Page 89
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
HUERTA, Pascualita C., 91, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Saturday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters
Born Feb. 3, 1918, in Durango, Mexico
Parents: Pascual and Maria (Espiro) Huerta
Came to the United States with her family to escape religious persecution; obtained U.S. citizenship in September 1945; became a member of the Corpus Christi Congregation in 1942 and soon began teaching religious education to the children of Scottsbluff, Kearney and Lincoln City, Ore.; also helped to care for the elderly in Mount Carmel Home
Was chosen for the office of secretary general, took up those duties at the Mother House in Tunapuna, Trinidad, from 1978-1984, then returned to Kearney; continued her work as a catechist, also worked at Mount Carmel Home
Survivors include her brothers, Joe Huerta of Mission Viejo, Calif., Conrad Huerta and his wife, Nellie, of Elwood, Salvador Huerta and his wife, Helen, of Gering, Pascual Huerta Jr. and his wife, Laura, of Brighton, Colo., Philip Huerta and his wife, Lori, of Roswell, N.M., and Patrick Huerta and his wife, Franca, of Zollikofen, Switzerland; and sisters, Teresa Ramirez of Cheyenne, Wyo., Rita Garcia of Versailles, Mo., Cora Lucius of Gering and Mary Blanchard of Wray, Colo.
Was preceded in death by her father, Pascual Huerta; mother, Maria Julia Espino; stepmother, Manuela Huerta; and sister, Connie Huerta
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2010
BROWN, LeRoy H., 63, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at his home
Gathering of friends: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home with military honors
Memorials will be designated later
Born July 4, 1946, in Kearney
Parents: Arthur and Esther Irene (Irvin) Brown
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1964
Military: U.S. Marine Corps on Sept. 15, 1965 - July 22, 1969; served during the Vietnam War, was honorably discharged
Was a self-employed carpenter and an over-the-road truck driver
Activities: member of VFW Post 759, American Legion Post 52, National Rifle Association and Gold Prospectors; was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed stockcar racing and NASCAR
Survivors include his daughter, Jeri Swanson of Lincoln; his mother of Kearney; grandchildren, Lucas Snethen and Gretchen Swanson; sisters, Joan Stevens and her husband, Wendell, and Betty Nielsen, all of Kearney; special friend, Judy Osborn of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents, one uncle and three aunts
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2010
RILEY, Michael B., 60, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at his home
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church; cremation will follow
Burial: later
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: Kearney Catholic Athletic Department
Born Aug. 5, 1949, in Ainsworth
Parents: Mike and Mildred (Buell) Riley
Grew up in Bassett, received his education at Rock County High School; attended National College of Business in Rapid City, S.D., on a rodeo scholarship; received his degree from the Missouri Auction School with an honorary title of colonel
Married: July 16, 1971, to Barbara Dilsaver in Bassett. They divorced
Lived in Nebraska and Illinois, was self-employed; also lived in Kearney and was in sales, auctioneering and University of Nebraska at Kearney concessions
Was committed to marriage to Jaylene Bashore, with whom he had spent the last seven years
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus; volunteered as a coach for youth sports in football and softball; enjoyed playing golf, playing cards and fishing; favorite times were spent with his family, children, grandchildren and many friends; was also known as "crazy grandpa" and "the general"
Survivors include his special friend, Jaylene Bashore of Kearney; daughters, Angie Vollmer and her husband, Mike, of Kearney and Mindy Gronewoller and her husband, Blaine, of Kearney; sons, Michael and his wife, Pam, of Omaha, Kenny and his wife, Brandi, of Kearney and Dustan and his fiancée, Adrienne, of Lincoln; stepsons, Hans Bashore of Tulsa, Okla., and Will Bashore of Kearney; grandchildren, Anthony, Mikayla, Austin, Taylor, Dylan, Lucas, Brittany and Owen; sister, Sue Heyden and her husband, Lanny, of Newport; and many cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patty; and aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 18 January, 2010
STOVER, Marjorie B. "Marge", 90, of Riverdale died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: Riverdale Cemetery Association or the Riverdale Community center
Born Nov. 7, 1919, near Riverdale
Parents: Freddie and Bess (Oertle) Pratt
Attended Glenwood Elementary School, graduated from Kearney High School in 1937
Married: Aug. 8, 1939, to Allen Stover in Salina, Kan. He died in 1987
Lived in Kearney, moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, for a couple of years; husband purchased the Riverdale General Store with Audrey and Rollo Wild, 1947; then she and Allen owned and operated the store and post office, retired in 1984
Activities: loved playing cards, reading, playing board games and puzzles; was an avid sports fan and especially liked the Chicago Cubs; loved children, enjoyed spending time with her family
Survivors include her sons, Craig Stover and his wife, Cindy, of Gretna and Morris Stover and his wife, Brenda, of Atlanta; daughters, Glenda Prascher and her husband, Dick, of Kearney, Nita Farr and her husband, Tom, of Wamego, Kan., Paula Almaguer and her husband, Alfred, of Garner, N.C., and Terri Bourgart of Blue Springs, Mo.; sister, Audrey Hendrickson and her husband, Buck, of Kearney; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter
