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ANDREWS, Richard L. “Pops” Sr., 68, of Ravenna died Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial services: Wednesday at the Ravenna City Auditorium
Born May 30, 1946, in Lincoln
Activities: enjoyed his family, derbying, hunting and fishing, and watching NASCAR and Husker football; was part of a dart league; was a valued member of the Ravenna community; member of the American Legion and the North American Hunting Club
Survivors include: three sons, two daughters and 15 grandchildren as well as a brother and sister and his former wives — Larry and Shari Andrews of Rockville and their children, Rodney, Austin, Drew, Jasmine and Chayton; Richard Andrews Jr. of Ravenna and his children, Courtney, Shane and Harlie; Aaron Jones of Las Vegas and his sons, Colby and Caleb; Johanna Andrews of Boelus and her children, Shanda, Justin, Arianna, Senerity and James; Amanda Andrews of Buffalo, Mo.; Fred and Shirley Andrews of Chase City, Va.; Pat and John Maklary of Monroe, Conn.; his first wife, Linda Masters of Idaho; and his second wife, Joan Jones of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Floyd; his fathers, Marvin Andrews Sr. and Elzie Floyd; and two siblings, Marvin Andrews Jr. and an infant brother
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2014
AYRES, Robert S., 92, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 15, 2014, at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Hastings
Services: private
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 27, 1922, in Gibbon
Parents: Albert W. and Annie (Davies) Ayres
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1940
Military: veteran of World War II, served four years in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Mitchell B-25 pilot in the Pacific War Theater
Married: September 1949, to Jane Hill
Graduated from the University of Colorado in 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in business finance; returned to Kearney to work with the Webster Storage Battery Co.; joined the Kearney Hub Publishing Co. as circulation manager, 1951; later succeeded his father-in-law, Ormond P. Hill, as board chairman and general manager; operated the Kearney Daily Hub with active stockholders Edward E. Chittenden and Gale M. Leitner; sold controlling interest of the Kearney Daily Hub to the Omaha World-Herald in 1985; continued to serve on the board, but retired from the Hub in 1986 to pursue other interests
Activities: was active on several community organization boards including Good Samaritan Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, Kearney State College Foundation, Nebraska Outstate Publishers, Kearney Country Club and the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce
Survivors include: daughters, Sandra Allred and her husband, Bruce, of Vermillion, S.D., and Leslie Dickman and her husband, Monte, of Thedford; son, Scott Ayres of Glendale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Trevor Harper and Kelly, Jenny Knutson and her husband, Matt, Dustin Dickman and Kelcee Dickman; and great-grandsons, Wyatt, Max and Emmett Knutson
Was preceded in death by his wife in 2006; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Ayres; and sister, Elsie Stuchlik
Memorials: Kearney Public Library
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2014
BACKLUND, Jean Edwards, 91, of Carefree, Arizona, and of Peoria, Illinois, died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Carefree
A celebration of life: later
Burial: Peoria
Born July 11, 1923, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Romie and “Tip” Edwards Sr.
Attended Kearney public schools, and two years at Kearney State College; transferred to National College of Education in Evanston, Ill., graduated with a bachelor of education degree in 1945
Taught school in Pendleton, Ore., and Long Beach, Calif. Colo.
Married: July 3, 1947 to B.F. "Chip" Backlund after his return from duty in the Pacific Theater
After marriage, taught in Boulder and Longmont; when husband finished law school in Boulder in 1949, moved to Grand Island, Neb.; later lived in Peoria, Illinois, and Carefree, Arizona, maintaining residences in both cities
Survivors include: her husband; children and spouses, John Backlund of Denver, Camy and Craig McLaren of Chillicothe, Ill., and Steve and Tomi Backlund of Peoria; grandchildren, Matt Backlund and Chau, Tera Backlund and Eric Backlund; great-grandchildren, Conner and Bryce; and brother, Don Edwards of Lincoln, Neb.
