Page 65
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
Back to Index for Obituaries
KLINKACEK, Louie E., 85, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, at Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island.
Services: later
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: St. Francis Medical Center Hospice or the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island
Born June 29, 1922, in Shelton
Parents: Louie and Anna (Yendra) Klinkacek
Attended school in Shelton
Military: U.S. Army; joined in 1942, served in the 91st Infantry Division in North Africa, Italy and Japan during World War II
Worked at Baldwin Filters and the Nebraska Department of Roads; retired in 1984
Survivors include his nieces, Vangie Head and Elaine Richter, both of Kearney, Jeanne Christensen of Haviland, Kan., and Vicki Gilliand of Ravenna; and friend, Pat Head of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Klinkacek; and sisters, Elsie Burton and Rose Miller
Kearney Hub, 26 February, 2008
CAMPBELL, Aletha M., 99, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven's Chapel north of Kearney
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Hoeger Nursing Scholarship Fund with Good Samaritan Society
Born Jan. 23, 1909, in Kearney
Parents: Elmer and Mable Allen
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School; attended nurses training at State Normal School in Kearney
Married: Feb. 27, 1929, to Everett Campbell in Kearney. He died in 2000
With husband, farmed north of Kearney in the Haven's Chapel area; retired 1994; had been a resident of St. John's since 2001
Activities: charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Survivors include her daughter, Sally Asay of Woodruff, Kan.; and seven great-grandchildren; also grandchildren, Thomas Asay of Omaha, Timothy Asay of Alma, Theador Asay of Kearney and Kathleen Gregory of Mesa, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by her husband and twin daughters
Kearney Hub, 27 February, 2008
ROMATZKE, Lois L., 89, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday, Overton United Methodist Church
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: Overton United Methodist Church or Regency Retirement Center in Kearney
Born March 14, 1918, in rural Johnson County north of Tecumseh
Parents: Hugh and Mary (Seckman) Jones
Attended rural schools in Johnson County and school in Palo Alto, Calif., then returned to Nebraska and graduated from Overton High School in 1936; received her teaching certificate from Kearney Normal School, taught in rural Dawson County schools southwest of Overton and southeast of Lexington
Married: June 9, 1941, to Arthur "Art" Romatzke in Overton. He died Dec. 12, 1994
During World War II when husband was overseas, returned to teaching and also worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Denver
After husband's honorable discharge, couple owned and operated Overton Funeral Home; retired in 1974 to Johnson Lake; moved to Kearney to Regency Retirement Center in 1993
Activities: member of Overton United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and of the Overton American Legion Auxiliary, was a board member at Regency and volunteered for the Good Samaritan Hospital Service League; enjoyed spending time with her family and was an avid bridge and card player
Survivors include her sons, Ron of Cedaredge, Colo., and Dale of Kearney; also daughters-in-law, Jane of Cedaredge and Linda of Kearney; grandchildren, Tia Capobianco and her husband, Tom, of Holliston, Mass.; Jon Romatzke and his wife, Kelly, of Parachute, Colo., and Andy Romatzke and Scott Romatzke, both of Kearney; and great-granddaughters, Adeline and Grace Capobianco, both of Holliston
Was preceded in death by her husband, and brother Hugh Thomas Jones.
Kearney Hub, 27 February, 2008
ENDICOTT, Virginia M., 87, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: 27 Febr., Godberson Mortuary in Gibbon
Burial: Graceland Cemetery in Creston, Iowa
Born Feb. 5, 1921, in Afton, Iowa
Parents: Leo and Francis (Peterson) Kelly
Married: July 1, 1939, to Ambros Johnson
Married: Forest "Frosty" Howell. He died in 1970
Married: 1971, to Rex Endicott in Oxnard, Calif. He died in 1999
Survivors include her son, Sidney Howell of Nucla, Colo.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and stepdaughter, Rexann Pahl of California
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2008
HARRIS, Irene L., 87, of North Platte died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte
Services: Friday, Litchfield Christian Church
Burial of cremains: Pleasant Valley Cemetery 10 miles south of Litchfield
Born March 21, 1920, in Custer County near Sartoria
Parents: George and Pearl (Eldridge) Cherry
Married: Aug. 2, 1944, to Kenneth Harris in Litchfield
Survivors include her husband; son, Ronald of Malvern, Pa.; daughters, Donna Raaberg of Bremerton, Wash., and Debie Dunsmoor of Pueblo West, Colo.; sisters, Violet Fread of Kearney and Shirley Roberts of Milford, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 February, 2008
LOSCHEN, Irene Mae, 95, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Monday, Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church, Royal Family Kid Kamps or the donor's choice
Born July 26, 1912, in Upland
Parents: Sylvester and Nellie (Ganger) Soucie
Grew up in the Upland area
Married: June 18, 1933, to George Loschen in Hildreth. He preceded her in death