Was preceded in death by her husband, one great-granddaughter, two brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 18 January, 2010
RAMSEY, Elinor O., 99, of Shelton died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, First Presbyterian Church in Wood River
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Wood River Memorials: Salvation Army and Crossroads Rescue Mission in Hastings
Born Dec. 21, 1910, at Kenesaw
Parents: C.R. and Florence (Clark) Wilcox
Was educated in rural schools and at Kenesaw High School
Married: March 10, 1928, to Robert "Bob" Ramsey. He died in 1974
Lived in Wellfleet and this general vicinity in their early married years, moved north of Heartwell in 1934; retired, moved to Shelton in 1973
Was a serious student of God's word and an avid reader; taught Bible truths to children in her home and held many Bible study groups, worked with American Sunday School Union at the Denman church; attended the Berean Church in Shelton; was active in Toastmistress and Farm Bureau; loved music, took organ lessons and participated in an organ club; encouraged and taughter other to share their music gifts; enjoyed her flower garden and was active in Gibbon Garden Gals flowers shows; after being widowed, remained in her home until last December when her health began to fail
Survivors include her daughter, Nita Rae; grandchildren, Bradley Jepsen and his wife, Susan, of Shelton and Loy Layne Young and her husband, Ron, of Hastings; great-grandchildren, Keturah, Jonathan, Sarah and Michael Young of Hastings, Krystal Jepsen of Shelton and Brittany Jepsen of Kearney; great-great-grandchild, Lukas, who was her pride and joy; sister, Esther Jacobs of Wood River; brother, Charles of Aurora; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Edna Woodman and Delores Holl; and brothers, Clifford and Dale
Kearney Hub, 15 January, 2010
BAILEY, Martha "Joan" Bailey, 81, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at her home
Memorial service in Kearney: later Burial: Emporia, Kan.
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Kearney Humane Society
Born Oct. 28, 1928, in Emporia
Parents: George and Grace (Gordon) Bailey
Was a graduate of Emporia High School, received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Kansas State Teachers College, and earned a specialist degree from New York University
Taught in high school and college in Kansas, then came to the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1963, was assistant coach for the men's and women's swimming teams; also coordinated women's physical education; led the Aqua Lopers to become major contenders in the NAIA and later the NCAA; was named Swim Coach of the Year by the NAIA in 1989; had a 34-year career at UNK, was a pioneer in both the organization and funding of athletics for women at Kearney and throughout Nebraska; was the first softball coach at UNK and often said she had coached just about every sport at one time or another was inducted into the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003; taught swimming lessons every summer and was always thrilled when someone she taught to swim brought their own children for her to teach
Survivors include her sisters, Theresa Bailey of Indian Hills, Colo., and Marilyn Bailey of Alameda, Calif.; brother, Alan Bailey of Palm Desert, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Linda Sue Bailey; and brother, Hugh Robert Bailey
Kearney Hub, 18 January, 2010
WOLFORD, Marcey A., 75, of Cozad died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, First Presbyterian Church in Cozad
Burial of cremains: later
Mortuary: Berryman in Cozad
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church in Cozad
Born Dec. 30, 1934, in Smith center, Kan.
Parents: Ralph and Hilda (Haring) Innes
Graduated from Odessa High School in 1952; attended Kearney State College
Married: Dec. 18, 1955, to Wayne Wolford at First Christian Church in Kearney
Lived in Lincoln, worked as a secretary at Lincoln Liberty Life Insurance Co.; later worked in a doctor's office; couple moved to Scottsbluff, 1958; moved to Palatine, Ill., then moved to Cozad in 1969
Was a dedicated wife, mother; volunteered at the Wilson Public Library and Golden Living Care center in Cozad; longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Cozad; was a past president of the Cozad Hospital Auxiliary; was an avid card and bridge player; enjoyed painting ceramics, knitting, drying flowers, gardening and baking
Survivors include her husband; sons, Steve Wolford and his wife, Danna, of Hastings, Greg Wolford and his wife, Pam, of McCook; daughter, Jodi Kocher and her husband, Mike, of Lincoln; sister, Geraldine McCormick of Centennial, Colo.; brother-in-law, Vincent Wolford and his wife, Wilma, of Kearney; grandchildren, Megan Longshore and her husband, Chris, of Hastings, Neil Wolford, Kate Wawrzynkiewicz and her husband, Jake, and Ted, Erin and Sarah Kocher, all of Lincoln, Adam Wolford and his wife, Sarah, of McCook and Philip Kocher of West Point, N.Y.; and a host of other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Neal McCormick; and sisters-in-law, Wanda Olson and Ruby Wolford
Kearney Hub, 19 January, 2010
LAMONTAGNE, Vola Yolantha Maul, 89, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village
Services: Thursday, Miller United Methodist Church
Burial: Immanuel Cemetery near Amherst, next to husband Rufus Maul
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: to be designated later
Born June 9, 1920, at rural Boelus
Parents: George and Hilma (Ruthstrom) Clausen
Graduation from St. Paul in 1939
Married U.S. Army and U.S. Navy veteran Horace Buchanan Merrick of Troy, Kan.
