Page 26
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
LEGATE, Mary J., 79, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater
Services: later
Mortuary: Moss-Feaster Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Serenity Gardens Chapel in Largo
Born: June 1, 1925, in Lincoln, Neb.
Parents: Ezra and Olinda (Lutz) Richards
Moved with family to Belmond, Iowa, when she was a child
Married Theodore Legate. He died in 1992
Moved to Largo from Kearney, where she had retired as a legal secretary for Buffalo County
Activities: member of Anona United Methodist Church and Alpha Phi, both in Largo
Survivors include: son, Theodore II of Kearney; daughters, Patricia Stejskal of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Penny Legate-Williams of Seattle; four grandchildren; and companion, Robert Thompson
Kearney Hub, 12 January, 2005
FUESTMAN, Robert E., 82, of Amherst died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home, Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery, with military honors
Born June 15, 1922, in Amherst
Parents: Arthur and Eva (Saner) Fuestman
Grew up in Amherst, attended school there
Military: US Navy, Sept. 30, 1942 - Dec. 15, 1945, as seaman first class
Married: Sept. 1, 1955, to Alta Garrison in Lexington. She preceded him in death
Married: Jan. 31, 1966, to Bonnie Journey in Minden
Worked as a bridge man for the Union Pacific Railroad for more than 31 years
Activities: member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles; enjoyed baseball, fishing, carpentry, and collecting stamps and coins
Survivors include: sons, Robert Jr. of Wilcox and Greg of Kearney; daughters, Linda Crawford Carpenter of Panama City, Fla., and Patricia Lambert of Glenvil; and nine grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Paula of Wilcox; and sons-in-law, Terry Carpenter of Panama City and Gary Lambert of Glenvil
Was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2005
GILLESPIE, Arnold W. "Bud", 84, of Amherst died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at his home
Services: Monday, Trinity Lutheran Church, Amherst
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials suggested to Amherst United Methodist Church or the Amherst Fire Department
Born Dec. 21, 1920, in Kearney
Parents: Harley and Doris (Hurt) Gillespie
Attended Stone School, completed education at Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Coast Guard, Aug. 3, 1942-April 5, 1946
Following discharge, returned to Kearney, worked as a meatcutter
Married: March 2, 1947, to Beulah Shafto
Played ball with the Amherst baseball team for many years
Lived in the Kearney/Odessa area until moving to the farm southwest of Amherst on Dec. 31, 1949; ranched until retiring, 1997; also was employed as a meatcutter for Belschner's Market for more than 20 years, retired in 1985
Activities: member of Amherst United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 in Kearney; served as a 4-H leader, was on the Amherst School Board for many years; enjoyed his family, friends and playing cards
Survivors include: wife; sons, Scott of Amherst and Michael of Pickton, Texas; daughter, Jill Espersen of Amherst; sister, Audrey Clark of Creston, Iowa; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Lynne of Amherst and Judy of Pickton; brothers-in-law, Bob Clark of Creston and Glen Stengel of Kearney; and sister-in-law, Ruth Gillespie of Carlsbad, Calif.
Was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jody Espersen; brother, Clark; and sister, Artist Stengel
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2005
ESTES, Kent P., 60, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Memorials will be used to establish scholarships at the University of Nebraska at Kearney or can be made to First Baptist Church
Born Oct. 19, 1944, in Bassett
Parents: Glen and Berniece (Preston) Estes
Married: Dec. 29, 1974, to Barbara Ann Lehmkuhl in Kearney
Received bachelor of science degree, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 1968; master of science in education, Kearney State College, 1972; doctorate in education, the University of Northern Colorado, 1987
Taught in Cedar Bluffs Public Schools, worked as a recruiter for Nebraska Wesleyan and was the director of the Kearney Drug and Health Education Program; since 1975, taught in the department of counseling and school psychology, Kearney State College; served as the department chairman.
