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OBITUARY EXTRACTIONS
Page 118
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska


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ADAMSON, James E. "Jim", 53, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at his home
Services: Monday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home
Cremation will follow the service
Burial: later
Born July 4, 1958, in Montevideo, Minn.
Parents: Kenneth and Dorothy (Zempel) Adamson
Married: Aug. 31, 1979, to Lois Sievers in Montevideo
Survivors include his wife; sons, Brandon Adamson and Ann White of Kearney and Austin Adamson and Kelly Latusa of Chesapeake, Va.; grandsons, Dillon and Hunter; brother, Orlando Adamson of Montevideo; sisters, Darlene Quigley of Montevideo and Nancy Teichert and her husband, Richard, of Maynard, Minn.; and friends, Kara Priess and Jennifer Wolford of Kearney
Grew up in and was educated in Montevideo; attended community college in Granite Falls for two years
After marriage, moved to North Platte, was employed by Shrake's Body Shop, Denny Mogis' Chevrolet and Evans Body Shop; moved to Kearney in 2004, worked in the maintenance department at Homestead Assisted Living, and for Wiegand Security and Keystone Automotive
Activities: pastimes included car restoration, motocross, fishing and day trading in the stock market; loved the time spent with his grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and his stepdaughter, Jessica
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2012

BELL, Corwin "Corky", 70, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Services: Saturday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Riverside Cemetery at Gibbon
Born April 23, 1941, in Kearney
Parents: Clifton and Gladys (Kieborz) Bell
Married: Nov. 28, 1980, to Shirley Webster in Hastings
Survivors include his wife; his mother, of Kearney; daughters, Kimberly Tobin and her husband, Carl, of Lincoln, Carla Kokes and her husband, Jeff, and Sara Mann and her husband, Anthony, all of Grand Island, Crystal Pfeil and her husband, Ryan, of Hastings, Beth Carr of Kearney, Elaine Behrendt and her husband, Larry, of Ravenna and Beckie Spilinek and her special friend, Todd King, of Kearney; son, Craig Bell and his significant other, Katie Kouba, of Kearney; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Valda Kreie and her husband, Randy, of Boston
Grew up and received his education in Pleasanton
Was employed as a truck driver for several companies, including Speedway Transportation and Chief/Caldwell Transportation
Activities: longtime member of the Eagles Club; enjoyed hunting, reading and doing crossword puzzles
Was preceded in death by his father and a son, Dean Myers
Kearney Hub, 15 February, 2012

BENDIG, Arthur F., 81, of Kearney, formerly of Fremont, died of diabetes Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Sunday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Newport Cemetery
Born Sept. 17, 1930, in Bonesteel, S.D.
Parents: Paul and Vera (Ott) Bendig of Naper
Married Marilyn Saner. They divorced
Married: June 10, 1989, to Charline Garner in Fremont. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Arthur James Bendig of Fremont, James Bendig and his wife, Mary, of Oregon, John Bendig and his wife, Lynette, Alvin Bendig and Robert Bendig and his wife, Linda, all of Fremont, and David Bendig of Fremont and his children, Dustin Sorenson, James Stonehocker, Travis, Kelly, Ashley and Brittany; daughters, Lori Cranwell and her husband, Craig, of Broken Bow and their son, Bryan, and daughters, Shelby, Angie Paladino and her husband, Luke, of Papillion, Karen Swisher and her husband, Jim, and their children, Trent, Tyler, Courtney and Nicole of Halsey, Teresa Stadler and her husband, Dickie, of Axtell and their children, Marissa, Quinton and Garrett; many great-grandchildren; brothers, Marvin and his wife, Mitch, of Great Falls, Mont., Herman and his wife, Grace, of Naper and Raymond Bendig of Des Moines, Iowa; and sisters, Ethel Stahlecker of Fontanelle, Lorraine Woehl and her husband, Robert, of Fremont, Florence "Betsy" Rogero and her husband, Bill, of San Mateo, Fla., Margarette Heien and her husband, Dave, of Spencer and Alma Tiernen and her husband, Richard, of Ankeny, Iowa
Graduated from eighth grade in Boyd County in 1943, then started working for various farmers; later worked for Hormel in Fremont for 35 years; retired and worked various part-time jobs
Military: six years as a medic in the National Guard
Activities: was a superb gardener and griller, enjoyed playing cards, hunting and fishing; enjoyed attending auctions and spending time with family; was proud to be an American
Was preceded in death by his wife Charline; parents; infant brother, Leslie; and brothers, Albert, Walter and Lennard
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2012

BREWER, Donald F., 87, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
No services
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 27, 1924, in Hershey
Parents: Fay and Berniece (Eshleman) Brewer
Married: 1948 to Stephanie Coggins. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Klit Brewer of Kearney; daughter, Kathy Smith of Ames, Iowa; and grandsons, Casey Smith of Ankeny, Iowa, and Jeremiah Brewer and Jonathon Brewer, both of Keller, Texas
Grew up and attended school in the Hershey area; attended UCLA and later graduated with a master's degree from Kearney State College
Military: veteran of World War II, U.S. Army, 1943-1946
Taught school in Sargent and Arapahoe; moved to Kearney, taught music and was the band instructor at Kearney Junior High School; retired in 1990
Activities: choir director at First United Methodist Church for several years; belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 in Kearney; attended the Kearney Senior Hospitality Center every day; was proud of the love for music that he passed on to his students; enjoyed his pets
Was preceded in death by his wife, parents and one grandson
Memorials: Kearney Senior Hospitality Center or the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 20 February, 2012

