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ADELUNG, Madeline Ann, 90, of Amherst, died Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Stanley Cemetery near Amherst
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 2, 1924, north of Miller
Parents: Milton John and Mary (Raitora) Willard
Attended Cat Creek Country School, graduated from Miller High School in 1941; attended Kearney Teachers College and then taught at rural schools, 1942-1947, at Sand Puppy, Maple Grove, Cat Creek in Custer County, Miller and Buda
Married Charles Laverne Adelung on Oct. 15, 1947
After marriage, lived on a farm south of Amherst until Charles’ death in 1987; moved to Seneca Sunrise Assisted Living in Ravenna in 2010, and to Ravenna Good Samaritan Center in 2013
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Kent and Deb Adelung of Amherst; daughters and son-in-law, Lynda and Paul Heiden of Lincoln and Sheralee Boe of Madison; eight grandchildren; and a brother, Leland Willard of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband and parents
Memorials: the church or the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2014
BUTOLPH, Darleen C., 96, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Services: Wednesday, O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Feb. 26, 1918, in Kearney
Parents: William and Mabel (Dye) Knaggs
Received her education from A.O. Thomas High School in Kearney
Married: Feb. 27, 1939, to Clarence E. Butolph in Norton, Kan. He was killed in France while serving in the U.S. Army
Worked at the Kearney Air Base, Baumgartner’s Variety Store, Tuberculosis Hospital, Grand Island Ordnance Plant and most recently at West Pharmaceuticals
Activities: was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, United Rubber Workers Union 815 and Faith United Methodist Church; enjoyed hunting, crane watching, bingo and attending her grandchildren’s activities
Survivors include her daughter, Patsy Crowell and her husband, Gene, of Ravenna; son, Dick Butolph and his wife, Karen, of Ventura, Calif.; daughter, Joel Bieschke and her special friend, Larry Chamberlin, of Kearney; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Timothy and Michael Crowell, Brett and Nicole Butolph and Derek Bieschke; six great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Hauver and his wife, Fran, of Kearney; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother, William Knaggs; sister, Evelyn Zehr; and a grandson, Greg Crowell
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2014
CARMAN, Joseph Ronald, 54, of Plattsmouth, formerly of Pleasanton, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha as a result of an automobile accident
Memorial services: Thursday, Oct 30, at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Mortuary: Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann Dworak & Cutler in Omaha
Born: Jan. 30, 1960, in Lincoln
Parents: Ronald and Grace (Dobry) Carman
Graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1978
Married: 1980 to Kelly Schwab; divorced in 2000; had two daughters
Married: later to Sandra Raabe. They divorced
Survivors: daughters, Amanda and Andrea of Kearney; four granddaughters; parents, Ronald and Grace Carman of Oklahoma; sisters, Ronna Eddings and her husband, Tom, and Michelyn Christianson, all of Oklahoma; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends
Worked for Meylan Enterprises Inc. of Omaha
Activities: loved the outdoors, especially enjoyed hunting and fishing
Was preceded in death by his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2014
CHRISTENSEN, Mable L., 89, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Feb. 1, 1925, in Woodruff, Kan.
Parents: Fred V. and Cora Mae (Buss) Stephenson
Grew up in Woodruff and Norton, Kan.; received her education at Norton, graduated from high school in Oxford
Was in civil service at the former Kearney Air Base during World War II
Married: to Carl E. Christensen on June 24, 1946, in Phillipsburg, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Owatonna, Minn., and Norton; moved to Kearney, worked for the city manager’s office; also helped her husband operate Independent Appliance Rental of Kearney
Activities: was active in PTA at Emerson Elementary School in Kearney and in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts; enjoyed reading, sewing, and caring for her children and grandchildren
Survivors include her husband of Kearney; sons and daughters-in-law, Dirk and Tresa of Axtell and Mark and Sheri of Milford; four grandchildren; and brother, Raymond of Kansas
Was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, five sisters and her first grandson, Matthew Cole Christensen, who died in infancy
Memorials: CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2014
COMPTON, Harlan K., 78, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial services: Monday Oct. 27.
