© MJH 1998-2015 for Buffalo County NEGenWeb Project
buffalo
OBITUARY EXTRACTIONS
Page 164

Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska


Back to Index for Obituaries




BERGMEIER, Sharon K., 62, of Kearney died Sunday, June 21, 2015, at her home
Service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Aug. 6, 1952, in Mullen
Parents: John and Betty K. Reeves
Grew up in Mullen, graduated from Mullen High School; graduated from Kearney State College with a teaching degree
Married Allen A. Bergmeier
After marriage, lived in Kearney
Taught art, home economics and journalism at Litchfield, retired for health reasons
Activities: volunteered at the Museum of Nebraska Art, the Kearney Car Club and Good Samaritan Hospital; had an appreciation for art, classic cars and Nebraska history: loved spending time with family and friends
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Renee Payne and husband Michael and granddaughter, Rylee of Amarillo, Texas; son, Brock Bergmeier of Kearney; and brother, Dan Gibson of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband in 1989; infant daughter, Ashley; and brother, Ed
Memorials: Kearney Car Club or to MONA in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 25 June, 2015

BREI, Phyllis Irene, 80, of Kearney died Saturday, July 4, 2015, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Services: Friday at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winner, S.D.
Burial: Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Mission, S.D.
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born on Feb. 24, 1935, at the General Hospital in Winner
Parents: John and Gladys (Vandeventer) Christiansen
Attended adult instruction classes and was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mission on Jan. 9, 1954
Lived on the family farm in southeastern Todd County, S.D., near the community of Keya Paha, Neb.; attended country school through eighth grade; attended high school in Mission at Todd County High School, lived on the campus during the school year, graduated in 1953
Worked for Missouri Valley Insurance Co. in Burke, S.D.
Married: Reuben Brei on June 12, 1954
Worked for the South Dakota Department of Social Services, 1954-1958, then became a stay-at-home mom; rejoined the work force in 1966 and was involved in the Title Five program, then rejoined the Department of Social Services; retired after 34 years of service in January 1997
Activities: faithful member of the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod throughout her adult life, at Zion in Mission, Trinity in Winner and Good Shepherd in Kearney; was active in various organizations through the church and helped out with many projects; was an avid seamstresses and made many of her children’s clothes; enjoyed working on crafts or projects, especially enjoyed crocheting; made many gifts for friends and relatives; kept records of her high school alumni association, enjoyed the Todd County High School reunions
Survivors include: husband, Reuben; her son, Philip, and daughter-in-law, Lois of Kearney; two grandsons, Kevin of Charles City, Iowa, and Matthew of Kearney; nieces, JoAnn Holmes, Laura Emde and Doris Abraham and their families; nephews, Jerald Brei and Harold Brei and their families; as well as numerous cousins throughout Minnesota, Nebraska, Michigan and Oregon
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Brei Phillips; her parents, John and Gladys Christiansen; brothers-in-law, Richard, Emil and John Brei, Leon Tuttle and Clifford Anderson; sisters-in-law, Irene Brei-Tuttle-Anderson and Darlene and Violet Brei; two grandnieces, Lisa and Angel Holmes; and parents-in-law, Henry and Anna Brei
Kearney Hub, 8 July, 2015

BURVAINIS, John S., 66, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Lincoln
Memorial services: Thursday at Faith Bible Church in Lincoln
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Roper & Sons Funeral Home in Lincoln
Born Oct. 18, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: John S. and Zelda (Day) Burvainis
Grew up in Broken Bow and graduated from Broken Bow High School and Kearney State College
Military: veteran of the U.S. Army Security Agency
Taught school at Diller High School; also was deputy director and accountant for the State of Nebraska Public Service Commission
Survivors include: wife, Peggy; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Stacey Thomas; grandchildren, Breanna and Tyler Thomas and Kaden and Hunter Burge; sister, Meg Burvainis; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Warren “Butch” and Connie Lyon; nieces and nephews, Chris and Rebekah Lyon, Josh and Amy Lyon and Mitchell and Sarah Lyon; five grandnieces and grandnephews, Sam, Max, Ruby, Norah and Jack; Grandma B., Vera Burchett; aunts and uncles, Bob and Corinne Olmsted of Kearney, Boyd and Janice Gentry of North Platte, Denny and Sandie Day of Gibbon and Margaret Day of Hanford, Calif.; numerous cousins; and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Capital Humane Society, Wounded Warriors or Cedars Home for Children
Kearney Hub, 29 June, 2015