Lived in Lexington; was the owner of Ma's Kitchen and the G&I Ceramic Shop; charter member of Grace Lutheran Church, was active in the Women's Guild and was a Sunday school teacher; enjoyed camping with the Good Samaritan Camping Club; loved doing and teaching ceramics, knitting, crocheting, camping, fishing, and being with family; enjoyed playing cards and bingo at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Survivors include her son, Marvin of Lexington; daughter, Phyllis Murrish of Kearney; brother, Bud Soucie of Campbell; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; also daughters-in-law, Patsy Loschen of Lexington and Brenda Loschen of Evansville, Ind.; and sister-in-law, Ann Soucie of Campbell
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Larry; two granddaughters; son-in-law, Keith; brothers, Leo, Oliver, Calvin and Dwaine; and sisters, Olive, Stella and Blanche
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2008
CARTER, Donna K., 67, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Graveside services: Monday, St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Cambridge
Mortuary: Lockenour-Jones in Cambridge
Born June 20, 1940, in Leon, Iowa
Parents: Harlan and Rosa (Cooper) Kneedler
Married: May 22, 1971, to Roger Carter. He died Dec. 24, 1981
Survivors include her sons, Tom Reiss of Cozad, Tim Reiss of Lincoln, Terry Reiss of Branson, Mo., and Todd of Kearney; daughters, Tammy Sherman of Omaha and Tiffany Sutton of Grand Island; brothers, Jack Kneedler of Medford, Ore., Jim Kneedler of Houston and Bob Kneedler of Oklahoma City; sisters, Joan Bienhoff of Bloomington and Barbara Kneedler and Kathy Kneedler, both of Medford; and 14 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2008
McADAMS, Russell L., 93, of Loveland, Colorado, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, in Loveland
Services: Friday, Lincoln (Neb.) Memorial Funeral Home
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park
Born Nov. 30, 1914, in Western, Neb.
Parents: Perry and Clara McAdams
Grew up working on farms around southeast Nebraska
Married: Aug. 20, 1939, to Nola Kilzer. She preceded him in death
Lived in Lincoln; worked for Peterson Construction Co. more than 30 years, building many houses across Lincoln and Lancaster County;retired, 1979; moved to Kearney, Neb.; 2004, moved to Loveland to be near son
Survivors include his sons, Douglas of Eaton and Gayle of Ellicott City, Md.; and sister, Ollie Mae Tyser; also daughters-in-law, Linda McAdams of Eaton and Ellen McAdams of Ellicott City; and grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Mark and Elena
Was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Glen, and sister, Bernice
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2008
SPESSARD, Rosemary J., 74, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Monday, First Baptist Church
Burial: Windsor (Ill.) Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: International Mission Board Southern Association, designated to Thai Missions
Born May 5, 1933, in Greenup, Ill.
Parents: Hollie and Inez (Titus) Spessard
Graduated from Windsor High School in 1951; earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Illinois, later obtained her master’s degree in nursing from the university
Spent the majority of her life as a career missionary in Bangkla, Thailand, and also in Bangkok; was a language specialist and could speak many of the Southeast Asian languages; was especially fluent in Thai, Japanese and Chinese; will be remembered for her traditional Christmas treats of home-baked chiffon cakes and cookies
Activities: member of First Baptist Church in Kearney, the Southern Baptist Nursing Association and the City Hospital Alumni Association in St. Louis
Survivors include her sister, Linda Schueth of Kearney; also her adopted “son,” Sovann Nquon of the Netherlands; brother-in-law, Leo Schueth of Kearney; special friends, Don and Helen Dillow of McKinney, Texas, Myron and Margie Dillow of Springfield, Mo., and Vera Gardener of Wichita, Kan.; and numerous missionary friends and colleagues
Was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Verlin Spessard and William Spessard
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2008
TROTT, Willis Ray, 85, of Poway, California, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, at Remington Club Health Care in Rancho Bernardo
Burial: in January at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery near San Diego
Born Jan. 10, 1922, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Louis and Eleanor (Knutson) Trott
Grew up on a farm in the Platte River Valley, attended a one-room rural school; graduated from Kearney High School in 1938
Married: Aug. 18, 1951, to Kathleen Markey in Lincoln, Neb.
Was in college when the National Guard was mobilized in 1940; went overseas as part of Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army and landed at Utah Beach with supplies the day after American forces landed at Omaha Beach; was discharged in November 1945
Returned to college at Nebraska Wesleyan and earned a bachelor of arts degree in business and history; earned his master’s degree at the University of Denver, also attended Georgetown University; his part-time work while in college developed into a full-time career; retired as vice president in charge of sales at ALCOA
Survivors include his wife; son, Greg of Poway; daughter, Susan Hadley of Encinitas; and sisters, Jean Felkins of Poway, Gladys Wayman of Crown Point, Ind., and Irma of Lincoln, Neb.; also son-in-law, Robert Hadley of Encinitas; and grandsons, Dylan, Brettan and Devan, all of Encinitas
Was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard, in 2005
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2008
TROTTA, Mitchell James "Jim", Jr., 61, of Clearwater, Florida, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at his home
Services: March 1, in Florida
Born May 11, 1946, in Tampa
Parents: M.J. Sr. and Frances (Odman) Trotta
Married: July 22, 1972, to Carol Moody in Reno, Nev.