Was a licensed professional counselor, was actively involved in the Nebraska Counseling Association and the American Counseling Associating, in which he was a member of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision and a member of the Association for Specialists in Group Work; of special importance to him was the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy; in 1997, was presented the Statue of Responsibility, the highest award given by the institute
Primary focus was his family; took great pride in the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Survivors include: wife; sons, Erik of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Aaron and Luke, both of Kearney; and sister, Karen Hunter of Wisner; also brother-in-law, Lowell Hunter of Wisner; parents-in-law, Allan and Betty Lehmkuhl of Kearney; nephew, Kurt Hunter and wife, Kathy, of St. Louis Park, Minn.; niece, Anne Olson and husband, Reed, of Germany; Aaron's special friend, Kara De Kok of Kearney; and many other extended family members
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 17 January, 2005
CLARK, Neil W., 88, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, at his home
Services: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials suggested to the Kearney Church of Christ or Good Samaritan Hospice
Born April 26, 1916, near Miller
Parents: Jack and May (Morris) Clark
Grew up and attended school in Miller
Married: Nov. 27, 1935, to Zana Rice. She died in 1998
Lived around Miller and Kearney his entire life
Worked for Northwestern Public Power for 32 years before retiring
Activities: member of the Kearney Church of Christ
Survivors include his sisters, Glee Harris of Lincoln and Dorothy Wells of Kearney; also grandchildren, Chris Keeler and husband, Greg, of Erwin, N.C., Mike Erpelding of Chandler, Ariz., and Greg Erpelding and wife Cindy of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Misti Christian, Josh Dewey, Chelsey Erpelding and Shawn Keeler; great-great-grandchildren, Makaila Dewey and Gage, Storm and Slater Christian
Was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Donna Erpelding-Humphrey; a great-granddaughter; two brothers; and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2005
BERGLUND, Arthur C., 90, of Glendora, California, formerly of the Shelton, Neb., area, died Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at his home
Services: Saturday, United Methodist Church in Shelton, Neb.
Burial: Shelton Cemetery, military rites by Shelton American Legion Post 297
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon and Shelton, Neb.
Born Dec. 8, 1914, in Keensburg, Colo.
Parents: Oscar and Jennie (Peterson) Berglund
Married: May 8, 1937, to Wauneta Weston in Sidney, Neb. She died in 1980
Married: Ruth Cobleigh. She also preceded him in death
Survivors include sons, Arthur of Lubbock, Texas, and Robert of Chattanooga, Tenn.; daughters, Arnita Tudor or Knoxville, Tenn., and Janet Warda of Glendora; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Kearney Hub, 20 January, 2005
HECKER, Mary, 90, of Ravenna died Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery south of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna Born April 23, 1914, in Buffalo County
Parents: Joseph Sr. and Mary (Keaschall) Muegerl
Married: April 3, 1945, she married Tony Hecker near Ravenna. He died in 1978.
Lived on a farm south of Ravenna
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Survivors include: sons, Paul, Arnold and Loren, all of Ravenna, and Stan of Pleasanton; daughters, Loretta Fenton of Stanton, Agnes Vinzenz of Farmington, N.M., Bernice Kepford of Lincoln and Esther Lannon of Lakeville, Minn.; and six grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Shelley of Pleasanton; sons-in-law, Bill Fenton of Stanton, Joe Vinzenz of Farmington, Steve Kepford of Lincoln and Jim Lannon of Lakeville; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers and a sister
Kearney Hub, 17 January, 2005
RIPP, Lawrence E., 66, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at his home
Private family services: later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Born May 19, 1938, in Kearney
Parents: Oliver and Mary (Journey) Ripp
Grew up and went to school in Kearney. Military: US Air Force, June 15, 1955 - April 19, 1961; served during Korean War
Married: Oct. 10, 1965, to Doris Frazier in Gibbon
Lived in Kearney; was employed as a construction worker for local companies
Activities: member of the Disabled American Veterans
Survivors include: son, Gene of Kearney; daughter, Teressa Short of Omaha; his mother, Mary Zimmerman of Kearney; sisters, Carol Leibers of Billings, Mont., and Charlotte Foged of St. Cloud, Minn.; and three grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his father and his stepfather
Kearney Hub, 19 January, 2005
ROBERTS Janice C., 85, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at her home in Omaha
Memorial services: Saturday, January 22, 2005, Masonic Manor in Omaha
Burial of cremains: Dix Cemetery in Dix. Mortuary: Good Shepherd, Omaha
Memorials suggested to the Church Women United Scholarship Fund for Uta Halee
Born: April 19, 1919, in Shelton
Parents: Charles and Lillian Rosenthal
Married: Donald Roberts, who preceded her in death
Ranched and farmed in Kimball County; moved to Kearney, 1966; spent retirement years living between Kearney and Carlsbal, California
Had lived in Omaha with daughter since 2001. Survivors include her daughter, Judy Roberts of Omaha; three granddaughters: Laura West, Merry Johnson, and Amy Jackson; and seven great-grandchildren Was preceded in death by her husband: Donald F. Roberts; parents, Charles and Lillian Rosenthal, and brother; Robert Rosenthal