BUTLER, Rita Eleanor, 93, of Lincoln died Sunday, June 28, 2015, in Lincoln
Services: Wednesday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lincoln
Graveside services: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Butherus Maser and Love in Lincoln
Born Sept. 8, 1921, in Kearney
Parents: William and Minnie Hibberd
Married: Ernest Butler; he died in 1966
Was wife and mother to nine children; retired after working many years at the Veterans Hospital in Grand Island
Activities: lived her Catholic faith; was faithful in prayer; was a voracious reader, worked crossword puzzles and enjoyed games of all types with her children and grandchildren; enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a diehard Husker fan; especially loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events and other school activities; loved all kinds of music and traveling and was a lifelong lover of animals, especially dogs; was up-beat and cheerful and made everyone feel special
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Bonnie White, Mary Empson, Nancy and Brian Christensen, Joyce and Angel Cartagena, Kathy and Ben Ewing, Jean Butler, Carolyn Butler and Ernie and Sherri Butler; grandchildren and their spouses, Rob White and Lisa, Shelley Kort and Brian, Ryan White, Michael Butler, Allison Butler and Dan, Emily Butler, Paul Empson, Matt Empson and Rebecca, Scott Daehling, Doug Daehling, Dustin Butler and Lisa, Christy Villaneueva and Carlos, Solomon Cartagena and Wendy, Rita Hicks and Jason, Chris Arellano and P.J., Ava Thomas and Dan, Angelaura Ewing, Lexie Butler and Jerry, Lillian Butler-Hale, and Emerson Butler-Hale; and her great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, and her son, William in 2004
Kearney Hub, 30 June, 2015

CARMAN, Ronald W., 86, of Oklahoma City, formerly of Pleasanton, Neb., died Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in Oklahoma City
Burial of cremains: at Pleasanton Cemetery
Born Dec. 29, 1928, on his parents' farm near Pleasanton
Parents: John and Bertha (Kroeger) Carman
Grew up in the Pleasant Valley community and graduated from Pleasanton High School
Married: December 1946, to Grace Dobry
Was a longtime farmer, baseball player, Valmont pivot dealer, and real estate broker and appraiser; retired from Carman Real Estate in 2011
Survivors include: his wife of 68 years, Grace, and daughters, Ronna Eddings and her husband, Tom, and Michelyn Christiansen, all of Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Darold “Red” Carman and his wife, Janet; sister, Carol Lee Johnson and her husband, Charles; extended family; and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Joseph
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2015

DANNULL, Ronald Owen “Ron”, 64, of Bertrand died Thursday, July 2, 2015, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege
Celebration of life services: Wednesday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege
Burial: Industry Cemetery near Atlanta with military honors
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born March 2, 1951, in Sterling, Colo., the third of four children
Parents: Alfred George and Marcella Elizabeth (Carpenter) Dannull
Was baptized, confirmed and raised in the Lutheran faith; received his education from Holdrege Public Schools, graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1969
Married: Sept. 21, 1974, to Rita Rosella Leopold; later divorced
Military: U.S. Air Force, April 1971 - May 1, 1991; was decorated with the Air Force Longevity service award ribbon with three bronze oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
After marriage, lived in Little Rock, Ark.; was trained as an aircraft maintenance technician; in May 1978, was transferred to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska; the family relocated with him to several air force bases throughout the United States; especially enjoyed laska and Maine
Returned to civilian life and began to make his home in Kearney; later moved to Bertrand Nursing Home
Activities: loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed collecting guns and knives, many of which were handmade; was a loving father, brother and son
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; sister-in-law, Barbara Dannull; and the mother of his children, Rita
Survivors include his three children, Dr. Kimberly Dannull and her husband, James Wedige, of Aurora, Colo., Matthew Dannull of Lincoln and Michael Dannull of Omaha; seven grandchildren, Natayah Rian, Taryn Avary, Teagan Loren and Adelyn Rose Wedige and Cailey Jai, Cole Matthew and Carter Leo Dannull; one sister, Mary Dannull Bacon and her husband, Harold, of Milford; two brothers, Dean A. Dannull and his wife, Renee’, of Santa Clarita, Calif., and Theodore E. Dannull of Weatherford, Okla.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 6 July, 2015