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 2, 1935, in western Nebraska on the homestead of his grandparents, Marion and Minnie Russell
Parents: Harlan and Hazel (Russell) Compton
Married: Sept. 11, 1960, to Shari Laflan
Military: U.S. Navy Seabee, during the Korean War and later during the Vietnam War
Survivors: his wife for 54 years; son, Andrew and his wife, Julie, of Kearney; brothers, Harry and Herb of Kearney; and sisters, Heather Morrow of Mission, Kan., and Holly Hohnholt of Rochester, Mich. He is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bobby Clay, who died in infancy
Kearney Hub, 25 October, 2014
DRAKE, Albert LeRoy "Bert" Sr., 73, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial services: Tuesday at the Merryman Performing Arts Center
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Jan. 21, 1941, in Scotia
Parents: Richard and Glenna (Fowler) Drake
Grew up in Omaha, moved to Kearney in 1971
Married: Feb. 14, 1981, to Rosy King
Worked for Brandt Construction; was the owner and operator of Bert’s Construction Co. , then worked for Central Contracting for 16 years, retired in 2006
Activities: enjoyed traveling and visiting relatives; cared for the neighborhood cats; member of the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall; loved his grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Rosy of Kearney; sons, Albert Drake Jr. and Thomas Drake, both of Alabama, John Drake of Marquette and Randy Drake of Omaha; daughter, Valari Drake of Carter Lake, Iowa; stepsons, Scott King and his wife, Eileen, and Jon King, all of Kearney; daughters of their hearts, Jacinta Townley and Shelly O’Mahony; 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; sisters, Carrie McGinnis and her husband, Leland, of Minden, Glenna Ebmeier of Grand Island and Deloris Ogg of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Kathy Feldman of Kearney and Johnetta Drake of Omaha; special friend, Kathy Pollard and family; and many special friends as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Daniel and Richard Drake; daughter, Cheri Jensen; and brother-in-law, Darrell Feldman
Kearney Hub, 3 November, 2014
ENGEL, Carol Ann, 70, of Loveland, Colorado, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, in Loveland
Memorial services: Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins
Born in Kearney, Neb., on April 24, 1944
Parents: Al and Nellie (Maynard) Boukather
Graduated from Kearney High School, Kearney State College and Emporia State with a master’s of library science degree
Activities: loved spending time with her grandchildren, golfing and travel
Surivors include: son, Scott Engel and his wife, Crystal, of Loveland; daughter, Kim Joneson and her husband, Brett, of North Platte, Neb.; and four grandchildren
Memorials:e Carol Engel Memorial Fund in care of Resthaven Funeral Home
Kearney Hub, 29 October, 2014
FRIEST, Penelope Lain, infant daughter of Jason and Alaina (Vest) Friest of Pleasanton, was born at rest Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Survivors include: parents; sister, Millie Friest of Pleasanton; maternal grandparents, Dave and Mary Vest of Pleasanton; paternal grandmother, Deb Friest and Ray Bonsack of Lexington; paternal great-grandparents, Ron and LaVonne Friest of Basin, Wyo.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Victor and Irma Kreutzer and Richard and Doris Vest
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
GILMORE, Dolores Maxine, 79, of Miller died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at her home
Celebration of life services: Monday at Miller United Methodist Church
Burial: Merna Cemetery
Mortuary: Iverson Memorial Chapel in Broken Bow
Born Aug. 18, 1935
Parents: Vada Beryl Stirrat and Fred Floyd Mason
Was the third child of 13; lived in several towns; family settled in Callaway when she was 14
Stayed with an aunt in Pawnee City through high school and graduated in 1953; then worked as a lab technician for Drs. Anderson and Stewart
Married 1954 to George Gilmore; they later divorced. To this union, five sons were born: Fred LeRoy, Paul Otis, Dale Wayne, Joel Glen and Kurt Alan
Moved to Merna in 1968, went to work for BD in March 1969 and remained there until July 2001
Activities: was a Sunday school teacher for many years; enjoyed her yard and flowers; later moved to Miller to be near her grandchildren
Survivors include: son, Paul and his wife, Susan, of Tucson, Ariz.; daughters-in-law, Rhonda of Miller, Cindy of Kearney and Renee of Miller; nine granddaughters; five grandsons; four great-granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews; siblings, La Verne Dodge of Callaway, Vera Russell and her husband, Perry, of New Mexico, William Mason and his wife, Tagi, of Alaska, Edwin Mason and his wife, Mary, of Sargent, Clifton Mason and his wife, Arnie, of Brush, Colo., and Myron Mason and his wife, Barbra, of Anselmo; and sister-in-law, Carol Mason of Callaway
Was preceded in death by four sons, three sisters, three brothers, two sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law and her parents
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
GROTHEN, Virginia “Ginger” F., 69, of Hastings died of cancer Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014
Memorial services: Thursday at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings
Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hastings
Mortuary: Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center
Born July 19, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: William and Opal (Vest) Gressett
Was raised in Kearney, attended Kearney High School
Married: 1986 to Dale Grothen in Reno, Nevada
Worked as a bookkeeper for Central Soya and Nebraskaland Distributing
Activities: was an avid golfer and very involved at the Elks Club
Survivors include: husband, Dale Grothen of Hastings; daughters and sons-in-law, Robbyn (Allen) and Craig Lamb of Ludell, Kan., and Cindy (Goff) and Scott Harwick of Hastings; grandchildren, Terrena Goff-Haywood, Jennifer Goff-Krueger and Anthony Allen; six great-grandchildren; and brother, William Gressett of Holdrege
Was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Larry Gates
Memorials: Elks Christmas Fund
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2014
HADENFELDT, Myrl George “Bob”, 91, of Shelton died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Inurnment: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born on Feb. 22, 1923, just north of Shelton
Parents: George and Nellie (Pope) Hadenfeldt
Attended country school; was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church and graduated from Shelton High School in 1940
Taught one year at District 30 north of Gibbon, then worked for the Burlington Railroad in Edgemont, S.D.
Military: Merchant Marine, 1943-1946, during World War II; traveled extensively in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of war
Married: to Marcella Richards on Sept. 5, 1944, in Smith Center, Kan.