Omaha World-Herald, 19 January, 2005
DANKO, Alex J., 85, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to the Knights of Columbus
Born March 13, 1919, in Barberton, Ohio
Parents: Joseph and Margaret (Komar) Danko
Graduated from Barberton High School, 1937
Married: May 3, 1941, to Ann Shunko in Barberton
Attended Akron (Ohio) University; worked for Pittsburgh Valve Co. When Rockwell Manufacturing Co. acquired Pittsburgh Valve, began working for Rockwell as an industrial engineer
Was transferred to the Kearney plant, 1956; was the manger of the Rockwell Training Program; was an industrial engineer here, 1956 - 1964
Returned to Barberton in 1964, worked for Rockwell there until 1967; worked at Hyster Manufacturing Co. in Danville, Ill., from 1967 until retirement, 1981
Moved to Henderson, Nev., in 1983, returned to Kearney in 1994
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church. past noble grand master of the Knights of Columbus; was active in Kearney Community Theatre productions and enjoyed acting; past member of Kiwanis, Cosmopolitan Club, Kearney Toastmasters and Sertoma Club; enjoyed gardening, golfing, fishing, crossword puzzles, playing cards and traveling
Survivors include: wife; son, Alex of Aurora, Colo.; daughters, Patricia Hagen of Yankton, S.D., and Sandra Lewis of Kearney; brother, Joseph of Dunedin, Fla.; sister, Margaret Klancer of Barberton; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Sandra of Aurora; sons-in-law, Milo Hagen of Yankton and Larry Lewis of Kearney; and sister-in-law, Clara of Dunedin
Was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother
Kearney Hub, 21 January, 2005
FIRTH, Leslie Donald, 96, of Kearney, formerly of Hampton, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Chapel of Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora
Burial: Hampton City Cemetery
Born Nov. 20, 1908, in Aurora
Parents: Christopher and Alice (Sundgren) Firth
Attended school in Aurora
With father, purchased and ran the Sinclair gas station in Hampton for several years; then worked for Hampton township
Married: 1951, to Ardith Schaepler Nelson in St. Paul. She died in 1974
Married: 1976, to Alida Budde. She also preceded him in death
Lived with first wife in the Hampton community until about 1963; worked at White Hall Home for Boys in Lincoln for a short time, then moved back to York where they were custodians of the York City Auditorium
After the death of his second wife, moved back to Aurora and lived at Colonial Corners for about a year, then moved to St. John's in Kearney
Activities: member of Aurora Lions Club and the Masons for more than 50 years; in 2001, was honored as the oldest living Mason in Nebraska
Survivors include his stepdaughter, Francine Janzen of Kearney; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 20 January, 2005
METCALF, Jill Ann, 52, of Dacono, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at her home in Dacono
Memorial services: Sunday, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9741 in Dacono
Body has been cremated
Mortuary: Howe Mortuary in Longmont
Memorials suggested to the Jill Metcalf Memorial Fund
Born May 10, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Boyd and Ida Jayne (Day) Luther
Grew up in Kearney, Grand Junction, Colorado, and the Denver area; graduated from Kearney High School; had lived in northern Colorado since the 1980s
Married: July 5, 1991, to Al Metcalf in Brighton
Activities: attended a number of area churches but most recently had attended Beth Messiah Congregation in the north metro area; enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and embroidery, making clothing and quilts for her grandchildren; lovingly passed these skills down to them; also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles
Survivors include: her husband; three daughters, Lisa Marie Chacon and her husband, Eric of Thornton, Lana Lynn Luther of Thornton and Lauren Jayne Luther of Northglenn; two sons, Bryan Lee and Christopher Raymond Metcalf, both of Dacono; a brother, Joe Luther and his wife, Luchelle of Thornton; and seven grandchildren, Eric, Acacia, Alexandra and Alyssa Chacon, Janessa Rea, Jianna Arroyo and Jonathan Rea
Was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Jack Luther
Longmont, Colorado, Times-Call Hub, 21 January, 2005
TOURNEY, Wayne A., 72, of Shelton died Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Graveside services: Friday, Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig, Minden
Born Jan. 20, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Ivan and Josephine (Clemans) Tourney
Grew up in the Kearney area
Married: July 26, 1952, to Verna Wilson
Moved to California, 1957, and later to Oregon; moved to Gibbon, 1976, and to Shelton, 1987
Owned and operated Watco Metal Works in Gibbon and later in Shelton
Retired in 1998, moved to Minden; return to Shelton one year ago
Activities: enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping, restoring homes and being outside
Survivors include: wife; sons, Michael of Shelton and Steven of Gibbon; daughter, Brenda Hughes of Alliance; brother, Les of Thornton, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Susan of Shelton and Cathy of Gibbon; son-in-law, Mike Hughes of Alliance; and sister-in-law, Carol of Thornton
Was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 20 January, 2005
SHADA, Lois A., 91, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Tuesday, St. George Orthodox Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to be designated later
Born Dec. 19,1913, in Torrington, Wyo.
