
Married: Nov. 24, 1949, to Shirley Peterson in Walnut, Iowa. She died Nov. 22, 2003.
Was accepted into the FBI as a special agent, December 1950; resigned in November 1951
Joined Hawkeye Security Insurance Co. and had several different responsibilities; became a partner in Skochdopole Agency in Ravenna, February 1959; retired from the insurance business in 1996; retained his real estate brokerage and appraisal business
Activities: in Ravenna, was a trustee in the Methodist Church, chairman of the Grand Manor Board and Housing Authority, was on the Ravenna Golf Club executive board, was a Boy Scoutmaster for many years and was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Overland Trails Council, and served in a number of positions for the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce, including president and vice-president; was a member of the Big I and PIA Professional State Association taking many leadership responsibilities in both organizations and was a board member of the Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna.
Survivors include: sons, David of Charlotte, N.C., Dennis of DeWitt and Daniel of Columbia, Mo.; also grandchildren, Kyle, Brett, Matthew, Melinda, Sarah and Brittney
Was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; infant daughter, Melinda; and grandson, Bryan Shipp
Kearney Hub, 23 December, 2003
FREDERICK, Pauline L., 78, of Kearney died Wednesday Dec. 24, 2003, at her home.
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Kearney Hub, 24 December, 2003
VETTER, Carl Herman, 97, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Monday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Cozad Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington
Memorials: Nebraska American Heart Association or the donor's choice
Born May 14, 1906, in Buffalo
Parents: Henry and Hester (Padgett) Vetter
Completed school through the ninth grade and worked on the farm, where he developed a hard work ethic; also worked at the Buffalo General Store in many roles and in Lexington at CC Banks Store
Married: April 6, 1932, to Mary Sladky in Grand Island
Farmed first in the Cozad area, then the Lexington area and finally in the Eddyville area; worked hard together on the farms, and he usually had another job to supplement income; he worked at the grocery store in Sumner and butchered, cut and wrapped meat
Was baptized in the Methodist Church as an adult
Sold the farm and moved to Lexington, 1968; continued to butcher, working at Sixth Street Locker and at Platte Valley Pack at Darr; also worked for Parkway Cafe, Mead Lumber and the city of Lexington; mowed lawns for "older folks" in Lexington with his big-wheel lawn mower
Gathered grape vines, made grape vine wreaths for sale, some of which were exported to Singapore; took pride in his work, achieved a quality that exceeded anything similar in the market place
Moved with his wife to Kearney in 1998 because of health problems; lived with their daughter
Moved to St. John's Care Center, Feb. 2003
Activities: enjoyed visiting others in the care center, his sense of humor was a source of enjoyment to members of the staff; his cat, Myakitty, was a hit when he visited the care center
Survivors include his sons, Rodney of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Norris of Lincoln; and daughter, Jeanine of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Kay of Lincoln; grandchildren, Marsie and husband, Eddie, of Lincoln, Ty and wife, Carol, of Imperial, Nora and Nik of Omaha, Ashley of Lincoln, Erron of Kearney, and Jennifer and Jerry John; and great-grandchildren, Angela, Calen, Noah and Lauren of Lincoln, and Perry, Abbi and Sydney of Imperial
Was preceded in death by his wife on Oct. 12, 2001; son, Jerry; his parents; brother, Glenn; and sister, Florence
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2003
WIDDOWSON, James Edward "Jim", 73, of Shelton died of cancer Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary of Gibbon/Shelton
Memorials: Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, Shelton Fire Department, Gibbon Good Samaritan Center or Gibbon Baptist Church
Born March 16, 1930, in Kearney
Parents: Howard and Maud (Hibberd) Widdowson
Grew up on the family farm northeast of Gibbon; attended District 18; graduated from Shelton High School, 1947
Continued to help on the family farm
Married: June 5, 1949, to Winifred Russell in Shelton; lived on the farm northeast of Gibbon where they raised their family
Worked briefly at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant in Grand Island in the mid-1960s; moved to Shelton in 1993 and farmed; retired in 1995
Moved to the care home in Gibbon, after falling at home, August 2003
Activities: member of the church in Gibbon, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Shelton Lodge 141 in which he was current noble grand and Kearney Elks Lodge 984
Enjoyed baseball, basketball, football, bowling, golf, playing cards and spending time with family and friends
Survivors include: sons, Joe and Brad, both of Gibbon, Russ of Lincoln and Bob of Omaha; daughter, Pat Strain of Genoa; brother, George of Shelton; and sister, Joyce Martin of Fort Collins, Colo.; also daughters-in-law, Jean and Nancy, both of Gibbon, Karen of Lincoln and Lisa of Omaha; son-in-law, Jack Strain of Genoa; grandchildren; Julie Ratka and husband, Tony, Jill Macek and husband, Brad, John and wife, Laurie, Eliza Ferzely and husband, Scott, Virgie and Abby, Leah, Tess and Edie, Mindy, Jamie and Carmin, Ryan Strain and wife, Julie, and Marissa Kunkee and husband Brian; great-grandsons, Riley Ratka, Maverick, Mullen and Maguire; great-granddaughter, Delanie Ferzely; and several nephews and nieces
Was preceded in death by his wife, on Nov. 14, 2003
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2003
McINDOO, Jay D., 74, of Bladen, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Franklin County Hospital in Franklin
Services: Monday at Bladen United Methodist Church
Burial: Red Cloud Cemetery
Mortuary: Simonson-Williams Funeral Home of Red Cloud
Born Dec. 7, 1929, in Jewell County, Kan.