After military discharge, returned to Shelton, played baseball and worked several rewarding jobs at places that included George Bogues Motor Inn, Klein Chevrolet, Meadow Gold delivering for 20 years in the Gibbon/Wood River/Shelton areas, Continental Grain Co. and Shelton Ag-Services
Activities: enjoyed family, friends, golfing, fishing, baseball, handiwork and driving his vintage Cadillac; spent many hours working in his woodshop, loved giving away his prized wooden creations; was honored as part of the WWII Hero Flight to Washington, D.C., 2009; member of the Shelton Fire Department and Shelton American Legion; was a manager for the Shelton Legion Baseball team; was inducted into the Shelton Athletic Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013; will be inducted into the class of 2015 Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame in February in Beatrice
Survivors include his sons, Mark Hadenfeldt of Shelton and Todd Hadenfeldt of Kearney; daughter and son-in-law, Marcia and Glenn Schanou of Omaha; son-in-law, Dale Bockmann of Grand Island; sisters, Wanda Hesse of Mattoon, Ill., Dolores Williams of Shelton and Carol Hansen of Lincoln; and honorary daughter, Sherry Ogden of Hot Springs, S.D.; grandchildren and their spouses, Melinda and Jim Allen of Waukee, Iowa, Brad and Shanie Bockmann and Steve and Jolene Bockmann, all of Grand Island, Kyle and Heather Berzina of Wilmington, N.C., Tyler and Kristina Berzina of Omaha and Erik and Tracy Schanou of Omaha; 11 great-grandchildren; five nephews and four nieces; and honorary granddaughter, Penny Sullivan of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and daughter, Marilyn Bockmann
Memorials: Shelton/Gibbon Legion Baseball or the Shelton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2014
HAMEL, Keith H., 83, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, in Kearney
Graveside services: Thursday at Nora Cemetery in Nuckolls County
Mortuary: Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior
Born Nov. 2, 1930, in Stratton, Colo.
Parents: Henry and Freda (Kern) Hamel
Married: March 16, 1952, to Shirley Reiber
Military: U.S. Army
Farmed west of Oak; worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Sandhills; moved to Beulah, Wyo., and worked at the Ranch “A” Fishery Research Center; moved to Sundance, Wyo., and managed the Bear Lodge Motel
Was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Shirley, on Sept. 5, 2008
Survivors include: son, Gregory Hamel and daughter, Cecilia Carrillo and her husband, Salvador, all of Gillette, Wyo.; son, William “Bill” Hamel of Denver; brother, Kenneth Hamel and his wife, Lois, of Nelson; brother-in-law, Tom Reiber of Gibbon; granddaughters, Jessica Mitchel and her husband, Jim, and Peyton Hamel; grandsons, Ryber Hamel, Martin Hamel and Shane Carrillo; and five great-grandchildren, Randy, Ty and Shadow Mitchel and Lane and Shawn Hamel
Memorials: Treasured Memories Hospice in Moorcroft, Wyoming
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2014
HEADLEY, Diane Marie, 76, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
No services
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Sept. 10, 1938, in Geddes, S.D.
Parents: Edwin and Elinor (Acres) Gould
Received her education from Geddes High School; later received her nursing degree at age 40
Worked at Mary Lanning Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital; most recently, worked as the registered nurse coordinator for Welcov Assisted Living in Kearney; retired in 2010
Activities: enjoyed spending time crocheting and knitting
Survivors include her daughters, Dawn Escalana of Elm Creek, Teresa Sesna of Gibbon and Kristine Schroder of Grand Island; son, Charles R. Headley of Bowman, N.D.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Judy Schourek of Pahrump, Nev.
Was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ronald Gould
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
HOFFERBER, Charles, 72, of Ravenna died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, at his home
Services: Tuesday at the Congregational Church in Ravenna
Burial: Czechoslovakian Cemetery near Farwell
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Feb. 7, 1942, in Keenesburg, Colo.
Parents: Raymond and Ann (Trupp) Hofferber
Grew up in Colorado, received his education at Keenesburg Public Schools
Military: U.S. Air Force
Married: to Sharon White in Denver
After marriage, lived in Commerce City, Colo., worked at Steel Inc.; moved to Ravenna, worked at the Ravenna Cheese Plant, also co-owned and operated the R Bar in Ravenna
Activities: enjoyed fishing, playing cards, being with family and friends, and, especially, his time spent with his grandchildren
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene and Lynette Hofferber of Kearney and Jeffrey “Jay” and Christa Hofferber of Ashland; five grandchildren; and brothers, Delbert, Doug and Junior
Was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; a son, Mark; his parents; a sister, Betty; and brothers, Ray and Donnie
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2014
HOMAN, Laura Lea, 64, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Memorial services: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Oct. 15, 1950, in Genoa
Parents: Leslie R. and Ellen C. (Thompson) Homan
Survivors include her brother, Don of St. Edward; and sisters, Carol Smith of Ravenna and Betty Parr of Holly Springs, Miss.