Parents: Earl and Sadie (Hodgson) Allen
At age 4, moved with to Burwell
Married: Nov. 12, 1932, she married Edwin Neeman in Rockport, Mo. He died in 1963
Married: Aug. 20, 1966, to Leo Shada
Lived with first husband in Burwell, for a short time in Salem, Mo., and then in the Wood River and Shelton areas; worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant during the war years; began farming late in 1945 near Shelton, later farmed south of Wood River; left the farm in 1952, moved to Shelton; moved to Kearney, 1962; worked at McCue's Produce Store in Kearney, 1964-1979
At the time of second marriage, joined St. George Greek Orthodox Church; served as church treasurer for 20 years
Survivors include: husband; sons, J.E. Neeman of North Loup and Lloyd Neeman of West Point; daughter, Eleanor Peck of Columbus; brothers, Carl Allen of Grand Island and Earl Allen of Hopewell, Va.; sister, Mary Mead of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Karen Neeman of North Loup and Judy Neeman of West Point; sisters-in-law, Penny Allen of Grand Island and Opal Allen of Hopewell; and brother-in-law, Clyde Mead of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by her first husband; two brothers, two sisters, two grandsons and a great-great-granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 24 January, 2005
REISS, Ida C., 86, of Gibbon died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Godberson, Gibbon.
Memorials suggested to Gibbon Baptist Church, the Gibbon Rescue Unit or the Gibbon-Shelton Senior Center
Born July 31, 1918, in Cairo
Parents: Charles and Katie (Molt) Engel
Was educated in Cairo through 10th grade
Married: Nov. 18, 1936, to Rex Cline. He died in December 1968
Married: Feb. 7, 1975, to August Reiss of Holdrege. He died in 1990
With first husband, lived in Gibbon, raised their family there; all five of their children graduated from Gibbon High School
Worked for 18 years at the Gibbon Turkey Plant, then at Baldwin Manufacturing for 20 years before retiring; raised a large garden, canned the fruits and vegetables
With second husband, lived in Holdrege
Was baptized at Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, May 9, 1976
After the death of second husband, moved back to Gibbon to be close to her children
Activities: was active at the senior centers both in Holdrege and Gibbon, enjoyed playing cards; had been attending First Baptist Church of Gibbon
Was a Gold Star member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 310; brother Richard Engel was killed in France in June 1944 in WW II
Survivors include: sons, Don Cline and Jim Cline, both of Gibbon, and Robert Cline of Kearney; daughter, Barbara Henderson of Arvada, Colo.; sister, Laura Cyboron of Boelus; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson, stepson, Leland Reiss of Wilcox; stepdaughter, Delores Konert of Wilcox; seven stepgrandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husbands; a daughter, Joyce Mulder; a grandson, Kirk Metcalf; an infant grandson; an infant great-grandson; three brothers; and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 25 January, 2005
UHRICH, Richard L., 60, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Thursday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials suggested to Good Samaritan Hospice Fund or St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Born Aug. 30, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Henry and Lucille (Howe) Uhrich
Grew up and attended school in the Gibbon area
Married: June 27, 1998, to Edna Riley in Kearney
Lived and worked in various locations throughout his life; enjoyed fishing, visiting with friends and gardening
Survivors include: wife; daughter, Michelle Cianfoni of Athens, Pa.; his mother, Lucille Stevenson of Atwater, Calif.; brother, Don of Casa Grande, Ariz.; sisters, Wilma Skala of Gibbon and Betty Renfrow of Lodi, Calif.; stepfather, Eugene Stevenson of Atwater, Calif.; stepson, Byron Morrow of Kenesaw; and stepdaughter, Melissa Lounsbury of Blue Hill; also son-in-law, Joe Cianfoni of Athens; stepfather, Eugene Stevenson of Atwater; brother-in-law, Jim Skala of Gibbon; grandchildren, Seneca and Taylor Cianfoni of Athens; stepgrandchildren, Jacob, Payton and Paige Morrow of Kenesaw and Alec Lounsbury of Blue Hill; stepdaughter-in-law, Hailey Morrow of Kenesaw; and stepson-in-law, James Lounsbury of Blue Hill
Was preceded in death by his father
Kearney Hub, 25 January, 2005
ROHDE, Robert L., 81, of Ravenna, Neb., died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at The Heart Hospital in McAllen, Texas
Memorial service: to be held in Ravenna at a later date
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna
Kearney Hub and Grand Island The Independent, 24 January, 2005
OURADA, Richard "Dick" F., 73, of Elm Creek, Neb., died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, Arizona
Services: Saturday, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Elm Creek
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel of Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials suggested to a scholarship fund
Born June 16, 1931, in Overton
Parents: John and Evelyn (Brick) Ourada
Grew up in the Overton and Elm Creek area; received his education at Stone School and Elm Creek High School, graduated 1948
Married: March 28, 1951, to Floralee Fagot
Was involved in farming throughout his lifetime; began trucking in 1959, transporting automobiles, then formed Ourada Truck Line
After retiring, enjoyed RV travels throughout the country
Activities: enjoyed his family and friends; member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, BPO Elks and Eagles