CAREY, Virginia Ann, 90, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Memorial celebration of life: Feb. 25 at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born Aug. 13, 1921, in Overton
Parents: John and Gertrude (Leek) Carey
Survivors include her sister, Gertrude "Gitch" Beatty of Kearney; sister-in-law, Mary Carey of Lincoln; five nieces; and three nephews
Grew up in Overton, continued to live there with her father until his death in 1981 and then lived by herself where she was embraced by the community; lived in assisted living in Kearney for three years, then moved to St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Activities: was a voracious reader, liked to needlepoint and crochet, and loved fishing bullheads with her father; was always cheerful and positive; loved sports, especially Husker football and baseball; longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Overton
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack and Norval Carey; and sister, Billie Cox
Memorials: Special Olympics
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2012

CARLSON, Donald L., 84, of Scotia, formerly of the Kearney area, died Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at Heritage Living Center in St. Paul
Services: Monday at Chalk Hills Community Church in Scotia
Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery in Scotia with military honors
Mortuary: Jacobsen-Greenway in St. Paul
Born Dec. 4, 1927, in Manhattan, Kan.
Parents: Gustavus A. and Lillian K. (Weller) Carlson
Married: May 15, 1959, to Marian Smith in Colorado
Survivors include his wife; sons and spouses, Alan and Kathy Carlson of Eudora, Kan., Tim Carlson of North Loup and Lonnie and Catherine Carlson of Seattle; daughters and spouses, Terri and Bret Snyder of Wichita, Kan., and Dee Ann and Daniel Roy of Scotia; grandchildren, Zack, Jake, Cody, Charles, Amanda, Donald and Kaitlin; and sister, Joann Morley and her husband, Les, of Memphis, Tenn.
Attended school in Manhattan and Clay Center, Kan., where he graduated
Military: U.S. Navy, Feb. 2, 1946-Dec. 2, 1947
Operated service stations in Kansas and Nebraska; in his later years, worked at Hilltop Mall in Kearney in the maintenance department
Activities: member of Rueben Beck American Legion Post 150 of Scotia; member of the Masonic Lodge of Ogden, Kan.; enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was involved in drag races, built his own racecar; was an avid Kansas State college football fan and also enjoyed horses
Was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Charles Carlson
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2012

DEAVER, Dorothy G., 89, of Kearney died Monday, March 5, 2012, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln
orn Feb. 21, 1923, in San Francisco
Parents: George and Dorothy (Heyermann) Salzmann
Married George Willis. He preceded her in death
Married: Jan. 21, 1970, to Marvin W. Deaver in Reno, Nev. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Bob Willis and his wife, Pat, of Elizabeth City, N.C., and Michael Hutchinson and his wife, Wanda, of Doniphan; daughter, Colleen Rickard and her husband, Larry, of Axtell and adopted daughter, Roxanne Kent and her husband, Daniel, of Richfield, Minn.; brother, Dick Salzmann and his wife, Joyce, of Manteca, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild
Was baptized at St. Peter's Catholic Church in San Francisco and attended its school; served as a Rosie the Riveter and worked at a canteen during World War II
With Marvin, lived in Kearney; became a licensed practical nurse and worked at Good Samaritan Hospital, also ran a home day care; also lived in Livermore and Modesto, Calif.
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, Eagles Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary Post 52 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; pastimes included crocheting, fishing, hunting and playing bingo
Was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; daughter, Nancy Hansen; grandchildren, Shelly, Sheila, Alan and Samantha Rickard; two brothers; and one sister
Memorials: St. Jude's Hospital or to Make-A-Wish
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2012

ELFGREN, Roger, 68, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Memorial services: Monday at Christ the King Church in Cozad
Burial of cremains: Broken Bow Cemetery
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born Nov. 24, 1943, in East Killingly, Conn.
Parents: Ernest and Dorothy Elfgren
Married Gretchen Engstrom. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his brother, Oscar of Townsend, Mont.; and sisters, Sandra Dunkel of Broken Bow, Linda Smith of Cozad and Donna Hatfield of Lexington
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2012

FUQUA, Harry E., 75, of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at his home
Services: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Born Nov. 12, 1936, in Trenton
Parents: Wesley and Edna (Frakes) Fuqua
Married: May 28, 1960, to Marilyn Naprstek
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Lonna Gronewoller and her husband, Scott, of Kearney, Linda Gibreal and her husband, John, of Minden and Teresa Bontz and her husband, Jeff, of Aurora; son, Irwin Fuqua and his wife, Amy, of Kearney; eight grandsons; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Rose Marie Griess of Spokane, Wash., Mary Ann Schnacker of Lexington and Betty Wonderly of Elwood
Grew up in the Benkelman area, and the family moved to Lexington his senior year
After marriage, moved to Minden in 1966; worked for Minden Beef, Talbert Land Leveling and then Eaton for 16 years; retired and moved to Kearney in 2007
Activities: enjoyed bowling, camping and watching John Wayne movies; loved his family
Memorials: to AseraCare Hospice or St. Jude's
Kearney Hub, 29 February, 2012