Kearney Hub, 29 October, 2014
KAPS, Elizabeth H. “Betty”, 94, of Lincoln died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, in Lincoln
Celebration of life: Nov. 14 at Miller United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser & Love in Lincoln
Born May 20, 1920
Parents: Edward and Thelma Hubert
Married: Clifford “Butch” Kaps; he preceded her in death
After marriage, taught in Miller; later moved to Sumter County, Fla., was a teacher and guidance counselor; lived at Savannah Pines in Lincoln for the last 12 years; was also known as “The Box Lady”
Survivors include her daughters, Jill Ruhlman and Toni Rossi of Atlanta, Thelma Cunningham and Jim of Lincoln and Debbie Lazzara of St. Petersburg, Fla.; grandchildren and spouses, Brian and Kim Cunningham of Lincoln, Rich and Melissa Lazzara of Brandon, Fla., Paul and Jaime Cunningham of Lincoln, Joey Lazzara of Tampa, Fla., Tony Lazzara of Miami, Tara and Jason Zeorian of Palmyra and Scott, Morgan and Skylar Rossi, all of Atlanta; sister-in-law, Jane Hubert of Kelso, Wash.; and 20 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her son, Craig Hubert Kaps; parents, Thelma and Edward Hubert; and a brother, Edward Hubert Jr.
Memorials: World Gospel Mission, Heifer International or Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 30 October, 2014
KERSTING, Bernard L., 69, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born Feb. 16, 1945, in Kearney
Parents: Floyd and Iola (McGuiness) Kersting
Survivors include his sons, Bernard “Butch” and Steven, both of Kearney; daughters, Teresa Kersting and Sally Ellis, both of Kearney, and Barbie Petersen of Odessa; three brothers; nine sisters; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2014
KLAUZ, Alice L., 89, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington
Burial: St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery near Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born May 21, 1925, in Shelton
Parents: Walter and Hazel (Russell) Meusch
Married: May 24, 1943, to Joseph G. Klauz in Lexington. He died Dec. 21, 1967
Survivors include her sons, Bob of Kearney and Rick of Lexington; daughter, Merry Johnson of Grand Island; brother, Richard Meusch of Fort Smith, Ark.; sister, Thelma Dodson of Corpus Christi, Texas; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 27 October, 2014
KUCERA, George, 84, of Pleasanton died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 3, 1930, in North Loup
Parents: Frank and Millie (Neumann) Kucera
Moved with his family to near Ravenna, attended high school there
Military: U.S. Marine Corps; was sent to California, was assigned to 20th Century Fox as a driver for John Wayne while he was making a movie; was also stationed in Korea and the Chosin Reservoir, starvation and weight loss during his tour of duty was so unbelievable, weighed just 120 pounds upon returning; then went to the Cornhusker Ammunition Depot
Married Janet Powers in 1954
Moved to Montana, worked as a ranch hand and at a Grade A dairy, then as a lumberjack in the forest, cutting trees; later worked for Boise Cascade Lumber Co.
Returned to Nebraska in 1963 so the boys could farm; ran a Grade A dairy, then he operated heavy equipment; after a heart attack in 1974, moved to their present home in Pleasanton
Survivors include his wife of 60 years; sons and daughters-in-law, George and Nancy Kucera of Litchfield, Doug and Bonnie Kucera of Hickman and Steve and Julie Kucera of Oxford; grandsons and spouses, Josh and Sarah Kucera of Kearney, Elijah and Maggie Kucera of Doniphan and Spencer, Austin and Sharice Kucera of Oxford; great-grandchildren, Ella, Brenna, Elijah and Joseph Kucera of Kearney; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl and Grace Kucera of Litchfield and Maynard and Corene Kucera of Salome, Ariz.; sisters, Opal Reese and Eva Laing, both of Kearney; sister-in-law, Joanne Kucera of Ravenna; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Kucera
Kearney Hub, 31 October, 2014
LAKE, Peggy S., 52, of Gibbon died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at her home south of Gibbon
Services: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Riverton Cemetery
Born May 28, 1962, in Omaha
Parents: William and Gloria (Jennings) Lake
Attended school in Franklin, then graduated from Gibbon High School in 1980; attended Norfolk Community College and studied nursing
Worked at Good Samaritan Hospital then lived in Grand Island then Omaha; moved to Gibbon in 2012
Activities: enjoyed drawing and writing poems; loved her pets
Survivors include her parents, Bill and Gloria Schmidt of Gibbon; father, William Lake of Grand Island; sons, Warren Schmidt and Allen Anderson, both of Kearney; sister, Vicki Moats and husband John of Kearney; brothers, Daniel of Gibbon and David of Kearney; half sister, Karen of England; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 15 October, 2014
LANCASTER, James Ralph, 82, of Scottsdale, Ariz., died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Barrington, Illinois
A celebration of life: Nov. 29 at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Born Dec. 9, 1931, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Ralph and Bernice Lancaster
Grew up in Kearney; earned a degree in industrial engineering at Northwestern University in Evanston, 1955
Worked for IBM; in 1964 received a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago
After 15 years in marketing management at IBM, began a second career in banking, worked for a group of community banks that later became part of the National Bank of Detroit and ultimately First Chicago; retired in December 1996 as executive vice president of First Chicago and First National Bank of Chicago
Married: June 14, 1953 to Patricia Carolyn Christensen; lived in Mount Prospect, Ilinois, and raised their five children