EBMEIER, Glenna Edna, 67, of Grand Island, formerly of Elm Creek, died Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Golden Living Center at Lakeview in Grand Island
Graveside services: Thursday at Bertrand Cemetery
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born on July 21, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Richard F. and Glenna E. (Fowler) Drake
Grew up and received her education in Nebraska
Married: Richard Ebmeier on March 12, 1967
After marriage, lived in Kearney, worked as a cook at the Kearney Senior Center for over 20 year; moved to Elm Creek, 2003
Activities: enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch, Skip-Bo and Uno; made and sold popcorn at Bingo Night at the Senior Center; enjoyed knitting and playing Bingo Lottery cards
Survivors of the immediate family include a daughter, Carrie Sipp and her husband, Dale, of Elm Creek; granddaughter, Anna Sipp of Elm Creek; and two sisters, Carrie Bell McGinnis of Minden and Delores Ogg of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; a son, Richard Ebmeier; three brothers, Daniel A. Drake, Albert Drake and Richard Drake Jr.; and three brothers-in-law, Leland McGinnis, Jerry Ebmeier and Kenny Ebmeier
Kearney Hub, 8 July, 2015

EWER, Marsella R., 100, of Omaha, formerly of North Platte, died Friday, June 26, 2015, in Omaha
Graveside services: Wednesday at Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born May 21, 1915, at Pleasanton
Parents: John and Rose (Hadwiger) Sheckler
Was educated in Pleasanton, graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1933
Married: Frederick Ewer on April 27, 1938
After marriage, lived in Pleasanton; later moved to North Platte, worked as a sales clerk
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Clara May Ewer of Aberdeen, S.D.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Alberta Ewer of Loup City; and many nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her husband, one son, two sisters and one brother
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire and Rescue Department or donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 30 June, 2015

GASCOIGNE, Carolyn J., 74, of Ravenna died Monday, July 6, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life memorial services: Saturday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born March 2, 1941, in Ravenna
Parents: Willis “Mike” and Wilma (Seifert) Barton
Grew up in Ravenna, graduated from high school in 1959
Married: May 29, 1959, to Jerry L. Gascoigne, at the Ravenna United Methodist Church
After marriage, lived in Ravenna until 1966, moved to Lincoln for Jerry’s job on the CB&Q Railroad, then to St. Joseph, Mo., 1967, due to a promotion on the railroad for Jerry; returned to Ravenna after the death of her husband
Activities: was a wife, mother and homemaker; enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends; hobbies included crafts of all kinds, going camping, doing charity work for the young and elderly, gardening and going to auctions; member of the Eagles in St. Joseph and the Ravenna Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary; supported the Bar H Boys Ranch in Nevada, Mo., since 1991; always kept a very positive attitude and love of life even during 33 years of various health issues
Survivors include her sons, Kenny and Brian of Ravenna, Roger of St. Joseph and Greg and wife Karen of Callaway; 10 grandchildren; mother, Wilma Barton and sister, Connie McKeon, both of Ravenna; brother-in-law, Carl and wife Peggy Olson of Phoenix; sister-in-law, Karlene and husband Vernon Larson of Grand Island; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry on Aug. 22, 2013; and her dad, Mike
Kearney Hub, 8 July, 2015