Activities: enjoyed many activities, including tennis, golf, bridge, painting, gardening and yoga among others
Memorials: Planned Parenthood
Kearney Hub, 2 October, 2014
BEYER, Tracy, 43, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at her home
A gathering for the family and friends: Saturday at Heafey, Heafey, Hoffmann, Dworak & Cutler Mortuary in Omaha
A gathering for family and friends in Kearney: Friday Sept. 19, at Horner Lieske McBride; & Kuhl Funeral Home
Was born in Omaha on Nov. 25, 1970, and grew up in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School; began college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, played on both basketball teams; graduated with dual degrees in computer science and accounting
Worked for several banks and financial institutions in Omaha, including two of the top institutions; traveled all over the country with her work in technology and security risk management
Activities: enjoyed playing sports when she was growing up, especially golf, also painted and loved shopping and redecorating her houses; especially enjoyed her dogs
Survivors include: her mother, Toni Beyer of Kearney; aunt, Mary Tomcak and her husband, Larry, of Hastings; and many cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ed and Twila Beyer; aunt, Cathy Gruber; and uncle, Ed Beyer
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2014
CATLIN, Harry “Jim”, 78, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at his home
Graveside services: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral
Born May 22, 1936, in Gibbon
Parents: Harley and Laura (DeBrie) Catlin
Received his education from Gibbon High School, graduated in 1954
Married: June 19, 1955, to Darlene L. Puttergill at Gibbon Baptist Church
Worked as a refrigeration engineer at Nebraska Turkey Growers for 46 years
Activities: was a hard worker, loved his family; also enjoyed hunting, golfing and working on Cushman scooters
Survivors include his wife, Darlene of Kearney; son, Michael Catlin and his wife, Denise, of Shelton; daughter, Karen Catlin of Kearney; brothers, Ron Catlin and his wife, Rojane, of Kearney and Ken Catlin of Lincoln; daughter-in-law, Lyn Catlin of Menomonee Falls, Wis.; grandchildren, McKenzie, Courtney, Nolan, Emily, Mikala and Tegun Catlin; and sisters, Lois Benson of Kearney and Linda Johnson and her husband, Curt, of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ricky Catlin; and an infant sister, Donna Catlin
Kearney Hub, 12 September, 2014
CERNIK, Agnes Elizabeth, 93, of Kearney, formerly of Ord, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Tuesday at Ord Memorial Chapel
Burial: Ord Bohemian Cemetery
Born Jan. 14, 1921, on a farm just west of Ord
Parents: Frank and Emma (Maresh) Bruha
Grew up with three other sisters and one brother living through the Great Depression and World War II; also worked as a nurse’s assistant at a residence in Kearney and later at the Army Ammunition Plant in Grand Island
Married: Oct. 2, 1946, to Frank Cernik
After marriage, lived on a farm near North Loup; worked as a farm wife, raising poultry, gardening, canning and cooking; retired and moved to Ord, worked at Valley County Hospital; moved to Kearney when her husband went into a skilled nursing home in Kearney
Activities: attended polka dances regularly; a member of the Ord Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary; enjoyed family and friends; was in extremely good health until the last two months
Survivors include her daughters, Betty Robinson of Kearney and Charlene Hruby and her husband, Alan, of Hansen; daughter-in-law, RaNae Cernik of Kearney; grandchildren, Keith Robinson of St. Louis, Scott Hruby of Hastings, Douglas Hruby and his wife, Novelyn, of Kearney, Christina Barber and her husband, Jon, of Hickman, Kathleen Honke and her husband, Matt, of Roca, Amanda Cernik of Ravenna and Michael Cernik of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Austin, Cassandra and Isaac Barber and Alex Honke; sisters, Minnie Vopat of Kearney and Dorothy Meuret and her husband, Tom, of Grand Island; and many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; son, Frank C. Cernik; an infant daughter; sister, Alice (Bruha) Hulinsky and her husband, Mike Hulinsky; and brother, Vincent Bruha
Kearney Hub, 22 September, 2014
CHERRY, Merle Ruth, 100, of Litchfield died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at her home near Litchfield
Services: Wednesday at Litchfield Christian Church
Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery south of Litchfield
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Jan. 19, 1914
Parents: Clarence and Mary (Jones) Wing
Grew up in the Sartoria area between Pleasanton and Litchfield; attended country schools, boarded in Litchfield for her high school years; graduated with the class of 1931; taught rural schools for several years
Married: Feb. 5, 1935 to John J. Cherry, a neighbor boy
After marriage, lived on a farm in the Sartoria area for several years, then moved to a farm five miles north of Litchfield; moved again in 1944, a mile south and one-half mile east to their present farm where they resided the rest of their lives; was able to stay on the farm with her dimming eyesight because her oldest daughter lived with her and cared for her for the last several years
Activities: was active in Litchfield Christian Church as a piano player along with her husband, John, who played the organ; was a Sunday school teacher, helped with vacation Bible school and Pibel Bible Camp; was a 4-H leader and a member of the Shermanette Garden Club for a number of years; made numerous trips with John in their camper; always had a beautiful yard of flowers with many varieties; enjoyed gardening the the produce she grew
Was also known as the family historian; made many books with pictures and a written history of the family generations and made copies for all the family; kept a daily diary for most of her married years; celebrated her 100th birthday with an open house last January; celebrated her 100½ birthday by riding on a float in Litchfield’s Old Settlers Picnic parade
