Page 29
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
NIELSEN, Vance A., 94, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, March 28, 2005, in Omaha
Memorial services: Friday, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Kearney
Masonic rites by Rob Morris Lodge 46 A.F. & A.M.
Burial: Blair Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel, Kearney
Memorials: St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney. Born Aug. 26, 1910, in Sioux City, Iowa
Parents: Morris and Mary (Nielsen) Nielsen
Graduated from Blair High School and the Williams School of Mortuary Science in Kansas City
Married: 1940, to Margaret Stines. She preceded him in death
Moved to Kearney, 1945; owned and operated Nielsen Mortuary until retiring
Activities: 50-year member of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association; 70-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the chapter and Commandery in Kearney and of Tehama Temple of the Shrine in Hastings; was a past exalted ruler of Kearney Elks Lodge 984 and a 50-year member and past president of the Kearney Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow; had been a board member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce; was on the vestry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church for five years, serving as treasurer for two years; member of The Buffalo County Historical Society and MONA; member of the Order of the Eastern Star; had been a member of the Post K of the Travelers Protective Association since 1947 and had served as its president; after retiring, had been a woodcarver and a member of the Kearney Wood Carvers Club
Survivors include his son, Stephen of Omaha, and two great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Nancy of Omaha; grandchildren, Kristy Burkle and husband, Robert, of Altoona, Iowa, Kathy Lubinski and husband, Rurik, of Aurora, Colo., and Rina and Peter of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his wife, parents and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 6 April, 2005
SCOVILLE, G. Dean, 73, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Grace Fellowship Church
Burial: Sumner Cemetery, military rites by Sumner American Legion Post 41 and Elm Creek American Legion Post 316
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Grace Fellowship Church or the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Born Nov. 19, 1931, on the family farm near Sumner
Parents: Ralph and Mary (Lahm) Scoville
Attended school in Sumner, graduated from Sumner High School in 1949
Married: April 12, 1953, to Shirley Blythe in Sumner. Military: U.S. Army, March 27, 1951 - March 26, 1954
Farmed in the Sumner, Overton and Elm Creek area, retired in 1996
Activities: member of Grace Fellowship Church, Kearney; enjoyed farming and working with horses
Survivors include: wife; son, Steve of Elwood; daughter, Barbara Keep of Elm Creek; brothers, Robert Pierce of Sumner, Keith of Holdrege, Neil of Kansas City, Mo., and Loren of Cheyenne, Wyo.; sisters, Ellen Karlberg of Sumner and Marlys Bauer of Kearney; and six grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Kim of Elwood; and son-in-law, Willie Keep of Elm Creek
Was preceded in death by two daughters, his parents and a brother
Kearney Hub, 30 March, 2005
DANCER, Esther G., 86, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Friday, Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Born Dec. 7, 1918, in Juniata
Parents: George and Clara (Cullip) Lyons
Married: Nov. 15, 1941, to Earl Dancer in Smith Center, Kan. He died in 1980
Survivors include her son, Roger of Kearney; daughter, Beverly Franks of Kearney; brothers, Bernard Lyons of Kearney and Gerald Lyons of Hood River, Ore.; sister, Raydean Lyons of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 31 March, 2005
KILLIAN, Roger L., 59, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at his home
Memorial services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: later
Memorials to be established later
Born Feb. 25, 1946, in Staples, Minn.
Parents: Elmer and Ruth (Halberg) Killian
Grew up and received his education in Motley, Minn.; also lived in Bertha and Pequot Lake
Later moved to Kearney, was employed by Morris Printing
Survivors include daughters, Jodi of Baxter, Minn. and Julie Milender of Brainerd, Minn.; brothers, Gene Killian and William Skeesick Jr.; sisters, Jeanette Martin, Delors Isaacson, Marlene Engelke and Dolly Mathiason; also son-in-law, Dave Milender of Brainerd; and brothers-in-law, Ed Martin, Gary Isaacson, Wally Engelke and Jerry Mathiason
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Elmer "Sonny" Killian Jr.
