Page 59
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
ANDERSON, Joyce K., 91, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services:Friday, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Memorials: St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney and St. Peter's Episcopal in the Valley Church in Lexington. Born Jan. 8, 1916, in Axtell
Parents: Walter and Esther (Pearson) Anderson
Grew up in the Funk, Holdrege and Kearney area; graduated from Holdrege High School
Military: 1943 - 1945, U.S. Army during World War II
Married: March 24, 1940, to Ardis Ingram in Kearney
Lived in Kearney; also had a home at Johnson Lake; started Anderson Brothers Plumbing and Heating, in 1947; later managed Holmes Plumbing; started JKA Quarter Horses
Activities: member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney, served as junior and senior warden; was a member of St. Peter's in the Valley Episcopal Church in Lexington; past president of the Nebraska Plumbing and Heating Association, VFW and Kearney Elks Lodge; was honored as Kearney Jaycees Boss of the Year in 1963; was one of the original members of the Nebraska Touchdown Club; served as one of the district directors of the National Association Plumbing, Heating Cooling Contractors; had several quarter horses that won national awards
Survivors include his wife; sons, Ken of Kearney and Tim of Ashland; daughters, Jackie Wiester and Cheri Schroeder, both of Kearney, and Cindy Fahrenbruch of Loomis; brothers, Warren of Kearney, Bill of Florida and Ronald of California; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Linda Anderson of Kearney and Carla Anderson of Ashland; sons-in-law, Bob Wiester of Kearney and Jim Fahrenbruch of Loomis; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Donna Anderson of Florida, Dorthy Anderson of California, Dale and Wilma Ingram, Nancy Barney and Carol Anderson, all of Kearney, and Darlene Anderson of New Mexico
Was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Norman Schroeder; brothers, Dwayne Anderson, Eugene "Bud" Anderson and LeRoy Anderson; and sister, Irene Hein
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2007
BRONSTAD, The Rev. David C., 63, of Omaha died Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, in Omaha
Services: Sunday, St. Michael Lutheran Church in Omaha
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Omaha
Mortuary: Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler in Omaha
Memorials: St. Michael Lutheran Church, Campus Ministries or the American Cancer Society
Born March 13, 1944, in Fort Worth, Texas
Parents: Bobby and Esther (Grimland) Bronstad
Married: Nov. 29, 1986, to Vicky Albers
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Erika Kieckhafer and Kirsti, both of Omaha, and Monica Fuglei of Denver; and brother, Roland; also sons-in-law, Darin Kieckhafer of Omaha and Tim Fuglei of Denver; grandchildren, Logan Kieckhafer and Lilly and Carter Fuglei; sister-in-law, Carol Bronstad; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 3 October, 2007
CHRAMOSTA, Mary C., 95, of Ravenna died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, at Western Hall County Good Samaritan Center in Wood River
Services: Saturday, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 7, 1912, in Norfolk
Parents: Mort and Meta (Cords) Schuller Attended Rural School District 117 and Ravenna High School
Married: Oct. 20, 1931, to Charles Chramosta at St. Wenceslaus Church south of Ravenna. He died Oct. 31, 1991. Lived north of Gibbon; retired and moved to Ravenna in January 1968
Activities: enjoyed gardening, flowers, quilting, sewing, her grandchildren and family; member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Altar Society, Ravenna Garden Club and several card clubs; was treasurer of Catholic Workman Lodge Branch 15
Survivors include her sons, Eugene of Gibbon and Charles of Ravenna; daughters, Sylvia Yanda of Ravenna and Mary Ann Homan of Gibbon; sister, Sylvia Hervert of Ravenna; 14 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Janice Chramosta of Gibbon and Jane Chramosta of Ravenna; and son-in-law, Larry Homan of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by two her husband; daughters, two brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2007
MISKA, Jonathon Clayton "Bubba", 20, of Kansas City, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.
Services: 3 October, Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty, Mo.