Married: 26 Jan 1960 to Rufus Maul; he died in 1989
Married: 1 Jan 2000 to Rosario Lamontagne of Nashua, N.H.; he died 2006
Was known for business acumen; operated a dairy adjoining Fort Kearny on the Platte River for Ravenna cheese with husband, the late Rufus Maul of Amherst; then ran a bar/restaurant with him at Miller for 30 years
Activities: loved music, history and genealogy
Survivors include: son Gary Merrick, jack-of-all-trades, of Kearney, and wife Donita; Lester Merrick, a reverend in Bakersfield, Calif., and wife Sandra; and Beverly Merrick, a professor, of Miller; step-son Robert Merrick of Lincoln; many grandchildren, a score of great-grandchildren and twin great-great-grandchildren in Nebraska, Ohio and California; step-sons Ray Lamontagne of Nashville; Gary and Lee Ann Maul, retired, of Hastings; Bill and Donna Maul of rural Buffalo County and their families
(More details in original obituary.) Kearney Hub, 20 January, 2010
WILCOX, N. Elane, 89, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at her home
Memorial services: Monday, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Burial: church columbarium; military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: St. Luke's Episcopal Church or Habitat for Humanity
Born May 19, 1920, in Arborville in York County
Parents: Howard and Nellie May (Harris) Wilcox
Graduated from Polk High School in 1937 and Hastings College in 1942; later attended the University of Southern California where she received her master's and doctorate degrees; worked for a number of years as a research associate at USC
Military: U.S. Navy WAVES during World War II
Activities: member of the Chapter FN PEO and Women in Military Service to America; volunteered regularly at the Museum of Nebraska Art and Habitat for Humanity; enjoyed gardening
Survivors include her sister, Marcia Dunlay of Kearney; niece, Jane Stokebrand and her husband, Eldon, of DeWitt; nephew, John Dunlay, of Madrid, Spain; and numerous other nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and one brother
Kearney Hub, 22 January, 2010
BLAHA, Richard A., 77, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney and Ord, died Monday, Jan 18, 2010, at Golden Living center in Omaha
Memorial services: Feb. 8, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord
Burial of cremains: Ord Catholic Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Ord Memorial Chapel
Memorials: Kearney Volunteer Fire Department or the Alzheimer's Foundation
Born July 26, 1932, in Ord
Parents: Rudolf and Mary (Hulinsky) Blaha
Was raised in Ord, graduated from Ord High School
Military: U.S. Army, served in Korea
Married: April 9, 1956, to Leora Richart in Neligh. She preceded him in death
Wtarted working for GTE in May 1952 and became a construction supervisor in February 1980; retired in 1988, moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz.,; after 14 years, moved to Ord, lived there four years
Activities: member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Kearney Elks Club, Kearney Eagles Club, VFW, American Legion and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord; enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family
Survivors include his sons, Douglas of Belmont, Mich., James of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Jerry of Kearney; daughter, Christine Welliver of Pleasanton; sister, Alice Witherwax of Vancouver, Wash.; and seven grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Jacki of Belmont and Terri of Council Bluffs; and son-in-law, Douglas Welliver of Pleasanton
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; infant daughter, Lori; and brother, William
Kearney Hub, 22 January, 2010
BAKKEN, Charlotte Vietta, 87, of Kearney, formerly of Fergus Falls, Minn., died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Memorial services: later in Minnesota
body was cremated
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney for local arrangements
Born Jan. 24, 1922, in Bertha, Minn.