GIBBONS, Ross Leroy, 89, of Kearney, formerly of Elm Creek, died Friday, June 19, 2015, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Service: Tuesday at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Burial:Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born Aug. 27, 1925, in Eddyville
Parents: Arthur and Augusta (Brandt) Gibbons
Moved with family to Elm Creek in 1934; was graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1944
Military: U.S. Navy, January 1944-April 1946
Married: Yvonne Andreasen on May 29, 1946, in Cheyenne, Wyo.
After marriage, lived in various places including Kearney, and Brighton, Colo.; returned to Elm Creek; owned and operated Gibbon’s Market in Elm Creek for many years
Activities: member of Elm Creek First Christian Church; lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks Club; was also active in Masons, Shriners and the Lions Club; enjoyed golfing and dancing with Yvonne; enjoyed 67 years of marriage
Survivors: sons and daughters-in-law, Clark and Joan Gibbons of Estes Park, Colo., and Michael and Kim Gibbons of Kearney; grandchildren, Christian and wife Lisa Gibbons of Kansas City, Mo., Michelle Gibbons and her husband, Sean Doherty, of Estes Park, and Ross Gibbons and Thea Gibbons, both of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Noah, Ava, Aiden and Emerson Jane Gibbons; as well as several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by parents; wife, Yvonne; son, Victor Ross Gibbons; three brothers, Veryl “Hoot,” Glen and Don; and two sisters, Florence Simmons and Betty Shaw
Memorials: the church or Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2015

GODFREY, Bettie C., 84, of Grand Island, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Golden Living-Park Place in Grand Island
Service: Monday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born June 17, 1931, in Goodland, Kan.
Parents: Charles and Clara (Ihrig) Parsons
At age 2, Bettie and her brother lived with an aunt while her mother was being treated at the Tuberculosis Hospital in Kearney; the family later moved to Minden; Bettie graduated from Minden High School, 1949
Played Mary in Minden’s annual Christmas pageant for 24 years
Wrked as an accountant for General Motors in Minden for 20 years;arned her bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting from Kearney State College in 1972
Married: 1975, to Dr. Thomas Godfrey in Lincoln
Taught business courses at Kearney High School for 19 years, retired in 1991
Activities: member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; enjoyed playing bridge and traveling
Survivors include: sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Al Meester of Holdrege; brother, Don Parsons of Kansas City, Mo.; niece and nephews, Kirk and wife Kathy Meester of Indiana, Scott Meester of Holdrege and Dawn and husband Kent Brannagan of Lincoln; grandnieces, Kaileen and Kara Meester; aunt, Elsie Buster of Olathe, Kan.; and special friends, Shelly Albrecht of Aurora, Colo., and Fernando and Mariela Segura of Washington, D.C.
Was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law, Judy Parsons
Memorials: the church or AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 20 June, 2015

HOCK, Dick McKee, 88, of Kearney died Thursday, June 18, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Thursday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Sept. 7, 1926, in Lexington
Parents: Louis Fredrick and Odessa (McKee) Hock
Was a graduate of Lexington High School, Kearney State Teachers College and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Military: U.S. Navy corpsman assigned to a Marine Corps unit during World War II; felt a special honor to be a member of Kearney’s second Hero Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2008
Married: 1947 to Alice Campbell in 1947
Was a teacher, principal and superintendent in three Nebraska schools; entered the insurance industry, 1956, worked for Travelers in Omaha, Detroit and Hartford; in Detroit, was president of the Redford Township school district and director of the regional Little League; ended his career with Travelers as director of training
Returned to Kearney, 1986; was hired as director of annual funds for Kearney State College and later became executive vice president of Kearney State College Foundation, had a role in bringing Kearney State College into the university system
Activities: loved God, was devoted to his family and friends; member of Kearney Evangelical Free Church, an avid Loper and Husker fan, and a great supporter of the city of Kearney
Survivors include: wife, Alice; son, Gregory of West Hartford, Conn.; daughter, Lisa Storch of Munich, Germany; daughters-in-law, Judy and Mary; and grandchildren, Caitlyn, Ian, Alyssa, Jennifer and Tessy. Was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deborah Shepherd; and brothers, Tom and Joe; and son, Rick
Memorials: the Dick and Alice Hock Scholarship Fund at the University of Nebraska at Kearney or Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2015