Born Jan. 18, 1987, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Clayton and Susan (Wood) Miska
Rap name was "Opie"; was a member of the rap group 2 Deep
Survivors include his father of Kansas City, Mo.; his mother of Kearney; sisters, Jennifer, Jessica, Joanna and Jaime, all of Kansas City, Mo.; and grandparents, Shirley Wood of Kearney and Richard and Junetta Miska of Holdrege, Neb.; also many other family and friends
Was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Merle Wood
Kearney Hub, 3 October, 2007
PORTER, Verlee June, 76, of Kearney, formerly of Mason City, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, at Cambridge Court
Services: Saturday, Ansley United Methodist Church
Burial of cremains: Ansley Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Brothers in Broken Bow
Memorials: United Methodist Church at Ansley or Aseracare Hospice of Kearney
Born Aug. 16, 1931, near North Loup
Parents: Guy and Irma (Sinner) Mulligan
Grew up on the family farm and attended rural school; graduated from Ord High School in 1939; attended Kearney normal training for one year; taught rural school near Fort Hartsuff
Married: May 28, 1950, to Clarence "Son" Porter. He died March 19, 2004
Lived on the farm near Mason City; moved to a farm near Arcadia in 1954 then back to a farm near Mason City in 1966; moved to Cambridge Court Assisted Living on Jan. 18, 2007
Activities: enjoyed gardening, quilting and spending time with family and friends; volunteered at Ansley Public Schools; member of Ansley United Methodist Church, belonged to church circles, taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir; member of the Mason City Auxiliary
Survivors include her sons, Wayne of Gibbon, Gregory of Mason City and Russell of Escondido, Calif.; daughter, Deb Kappel of Miller; brothers, Melvin Mulligan of Nashville, Tenn., and Eldon Mulligan of Mesa, Ariz.; sisters, Marjorie Benoit of Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Charlene Schauer of Ord; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Carol Porter of Gibbon, Peggy Porter of Mason City and Jill Porter of Escondido; and son-in-law, Richard Kappel of Miller
Was preceded in death by her husband and her parents
Kearney Hub, 5 October, 2007
BYERS, The Rev. Charles F., 86, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Monday, Grace Fellowship
Burial: Wood River Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Wood River
Memorials: to the family
Born Sept. 29, 1921, near Wood River
Parents: Charles and Ethel (Judevine) Byers
Graduated from Wood River High School; spent three years studying at two Bible schools in South Dakota; while at Bible school, met his future wife
Married: June 1943, to Mildred Clarey. She preceded him in death
Obtained his first preachers license in 1943, was ordained in 1945; was active in the ministry and as an evangelist, pastored churches in Fall City, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Clarion, Iowa; was on the radio for approximately six years, also conducted kids camps and Bible schools; traveled all over the United States and Canada; enjoyed preaching and singing; loved good religious music and gospel preaching on the radio or TV; also enjoyed riding horses and hunting, Nebraska football and sharing Jesus with people
Survivors include his nephews, nieces and many friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister, Mary Holl
Kearney Hub, 7 October, 2007
SCHMIERER, Willis Roland, 68, of Avon, S.D., died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, at his home
Services: Saturday, Zion Lutheran Church in Avon
Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery in rural Avon
Mortuary: Crosby-Jaeger in Avon
Born March 6, 1939, in Bowdle
Parents: Gustav "Gus" and Maria (Sandmeyer) Schmierer
Married: June 6, 1971, to Doris Myers in Aberdeen
Survivors include his son, Mark of Central City, Neb.; brothers, Alvin of Bowdle and Milton of Aberdeen; and one grandson
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2007
HANSEN, Raymond, 62, of Riverdale died Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, at his home
Service: Wednesday, First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Keene Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: the family or the American Cancer Society
Born Nov. 15, 1944, in Hildreth
Parents: Jentz and Bertha (Quadhamer) Hansen
Grew up in Hildreth, graduated from Hildreth High School in 1964; had lived in Riverdale for the last 15 years; was employed by the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a custodial leader; retired in February 2007
Activities: member of the Eagles; enjoyed fishing, woodworking, camping and bowling; especially loved his family and grandchildren
Survivors include his sons, Kevin of Plainwell, Mich., and Tracy of Kearney; daughter, Danielle Headlee of Oakdale; brothers, Henry of Bethune, Colo., Stan of Minden and Harold of Wood River; sisters, Dorothy Johnson of Mesa, Ariz., Viola Spors of Minden, Leona Jacobsen and Gladys Johnson, both of Holdrege, Edna Anderson of Pueblo, Colo., Mary Jane Jensen of Axtell, Lily Berlie of Oxford, Carol Abramson of Kearney, Minnie Hendricksen of Gardnerville, Nev., Elizabeth Johnsen of Stapleton and Rose Gillespie of Globe, Ariz.; and eight grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Tina Hansen of Plainwell and Timaree Hansen of Kearney; son-in-law, Michael Headlee of Oakdale; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Hansen of Minden and Rhonda Hansen of Wood River; and brothers-in-law, Fay Spors of Minden, Bob Berlie of Oxford, Charles Hendricksen of Gardnerville, Gary Johnsen of Stapleton and Don Gillespie of Globe
Was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ingward and Mavin Hansen
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2007