Parents: Karl "Charlie" and Annie (Swanson) Lind
Graduated from Battle Lake (Minn.) High School in 1940
Married: June 16, 1942, to Morris Bakken at Petri Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend, Minn. He preceded her in death
Lived in Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Was an avid gardener and loved her home and family
Survivors include her daughters, Beverly Ann Kramer and her husband, David, of Moorhead, Minn., Linda Peterka and her husband, Jon, of Kearney and Marcia Anderson and her husband, Craig, of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one son, one brother, three sisters, one grandson and two great-grandsons
Kearney Hub, 21 January, 2010
PETERSEN, Mavis Maureen, 92, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Monday, Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson
Burial: Culbertson Cemetery
Mortuary: Herrmann in Culbertson
Born Sept. 29, 1917, in Culbertson
Parents: Joseph and Rena (Brown) McNeice
Married: Feb. 20, 1937, to Raymond Petersen at Oberlin, Kan. He died Nov. 7, 1966
Survivors include her son, Harlan of Hastings; daughter, Renetta Sims of Kearney; sisters, Eileen Moore of McCook and Jesslyn Stubbs of Culbertson; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-granddaughters Kearney Hub, 22 January, 2010
WEMPEN, Merl O., 79, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Tuesday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home. Memorials: the church
Born April 14, 1930, in rural Sumner
Parents: Otto and Marion (Morrow) Wempen
Grew up in the Sumner area and attended school in Miller; was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner on June 10, 1948
Married: July 2, 1950, to Virginia Lovitt in Phillipsburg, Kan. Farmed in the Sumner and Kearney areas; later operated a tree and lawn service for four years and worked at Kearney State College for eight years; drove a mail truck for 17 years
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, flowers and spending time with his grandchildren; was determined to keep mowing his lawn even after losing his leg
Survivors include his wife; sons, David of Minden and Jerry and his wife, Robin, of Kearney; daughters, Linda Morgan and her husband, Del, and Patty Wallace and her husband, Gaylen, all of Minden, and Angela Runnells and her husband, Scott, of Kearney; sister, June Schnacker of Denver; 18 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Taylor and June Schnacker; daughter, Carol Wright; brother-in-law, Lyle Schnacker; daughter-in-law, Denise Wempen; and one great-granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 25 January, 2010
LOSKILL, Don R., 62, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Wednesday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice or the Good Samaritan Hospital Cancer Fund
Born Feb. 7, 1947, in Hastings
Parents: Lawrence "Buster" and Berniece (Hartman) Loskill
Graduated from Roseland High School in 1965; attended Kearney State College for two years
Married: Aug. 20, 1966, to Kathy Hemberger at Assumption Catholic Church in Juniata
Worked for Kizzier Chevrolet for 18 years as a mechanic and also as a salesman. then had Walker Auto sales in Kearney; started Cottonmill Enterprises Inc., 1974, doing sodding, seeding and grading for homes in Kearney; with wife, ran Cottonmill Bar B-Q catering; started moving houses, 1992, to use as rental property; enjoyed working and making his own equipment for his business; sold and retired from Cottonmill Enterprises Inc. in 2008
Activities: enjoyed camping and traveling; loved to cook and try making many different foods; loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Donna Hosick and her husband, Darren, and Leigh Loskill and Dallas Williams, all of Lincoln, and Paula Loskill of Margate, Fla.; his mother of Hastings; sister, Barb Trobaugh and her husband, Mike, of Rapid City, S.D.; brother-in-law, Gary Willmes of Rapid City; grandchildren, Dustin Hosick, Mckenzie Loskill and M'Leigha Loskill, all of Lincoln; three nieces; three nephews; and many cousins
Was preceded in death by his father and Paula's fiancé John Weiss. Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2010
CORDER, Vivian G., 55, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Kearney Hub, 29 December, 2009
HADWIGER, Loran D., 78, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at the Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln
Services: Tuesday, Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Born July 11, 1931, near Riverdale
Parents: Joseph and Dora (Reeh) Hadwiger
Attended school at District 100 King School in the Peake area until the eighth grade
Married: April 5, 1959, to Joyce Kegley at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Worked as a farmer the majority of his life
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church; enjoyed his work and time spent with family; especially enjoyed watching baseball and his German shepherds
Survivors include his wife; son, Randall Hadwiger and his wife, Janet, of Kearney; daughter, Rhonda Pfeiffer and her husband, Terry, of Amherst; sisters, LaVaughn Mullen and Norma Fees, both of Kearney; brother, Kenneth Hadwiger and his wife, Jerri, of Kearney; grandchildren and spouses, Ariel Hadwiger and friend Brian Smith of Lincoln, Ava Hadwiger, Ayriana Hadwiger, McKenzie and Terry Kohler and Colin Pfeiffer, all of Kearney, and Kalen Pfeiffer of Amherst; and great-grandchild, Kolden Kohler of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 25 January, 2010
HADWIGER, Everett Carl, 89, of Iowa Falls, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2008, at the Heritage Care center, Iowa Falls
Services: Tuesday, Jan. 7, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls
Burial: Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls
Mortuary: Linn's, Iowa Falls Chapel
Born March 16, 1919, near Riverdale, Nebraska
Parents: Dora [Reeh] and Joseph Hadwiger
Attended the Riverdale Community Schools
Military: US Army with the Battery 21st Coast Artillery during World War II
Married: April 15, 1945 to Olive "Wilmetta" Phillips at Riverdale, Nebraska. She died in 1990
Farmed east of Iowa Falls, Iowa, for many years; retired in Iowa Falls, Iowa
Activities: member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls; served in many of the church leadership roles and offices; member of the Hyman-Peavey American Legion Post #188, Iowa Falls
Survivors include: children Patricia Sue [Lee] Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dale Everett [Betty] Hadwiger of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Diane Kay Klein of Iowa Falls; thirteen grandchildren; twenty five great grandchildren; two sisters: Lavaughn Mullen of Kearney, Nebraska and Norma Fees of Amherst, Nebraska; and two brothers: Kenneth [Jerri] Hadwiger of Riverdale, Nebraska and Loren [Joyce] Hadwiger of Riverdale
Was preceded in death by his parents: Dora and Joseph Hadwiger; his wife: Wilmetta Hadwiger; three brothers: Marvin Hadwiger, Melvin "Butch" Hadwiger and Harold Hadwiger; and one sister: Viola Strange
Linns Funeral Home, January, 2010
BEDKE, Helen K., 90, of Ravenna died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 12, 1919, at Sac City, Iowa
Parents: Gustave and Bertha (Weber) Weitzel
Was educated in Iowa and Nebraska; graduated from Litchfield High School
Married: July 11, 1943, to Richard Bedke. He preceded her in death
Lived in Ravenna; worked as a telephone operator
Activities: member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the church choir and Dorcas Society; loved animals
Survivors include her daughter, Kathryn Bedke of New York City; and grandsons, David Bedke and Forrest Bedke Jr., both of South Bend, Ind.