GARTIN, Velma J., 95, of Kearney died Thursday, March 1, 2012, at her home
Services: Monday, O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: at Kearney Cemetery
Born June 8, 1916, in Naponee
Parents: William and Myrtle (Romjue) Kelly
Married: March 4, 1936,to LaVerne B. Gartin in Phillipsburg, Kan. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughters, Karla Lemburg of Alda and Janice Chisholm of Newton, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and three nieces
Received her education at Naponee High School, attended Kearney State College
Taught country school before her marriage
After marriage, lived in Franklin, owned and operated Gartin Grocery for more than 40 years; moved to Kearney in 1985.
Activities: was active in Franklin United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one grandson, one brother and one sister
Memorials: Kearney Area Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 2 March, 2012

HATCHER, Donald L. "Don", 69, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at his home
Memorial services: Thursday, Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: later
Born April 5, 1942, in Grand Island
Parents: Hugh and Evelyn (Cadwalder) Hatcher
Married: Oct. 30, 1960, to Roberta Ritter in Grand Island
Survivors include his wife; sons, Gary Hatcher and his wife, Deb, of Gibbon and Bruce Hatcher of Kearney; daughter, Christy Hatcher of Shelton; brothers, Wayne Hatcher and his wife, Marge, of Columbus and Hugh Hatcher of Salt Lake City; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1960
After marriage, lived in Grand Island, moved to Kearney in 1973; worked at West Pharmaceutical Co.; retired in 2007
Activities: past president of the Izaak Walton League in Grand Island and a Junior Bowling coach; enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and bowling
Was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Harold and Dale Hatcher
Kearney Hub, 29 February, 2012

HELSER, Bernice G., 88, of Kearney, formerly of Shelton, died Monday, March 5, 2012, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger in Kearney
Born Dec. 20, 1923, in Shelton
Parents: Lloyd and LaVina (Nelson) Camp
Married: Nov. 22, 1946, to Robert Q. Helser in Smith Center, Kan. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sister-in-law, June Watson of Wood River; nieces, Beverly Anderson and her husband, Gary, Peggy Bartholomew and her husband, Don, and Nancy Brake and her husband, Carey; and nephews, Gary Camp and his wife, Patty, and John Watson and his wife, Heidi
Received her education from Shelton High School, graduated in 1941
AFter marriage, lived on a farm north of Shelton
Activities: member of the Rebekah Lodge and Shelton United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and three brothers
Memorials: Shelton Fire and Rescue or Shelton United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2012

HOFFMAN, Harland Lamont, 83, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, formerly of Kearney, Nebraska, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Tulsa
Memorial services: Febr. 22, at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow
Born Jan. 19, 1929, in Lyons, Kan.
Parents: Elmer and Carmen Hoffman
Survivors include his wife, Janis; son, Lamont of Mansfield, Texas; and brother, John of Overland Park, Kan. Kearney Hub, 24 February, 2012

HOGINS, Helen L., 79, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at Kearney Church of Christ
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 21, 1932, in Hebron
Parents: Reuben and N. Ruth (Lowery) Sanner
Married: Aug. 13, 1950, to Raymond B. Hogins. He died in 1994
Survivors include her: Daughter, Sherilyn Eldred and her husband, Rick, of York; grandson, Matthew Eldred and his wife, Sarah, of Erie, Colo., and great-grandchildren, Clayton, Timothy, Caleb, Kaitlyn and Luke; grandson, Nathanael Eldred and his wife, Annahleise, of York and great-grandchildren, Jorre, Lincoln, Aislinn and Sophia; and granddaughter, Sarah Booth and her husband, Kenneth, of York and great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Clara and Brodrick. Son, David Hogins and his wife, Sandra, of Axtell; grandson, Jeremiah Hogins and his wife, Sarah, and great-grandchildren, Luca and London; grandson, Elijah Hogins and his wife, Mia, of Lincoln; grandson, Abraham Hogins and his wife, Amber, of Kearney and great-grandchildren, Abraham II and Alyla; granddaughter, Teresa Kincaid of Duluth, Minn.; grandson, Robert Fines of Hastings; granddaughter, Kelli Peterson and her husband, Jim, of Phoenix; and granddaughter, Kristina Gilpin and her husband, Michael, of Duluth and great-grandchildren, Kasen and Breckyn. Daughter, Brenda Clark and her husband, William, of Harrison, Ark.; granddaughter, Elizabeth Rankin and her husband, Jason, of Conway, Ark., and great-grandchildren, Reece and Ryan; granddaughter, Catherine Rathe and her husband, Clark, of Farmington, N.M., and great-grandchildren, Samuel, Daisie, Aryanna, Emma and Mia; grandson, Patrick Clark of Harrison, Ark.; grandson, Jonathan Clark of York; and granddaughter, Letitia Clark of Conway. Son, Timothy Hogins and his wife, Peggy, of Minden; grandchildren, Keisha Clark of Kearney; and Amber Gruber of Kearney and great-grandchildren, Jesse, Jared and Lilian. Also brothers-in-law, Reece Hogins of Dover, Ark., and Burl Hogins and his wife, Flora, of La Mesa, Calif.; and sisters-in-law, Louetta Hogins of Jonesboro, Ark., and Billie Jean Hogins of Conway
Graduated from Davenport High School in 1949
After marriage, lived in Searcy, Ark., attended Harding College; moved to Dover, with husband owned and operated a dry-cleaning business; moved to Kearney, 1952 and was a homemaker; later was an insurance agent and won many sales awards; then worked at home for Morris Press as a proofreader
Activities: member of Kearney Church of Christ, had been a Bible class teacher for more than 60 years; was a past president of the A.O. Thomas and city PTA and belonged to the State PTA; also served as a Cub Scout and 4-H leader, was a life member of the Nebraska Youth Camp; was a patron life member of York College Helping Hands and was selected as Helping Hands Queen in 1979; supported Nebraska Right to Life and was involved in many fundraising activities for Christian education and schools
Was preceded in death by her husband; brothers-in-law, Jack and G.W. Hogins; sister-in-law, Bernadette Hogins; and niece, Maria Hogins
Memorials: Kearney Church of Christ or to Mountain States Children's Home in Longmont, Colo.
Kearney Hub, 15 February, 2012