Activities: was active in the Community Presbyterian Church in Mount Prospect and later the Presbyterian Church of Barrington; enjoyed golf, bridge, musical events and travel; family was always a priority; in 1949 was Nebraska Boys State governor; as an adult, served on the boards of Northwest Housing Partnership, The Illinois Math and Science Foundation, Northern Cook County Private Industry Council and United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago; served on the boards of the Harper College Foundation and the Northwestern University Library; was active in other civic and charitable organizations
Survivors include five children and their spouses, Anne and Scott Springer, Craig Lancaster and Charlene Handler, Nancy and Terry Liskevych, Mark Lancaster and Nancy Woodruff, and Amy Lancaster; and his brother, Charles W. “Bill” Lancaster and his wife, Melba; and 12 grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his beloved wife
Memorials: Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois, and Arizona Musicfest
Kearney Hub, 27 October, 2014
LAUTENSCHLAGER, Dean Morris, 93, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, at his home
Memorial services: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Mortuary
Burial: Carleton Cemetery
Born May 23, 1921 in Carleton
Parents: Walter and Elva (Axtell) Lautenschlager
Married: Dec. 3, 1943, to Lucy Martin at the Chapel of Roses in Chula Vista, Calif.; had three children
Graduated from Carleton High School in 1939
Worked for Consolidated Air in San Diego, 1940-1944
Military: U.S. Navy, 1944-1946, during World War II
After discharge returned to Carleton, owned and operated Lautenschlager Service Station for 23 years; moved to Kearney, 1969, was one of the first employees for the newly opened Eaton Plant; retired from Eaton, 1983
Activities: was a volunteer weather watcher and volunteer fireman while living in Carleton; after retiring, enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, metal detecting, attending auctions, finding antiques and treasures and meeting many wonderful friends
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Lucy of Kearney; daughters, Sandra Lautenschlager of York and Arlene Nau of Jacksonville, Fla.; son, Alan Lautenschlager and his wife, Lisa, of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Wayne
Memorials: Carleton Cemetery and AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2014
LEA, Gary L. “Joker”, 79, of Pleasanton died Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Services: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery with military honors
Born Nov. 28, 1934, in Pleasanton to Alvin and Helen (Lea) Nickman; was later adopted and raised by Joe Lea
Attended school in Pleasanton
Military: U.S. Army, served during the Korean War
Married: Feb. 20, 1957, to Evelyn J. Schwab in Pleasanton
Married: Dec. 24, 1972 to Carolyn J. Keen
Worked as a machinist at Rockwell International in Kearney and later worked at The British Tire and Rubber Co.
Activities: member of the FO Eagles and of the American Legion
Survivors include his sons, Roger Lea and wife, Laura, of McCool Junction and James Lea and Gerald Lea, both of Pleasanton; daughter, Judy Emerson and husband, Mark, of York; stepchildren, Sheila Prosser and husband, Dave, of North Carolina, Joyce Keen and Jerry Keen, both of Kearney, and Stacey Epley of Omaha; nine grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Evelyn and Carolyn; daughter in infancy, Loretta Faye; and stepson, Jon Keen
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
MARTIN, Maxine N., 59, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln
Services: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Born May 9, 1955, in Lexington
Parents: Guadalupe and Leona Gonzalez
Grew up in Lexington, Cozad and the Gothenburg area; received her education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and graduated in 2004
Activities: lived a long and happy life; hobbies included crocheting, knitting and coloring, which she also enjoyed teaching
Survivors include her husband, Sam Randall of Elm Creek; oldest son, Ron Martin and his wife, Shelly, of Harvard; oldest daughter, Charity Dudding and her husband, Wayne, of Johnson Lake; daughter, Penny Davis and her husband, Terry, of Oconto; son, Tom Martin and his wife, Melissa, of Shelton; son, Henry Schram and his wife, Annie, of Lexington; and youngest daughter, Faye Schram of Elm Creek; also 19 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by both parents
Memorials: Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
MEYERS, Amanda Elizabeth, 28, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: later
Born April 2, 1986, in Kearney
Parents: Lawrence and Christine (Webster) Welsh
Graduated from Kearney High School, 2004
Worked as a bartender/server at Little Mexico Restaurant
Activities: enjoyed the opportunity to visit with people and make them laugh while she was working; most of all, cherished time spent with her children
Survivors include her daughter, Addyson Korb of Gibbon; son, Tieghen Lea of Pleasanton; brothers, Zach Welsh of Aurora, Colo., and Michael Welsh of Fairview, Ore.; mother, Christine Welsh of Aurora; grandmother, Margie Webster of Kearney; and several uncles, nieces and nephews
Memorials: “Support A Tree Program” through Kearney Park and Recreation
Kearney Hub, 29 October, 2014
MILLER, William, 74, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born April 28, 1940, in Lexington
Parents: Peter and Katherine (Kehm) Miller
Grew up in Lexington, received his education at Lexington Public Schools
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, served during peacetime
Married: June 19, 1964 to Jeannine McKim on June 19, 1964, in Gothenburg
After marriage, lived in Lexington, was a painting contractor
