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AREHART, Mary Esther, 90, of Holdrege, formerly of Wilcox, died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life services: Monday at Wilcox Community Church
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born April 19, 1924, southwest of Ragan in Harlan County
Parents: Clarence and Edith Lynn (Ferdinand) Kitt
Married: Sept. 8, 1945, to Marvin Arehart at the First Baptist Church in Omaha
Survivors include her husband of 69 years; children, Susan Falk and her husband, Melvin, of Wilcox, David Arehart of Holdrege, Nina Putnam and her husband, Ed, of Holdrege and Brock Arehart and his special friend, Andrew Brackett, of Kearney; grandchildren, Lynn Lebsack and her husband, Grant, of Kearney, Karla Steele and her husband, Trent, of Papillion, Mark Putnam and his wife, Kelly, of York, Ryan Putnam and his wife, Jessica, of Shelley, Idaho, and Amy Jessop and her husband, Nick, of Grand Island; great-grandchildren, Elliott and Beatrice Lebsack, Bennett and Kitt Steele, Anna and Dante Jessop, and Julian Hyde and Domonick Putnam; sister-in-law, Phyllis Arehart of Wichita, Kan.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other dear relatives and friends
Gave her life to Jesus Christ, 1932, accepted him as her Lord and Savior; attended Ragan Consolidated School through fourth grade; moved to Kearney, attended A.O. Thomas Elementary School on the Nebraska State Teachers College Campus
After her father passed away in 1933, mother married Ernest Frisell, and the family made their home in Omaha; attended Dundee Elementary School and Omaha Central High School, graduated 1942; attended Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan., taught kindergarten in Clarks, 1944-45
After marriage, lived in the Wilcox area; helped start the first school for developmentally disabled children in Nebraska; was a member and spokesperson for the Association for Retarded Citizens (now known as ARC) and the Epilepsy Association on both state and national levels; worked as an aide at the Ragan School and at the Opportunity Center in Holdrege and also was a substitute teacher for special needs students for many years in the Wilcox area; volunteered as a storyteller in local schools, libraries and senior centers; also did private tutoring; was an accomplished author and documented the challenges she and Marvin faced raising their son, David, who was developmentally disabled following a life-threatening illness at the age of 2, in her book “God’s Yard Light.” Activities: attended and was confirmed at the Fridhem Lutheran Church at Funk, later attended Pleasant View Christian Church, taught Sunday school teacher; was very active in the Gideon’s International Ministry, served as a Gideon’s Auxiliary president; member of the Hubbub Club; enjoyed meeting people and making new friends, but mostly loved spending time with her family
Was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Kitt; mother, Edith (Kitt) Frisell; stepfather, Ernest Frisell; sisters, Wanda Kitt, Lucille Kitt and Una (Kitt) Nelson; and brothers-in-law: Roland Arehart and his wife, Jacque, and Levi Arehart
Memorials: Gideon’s International
Kearney Hub, 5 September, 2014
BOWEN, Donna, 54, of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at the Cancer Treatment Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Services: Wednesday at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Franklin (Neb.) Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born May 19, 1960, in Franklin
Parents: Andrew and Beulah (Diener) Bowen
Survivors include her brother, Jerry Bowen of Kearney; sister, Andrea Barker of Minden, Neb.; nieces and nephew, Karli Loschen of Kearney, Kasey Loschen and wife, Jennifer, of Franklin and Kristi Dorsey and husband, Erin, of Arcadia, Neb.; and grandnieces and grandnephews, Alexis Loschen, Lola Loschen, Olivia Loschen, Lena Loschen, Lindy Loschen, Amelia Loschen, Kale Dorsey and Elliott Dorsey
Grew up in Franklin, graduated from Franklin High School in 1978; started her nursing journey at the Franklin Nursing Home, graduated in 1979 from Central Technical Community College of Practical Nursing
Worked as a licensed practical nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney; also began working with the WIC program, 1995; continued to be a valuable employee of both Good Samaritan Hospital and WIC; worked as a nurse for 35 years
Activities: attended Kearney eFree Church, enjoyed spending time with her family
Was preceded in death by her mother and brother-in-law, Danny Loschen
Kearney Hub, 12 August, 2014
CALVER, Kenneth H., 94 of Kearney, formerly of Ord, died Saturday Aug. 23, 2014, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Memorial services: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Ainsworth Cemetery, military honors
Born Nov. 23, 1919, in Ainsworth
Benjamin H. and Maude (Dodds) Calver
Married: Aug. 7, 1943, to to Nellie Ella Lund in Portsmouth, Va. She died April 2, 2013
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Connie Calver of Lincoln; daughter and son-in-law, Annalee Calver Tvrdik and Ronald Tvrdik of Kearney; grandsons, Todd Tvrdik and his wife, Laurie, of Kearney, Scott Calver and Nicholas Calver, both of Lincoln, and Jared Calver and his wife, Nicole, of Lincoln; granddaughters, Rebecca Tvrdik Anderson and her husband, Darin, of Hallam and Kathryne Tvrdik Welty and her husband, Casy, of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Addelynne Welty of Kearney, Logan Calver and Landri Calver, both of Lincoln, and Braden Anderson of Hallam; and numerous nieces and nephews