JOHNSON, Betty K., 76, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at her home
Celebration of life: Thursday, First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger
Born May 2, 1935, in rural Shelton
Parents: John and Mary (Hostler) O'Brien
Married: 1954, to Art Giesenhagen in North Platte
Married: Oct. 18, 1975, to Charles E. Johnson in Hastings
Survivors include her husband; sons and their wives, David and Deb Giesenhagen of North Platte, Jimmy and Vicky Giesenhagen of Colby, Kan., Darrel and Jeanette Giesenhagen of Holdrege and Gary and Donna Giesenhagen of Kearney; daughter, Carol Criss of Kearney; brothers and their wives, Steve and Lori O'Brien of Kearney and Hubert and Phyllis O'Brien of Ponca; sister, Lola Scott of Edinburg, Texas; sister-in-law, Phyllis O'Brien of Beatrice; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and stepchildren and spouses, Randy and Irene Johnson of McCook, Joanne and Butch Elliott and Cindy Johnson, all of Sedalia, Mo., and Doreen and Dave Wilcox of Prescott, Wis.
Attended school in Grand Island, graduated from Grand Island High School in 1954
After marriage, lived in Hastings and McCook, then moved to Kearney; worked at J.C. Penney in Kearney and the University of Nebraska at Kearney food service
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Circle 2 at the church and Betty's Club; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital, made Nebraska Cornhusker hats for babies; enjoyed bowling and crocheting and attending NASCAR races and her grandchildren's activities; traveled to Texas in the winters
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gary and John; and brother-in-law, Ralph Scott
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2012

JONES, Helen L., 80, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 11, 1931, in Elm Creek
Parents: Hugh and Laura (Siebert) Snider
Married: Oct. 15, 1949, to George Brandorff. They later divorced
Married: Feb. 14, 1963, to Carl "Dee" Jones in Amherst. He died in 2004
Survivors include her sons, David Jones and wife, Diana, of Kearney and Dan Jones and wife, Sheri, of Eddyville; grandchildren, Tara Edwardson of Grand Island, Scott Jones and wife, Jodi, Kristopher Jones and wife, Bridget, and Stefanie Roper and husband, Matt, all of Kearney, Timmeree Gadeken and husband, Aaron, of Neligh, Jeremy Jones of Wheatland, Wyo., Staci Pedersen and husband, J.J., of Lexington, Halie Jones of Eddyville, and Lucas Jones and wife Kael, of, Colorado Springs, Colo.; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Paul Snider and wife, Joan, of Lexington; sister-in-law, Jane Snider of Lexington; and many nieces and nephews
Graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1948
With Carl lived on farms in the Amherst and Miller area, moved to Kearney in 1988; worked at the ASCS office in Kearney for 35 years; retired in 1990, then worked part time in the deli at USave in Kearney
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed flower gardening, fishing and spending time with friends and family and especially her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers, Floyd and Calvin Snider
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer's Unit at Mount Carmel Home
Kearney Hub, 29 February, 2012

KOUBA, Stanley D., 86, of Omaha, Neb., formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Services: Feb. 25 at Braman Mortuary in Omaha
Burial: Calvary Cemetery with military honors
Born July 24, 1925, to William and Harriet Kouba
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Wauneta; son, Jeff Kouba and his wife, Laurie, of Council Bluffs; grandchildren, Richard Longmeyer and his wife, Kristin, and Sarah Cogdill and her husband, Paul; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sterling
Kearney Hub, 7 March, 2012

LEEDS, Ella M., 96, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial. Graveside services: Friday, Miller Cemetery near Tryon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 3, 1915, at home at Tryon
Parents: Edward and Florence (Cumpston) Winters
Married: April 4, 1932, to John C. Leeds of Stapleton. He died in 1992
Survivors include her son, Donald of Riverdale; daughters, Alice "Sandy" Parsons of Salina, Kan., and Kendlyn "Kendy" Herrick of North Platte; sisters, Pearl Osborn, Ethel Butolph, Vera Butrick and Bernice Andreasen; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, March 1, 2012