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Lois Jane and Carl Rasmussen and RoJean and Jerry Arnold, all of Litchfield; five grandchildren, John Dittmer of Battleground, Ind., Paul Dittmer of Norfolk, Jane Wentz of Kearney, Gary Arnold of Lincoln and Terry Arnold of Beatrice; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Wing, almost 99, of Colorado; and sisters-in-law, Eileen Wing of Arizona, Violet Fread of Kearney and Shirley Roberts of Ohio
Was preceded in death by her husband, John, after 68 years of marriage; brothers, Ross Wing and Dean Wing; sister, Mary Alice Heapy; and one great-granddaughter, Lauren Arnold
Memorials: Litchfield Christian Church Messenger weekly newsletter
Kearney Hub, 15 September, 2014
DUDDER, Gary A., 72, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at his residence
Services: Thursday at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, with military honors
Cremation will follow the service
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Feb. 1, 1942, in Seattle
Parents: Joseph and Harriet (Schoffner) Dudder
Married: Dec. 2, 1995, to Jaculin (Ruby) Brickner
Grew up in Santa Barbara, Calif., graduated from high school and received a master’s degree in psychology at the University of Redlands, Calif.; graduated from Brite University at Texas Christian University with a master of divinity degree
Was ordained at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Santa Barbara, served as pastor there; also served at churches in Lampasas, Snyder, Lockhart, Borger, Monahans and Kermit, Texas, and at Las Vegas, N.M.; managed a Sambos restaurant, then served as police chaplain in Las Vegas, N.M., and as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy; moved to Kearney in 1992 to serve First Christian Church; after marriage he and Jacci served at the United Parish of Lenora, Kan., and First Christian Church in Aurora; also was a police chaplain, sold insurance and had his own independent agency in Kearney
Activities: was an experienced fisherman and loved singing, golfing and Husker football; most of all he loved his family
Survivors include his wife; son, David Dudder of California; son, Jeff Dudder and his wife, Kim, of Pennsylvania; daughter, Joy Baskins and her husband, Jason, of Alabama; stepson, Jeff Witt and his wife, Connie, of Kearney; sister, Shelley Rose and her husband, Tony, of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; aunt, Helen Bruskrud of Everett, Wash.; grandchildren, Tristan Dudder, Daniel and Willa Dudder, Derrin Armijo, Dale Lee Claypool, Tiffany Swensen, Kimberly Schulz, Kayde Connely, Bleys and Barret Witt; and great-granddaughter, Jozlynn Schatz
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2014
FISHER, June, 80, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Monday at Union Cemetery in Beaver City
Mortuary: Wenburg in Beaver City
Born Aug. 5, 1934, in Bedford, Ind.
Parents: Clarence G. and Mary Elise (Flinn) Dalton
Grew up in Bedford
Married: June 4, 1955 to Ellis Fisher in Bedford
Moved to Almena, Kan., in 1976; later moved to Oxford for her husband’s work; worked as a med aide and nurses assistant at Beaver City Manor and Walker Post Nursing Home in Oxford
Activities: enjoyed reading, animals (especially cats), embroidery and spending time with her grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ellis; brother-in-law, Fred Chastain; and two nephews, Jeffrey and Brent Demaree
Survivors include her sons, David Fisher of Kearney and Randy Fisher of Columbus, Ind.; daughters, MaryKay Shearer and Bonnie Fisher, both of Kearney; sisters, Judy Chastain of Mitchell, Ind., Janet Demaree and her husband, Harry “Benny,” of Bedford; grandchildren, Jacob Shearer, Jared Shearer, Matthew Fisher, Robert Fisher, Rachel Myers, Justin Fisher and Kayla Harden; and six great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 September, 2014
HEATHERS, Marshall Ellsworth, 91, of Ravenna died Monday, Sept. 15, 2014, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Memorial services: Friday at Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Born Aug. 19, 1923, on a farm north of “Old” Republican City
Parents: Ira “Dee” and Cora May (Richman) Heathers
Attended three country schools, Pleasant Hill, Salem and Cannonville; granduated from Huntley Consolidated High School in 1940
Did a variety of work, including farm labor and erecting government grain bins, was in CCC Camp in Franklin for six months, and worked on two ranches
Military: U.S. Army for 35 months with Headquarters and Service Troop, 88th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron Mechanized of the 8th Armored Division as a company clerk; trained in Louisiana, served in the European Theater
Married: March 26, 1950 to Naomi Schroder
Returned from the service, started a cream station and feed store and later added a café and grocery store; became custodian of government grain bin sites in Harlan County, then became manager of Huntley Cooperative Grain Elevator; went to Ravenna, 1960, worked in the elevator and later worked in the propane business; retired in 1985
Activities: loved sports and played football, basketball and baseball; had played baseball, basketball and softball on Huntley town teams
Survivors include his wife; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Jill Heathers of Ravenna; daughters and son-in-law, Dot and Albert Goodwin of North Platte and Denise Heathers of Huntley; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Loretta Heathers of Curtis; and sister-in-law, Della Heathers of Alma
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Glenn and Gerald Heathers; and granddaughter, Miranda Heathers
Memorials: Ravenna Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 16 September, 2014
HILKEMANN, Michelle L., 43, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at her home
Services: Saturday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 14, 1971, in Kearney
Parents: Mick and Chris (Price) McKeon
Attended school in Ravenna, graduated in 1989; received her degree in marketing and communications from the University of Colorado in Denver
Married: Oct. 21, 2000, to Brian Hilkemann in Grand Island