Military: U.S. Navy during World War II
After marriage, homesteaded near Ralston, Wyo., on the Heart Mountain Project; moved back to Nebraska, 1952, and lived in Ainsworth, ranched with his father; began to work as a geological surveyor for the U.S. Geological Survey and moved to Niobrara, back to Ainsworth and finally to Ord
Was preceded in death by his wife and a sister
Kearney Hub, 27 August, 2014
COCHNAR, Anna Mae,, 80, of Grand Island died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park in Grand Island
Mortuary: Livingston-Sondermann in Grand Island
Born March 17, 1934, in Arcadia
Parents: Michael and Anna (Badura) Carkoski
Married: Aug. 18, 1956, to James F. Cochnar in Loup City. He died July 19, 2012
Survivors include her sons, James M. Cochnar, John Cochnar and his wife, Angela, Joseph Cochnar and his wife, Cathy, and Jerome and his special friend, Deb, all of Grand Island; daughters, Kathy Cochnar and Connie Cochnar, both of Grand Island, Annie Kahle and her husband, Alan, of Minden and Cindy Taylor and her husband, John, of Centennial, Wyo.; grandchildren and spouses, Chris and Andrea Cochnar, Kayla and Rylan Little, Joey Cochnar, Richard Cochnar, Stephanie and Heath Cutler, John Kahle and Savannah Kahle; great-grandchildren, Kristin Cochnar, Addison Cochnar, Keegan Kahle and Rylan Cutler; adopted son, David Willard; sister, Dorothy Ann Pape and her husband, Robert, of Grand Island; sister-in-law, Mary Carkoski of Loup City; and several nieces and nephews
Grew up and received her education in Loup City and graduated from Loup City High School in 1951; attended Duchesne College and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1955
After graduation, began working at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, then moved to Grand Island; raised her eight children, then returned to nursing, worked at St. Francis Hospital and the Grand Island Veterans’ Home for more than 20 years, retired in 1996
Activities: loved was family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; loved to sew, cook, work with crafts, garden and nature watch and was an avid pro wrestling fan; loved animals, raised chickens, pigeons and finches, loved her dogs
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, was active in the Altar Society; was a den mother for Cub Scouts, belonged to the Eagles Club and the Society of Miraculous Medal
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a brother, Jerome Carkoski
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2014
CURTIS, Harry, 98, of Ravenna died Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, at Ravenna Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born July 19, 1916, near Ashton
Parents: Albert and Constance (Wolinski) Curtis
Married: June 28, 1937,to Mae Smedra at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ashton. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Don Curtis and his wife, Donna, and Lavern Curtis, all of Ravenna; daughters, Joan Summers of Austin, Texas, and Kathleen Sobetski and her husband, Thomas, of Omaha; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren
Attended St. Francis Catholic School and District 73
Worked for the state of Nebraska and helped build Lake McConaughy near Ogallala; also worked for Swift Co. and for Packaging Corp. of America in Omaha for 23 years; farmed in Sherman County for 13 years; retired in 1980, moved into Ravenna in 1983
Activities: past member of the Eagles, Holy Name Society and Sherman County school board; was an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist; and was past vice president and president of the Ravenna Senior Center; enjoyed gardening, making hook pictures and rugs, taking bus trips and playing bingo
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents, Albert and Constance Curtis; brothers, Stanley and Ben Curtis; sisters, Genieve Polski, Frances Slobjewski and Verna Kwiatkowski; son-in-law, Duane L. Summers; and granddaughter, Debra Curtis.
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2014
DALLMAN, Ernest Donald, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Upland, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Monday at Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden
Burial: Upland Cemetery
Born Jan. 2, 1926, on the family farm near Upland
Parents: Harmon E. and Frances (Minnick) Dallman
Married: June 9, 1949, to Donna Belle Hendricks
Survivors include his wife; son, Reg Dallman and her wife, Lonna, of Kearney; daughter, Rochelle Wright and her husband, Rick of Westcliffe, Colo.; stepgrandchildren, Nicholas Artz and his wife, Stephanie, Kristina Artz, Becky Young and Jennifer Knolton; three stepgreat-grandchildren, Wesley, Corbin and Tyler Artz; brother, Randy Dallman and his wife, Elvera, of Franklin; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins
Was baptized at the Macon Methodist Church; grew up near Upland, attended Rural District 25 in Franklin County; graduated from Hildreth High School in 1944
After marriage, lived on a farm near Macon; moved to Upland, 1955, worked as a gas truck driver for Farmers Union Co-op delivering fuel to farms and carrying many 5-gallon cans of fuel to patrons using oil burners; became manager of the co-op in 1968, was very proud to have the new building built in the present location; retired in 1986; moved to Grandview Estates in Kearney in 2006
Endured the effects of osteomyelitis since the age 12; never shirked his duties on any job he set forth to accomplish
Activities: enjoyed his friends and neighbors and card buddies and especially enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 25 August, 2014