Survivors include: wife; sons, Dan of Kearney, Stan of Holdrege and Bill and J.C., both of Elm Creek; daughters, Vickie Sullwold of Elm Creek, Ginger Blunk of Omaha and Valerie Otto of Ceresco; 24 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Pat of Holdrege and Denise and Amy, both of Elm Creek; and sons-in-law, Richard Sullwold of Elm Creek, Rick Blunk of Omaha and Mitch Otto of Ceresco; and sister-in-law, Donevieve of Elm Creek. Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don and Johnny; and sister, Rosalie Nordell
Kearney Hub, 27 January, 2005
LAVINGTON, Charlotte Laurene, 82, of Gibbon died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Services: Friday, Faith United Methodist Church, Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Born June 17, 1922, on the farm southwest of Shelton
Parents: Albert and Bertha (Widdowson) Flory
Married: Aug. 18, 1945, to Howard Lavington in Grand Island
Survivors include: husband; sons, Robert of Emporia, Kan., Arnold of Prescott, Ariz., and Glen of Gibbon; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 January, 2005
LILLY, Mary E., 91, of Kearney, formerly of Grand Island, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Services: Friday, First Christian Church, Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Island
Mortuary: Livingston-Sondermann
Memorials suggested to the Alzheimer's Association
Born July 5, 1913, in Beatrice
Parents: Hiram and Stella (Urban) Baker
Grew up and attended school in Beatrice, graduated from Beatrice High School
Worked in a local beauty salon, passed her state board exams to become a licensed cosmetologist
Married: Nov. 3, 1935, to Lester Lilly in Beatrice. He preceded her in death
Lived in Beatrice, Harvard and Grand Island; worked as a medical receptionist for Dr. Clifford Stohs
Activities: enjoyed sewing, gardening and spending time with family; member of First Christian Church in Grand Island and of Andrew Chapter 41 of Eastern Star
Survivors include: son, Kent of Kearney; daughter, Wanda Hoppens of Harvard; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; also her daughter-in-law, Jo Ann of Kearney; and son-in-law, Bob Hoppens of Harvard
Was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Ronald, three brothers and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 27 January, 2005
RODRIGUEZ, J. Mario, 62, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, at his home
Services: Saturday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials suggested to American Cancer Association for Gallbladder Research or the Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice Program
Born Sept. 7, 1942, in Sabinas, Mexico
Parents: Trigio and Ignacia (Inclan) Rodriguez
Moved with family to Texas, received his education in Laredo; moved to Kearney in the early 1950s
Married: Jan. 14, 1967, to Hilda Carranza in Kearney
Began working as a machine repairman in the maintenance department at the Eaton Corp. in 1969; was employed by Eaton for more than 32 years; retired, 2001
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church; enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family, traveling, reading, metal detecting and tinkering in his garage on various projects
Survivors include his wife; sons, Joe Jr. of Lincoln and Adam of Omaha; daughters, Eva Priebe of Grand Island, Rita Carter of Columbus and Jaunita Koerner of Kearney; his mother of Kearney; brothers, Trigio of Houston, Jonas, Johnny and Jerry, all of Kearney, and Xavier of Elgin, Ore.; sisters, Thelma Carranza, Josie Moreno and Henrietta Vavra, all of Kearney; and 10 grandchildren; also his daughter-in-law, Kari of Omaha; sons-in-law, Rich Priebe of Grand Island, Jim Carter of Columbus and Paul Koerner of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Alice of Houston, Rosemary and Rita, both of Kearney, and Rose of Elgin; and brothers-in-law, John Carranza, Tony Morena and Jim Vavra, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his father
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2005
RUSSELL, Virginia M., 75, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2004, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Memorial services: Tuesday, Faith United Methodist Church, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Dec. 12, 1929
Parents: William and Lucy (Griest) Rowley in Orfino
Grew up in the Orfino area, graduated from Curtis High School, 1947
Married: Jan. 1, 1953, to Thomas Russell in Curtis; lived in Curtis, moved to Kearney, 1958
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church; member of Naomi Rebekah Lodge 12, is a past Noble Grand; was a den mother for Cub Scouts, helped with Girl Scouts and 4-H; enjoyed gardening, camping, cooking and spending time with her family
Survivors include her husband; son, Dennis of Paulsbo, Wash.; daughters, Sheri Bryant of St. Mary's, Kan., and Becky Mercer of Gibbon; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include daughter-in-law, Kathy Russell of Paulsbo; son-in-law Scot Mercer of Gibbon; and Sheri's fiance, John Hladky of St. Mary's
Was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and a sister
Kearney Hub, 29 January, 2005
HOLDT, Mary Ellen, 74, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, in Lincoln
Memorial services: Saturday, Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park
Mortuary: Roper and Sons, Lincoln
Memorials suggested to Tabitha Health Care Service, or The Monarch, both in Lincoln, Nebr.; YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park or the Holdt Family Foundation
Born June 30, 1930, in Hastings
Parents: Arthur and Alma Oelschlager
Graduated from Kearney High School and Kearney State Teacher's College Phi Beta Kappa
Married: July 13, 1952, to Leland Holdt