Had been the marketing manager at the Hilltop Mall since 2003
Activities: was involved in many community activities including Kearney Area Children’s Museum, Kearney Family YMCA board member, Leadership Kearney Class 20, United Way Dining Out, the St. Jude’s telethon at the Hilltop Mall and being a billet family for the Tri-City Storm; loved being part of her children’s activities and sporting events; enjoyed playing golf and scrapbooking; member of St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include: husband, Brian Hilkemann of Kearney; son, Evan Hilkemann of Kearney; stepson, Austin Hilkemann of Kearney; sister, Shari Spaulding and her husband, Tom, of Ravenna; father, Mick McKeon and his wife, Deb, of Ravenna; mother, Chris Sommer and her husband, Arnie, of Wood River; paternal grandparents, Harold McKeon and his wife, Eva, of Ravenna; niece, Rylie Spaulding of Ravenna; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Evelyn Price
Memorials: Kearney Area Children’s Museum, Kearney Family YMCA or Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 26 September, 2014
INGRAM, Jeff S., 42, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island as the result of an accident
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 18, 1971, in Kearney
Parents: Don and Cecilia (Keough) Ingram
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1990
Military: U.S. Navy; moved back to Kearney and worked construction
Married Becky Janulewicz on July 15, 1995, in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed hunting, fishing and driving in demolition derbies; member of St. James Catholic Church; loved his family and friends
Surivors include: daughter, Sara Ingram of Loup City; son, Vance Skeen of Kearney; parents, Don and Cecilia Ingram of Kearney; special friend, Shayln Skeen of Kearney; sister, Stephanie Ingram and Speedy Malone of Kearney; nephew, Nash Malone of Kearney; grandmother, Doris Keough of Kearney; grandfather, Al Ingram of Kearney; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Keough; grandmother, Forona Ingram; and two aunts
Memorials: education fund for his children
Kearney Hub, 20 September, 2014
JACOBSEN, Elaine M., 93, of Kearney, formerly of Wolbach, died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday at Wolbach United Methodist Church
Burial: Hillside Cemetery in Wolbach
Mortuary: Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul
Was the daughter of William Sherman and Edna Jane (Kinney) Johnston
Born March 14, 1921, on the family farm in Howard County two miles south of Wolbach
Was raised on the family farm, attended country school, graduated from Wolbach High School in 1938
Began teaching school after completing normal training in high school; taught in Farwell and Big Springs
Married: Feb. 23, 1946 to Alvin H. Jacobsen in Big Springs; he died Aug. 13, 1962
After marriage, lived west of Wolbach; moved into Wolbach in 1954
Taught school in a country school east of Wolbach for a few years, then in Wolbach Public Schools; during her teaching years, also attended Kearney State College and then completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska in 1964
Retired in 1985; moved to Kearney to be near her family; lived with her daughter, Lona, and her children; Lona was her caretaker
Activities: especially enjoyed her children and family; liked to garden, work crossword puzzles and read; member of Wolbach United Methodist Church and Ray Mapes American Legion Auxiliary Unit 236 of Wolbach
Survivors include: son and daughter-in-law, Lyle and Dorothy Jacobsen of Kearney; grandchildren and their spouses, Michelle and Ed Sulinski, Matthew Thagard, Lisa and Darin Meseure, Diana and Jeremy Bals and Mary and Jason Garrett; great-grandchildren, Alexander Sulinski, Maycee Sulinski, Lainey Sulinski, Brieana Meseure, Brynlee Meseure, Lucas Bals and Katherine Bals; and stepgreat-grandchildren, Brandon Meseure and Ashlyne Meseure
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin; daughter, Lona Thagard on Aug. 25, 2014; and four sisters, Lola Thomas, Elizabeth Ash, Mary Elizabeth Johnston and Ada Scheer
Memorials: Wolbach United Methodist Church, Hillside Cemetery or Wolbach Heritage Scholarship Fund
Kearney Hub, 15 September, 2014
JIEDE, Ella Leona, 94, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 19, 1920, in Kearney
Parents: Louis and Anna (Brooks) Kahle
Was baptized by the Rev. William E. Jiede, Herb’s father, and made her confirmation vows, both at Zion Lutheran; Worked with her parents on the farm near Fort Kearny; after graduation from Kearney High School, worked in several jobs around the Kearney area
Married June 21, 1942, in Kearney, to Herbert “Herb” E. Jiede; were married for 54 years
After marriage, moved to and worked at several jobs in and near Chicago for 10 years; returned to Kearney in 1952 and co-owned Central Typewriter; retired in the late 1970s
Was a dedicated, loving wife, mother and tireless worker both at home and at work
Activities: was a dedicated Christian woman; was the last remaining charter member of Zion; was active in Concordia Society and Senior Citizens at Zion; spent many years as a volunteer reader for second-graders at Zion Lutheran School, was known as Grandma Ella; always attended and listened to church services on the radio
Survivors include: son, Ron Jiede and his fiancée, Marie Poehl, of Georgetown, Texas; daughter, Barb Kirkle and her husband, Phil, of Georgetown; grandson, Tom Jiede and his wife, Valerie, and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Henry Jiede, of Dallas; granddaughter, Kim Carbee and her husband, Jason Carbee, and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Allison and Lauren Carbee of Omaha; and several nephews and nieces
Was preceded in death by her husband, Herb; brother, Albert Kahle; and sister, Elsie Treadway
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast Fund, Zion Lutheran School or the Zion Lutheran Building Fund
Kearney Hub, 15 September, 2014
KNIGHT, Vernon R., 80, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at his home
Services: Monday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Sept. 9, 1934, in Royal Oak, Mich.