LOOMIS, Richard, 80, of Minden, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at his home
Memorial services: Friday at O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born April 13, 1931, in Hazard
Parents: Alva O. and Theresa K. (Evert) Loomis
Married: Oct. 12, 1958, to Donna Mae Sims in Grand Island
Survivors include his wife; sons, Ted and Doug, both of Kearney; daughters, Laurie of Kearney and Cindy of Loveland, Colo.; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Kearney Hub, 15 February, 2012

McDONALD, Mae LaVonne, 72, of Kearney, formerly of Arcadia, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, Arcadia United Methodist Church
Burial: Lee Park Cemetery near Arcadia
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born Jan. 22, 1940, near Westerville
Parents: Edgar W. and A. Doris (Mills) Slingby
Married: 1958, to Joe McDonald in Hastings. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, Michael of Glenrock, Wyo., and Doug of Queen Creek, Ariz.; daughters, Tammy Woolstrum of Ansley and Lori Holeman of Westerville; brothers, Gaylord Slingsby of Ansley and Bernard Slingsby of Grand Island; sister, Charlotte Schnacker of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 February, 2012

McKEON, Leo Charles, 93, of Ravenna died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Feb. 13, 1919, on the family farm in Sherman County
Parents: Peter and Margaret (Cochrane) McKeon
Married: June 2, 1953, to Rosemary Strieder in Ravenna
Survivors include his wife; sons and their wives, Dennis and Pat McKeon, David and Carol McKeon and Roger McKeon, all of Ravenna, and Steve and Lori McKeon of Lincoln; daughters and their husbands, Elaine and Dale de la Motte of Doniphan, Teresa and Dave Ziffer of Clarksburg, Md., and Jen McKeon of Grand Island; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Attended District 20 country school north of Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1938; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then attended aircraft training school in Lincoln
Worked for Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica, Calif.
After marriage, liveed on a farm in Sherman County; farmed for more than 50 years
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, served as a lector and was in the choir for years; was a 4-H leader, was on the Sherman County Extension Board, Bristol Township Board and Sherman County District 48 School Board and was a member of the Eagles; enjoyed reading, spending time with his family, traveling to visit family and going out to the farm
Was preceded in death by a brother, a sister and a son, Allan
Kearney Hub, 20 February, 2012

MESSMAN, Mable Margaret Clark, 95, of Papillion, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at Hillcrest Garden Estates in Papillion
Born Jan. 14, 1917, at the family home near Lewellen in Keith County
Parents: Wesley and Elizabeth Fairchild Clark
Attended rural schools in Keith and Garden counties, and high school in Lewellen and Oshkosh, graduating from the latter in 1936; completed a year of college at what is now the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1937-1938, then taught rural schools for four years in Keith and Garden counties and continued to attend college during the summers
Married: May 20, 1942, to Warren Brown Messman, in Mable's childhood church at Lewellen
After marriage, lived in a number of communities then settled in Kearney
Activities: was active as a volunteer in hospitals, care homes and church activities in the various communities where she lived; member of First United Methodist Church of Kearney for more than 50 years and served as a teacher in the Crusaders Sunday school class; belonged to Kearney's Good Samaritan Hospital Service League and the Kearney State College Faculty Wives Club; founding member of the Fort Kearny Genealogical Society; special interests included Bible study, church work, cooking and sewing; taught cake decorating, enjoyed gardening
Surviviors include her husband; younger sister Neva Richter; daughters and sons-in-law, Lorene Marie and Sam Bliss of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Marcia Fae and John O'Donovan of Omaha; four grandchildren, Kember Kane and her husband, John, of Silver Spring, Md., Freeman White III of Venice, Calif., Jessica Scheopner and her husband, Jason, of Omaha and Betsy O'Donovan of Durham, N.C.; seven great-grandchildren; her beloved sister-in-law, Faye Messman Van Boskirk of Omaha; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by brother George Herman Clark and sister Mary Elizabeth Clark Beam
Memorial service: March 8 at West Hills Church in Omaha; funeral; March 17 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or Messman Memorial Fund at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 27 February, 2012

MICEK, Cleo J., 77, of Snohomish, Washington, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, in Snohomish
Services: Friday at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Bothell, Washington
Born May 23, 1934, in Kearney
Parents: Judson and Ruby Hall
Married Thomas Micek
Survivors include her loving husband of 59 years; daughters, Pam Micek, Cynthia Caffrey and her husband, Ron, Kathleen Edwards and her husband, Robb, Linda Estrada and her husband, Bruce, Tracy Beamish and her husband, Tim, and Carolyn Fielding; sister-in-law, Joan Weyhmiller and her husband, Tom; 20 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Her mother, Ruby, was the manager of Jarold Dress Shop in Kearney
Activities: loved to read, cook, shop, decorate for Christmas and do crafts; enjoyed family gatherings and being active in Catholic Daughter activities; loved her family, her hats and making chocolate chip cookies; enjoyed accompanying her husband when he drove the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
Was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Michael Caffrey
Memorials: Catholic Daughters
Kearney Hub, 18 February, 2012