Survivors include his sons, James of Clearwater and Steven and Jeff, both of Grand Island; brothers, Jeff and Stephen, both of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Michelle of Lake Charles, La.; and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2008
JENSEN, Ernest “Ernie”, 64, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Mount Carmel Keens Memorial Home
Services: Tuesday, First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Cozad Cemetery, military honors
Mortuary: Berryman in Cozad
A memorial has been established
Born Jan. 17, 1944, in Inglewood, Calif.
Parents: Ernest and La Vaughn (Hathaway) Jensen
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1962; attended Kearney State College, studied fine arts
Military: entered the U.S. Army, 1966; served at Fort Riley, Kan., as a medic
After discharge, lived in Kearney; worked as a barber
Married: Dec. 8, 1989, he married Judy Wenburg
Retired from barbering, Aug. 3, 1998, because of health; had owned and operated Ernie's Barber Shop for more than 25 years
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney and the American Legion; loved cooking, fishing and spending time with his family; especially enjoyed photography, several of his photographs were published in various magazines; 13 of his photographs were finalist contest entries on the international level
Survivors include his wife; sons, Jeff of Ravenna and Scott of Willis, Texas; daughter, Carrie of Kearney; brother, Richard of Kearney; and three grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Kim Jensen of Ravenna and Joni Jensen of Willis; and nephew, Drew Jensen of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 2 March, 2008
ROBINSON, Timothy M., 32, of Clearwater, Florida, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at his home
Services: Wednesday, O’Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Kearney
Memorials: to the family
Born Dec. 11, 1975, in Kearney
Parents: Barry and Dorothy (Bacon) Robinson
Attended Kenwood Elementary and Kearney High School
Worked at Skeeter Barnes and Country Kitchen in Kearney; moved to Clearwater, 2007, and worked at Outback Steakhouse; enjoyed repairing cars; attended the Church of the Nazarene
Survivors include his parents of Kearney; brother, Michael of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and grandmother, Doris Bacon of Kearney; also aunts and uncles
Was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Virginia and Jesse Robinson, and his maternal grandfather, Howard Bacon
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2008
BRESSLER, Evelyn A., 88, of Edison, New Jersey, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at JFK Hartwyck Edison Estates
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon, Neb.
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Born on Sept. 23, 1919, in Gibbon
Parents: Arthur and Sarah (Reynolds) Giffin
Graduated from Gibbon High School in 1937
Married: June 29, 1937, to Clifford Bressler in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Worked for Wearever Co. in the western Kansas area until 1941; moved to Wichita, 1941, worked as a nurse's aide during and after World War II; member of Glenville Bible Church in Wichita for many years
Moved back home to Kearney, 1977, after her husband of 40 years and her son, Gary, died within weeks of each other Moved from Kearney, 2001, to live with her daughter, Marcia, and family in New Jersey; had been a resident of JFK care center in Edison since November 2005; Activities: especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her daughter, Marcia Kuonen of Newtown, Pa.; and brother, Maurice Giffin of Kearney; also son-in-law, Christopher Kuonen of Newtown; grandson, Cody Buck of East Brunswick; granddaughter, Heidi Buck of Milltown; and 27 nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by husband; her parents, one son, one sister, two brothers and one aunt
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2008
BERNS, Martha I., 95, of Kearney died Sunday, March 2, 2008, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday, First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud
Burial: Plainview Cemetery in Bladen
Mortuary: Simonson-Williams in Red Cloud
Born June 30, 1912, in Culbertson
Parents: Roy and Hazel (Bymer) Stewart
Married: June 17, 1934, to Herman Berns. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Don of Hastings and Gary of Broken Bow; daughters, Phyllis Osthoff of Athol, Kan., Virginia Kotschwar of Kearney, Sharon Couch of Pauls Valley, Okla., B.J. Schnabel of Gilbert, Ariz., Carol Post of Lincoln and Dianna Ferris of Hastings; brothers, Orville and Wayne Stewart; sisters, Edna VanFleet, Lorna Trupp, Dottie White and Joan Gillen; 27 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2008
SAPKOTA, Prabesh L., 3, of Kearney, son of Pradeep and Jennifer (Combs) Sapkota, died Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Memorial services: Wednesday, First Lutheran Church Body will be cremated
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann Kearney
Memorials: Children's American Cancer Society or the Leukemia and Cancer Research Foundation
Born on March 21, 2004, in Kearney
Parents: Pradeep and Jennifer (Combs) Sapkota
Attended preschool at UNMC; enjoyed music, dancing, swimming, camping and playing computer games and action movies, especially "Spider-Man" and "The Incredibles"; member of the church
Survivors include his parents of Kearney; and grandparents, Shiva and Nirmala Sapkota of Kathmandu, Nepal, and Bruce and Jan Jamison of Kearney; also aunts and uncles, Deepa Sharma of Herndon, Va., Achala Sharma of Kearney, Justin and Amber King of Chadron and Ashlea Combs and Tana and Matthew Jamison, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Delbert Leo and Carolee Ann King of Burwell and his paternal great-grandparents of Nepal
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2008