Activitiese: member of the fraternal order of the Eagles Club; was an avid gardener, coin collector and an outdoorsman
Survivors include: wife of Kearney; daughters, Barb and husband Marty Cullen of Kearney, Sandra Miller and Dawn Swanson; two grandchildren; brother, Harold Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by both parents, six brothers and three sisters
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2014
MORGAN, Russel J., 82, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, at his home
Services: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Elwood Cemetery
Born on Aug. 4, 1932 near Elwood
Parents: Edna Merle (Abbott) Morgan and Marion Russel Morgan
Attended and graduated from Elwood Public Schools; attended one year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: June 7, 1953 to Carolyn Ruth Curry in Holbrook
Military: U.S. Army medic, spent two years in Germany
Returned to the states and settled in Elwood, worked at First National Bank and Morgan Insurance Agency; assumed the presidency of the bank upon his father’s passing, retired after 48 years there; then moved to Kearney
Activities: participated in many business and community organizations and served on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Bankers Association, Elwood Chamber of Commerce, South Platte United Chambers of Commerce, the Nebraska State Fair Board, Gosper County Fair Board, the Tri-County Board and the South Central Agricultural Bankers Group; member of the Masonic Lodge, the Tri-County Shriners, the Tehama Shriners, the Elks, Kiwanis Club, the American Legion and First United Methodist Church; was a local baseball coach and led a Scout troop; supported all sports and 4-H in Gosper County; spent many years announcing the Elwood football games; was instrumental in helping start the Elwood Care Center, the Elwood Medical Clinic and the Elwood Rescue Unit Survivors include: wife, Carolyn of Kearney; children, Stephanie and husband Rick Buell of Lexington, Jeffrey Morgan of Kearney and Jennifer Lombardi of Omaha; grandchildren, Katelin Buell of Chicago, Jessica and husband Sean Gall of Kearney, Emma Heaton of Omaha and Zachary Morgan of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Sean David Gall and Vivian Leigh Gall of Kearney; and various other nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Merle Morgan; and his sisters, Marilyn Hickenbottom and Sandra Morgan
Memorials: Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis or the Nebraska Children’s Hospital in Omaha
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
MUSIL, Stanley R., 78, of Columbus died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln
Services: Monday at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus, military honors
Burial: later
Born Dec. 13, 1935, in Buffalo County
Parents: William Francis and Ella Lucille (Thomas) Musil
Was baptized into the Catholic faith as a child; attended grade school at District 30 in rural Gibbon and attended Gibbon High School
Military: U.S. Army Jan. 14, 1955 - Jan. 12, 1957, during the Korean War; was honorably discharged
Returned to Nebraska, attended Milford Trade School, was trained as an auto mechanic
Married: Aug. 3, 1959, to Dianne Remmers in Garrison
After marriage, worked for Diers Ford Garage in Fremont, Amus Garage in Shelton and Rogers Ford Garage in Columbus; also worked at Red Korger Southside Skelly and for the city of Columbus at the Waste Treatment Plant; retired and worked as a janitor and maintenance man at Cornhusker Public Power
Activitiese: purchased an old schoolhouse, renovated and remodeled it, to make it their country home;was an accomplished carpenter and made many pieces of furniture for family and friends; enjoyed working on old cars and won awards for them; enjoyed country music and played guitar in several local bands over the years such as the Troubadors and the Mason Road Band; member of the Eagles and the American Legion
Stanley is survived by his wife, Dianne Musil of Columbus; son, Daniel Musil and wife Denise of Brighton, Colo.; granddaughters, Chelsea Musil of Las Cruces, N.M., and Linda Musil of Austin, Texas; son, Harlan and partner Jamus Mudloff of Lincoln; son, Mark Musil and partner Julie Marsh of Omaha; grandsons, Travis and Trenton Musil of Omaha; brother, Dennis Musil and wife Susan of Layton, Utah; uncle, Walter Lynn “Bub” Thomas of Kearney; and cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille Musil; brothers, William and Larry Musil; and sisters, Carolyn Musil and Marilyn Johnson and husband Lanny
Kearney Hub, 31 October, 2014
OTTO, Paul A., 78, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at his home near Kearney
Services: Tuesday at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Torrington, Wyoming
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl in Kearney
Born on Feb. 11, 1936, in rural Wyoming
Parents: John Arthur (J.A.) and Paulina (Gilg) Otto
Was the youngest of seven children; grew up on the family ranch near Yoder, Wyo.; attended high school in Yoder and graduated in 1954; moved to Kearney to attend college in the fall
Began working for his brother, Norman, building custom homes; later started his own construction business and built many homes in the Kearney area
Married: Sept. 12, 1956, to Virginia Wood and had three daughters
Married: June 1985, to Elaine Martell
Activities: member of First Lutheran Church of Kearney
Survivors include: daughters, Susan and husband Ron of Arvada, Colo., and Nancy of Omaha; special friend, Donna Day of Kearney; grandchildren, Shaun and wife Marci and Ryan and wife Jessica, all of Arvada, Kaitlin and husband Blaine of Alliance and Kyle of Boulder, Colo.; great-grandchildren, Roisin and Tadgh of Arvada and Jack of Alliance; sister, Martha of Lincoln; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Carl, Norman, Ellen, Lorraine and Nellie; daughter, Carol; and great-granddaughter, Josey