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Forrest; and sister, Wilma Zeller
Kearney Hub, 25 January, 2010
HODGE, Geraldine, 80, of Holdrege, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at Phelps Memorial Health center in Holdrege
Services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: will be designated later
Born July 27, 1929, in Hastings
Parents: James and Clara (Goldenstien) Mitchell
Attended school in Lincoln, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947, then attended beauty school
Married 1949, to Holly Hodge in Lincoln
Lived in Holdrege; moved to Colorado and returned to Holdrege; in later years lived in Kearney
Activities: member of the Baptist faith; enjoyed reading and time spent with her family
Survivors include her sons, Jim and his wife, Sally, of Holdrege and Steven of Loveland, Colo.; daughter, Joyce Burkholder and her husband, John, of Holdrege; sisters, A. Rosalie Paul and her husband, Frank, and Marjorie "Joe" Shepard, all of Lincoln; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Lois Larson and Delight English
Kearney Hub, 26 January, 2010
TAYLOR, Evelyn (Partridge), 85, of Ravenna died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at Ravenna Good Samaritan center
Services: Thursday, Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Born Sept. 22, 1924, in Howard County
Parents: Magellard and Myrtle (Fred) Reimers
Married: Dec. 31, 1945, to James Partridge. He died in 1964
Married: March 1971, to Harold Taylor. He died in 1971
Survivors include her son, Mike Partridge and his wife, Halli, of Juniata; daughters, Jackie Morman and her husband, Tom, of Mason City, Judy Crum and her husband, Donnie, of Shelton, Susie Kempt of Litchfield and Deb Partridge, Cheryl True and her husband, Doug, Shelley Earhart and Rhonda McMillen, all of Ravenna; 20 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, three sisters, one brother and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 25 January, 2010
IBSEN, Dale, 86, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at St. John's Good Samaritan center
Services: Thursday, First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: First Lutheran Church or to AseraCare Hospice
Born Feb. 9, 1923, south of Holdrege in Harlan County
Parents: Lars and Marie (Rasmussen) Ibsen
Grew up in several farming communities; attended grade school at District 8 in Phelps County and graduated from Atlanta High School in 1940
Farmed with his father in Phelps and Harlan counties; in 1942 moved north of Kearney
Married: May 18, 1946, to Doris Walline in Norton, Kan.
Began their married life together on the farm north of Kearney
Began his trucking business in the late 1970s; was blessed with good health that allowed him to continue driving his truck until he was 82 years young
Activities: enjoyed playing baseball in Kearney and at Haven's Chapel until 1976; also enjoyed watching baseball, waterfowl hunting, bowling and playing cards; loved spending time with his family; family, faith, farming and fellowship were four cornerstones in his life; member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney for 65 years
Survivors include his wife of nearly 64 years; daughter, Judy Kuebler and her husband, Bob, of Kearney; son, Jerry Ibsen and his wife, Patty, of Kearney; sister, Hazel Arterburn and her husband, Keith, of McCook; brother-in-law, Don Frisell of Holdrege; grandchildren, Heath Kuebler, Courtney Brightman and her husband, Brian, Chris Ibsen and his wife, Aimee, Blake Kuebler and his wife, Kristi, Jen Vescio and her husband, Bob, and Amy Goldsmith and her husband, Aaron; and great-grandchildren, Spencer and Senna Brightman, Carter and Carson Ibsen, Kaelin, Cameron and Quinn Kuebler, Sam, Max and Ava Vescio and Drew Goldsmith
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Elaine Brady, Harriet Frisell and Jeanette Bryant
Kearney Hub, 27 January, 2010
SWANSON, Lindsay J., 19, of Urbandale, Iowa, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, as the result of an automobile accident in Windsor Heights
Services: Friday, Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney
Burial: Haven's Chapel
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: family or the Young Life Youth Fellowship
Born June 27, 1990, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Graduated from Kearney High School in 2008; recently graduated from LaJames International Cosmetology School in Des Moines
Activities: member of the Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney and the Young Life Youth Fellowship; was a devoted daughter, sister and friend; loved to dance and to make people laugh and feel good
Survivors include her parents, Brad and Jodi Cordle of Kearney; brother, Blaiden Cordle of Kearney; sisters, Bailey Cordle and Zoe Cordle, both of Kearney; grandparents, Ellen Swanson and Ted Swanson, both of Kearney, and Pat and Wayne Woodside of Odessa, Neb.; special friend, Joe Kennebeck of Urbandale; aunts and uncles, Lars and Lori Paulsen of Michigan, Jeff and Beth Cordle of Odessa, Paul Helleberg, Rob and Cindy Wilson, Russ Swanson and A.J. Brophy, and Carol Swanson and Gene Freeze, all of Kearney, and Corey and Nancy Swanson of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous cousins
Was preceded in death by two great-grandmothers; grandparents, Marge and Ed Geiger; aunt, Cheryl Helleberg; and special friend, Cody Clausen
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2010