HURYTA, Clara A., 96, of Ravenna died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday, Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 14, 1911, in Gibbon
Parents: Lewis and Daisy (Pesek) Bachkora
Graduate of Ravenna High School
Married: Oct. 16, 1933, to Louis Huryta. He preceded her in death
Lived on a farm north of Ravenna; moved to Ravenna in 1999
Activities: member of the Congregational Church in Ravenna; enjoyed her grandchildren and playing cards
Survivors include her son, Kenneth of Ravenna; daughter, Loraine Keehn of Kearney; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Maxine Huryta of Ravenna, and son-in-law, John Keehn of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband, and sister, Rose Chramosta
Kearney Hub, 8 October, 2007
KLINGELHOEFER, Kermit V., 85, of Amherst died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst with military honors
Memorials: to the family
Born May 17, 1922, in Amherst
Parents: Conrad and Emelia (Wuehler) Klingelhoefer
Grew up in Amherst, graduated from Amherst High School
Military: U.S. Army, 1944 - 1946; veteran of World War II
Married: Aug. 14, 1947, to Opal Fees in Eddyville
Lived in Amherst; worked as a telephone line repairman then worked at Ingall's Grain Elevator in Amherst; also farmed north of Amherst
Survivors include his wife; sons, Jerry, William and Ronald, all of Amherst, and Mark, Timothy and Christopher, all of Kearney; daughters, Kandy Spearman of Hazard and Penny DeLaTorre of Kearney; brother, Conrad of Amherst; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his sons, Tom and John, and brother, Kenneth
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2007
McKEAN, LaVaughn, 87, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Christian Homes in Holdrege
Services: Wednesday, Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Immanuel Cemetery northwest of Amherst
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran School or the Alzheimer's Association
Born Dec. 3, 1919, in Amherst
Parents: William and Minnie (Jones) Albright
Baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Amherst on Jan. 4, 1920, and confirmed in May 1932; graduated from Amherst High School in 1937; worked at the Alician Hotel and Mother Hull Home and as a bookkeeper at the Farmer Union Store, Kearney Candy Co. and First National Bank in Kearney
Married: Nov. 26, 1955, to Elton McKean. He preceded her in death
Activities: loved her life on the farm, especially enjoyed the Shetland ponies they raised; member of Zion Lutheran Church, Concordia Society, Hospital Service League and Buffalo County Extension; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital; enjoyed bowling, gardening, quilting at the church and sweet corn from the farm
Health began to decline in 2001, moved to Northridge and then to Holdrege Memorial Homes for three years; her last year was spent in the Alzheimer's Unit at Christian Homes
Survivors include her stepsons, Richard and Jerry, both of Kearney; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; and four stepgreat-great-grandchildren; also nieces and nephews-in-law, Betty and Robert Schroeder of Holdrege, Sharon and Jerry Smith and Sharla Albright, all of Boise, Idaho, Shelia and Bob Smith of Ukiah, Calif., and Darlene Wright of Concord, Calif.; nephews and nieces-in-law, Larry and Jean Albright of Ravenna, Dale and Dianne Albright of Kearney and Gary and Sharon Albright of Kuna, Idaho; stepdaughters-in-law, Sandy McKean and Marlene McKean, both of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Fran Albright of Amherst, Rita Albright of Kearney, Evelyn Van Cleef of Nampa, Idaho, and Madeline Albright of Brentwood, Calif.; and stepgrandchildren, Don McKean, Susan Hartman, Randy McKean and Rhonda Engels
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Edwin, Paul, Hobert, Sidney, Norris and Ernest; and sister, Franciska
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2007
WEDEMEYER, Lyman, 85, of Ravenna died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Oct. 1, 1922, south of Ravenna
Parents: Henry and Anna (Heesch) Wedemeyer
Attended District 92 school, graduated from Ravenna High School in May 1940
Married: Aug. 25, 1946, to Ellen Bader in Worms
Lived his entire life on the family farm south of Ravenna
Activities: member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna. held various offices during his lifetime; enjoyed farming, was always a steward of the land; enjoyed raising beefalo with his son and grandsons on the family farm: enjoyed square dancing and traveling with his wife; also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include his wife of 61 years; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Sharol Wedemeyer of Ravenna; daughter and son-in-law, Janelle and Brad Oberg of Houston; grandchildren, Chris Jindra and her husband, Ryan, of Crete, James Wedemeyer and his wife, Amanda, of Ravenna, Tim Oberg of Boulder, Colo., Dana Oberg of Malvern, Pa., and Derek Wedemeyer of Ravenna; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Hattie Keilig; and grandson, Nicolas Wedemeyer
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2007
MASER, Pauline K., 101, of Larkspur, Colorado, died Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, in Larkspur
Services: Wednesday, Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Funeral Home in Castle Rock
Burial: Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Neb.
Mortuary: Wyuka in Lincoln
Born March 21, 1906, in Saratov, Russia
Parents: Andrews and Marie (Jacob) Kaltenberger
Was of German descent; was baptized in 1907 by the Rev. Thompson, a Lutheran minister, in Saratov
With family, moved to the United States, August 1913 and settled in Lincoln; was confirmed on March 21, 1921, by the Rev. Wagner of Salem Lutheran Church in Lincoln; attended elementary and high school there; went to secretarial school, worked for Noll Electric Co.