Taught high school in Shelton and then in Kearney; started a family and built an insurance agency; moved to Lincoln, 1962, husband continued his career with Security Mutual Life
Activities: member of Christ Lutheran Church, active in LWML and teaching; member of Junior Women's League, was a Girl Scout leader and was active in other charitable organizations; was instrumental in establishing the hospice program at Tabitha, where she served on the board of directors and the foundation board; assisted her husband in his career, especially convention planning
Survivors include: husband; son, Mark of Estes Park, Colo.; daughters, Mary Lee Schudel of Lincoln and Candy Kohnke of Reedsburg, Wis.; sisters, Lois Gentzler of Santa Ana, Calif., and Jane Hermsmeyer of Lincoln; and six grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Sarah of Estes Park; and sons-in-law, Paul Schudel of Lincoln and Kevin Kohnke of Reedsburg
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2005
DeLAET, Charlene M., 92, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday, Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to be designated later, can be sent in care of Jim DeLaet, 1002 Huthmaker Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
Born Nov. 26, 1912, in Kearney
Parents: Charles and Svea (Peerson) Young
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School, 1931
Married: March 26, 1931, to Joe DeLaet in Belleville, Kan. He died in 1998
Farmed in the area until moving to Kearney
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed gardening, card playing, arts and crafts, sewing and spending time with family
Survivors include: sons, Jim of St. Louis, Wayne of Rising City and Ronald and Donald, both of Kearney; daughters, Barbara Sanders of Benton, Ark., and Joan Wuehler of Kearney; 22 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers and two granddaughters
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2005
EASTABROOKS, June M., 78, of Anaheim, Calif., formerly of the Pleasanton area, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday, Rasmussen Mortuary in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery, Ravenna
Born March 24, 1926, in Buffalo County
Parents: Bert and Alma (Hughes) Rasmussen
Grew up in the Sweetwater area with her brother, Harold; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1943
Married: Dec. 31, 1944, to Willis Eastabrooks in Vallejo, Calif.
Married: April 1965, to Glenn Rogers in Placentia, Calif.
With first husband, lived in California, Nebraska and Washington
Moved to California, 1959; lived in Anaheim, returned to Nebraska, November 2004, because of health
Was employed at various jobs, then began her career with Rockwell International Corp. in 1959, the company now known as The Boeing Co.; contributed 31 years of dedicated services as an autonetics technician, which entailed being NASA certified and having a secret clearance
Activities: enjoyed working on her home and having her dog Angel by her side
Survivors include: cousins, Rolland Hughes of Ravenna and Darlene Hughes of Hazard; also cousin-in-law, Pat Hughes of Ravenna; friends Gay Warner of Kearney and Judy Hughes of Hazard; and other friends and relatives
Was preceded in death by her parents and her brother
Kearney Hub, 31 January, 2005
HARDEN, Karen J., 58, of Lincoln, formerly of Riverdale, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005, at her home
Services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Memorials suggested to the Karen Harden Memorial Fund
Born April 3, 1946, in Aurora
Grew up in central Nebraska, attended school in Overton
Married: January 1990, to Jackson Harden. He preceded her in death
Lived in Riverdale where she was a homemaker
Activities: member of Kearney Eagles Club, the American Dairy Goat Association and the Mental Health Association of Nebraska
Survivors include: sons, William Penton of Farnam and Edwin Penton of Wahoo; daughter, Kellie Moyer of Crete; her mother, Lula Arnold of Kearney; brother, John Daakey of Kearney and sister, Connie McGinnis of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son and her father
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2005
FRANK, Albertine Doretta "Bertie", 87, of Russell, Kan., formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005 at Stonebridge Alzheimer's Care Facility in Dallas
Services: Wednesday, Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell
Burial: St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Russell
Mortuary: Pohlman-Heise Mortuary in Russell
Memorials suggested to Russell Veterans of Foreign Wars or the church
Born Dec. 8, 1917, in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Ethel (Troxel) Poole
Married: March 24, 1940, to Paul Frank in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Owned and operated Frank's Cleaners, Russell Survivors include: sons, Roger of Wichita, Kan., and Gaylord of Baschor, Kan.; daughters, Rhonda Douglass and Cheryl, both of Dallas; and three grandchildren
The Hays, Kansas, Daily News, 1 February, 2005
SCHNEIDER, Virgil H., 93 of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Friday, Minden United Methodist Church
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig, Minden
Memorials suggested to the church in Minden
Born July 9, 1911, on a farm in Kearney County
Parents: Henry and Leona (Hunt) Schneider
Was baptized in the Methodist Church in Minden, June 19, 1927
Grew up on a farm near Minden, graduated from Minden High School, 1931
Married: Dec. 24, 1935, to Iva Olson. She died in 1995
Lived in Kearney County most of his life; farmed in the area; said that farming was his hobby