DAVIS, Carolyn Jean “Gommie”, 74, of Suffolk, Virginia, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died of cancer Sunday, May 18, 2014, at her home
Services: May 21 at the Church of St. Therese in Chesapeake
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Neal; children, Michelle Eichelberger and her husband, Scott, Kendra Reisch and her husband, Tim, Michael Davis and his wife, Debbie, and Kara Wood; 11 grandchildren, Grant, Emily, Shelton, Curtis, Peyton, Morgan, Kimberly, Neal, Kempton, Walker and John Wallace “Wally”; and sister, Kay Triplett and her children, Kim, Deon and Bryce
Lived her life enjoying her deep love for nature at the beaches of Southern Shores, N.C., and the mountains of Wintergreen; enjoyed spending winters with close friends and family in Fort Myers, Fla.; family was of highest priority; devoted her time and resources to many in need
Memorials: Oasis Social Ministries in Portsmouth, VA or the Portsmouth SPCA
Kearney Hub, 14 August, 2014
EDSON, Bernice Hazel, 99, of Minden died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Kearney County Nursing Home in Minden
Services: Saturday at Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born May 12, 1915, on a farm north of Pleasanton
Parents: Gilbert and Louise (Johnson) Razey
Married: May 24, 1943, to Charlie Edson in Fremont. He died in 1993
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly and Don Ewer of Beatrice and Linda and Ron Brewer of Minden; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren
Attended rural grade school, graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1933; attended Kearney State Teachers College in 1933, received a general education teaching certificate; was granted a two-year college diploma, 1942; earned her bachelor of arts degree from Kearney State College in elementary education and library science in 1971
Taught for 24 years in Buffalo County school districts, later served as librarian for Pleasanton Public School
After marriage, lived on the family farm southeast of Pleasanton; moved into Pleasanton, 1975, and retired the following year; later moved to the Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney,and then to the Minden nursing home
Activities: enjoyed traveling, crafts, especially decorating Easter eggs, and researching family genealogy; was honored for 70-plus years of membership in the Pleasanton United Methodist Church, had been very active in the Pleasanton United Methodist Women; enjoyed the Major’s Neighborhood Extension Club and attending Kearney Area Retired Teachers Association meetings
Was preceded in death by her husband and sister, Ruth Lintz Fleming
Memorials: the church or AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 4 September, 2014
FELLOWS, Darrell D., 79, of Midland, Texas, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Midland
Memorial services: Thursday at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel in Midland
Born Oct. 9, 1934, at Amherst, Neb., to Annie and Paul Fellows
Married: July 3, 1990, to Londa Kaye Feaster in Midland
Survivors include his wife; son, Joel Dean Fellows of Midland; daughter, Denita Jean Kionka of Arlington; sister, Roberta Roeder of Nebraska; grandchildren, Leah Fellows of Midland and Jeff and Hayley Kionka of Arlington; and loving nephews and nieces
Graduated from Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Air Force, served as a master sergeant. Duty assignments in Texas, England, Ohio, Okinawa, Arizona, Thailand and Alaska highlighted a 25-year career
Second career was with the Big Spring State Hospital, retired from the maintenance department after 19½ years
Activities: enjoyed fishing and camping trips with family in earlier years; later purchased land in Stanton; enjoyed raising chickens and goats; also spent time on the computer working crossword puzzles and playing card games; was an avid reader of Westerns, fiction and nonfiction
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale Fellows and Harvey Fellows; and sister, Pauline Wells
Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 26 August, 2014
FIELDS, Michael, 45, of Elm Creek died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at his home
Services: Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born June 26, 1969, in Kearney
Parents: Cecil and Lorine (Martensen) Fields
Married: June 4, 1994, to Lisa Potts in Crofton
Survivors include his wife; sons, Jacob of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and Nathaniel of Elm Creek; his parents of Leigh; parents-in-law, Beverly and Tom Hanson of Crofton; sister, Christy Kitzelman and her husband, Dirk, of Rapid City, S.D.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vicki and Chuck Klienschmit of Coleridge, Frank Potts of Bloomfield, Deb and Dave Kube of Crofton and Teri and Aaron Bierman of Wisner; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends
Grew up in Leigh, graduated from Leigh High School in 1988; graduated from Northeast Community College
After marriage, lived in Elm Creek; worked as a project manager at Middleton Electric
Activities: enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the boys’ sports, camping, swimming and time spent with family and friends; member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus; was a foster parent and Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader
Was preceded in death by his grandparents; father-in-law, Gerald Potts; and nephew, Shawn Potts
Kearney Hub, 6 September, 2014
HARTMAN, Doris E., 77, of Kearney died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 1, 1937, on the family farm near Overton