Kearney Hub, 30 March, 2005
MALLORY, Esther C., 84 of Kearney, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Monday, Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice of Kearney
Born March 11, 1921, in Denver
Parents: Alfred and Kate (Howland) Charles
Graduated from Denver University. Married: 1941, to Erdley Matteson. Married: June 29, 1957, to Warren Mallory. He preceded her in death. Worked at Colorado Interstate Gas Co. for 28 years; retired in 1984, when she was the highest-ranking female employee in the company
With second husband traveled extensively throughout the world; visitedtheir daughter in Colombia and Brazil and their son and his wife in Kenya
Had been a resident at Northridge Retirement Community in Kearney for the last four years
Survivors include her son, Scott Matteson of Kearney; daughters, Billie Kilman of Norwood, Pa., Jean Langdon of Florianopolis, Brazil, Ellen Sunnes of Lincoln City, Ore., and Marilyn Travis of Colorado Springs; brother, Richard Charles of Houston; 25 grandchildren; more than 40 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 1 April, 2005
ONDRAK, Dale J., 79, of Ravenna died Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna
Memorials: the Ravenna E.M.T. unit
Born Nov. 17, 1925, on the family farm near Ravenna
Parents: John and Martha (Schlund) Ondrak
Military: at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Navy; served on an LST in the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa; otherwise never lived away from Ravenna
Married: 1947, to Melba Carlson
With wife, farmed and raised sheep
Survivors include his wife; sons, Quenton of Kearney, Greg of Florence, Mont., and Don of Lexington; daughters, Jill Hanshew of Valparaiso, Deb Hargens of Cairo and Deon Keller of Aurora, Colo.; sister, Alyce Dethlefs of Ravenna; and 14 grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Peggy of Kearney, Cindy of Florence and Teresa of Lexington; sons-in-law, Terry Hanshew of Valparaiso, Les Hargens of Cairo and Dave Dhuy of Aurora; three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 31 March, 2005
De La MOTTE, Betty June, 76, of Waverly, formerly of Gibbon, died Thursday, March 31, 2005, at Waverly Care Center
Services: Tuesday, Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Born June 22, 1928, in Kearney
Parents: Walter and Alive (MacTavish) Minor
Married: Oct. 11, 1951, to Loren de la Motte in Potter. He preceded her in death
Survivors include: son, Kurt of Omaha; daughters, Linda Callahan of Bethlehem, Pa., Cheryl Oliver of Middleburg, Fla., Kim Solomon of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Julie Wolfe of Lincoln; her mother, Alice Danielson of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 April, 2005
GRANTHAM, Thomas Elwood, 60, of Hiawatha, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, March 30, 2005,at his home in Hiawatha
Services: Thursday, First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and American Legion Post 52
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel, Kearney and Godberson, Gibbon
Memorials: the Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney
Born Aug. 8, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Charles "Tim" and Mabel (Maderis) Grantham
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School; attended Kearney State College for two years
Military: U.S. Navy, 1964 - 1967
Worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller until 1980; then entered the insurance business, most recently as an agent for AFLAC in the Cedar Rapids area
Survivors include his brother, Charles of Raleigh, N.C.; and sisters, Virginia Eskie of St. Paul, Minn., and Laurie Mercer of Tyler, Texas
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 4 April, 2005
BAIRD, Pamela S., 56, of Kearney died Friday, April 1, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Cambridge Court in Kearney or Quality Living in Omaha
Born Aug. 27, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: Don and VerJean (Anderson) Shafto
Grew up on farm near Axtell, graduated from Axtell Community School
Married: 1968, to Dennis Dahms. He died in 1971
Married: Aug. 30, 1975, to Charles Baird in Kearney
With second husband lived in Kearney; was self-employed
Activities: enjoyed dancing, playing the piano, going to garage sales, decorating, caring for her plants, and spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends
Survivors include her husband; sons, Michael and Brandon, both of Kearney; her father of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and sisters, Donna Runge and Cathy Ingram, both of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Tiffany of Kearney; brother-in-law, Gary Runge of Kearney; grandchildren, Tre and Mark Baird of Kearney; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her first husband and her mother
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2005
BLANCHARD, Ioleen, 89, of Ravenna died Saturday, April 2, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday, Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery
She was born Jan. 31, 1916, in Sweetwater
Parents: Ellis and Nellie (Frink) Roberts
Attended grade school in the Sweetwater area and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1933
Married: Donald Blanchard, March 22, 1939, in Aurora
Worked as a telephone operator for the Hazard Telephone Co., which her grandfather started; later worked at Baldwin Filters in Kearney, retired in 1977
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, was a gray lady volunteer at the Good Samaritan Center; member of Ladies Aid; enjoyed crocheting, playing cards and spending time with her friends
Survivors include her son, Darwin of Ravenna; daughter, LaRhae Strohmeyer of Branson, Mo.; and stepsons, Harold of Portland, Ore., and Raymon of Modesto, Calif.; also granddaughter, Angela Lange; great-granddaughter, Alexa Lange of Nixa Mo.; and nieces Marlene Russell of Ravenna and Shirley Green of Norfolk, N.Y.
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Darrell "Sarge" Roberts
Kearney Hub, 4 April, 2005
LARSON, Mavis J., 81, of Kearney, formerly of the Axtell and Minden areas, died Sunday, April 3, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Minden United Methodist Church
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell
Mortuary: Layton-Craig, Minden
Memorials: the church in Minden or the Kearney County Medical Foundation
Born July 25, 1923, in Holdrege
Parents: Raymond and Emma (Anderson) Getty
Grew up in the Holdrege area, graduated from Holdrege High School, 1940
Married: April 9, 1944, to Elton Larson in Holdrege
Lived north of Loomis for one year; moved to a farm north of Holdrege and lived there until 1965; moved south of Minden; retired and moved to Axtell, 1979; moved to Northridge Retirement Community in Kearney, 2003
Activities: member of Minden United Methodist Church; enjoyed gardening, crocheting, canning and cooking for her family; enjoyed going to auctions with her husband; also enjoyed following their grandchildren in all their activities
Survivors include her husband; son, Jeff of Minden; and daughter, Sharon Cederburg of Minden; also daughter-in-law, Sue of Minden; son-in-law, Gary Cederburg of Minden; grandchildren, Tragg and Pete Olson, Scott and wife, Melissa, Matt Cederburg and wife, Tracey, and Lindsay Larson; great-granddaughter, Addison Cederburg; stepgrandchildren, Karen Space and husband, Dusty, and Elizabeth Draper and husband, Brandon; and three stepgreat-grandchildren, William Draper and Halle and Brinn Space
Was preceded in death by a daughter, De Olson, two brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2005
MULLEN, Eugene "Gene" P., 71, of Kearney died Sunday, April 3, 2005, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Wednesday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the Kearney Catholic High School scholarship fund or the University of Nebraska Foundation general scholarship fund
Born Aug. 22, 1933, in Ellsworth, Kan.