Memorials: Wounded Warrior Project
Kearney Hub, 20 October, 2014
POLICKY, Brian D., 48, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at his home
Services: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Born on Aug. 18, 1966, in Columbus
Parents: Frank and Helen (Gasper) Policky
Grew up in Columbus, Cozad and Kearney; received his education at Cozad High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: was married 10 years to Sherri Smock Policky of Cozad; had three sons together
Was self-employed as a computer programmer
Activities: loved his family dearly; enjoyed music and motorsports with his children and grandchildren
Survivors include: love of his life Kimberly Bullock; children and their spouses, Austin and Nicole Johnson Policky, Logan Policky and girlfriend Arron Buchta, Tarren Policky, Tyler and Kortney Pfiefer Bullock, Trent Bullock, Dustin and Torey Bullock Walker and Cameron Bullock; his parents, Frank and Helen Gasper Policky; his brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Dawn Policky; his sister, Heather Policky Armbrust; parents-in-law, Ron and Sandy Jobman; his grandchildren, Avery and Koen Policky, Kaidence and Karson Walker and Natileigh and Maxwell Bullock; and extended family
Memorials: the Policky Family Memorial Fund
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2014
SCHNACKER, Doris Royberta (Dickerson), 91, of North Platte died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, in North Platte
Services: Saturday, Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte
Burial: North Platte Cemetery
Born Jan. 5, 1923, on Woods Ranch at Cumro
Parents: Roy and Elsa (Miller) Dickerson
Graduated from Miller High School with the class of 1940
Married: on Aug. 17, 1940 to Denzil “Mac” Schnacker, who died April 17, 2012
Attended summer school at Kearney State College
After marriage, lived in Kearney, Miller and McCook, then settled in North Platte
Activities: member of First Christian Church, enjoyed all the friends she made in CWF; volunteered delivering Meals On Wheels and was active in visiting shut-ins and helping with domestic drug groups; loved to read, loved baseball and loved Husker football; enjoyed traveling with Mac in their motor home and visited most of the United States including Hawaii; considered her family her greatest blessings
Survivors: daughters, Karen Schnacker of North Platte, Cheryl Joy and husband Ron of Holdrege and Lori Berg and husband Bob of Sonora, Calif.; sister, May Stevens of San Antonio; brother, Roy Dickerson of Omak, Wash.; grandchildren and spouses, Tammi Amos, John Schnacker, Dennis and Laura Joy, Cherie and Drew Gregory, Lindsey Berg and Amber and Frank Kasses; great-grandchildren, Alisha, Ryan, Zach, Nathan, Toby and Johnny; great-great-grandchildren, Jedlynn, Odycee and Vance; brothers-in-law, Wayne Schnacker, Jack and wife Ruth Schnacker and Loren and wife Pearl Schnacker; sister-in-law, Cleo Driewer; brother-in-law, Dave Busch; and several nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mac and his parents, John and Florence Schnacker; son, Jerry Schnacker; sister, Evelyn and husband Don Armstrong; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends
Memorials: Meals on Wheels or First Christian Church of North Platte
Kearney Hub, 28 October, 2014
VASKO, Robert L., 74, of Riverdale died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Memorial services: Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Lingle, Wyoming
Born Nov. 16, 1939 in Laramie, Wyo.
Parents: John and Mary Ann (Klouda) Vasko
Grew up in and received his education in the Huntley, Wyo., area
Married: Feb. 27, 1971, to Teri Elyse Schlientz in Lexington
Moved to Riverdale, was an owner/operator of a semitrailer truck and drove for numerous companies; traveled coast to coast and enjoyed taking family on the road with him; retired in 2002 and enjoyed spending time with family
Survivors include: wife of Riverdale; sons, Tyler and wife, Cathy, of Torrington, Wyo., Scott and wife, Kristi, of Pine Bluffs, Wyo., Kelly and wife, Donna, of Omaha, Miles and wife, Kirsten, of Lincoln and Ethan and wife, Heidi, of Kearney; grandchildren, Candy and husband, Johnathan Pisciotti, of Laramie, Paige and husband, Keith Resig, of Torrington, Wyo., Christiana and husband, Joshua Kelly, of Turtle Lake, N.D., Brenna Vasko of Casper, Wyo., Alexi Vasko of Goose Creek, S.C., Laine and Wyatt Vasko, both of Pine Bluffs, Josh Vasko of Omaha and Karsyn and Cooper Vasko of Kearney; and six great-grandchildren
Memorials: St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2014
VASQUEZ, Dean, 59, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan. Services: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 16, 1955, in Kearney
Parents: Francisco and Isabel (Ortiz) Vasquez
Grew up in Kearney and attended Kearney High School
Married: 1974 to Kathy Brown in Kearney
Worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a foreman and also at Eaton
Activities: enjoyed riding four-wheelers with his family and friends, fixing bicycles for kids in his neighborhood, working on lawn mowers and working in his garage with his kids and grandchildren
Survivors include: daughters, Tina Vasquez and Shawn Starkey, and Tonya Keyser and her husband, Marcus, all of Kearney; sons, Eric Vasquez and Liz Fader and Nathan Vasquez, all of Kearney; brothers, Gil Vasquez and his wife, Sally, Gus Vasquez Sr., Raul Vasquez and his wife, Gloria, and Frank Vasquez and his wife, Patty, all of Kearney, and Louie Vasquez of Papillion; grandchildren, Tyson Gant, Haley Vasquez, Alex Vasquez, Katelyn Keyser, Ashlyn Keyser and Ashton Keyser, all of Kearney; sister-in-law, Tina Vasquez of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Robert Vasquez; sister-in-law, Jean Vasquez; and nephews, Nick, Gerald and Gus Vasquez Jr.