MUELLER, Viola P., 102, of Lincoln, formerly of Amherst, died Thursday, February 9, 2012, at Milder Manor in Lincoln, Nebraska
Services: Feb. 18, Trinity Lutheran Church, Amherst
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, near Amherst
Mortuary: Roper & Sons, Lincoln, Nebr.
Born June 27, 1909, in the family farm home built by her father north of Amherst
Parents: Carl H. and Josie (Schukar) Labs
Married: Sept 23, 1934, at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Amherst, to William C. Mueller. He died in 1978
Survivors: daughter Mona (David) Houser, Hillsboro, MO; daughter-in-law Joyce Mueller, Lincoln; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Hazel Labs, Amherst; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends
Oldest of six children, attended Greendale and Immanuel Lutheran Schools
After marriage, lived on his parents' farm north of Riverdale for a few years; moved to Amherst, lived there about 40 years; helped her husband in his business; later worked in various places in Kearney, including 13 years as bookkeeper at the Farmers' Union Co-op
Moved to Missouri, 1989, to be near her daughter and family; returned to her beloved Nebraska in 2000, lived near her son's family in Lincoln
Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran church in Amherst, served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and assistant organist, was active in the choir, Ladies Aid and Lutheran Women's Missionary League; was a 4-H leader, supported and encouraged her children in their activities; former member of the Buffalo County Historical society; was known for her beautiful flower gardens and African violets; enjoyed her daily walks and her daily Bible reading and devotions
Was preceded in death by her husband; son Carl Mueller; sisters, Velma Schnacker Hallier, Wanda Owen, and Erma Axmann; brother Gerhardt, and infant brother Ruben Labs
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2012

MULLINS, Maida L., 86, of Grand Island, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at Country House Residences in Grand Island
Services: none planned; body was cremated
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger in Kearney
Born June 23, 1925, in Oshkosh
Parents: Dewey and Lenis (Billingsley) Jensen
Married: Sept. 24, 1948, to James Mullins in Oshkosh. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her sons, James Mullins and his wife, Susan, of Evergreen, Colo., and Michael Mullins and his wife, Gail, of Kearney; one niece; one nephew; and many cousins
Grew up in Oshkosh, graduated from high school in 1942; attended University of Nebraska and at Chadron State College, obtained her bachelor of science degree and her master of science degree; taught elementary education for many years, then found her true calling as a counselor
Activities: hobbies included gardening, crocheting, sewing, cooking and playing cards; was deeply religious person, taught Bible study for many years; especially enjoyed her family, her friends and her dogs
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her brother, Deane Jensen
Kearney Hub, 23 February, 2012

NELSON, Lori Kathleen, 58, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at her home
Memorial services: Saturday at Bethany Lutheran Church in Axtell
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born Jan. 17, 1954
Parents: Delmar and Bernice (Rapp) Nelson of Axtell
Survivors include her partner of 8½ years, Rendell Soderquist of Axtell; daughter, Kristina (Osberg) Robinson of Lincoln; son, Stephen Osberg of Omaha; sisters, Jolene (Nelson) McGerr of Lincoln and Judy (Nelson) English of Bowling Green, Ky.; and her mother of Kearney
Lived in many places, including St. Paul, Minn., Berkeley, Calif., Fort Collins, Colo., Escanaba, Mich., Louisville and Auburn
Graduated from Axtell High School in 1972, from Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, Minn., in 1976, and from Colorado State University at Fort Collins in 1994 with a master's degree in occupational therapy
Had been an occupational therapist for the Kearney area, 1994-2011, most recently working at Kearney Public Schools
Activities: had a lifelong love of art, making time to visit museums, teach calligraphy and quilt; loved cooking and trying new foods using vegetables grown in her garden; enjoyed traveling and reading
Memorials: Axtell Public Library
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2012

OLSON, Gary F., 73, of Wichita, Kansas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, in Wichita
Graveside services: March 10, Rulo (Neb.) Cemetery
Body was cremated
Born Oct. 31, 1938, in Falls City, Neb.
Parents: George and Leona (Oldfield) Olson of Rulo
Married: Dec. 11, 1957, to Karen Pekarek in Reserve. They divorced in 1978
Survivors include his sons, Brad of Mandan, N.D., and Terry of Denton, Neb.; daughter, Lori Bogner of Kearney; brother, Norman of Tucson, Ariz.; sisters, Gayle Coble of Kansas City, Mo., Jeannie Keller of White Cloud and Janelle Martney of Falls City, Neb.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandsons
Kearney Hub, 17 February, 2012

PETTY, Sabrina Rose, 5½ months, of Gibbon died of pneumonia Sunday, March 4, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday, Wood River Mennonite Church
Burial: Cameron Cemetery in Wood River
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home in Wood River
Born Sept. 23, 2011, in Kearney
Parents: Neil Jr. and Holly (Johnson) Petty
Survivors include her parents; brothers, Tanner Johnson and Cody Lautenschlager; sisters, Breanna Petty and Danielle Davis; grandparents, Neil Sr. and Sharron Petty of Denver and Rod and Pearl Johnson of Wood River; and great-grandmother, Lillian Head of Denver; also numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Was a happy baby who smiled often; truly enjoyed her brothers and sisters
Was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Carla Ann and Owen Dethlefs, Donald L. Head and Carl and Deloris Petty; uncle, Scott Petty; and great-uncle, Dan Dethlefs
Kearney Hub, 6 March, 2012