Parents: Stanley and Hazel (Williams) Knight
Attended Concordia High School in Fort Wayne, Ind.; later earned his master’s of divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis
Served as pastor for many congregations, including those in Nebraska, North Dakota, Mississippi, Michigan and Indiana; retired to Kearney in 2003
Married: married Jean Viert in 1960; she died in 1972
Married: 1975 to Joan Zartman in 1975; she died in 1996
Activities: enjoyed reading, studying maps, playing cribbage and spending time with his grandchildren
Survivors include his daughters, Brenda Fletcher of Kearney, Valerie Knight of Wayne and Joy Tiefel and her husband, Ted Tiefel Jr. of Wahoo; sons, Vernon Knight Jr. of Kearney, Bruce Knight and his wife, Brooke Barr, of Woodside, N.Y., and Jay Knight and his wife, Laura, of Florence, Miss.; 12 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Jean and Joan Knight; daughter, Robin Knight; one sister; and three brothers
Memorials: Lutheran Hour Ministries
Kearney Hub, 3 October, 2014
LARSEN, Wilma A., 92, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Saturday September 13, 2014 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Aug. 24, 1922, in rural Bladen
Parents: Wallace and Martha (Naggatz) Anderson
Married: Robert Larsen; he preceded her in death
Survivors include: sons and their wives, Tom and Julie Larsen and Theodore and Penny Larsen, all of Kearney; and grandchildren, Liz and Dennis Everett of Roseville, Calif., Stacey and John Kolvek of Omaha, Kirsten Larsen of Bellevue, Wash., Alex Larsen of Arlington, Va., Grace Larsen of Kearney, Sarah Larsen of Lawrence, Kan., and Seth Larsen of Kearney
Graduated from Hastings High School at age 16 and Hastings College at age 19; managed the office in the family business, the International Harvester dealership, in Superior; earned her master’s degree at Kansas State University and taught high school in Bertrand, Exeter, Mitchell, Gibbon and Odessa
Joined the Kearney State Teachers College faculty in 1955, founded the Child Development program and was its director for 32 years; was also the chair of the Home Economics Department for more than 20 years; attended Oregon State University, completed work toward her doctorate; retired in 1987; the Wilma A. Larsen Child Development Lab at UN-K was named in her honor
Activities: was a dedicated wife and mother and worked tirelessly in the interest of the family farms, her sons and Kearney State College; member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney for more than 60 years; member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Buffalo County Historical Society and its Trails and Rails Museum, and The South Inland Cemetery Association and was active in those organizations
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert
Memorials: First Lutheran Church in Kearney or donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 11 September, 2014
LARSON, Dick L. “Huggy”, 73, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 28, 1940, in Holdrege
Parents: R. Marcellus and Alberta (Carson) Larson
Married: Dec. 9, 1961 to Kathy Cederburg in Axtell
Grew up on a farm near Axtell, graduated from Axtell High School in 1958; then attended Kearney State College for two years
Joined the Kearney Police Department in 1972 and attained the rank of captain; was a criminal investigator for the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, was promoted to the rank of chief deputy; retired from full-time law enforcement in 2004, then worked as a part-time deputy sheriff of Buffalo County; retired 2012 after 40 years of service
Activities: member of the Nebraska Sheriff’s Association, Nebraska Police Officer’s Association, retired from the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Kearney American Legion, and Faith United Methodist Church; loved being a grandpa; was an avid gun collector and trader and enjoyed reading Westerns and mysteries; loved his animals
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen of Kearney; sons, Morgan Larson and his wife, Natasha, of Salt Lake City and Cass Larson of Kearney; grandsons, Jaydon and Zander Larson of Salt Lake City; brother, Royce Larson and his wife, Kathy, of Axtell; and stepmother, Jeannie Larson of Holdrege
Was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ron Larson
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 30 September, 2014
MAUL, Lucille B., 98, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Monday, September 15, at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Born on April 21, 1916 in Schuyler
Parents: Navin and Mable (Harmoney) Fenstermacher
Married: August 14, 1946, to Truman M. Maul in Kearney
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Marlene and Bill Stott of Grand Island, NE; Grandchildren and Spouses, Susan and Robert Utterback of Glenwood, IA, Stacie and Pat Kraus of Wichita, KS and Corky Stott of Omaha, NE; Brother, Harley Ray Selmer of Washington; 7 Great Grandchildren
Grew up in the Amherst area
After marriage, owned and operated a combination grocery store, filling station and Post Office in Sweetwater, for 20 years; moved to Amherst; later resided at the Regency in Kearney and also Prairie View Gardens
Activities: enjoyed quilting and spending time with her family; member of the First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Nita Crosier; brothers, John and Glenn Fenstermacher
Memorials: Amherst Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 12 September, 2014
MOSS, Loyce (Gaffney) Hermsen, 82, of Daniel Island, South Carolina, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, in Daniel Island