SCHULTE, Angeline M., 89, of rural Pleasanton died Sunday, March 2, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Prairie Center north of Kearney
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Born June 30, 1918, north of Riverdale
Parents: George and Mary (Schram) Eisele
Grew up in the Riverdale area, attended District 55 school; graduated from Riverdale High School in 1936
Married: April 26, 1938, to Mathias Schulte at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Prairie Center. He died in 1989
With husband, farmed in the Prairie Center area of Buffalo County
Activities: lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Prairie Center, member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney at the time of her death; belonged to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and was active in the Pleasanton Community card group
Survivors include her son, Robert of Pleasanton; brother, Raymond Eisele of Kearney; and sister, Lucille Geisler of Lincoln; also daughter-in-law, Darleen Schulte of Pleasanton; grandchildren, Paul Schulte of Omaha, Jeremy Schulte and his wife, Stacy, and Timothy Schulte and his wife, Shanna, all of Kearney, Jonathan Schulte and his wife, Marche', of Atkinson and Lisa Schulte-Brown and her husband, Tony, of Los Altos, Calif.; and great-grandchildren, Mathias, Braden and Ella Angeline Schulte
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2008
SEGARD, Arlene V., 91, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Thursday, First Church of the Nazarene
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Born June 26, 1916, in Hyannis
Parents: Paul and Cecile (Marshall) Schufeldt
Graduated from Arnold High School in 1934, attended Kearney State College for three years; taught school from 1935-1939 in the Arnold area
Married: June 1, 1939, to George Segard in Milburn
Lived in Kearney; later taught school for four years in the Kearney area; member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Kearney and of the WCTU
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Sharon Jacobs of Spring, Texas, and Lenita Richards of LaQuinta, Calif.; brothers, Elton Schufeldt of Wyoming and Darl Schufeldt of Bellevue; and sister, Maurine Cooper of Oscaloosa, Iowa; also son-in-law, Jim Jacobs of Spring; grandchildren, Sandra Bradly, Valarie Franklin and Jimmy Jacobs; great-grandchildren, Daniel and Bethany Bradly; and special friends, Don and Jeannette Hollis of Kearney
Was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 4 March, 2008
GRUNTORAD, Nicholas W., 81, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial services: later; body was cremated
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann of Kearney and Elm Creek
Memorials: to the family.
Born Jan. 12, 1927, in Elm Creek
Parents: James and Anna (Thinnes) Gruntorad
Grew up in Elm Creek and attended the East 12 School
Military: joined U.S. Army in 1945 during World War II; after discharge, returned to the Elm Creek area
Married: April 12, 1950, to Marilyn Carlson in Elm Creek
Lived in Elm Creek; worked for Harold Moles; worked as a mechanic and owned Elm Creek Repair and later was employed by the University of Nebraska at Kearney; also worked for area farmers
Activities: member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek; 52-year member of the Elm Creek Fire Department and Rescue unit; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, member of the military honor guard that assisted with funerals; enjoyed fishing and hunting
Survivors include his wife; sons, Steve of Elm Creek and Mark of Taloga, Okla.; and brother, Ed of Overton; also grandsons, Scott of Washington, D.C., and Derek of Elm Creek; granddaughters, Darci of Elm Creek, Nicole of Omaha and Chelsea of Sheldon, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Carson Gruntorad of Elm Creek and Kinsley Rector of Sheldon; sister-in-law, Isabel Gruntorad of Overton; and Cary Gruntorad, Alec Rector and Brittany Wilson; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his daughter, Pam; his parents; and brothers, James and Leo
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2008
McINTOSH, Andrew James "Andy", 82, of Gibbon died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at his home
Services: Monday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors
Mortuary: Godberson of Gibbon/Shelton
Born Oct. 7, 1925, in Missouri Valley, Iowa
Parents: Oscar and Josephine (Shannon) McIntosh
Married: April 5, 1990, to Marlyn (Boltz) Musil in Las Vegas
Survivors include his wife; son, John Mapel of Forsyth, Mont.; daughters, Diane Lowell of Grand Island and Debbie Reed of Columbus; brother, Wendell of Salina, Kan.; sister, Geraldine Mickey of Missouri Valley, Iowa; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; stepsons, Leonard Musil of Adams and Keith Musil of Kearney; stepdaughters, Donna Bilslend of Wood River, Karen Hoard of Alda, Sharon Zavala of Grand Island, JoAnn Smets of Kearney and Jeanette Giesenhagen of Holdrege; 22 stepgrandchildren; and 18 stepgreat-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 7 March, 2008
PRATT, Evelyn M., 87, of Kearney, formerly of Riverdale, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Saturday, Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst or the Riverdale Cemetery Association
Born Feb. 22, 1921, near Amherst
Parents: William and Anna (Adelung) Wild
Received her education at Liberty Hill District 80
Married: 1945, to LeRoy Prascher. He died in January 1946
Married: Nov. 10, 1949, to LaVerne Pratt in Franklin. He died July 5, 2001
Lived in Riverdale, husband was associated with the State Bank of Riverdale where he served as president until his death in 2001
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church, LWML and the Kensington Club; enjoyed gardening, cooking, family activities and spending time with her grandchildren