Parens: James and Allene (Henderson) Mullen
Graduated from high school in Brookville, Kan. Military: U.S. Army July 21, 1954 - July 10, 1956; served in Korea
Married: Nov. 5, 1959, he married Elizabeth Young in Victoria, Kan. She died Oct. 19, 1983
Attended San Marcos State and Kansas Wesleyan; received his bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State in 1960; received his master's degree from Denver University; returned to FHS, where he taught; moved to Kearney in 1964, was a professor of sociology and library science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney; retired, 1969, because of ill health
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; was very interested in higher education; was an avid football fan; was known in his youth as a singer on radio programs in the 1940s and 1950s
Survivors include his sons, Sean of Kearney and Emory of Lincoln; daughters, Stephanie Dickmeyer of Venango and Melanie of Lincoln; and brothers, Bernard of Salina, Kan., and Larry of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; also daughters-in-law, Judy of Kearney and Ana of Lincoln; son-in-law, Kim Dickmeyer of Venango; and grandchildren, Matthew and Crystal Mullen of Kearney and Kelly and Isabella Mullen of Lincoln
Kearney Hub, 5 April, 2005
ADAMS, Eian Drew, 31/2-month-old infant son of Aaron and Jaylynn Yockey of rural Gibbon, died Monday, April 4, 2005, of SIDS at his home
Services: Thursday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann, Kearney
Memorials: the Gibbon Rescue Squad
Born Dec. 22, 2004, in Kearney
Survivors include: parents; grandparents, Cameron Adams of Gibbon, Dawn Adams of Kearney and William and Renae Yockey of rural Gibbon; great-grandparents, Bob and Connie Benzel of Sidney and Daralyn Benge and Carolee Yockey of Gibbon; and great-great-grandmothers, Minnie Onken of Sidney and Madelyn Riley of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by great-grandfathers, Dean Yockey and David Benge, and great-great-grandfather, Armin Eilt
Kearney Hub, 6 April, 2005
VAWSER, Tammy JoLeen, 42, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: Saturday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: later. Born Jan. 3, 1963, in Valentine
Parents: Melvin and Dixie (Van Cleave) Vawser
Was Cherry County's New Year's Baby in 1963
Attended elementary school in Kearney; 1975, moved with her mother to Omaha, finished high school there, graduated from Metro Tech as a certified public accountant
Survivors include her sons, Edward, Bruce and Theo, all of Omaha; daughters, Tanisha, Amanda and Andra, all of Omaha; and her mother, Dixie Elliott of Kearney; also aunts and uncles, Rex and Shirley Londer of Kearney, Duylan and Judy Van Cleave of Moline, Kan., Bud and Sandra Leech and Bud and Barbara Vaughn, all of North Platte; special cousins, Sheri Jo Londer of Kearney and Lynda Sue Ebmeier of Cozad; and close friend, Joseph Aguilano of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her father and all of her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 7 April, 2005
SNYDER, Lawrence E. "Slim", 83, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Friday, April 8, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington
Burial of cremains: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, military honors by the North Platte Honor Guard
Born July 9, 1921, in Stapleton
Parents: Vernon and Pearl (Kessler) Snyder
Married: Aug. 8, 1941, to June Fees
Survivors include: wife; son, Charles of Overton; brother, Loren of North Platte; sisters, Verna Dean Schneider of Kearney and Marlene Rasmussen of Roosevelt, Utah; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson
Kearney Hub, 9 April, 2005
HOLLIDAY, Iva I., 88, of Aurora, Missouri, formerly of Amherst, Neb., died Sunday, April 10, 2005, at Aurora Nursing Center
Services: Friday, Amherst United Methodist Church
Burial: Stanley Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the Amherst United Methodist Church
Born Feb. 12, 1917, in Amherst
Parents: Fred and Idella (Whitesel) Muller
Attended rural schools near Amherst
Married: Aug. 14, 1934, to George Holliday in Lexington. He died Oct. 21, 1998
Lived and farmed west of Amherst, moved into Amherst in the early 1970s; retired from farming, 1975, and lived in Amherst for 20 years; moved to Aurora, 1993
Activities: member of Amherst United Methodist Church, was the church organist for over 50 years
Survivors include her son, Dean of Bois D'Arc, Mo.; also grandchildren, Brad of Claremore, Okla. and Cherie Keeney of Halltown, Mo.; and a great-grandson, Luke
Kearney Hub, 14 April, 2005
DAILY, Roger L., 66, of Kearney died Monday, April 11, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: the American Diabetes Association
Born Feb. 12, 1939, in Inavale
Parents: Chester and Irene (Degener) Daily
Attended grade school in Inavale; moved to Kearney, 1954; graduated from Kearney High School, 1957
Married: March 26, 1960, to Lovisa Kinkaid in Kearney
Following high school,worked for the Skelly Oil Co. and then for Kearney Plumbing and Heating, 1971-1985; June 1985, became co-owner and partner in City Plumbing
Survivors include his wife; sons, David of Kearney and Doug of Grand Island; his mother of Kearney; brothers, Jim of Kearney and Ron of Dix; and four grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Shelly of Kearney and Aimee of Grand Island; and sister-in-law, Karen of Dix.He was preceded in death by his father in 1994
Kearney Hub, 13 April, 2005
LANCASTER, Viola, 72, of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, April 7, 2005, in Loveland
Memorial services: Thursday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Dec. 30, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Kenneth and Ida (Kersting) Cash