Married: June 14, 1927, to Philip Maser in Lincoln. He died in 1957
Moved to Des Moines, Iowa, for a brief time after marriage, then returned to Lincoln; 1941, moved to Omaha, Neb., husband worked at the Martin Bomber Plant as an inspector; 1946, moved to Kearney, Neb., where husband managed the IGA grocery store
Worked as a sales clerk at Hellman's dress shop
Activities: active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, treasurer of the Concordia Society, helped at rummage sales and many of the church dinners
Moved to Larkspur, April 2000; lived with her daughter, Norma and family; belonged to Mount Zion Lutheran Church and the Senior Center, both in Castle Rock
Enjoyed reading and traveling; visited Germany, France, Thailand, Okinawa, Canada and many states within the United States; crocheted, did crossword puzzles, played board games and loved to play pinochle
Survivors include her daughters, Natalie Huston of Mason, Ohio, and Norma Pollman of Larkspur; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; also son-in-law, Stanley Pollman of Larkspur; grandchildren and their families are scattered from Ohio to Kansas, Texas, California, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Arizona
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2007
SIMMERMAN, Phyllis L., 75, of Elm Creek died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha
Services: Saturday, Elm Creek High School gymnasium
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Elm Creek
Memorials: Elm Creek School Foundation, Overton Christian Church, First Christian Church of Elm Creek or the Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Unit
Born June 5, 1932, northwest of Kearney
Parents: Archie and Ruth (Gardner) Williams
Attended first through eighth grades at a rural school; graduated from Kearney high school in 1949; attended summer and night classes at Kearney State College, received bachelor of arts degree in 1968
Married: May 24, 1953, to D. Wayne Simmerman in Kearney
Retired from teaching after 33½ years in the Elm Creek Public School system; was library-media specialist for kindergarten through 12th grades for 17 years; with a co-worker wrote the Centennial Musical Pageant for the Elm Creek Centennial Celebration, 1968; was also employed as a funeral assistant for O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home of Elm Creek and Kearney
Activities: member of the Christian Church, was instrumental in getting Sunday evening musical groups for the church; taught Sunday school, belonged to CWF; was on the Elm Creek Library Board; served as a Cub Scout den mother' pastimes included reading, travel, gardening and spending time with her family
Survivors include her husband; son, Bill and his wife, Nancy (Gardner) Simmerman of Elm Creek; their daughter, Annie Ruth of Elm Creek; daughters, Keri and her husband, Mark Phillips, and their daughters, Lauren and her husband, Andrew, and Kati, all of Omaha, and Pegi Simmerman of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; great-granddaughter, Addison Marie Simmerman; sister; Patricia and her husband, LaVerne Anderson of Dayton, Ore.; brother, David Williams and wife, Jackie, of Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Lori Ruth
Kearney Hub, 10 October, 2007
HOFFMAN, Dorothy J., 83, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday, Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: the family.
Born July 23, 1924, in Kearney
Parents: Albert and Ianatha (Mott) Laue
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1942
Married: April 1, 1943, to Richard "Dick" Hoffman in Kearney. He died in 1992
Lived in the Elm Creek and Odessa area most her life; moved to Kearney, 1982; worked at Baldwin Filters, 1969 - 1998; retired for health reasons
Activities: enjoyed taking pictures, working on puzzles, crossword books and writing in her diaries faithfully every day; sponsored a Kearney softball team called "Dad's Cubbies," named after her late husband, usually made up of her children or grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, Richard of Elm Creek, Dennis of Denver, Doug of Honolulu, Dave of California and Rick and James, both of Kearney; daughters, LaVonne Hebb, Patty Hoffman and Connie Slack, all of Kearney, Tammy Klosterman of Ravenna and Melanie Kanode of Shelton; brothers, Don Laue of Mount Lake Terrace, Wash., and Victor Laue of Rapid City, S.D.; sisters, Midge Johnson of Holdrege, Bert Reinhart of California and Betty Woodcock of Casper, Wyo.; and 36 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Trish of Elm Creek, Carolyn of Denver, Elaine of Honolulu, Carol of California and Dotty and Kim, both of Kearney; sons-in-law, Lyle Hebb of Kearney, Joel Kanode of Shelton and John Klosterman II of Ravenna; grandchildren, Ricardo and Suzanne Hoffman, Erik Hoffman, Casey Hoffman and Misty and Shane Shoemaker, all of Elm Creek, Kimberly and Steve Deeds and Scott and Beth Hoffman, all of Denver, Heath and Michelle Hoffman, Jeremy Hoffman and Coby Hoffman, all of Omaha, Jason Hoffman of Arizona, Chelsey Hendrickson and Casy and Kathryne Welty, all of Gibbon, Chadd Welty of Hastings, Shilo Hebb, Kelinda and Aron Gilg, Tamara and John Snider, Darth and Lisa Kanode, Heather and Nate Staskal, Craig and Jodi Slack, McKenzie Slack, Shannon and Kurt Bartels and Angie Klosterman and Storm, Valerie and Courtney Rath-Hoffman, all of Kearney, and John Klosterman III of Ravenna; special friend, Lana Hatcher of Lincoln; all the friends from Northridge; and many other special friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Rosella Laue, and a great-granddaughter, Gabrielle
Kearney Hub, 10 October, 2007
MILLER, Frank P., 93, of Angier, North Carolina, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, in Angier
Services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: Hospice of Angier
Born Nov. 26, 1913, in Madison, Kan.