Survivors include her sons, David and Timothy, both of Riverdale, and Denis of Kearney; daughter, Jolene Allberry of North Platte; sisters, Rita Albright of Kearney and Selma Florang of Riverdale; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Christy Pratt and Charlene Pratt, both of Riverdale, and Sandy Pratt of Kearney; son-in-law, Tom Allberry of North Platte; and brother-in-law, LaVerne Florang of Riverdale
Was preceded in death by her husbands; two brothers and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 7 March, 2008
JAMESON, Gene B., 79, of Amherst died Thursday, March 6, 2008, at BryanLGH Medical Center East in Lincoln
Services: Monday, Amherst United Methodist Church
Burial: Stanley Cemetery at Amherst
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: Amherst United Methodist Church or Gideons International
Born Aug. 16, 1928, near Amherst
Parents: Charles and Ethel (Hargleroad) Jameson
Attended school in Amherst, graduated from Amherst High School in 1945
Married: Jan. 30, 1949, to Edith Hendershot in Tulsa, Okla.
Lived on farm northwest of Amherst; farmed, leveled land and drilled water wells
Activities: lifetime member of Amherst United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school and served as a youth leader; member of the Buffalo County Farm Bureau, Buffalo County Zoning Commission, Gideons International and Wycliffe Bible Translators; went on several short-term mission trips to other countries, mostly with Wycliffe Bible Translators; thoroughly enjoyed meeting the national people and teaching them to drill wells; enjoyed sharing his faith with everyone he met
Survivors include his wife; sons, Jerry of Amherst, Dave of Stromsburg and Dan of Roca; daughters, Donna Howe of Lincoln and Cindy Hall of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother, Arvenne of Amherst; sister, Dorothy Hendershot of Tyler, Texas; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Mary Jameson of Stromsburg and Donna Jameson of Roca; sons-in-law, Dan Howe of Lincoln and Gary Hall of Colorado Springs; sister-in-law, Elsie Jameson of Amherst; and brother-in-law, Charles Hendershot of Tyler
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darryl; and sister, Barbara Taylor
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2008
McCARTHY, Mary Jean, 81, of Kearney died Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Homestead Assisted Living
Services: Monday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church or Asera Care Hospice
Born May 25, 1926, in rural Buffalo County
Parents: John and Josephine (Vermuelen) Schmitz
Graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1943
Married: June 13, 1949, to Robert McCarthy in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Lived in Kearney, Madison, Grand Island, Gothenburg and Ainsworth while husband managed J.M. McDonalds Clothing Store; then owned and operated McCarthy's Clothing in Ainsworth, 1983 - 1990; moved to Kearney in September 1997
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, the Wednesday Bible Study and the Altar Society; hand-embroidered baby quilts and pillows for all of her grandchildren; enjoyed spending time with her family and looked forward to the many phone calls from her grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Dan of Hastings; daughters, Nancy Polk of Kearney, Patty Zarybnicky of Odell and Cathy Frame of Youngsville, La.; brother, Ray Schmitz of Kearney; sisters, Helen Evans and Doris Fitzgerald, both of Kearney; and 15 grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Cheryl McCarthy of Hastings; sons-in-law, Robert "Bob" Polk of Kearney, John Zarybnicky of Odell and Troy Frame of Youngsville; and sister-in-law, Ruth Schmitz of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, Donald Schmitz
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2008
CRIFFIELD, Opal, 96, of Ravenna died Friday, March 7, 2008, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Monday, Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen
Born Nov. 24, 1911, in Davis Creek
Parents: Edwin and Edna (Wheatcraft) Post
Married: Nov. 24, 1936, to William Waddington. They divorced in 1952
Married: Sept. 10, 1953, to Floyd Peery. He died in 1959
Married: Dec. 15, 1965, to Roy Criffield. He died in 1981
Worked at various jobs throughout the years, including housekeeping, baby-sitting and working at Henningson Foods in Ravenna and Baldwin Filters in Kearney
Activities: was a woman of many talents, quilting many quilts, crocheting an untold amount of doilies and making bookmarks and wall hangings that she sold and gave away
Survivors include five grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and her stepson, Rolland Lindgren of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Bonnie Waddington of Ravenna, Ohio; stepdaughter-in-law, Donna Lindgren of Kearney; nieces, Hazel Nielsen of St. Paul, Deloris Dethlefs of Ravenna and Bethine Bonczynski of Grand Island; and other nieces and grandnieces
Was preceded in death by her husbands; son, Donald Waddington; two sisters; one brother; and one niece
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2008
HOWE, Leo Glen, 80, Hastings, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at his home
Services: Feb. 7, All Saints Chapel at Good Samaritan Village in Hastings
Mortuary: DeWitt in Hastings
Born Oct. 9, 1927, in Steinauer
Parents: James and Edith (Smith) Howe
Married: Nov. 6, 1949, to Clarabelle Hall
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Kathy Schutt of Grand Island, Judy Schifferns of Hastings and Cheryl Huggins of Salina, Kan.; brothers, Clifford of Beatrice, Elmer of Superior and Ronnie of Texas; sisters, Doris Worn and Opal Todd, both of Webber, Kan., and Melva Kussman of Hardy; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2008
HERTER, Enid, 94, of Gibbon, Neb., died Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois
Services: Thursday, Gibbon Baptist Church