Married: Feb. 17, 1950, to Herbert Lancaster in California
Survivors include her sons, Michael of Phoenix, Ariz. and Kenneth of Omaha, Neb.; daughters, Lonni Keuten of Funk, Neb., and Misty Koenig of Loveland; brothers Don Cash and Lloyd Cash, both of Kearney, Norman Cash-Tosha of Alma, Neb., and Ted Cash of Miller, Neb.; sisters, Ginger Axtell of Kearney and Ruby Ahrens of McCook, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 April, 2005
WEISS, Stanley "Stan" K., 73, of Fountain Valley, California, formerly of Shelton, Neb., died Wednesday, April 6, 2005, in Newport Beach
Services: Friday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery, military honors by Shelton American Legion Post 297
Mortuary: Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann, Wood River, Neb.
Memorial services: Saturday, Fountain Valley United Methodist Church
Born June 24, 1931, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Christian and Julia (Dugdale) Weiss
Married: Dec. 14, 1953, to Merle Boeka in Wahiawa, Hawaii
Survivors include his wife; sons, Chris of Shelton and Eric of Apple Valley; and five grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 April, 2005
GIFFORD, Edgar L., 68, of Grand Island died Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at Central City Care Center
Memorial services: Friday, Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Island
Inurnment of cremains: at the church columbarium
Mortuary: All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Memorials: the church or the Alzheimer's Association
Born March 27, 1937, in Kearney
Parents: George and Millie (Tobler) Gifford
Was born and raised in Kearney
Married: June 7, 1959, to Kathleen Collins
Taught in schools at Elwood, Tryon (McPherson County) and Central City
Received his master's degree in guidance and counseling from Kearney State College, 1966; joined the Grand Island school system as a guidance counselor, 1967-1997; retired 1997 Activities: as a youth, was active in Boy Scouts, earned an Eagle Scout Award with three palms; for some years, was scoutmaster of the only mentally handicapped Scout troop in the area; served on the Clean Community System; was on the board of the Hastings Symphony; enjoyed woodworking and household repair; also enjoyed working with automobiles and later in life owned two classic vehicles; greatest joys were his grandchildren; member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Vintage and Classic Wheels car club
Survivors include his wife; son, Thomas of Kansas City; daughter, Susan Sass of Omaha; brother, Mike of Kearney; and sister, Georgia Mae Fetterley of Omaha; also daughter-in-law, Michelle Milldyke of Kansas City; son-in-law, Dan Sass of Omaha; and grandchildren, T.J., Danielle, Evan, Amelia and Bronwyn
Was preceded in death by a brother, Robert
Kearney Hub, 13 April, 2005
MAZUR, Agnes T., 91, of Kearney died Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Friday at St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Kearney Catholic High School Foundation or St. James Catholic Church
Born Oct. 1, 1913, in St. Joseph, Mo.
Parents: Frank and Josephine (Grieshaber) Werner
Received her schooling at the Convent of The Sacred Heart in St. Joseph, then became an licensed practical nurse
Worked as an obstetrical nurse and help deliver hundreds of babies at the Sisters Hospital in St. Joseph for 23 years; retired in 1972; belonged to the Cathedral Parish for 45 years
Married: July 16, 1936, tod Walter Mazur in St. Joseph. He died in 1977
With husband, moved to Kearney, 1973
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, served as a Eucharistic minister, was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America; also did volunteer work at Good Samaritan Hospital and at Mount Carmel Nursing Home; attended daily Mass, said the Rosary daily; also loved the outdoors, was adventurous, enjoyed traveling and loved doing activities with her family
Survivors include her son, Joseph of St. Joseph; and daughter, Judy Messbarger of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Jean of St. Joseph; son-in-law, Charles Messbarger of Kearney; grandchildren, Ron Messbarger and Robert Messbarger, both of Kearney, Pat Sulu of Scottsbluff, Carol Maddox of Goddard, Kan., Marge Barr of Franklin, Tenn., Laurie Schneider and Mike Mazur, both of St. Joseph, Theresa Orzel of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jim of Morristown, N.J.; and 26 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Lawrence and Bill Werner; sister, Elizabeth Turner; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann; grandchild, Charles; and a great-grandchild, William James Messbarger
Kearney Hub, 14 April, 2005
PAULY, LeRoy H., 68, of Kearney died Monday, April 11, 2005, at his home
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military rites by Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Born July 5, 1936, in Grand Island
Parents: William and Edna (Leubke) Pauly
Married: March 12, 1965, to Carol Wiese in Lexington
Survivors include his son, Tim of Kearney; daughters, Ronda Vasquez and Teresa, both of Kearney; brother, Don of Grand Island; sisters, Joyce Powel of Central City; Jenette Lawhead of Grand Island, Karen of Superior and Donna Taylor of Detroit.; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and stepsons, Richard Schnacker of Santa Anna, Calif., and Kelly Schnacker of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 14 April, 2005
PLOCK, Vaughn, 65, of Kearney died Monday, April 11, 2005, at his home
Memorial services: Thursday, First Baptist Church
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born March 28, 1940, in Roundup, Mont.