HOLTHUSEN, Jerald L., 62, of Ravenna died Friday, June 19, 2015, at his home
Services: private
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born April 21, 1953, in Lexington
Parents: Howard and Gladys (Lowell) Holthusen
Grew up in the Kearney area; received his education at Pleasanton High School, Kearney High School and Kearney State College
Married: Lillibeth Baxter in August 1974 in Mullen
Activities: was a very gifted vocalist and musician who followed his dreams and ambitions in music
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Marla Holthusen of Pleasanton; sister, Gwen Caldwell of Patton, Mo.; brother-in-law, Roger Feola; and nieces and nephews, Rachelle Feola, Joy Feola, Nathan Holthusen, Angela Loven, Steven Caldwell and Samuel Caldwell
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Feola
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2015

IRLMEIER, Eugene “Jack”, 61, of Kearney died Saturday, June 20, 2015, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at Trinity Presbyterian Church Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born Sept. 9, 1943, in Carroll, Iowa
Parents: Lawrence and Lucille (Steffes) Irlmeier
Farmed most of his life; also served as the maintenance manager for The Archway for five years, retired in 2004
Activities: active member of Golden K Kiwanis, the Good Samaritan Hospital Patient Advisory Board and Trinity Presbyterian Church; had a passion for gardening
Survivors include: his wife, Janet Irlmeier of Kearney; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Brenda Irlmeier and Mike Irlmeier, all of Adair, Iowa, Joe and Jill Irlmeier of Atlantic, Iowa, Chuck and Becky Irlmeier of Indianola, Iowa, and Nick and Julie Irlmeier of West Des Moines, Iowa; daughters, Julie and husband Ron Yoshimura of Greeley, Colo., and Becky Waugaman of Waukee, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; stepson, Jack Theis of Seward; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alice and Bob Sundrup of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Diane and Roger Eischeid of Templeton, Iowa, and June and Art Nepple and Janet and Don Haunsmon, all of Council Bluffs; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Walter Galloway; sons, Steve and Robert Irlmeier; granddaughter, Nicole; daughter-in-law, Tonya Irlmeier; son-in-law, Dale Waugaman; and his first wife, Alverna
Memorials: the church or to Golden K Kiwanis
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2015

LUKE, Robert Dale, 77, of Coupland, Texas, died Sunday, June 28, 2015, in Coupland
Memorial service: Aug. 8 at St. Peter’s Church in Coupland
Born in 1937
Parents: Arthur Dale Luke and Evelyn (Miller) Luke
Owned a variety of businesses during his life; was a former resident of Kearney
Activities: loved the outdoors and enjoyed riding motorcycles and searching for new places to explore in his RV; continually searched for new technology or invented gadgets to make life easier or more entertaining
Survivors include: his wife, Linda (Holl) Luke; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Lori Luke, David and Tina Luke, Tim and Jill Luke and Robert and Jennifer Luke; daughter, Candice Sanchez; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ruth Luke; sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Luke) and Clark Nelsen; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Bob Luke Memorial at City National Bank in Taylor
Kearney Hub, 8 July, 2015

LUTHANS, Dina, 46, of Kearney died of pancreatic cancer Friday, June 26, 2015, in Omaha, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer
Celebration of life: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born June 3, 1969, in Fairfield, Iowa
Parents: Mary Ann and Ron Townsend
Graduated from Lincoln East High School,1987; was a member of the Apollonaires dance team and Singers; received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Was an elementary school teacher with Lincoln Public Schools, Bloomsburg, Pa., schools and Kearney Public Schools; spent many hours substitute teaching and volunteering her time in her children’s classrooms in Kearney
Married: Oct. 15, 1995, in Lincoln, to Kyle Luthans
Activities: especially enojoyed being with family; was proud of her children
Survivors include: Kyle, her husband of almost 20 years, of Kearney; children, Emma and Will of Kearney; mother, Mary Ann Townsend of Lincoln; father, Ron and wife Lynn Townsend of Arlington, Texas; sister, Julie and husband Bill Thielen of Lincoln; brother, John and wife Katye Townsend of Lincoln; parents-in-law, Fred and Kay Luthans of Lincoln; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Brett and Angie Luthans of St. Joseph, Mo., Kristin and Todd Noble of Lincoln and Paige and Barry Sanford of Castle Pines, Colo.; grandmother, Bettye Schock of Fairfield, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Jack, Nick, Jake, Kellen, Kourtney, Taylor, Ashley, Molly, Leyna and Tyler; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer, Project Purple (running to beat pancreatic cancer) or Kearney Public Schools
Kearney Hub, 29 June, 2015