No services
Born Oct. 2, 1931, in Nebraska
Married: to Bernie Hermsen. He died in 1990
Married: 1991 to Bill Moss
Survivors include her husband; daughter, Camille Hermsen; eight grandchildren; and stepsons, Richard Moss, David Moss and John Moss
Kearney Hub, 11 September, 2014
NELSON, William M. “Bill”, 92, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, in Lincoln
Celebration of life services: Monday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born in Hastings on June 30, 1922
Parents: William and Isabelle (McElhinney) Nelson
Grew up in Hastings, graduated from Hastings High School; attended Hastings College
Military: U.S. Navy; served aboard the USS Roi from 1944 to 1946 as lieutenant junior grade
Finished his bachelor’s degree at Hastings College then received a master’s degree from Kearney State College and further hours from the University of Nebraska
Married: April 13, 1944 to Audrey Hueftle at the Union Theological Seminary Chapel in New York City
Was music instructor at Ord High School, 1946-1952; at Kearney, 1952-1959; became the district manager for Hamilton Management and a representative for University Publishing Co., then became an associate professor at Kearney State Teachers College (now the University of Nebraska at Kearney) in 1963, and supervised student teachers
Was active in the community and church in the areas of music and the community
Survivors include his children and their spouses, Cynthe and Keith Staehr of Kimball, William and Coni and Scott and Teri, all of Lincoln, and Randy and Jeanne of Seward; grandchildren and their spouses, Jon Staehr of Greeley, Colo., Joel and Stephanie Staehr of Gretna, Jay and Kim of Aurora, Kyle and Julie Nelson of Papillion, Krisa and Jeff Smith of Bennington, Jason and Lisa von-Hoff of Lincoln, Nici and Todd Ahrenholz of Willmar, Minn., Kylie and Glen Wolford of Kearney, Tory and Will Kerns, TyRee Royal and Britney and Darnell Woods, all of Lincoln, and Mogdi Nelson of Seward; and 21 great-grandchildren, soon to be 23
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey; sisters, Jeanette and Willa; and brother, John
Memorials: to the William M. “Bill” Nelson Endowed Scholarship at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney Hub, 27 September, 2014
PETERSON, Dale, 80, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln
Services: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Hazard Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 10, 1934, in Loup City
Parents: Johnnie and Alvina (Bichel) Peterson
Was the youngest of five children; graduated from Loup City High School in 1952
Married: Feb. 16, 1957, to Regina Wardyn; she died in 2009
Military: U.S. Army, 1957 - 1959; was stationed in Colorado and Kentucky, also spent time in Heidelberg, Germany
Returned to the family farm southwest of Loup City; started out with Hereford cattle and a small dairy herd, eventually went to just dairy; won several awards for his outstanding dairy herd
Activities: took great pride in garden both on the farm and in Kearney after retiring, 2007; after his wife's death, enjoyed the companionship of Ella Honeywell
Survivors include his sons, David Peterson of Penn Valley, Calif., and Shane Peterson and his wife, Tina, of Axtell; daughters, Inga Yendra and her husband, Darren, of Gibbon, Lori Finelli and her husband, Stanley, of Milford, Pa., and JoAnn Urbanovsky and her husband, Jim, of Elyria; 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Luella Sass of Grand Island
Was preceded in death by his wife; three daughters, Ann Marie and Jean Marie (twins) and Valerie Jane; brother, Leon Peterson; and sisters, Evelyn Senff and Leona Beck
Memorials: the church
Kearney Hub, 22 September, 2014
PUNCHES, Gary C., 71, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at his home
Services: Monday at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 4, 1943 in Shidler, Okla.
Parents: Charles and Joan (Reece) Punches
Grew up in Pampa, Texas; graduated from Pampa High School; attended North Texas State in Denton
Military: U.S. Navy, 1963-1966; served in Vietnam
Married: to Brenda Waller on Feb. 3, 1964, in Perryton, Texas
After the Navy, lived in Greenville, Texas, and Wichita Falls, Texas, worked with computers for Univac as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Air Force; moved to Oklahoma City, 1969, and began his career in real estate and property management; started his own company in 1971; retired in 2010, moved to Kearney in 2012
Activities: always taught Sunday school, had a lifelong gift and passion for ministry; was on the Oklahoma Board of Realtors for 40 years and was past president of the South Oklahoma City Board of Realtors; member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis; member of Spirit of Life Open Bible Church since 2012; enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and traveling with family and friends
Survivors include: wife, Brenda of Kearney; daughters, Kelly Spears and her husband, Damon, of Austin, Texas, and Toni Harvey and her husband, Scott, of Kearney; grandchildren, Nick Spears and Amy Spears of Austin, and Roman Harvey and his wife, Leah, Dalton Harvey and Savanna Harvey, all of Kearney; brother, Gerry Punches of Oklahoma City; sister, Sandy Davis of White Deer, Texas; and numerous other relatives
Was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Janet McInturf
Memorials: Spirit of Life Church or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2014
SCHLICHTING, A. Bart, 89, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Memorial services: Monday at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 22, 1925, in Alamosa, Colo.