Parents: Fred and Melinda (Smith) Miller
Grew up in the Grand Island, Neb., area, later moved to Wyoming
Married: Nov. 24, 1933, to Lois Preston in Smith Center, Kan. She died in 2002
Lived in Grand Island; moved to Southern California, worked as a building contractor for Carrier Corp.; moved to Kearney in 1969 and worked at Eaton before retiring Activities: enjoyed raising pigeons, chickens and pheasants, and spending time with family and friends
Survivors include his daughter, Lois Shook of Grandview, Mo.; sisters, Dorothy Follett of Belton, Mo., and Donna Brannon of Ridgeland, S.C.; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandsons; also many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife; one son, three grandsons, one great-great-granddaughter, four brothers and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2007
PETERS, Annie Marie, 43, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straat-mann Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: the family
Born Nov. 24, 1963, in Chicago
Parents: George and Mildred (Mack) Washington
Grew up in Chicago, received her education from Austin High School; was baptized in Chicago at age 14
Married: March 13, 2002, to Patrick Peters in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Lived in Kearney, was a homemaker; also worked at Ramada Inn and Morris Press for a short time; loved to read, work large puzzles and watch horror movies; also enjoyed time alone
Survivors include her sons, Keenan Washington-Brown, Deontae Brown and LeDaniel Brown, all of Kearney; daughters, Sasha Washington and Hope Brown, both of Kearney; brothers, Richard Washington of Chicago, George Washington of Kearney and Byron Washington of Atlanta; sisters, Rosemary Brown and Roserita Burton, both of Kearney; stepson, Phillip Manns of Kearney; and special friend, Leon Brooks; also sisters-in-law, Deloris Washington of Kearney and Trisha Washington of Atlanta; brothers-in-law, Larry Brown and Stanley Burton, both of Kearney; granddaughter, Braelyn Washington of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Larry Washington; and her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2007
JOHNSON, Norma, 80, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at Mount Carmel Home Services: later
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: in care of the funeral home
Born April 23, 1927, in Kansas City, Mo.
Married: May 20, 1948, to Merl Johnson in Grand Island. He died in 1986
Survivors include her son, Marlo of Kearney, and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 12 October, 2007
RAYMOND, Louis E. "Lou", 91, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at Homestead Assisted Living
Services: Saturday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church, The Salvation Army or the Jubilee Center in Kearney
Born Jan. 23, 1916, in Parsons, Kan.
Parents: Louis and Loretta (Martin) Raymond
Attended Catholic schools in Parsons; moved to Grand Island during high school because of father's transfer with International Harvester Co.; graduated from St. Mary's High School
Married: 1936, to Dorothy Bailey in Grand Island. She preceded him in death
Moved to Colorado for five years; returned to Grand Island, worked for the Silas/Mason ordnance plant until the end of World War II, then worked in the appliance business; went into the photography business at Jack Bailey Studio in Grand Islandin the late 1940s; moved to Kearney, 1955, established Raymond Photography; retired in 1978
During retirement; was a dedicated volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital and for Meals on Wheels; enjoyed fishing; after wife's death, moved to Homestead Retirement Home, lived there more than 10 years
Survivors include his sons, John of Woodstock, N.Y., and David of Silverthorne, Colo.; and three great-grandchildren; also grandchildren, Christopher Raymond of Bangkok, Thailand, Chelle Swim and her husband, Jason, of Issaquah, Wash., and Mindy Raymond of Venice, Calif.
Was preceded in death by his wife; infant son, Michael; two sisters; and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 12 October, 2007
SWEARINGEN, Bernard Fay, 79, of Holdrege died Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Services: Monday, North Park Assembly of God Church in Holdrege
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Memorial has been established
Born Jan. 25, 1928, south of Pleasanton in Buffalo County
Parents: Clyde and Priscilla (Wood) Swearingen
Received his education in rural Buffalo County;then farmed with his father; also was employed by Wilber and Wayne Brown on a ranch north of Miller
Married: June 12, 1952, to Eunice Barta in Lexington
Lived in the Elm Creek area, worked as a farmhand for several area farmers, including Gene Marshall at Elm Creek for 12 years; was employed as a heavy equipment operator for the Buffalo County Department of Roads until retiring Activities: enjoyed playing cards, pool, dancing, hunting, mowing yards with his riding lawn mower, and spending time with family
Survivors include his sons, Dennis of Atlanta, Randy and Michael, both of Holdrege, Terry of Kearney and Timothy of Columbus; brothers, Clarence of Deweese, Junius of Brule and Leonard of Litchfield; sisters, Bonnie Hess of Kearney and Carolyn Richards of Riverdale; 12 great-grandchildren; stepdaughter, Tena Ackley of Ravenna; and three stepgrandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Clara Swearingen of Atlanta, Trixie Swearingen of Holdrege, Becky Swearingen of Kearney and Robin Swearingen of Columbus; stepson-in-law, Bud Ackley of Ravenna; grandchildren, Paul Swearingen and his wife, Crystal, Tori Johnston and her husband, Rob, Travis Schriner, Amber Schriner, Brandon Swearingen, Jesse Swearingen and Kallie Swearingen; brother-in-law, Allen Richards of Riverdale; sisters-in-law, Marge Swearingen of Deweese, Marlena Swearingen of Brule and Janice Swearingen of Litchfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry at age 9; brothers, William and Francis Swearingen; and sisters, Norma Sutton, Leota Muirhead, Ellen Muirhead, Gaylene Harmoney and Delores Folkerts
Kearney Hub, 12 October, 2007
WALTER, Velva Lucille, 94, of Denver, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born March 17, 1913, in Pleasanton, Neb.