Parents: Jay and Dora (Leggett) McIndoo
Married: Oct. 23, 1947, to Betty Kindler in Smith Center, Kan.
Survivors include: wife; daughters, Irene Hartman of Pauline and Mary Karr of Bladen; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 December, 2003
KRELL, Eva E., 98, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at St. John's Center
Services:Tuesday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: St. John's Center
Born Dec. 18, 1905, north of Kearney
Parents: Mark and Mary Jane (Campbell) Whitcher
Attended Pleasant Hill rural school north of Kearney
Employment: sales clerk at Woolworths, J.C. Penney, Sears and Rubin's for more than 60 years; retired in 1980
Married: May 11, 1937, to Gerald Krell in Kearney
Survivors include her son, Robert of Kearney; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Sherry of Kearney; grandchildren, Rochelle Jensen and her husband Randy and Cobey Krell and his wife Angie, all of Kearney; and great-grandchildren, Codey and Cari Krell of Kearney. Was preceded in death by her husband, Sept 13, 1988, by three brothers and four sisters
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2003
HALL, Inez Marie, 88, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Tuesday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: American Cancer Society or Tabitha Hospice, Lincoln, NE
Born May 17, 1915, on a farm east of Holdrege
Parents: Theodore and Sophia (Lewis) BOMARK
Grew up on a farm; graduated from Edison High School; attended college in Kearney and taught school for a short time before going to nurses training
Married: 1937, to William Snyder in Cheyenne, Wyo. He died in 1939
Married: 1941, to Henry Hall
Returned to Kearney State Teachers College in the early 1960s; taught at Overton, Giltner and Marquette; also did substitute teaching in Kearney
Activities: former member of the Rebekah Lodge in Giltner, volunteered for the Heart Association and served as secretary of the Hamilton County Teachers' Association; enjoyed writing poems and volunteering
Survivors include sons, Robert Snyder of El Dorado, Calif., Ted of Odessa and Jerry of Elm Creek; daughters, Marie Wells of Kearney County and Alyce Stone of Lexington; sisters, Lorraine Danielson of Fremont and Alyce Danielson of Kearney; 15 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, a brother and a grandchild
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2003
CAMERON, Nancy J., 60, of Lincoln, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, in Lincoln
Services: Tuesday at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Roper & Sons Mortuary
Born July 1, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Albert and Blanche DELLERT
Graduated from Shelton High School, 1961; is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University
Was the owner of Plaza Bookshelf, 1977-1995; member of Willard Sorority, was an elementary school teacher, was active in several Methodist churches
Survivors include: husband, Stanley; daughter, Amy Lee Wyatt of Arlington, Texas; son, Damon Lee of Fullerton, Calif.; her parents of Shelton; brother, Hal Dellert of Lincoln; and step daughters, Vicki Baldwin of Houston, Texas; and Lorri Fuhrman of Gig Harbor, Wash.; also son-in-law Patrick Wyatt of Arlington; daughter-in-law Jacy Lee of Fullerton; grandson, Walker Lee; step-sons-in-law Steve Baldwin of Houston and Steve Fuhrman of Gig Harbor, Wash.; step-granddaughters Nicole and Brooke Fuhrman; and many close friends
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2003
CULLER, Jerrold "Jerry" W., 47, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Services: Tuesday at New Life Assembly in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Memorials: to be established
Born Oct. 4, 1956, in Hebron
Parents: Delbert and Lula (Brettmann) CULLER
Attended school in Deshler; graduated from high school there, 1976
Married: April 19, 1986, to Sandy Rahmann in Hildreth
Lived in Kearney, was a counselor for Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
Fought and beat cancer twice. His illness the past year brought him closer to his family and to his faith
Activities: enjoyed golfing, especially with his son; also enjoyed animals, especially dogs; was a member of the church.