RODER, Michael L."Mick", 60, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday, Neligh United Methodist Church
Burial: later at Arlington National Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger in Kearney
Born Aug. 8, 1951, in Tilden
Parents: Donald G. and Shirley E. (Shupe) Roder
Survivors include his daughters, Melanie Pipkins of Bellevue and Meredith Bennett of Meadow Grove; brother, Dave of Twinsburg, Ohio; sisters, Donna Pierce of Madison, S.D., Chris Main of Kearney and Sandy Calder of Randolph; and seven grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 21 February, 2012

RUBENTHALER, John R. "Jack", 57, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neleigh
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Eustis West Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger
Born Sept. 21, 1954, in Ord
Parents: Clarence and Olive (Austin) Rubenthaler
Married: July 27, 1974, to Chris Linner in Cambridge
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Casey Busteed and her husband, Steve, of Elgin and Tiffany Rubenthaler of Kearney; grandchildren, Baylee, Kyndal and Garrett Busteed; brothers, Gordon Rubenthaler and his wife, Delores, of Clarkston, Wash., and Dan Rubenthaler of Amarillo, Texas, and special friend Eleanor; sisters, Jeannie Rush and her husband, Bob, of Preston, Mo., and Moni Fasse and her husband, Vern, of Eustis; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dave Jeffres, Jeff Linner and his wife, Tammy, and Scott Linner, all of Upland, and Scott's special friend, Nancy, Dan Jeffres and his wife, Alice, of Lawson, Mo., and Craig Linner of Wimberley, Texas; and sister-in-law, Barb Linner of Kearney
Received his education at Gothenburg High School
Was a salesman for North Country Window; recently had been involved with his brother and nephews in the cattle business
Activities: past president of the Gibbon Ball Association; enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf; enjoyed helping others; was active in the 4-H Horse Club in Eustis, was instrumental in the building of the 4-H Horse Arena in 1986; enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his three grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 22 February, 2012

SHAFTO, Donald Keith, 87, of Lake Havasu City, Arizone, formerly of Axtell and Pleasanton, Neb., died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at his home
A celebration of life: Saturday March 3 at the Eagles Club in Kearney, Neb.
Born May 30, 1924, in Kearney
Parents: Cyrus "Marvin" and Blanche (Scheringer) Shafto
Survivors include his daughters, Donna Runge and her husband, Gary, and Cathy Ingram; son-in-law, Charlie Baird; sisters, Dorthy Smith, Marvelene Breech and Carol Kay; grandchildren, Craig, Brett and Darby Runge, Bobby, Angie and Christina Zozaya and Mike and Brandon Baird; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1941
Moved to Axtell area in 1953, farmed there; moved to Lake Havasu City in 1972, worked at McCulloch until retirement
Activities: loved to grow a high garden as well as making jewelry, including London Bridge souvenirs; enjoyed fishing, spending time with family and friends; was a 50-year life member of the Elks and a member of the Lions and the Lutheran church
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Pamela Baird; sisters, Janet Trout and Phylis Saunders; granddaughter, Tonya Zozaya; and great-grandsons, Mark and Matthew
Kearney Hub, 1 March, 2012

SHERARD, Sandra Kay, 64, of Gothenburg died of cancer Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital
Services: Saturday, American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg
Burial: Gothenburg Cemetery
Born Feb. 19, 1948, in Grand Island at St. Francis Hospital
Parents: Frank "Bud" and Dolores (Hadenfeldt) Williams
Married: July 21, 1973, to Robert L. Sherard at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Shelton
Survivors include her husband; daughters, Tracy Underwood and her husband, Randy, of North Platte and Kim Morrison of Gothenburg; son, Robert Sherard Jr. and his wife, Judy, of North Platte; her mother, of Shelton; sisters, Sharon Williams of Shelton, Susanne Carlson and Sheila Williams, both of Grand Island, and Stephanie Haase and her husband, Steven, of Norfolk; and grandchildren, Taylor, Logan, Stone and Austin Underwood and Scott, Emily and Jacob Morrison
Had battled cancer for three years
Was baptized as an infant at Zion Lutheran Church of North Shelton and confirmed in 1962 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Shelton; was a 1966 graduate of Shelton Public School and a graduate of the Grand Island School of Business in 1967
Was employed by Peterson and Peterson Freight Co. and later at Grand Island Collection Agency; in Gothenburg, was employed at Gothenburg Hospital until she retired
Was preceded in death by her father in 1972
Kearney Hub, 27 February, 2012

SIGLER, David N., 90, of Ravenna died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Memorial services: April 23 at Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born Sept. 12, 1921, in Missouri
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Gene Martin of Ravenna, Delores and Wayne Brummett of California and Cheryl and Mike Vermillion of Florida; son and his wife, Allen and Becky Sigler of Ravenna; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Roy Sigler of Ravenna and Lyman Sigler of Grand Island; and sisters, Jean Zinnell of Minnesota and Marge Larson of Hazard
Was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister
Kearney Hub, 14 February, 2012