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson in Gibbon
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church
Born Sept. 22, 1913, in North Loup, Neb., in Valley County
Parents: Floyd and Maude (Stewart) Whiting
Moved with parents to Buffalo County near Denman, Neb., in 1917, lived there for nine years; later lived on a farm in the Rural School District 22 area, attended elementary school there; graduated from Gibbon High School in 1931
Married: June 15, 1934, to Charles Herter in Kearney, Neb. He preceded her in death
Lived Greeley County, Neb., for three years after their marriage; later moved back to the family farm in Gibbon due to the Depression, and purchased it in 1954
Activities: member of Gibbon Baptist Church and choir, the church flower committee, the Just Another Extension Club, and Gibbon Garden Gals; enjoyed the outdoors, nature and farm life and was an active partner in the farming; loved the smell of new hay and plowed soil
Survivors include her son, Dale of Gibbon; daughter, Sharlene Brand of Galesburg; nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Barbara Herter of Gibbon; son-in-law, John Brand of Galesburg; grandsons, Ronald Herter and his wife, Mona Lee, of Gibbon, Steven Herter and his wife, Alison, of Shelton, Neb., and Vaughn Donaldson of Winchester, Va.; granddaughters, Kristine Keller and her husband, Wayne, of Gibbon and Vicky Stoneking of Galesburg; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Lyle; and sister, Madien Scott
Kearney Hub, 10 March, 2008
COLE, Lucille H., 92, of Kearney died Monday, March 10, 2008, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Thursday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society
Born Aug. 11, 1915, in Cambridge
Parents: Edward and Jennie (Ryden) Voiles
Grew up in Cambridge; graduated from Cambridge High School
Married: Aug. 30, 1936, to Robert Cole in Phillipsburg, Kan. He died in 2002
Moved to Kearney in 1942; with husband, owned and operated Kearney Plumbing and Heating; retired in 1981
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, active with the church circle; also did volunteer work with the Red Cross; member of Tuscan Chapter 35 of the Order of Eastern Star and Chapter EG of PEO; enjoyed sewing, playing bridge, visiting their cabin at Johnson Lake and spending time with grandchildren
Survivors include her son, Jon of Lincoln; daughter, Roberta Schwartz of Hildreth; sister, Grace Adams of St. Louis; eight grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; also son-in-law, Neal Schwartz of Hildreth; and daughter-in-law, Connie Cole of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Connie Wells; three sisters; and one brother
Kearney Hub, 12 March, 2008
RAZEY, Alberta "Bert", 89, of Pleasanton died Monday, March 10, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Friday, Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: Pleasanton Emergency Unit
Born: Dec. 1, 1918, in Buffalo County
Parents: Otto and Edna (Nelson) Buske
Was educated in rural Buffalo County
Married: Oct. 14, 1935, to Lawrence Razey in Phillipsburg, Kan. He preceded her in death
Lived in Pleasanton; worked as a telephone operator; worked at Klein Hardware, Vokoun's Tavern and Phillip's Market in Pleasanton; enjoyed her grandchildren's sporting events; enjoyed doing yard work
Survivors include her daughter, Maxine Axmann of Pleasanton; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; also son-in-law, Art Axmann of Pleasanton
Was preceded in death by her husband, two sons and one sister
Kearney Hub, 12 March, 2008
SCHEIERMAN, Carl J., 93, of Gibbon, formerly of Sutton, died Sunday, March 9, 2008, at Gibbon Good Samaritan Center Services: Thursday, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sutton
Burial: Sutton Cemetery
Mortuary: Sutton Memorial Chapel
Born Aug. 20, 1914
Parents: Henry and Anna Scheierman
Married Irene Roemmich. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his daughters, Norma Johnson and Elenor Nelson, both of Lincoln, and Eileen Jurgensen of Gibbon; brother, Robert of Arizona; sister, Dorothy Bierly of Indiana; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Kearney Hub, 11 March, 2008
SAATHOFF, Phyllis J., 80, of Kearney, formerly of Miller, died Monday, March 10, 2008, at Mount Carmel Keens Memorial Home
Services: Saturday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; wake at St. John Capistran Catholic Church in Amherst
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner in Kearney
Memorials: St. John Capistran Catholic Church
Born May 7, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Clara (Lindner) Kirschner
Lived on the family farm near Amherst; graduated from Amherst High School in 1943; attended Kearney State Teachers College, then taught at rural schools near Overton and Sand Puppy rural school near Sartoria
Married: Sept. 1, 1949, to Allen Saathoff at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton; he died Dec. 16, 1993; they farmed east of Miller
Activities: member of St. John's Catholic Church in Amherst, the Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary in Miller, the HOA Club; was a 4-H leader for more than 35 years; enjoyed playing cards, gardening, sewing, quilting and going to ball games
Survivors include her sons, Michael and Daniel, both of Miller; and daughter, Judy Walker of Kearney; also daughters-in-law, Teresa Saathoff and Karen Saathoff, both of Miller; son-in-law, Roger Walker of Kearney; and grandchildren, Andrew, Megan and Jacob Saathoff, Katy Handley and her husband, Dustin, Kirk and Kody Saathoff and Chris and Heather Walker
Was preceded in death by her husband, and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 13 March, 2008
DESTER, Daniel E. "Dan" "Red", 70, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: Friday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials: to the family or Asera Care Hospice
Born Dec. 12, 1937, in Halstead, Kan.