With wife, built, owned and operated Melody Lane Skating Rink for 25 years; hosted hundreds of birthday skating parties for Minden's youths, drew many people from miles away for their dances
Moved to Kearney to live with their daughter, 1995; continued to live with his daughter until November 2004
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, Minden
Survivors include: daughter, Marilyn Hansen of Kearney; also grandsons, Brett Hansen and his wife, Norene, of Kearney and Bradley Hansen and his wife, Mary, of Fredericksburg, Va.; great-grandchildren, Michelle and Jennifer Hansen of Kearney and Wendy, Heather and Jonathan Hansen of Fredericksburg; great-great-grandson, Tristan Wilkins of Kearney; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Ben and Joanna Gregson of Fredericksburg
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2005
VALENZUELA, Alejandro "Alejo", 65, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Friday, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials to be designated later
Born July 17, 1939, in Rosita, Mexico
Parents: Luis and Maria (Cruz) Valenzuela
Received his education in Mexico before the family moved to the United States; lived in Texas; moved to the Kearney area in the early 1970s
Married: March 16, 1976, to Rosa Medina in Alma
Lived in Kearney; was employed by Chief Industries for 10 years; worked for Wilke Construction Co. for about five years, then returned to Chief Industries and remained there until his death
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church; enjoyed horseshoes, going to rodeos, playing keno and the lottery
Survivors include: wife; sons, David Medina of Lakewood, Colo., and Benjamin Medina and Gilbert, both of Kearney; daughters, Rosalie Young of Kearney and Mary Ann Sifuentes of Elkhorn; brothers, Juan of Houston and Luis of Mexico; sisters, Victoria and Mercedes, both of Mexico; and 14 grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Paula Medina of Lakewood and Brenda Medina of Kearney; and son-in-law, Hal Young of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2005
WHITESEL, Louis D., 89, of North Platte died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte
Services: Tuesday, First United Methodist Church in North Platte
Burial: Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens, North Platte
Mortuary: Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte
Memorials suggested to the church. Born March 16, 1915 in Miller
Parents: Leroy and Emma Whitesel
Attended school in Miller, graduated from high school, 1931
Married: Dec. 5, 1936, to Mildred Stubbs of Amherst
Worked for the Union Pacific railroad in North Platte, 1942 until retirement, 1979
Activities: member of the BLF of E and UTU, United Methodist Church, Lake Maloney Golf Course and the Elks Club
Survivors include: wife Mildred of North Platte; children Cleo (Darrell) Hill of North Platte, Allan (Trish) Whitesel of Albuquerque, N.M., Terry (Mary) Whitesel of Rockford, Ill., Melanie (Jim) Turtness of Denver, Colo.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; two sisters; and two infant great-grandsons, Micah and Nathan
The North Platte, Nebraska, Bulletin 2 February, 2005
SHADA, F. M. "Mike", 83, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military rites
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: designated later
Born Nov. 21, 1921, in Kearney
Parents: Mose and Sadie (George) Shada
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1939, and from Kearney State College, 1942
Married: Nov. 11, 1943, to Margaret Yanney in Quantico, Va.
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, 1943-1946, served as a captain, stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II
After the war, taught, coached and was superintendent of schools for 11 years at Red Willow High School and then in Arapahoe; moved to Kearney in 1957, was an instructor and director of student teaching at Kearney State College; retired 1986
Received his master's degree from the University of Wyoming, and doctorate in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Activities: member of St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney, Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and is a former Elk of the year, Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759; member and past president of the National Association of Teacher Education, the Nebraska State Education Association and National Education Association, and Phi Delta Kappa and received its National Leadership Award; was inducted into the Kearney State College Hall of Fame, was a member of the Nebraska Schoolmasters Club , served on the Governors Committee on Education; was selected for the University of Nebraska at Kearney Outstanding Alumni Award; received the Kearney Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award and was a distinguished member of the Association of Teacher Educators; was a past board member of the Youth Development Center, was 3rd District coordinator to TRIAD, Seniors and Law Enforcement Working Together; served on the Kearney/Buffalo County Law Enforcement Collocation Committee, Buffalo County Merit Commission and did volunteer work at the Kearney Law Enforcement Center
Survivors include: wife; sons, Michael of Kearney and Mark of Omaha; daughter, Marsha of Kearney; brother, Paul of Palm Desert, Calif.; and sister, Elizabeth Stutheit of Gilroy, Calif.; also daughter-in-law, Fran of Omaha; and grandchildren, Luke, Adam and Whitney Shada
Was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2005
MONTANEZ, Jose, Jr., 76, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Sevices: 11 Feb
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born June 4, 1928, in Shafer, Texas