MACKRILL, Ramona, 64, of Kearney died Monday, June 22, 2015, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Thursday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral
Born July 30, 1950, in Lexington
Parents: Luis and Ruth (Gallardo) Cisneros
Graduated from Axtell High School in 1968, and then earned her licensed practical nurse degree from Central Community College in 1972
Worked as a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital for 34 years; retired in 2007 when she became ill with interstatical lung disease
Married Ron Mackrill on May 3, 1975, in Kearney; was married for 39 years
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her family, reading and was a dedicated Chicago Bears football fan; member of St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include: daughter, Aimee Mackrill and her wife, Louise Berthiaume, of Omaha; brothers, Frank Cisneros and his wife, Alice, and Charles Cisneros, all of Kearney, Marion Cisneros and his wife, Eloisia, of Minden and Benny Cisneros and his wife, Jody, of North Platte; sister, Linda Holguin and her husband, Casimiro, of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or St. James Catholic Church for Catholic Mass on TV
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2015

MARLATT, Marlin E., 82, of Kearney died Friday, July 3, 2015, at Mount Carmel Keens Memorial
Services: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Aug. 6, 1932, in Kearney
Parents: Lawrence and Fannie (Williams) Marlatt
Attended high school in Odessa, graduated with the class of 1949
Married: Norma Jean McElhinny on Oct. 28, 1950, in Kearney
Was a postal worker for many years, retired in 1990; also farmed, delivered auto parts, served as a security guard and worked at several hay mills
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney and the National Association of Letter Carriers; loved hunting, especially deer, ducks and geese; also enjoyed fishing and baseball
Survivors include: his wife, Norma of Kearney; daughter, Jennifer Phillips of Seward; son, Dave Marlatt and his wife, Terry, of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Deb Marlatt of Odessa; grandchildren, Shannon Phillips, Matthew Phillips, Jeremy Fisher and Amy Marlatt; and eight great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his best furry friends, Mickey and Chip
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Allen Marlatt; son-in-law, Ronald Phillips; grandson, Michael Marlatt; sister, Eddis Wright; and brother, LeMoyne Marlatt
Memorials: diabetes and cancer research
Kearney Hub, 6 July, 2015

MARSHALL, Helen Ruth, 96, of Kearney died Sunday, June 28, 2015, at her home
Memorial services: Aug. 24, First Presbyterian Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Sept. 27, 1918, in Sac City, Iowa
Parents: Lucian E. and Ella (Bowles) Havens
Graduated from Sac City High School, 1936, was on the track team and the swimming team; played the viola until college; played “Jo” in the school play “Little Women;” attended Nebraska Wesleyan University; in 1938, was named beauty queen, by judges Gracie Allen, George Burns and Betty Grable; sang at a book review for Bess Streeter Aldrich
Married: Chester O. Marshall on Dec. 1, 1938; enjoyed 49 years of marriage until Chester’s death in 1987
Earned her teaching degree from Kearney State Teachers College in 1957; taught kindergarten at Kenwood and Central Elementary Schools for a total of 27 years
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, charter member of Chapter FN P.E.O. and served all offices during her 78 years as a member; was involved in Shriner’s Auxiliary, Camp Fire Leaders, Faculty Wives, Red Hats, D.A.R., Garden Club, Sewing Club, Book Club, Golden K Kiwanis, Alpha Delta Kappa and the N.E.A.; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital, Trails and Rails Museum and the Museum of Nebraska Art; was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan; loved to travel, attend concerts, play bridge and knit; above all, loved her family and friends
Survivors include: her daughters, Joan Hartman of Kearney and foster daughter, Kathy Wood and her husband, Bob, of Conroe, Texas; grandchildren, Barbara Jean Berkevick and husband Daniel and their daughters, Jessica and Jenna of Burnett, Wis., Sue Ann Hartman and her children, Jordan and Taylor of Jacksonville, N.C.; foster grandchildren, Debbie Young and husband Scott and their son, Matthew of Dunwoody, Ga., and Denise Hobbs and her children, Brian and Jennifer Hobbs, of Conroe; foster great-great-grandchildren, Matthew Young and Ryley Hobbs; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sisters, Frances and Jean; brother, Dwight; foster grandson, Gregg Fisher; nephews, R.E. and Dan Havens; niece, Wendy Marshall; brothers-in-law, Hunt and Dean Marshall and Allen Packer; and sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Marshall and Louise Marshall
Memorials: donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 2 July, 2015