Parents: Grant and Julia (Wells) Swearingen
Lived in the Pleasanton area with her parents; sisters, Eletha and Stella; and brothers, Hallie, Clyde, Clint and Omar
Married: May 4, 1932, to Raymond Walter. He died in 1953
Farmed southeast of Kearney on Kilgore Island; by the time her husband died, they owned two farms
Moved to Kearney after husband's death; moved to Denver, 1964; lived in the Denver area for the rest of her life; at age 92, moved to an assisted living residence in Northglenn, Colo., a Denver suburb; was moved to Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne for the remainder of her days
Survivors include her son, Arlan of Cheyenne; and daughter, Gaylene Williams of Denver; also grandchildren, Alana Cosper, Scot Craig, Stacey Walter and Brandie Whisenhunt; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Miryssa and Zakery Whisenhunt, Tristen and Anthony Walter and Lars and Tessa Craig; and her great-great-grandson, Mason Craig
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2007
WILLLIAMS, Geralyn J. "Gerri" Williams, 50, of Omaha died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, in Omaha
Services: Saturday Oct. 6, St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Omaha
Burial: Resurrection Cemetery in Omaha
Memorials: Lucas Williams Education Fund
Born May 28, 1957, in Crete
Parents: Gerald and Emily (Sisel) Stehlik
Graduated from Crete High School in 1975 and from the College of Hair Design in 1980; lived and worked in Kearney as a barber for several years; was employed by the Omaha Downtown YMCA; graduated from Bellevue University with a bachelor of science degree in 1998; enjoyed photography, scrapbooking, landscaping, being active and her pets; especially enjoyed family, friends and her faith
Married: 1988, to married Lyle Williams
Survivors include her husband; son, Lucas of Omaha; her mother of Crete; brother, Mike Stehlik of Crete; sisters, Sharon Clark of Oklahoma City and Trudy Henderson of Scottsbluff; and stepdaughter, Lisa Plewa of Omaha; also stepson-in-law, Mike Plewa of Omaha; grandchildren, Natalie, John and Annalise Plewa, all of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Cindy Stehlik of Crete, Gail Brolliar and her husband, Bill, of Lincoln and Jan Brennan and her husband, George, of St. Louis; brothers-in-law, Tim Clark of Oklahoma City, Bryan Henderson of Scottsbluff and Darrell Williams and his wife, Marilyn, of Wilber; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father
Kearney Hub, 12 October, 2007
GREVE, Millie, 103, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Tuesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Memorials: the family for later designation
Born: Aug. 13, 1904, in Riverdale
Parents: John and Lillian (Prascher) Nelson
Attended school in Riverdale, graduated from Riverdale High School
Married: April 1951, she married John P. Greve in Burbank, Calif. He died Sept. 16, 1974
At marriage, husband was employed as a general controller for IT&T
Moved to Kearney in 1975
Survivors include her cousin, Warren Prascher of Sturgis, S.D.
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2007
REYNOLDS, Paul W., 75, of Odessa died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at his home
Services: Tuesday, Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: to the family
Born June 11, 1932, in Lynchburg, Va.