BACON, Alfreda Elizabeth, 96, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Wed-nesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: Saturday, First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial of cremains: Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born Aug. 15, 1913, in Cozad
Parents: Floyd and Nellie (Harrington) Roach
Married: Dec. 18, 1934, to Carl Bacon in Lexington. He died in 1996
Survivors include her son, David of Kearney; daughters, Barbara Reed of Kearney and Jean Fujimura of Lodi, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 January, 2010
ANDERSON, Warren J., 84, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: to be designated later
Born March 18, 1925, in Phelps County
Parents: Walter and Esther (Pearson) Anderson
Grew up in Phelps County
Married: Feb. 24, 1945, to Celia Bartlett in Atwood, Kan. She died Nov. 8, 1999
Moved to Minnesota in 1960; after five years, moved to Kearney
Farmed for 30 years and was a plumber for 25 years
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, the Eagles and the Elks; enjoyed gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family
Survivors include his sons, Rick Anderson and his wife, Sandy, of Madison Lake, Minn., and Danial Anderson of Cass Lake, Minn.; daughter, Rhonda Knapp and her husband, Ron, of Elm Creek; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Anderson of Florida and Ronald Anderson and his wife, Dorothy, of Hemet, Calif.; sister-in-law, Daisy Manders of Longville, Minn.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; infant son, Steven James; sister, Irene Hein; brothers, Eugene "Bud" Anderson, Joyce Anderson, Dwayne Anderson and LeRoy Anderson; brothers-in-law, Don Hein, Doug Thompson, Vince Murdock, Bill Manders and Ellsworth Bartlett; and sisters-in-law, Darline, Ardis, Lillian, Opal, Josephine and LaDonna Anderson, Anita Thompson, Bertha Murdock and Maggie Bartlett
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2010
WOODS, Rita B., 92, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: McCook
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Born March 6, 1917, in Columbus
Parents: Albert and Rosalina (Vanderheiden) Schaaf. Grew in Kearney, father was ranch manager for the 1733 Ranch; also lived in Hastings and McCook; graduated from McCook High School
Married: Nov. 7, 1940, to Earl Woods in McCook. He preceded her in death
Lived in California, Omaha, Kearney, Chadron and Ogallala; was employed by Kearney Public Schools, Bea's Floral and Kearney Catholic Schools
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; was a Cub Scout leader
Survivors include her son, James Woods of Kearney; daughter, Linda Myers and her husband, Dwain, of Auburn; grandchildren, Thomas Myers of Hazel Green, Wis., Timothy Myers and his wife, Shelly, of Lincoln and Samuel Myers of Omaha; one great-grandchild; and sister, Mary Forgue of McCook
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Myron and Mark Schaaf; and sisters, Angela Budig and Thelma Meyer
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2010
GROW, Aaron Robert, 42, of Hill City, South Dakota, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, while working at the family ranch near Hill City
Services: Tuesday, Little White Church in Hill City
Burial: Hill City Cemetery
Mortuary: Osheim & Schmidt in Rapid City
Memorials: the Little White Church Building Fund
Born Nov. 21, 1967, in Osmond, Neb.
Parents: Robert and Theresa Grow
Grew up in Kearney, Neb., graduated from Kearney High School in 1986; earned bachelor's degree in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1992; earned master's degree in community counseling from UNK in 2000, was certified as a mental health practitioner
Worked at McDonald's and Coleman Powermate in Kearney and mental health professional occupations at various locations in Nebraska and South Dakota; was a personal counselor at UNK and at Chadron State College; was accepted into the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, 2005
Had resided at the Mills Ranch near Hill City since September 2005
Activities: enjoyed music, film, reading, financial investing, spirituality, hiking, fishing and mountain climbing; was a talented cartoonist and writer; enjoyed his travels to Lithuania, Japan, Chile and Canada; enjoyed thought-provoking discussions; loved animals and nature
Survivors include his father and stepmother, Robert and Barbara Grow of Beatrice, Neb.; companion, Molly Albrecht of Rapid City; stepbrother, Robert Stwalley of La Porta, Iowa; stepsister, Theresa Araujo of Overton, Neb.; aunt, Lynda Lee Fisher of Crawford, Neb.; and his paternal grandmother, Corlee Mills of Crawford
Was preceded in death by his mother and his grandfather, Franklin Mills
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2010
LAMBERT, Betty, 87, of Ravenna died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Rose Lane Home in Loup City
Services: Tuesday, Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery
Was born Jan. 6, 1923, in Beatrice
Parents: James and Marie (Albright) Walters
Was educated at Beatrice High School and Salvation Army Seminary in Chicago
Married: Nov. 17, 1944, to Ervin "Erv" Lambert. He died Feb. 27, 2000
Assisted her husband on their farm near Kearney; lived in Ravenna after 1955
Survivors include her sons, James of Grand Island and Ervin Jr. and his wife, Nurita, of Axtell; daughters, Dorothy Uhrmacher and her husband, Greg, of Grand Island and Donna Lambert of Ravenna; and grandchildren, Jayleen and Erin Lambert of Axtell, Bo Uhrmacher and his wife, Kristen, of St. Paul and Gregory Uhrmacher of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 1 February, 2010