Parents: Bernard and Grace (Learned) Schlichting
Grew up in Del Norte, Colo.; moved to San Diego, graduated from high school there
Military: U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946; veteran of World War II; returned to Del Norte
Married: Nov. 23, 1947, to Marjorie Marsh at Central Presbyterian Church in Denver; attended Denver Bible College then moved to Spokane, Wash., and graduated from Whitworth College; then attended seminary in Dubuque, Iowa
Moved to Fort Collins, Colo., and became a Colorado state patrolman; was a police officer for 15 years in Fort Collins; worked as a security guard; moved to Kearney in 1997.
Activities: enjoyed telling good jokes, playing golf, bowling, singing in the church choir and spending time with friends and family; was a lifelong student of God’s word where he found peace, comfort and guidance throughout his life; was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney and the Golden K Kiwanis Club
Survivors include his son, Darrell and his wife, Pam, of Loudon, N.H.; daughter, Gaye McShea and her husband, Mike, of Kearney; granddaughters, Erika Damon and her husband, Ben, and their children, Owen and Ollie, of Hollis, N.H., and Alyssa Watson and her husband, Joe, and their children, Katlyn, Lexie and Teddy, of Providence, R.I.; sisters, Helen Converse of Bennett, Colo., and Jean Donovan of Eugene, Ore.
Was preceded in death by his wife in 2009 and brothers, Clarence and Wilbur
Memorials: Trinity Presbyterian Church or Gideon’s International
Kearney Hub, 27 September, 2014
SLOAN, Emerson R., 85, of Kearney, formerly of McCracken, Kan., died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in McCracken
Burial: McCracken City Cemetery
Mortuary: Janousek in La Crosse, Kan.
Born July 25, 1929, in Rush County, Kan.
Parents: Robert J. and Hannah M. (Derr) Sloan
Was a 35-year resident of Kearney and came from Rush County
Was a farmer and rancher before his retirement
Activities: was a 30-plus-year member of AA in Kearney
Survivors include: son, Steven Sloan of McCracken; daughter, Linda Dale of McCracken; five grandchildren, Robert Sloan, Brandon Engelman, Kelli Ramirez, Audra Holland and Evan Dale; and one great-grandchild, Drake Ramirez
Ws preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Emmett Sloan; and three sisters, Georgia Mills, June Higgins and Marjorie Moran.
Kearney Hub, 15 September, 2014
STENKA, Sandra Sue (Stults), 70, of Ogallala, formerly of Grand Island and Kearney, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Kearney
Services: Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island
Mortuary: All Faiths in Grand Island
Born Nov. 26, 1944, in Kearney
Parents: Kenneth and Bessie “Peggy” (Armstrong) Stults
Married: Feb. 9, 1967, in Grand Island to Francis “Butch” Stenka
Survivors include: children, Connie Finley of Grand Island, Peggy Stults of Kearney, Chris Stenka of Ogallala, Rena Zapata and her husband, Victor, and Francis Stenka II and his wife, Kari, of Kearney; brother, Ronald Stults of Lincoln; and grandchildren, Drew, Dusty, Skylar, Jessica, Brian, Chris, Shawn, Michelle, Rochelle, Harley, Cody, Rena, Chris, Dakota and Zackary. Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1963
After marriage, lived in Grand Island, Denver and Kearney, and finally, since 2006, in Ogallala
Activities: member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; enjoyed embroidery and crossword puzzles, was an avid Elvis fan and collector; loved her children and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; son, Otis Dale Stenka; sister, Patricia Stults; grandsons, Devin Hatcher and Raymond Hatcher; and daughter-in-law, Tresa Stenka
Kearney Hub, 16 September, 2014
THOMAS, Dorothy A., 91, of Montgomery, Texas, formerly of Gibbon and Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at her daughter’s home in Montgomery
Services: Tuesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born Dec. 20, 1923, in Kearney
Parents: John and Lillian (Wilcox) Wiseman
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School
Married: Nov. 12, 1942, Richard E. Thomas in Smith Center, Kan.