Kearney Hub, 3 November, 2014
WHITESEL, Martha L., 94, of Holdrege, formerly of Miller, died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, at Christian Homes in Holdrege
Services: Friday, October 24, 2014, Miller Methodist Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery near Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 3, 1920, in Eddyville
Parents: Edward and Berniece (Carr) Miller
Attended school in Eddyville, graduated from Eddyville High School in 1938; attended Kearney Normal School, traveled to and from college riding the “Motor” from Eddyville to Kearney and back on weekends
Taught school at Capitol Hill Rural School south of Miller for two years
Married: May 9, 1942, in Hastings, to Russell Whitesel; had three children
Lived on the family farm until 1993; moved to Holdrege to be near her husband in a nursing home there
Activities: was active in several community organizations such as the H.O.A. Club (Help Others Always) and the H.O.P. Club (Help Other People); active member in the United Methodist Church in Miller and United Methodist Women; Russell and Martha were youth leaders for many years
Survivors include: son, Jim Whitesel and his wife, Carol, of Miller; daughters, Pat Fulmer and her husband, Kim, of Holdrege and Deanna Cline and her husband, Johnny, of Valentine; four grandsons; five granddaughters; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mildred Whitesel of North Platte and Esther Miller of Ainsworth; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, and one brother, Marvin Miller
Memorials: Miller United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2014
ZABLOUDIL, Evelyn J., 77, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: St. Ann’s Cemetery in Lexington
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on March 31, 1937, in Ericson
Parents: Joseph and Emma (Lehecka) Zabloudil
Graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1954
Worked at the dental office of Anderson/Bettie in Lexington; later was a housekeeper for Father Tom Mullowney and also St. James Parish in Kearney; began as a unit secretary at Good Samaritan Hospital in June 1980, retired from there, 2010
Activities: dedicated member of St. James Catholic Church; enjoyed Nebraska football and volleyball and also attending the Rotary Travelogue; family and friends were important to her
Surviving relatives include her niece, Patty and Randy Blundel of Austin, Texas; nephews, Matt Zabloudil of Lawrence, Kan., and Steven Zabloudil of Memphis, Tenn.; godson, Zach Cunningham; and many dear friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Allen Zabloudil
Memorials: St. James Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2014
ZARUBA, Gary E., 74, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial services: Monday at the Museum of Nebraska Art
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on April 6, 1940, in Belgrade
Parents: Edward and Mildred Evelyn (Turner) Zaruba
Graduated from Fullerton High School in 1957, worked in the construction field; earned a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a master’s degree from Kearney State College and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Dec. 27, 1961 to Mary Leone Schoep
After marriage, lived in Omaha for several years, moved to Kearney in 1965
Was an emeritus professor of art at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, had taught there for 39 years; was a mentor and educator to future artists and educators; helped found the Nebraska State Art Collection and was instrumental in the development of the Museum of Nebraska Art; served in various roles on the MONA board, and was the director/curator from 1986 to 1990; main interest was in 19th century art, led efforts in research and fundraising to expand the museum’s holdings in this area; also was artistic consultant for the Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Patricia Wlaschin Zaruba; his sister, Kristina; brother, Carroll; and his wife, Mary
Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Steve Anderson of Kearney and Karen Zaruba and Mark Meier of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and his grandchildren, Kirk Meier, Allie Moore and Stuart Moore, and Stuart’s friend, Rachel Bayley and her son, Brantley; also his siblings and their spouses, Theresa and Ted Wieser of North Bend, Charlie and Gwen of Grand Island, Lorraine and Alan Iverson of Broken Bow, Louise Schenk of Fullerton and Patrick and Amy of Albion; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loving companion, Karen Park and her three children and their spouses, Mary Ellen and Paul Martin of Riverside, Ill., Michael and Ann Marie of Kearney and Matt of Kearney; along with her grandchildren, Elizabeth and Katharine Park and Liadin and Leo Martin
Memorials: Museum of Nebraska Art or to the Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2014