Parents: Archie and Lucy (Williams) Reynolds
Graduated from Brookfield High School, Lynchburg; learned the carpenter trade
Military: U.S. Army, Nov. 20, 1952 - Nov. 19, 1954
Married: Nov. 8, 1952, to Mary Campbell in Lynchburg. She died Aug. 25, 2007
Lived in Lynchburg; moved to Odessa in 1966
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church, Kearney Eagles and the National Rifle Association
Survivors include his son, Paul Jr. of Monticello, Minn.; daughter, Sylvia Henslee of Vinita, Okla.; brother, Archie of Lynchburg; sisters, Nancy Wilson of Lynchburg and Florence Falmon of Fort Worth, Texas; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife; four daughters and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2007
EVANS, Edmund Charles, 70, of Loveland, Colorado, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007, at McKee Medical Center Hospice Unit in Loveland
Services: Aug. 17, Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins
Burial of cremains: Resthaven Memory Gardens
Memorials: Hospice of Larimer County
Born June 14, 1937, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Robert and Elizabeth (Bernert) Evans
Married Kathy Asher
Survivors include his wife; son, Kevin of Loveland; daughter, Tracy Bonner of Loveland; sisters, Doris Olsen, Pauline Bendix and Shirley Adams, all of Kearney; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Donna Evans of Loveland; and son-in-law, Brad Bonner of Loveland
Was co-owner of Evans Drywall for many years; enjoyed working with his hands, loved to carve wildlife and horses and toys for immediate family and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lorrain Nelson; and brothers, Larry and Ray Evans
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2007
RYAN, Norma "Lianne", 74, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, at her home
Services: Friday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Born Sept. 21, 1933, in Grand Island
Parents: Ralph and Margaret (Boelts) Farrall
Was a 1951 graduate of Grand Island High School
Married: 1954, to Robert Ryan in Grand Island. He preceded her in death
Lived in Lincoln, Omaha and San Francisco; moved to Kearney in 1960
Retired from Mid-Nebraska Community Services in 1999
Survivors include her sons, Pat and John, both of Bellevue; daughters, Julie Hiemke and Kathleen Ryan, both of Kearney; five grandsons; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter; also daughter-in-law, Dora Ryan of Bellevue, and son-in-law, Cornell Hiemke of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one brother
Kearney Hub, 17 October, 2007
NYFFELER, Arthur R., 88, of Kearney, formerly of Columbus, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Services: Monday, St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Columbus
Burial: Columbus Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Memorials: to be established
Born Jan. 7, 1919, in Boone County
Parents: Robert and Charolotte (Uhlmann) Nyffeler
Received his education at Kramer High School in Columbus
Military: U.S. Army during World War II with the Destroyer Battalion, honorable discharge in 1945
Married: Nov. 17, 1946, to Katherine Mae Romberg in Newman Grove. She died in 1996
Lived on a farm near Monroe; moved to Columbus in January 1950, worked in home construction, for the natural gas company and later with Columbus Cemetery
Activities: member of the church, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; enjoyed woodworking, gardening and playing cards, especially the game sheepshead
Survivors include his sons, Roger of Kearney and Russell of Columbus; brother, Robert of Columbus; and sister, Betty Touzalin of Lakewood, Colo.; also daughters-in-law, Peg Nyffeler of Kearney and Marsha Nyffeler of Columbus; and grandchildren, Nick, Anne, Mike, Eric, Marissa and Sean Nyffeler
Was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a sister, Ida Buergisser
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2007
HALL, Stella W., 93, of Grand Junction, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007, in Grand Junction
Services: Saturday, First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born Feb. 10, 1914, in Macon, Neb.
Parents: Thomas and Millie (Schurman) Eckhoff
Married: April 1, 1939, to Willis Hall in Holdrege, Neb. He died Nov. 1, 1994
Lived in Maywood, Neb.; moved to Kearney in 1946; moved to Grand Junction in 1995
Member of First Presbyterian Church
Survivors include her son, Larry of Grand Junction; sisters, Annie Carter of Norfolk and Millie Fleer of Tacoma, Wash.; and six great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Jeffe Hall of Grand Junction; and grandsons, Scott of Colorado Springs, Jeff and Mike, both of Centennial, and Bryan of Grand Junction
Was preceded in death by her husband and one brother
Kearney Hub, 19 October, 2007
BLANKENSHIP, Virginia L. 81, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at her home
Services: Monday, First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: First Baptist Church or the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary
Born Sept. 10, 1926, on a farm between Alexandria and Daykin in Jefferson County
Parents: Francis and Lillie (Simmonson) DeKalb
Attended country school at District 92 through the eighth grade, then transferred to high school in Daykin; graduated in 1943
Married: Dec. 28, 1945, to A. Dale Blankenship in Hiawatha, Kan. He died Jan. 31, 1994
Lived in Hastings 1949-1951, in Superior 1951-1966; moved to Kearney, 1966; was employed in the food services department for the Kearney Public School system and the University of Nebraska at Kearney, then as a greeter for Wal-Mart; retired in 2005
Activities: member of First Baptist Church, the firefighters auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and Eastern Star in Superior
Survivors include her sons, Al of Waverly and Gary and Bruce, both of Kearney; daughter, Debbie Craig of Omaha; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Sandra Blankenship of Waverly and Marge Blankenship and Tammy Blankenship, both of Kearney; and son-in-law, Brian Craig of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her husband, one grandson, three brothers and four sisters
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2007
ALLEN, Lila A., 90, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straat-mann
Memorials: to the family
Born Nov. 5, 1916, in the Cherryville community at Berwyn
Parents: John and Elsie (Copsey) Gardner
Graduated from Westerville High School in 1933
Married: Nov. 5, 1934, in Kearney to Clarence Allen, her high school sweetheart