ALTMAIER, Mildred, 76, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Wednesday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church, Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial or Birthright
Born Sept. 8, 1933, near Poole
Parents: John and Fabian (Moritz) Schuller
Graduated from Ravenna High School, earned a teachers certificate from Kearney State Teachers College
Married: Dec. 31, 1956, to Robert Altmaier at St. Wenceslas Catholic Church near Ravenna. He preceded her in death
Taught school at a number of rural Buffalo County schools; later worked in food service
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, Catholic Daughters, the Buffalo County Extension Club, Birthright; volunteered as a 4-H leader; enjoyed crafts, reading, gardening and watching public television
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta and Warren Solomon of Kearney and Gwen and Steve Ziemba of Columbus; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Barbara Altmaier and Keith and Lori Altmaier, all of Kearney, Robert Altmaier Jr. and Cindy Ricketts of Lincoln and Christopher and Sarah Altmaier of Pleasanton; several nieces and nephews; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Stanley Schuller; sister, Alice Chop; and granddaughter, Emily Altmaier
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2010
O'BRIEN, John W., 79, of Beatrice, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Beatrice Community Hospital
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann in Kearney and Ord Memorial Chapel
Born Feb. 21, 1930, near Cairo
Parents: John and Mary (Hostler) O'Brien. Memorials: University of Nebraska at Kearney Foundation or Kensington Assisted Living in Beatrice
Graduated from Grand Island High School in 1947; in Grand Island, worked for Nash Finch and O.P. Skaggs in the meat departments
On Dec. 26, 1950, he married Phyllis Treon in Grand Island. Military: U.S. Air Force with the 3320th Technical Training Wing at Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas, 1950-1954
Moved to Fairbury, drove a bread truck for Continental Baking Co. 1955-1962; moved to Kearney, sold insurance for Investors Life Insurance Co.; owned and operated Irish Acres Quarter Horses, 1970-1983; then went back to selling insurance for Equitable Life Insurance Co.; also owned and operated Platte Valley Transfer Service and worked part time for O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, served as an usher for many years; member of Rob Morris Masonic Lodge in Kearney, the Tehama Shrine at Hastings and the American Legion; had been a member of the Kearney Elks Lodge; was one of the organizers of the first United Way fund drive in Kearney; was active in the Jaycees, had been involved with the Miss Nebraska Pageant; loved watching his grandchildren's sporting events, was an avid fan of the University of Nebraska at Kearney athletics, especially the women's volleyball and basketball
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Deb Roehr and her husband, Dean, of Beatrice; son, Randy O'Brien and his wife, Vicki, of Ord; grandchildren, Jill Steel and her husband, Corey, and Travis Roehr and his wife, Katie, all of Hickman, Ryan Nootz and his wife, Suzy, of Lincoln, Tim O'Brien and his wife, Amy, and Riley O'Brien, all of Waverly, and Brett O'Brien and Mackenzie O'Brien, both of Ord; great-grandchildren, Payten and Caden Steel, Sydney Roehr and Conner Nootz; sisters, Lola Scott of Edinburg, Texas, and Betty Johnson and her husband, Chuck, of Kearney; and brothers, Hubert O'Brien and his wife, Phyllis, of Ponca and Stephen O'Brien and his wife, Lori, of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Kathleen; and infant brother, Gary
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2010
McCLURE, Margaret, 86, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Memorial services: Thursday, St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Inurnment: church columbarium
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Kearney Public Schools Foundation or MONA
Born Aug. 12, 1923, in Kearney
Parents: Hugo and Minnie (Johnson) Johnson
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1940; graduated from Kearney State Teachers College, taught school in Sidney and Grand Island
Married: Dec. 26, 1949, to Harold "Mac" McClure in Kearney
Taught kindergarten in Kearney Public Schools for many years, retired 1987
Activities: member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney, was a Sunday school teacher, member of the church choir and Altar Guild; was the member of the longest chronological standing in the parish records; member of PEO Chapter EG, did volunteer work at the Museum of Nebraska Art and Good Samaritan Hospital, was a past board member of the Kearney State College Alumni Association; belonged to the Kearney Education Association, Nebraska Education Association and National Education Association, lifetime member of the PTA; enjoyed traveling and kept meticulous journals of her travels; was an avid reader but most of all enjoyed teaching
Survivors include her husband; son, Patrick McClure of Seattle; daughter, Jane McClure of Kearney; and cousin, Barbara Bock Mavis of Omaha
Was preceded in death by one sister
Kearney Hub, 2 February, 2010
BRINKER, Mathilda C. "Tillie", 88, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at her home
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Born Oct. 25, 1921, in Bonesteel, S.D.