Memorials: the Vaughn Plock Memorial Fund
Parents: Dorsey and Olive (Schmidt) Plock
Grew up in the Sandhills in Nebraska, then moved to Broken Bow; graduated from Broken Bow High School, 1958
Military: U.S. Army, 1959-1962; served in the Army Security Agency
Graduated from Kearney State College
Married: Jan. 27, 1966, to Judy Marriner in Kearney
Lived in England for three years, worked for the National Security Agency
Returned to Kearney, worked in sales; did security at Gibbon Packing; retired for health reasons
Activities: was an avid fisherman
Survivors include his wife; son, Bobby of Lincoln; daughters, Julie Bralick and Kelly, both of Kearney; brother, Dick of Hastings; and sisters, Peggy Smith and Dorsett Sennett, both of Broken Bow, Tammy Svoboda of Franklin, Wis., Robee Dillion of Cozad and Michelle Lutz of Loup City; also daughter-in-law, Tammy of Lincoln; son-in-law, Art Bralick of Kearney; and grandchildren, Brittany, Shelby and Emily
Was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael
Kearney Hub, 13 April, 2005
MARUSKA, Donice G., 77, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Axtell
Memorials: Mother Hull Home
Born April 7, 1928, in Holdrege
Parents: Edwin and Lula (Johnson) Martinson
Grew up in Holdrege; graduated from Holdrege High School, 1946
Married: 1949 to Jerry Maruska; lived in Red Cloud where they farmed
Moved to Kearney, 1957, where they owned and operated Glenwood Trailer Court
Owned and operated Cameo Beauty Shop and the Tastee Freeze Drive Inn; later worked as a wedding consultant and did interior decorating
Was a member of the Jehovah's Witness Church in Kearney and in the past had been active with the Buffalo County Extension Society; enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Brett of Kearney and Paul of Altamora, Ill.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; also four nephews; and special friends, Vee Tiff and Red and Betty Loeske, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 16 April, 2005
NORRIS, Charles Edward, 73, of Lancaster Court in Avon, Connecticut, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, April 10, 2005, at Hartford Hospital
Memorial services: Friday, Memorial United Methodist Church in Avon
Burial: private
Mortuary: Vincent Funeral Home in Canton
Memorials: the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Connecticut Chapter, 300 Research Parkway, Suite 310, Meriden, CT 16450
Born June 24, 1931, in Kearney
Parents: Charles and Margaret (Olson) Norris
Married Vey Carol Reineccius
Military: U.S. Air Force, 1952
Earned his master's degree in business education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1955; worked for Yale and Town Lock in Chicago, Baxter Travenol Laboratories in Deerfield, Ill., in 1963, and in Costa Mesa, Calif., in 1970; joined Heublein Inc. in Farmington, 1976; retired in 1996
Activities: enjoyed outdoor activities, especially sailing, skiing, jogging, fly-fishing and golf, also enjoyed photography and woodworking and was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and a tutor at the DiLoreto Magnet School in New Britain; loved and supported his family; member of the Avon Country Club and an active member of the Memorial United Methodist Church of Avon, having served on many of the boards and councils
Survivors include: wife; daughters, Rochelle Brumfield of Visalia, Calif., Leslie Ryan of Narragansett, R.I., Renee Meaney of Simsbury, Conn., and Camille Campbell of Hollis, N.H.; and sister, Ruthyle Julien of Abilene, Texas; also sons-in-law, Chris Brumfield of Visalia, Joseph Meaney of Simsbury and Stewart Campbell of Hollis; brother-in-law, Robin Julien of Abilene; and grandchildren, Eric, Bethany, Kristin and Natalie Brumfield, Kailee and Timmy Ryan, Patrick, Daniel and Mark Meaney, and Alexandra and Gillian Campbell; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Brumfield
Kearney Hub, 14 April, 2005
LAMMERS, Claus J. "Junior", 79, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Monday, Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, military rites
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the Kearney VFW Post 759 flag fund
Born May 3, 1925, in Miller
Parents: Claus and Jennie (Guy) Lammers
Attended school at Pleasant Valley and Pleasanton before moving to Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School, 1942
Military: U.S. Navy in the Pacific, 1943-1946; veteran of World War II
Married: Sept. 6, 1947, to Lela Triplett in Kearney
Was employed at Bierman's Auto Electric, which later became Central Auto Electric, 1947-1992; retired in 1992
Activities: member of Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and a former member of Kearney Elks Lodge 984
Survivors include his wife; son, Curt of Norfolk; and daughter, Kim of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Nancy of Norfolk; and stepgranddaughter, Mackenzie Waltke of Norfolk
Was preceded in death by brothers Clarence, Earl and Lawrence; and sister Edna Williams
Kearney Hub, 15 April, 2005
NUTTER, Ramona E., 90, of Gibbon died Thursday, April 14, 2005, at Wood River Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: Tuesday, Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Born Oct. 5, 1914, in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Mattie (Voss) Major
Married: Aug. 27, 1940, to Donovan Nutter. He died in 1989