Lived on a farm for many years in Custer County; moved to Kearney in 1977
Activities: long-time member of Liberty Aid, Busy Bee Club and the Methodist Church; enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Ardith Butler of Kearney and Carol Berryman of McCook; sister, Jane Kampfe of Spearfish, S.D.; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; also her sons-in-law, Don Butler of Kearney and Rod Berryman of McCook; two sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law
Was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, five sisters, two sisters-in-law and nine brothers-in-law
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2007
WAGNER, Gracie E., 61, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at Haven Home in Kenesaw
Service: Wednesday at O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery Memorials: Zion Lutheran School in Kearney
Born June 9, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: LeRoy and Evelyn (Lueders) Wagner
Attended school at Zion Lutheran School, graduated from Kearney High School in 1964; attended community college in Hastings
Was a lifelong resident of Kearney; worked at Baldwin Manufacturing for more than 16 years; retired in 1981; after retirement, worked part time as a child-care provider
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; collected salt and pepper shakers; also enjoyed sewing, quilting and needlepoint; especially enjoyed spending time with friends
Survivors include her brother, Dietrich of Kearney; also sister-in-law, Deborah Wagner of Kearney; nephews, Paul and Matthew; grandniece, Jasmin; and aunts, uncles and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents
Kearney Hub, 2 October, 2007
ANDERSON, Tyler D., 54, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at Quality Living Inc. in Omaha
Services: Tuesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: to the family
Born Jan. 29, 1953, in Kearney
Parents: Dwayne and Opal (Karner) Anderson
Graduated from Kearney High School
Worked at Eaton Corp. for many years; later was employed by the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Activities: enjoyed listening to music, working on his computer, fishing and being with his son, Lee
Survivors include his son, Lee of Kearney; brothers, Craig of Chula Vista, Calif., Roger of Salt Lake City and Evan of Kearney; sisters, Rita Grover of Phoenix and Julie of Kearney; stepson, Jason Singletary of Kearney; stepdaughter, Dawn Nevins of Valley; and stepmother, Carol Anderson of Kearney; also aunt, Dora Day of Kearney; sisters-in-law, Amelia Anderson of Chula Vista and Janet Anderson of Salt Lake City; brother-in-law, Kenneth Grover of Phoenix; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Josephine Anderson; and sister, Gail Anderson-Gardner
Kearney Hub, 22 October, 2007
OLSON, James A., 79, of Grand Island died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Grand Island Nebraska Veterans Home
Services: Tuesday at the veterans home's All Faiths Chapel
Burial: Grand Island City Cemetery
Mortuary: All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Memorials: Gideons International or Faith United Methodist Church
Born March 7, 1928, in Loup City
Parents: Eric and Ida (Steen) Olson
Attended Loup City Schools, graduated in 1946; worked at the Sherman County Times; then attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, graduated in 1950 majoring in journalism with a minor in sociology; during college, worked for the Lariat, the university's newspaper
After graduation, worked at the Kearney Hub Military: U.S. Army, March 1951-Feb. 24, 1953, served in Korea for 16 months
After discharge, returned to the Kearney Hub and then the Grand Island Independent; with his brothers leased the Loup Valley Queen in Callaway, 1955
Married Oct. 6, 1957, to Dorla "Dee" Hoffman in Callaway; celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just a few weeks ago
Worked at the Omaha World-Herald for a short while; returned to Grand Island, 1957, began a 35-year career at the Grand Island Independent; retired in 1992 as production manager
Activities: faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church, served on numerous boards and committees; member of Gideons International, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; enjoyed his wife, nieces and nephews and special family friend Laurie Lane Farr
Survivors include his wife; also sisters-in-law, Alberta Olson and Cherry Olson; his nieces, nephews and cousins; and his wife's large family
Was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert and Harold Olson
Kearney Hub, 22 October, 2007
SAHLING, Dode M., 90, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church
Born May 31, 1917, in Kearney
Parents: Guy and Gladys (Eickmeier) Neal
Attended school in Odessa and Kearney, graduated from Kearney Normal School in 1935
Married: June 4, 1939, to Willis "Bill" Heacock in Omaha. He died in June 1952 in an airplane accident in Watertown, S.D.
Married: Aug. 31, 1955, to Robert "Bob" Sahling in Kearney
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church, Kearney DOEs and Kearney Country Club
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Holly Reiter of Beatrice; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and stepson, John of Kearney; also son-in-law, Dan Reiter of Beatrice; and daughters-in-law, Jan Heacock and Sonia Sahling, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her first husband; son, Ronald Heacock; and three sisters
Kearney Hub, 22 October, 2007
BEISHEIM, Linda M., 48, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: Steven K. Jorgensen Scholarship fund at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Foundation
Born Jan. 15, 1959, in Kearney
Parents: Keith and Darlene (Carlson) Jorgensen
Graduated from Kearney High School
Married: June 30, 1979, to Shane Beisheim at First Christian Church in Minden
Lived in the Kearney area throughout her life; worked at Cabela's and was a contract carrier for the Omaha World-Herald for the south-central part of Nebraska for 10 years; struggled with diabetes for all of her life; main job was raising her family; really enjoyed being with her family
Survivors include her husband; son, Michael of Virginia; daughter, Amanda of Kearney; her parents of Mission Viejo, Calif.; brothers, Kent Jorgensen of Mission Viejo and Craig Jorgensen of Laguna Miguel, Calif.; and four grandchildren; also sisters-in-law, Marcie Jorgen-sen of Mission Viejo and Linda Jorgensen of Laguna Miguel
Was preceded in death by her brother, Steven
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2007