Survivors include: wife; son, Matthew of Kearney; parents of Deshler; brothers, Cary of New Orleans and Kirk of Hebron; and sister, Kim Kolling of Holdrege; also his mother-in-law, Gloria Beach of Hildreth; sisters-in-law, Michelle of Hebron and Lovern of Cairo; brother-in-law and wife, Tim and Myra Rahmann of Gibbon; and nephews and nieces Brock, Jarvis and Jory Culler; Travis, Austin and Garrett Kolling; Blayne, Tanner, Spencer and Paige Culler; and Ryan and Becky Rahmann
Was preceded in death by his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2003
KEIM, Ardith F., 78, of Elm Creek died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney
Services: Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Elm Creek, Eastern Star rites will be by Dawson Lodge 33 of Lexington
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Franklin
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Elm Creek
Born June 25, 1925, in Franklin
Parents: Noble and Hattie (Whitney) JOHNSON
Grew up in Franklin, graduated from Franklin High School in 1943
Married: April 1, 1945, to Max Keim in Washington State. He died in 1980. Lived Elm Creek; worked for Jack and Jill Grocery in Elm Creek and for Plectron in Overton
Activities: member of the church in Elm Creek, a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star where she was currently a member of the Dawson Lodge in Lexington
Enjoyed crocheting, gardening, attending her grandchildren's ballgames, rodeos and reading
Survivors include: sons, Robert of Lexington; Steve and Dennis, both of Elm Creek; Kirby of Vista, Calif., and Gary of Bloomington; daughter, Jean Mitchell of Elm Creek; 21 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Jo of Lexington, Donna and Marylin, both of Elm Creek; Mary of Vista and Jaynette of Bloomington; son-in-law, Jim Mitchell of Elm Creek; a neice and a cousin
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a daughter, Lynn, brother, Robert, sister, Esther, and a great-grandson, Jackson
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2003
SERGEANT, M. Dean, 85, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney
Services: Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church
Burial of cremains: Juniata Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary of Kearney
Memorials: Russian Missions Reaching Children in Richboro, Pa., United Christian Institute of India in care of the Presbyterian Church or the church in Kearney
Born: Sept. 4, 1918, in Adams County
Parents: Morris and Etta (Kriebel) Sergeant
Grew up in the Juniata area, graduated from Juniata High School; graduated from Kearney State Teachers College in 1936
Taught high school in Alliance for one year
Military: entered U.S. Army in August 1941, served during World War II
Married: Sept. 17, 1942, to June Allphin in Coleman, Texas
After the war, worked in Army counterintelligence in Korea until discharged in January 1949
Following discharge, obtained his bachelor of theology degree from Anderson University in Anderson, Ind.; attended Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in New York City and earned his master's and doctorate of education.
He and his wife lived in India, served for 10 years with the Presbyterian Church in educational missionary work.
Moved to Kearney, 1964, taught counseling and educational psychology at Kearney State College; retired in 1980
Activities: served his community spiritually, socially and politically
Active member of the church in Kearney, was involved in the Sunday school program; taught a Bible study at Mount Carmel Home for seven years; helped with Habitat for Humanity, was supportive of many international students at UNK and a willing handyman for many neighbors and friends; enjoyed gardening and sharing the vegetables; Took part in the peace movement, was a prolific writer of letters to many, including letters to the editor.