Survivors include: sons, Steven and Van, both of Abilene, Texas, and Craig of Gibbon; daughter, Theda Potter of Westerville, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 April, 2005
ROGERS, Mildred R., 86, of Kearney died Friday, April 15, 2005, at Mount Carmel Home
Services: Saturday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, York
Memorials: the Buffalo County Citizen Advocacy
Born Feb. 28, 1919, Geneva
Parents: Frank and Christina (Becwar) Vavra
Graduated from Geneva High School, 1937; attended Lincoln School of Commerce; held positions at the State Capitol in Lincoln before marriage
Married: March 19, 1942, to Marlowe Rogers in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He preceded her in death
After the war, lived in York, Columbus, Lincoln, Kearney and Hastings; in Kearney, 1956-1971, was a secretary at First Presbyterian Church; her husband was a registered pharmacist and manager at Medical Arts Pharmacy; moved to Hastings in 1971, held secretarial positions at Zion Lutheran Church and Kerr Chevrolet
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church and DOES; enjoyed decorating, cooking, playing bridge and spending time with her family and friends
Survivors include her son, Brian of Newport Beach, Calif.; and daughter, Nancy Williams of Kearney; her son-in-law, Gregory Williams of Kearney; and grandsons, T.J. Williams and wife, Aimee, of Overland Park, Kan., and Brett Williams of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 21 April, 2005
DeBECK, Edward Joseph, 75, of Kearney, Neb., died of cancer Wednesday, April 6, 2005, at Heart of Florida Hospital in Davenport, Florida
Memorial services: June 1, First Lutheran Church
Memorials: First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Born Aug. 20, 1929, in Green Bay, Wis.
Parents: John and Genevieve (LaCourt) DeBeck
Married: Dec. 11, 1948, to Betty Donohue in Spring City, Pa.
Military: U.S. Army
Was a retired plant manager for West Co. in Kearney; winter resident of Haines City, Fla.
Activities: member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Lodge and the Rotary Club; member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include: wife; sons, Edward Jr. of North Bend, Wash., Ronald of St. Petersburg, Fla.; daughters, Deborah Erickson of Kearney and Doreen of Crete, Neb.; and sister, Marie Klish of Green Bay; also daughters-in-law, Mary Beth of North Bend and Shawn of St. Petersburg; son-in-law, Randall Erickson of Kearney; and grandchildren, Dallas and A.J. of North Bend, Olivia, Abbi and Lilli of St. Petersburg and Matthew Erickson and wife Geraldine of Basset, Neb., Melinda Erickson of Richmond, Texas and Brandi Reiter of Lincoln; and great-grandchildren, Colin, Megan and Cody Erickson of Bassett
Was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister
Kearney Hub, 26 April, 2005
FELLOWS, Francis, 92, of Kearney died Sunday, April 17, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Services: Wednesday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Stanley Cemetery in Amherst, military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church, Kearney Senior Center and the Alzheimer's Association
Born Nov. 27, 1912, in Purdum
Parents: Frank and Mayme (Featherston) Fellows
Grew up north of Dunning in the Koshopah community; moved to Kearney in the late 1930s
Married: Nov. 15, 1941, to Thelma Jameson in Kearney
Military: joined U.S. Army, 1942; served in the Medical Corps in the southwest Pacific during World War II
Farmed northwest of Amherst, moved to Kearney in 1991; also drove the gas truck for Farmer's Union; worked at the hay mill in Glenwood
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kearney Elks Club and Kearney Eagles Club
Survivors include his wife; sons, Gordon of Overland Park, Kan., and Garth of Kearney; daughters, Gloria Wick and Gaylene Else, both of Brighton, Colo., Glenda Schmitz and Gretchen Ryan, both of Kearney, and Geraldine Bamford of Roca; and sisters, Jessie English of Cheyenne, Wyo., Alberta Jensen of Broken Bow and Emma Hughes of Grand Island; also daughter-in-law, Jodi of Overland Park; sons-in-law, Larry Wick and Rod Else, both of Brighton, Jerry Schmitz and Brad Ryan, both of Kearney, and Reno Bamford of Roca; brother-in-law, Neil Hughes of Grand Island; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Was preceded in death by three brothers; two sisters; grandson, Nathan; two infant grandsons; and granddaughter, Amber Lea Bamford
Kearney Hub, 19 April, 2005
HILTON, Leonard E., 89, of Kearney died Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, Trinity Presbyterian Church Burial: Litchfield Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Trinity Presbyterian Church, Litchfield Christian Church or the Gideons International for Bible distribution
Born Oct. 27, 1915, on the family farm in Merrick County near Central City
Parents: Guy and Lela (Deaver) Hilton
Received his early education in Merrick County, graduated from Central City High School, 1936
Married: July 28,1940, to Mabel Reitz in Kearney
Farmed, was also a master electrician, a plumber and a general contractor; built the family's home on the farm; built the family home in Kearney after he had a heart attack and after age 72 years old; retired in 1990