Parents: Kermit and Bonnetta (Karr) Edlund
Married: June 5, 1955, to Norman Hartman in Overton. Survivors include her husband; son, Allen Hartman of Ansley; daughters, Sharon “Sherrie” and Tom Roberts of Ansley and Kay and Mel Shermer of Taylor; sister, Helen and Jim Schleeter of Colorado; grandchildren, Matthew and Alyssia Roberts, Brian Roberts, Kiley and Levi Miller, Jarrod Hartman, Lindsey Hartman, Kelsie Hartman, Logan Shermer and Reed “Cooper” Shermer; great-grandchildren, Kaden Miller and Kimeri Kulhanek; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives
Attended school in Overton, graduated with the class of 1955
After marriage, farmed in the Ansley and Taylor areas for many years before retirement
Activities: enjoyed her work on the farm, playing cards and traveling with Norman after retirement; was very musically talented and enjoyed playing the organ; member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Hartman; and brother, Frank Edlund
Kearney Hub, 26 August, 2014
JUST, Gerald Stephen “JJ”, 87, of Elm Creek died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Services: Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elm Creek
Burial: Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Dec. 3, 1926, in Kearney
Parents: Stephen and Stella (Olson) Just
Married: Feb. 12, 1949, to Arlene Martinson. She died Aug. 12, 1988
Married: March 30, 1990, to Carolyn (Janc) Synowski
Survivors include his wife; sons, Mike Just and Stephen Just, both of Funk; stepchildren, Bob Synowski, Ron Synowski and Rhonda Synowski, all of St. Paul, Robyn McCann and husband, Mike, of Kearney and Becky Hoos and husband, Jeff, of Grand Island; daughter-in-law, Jackie Synowski of St. Paul; grandchildren, Amie Just, Hannah Just, Spencer Synowski, Jacob McCann, Cody Hamilton, Kassandra Synowski, Callie Hamilton, Jaime McCann and Taylor Hoos; great-grandchild, Raegan Synowski; sister-in-law, Janine Just of Killeen, Texas; and many nieces and nephews
Received his education from Districts 47 and 35, Odessa and Elm Creek, later earned his GED while in the military
Military: U.S. Army, April 4, 1945-Dec. 30, 1946; returned home to farm
Activities: member of the Holdrege Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, Kearney Eagles Club, The Liederkranz, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus of Elm Creek; served as the past state president and exalted ruler of the Holdrege Elks Club and was on the Agri-Coop Board; enjoyed dancing and traveling
Was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 38 years, Arlene; brothers, Dale and Robert Just; sister, LaDonna Brame; brother-in-law, Ernie Brame; and grandson, Stetson Hoos
Memorials: Holdrege Senior Center, Immaculate Conception Church, Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 12 August, 2014
KAST, Kenneth “Scott”, 53, of Gibbon died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014 at his home
Services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Dixon, Calif.
Born Oct. 29, 1960, in Woodland, Calif.
Parents: Kenneth and Jane (Clark-Berry) Kast
Survivors include his son, Clinton Kast and his wife, Angie, of Winters, Calif.; his mother of San Jose, Calif.; one grandchild; sister, Kimberly Yamashita and her husband, Harry, of San Jose, Calif.; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews
Grew up in Dixon, California, and graduated from Dixon High School
Lived in O’Neill and Gibbon, Nebraska, and worked at Gibbon Packing
Activities: enjoyed baseball, reading, welding, camping, fishing and many other outdoor activities
Was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, aunts and uncles
Kearney Hub, 6 September, 2014
KINGSTON, Lillian, 90, of Kearney, formerly of Arcadia, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at Arcadia United Methodist Church
Burial: Lee Park Cemetery west of Arcadia
Mortuary: Govier Bros. in Broken Bow
Born March 3, 1924, south of Arcadia
Parents: Forest and Anna (Nehls) Nelson
Married: Nov. 30, 1942, to Orin Kingston in Kearney. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her son, Duane of Amherst; daughter, Linda Markussen of Lincoln; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one stepgrandson
Kearney Hub, 2 September, 2014
KREWSON, Jeffrey, 49, of Kearney died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014, at his home
Celebration of life service: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born May 18, 1965, in Kearney
Parents: Ermine “Jack” and Alice (Bailey) Krewson
Survivors include his mother of Minden; brothers, James Krewson and his wife, Lani, of Fort Hood, Texas, and Jared Krewson of Atlanta; sisters, Stephanie Burton and her husband, Dan, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Stacey Daily and her husband, Ken, and Shanon Klingelhoefer and her husband, Tim, all of Amherst; nieces, Laia Burton, Naomi Krewson and Bianca Krewson; and nephews, Logan Daily, Sebastian Williams, Michael Klingelhoefer and Dillon Klingelhoefer
Grew up in the Kearney area, graduated from Kearney High School in 1983; attended Southeast Community College
Worked for Baldwin’s, Cabela’s call center and Tractor Supply
Activities: enjoyed bowling, darts and playing pool
Was preceded in death by his father; and maternal and paternal grandparents, Stewart and Mary Bailey-Roeder; Lyle and Nellie Krewson-Scheibel
Kearney Hub, 21 August, 2014
MARSHALL, Clara A. (Johnson), 95, of Elm Creek, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Wednesday at Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born Feb. 8, 1919, in Mead County, Kan.