Parens: Jose Sr. and Felisiana (Molina) Montanez
Was married to Hortensia Montanez for 30 years. She preceded him in death
Married: 1990, to Gloria Martinez in Kearney
Survivors include: wife of Oakwood, Ga.; son, Lewis of Colorado; daughter, Elba Dimas of Oakwood; and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, February 5 and 10, 2005
ROSS, Alfred "Al" Earl, 74, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Memorials suggested to the dialysis unit at Good Samaritan Hospital or the donor's choice
Born March 3, 1930, in Gretna
Parents: Oscar and Lillian (Snodgrass) Ross
Grew up in Kimball
Married: 1953, to Vaughn Ferguson
Married: Nov. 6, 1965, to Billie Evans in West Chesapeake, Va. She died in 1994
Military: U. S. Navy, 1948-1967
After retirement, lived in Gadsen, Ala., worked as a security guard at a car dealership; moved to Huntsville, Ala., in 1992; moved to Kearney, 1994
Survivors include: sons, Mark of Hondo, Texas, and Allen of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; brothers, Francis of Kearney, Lee of Miller, Rex of Pharr, Texas, and Gerald of Barstow, Calif.; sister, Helen Siverly of Rising City; stepson, Donnie Gilstrap of Indiana
Was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother and a sister
Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2005
BECKER, Todd M., 18, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, as a result of an automobile accident in Kearney
Services: Friday, First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Memorials are suggested to the Kearney High School Boosters Club or the Kearney American Legion Baseball Program. Born Jan. 17, 1987, in Kearney
Parents: Bill and Kim (Ziegler) Becker. Grew up in Kearney, was currently a senior at Kearney High School
Activities: greatest love was athletics and spending time with friends; participated in track and football at KHS and in Kearney American Legion baseball; was an avid reader, was interested in current events and was concerned about issues in today's society; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include his parents; brothers, Craig and Keith, both of Kearney; and grandmothers, Bernice Ziegler and Delores, both of North Platte; also niece, Aubrey of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Robert Ziegler and Clarence
Kearney Hub, 9 February, 2005
PAYNE, Charles E. "Chuck", 60, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and American Legion Post 52
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to Boys and Girls Home of Kearney or First United Methodist Church
Born June 17, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Alvie and Ruth (Sherer) Payne
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School, 1962; attended Kearney State College, member of Omega Delta Pi fraternity; graduated 1967, with business degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: July 9, 1967, to Marian Johnson in Kimball. Military: U.S. Army during the Vietnam War; based at Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Hood, Texas, was member of Hell on Wheels, 1st Armor Division; last tour of duty was at the 2nd Brigade Fourth Armor Division, U.S. Army Europe; honorably discharged as specialist E-5 on Oct. 7, 1969; returned to Kearney
Manager and co-owner of Payne-Larson Furniture Store in Kearney, was vice president of Payne Enterprises Inc.
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, Sertoma and the Kearney County Club; great supporter of the Special Olympics; loved golf, travel, music, hunting, photography and astronomy; especially enjoyed time spent playing with his grandson, Deven
Survivors include his wife; sons, Travis of Kearney and Trevor of Parker, Colo.; daughter, Valerie Caldwell of Kearney; his father; and brothers John and Ron, both of Kearney; also grandson, Deven of Kearney; granddaughter, Shae Caldwell of St. Petersburg, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Susan of Kearney, son-in-law, Jerry Caldwell of Kearney; sisters-in-law, JoDell and Nita Payne, both of Kearney; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Charles Mays of Dunnellon, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his mother on Feb. 25, 2002
Kearney Hub, 8 February, 2005
HEIDEMANN, DeLores A., 76, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Zion Lutheran Church, Macon
Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Mortuary: Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin
Born May 19, 1928, on a farm near Bloomington
Parents: Adam and Rena (Decker) Schnuerle
Early years were spent in the Ash Grove community; attended District 16 and District 22 schools; graduated from Wilcox High School, 1946
Married: Oct. 3, 1948, she married Harold DeJonge in Ash Grove. He died July 11, 1976
Married: Jan. 24, 1987, she married Willis Heidemann in Franklin. He died in May 2000
With first husband, lived on a farm near Bloomington; after his death, moved to Franklin
With second husband, lived in Wilcox
Activities: member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilcox, the Lutheran Women's Missionary League of the church, Busy Homemakers Extension Club, the South Central Nebraska Czech Society and several polka clubs
Survivors include: sons, Randy DeJonge of Bloomington, Lonnie DeJonge of Holdrege and Donald DeJonge of Kearney; daughters, Jean Meyer of Grand Island and Linda Kloos of Lincoln; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Jim Meyer of Grand Island and David Kloos of Lincoln; and daughters-in-law, Jodi DeJonge of Bloomington, Robyn DeJonge of Holdrege and Connie DeJonge of Kearney
Was preceded in death by a son, Gary DeJonge, a daughter-in-law, Patti DeJonge, and a sister
Kearney Hub, 10 February, 2005