After retirement, did carpenter work out of his shop, also worked at the Super Car Wash until he was injured in a car accident at age 83; after partial recovery, continued to enjoy his carpenter shop and to build furniture, mostly for his grandchildren for them to remember him by; in earlier years, helped several churches with their building projects
Activities: member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney; former member of the Gideons International
Survivors include: wife; sons, Eugene of Collins, Mo., and Keith of Kearney; also daughters-in-law, Barbara of Collins and Angela of Kearney; grandchildren, Amanda Berry of Lexington and Jesse and Danie Hilton of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Trystan and Taya Berry of Lexington; and stepgrandson, Blake Prusia of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister
Kearney Hub, 22 April, 2005
RIDENOUR, Lucille, 87, of Ravenna died Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center, Ravenna
Services: Saturday, Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery, Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna
Born Oct. 9, 1917, at her parents' home in rural Buffalo County
Parents: John and Rose (Urwiller) Knerl
Attended grade school at Union Ridge near her home; attended high school in Ravenna, graduated with honors in 1935
Married: Dec. 3, 1935, to Rudy Okrina. He died in 1980
Married: Jan. 1, 1984, to Raymond Ridenour. He died in 1998
With first husband, lived in Ravenna and worked as a team in their painting and wallpapering business
Moved to Seneca Sunrise in fall 2004
Activities: active member of the United Methodist Church in Ravenna and of the Ravenna Chapter of Eastern Star; received her 50-year pin in 2003; was a leader of the Ravenna Chapter of Jobs Daughters; member of the Ravenna Lions Club and the Association of Railroad Employees; served as matron of the Ravenna Swimming Pool for many years because she enjoyed being with young people; enjoyed feeding the birds, enjoyed gardening; loved to knit, made numerous afghans and other items, which she gave to friends and relatives
Survivors include: son, Loren Okrina of Austin, Texas; daughter, Dorothy Pesek of Omaha; and stepson, Brian of Lincoln; also daughter-in-law, Helen Okrina of Austin; son-in-law, Steve Pesek of Omaha; stepdaughter-in-law, Kay of Lincoln; grandchildren, Greg Pesek and wife, Elizabeth, of Redmond, Wash., Geoffrey Pesek of Omaha, Lynne Mack and husband, Edward, of Houston and Deborah Okrina of Houston; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Cameron Pesek and Justin and Rusty Mack; sisters-in-law, Rose Okrina, Neva Knerl and Adele Liebowick; and many loving stepgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by a her husband, and brother, Raymond
Kearney Hub, 21 April, 2005
HARRIS, Harold L., 86, of Ravenna died Friday, April 22, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, Ravenna Congregational Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery, Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen, Ravenna
Memorials: the church or the Ravenna EMTs
Born July 4, 1918, on a farm near St. Michael
Parents: Eugene and Lillian (Urwiller) Harris
Attended grade school at District 48 in Hall County, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1937
Military: U.S. Army, October 1942 to October 1945
Married: Sept. 11, 1941, to Mildred Naiberk in Grand Island
Worked for the Nebraska Public Power District for 33 years
Activities: member of the Congregational Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks 984 and the American Legion. He had served on Veterans Service Committees in Buffalo County, served on the Ravenna Housing Authority, served as a fireman for the Ravenna Fire Department and was a councilman for the city of Ravenna; enjoyed the outdoors and hunting and fishing; family always was his priority
Survivors include: wife; son, Riley of Kearney; daughters, Shari Keilig of Raymore, Mo., and Marcia Ford of Loveland, Colo.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Joan of Kearney; and sons-in-law, Roger Keilig of Raymore and Michael Ford of Loveland. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Kearney Hub, 25 April, 2005
BRITTON, Makenna Lee, infant daughter of Rebecca Britton of Kearney, died Sunday, April 24, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Born: April 24, 2005, Kearney
Survivors include her mother; grandparents, Francis and Kathy Britton of Colby, Kan.; and great-grandmothers, Betty Miller and Lois Van Horn, both of Colby
Kearney Hub, 26 April, 2005
CLINEBELL, Samuel W. "Sam", 47, of Kearney died Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials to be designated later
Born March 8, 1958, in Kearney
Parents: Samuel D. and Sandra (Shada) Clinebell
Lifetime resident of Kearney
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1977
Married: March 15, 1986, to Debra Mauler in Kearney
Survivors include: wife; daughters, Dana, Janis and Mary, all of Kearney; his mother, Sandra Ruhter of Summerhaven Lake; grandmother, Hester Castle of Kearney; brothers, Billy Jo and Ted, both of Kearney; and sisters, Terri and Dee, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his father; stepfather, Delmont Ruhter; and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 28 April, 2005