Married: Oct. 26, 1942, to Keith Marshall. He preceded her in death
Survivors include several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Betty Williams, Wanda Marshall and Lucretia Fisher; and a multitude of others who called her mom, aunt, grandma and friend
Her father died just a few months after she was born, was raised by her mother Kate and stepfather Fred Johnson; attended several grade schools, then attended Elm Creek High School and Kearney Normal Training School, received her teacher’s certification
Taught schools in California and rural Nebraska; in summers, worked at the Elm Creek Drug Store
After marriage, lived in Seattle for a few months until Keith was deployed for World War II
Eventually returned to Elm Creek; adopted a daughter Sandy Kay, in 1950; lived for 36 years on a farm they purchased in Phelps County, south of Elm Creek; cooked for R-3 School, made wedding cakes and worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture counting swine
After the death of their daughter in 1968, had a succession of exchange students, Kerstin (Sweden), Hanne (Finland), Gitte (Denmark) and Anna (Sweden); with Keith, served as chaperones to the Elm Creek senior classes on their “sneak trip.” They were also “adopted” parents and grandparents to many more kids
Retired and moved into Elm Creek in 1990; eventually sold her home and lot to the Elm Creek School District, 2008, and moved to Easy Street
Activities: enjoyed playing basketball and swimming and later took up golf; member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church, Williamsburg Extension Club, Williamsburg Coffee Group, American Legion Auxiliary, Elm Creek Garden Club and several bridge clubs; was a 4-H leader; enjoyed making pies, crocheting and cross stitching
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Fred and Kate Johnson; and daughter, Sandy
Memorials: Williamsburg United Methodist Church or the Elm Creek School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 11 August, 2014
MICHEL, Earl Duane, 84, of Kearney, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Wel-Life Assisted Living in Kearney
Services: Thursday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born June 9, 1930, in Mineral Point, Wis.
Parents: Richard E. and Elsie M. (Thomas) Michel
Married: June 20, 1954, to Donna J. Ogg at First United Methodist Church, Kearney; she preceded him in death
Survivors include his sons, Ron and his wife, Candi, of Kearney, Brian and his wife, Teresa, of Lincoln and Kurt and his wife, Becky, and Todd “T.J.,” all of Kearney; daughter, Lisa Goetz of Kearney; grandchildren, Michel Peterson and wife Amy of Amherst, Nathan Peterson of Kearney, Dilan Michel of Lincoln and Lindsey Ahrens and husband Nate, Hayden Peterson, Keefer Michel, Trevor Michel, Nicole Cool and Teya Michel, all of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Jacob Peterson and Brayden Peterson, both of Amherst; brother, Jack Michel and his wife, Marilyn, of Wenatchee, Wash.; and nephews, Jef and Jeremy Michel of Wenatchee
Came from humble beginnings, learning the value of hard work from an early age and never shied away from the task at hand; lived a life of dignity and respect; was proud of his children and their accomplishments; avid fan of NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt; enjoyed traveling to his Korean War veterans reunions; enjoyed family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and wife
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 3 September, 2014
MORRIS, Richard “Bruce”, 91, of Kearney, formerly of Minden, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Services: Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Layton-Craig in Minden
Born Aug. 4, 1923, in Upland
Parents: Richard and Goldie (Jameson) Morris
Married: Dec. 26, 1944, to Vera Elliott. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Dell Morris and his wife, Betsy, of Webster, Fla.; daughter, Thea Rock and her husband, Roger, of Lakewood, Colo.; son-in-law, Bob Hansen and his wife, Bev, of Bertrand; daughters-in-law, Annette Morris-Zeller and her husband, Rod, of Kearney and Martha Morris of Grand Island; grandchildren, R.J. Morris and his wife, Kathleen, Jeremy Hansen and his wife, Cristal, Jenny Hansen, Shannon Davis and her husband, Reggie, Haeley Giambalvo and her husband, Ross, Heather Kully and her husband, Alan, Lizzie Rock and Connor Rock; great-grandchildren, Caroline and Andrew Morris, Will and Ben Davis, Addison and Bishop Hansen, Stella and Hazel Giambalvo and Ollie Kully; sister, JuNelle Hutcheson of Lincoln; and companion, Donna Larson of Kearney
Grew up in the Bassett area, graduated from Bassett High School
Military: U.S. Navy during World War II ; was on the USS Sangamon in the Pacific; married Vera during a short-term holiday leave before returning to U.S. Navy duty
Returned to Bassett, then moved to Axtell in 1958; worked for the Axtell Co-op and later the Keene Co-op, retired as manager in 1988; then moved to Minden; in March 2005, the couple moved to Northridge in Kearney.