Survivors include: his wife; daughters, Sharon Cox of Lawton, Okla., Sandra Ayers of Kearney and Cynthia Olson of Loveland, Colo.; and sisters, Eleanor Wiltrout of San Diego, Phyllis Hand of Lincoln and Clarys Boyle of Payson, Ariz.; also sons-in-law, Steve Cox of Lawton and Clark Olson of Loveland; grandchildren, Sarah Cox, Stephanie Cox, Kimberley Slagle, Sean Ayers, Michelle Ayers, Jedidiah Olson and Shannon Olson; and great-grandchildren, Christian Hernandez and Trinity Slagle
Was preceded in death by two infant sons, his parents, a brother and an infant grandson
Kearney Hub, 30 December, 2003
FAIRFIELD, Verda L., 77, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at BryanLGH Medical Center, Lincoln
Services: Friday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Born Aug. 16, 1926, in Pleasanton
Parents: to William and Bernice (Zbinden) Hoffman
Graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1943
Married Sept. 23, 1943, to George Fairfield in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Was employed as a nurse at the Tubercular Hospital in Kearney, then for Dr. Nye and Dr. Rosenlof; later worked for Dr. F.L. Richards; retired in 1987
Husband was director of Kearney Public Works Department for 25 years, retired in 1992; was also the brigadier general in the Nebraska National Guard, served as brigade commander; retired from the Nebraska National Guard in 1980
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church
Survivors include: sons, Bill of Omaha and Terry of Lincoln; and sister, Darlene Lewis of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Deanne Fairfield of Omaha, grandchildren, Bryan, Shannon, Chase, Angela and Ashley; great-grandsons, Tuscan, Oliver, Jackson and Sam; and special friends, Maryann of Denver and Peg of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her husband, Gen. George Fairfield, Nov. 25, 1994, and by a sister
Kearney Hub, 1 January 1, 2004
ZWINK, Donald Lee, 80, of Gibbon died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at Faith United Methodist Church in Gibbon
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary of Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon, military rites by Gibbon Bradley Buck Post 310.
Born Sept. 29, 1923, on a farm near Loup City
Parents: Fred and Coral (Daddow) Zwink
Married: Nov. 27, 1948, to Velma Riley
Survivors include: his wife; son, Leslie of Gibbon; daughters, Jolene Holl of Kenesaw and Stacey Lienemann of Lincoln; brothers, Clyde of Shelton and Glen of Littleton, Colo.; sister, Maxine Thatcher of Kearney; and eight grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 31 December, 2003
TETER, Joy Marilyn, 53, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Trinity United Methodist Church in Cambridge
Private burial of cremains: later
Mortuary: Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge
Born Jan. 28, 1950, in Cambridge
Parents: Delbert and Cora (Daffer) TETER
Survivors include her mother; brothers, James of Bartley and Herbert of Cozad; and sisters, Alice of Madison, Wis., Martha of Cambridge and Lois Vannier of Saratoga, Calif.
Kearney Hub, 31 December, 2003
VAHLE, Joyce M., 54, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, in Lincoln
Services: Friday at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery
Memorials: Peoples Gospel Hour, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born Dec. 26, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Leverne and Virginia (Juhl) NELSON
Married John Vahle
Activities: member of Grace Community Evangelical Church, was a Sunday school teacher; was an in-home seamstress; had been a 4-H group leader and volunteer; enjoyed craft shows
Survivors include: her husband; son, Richard of Lincoln; daughters, Rebecca McHenry of Lincoln and Ruth Kempkes of Waverly; her mother of Axtell; brothers, Jim Nelson of Wakeeney, Kan., Don Nelson of Hildreth and Jerry and Bob, both of Axtell; sister, Jane Robinson of Odessa; and three grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Martin McHenry of Lincoln and Jason Kempkes of Waverly; daughter-in-law, Amy of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Dora Nelson of Wakeeney, Kan., Mary Nelson of Hildreth and Bonnie Nelson of Axtell; brother-in-law, Al Robinson of Odessa; and nephews, nieces and cousins
Was preceded in death by her father and a nephew, Brian Robinson
Kearney Hub, 31 December, 2003
WILES Ann, 100, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the church or Eastern Star Tuscan Chapter
Born Oct. 11, 1902, in Verdigre
Parents: Ove and Petrine (Sonder) NELSEN
Graduated from Verdigre High School, 1920
Received teaching certificate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Taught rural school for five years in northeast Nebraska
Married: May 20, 1925, to Elmer Brun in Yankton, S.D. They moved to Kearney
He died March 13, 1953
Employment: worked for Montgomery Ward for 25 years as a department manager
Married: Sept. 6, 1960, to Elmer Wiles in Nebraska City. He died March 22, 1991