NEWLON, Marjorie Alice, 85, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, April 22, 2005, at her home in Lincoln
Services: Wednesday, Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory in Hutchinson, Kansas
Burial: Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery
Memorials: the American Cancer Society
Born Aug. 17, 1919, in Salina, Kansas
Parents: James and Elsie (Burch) Sloop
Was a 1936 graduate of Abilene High School in Abilene
Married: July 16, 1939, to Oliver Newlon Jr. in Salina. He died in April 1981
Longtime resident of Kearney, formerly lived in Hutchinson, Dodge City, Marion, Ellsworth, Wichita and Pratt
Activities: was a homemaker; lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church; past president of the Federated Women's Club in Kearney and an active volunteer in the Buffalo County Historical Society and Museum of Nebraska Art as well as the American Red Cross; was the resident caretaker of the Kearney Women's Club Home for 11 years
Survivors include: sons, Joel of Augusta, Doug of Westminster, Colo., and Gary of Lincoln; daughter, Mary Harms of Sugarland, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Franklin Sloop; sisters, Mary Sloop and Lola Ross; daughter-in-law, Carol Jane Martin Newlon; and grandsons, Gary Kent Newlon and Scott Eugene Hoffman
Kearney Hub, 27 April, 2005
NELSON, Myron A. "Jack" Nelson, 76, of Dixon, Illinois, formerly of the Kearney, Neb., area, died Monday, April 25, 2005, at his home
Memorial services: Ravenna
Burial of cremains: Gibbon
Mortuary: Preston-Schilling in Dixon
Memorials: Hospice of the Rock River Valley, Dixon, IL
Born March 16, 1929, in Kearney
Parents: LaVergne and Nettie (Pope) Carlson
Married: Dec. 3, 1951, he married Phyllis Ripp. She died Feb. 14, 1996
Military: U.S. Army, 1951 to 1953
Was a pipefitter for Pipefitters Union 25, retired in 1986
Survivors include his son, David Carlson of Rockvale, Tenn.; daughters, Carol Anderbery of Axtell, Neb., and Donna Hefty of Salem, Ore.; brother, Glen of Grass Valley, Calif.; sisters, Vernetta Svanda of Ravenna and Shirley Swift of Omaha, Neb.; and six grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 April, 2005
MAROUSEK, Geraldine "Jerri", 77, of Kearney, formerly of Overton and Lexington, died Thursday, April 28, 2005, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, Overton United Methodist Church
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington
Memorials: Overton United Methodist Church or the Order of Easter Star Dawson 33 Chapter
Born Nov. 19, 1927, in Overton
Parents: Harland and Alice (McConnell) Hoback
Lifelong resident of the Overton area; graduated from Overton High School, 1946; had the longest attendance record at the annual Overton school reunion
Married: Sept. 10, 1947, to Frank Marousek in Kearney. He died Jan. 20, 1997
Worked for Plectron Corp. in Overton for 27 years
Activities: member of the Overton United Methodist Church for more than 60 years; was active in the Women's Society of the church; also active in the Rural Club, Economic Booster Club, Eastern Star Dawson 33 Chapter, Lexington, and Mercury Club; enjoyed being with her family, cooking, picnics and spending time with her many friends
Survivors include her sister, Sharon Peterson of Kearney; also grandsons, Dereik Hardesty and wife, Jessie, of Columbus and David Hardesty of Lincoln; son-in-law, Jim Wells of Lexington; and nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Jeannette on Nov. 3, 2004; her parents; and a brother, John Hoback
Kearney Hub, 29 April, 2005
McMASTER, M. Christine, 41, of Doniphan, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at her home
Services: Saturday, St. Ann's Catholic Church in Doniphan
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Island
Mortuary: Apfel, Grand Island
Memorials: memorial fund accounts at the Bank of Doniphan and Heritage Bank in Doniphan
Born Nov. 22, 1963, in Grand Island
Parents: Ronald and Mary Kay (Scott) Pavey
Grew up in Giltner; graduated from Giltner High School in 1982; attended Mary Lanning School of Nursing in Hastings, graduated in 1985
Worked for one year at Lutheran Hospital in Grand Island
Married: June 20, 1986, to Robert McMaster in Grand Island
Lived in Grand Island for one year, then moved to Kearney; was employed at Richard Young Hospital, 1986-1989
Moved to Omaha, worked for the Poison Control Center as a registered nurse; returned to Grand Island, worked for Richard Young Hospital, 1990-1996; was employed at the Shelton Medical Clinic since 1994
Lived in Doniphan since 1996
Activities: member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Doniphan as well as a TEAM member of the Doniphan Public Schools; enjoyed shopping, church, holidays, singing, family get-togethers, arts and crafts with her children and was an especially a dedicated wife and mother
Survivors include: husband; sons, Shae, Christian and Landon, all of Doniphan; daughter, Kincaid of Doniphan; her parents of Giltner; brother, John of Tulsa, Okla.; sisters, Marcy Vanosdall of Omaha and Jane King of Gibbon; also sisters-in-law, Connie Pavey of Tulsa, Donna Rehrs and husband, Murray, of Hampton, Becky Francis and husband, Mark, of Aurora and Tanya Schmidt of San Diego; brother-in-law, Scott Vanosdall of Omaha; father- and mother-in-law, Jim and Judy Sample of Aurora; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 29 April, 2005