Activities: enjoyed golfing, his friends, children and grandchildren; earned a reputation as able to fix or build anything and enjoyed making things work better
Was preceded in death by his wife; son, Richard William “Bill” Morris; daughter, Debbie Hansen; grandson, Jeff Hansen; and sister, ArDelle Robinson
Kearney Hub, 28 August, 2014
O’DONOVAN, Juliette, 90, of Longmont, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, in Longmont
Burial: Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver
Mortuary: Ahlberg in Longmont
Born Oct. 26, 1923, in Biddeford, Maine
Parents: Albani and Diana (Fillion) Dube
Married: Jan. 31, 1945, to John O’Donovan. He preceded her in death
Survivors include her children and their spouses, Lee and Susan O’Donovan of Memphis, Tenn., John and Marcia (Messman) O’Donovan of Omaha, Judy Ann and Dick Baughman of Sequim, Wash., Lynn and Armando Pares of Longmont and Kevin and Doreen O’Donovan of San Jose, Calif.; grandchildren, Jessica (O’Donovan) and Jason Scheopner, Betsy O’Donovan, Katy O’Donovan and John Peterson, Tony Pares, Nicolas Pares, Andrea Pares, Caryn Robertson and Jeff Robertson; great-grandchildren, William, Juliana, Jonathan and Catherine Scheopner; and six siblings
After marriage, moved with the military; lived in Kearney, completed her degree in French at Kearney State College, 1970
Memorials: The Family Hospice Foundation in Boulder, Colorado
Kearney Hub, 6 September, 2014
PHILLIPS, Willard Eugene, 91, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct 15, 1922, in Smithfield
Parents: John and Laura (Clark) Phillips
Married: May 9, 1981 to Dorothy Miller, and became father figure to her four children
Survivors include son, Bob Robinson and his wife, Jan, of American Fork, Utah; daughters, Debbie Parry of Layton, Utah, Robyin Hermis and her husband, Ryan, of Arapahoe and Susan Houston and her husband, Robert, of South Ogden, Utah; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Grew up in several locations, attended school in Hollinger, graduated from high school in Beaver City in 1940
Military: U.S. Navy in March 1941 - 1947, served in World War II, was three miles offshore when Pearl Harbor was struck
Returned to Nebraska, settled in the McCook area; worked in the grocery business for many years
Moved to the Salt Lake City area; became a high priest of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, devoted his life to his religion; returned to the Kearney area after the death of his wife
Activities: was an avid history buff, worked very hard on tracing his family roots; was able to take part in the Hero Flight to Washington, D.C.
Was preceded in death by his wife; grandson, Jeffery Siens; his parents; sisters, Eula Young and Doii Cross; and brother, Delmar Phillips
Memorials: the church or the Wounded Warrior Project
Kearney Hub, 21 August, 2014
PLUMMER, Mary Jane, 62, of Ravenna died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Services: Monday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 1, 1952 in Fullerton
Parents: Melvin “Boots” and Vivian (Barr) Horst
Married Paul Plummer
Survivors include her son, Craig Plummer and his wife, Lisa, of Kearney; daughters, Angie Cronin and her husband, Tyler, of Ravenna and Jenny Bergstrom and her husband, Gary, of Lincoln; grandchildren, Brittany, Tyler and Ethan Plummer, Ethan Mroczek, Aiden Cronin and Kristiana Bergstrom; brother and sister-in-law, Russell “Joe” and Claudette “Blanche” Horst of Ravenna; sister, Sue Nissen of Colorado; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
Moved with family to California in 1956 and returned to Fullerton in 1959, then to Ravenna 1966; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1970
Moved to Lincoln; after marriage, moved to the Grand Island area
Activities: enjoyed camping with her family, taking her grandchildren on vacations and loudly cheering at sporting events for her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces; was a die-hard Husker football fan; enjoyed going gambling with her best friend, Mary Busch
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dan; and sisters, Diana and Charlotte
Kearney Hub, 30 August, 2014
RAGER, Patrick Joseph “Pat”, 58, of Ravenna died Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at his home near Ravenna
Services: Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Nov. 10, 1955, in Sioux City, Iowa
Parents: Walt and Helen (Leedom) Rager
Married: July 8, 1991, to Barb (Finke) Duncan
Survivors include his parents; his wife; stepson, Jess Duncan and his wife, Michelle; grandchildren, Danny, Shania and Tristyn McCormick; brothers, Ben Rager, Mike Rager and his wife, Marilyn, Kelly Rager and Travis Rager; sisters, Mary Pernicek and her husband, Jim, and Melanie Gutzmer and her husband, Mike; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, family and friends
As a young child, lived in Winnebago for two years, moved to Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1973; attended Grand Island School of Business
Worked for the railroad for several years and at the Ravenna Locker for several more years, also did a variety of other jobs from construction to road work; most recently had worked at Farmers Co-op in Ravenna
Was preceded in death by several family members and friends
Kearney Hub, 4 September, 2014
RUNYAN, Erin Anne, 28, of Shelton died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Thursday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Wood River
Born Nov. 3, 1985, in Grand Island
Parents: Robert C. and Anne C. (Heintz) Runyan
Survivors include her parents of Shelton; brother, Chase Runyan of Axtell; and aunts, uncles and cousins
Grew up in Shelton and attended Shelton Public Schools; graduated from Shelton High School in 2005
Worked at Mosaic in Grand Island
Activities: was very involved with Special Olympics, had won several gold medals at the Nebraska State Special Olympics in unassisted ramp bowling; enjoyed a number of Disney experiences in her life and could quote dialogue from numerous Disney films; enjoyed all kinds of music and was known for her generous hugs that she shared with friends and family; member of Shelton United Methodist Church
Was preceded in death by two uncles and one cousin
Memorials: Special Olympics of Kearney, Shelton United Methodist Church or Mosaic
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2014
SEILER, Phyllis R., 74, of Sequim, Washington, died of cancer Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at her home
Graveside services: Aug. 29, Sequim View Cemetery
Born March 31, 1940, in Albany, Ore.