TAYLOR, Beverly A., 81, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at her home
Services: Friday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Greenfield (Iowa) Cemetery
Born June 27, 1930, in Greenfield, Iowa
Parents: John and Elizabeth (Templeman) Lorenz
Married: 1949, to Galen Gilbert
Married: Oct. 17, 1970, to Marvin Taylor in Kearney
Survivors include her husband; children and spouses, Connie Vicker Franz and her husband, Ray, and Gale and George Jennings, all of Aurora, Ore., John and Geil Gilbert of Amherst and Jacquelin and Lawrence Fletcher of Kearney; sister, Roberta Leder of Bradenton, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Marlene Taylor of Arlington, Va., and Marian Taylor of Woodside, Calif.; grandchildren and spouses, Ronda Vicker, Richard and Kristine Vicker, Justin and Stacia Zimmerman, Nicole and Antinasio Orta, Quentin and Stancie Zimmerman, Melissa Gutierrez, Carrie and Derrick Incott, Clifton and Angela Greuter, Ivan and Rexanne Greuter, Travis Greuter and Trever Greuter; 28 great-grandchildren; and friend, Diane Fischer
Graduated from Greenfield High School in 1948; attended Americana Beauty School
During the Vietnam War, served her nation as a single mother at the Grand Island Armory Depot; later managed the Producers Platte Valley Livestock Association café; also worked for several years as a server in local social establishments; retird as a full-time grandmother; spent many years with Marvin together raising children, grandchildren, hogs and cattle
Activities: was baptized into the Christian faith at Faith United Methodist Church of Kearney; was happiest when surrounded by friends and family during holidays; enjoyed quilting, crocheting, embroidering, handmade crafts, playing cards, and cooking
Was preceded in death by her parents; a brother at birth; grandsons, Heath Zimmerman, Trent Zimmerman and Kirk Greuter; and great-granddaughter, Samantha Zimmerman-Orta
Memorials: Good Samaritan Hospice
Kearney Hub, 8 March, 2012

VEAL, Lyllis K., 83, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday at Overton United Methodist Church
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born Feb. 18, 1929, in Eddyville
Parents: James B. and Amelia C. (Specht) Kile
Married: May 25, 1947, to Lyle E. Veal in Kearney
Survivors include her husband; sons and their wives, Bill and Karen Veal of Lincoln, Bob and Ronda Veal of North Platte and Jim Veal of Knob Noster, Mo.; daughters and their husbands, Kaye and Larry Monks of Limon, Colo., Lynne and Jeff Scott of Twin Falls, Idaho, Nancy and Walter Richmond of Staunton, Va., and Cindy Veal and Merry and David Butler, all of Kearney; brother, Art and Beverly Kile of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister, Mary Jane Houchin of Eddyville; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Grew up in Eddyville, graduated from Eddyville High School with the class of 1946; attended Kearney State College for one year
After marriage, lived in Elm Creek, Davenport and then Overton; was postmaster at the Overton Post Office; active member of Overton United Methodist Church, served on various church organizations; member of the Methodist Church Women for more than 50 years; past worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, past queen of Daughters of the Nile, a member of the retired postal workers and the U.C.I.C. Extension Club, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the National Association of Postmasters of the United States; loved to read, bake and cook; greatest love was her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ben, Bob and James; grandson, Aaron Smith; and son-in-law, Steven Bowie
Memorials: Overton United Methodist Church or the Parkinson's Foundation
Kearney Hub, 28 February, 2012

WISEMAN, Phyllis Ann, 64, of Gibbon died of cancer Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Celebration of life: Thursday, Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Apfel in Wood River
Born March 1, 1947, in Oberlin, Kan.
Parents: C.R. "Jack" and Florence (Warner) Leach
Married: Aug. 16, 1970, to Neil Wiseman in Lebanon
Survivors include her husband; daughters and spouses, Lisa and Brian Ferguson of Springfield and Brooke and Jarod Dowse of Omaha; son, Bret Wiseman of Omaha; grandchildren, Louden, Ella, Marlee and Maren Ferguson and Jameson and Smith Dowse; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Byron and Elaine Wiseman of Kearney, Paul and Ingrid Wiseman of Elkhorn, Rex and Bonnie Wiseman and Dean and Gaylene Wiseman, all of Shelton, Marty and Jeri Read of Riverside, Calif., Craig Wiseman of Corpus Christi, Texas, Arlene Wiseman of Papillion, Marilyn Kuhns of Geneva and Karen Brown of Lebanon; numerous nieces and nephews; and more than 80 day-care kids and their families whom Phyllis also considered part of her family
Grew up in Lebanon, graduated in 1965 from Beaver Valley High School
After marriage, was a licensed home day-care provider for 30 years
Activities: avid fan of Gibbon sporting events, especially basketball, and traveled to both home and away games for many years; loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, taking day trips with friends and celebrating Christmas; member of Faith United Church, Gibbon Booster Club and Friends of the Library
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Howard Leach and Gordon Leach; and sisters-in-law, Jean Wiseman and Jan Davis
Memorials: Gibbon Booster Club, Faith United Church
Kearney Hub, 27 February, 2012
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