Activities: member of the church in Kearney for more than 60 years; past president and life member of the Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, past president of the Does, a member of the Buffalo County Historical Society, AARP and Shrine Auxiliary; was a member of Eastern Star Tuscan Chapter 35, the Open Circle Sunday school class; was active in the Good Samaritan Hospital Service League
Enjoyed bowling, bridge, crocheting, gardening, canning, making jelly and knitting
Survivors include: her daughter, Dorothy Bliss-Shreve of Naples, Fla.; sister, Vera Besser of Largo, Fla.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Preceded in death by her husbands, a daughter, two brothers, two sisters and a grandson
Kearney Hub, 28 August, 2003
FOX, Charley W., 81, of Grand Island died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at St. Francis Skilled Care
Services: Thursday at Gollaher Chapel of Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum
Mortuary: All Faiths Funeral Home
Memorials: the church in Grand Island, St. Francis Hospice or Central Plains Humane Society
Born Jan. 28, 1922, in Elm Creek
Parents: James and Pearl (Teller) Fox
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1941
Military: U.S. Army, 1942-1944. Married: June 20, 1943,to Marion Beard in Lincoln
Lived in Kearney and North Platte before moving to Grand Island in 1958
Employment: worked for Prudential Insurance Co. until 1962; worked for American National Insurance from 1962 until he retired as regional director in 1983
Activities: member of the church, Elks, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Riverside Golf Club and Platt Duetsche
Enjoyed playing golf, playing cards, camping and fishing
Survivors include: wife; sons, David and Dan, both of Grand Island; brother, Clifford of Kearney; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters
Kearney Hub, 27 August, 2003
HELMICK, Betty L., 80, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2003, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Saturday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials: the church or Kearney Senior Hospitality Center
Born Nov. 13, 1922, in Odessa
Parents: Arne and Ella (Sear) McELHINNY
Later moved to Elm Creek; graduated from Elm Creek High School, 1940; lived there until she moved to Kearney
Attended business school in Grand Island
Worked at the State Capitol in Lincoln in the Vital Statistics Department; also worked for the Signal Corps office in Washington, D.C., and in Philadelphia
Married: Oct. 6, 1946, to Glen Wiles. They lived in Kearney.
Began working at Ruter's Ladies Ready to Wear, 1961
Husband died June 6, 1976
Married: March 24, 1984, to Lowell Helmick
Retired from Ruter's, 1996
Activities: member of the church, past president of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, all in Kearney
Survivors include: husband; son, Dennis Wiles of Omaha; daughters, Glenda Frasier of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren; stepsons, Larry of Kearney, David of Roseland and Scott of Valley; stepdaughter, Susan Shonka of Norfolk; 11 stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren
Preceded in death by her first husband, a son and a stepdaughter
Kearney Hub, 29 August, 2003
JENSEN, Gary L. "Bear", 54, of Minden, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2003, at his home near Minden
Memorial services: Saturday at God's Lighthouse Church in Heartwell
Burial of cremains: at Purdum Cemetery in Purdum with military rites
Mortuary: Layton Funeral Home in Minden
Born March 26, 1949, in Linscott
Parents: Raymond and Lois (Glause) Jensen
Grew up in the Kearney area
Military: U.S. Army; had been stationed in Germany
After discharge, returned to Kearney, later moved to the Minden area; worked as a farm hand
Survivors include: sons, Barrett of Sargent and Paul of Broken Bow; daughter, Amanda of Kearney; his mother of Sargent; brothers, Raymond of Sargent and Roger of Halsey; sister, Jennifer Nakacawa of Kauai, Hawaii; two grandsons; and stepson, Harley Gant of Kearney
Preceded in death by his father and a sister
Kearney Hub, 27 August, 2003
WELIEVER, Hazel E., 83, Kearney, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: donor's choice
Born July 24, 1920, near Prairie Center north of Kearney
Parents: Herman and Katherine (Altmaier) SCHMITZ
Attended school in the area
Married: Jan. 14, 1946, to Clifford Weliever in Kearney; they lived in Kearney
Employment: worked at Kearney Laundry
Activities: enjoyed crocheting, going to garage sales, dancing and spending time with family
Survivors include: her husband; daughters, Sharon Ripp of Elm Creek, Bonnie Pratt of Lincoln, Sally Welensiek of Chesterton, Ind., and Nancy Thomas and Connie Weides, both of Kearney; sisters, Louise Luce of Kearney, Matilda Manning of Florida and Lena Runge of Litchfield; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Preceded in death by a brother and five sisters
Kearney Hub, 29 August, 2003