Parents: Jacob and May (Page) Dester
Attended school in Grand Island
Married: to Jane McAlister
Married: to Marilyn Fong
Worked for Kearney Crete and Block, had used car lots in Kearney and Holdrege and drove the R.Y.D.E. bus at Good Samaritan Hospital; loved to watch NASCAR on TV
Survivors include his sons, Danny of Savannah, Ga., and Ricky of Checotah, Okla.; daughters, Wendy James of Hartshorne, Okla., Becky Black of Red Oak, Okla., and Tammy Vogt of Checotah; sister, Aleda Madison of Kearney; and 13 grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Jeff Black of Red Oak and Kevin Vogt of Checotah; daughters-in-law, Linda Dester of Savannah and Patty Dester of Checotah; brother-in-law, Ervin Madison of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dona Skala; and nephew, Jimmy Madison
Kearney Hub, 13 March, 2008
STRAATMANN, Shirley Ann, 80, of Kearney, formerly of rural Axtell, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: West Salem Cemetery south of Hildreth
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Kearney or Trinity Lutheran Church in Axtell
Born March 13, 1927, in Denver
Parents: Nels and Violet (Hawkinson) Rasmussen
An only child, grew up south of Minden; moved to what would become her primary life home in 1943 graduated from Axtell in 1944
Married: 1944 to Irvin "Irv" Straatmann. He died in 2005
Moved to Grand Island; several years later, moved to Kearney; returned to her childhood home with her husband to begin farming, 1954
Activities: involved in community service, worked both as a crafts instructor for Bethphage Mission in the early 1960s; cooked for the Axtell School District from 1960 to 1977; established her own baking and cake-decorating business; hobbies included ceramics, sewing, camping and boating; loved ballroom dancing with her husband
Survivors include her sons, Terry of Miami, Rick of Holdrege and Randy of Kearney; also daughters-in-law, Phyllis Straatmann of Miami, Barb Straatmann of Holdrege and Nancy Straatmann of Kearney; grandchildren, Michael Straatmann and his wife, Lori, of Lincoln, Jennifer Bradsby of Madison, Wis., Michele Straatmann of Axtell, Patrick Straatmann and his wife, Kelly, of Omaha and Sarah and Hannah Straatmann, both of Kearney; and great-grandchildren, Nels Straatmann of Lincoln, Tate Straatmann and Dylan Straub, both of Kearney, and River Straatmann and Trylynn Straatmann-Thames, both of Axtell
Was preceded in death by her husband, and granddaughter Samantha in 1989
Kearney Hub, 13 March, 2008
KELLY, Rex James, 80, of Holdrege died Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at Holdrege Memorial Homes
Services: Monday, All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege
Burial: Exeter Cemetery
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Memorials: All Saints Catholic Church or the donor's choice
Born July 22, 1927, near Exeter
Parents: James and Stella (Becker) Kelly Was baptized and confirmed at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter; graduated from Exeter High School in 1945
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Navy; was unable to serve his country when he was severely injured in a farm accident
Married: July 14, 1951, to Shirley Church at St. Michael's Catholic Church
Attended Kearney State Teachers College, graduated with his bachelor of arts in education in 1950; during the summers of his college years, traveled with a combine crew from Oklahoma to South Dakota; first job out of college was as a junior engineer for the Nebraska Highway Department in Lincoln
Lived in Omaha, was employed by the Douglas County Health Department; moved to Kearney, 1952, worked as an inspector for the city of Kearney; was hired by Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, 1955; became Good Samaritan's assistant administrator, 1959; became administrator for the new Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, 1967, retired in 1992
Served on boards and committees for the Midwest Health Congress, Nebraska Hospital Association, Nebraska Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Central Nebraska Emergency Medical Services, Regional Hospital Advisory Committee of the American Red Cross, Kearney Area Health Services Administration, Central Nebraska Community Health Education, Holdrege Planning Commission, Nebraska State Board of Health and the American Hospital Association Council for small rural hospitals; received the Award of Professional Excellence by the American College of Health Care Executives, and the Caring Kind "Employee of the Year" award presented by the Nebraska Hospital Association; served as president of the Nebraska Hospital Association in 1974 and of the Holdrege Rotary Club in 1979; was active in All Saints Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus; loved hunting, fishing, horses and rodeos