Parents: William and Cecelia (Ventiecher) Schmitz
She grew up and attended Catholic school in Bonesteel. Married: May 20, 1943, to Myron Brinker in Camp McCoy, Wis. He died in 2000.
Moved to Kearney, 1951
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church and the church Altar Society; did volunteer work at Good Samaritan Hospital with the Hospital Service League and with the American Red Cross
Survivors include her daughters, Ruth Becker and her husband, Bryan, of Houston and Connie Anderson and her husband, Jim, of Kearney; grandchildren, Stacy Lotzkar and her husband, Stephen, of Sammamish, Wash., Becky Deitemeyer and her husband, Eric, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., Andrea Cooley and her husband, Ross, of Austin, Texas, and Michael Becker and his wife, Mary Ellen, of Houston; great-grandchildren, Justin, Connor, Ashley and Caroline Lotzkar, Ross, Finnegan and Preston Cooley and Milo Deitemeyer; and sister, Philomena Koenig of Fairfax, S.D.
Was preceded in death by her husband eight brothers and one sister. Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2010
DROWN, Florence, 95, of Ravenna died Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Dec. 17, 1914, in Howard County
Parents: Robert and Pauline (Roschynialski) Wieczorek
Grew up on the family farm in Howard County
Married: 1934 to Gerald Drown. He preceded her in death
Lived Ravenna; with husband, owned and operated Drown IGA grocery store for 20 years
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna; enjoyed gardening, especially flowers
Survivors include her son, Gary Drown and his wife, Judy, of Kearney; son-in-law, Bill McCullough of Windsor, Colo.; brother, Stanley of Caldwell, Idaho; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Shirley Jo McCullough, and six siblings
Kearney Hub, 3 February, 2010
SHAFER, Melvin Edwin "Mel", 89, of Colfax, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, in Colfax
Services: Jan. 25 , Lassila Funeral Chapel in Auburn
Burial: Colfax, California
Born April 19, 1920, in Funk, Neb.
Parents: Lloyd and Jesse (Lawson) Shafer
Grew up in and around Kearney
Married: Aug. 2, 1941, to Margaret Reinhardt in Little Rock, Ark. She died Dec. 23, 1999
Military: served in the European Campaign during World War II
Returned to Kearney, worked for Peterson's Motors, a Nash dealer; moved to Colfax, California, 1952
Survivors include his sons, Melvin "Lou" of Roseville and Michael of Colfax; brother, Myron of Colfax; sisters, Phyllis Mazankowski of Weimar and Norma Harvey of Texas; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife; and brothers, Gerald, LeRoy "Bud," Dale, Lyle and Ralph
Kearney Hub, 4 February, 2010
REITER, Paul R., 90, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Saturday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Born Nov. 25, 1919, in Buffalo County in the Haven's Chapel area
Parents: Robert and Minnie (Winkler) Reiter
Moved to the Elm Creek area in 1925, attended District 93 school in Buffalo County
Worked on the family farm and for other farmers in the area; helped provide for his family during World War II by working around the family farm; moved to Kearney in 1976; worked as a handyman and mowed lawns for many people in town
Activities: attended church at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include his sister, Dorothy Peterson and her husband, Cliff, of Kearney; nephew, Curt Peterson and his wife, Cathy, of Omaha; and nieces, Joyce Valdez and her husband, Paul, of Littleton, Colo., and Elaine Weaver and her husband, Gary, of Castle Rock, Colo.
Was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Reiter, and brother, Dan Reiter
Kearney Hub, 5 February, 2010
WOMMER, Jean L., 87, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Saturday, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Liberty Cemetery near Minden
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann in Kearney
Memorials: World Wide Fistula Fund
Born May 6, 1922, in Boulder, Colo.
Parents: Henry and Margaret (Couch) Taylor. Grew up in Wyoming and Colorado; was baptized as a child at the Presbyterian Church in Midwest, Wyo.
Married: Feb. 19, 1944, to Donald Wommer at the Mariner's Chapel in Boston. He preceded her in death
Was a Navy wife for 14 years; traveled and lived many places; worked for the U.S. Air Force Base at Casper for two years during World War II; also worked for the U.S. Geological Survey office in Midwest
After husband's Navy retirement, they farmed for 31 years northeast of Minden, raised registered Hereford cattle; enjoyed helping with the newborn calves, and gardening
Activities: member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney, was involved in many Bible study groups with Stonecroft Ministries, taught Sunday school, youth club and Inter-City's Bible clubs and did lots of volunteer work in her community and Navy Relief offices; helped organize the Liberty Belle's Extension Club in her neighborhood; lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Survivors include her daughter, Karianne Wyse and her husband, Gene, of Kearney; grandchildren, Ben Wyse of Kearney and Laura Amos and her husband, Mike, of Baltimore; sister, Virginia Boston of Torrington, Wyo.; sisters-in-law, Edna Brumbaugh of Omaha, Elaine Haws and Lee Isla Wommer, both of Minden, and Jean Taylor of Casper, Wyo.; and many nephews, nieces and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother, two sisters and two brothers-in-law
Kearney Hub, 5 February, 2010