Parents: George and Bernice (Frederick) Iosty
Married David Marshall; had two sons with David
Married Barney Seiler in 1986, lived in Anchorage, Alaska; moved to Sequim, 1999
Survivors include her husband; son and daughter-in-law, Douglas Marshall and Elaine Tallman and granddaughters, Amy and Natasha, of Fort Collins, Colo.; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Jill Marshall of Lincoln, Neb.; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Roxanna Iosty of Riverdale, Neb.; and sister-in-law, Jennie Iosty of rural Kearney, Neb.
Graduated from Riverdale High School
After marriage with Barney, lived in Anchorage, Alaska, then moved to Sequim in 1999
Was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Darrell Iosty
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 12 September, 2014
SMITH, Carol Ann, 79, of Grand Island died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at Edgewood Vista Memory Care in Grand Island
Services: Aug 18, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park in Grand Island
Mortuary: Livingston-Sondermann in Grand Island
Born Nov. 20, 1934, in Assumption
Parents: George and Eva (Hemberger) Loskill
Married: July 16, 1982, to Gary L. Smith St. Mary’s Cathedral
Survivors include her husband; stepson, Barry Smith and his wife, Melody; stepdaughter, Brenda Esquitin and her husband, Richard; stepgrandchildren, Crystal Smith and fiancé Ryan Nuss, Joshua Smith and fiancée Katelin Frank, Rachel Esquitin and significant other Lucas McDonald, and Gabrielle Esquitin; stepgreat-grandchildren, Jakobi Smith, Harper McDonald and Hendrix McDonald; sister, Dorothy Theisen; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Grew up on a farm near Assumption where she attended school; worked in Hastings at Mode O’Day for 11 years, then attended Kearney Practical School of Nursing and graduated in 1964; worked in Kearney for Dr. Richards from 1964 until 1970, then worked as a surgical nurse at St. Francis Hospital; retired in 1997
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary; music was her first love, enjoyed playing piano and accordion; took many trips around the United States as well as Europe; enjoyed gambling; enjoyed gambling both on the ponies and at the casinos
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Loskill and Richard Loskill; and sisters, Bernadette Dempewolf, Catherine Parr, Florence Pantenburg, Alice Trausch, Agnes Kolbet and Mary Kimminau
Memorials: St. Mary’s Cathedral for Masses
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2014
SMITH, Eva V., 58, of Kearney died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at her daughter’s home in Kearney
Services: Wednesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Born Nov. 9, 1955, in Portland, Maine
Parents: Gerald and Twyla (Frink) O’Brien
Survivors include her mother, Twyla of Kearney; sons, Scott O’Brien and Christie Jezbera, and Jeffrey D. Smith, all of Kearney; daughter, Shannon Haussermann and her husband, Jeremy, of Kearney; grandchildren, Jaden, Jacie and Eric Haussermann, Anthony and Alex O’Brien, Michelle Jezbera and Carter Steinmark; brothers, Bill O’Brien of Glenwood, Iowa, Mike, Steve and Brett O’Brien Sr., all of Kearney; sisters, Cinda Egge of Kearney, Linda Gant of Gibbon and Kelly Sieck of Dubuque, Iowa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Denny, Butch, Chris, Barb, Linda and Ginger
Attended Kearney Public Schools
Lived her life with such passion, loved her family and cherished her children and grandchildren; was compassionate for those struggling in life; welcomed friends as well as strangers; loved animals
Was preceded in death by her father; son, Roger Mattson Jr.; four grandchildren born at rest; nephews, Jerry Gant, Jared Rowedder, Jackson Egge and Billy O’Brien Sr.; and nieces, Debbie (Gant) Dyke, Jessica O’Brien and Stacey O’Brien
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2014
SNIDER, Nellie “Eileen” (Drake) Snider, 91, of Loveland, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, in Loveland
Services were Monday at Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland
Burial: Foothills Garden of Memory in Longmont
Born Nov. 2, 1922, on the family farm near Cameron, Mo.
Parents: Bert and Naomi (Harter) Drake
Married: Dec 20, 1940, to Harold P. Snider Jr. of Kearney
Survivors include her husband; sons, Ron of Kearney and Randy of Mead; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 28 August, 2014
SWANSON, Josephine, 77, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney.