After marriage, lived many places, including Colby, Kan., various places in Nebraska in Denver; later lived in Taiwan then Oakland, Calif.; moved to Gibbon in 1988; moved to Athens, Texas, in 2002 to be closer to family; had been living at her daughter’s house in Montgomery since 2013
Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Marlea Kosadnar and her husband, Stephen, of Montgomery; grandchildren, Brenda, Craig, Brent and RJ; great-grandchildren, Crystara and Alexa; and sister, Thelma Lyons of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband in 2008; two daughters, Pat LaCroix and Janet Downer; son, Clipper Thomas; and four brothers
Memorials: Jubilee Center food bank
Kearney Hub, 13 September, 2014
VANNIER, Gary D., 72, of Kearney died of Parkinson’s disease Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center
Services: Wednesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Hildreth Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 25, 1942, in Minden
Parents: Lester and Irene (Sanger) Vannier
Married: Sept. 3, 1967, to Donna Carson at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Was raised in the Hildreth and Upland area; graduated from Upland High School in 1959; attended Kearney State College
Owned and operated the Danish Coffee Shop in Minden with his mother; moved to Denver and was the restaurant manager at the Ramada Inn at the Denver airport then moved to Las Vegas and was a restaurant manager at the Las Vegas Hilton; moved back to Denver, had a recycling business; moved the business to Kearney in 1987; then worked at Walmart until he retired
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Survivors include his wife of Kearney; son, Edward Vannier of Omaha; cousins, Don Vannier and his wife, Gloria, of Minden, Kenny Vannier and Glen Vannier and his wife, June, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by two brothers
Kearney Hub, 30 September, 2014
WEITZENKAMP, Carl S., 70, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Private services
Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 29, 1943, in Hastings
Parents: Fred C. and Joy Weitzenkamp
Grew up in Hastings, moved to Kearney in 1981
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 30 September, 2014
WETOVICK, Louise Ann, 76, of Alda died Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at Edgewood Vista Care Center in Grand Island
Services: Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born Aug. 4, 1938, in Kearney
Parents: Charles and Alice (DeBates) Theis
Grew up in Riverdale and Kearney, received her education in Riverdale; graduated in 1956; attended Kearney State Teachers College for one year
Married: Feb. 9, 1959 to Robert “Bob” Wetovick in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Lincoln, Grand Island and Alda; was a homemaker
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wood River, St. Mary’s Altar Society, Extension Club, Bridge Club and the Elks Club; enjoyed playing cards, bowling, gardening and sewing; especially enjoyed her grandchildren and family; also enjoyed nursing sick poultry back to health and taking care of “babies” of all sorts
Survivors include: husband, Robert “Bob” Wetovick of Alda; daughter, Carolyn Brooks of Grand Island; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Wetovick of Mitchell, Timothy and Kerri Wetovick of Wood River and Todd and Melissa Wetovick of Doniphan; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Geraldine Theis of Kearney, Don and Carol Theis of Gibbon and Jerry and Gisel Theis and Virginia Meuret, all of Kearney; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Patrick; brother, Ron Theis; son-in-law, Don Brooks; and nephew, Patrick Theis
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association or to the family
Kearney Hub, 8 September, 2014
WHITLAKE, Matthew Allen, 40, of Milford, formerly of Hastings, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at Tabitha Care Center in Lincoln
Services: Saturday at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Chapel in Hastings
Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings
Born Oct. 9, 1973, in Hastings
Parents: Wesley and Mona (Cox) Whitlake
Graduated from Amherst High School in 1993
Worked as a caretaker for others in nursing homes and for many assisted living residents
Survivors include his parents, Mona and Wesley Whitlake of Raymond; sister and her spouse, Rebecca and Troy Cisneros of Lincoln; aunt and her spouse, Doris and Jerald Saurer of Friend; uncle, Ron Cox of Lincoln; nephews and nieces, Tyson Cisneros of Atchison, Kan., and Marcus Cisneros, Michael Cisneros, Sara Cisneros, Katherine Cisneros, Rachel Cisneros and Anne Cisneros, all of Lincoln; and cousins, Rick Kloke, Cindy Beatty, Carrie Keller, Lisa Alfredson, Teresa Ksionzek, Shawn Saurer, Nessa Cox, Stevie Cox, Lyndsey Hiatt and Lindsay Kempkes
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elwood and Evelyn Whitlake and Melvin and Eileen Cox; aunt, Faye Kloke; uncle, Ronald Whitlake; and cousin, Dawson Cox
Kearney Hub, 24 September, 2014
WICHMAN, Mary Agnes, 79, of Kansas City, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at North Kansas City Hospital
Services: Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born on Feb. 1, 1935, in Marysville, Kan.
Parents: Thomas and Margaret (O’Connell) Manhart
Married: June 23, 1956 to Maynard D. Wichman, in Orleans
Grew up in Orleans, Neb.; graduated from high school and attended one year of college, then taught in District 27 in a one-room school; returned to college and received her bachelor of arts and master’s degrees in education from Kearney State College; taught for one year in Grant, Neb., prior to her marriage
After marriage, taught for 27 years in Kearney Public Schools
After Maynard’s passing, lived at Mount Carmel Home
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney, Kearney Education Association and Alpha Delta Kappa Educational Sorority; was known for hospitality and cooking
Survivors include her sons, Chris and wife Teri of Kansas City and John and wife Christine of Shakopee, Minn.; daughters, Angela Ziemer and husband Tim of Gladstone and Mary Johansen of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren, Abby and Allie Wichman of Shakopee and Cindy Farrow of St. Louis; great-grandchildren, Elliana Farrow and Savanna Boll of Burns, Ore.; brother, Gene and Shelagh of Greeley, Colo., sister, Kathryn of Aurora, Neb., brother-in-law Ken Quigley of St Francis, Kan.; sister-in-law Joan of Grand Junction, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband in 2007; brothers, Thomas and Marie, Joe and Rosemary, and John; sister, Margaret; son-in-law, Eric; and brother-in-laws, Ted Moritz and Everett and Florence Wichman
Memorials: the church or to Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 4 October, 2014