Survivors include his wife; sons, Thomas of Atlanta, James of LaGrange, Ind., John of Westlake, Ohio, and Daniel of Nebraska City; daughter, LouAnn Lowe of Kearney; and sisters, Marion Geiger of Exeter and Colleen Blessing and Kathleen Rupert, both of Lincoln; also daughters-in-law, Arlene Kelly of Atlanta, Meg Kelly of LaGrange and Linda Kelly of Westlake; son-in-law, Steve Lowe of Kearney; grandchildren, Katherine (Kelly) Stewart of Holdrege, Mary Ann Kelly of Atlanta, Stephen and Kelly Lowe, both of Kearney, Samantha Kelly of North Platte, Elizabeth, Benjamin and William Kelly, all of LaGrange, and Megan Kelly of Westlake; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis Kelly; two grandchildren; two sisters; and four brothers
Kearney Hub, 13 March, 2008
MOORE, Margaret C., 93, of Aurora died Sunday, March 9, 2008, at Hamilton Manor in Aurora
Services: Friday, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Curran in Grand IslandShe was born Nov. 15, 1914, in Hastings to John and Millicent Colfer. Memorials: to the family
Grew up in Hastings, graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1932; attended the School of Medical Technology College at Bryan Memorial Hospital, graduated in May 1938; commuted from Hastings while working at Bryan Memorial Hospital
Married: 1944, to Morgan Rosser; lived in Hastings, worked at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital Married: 1962, to Max Moore in Kearney. He died in January 2001. Lived in Kearney, was employed at Good Samaritan Hospital; retired in 1965
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church, was active in the church when health permitted
Survivors include her sisters, Mary Friend of Hastings and Anna Marie Ault of Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and stepdaughters, Pam Field of Blaine, Minn., and Kris Marlatt of Cottage Grove, Minn.; also brother-in-law, Gene Ault of Pennsylvania; stepson-in-law, Doug Marlatt of Cottage Grove; and son-in-law and his wife, Jim and Nancy Yount of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Mary Yount; granddaughter, Bev Yount; brothers, Joe and Bud Colfer; and stepson-in-law, Doug Field
Kearney Hub, 13 March, 2008
SALTZGABER, Frances B., 90, of Kearney died Sunday, March 9, 2008, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Memorial services for her and her husband, Emmett: Tuesday, Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'-Brien-Straatmann
Memorials: Mount Carmel Keens Memorial Home or Good Samaritan Hospice
Born Aug. 27, 1917, in San Jose, Calif.
Parents: Ralph and Emma (Thomson) Bennett
Grew up in San Jose until she was 14; moved to Kearney in 1931; received her bachelor’s degree from Nebraska State Teacher’s College, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: Nov. 24, 1954, to Emmett Saltzgaber in Kearney. He died Jan. 28, 2004
Lived in rural Kearney; was employed in the Registrar’s Office at Kearney State College; taught high school in Comstock, worked at the Kearney Air Base during World War II and worked at Sears before working at KSC
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church, Riverdale Kensington Club and the DAR; was a KSC board member in the late 1980s; enjoyed volunteering at the Frank House
Survivors include her daughters, Alison Buchanan of Valparaiso, Ind., and Shannon Perez of Tamarac, Fla.; also sons-in-law, John Buchanan of Valparaiso and Luis Perez of Tamarac; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, an infant brother and an infant sister
Kearney Hub, 15 March, 2008
GRAHAM, Elvena M., 87, of Ravenna died Saturday, March 15, 2008, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Wednesday, United Methodist Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Memorials: the church or the Ravenna Emergency Unit
Born July 22, 1920, near Pleasanton
Parents: Julius and Sophia (Rasmussen) Seifert
Attended school in Poole and Hazard; graduated from Hazard High School in 1937
Married: March 14, 1941, to Robert Graham in Kearney
Lived in South Dakota for several years after he was discharged from the U.S. Army; moved to Ravenna in 1950
Worked as a bookkeeper for Bob’s TV Sales and Service, Graham Construction Co. and the Coin Corner
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Survivors include her husband; sons, Gary of Grand Island, Dennis of Holdrege and Kenneth of Ravenna; daughter, Barbara Ripp of Kearney; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Meg Graham of Grand Island, Peg Graham of Holdrege and Sue Graham of Ravenna; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Seifert of Ravenna
Was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and three sisters.
Kearney Hub, 17 March, 2008