Services: Wednesday at Spirit of Life Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Feb. 22, 1937, in Kearney
Parents: Elmer and Pearl Johnson
Survivors include her son, David Erpelding of Kearney; daughters, Teresa Erpelding and Tracy Perez and her husband, Pablo, of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a bachelor of arts degree in business
Worked 33 years for Mid-Nebraska Individual Services as an in-home care provider
Activities: member of the Spirit of Life Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; children, Pam Venegas, Ricky Erpelding and Marcia Whiteley, all of Kearney; and grandson, Lorenzo Salcido
Kearney Hub, 6 September, 2014
THAGARD, Lona K., 63 of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Hillside Cemetery in Wolbach
Born June 16, 1951, in St. Paul
Parents: Alvin and Elaine (Johnston) Jacobsen
Married: December 1970, to James Thagard in Wolbach
Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Sulinski and her husband, Edward, and their children, Alex, Maycee and Lainey, all of Aldie, Va.; son, Matthew of Omaha; her mother of Kearney; brother, Lyle Jacobsen and his wife, Dorothy, of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews and many other relatives
Attended school in and graduated from Wolbach High School in 1963; attended Grand Island Business School
Worked as a bookkeeper for Ensley Electric and later for True Value in Grand Island; moved to Kearney in 1979, worked at Hellman’s Ready to Wear and Horizon Designs; in 1981, went to work for Good Samaritan Hospital in the environmental service department until her death
Activities: enjoyed her garden and flowers, was an avid weather watcher; loved time spent with her family, especially with her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her father in 1962 and her daughter-in-law, Denise Shoemaker-Thagard
Kearney Hub, 27 August, 2014
TRANBARGER, Charles H., 95, of Holdrege, formerly of Ravenna, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, at Holdrege Memorial Homes
Graveside memorial service: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born Jan. 2, 1919, in rural Conrad, Iowa
Parents: Charles H. Sr. and Lucille (Geier) Tranbarger
Married: July 31, 1943, to Lenore Helebrant in Washington, D.C. She died on April 1, 2008
Survivors include his daughter, Damaris “Dee” Sawyer and her husband, Jay, of Holdrege; three grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many relatives and friends
Was the third of seven children; attended Conrad Public Schools, graduated from Conrad High School
Worked on his uncle's farm
Military: U.S. Navy on Jan. 3, 1941-Feb. 18, 1947; served during World War II in both theaters of the war, retired as chief storekeeper
Then began a career in the lumber business; worked in Iowa for many years, relocated to Ravenna in 1956 to join the Greenslit Lumber Co.; was manager for the Chicago and Century Lumberyards, ands received several top awards for his hard work; retired in December 1988 after 32 years of employment; moved to Holdrege to be closer to family, 2001
Activities: enjoyed feeding the birds at North Park in Holdrege; loved sharing his life story with family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren; member of the Ravenna Lions Club, American Legion Post 332 in Ravenna, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5820, the Eagles, and several dance clubs in the Ravenna area
Memorials: Holdrege Memorial Homes, The Phelps County Senior Center or the Ravenna Lions Club
Kearney Hub, 5 September, 2014
VACHA, Barbara K., 67, of Beaver City died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at Harlan County Hospital in Alma
Services: Friday at Beaver City United Methodist Church
Burial: Crown Hill Cemetery in Madison
Mortuary: Wenburg in Beaver City
Born on Nov. 25, 1946, at Norfolk
Parents: Donald & Charlotte (Reeves) Ganser
Married: June 3, 1972, to Donald Vacha
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Kelly Thompson and her husband, Casey, of Lincoln; son, Kasey Vacha and Hannah Clark of Beaver City; brother, Timothy Ganser and Michael Murphy of Los Angeles; and grandchildren, Emily, Tristin and Peyton Thompson, Makayla and Audrey Vacha, and Charlie, Jackson and Henry Benson
Attended Albion High School, graduated 1965; then began working at the nursing home in Albion
After marriage, lived in Albion, worked at the Westend Grocery Store in Albion; moved to Battle Creek, 1982; lived for a short time in Elm Creek; returned Beaver City in 1987, worked as the activities director at Beaver City Manor and later at the Oxford Nursing Home before it closed
Activitites: enjoyed reading, cross stitching and gardening and loved to decorate for the holidays; enjoyed helping people as an in-home caregiver; member of the Friends and Neighbors Club at Elm Creek and was a youth group leader at Methodist Church in Beaver City
Was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter Kelsey Leann Vacha
Kearney Hub, 14 August, 2014
VERTREES, Ruby E., 87, of Kearney died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 19, 1927, near Hendley in Furnas County
Parents: Edward and Sarah (Galloway) Thayer
Married: Nov. 22, 1946, to Russell G. Vertrees. They later divorced
Survivors include her daughters, Becky Zimbelman and her husband, Stan, of Kearney, Cindy Vertrees of Hastings; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Heather Brosh and children Brittney and Brian, Chris Vertrees and his wife, Rache, and children Michael and Kanaan, Tina Vertrees, Amy Solomon and husband Joe, and children Jacob, Zachary, Andrew and Isaiah, Eric Zimbelman and his wife, Becca, and children, Alana, Carlie and Kaden, Drew Vertrees and his wife, Lily, and children Harmony, Sabastian and Kaiden, Colin Vertrees, Breanna and husband, Quincy Carnes
Graduated from Beaver City High School in 1945
After marriage, lived in several towns in Nebraska and Kansas, moved to Alliance in 1953, to Gothenburg in 1966; moved to Kearney in 1970, worked as the head laundress at the Hammer Motel and later at the Quality Inn; retired in 1995
Activities: enjoyed baking, country music and spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her ex-husband in 1994; sons, Tim in 1994 and Mike in 2012; two brothers and one sister
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or Aseracare Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 1 September, 2014
WILSON, Kevin P., 47, of rural Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, at his home
Memorial services: Tuesday at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Sept. 30, 1966, in Park River, N.D.
Parents: James and Diana (Osborn) Wilson
Survivors include his mother of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 6 September, 2014