MAXFIELD, Donald F., 82, of Kearney died Friday, June 19, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Service: Monday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Fairmont (Nebr.) Cemetery Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born April 3, 1933 in Fairmont
Parents: George F. and Myrtle A. (McManigal) Maxfield
Graduated from Fairmont High School in 1951
Married: May 20, 1951 to Anna Belle Campbell on the Campbell family farm
After marriage, lived in York, moved to Holdrege, 1952, worked various jobs; honed his skills as an aircraft mechanic and eventually started his own shop; moved to Kearney, 1969, owned and operated Li’l Red Aero; sold the business to a longtime employee in 2012
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney; was active in the Jaycees and served as chaplain, was later inducted to the Nebraska Jaycee Hall of Fame; had a deep passion for airplanes and loved to work on the aircrafts, as much as fly them; especially loved antique aircrafts; also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, model railroading; most of all, loved to spend time with his family
Survivors include his wife, Anna Maxfield of Kearney; daughters and sons-in-law, Lori Maxfield of Pilot Mound, Iowa, Diana and Tony Budler of Fordland, Mo., Donna and Cliff Salvia of Monroe, Va., and Debra Maxfield of Omaha; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Dottie Fittro
Memorials: Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 22 June, 2015

McCONNELL, Bernieta Fern, 87, of Kearney died Friday, June 19, 2015, at Brookdale Emeritus at Northridge Place
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Bainbridge Cemetery near Huntley
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born October 26, 1927 in Huntley
Parents: Fred and Maybel (Arnold) Holmes
Received her education from Huntley High School
Married: September 12, 1948, to Keith McConnell at the Methodist Church in Huntley
Was employed as a bookkeeper at Valley Pharmacy for several years, retired in 1985; couple moved to Divide, Colorado, for a short time, returned to Kearney in 1999
Activities: member of the Kearney First United Methodist Church, was active with the Together Class Bible Study
Survivors: son, Dick (Julie) McConnell of Kearney; daughter, Susan (Dan) Frizzell of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Dalton McConnell, Andrew Frizzell and Clayton Frizzell, as well as, many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband and a brother, Oral Holmes
Memorials: the church or the Nebraska Children’s Home
Kearney Hub, 24 June, 2015

MEYERS, Robert M., 83, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at his home near Kearney
Services: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, with military honors
Born on Jan. 20, 1932, in rural Hazard
Parents: John and Clara (Otte) Meyers
Married: Sharon Kay Higgins on June 10, 1962, in Clayton, Kan.
Military: U.S. Army
Worked at Kearney Concrete for many years, first as a truck driver and later as plant manager
Activities: member of Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Survivors include his daughters, Jill Meyers and her significant other, David Smith, and Pam Molina and her husband, George, and grandchildren, Dylan Molina and Logan Molina, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Sharon
Kearney Hub, 2 July, 2015

MOFFETT, Leota “Mimi”, 96, of Ravenna died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Homestead Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln
Services: Monday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: May 8, 1919, in rural Ravenna
Parents: Walter R. and Bessie (Howard) Shultz
Grew up and received her education in Ravenna; graduated from Ravenna High School in 1935 at age 16
Married: Nicholas D. Moffett IV on Sept. 10, 1939, in Hastings
After marriage, lived in Hastings and San Diego, worked for San Diego Transit; moved to Ravenna in 1946, worked for a local clothing store and for Stan Roy’s Hatchery
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church in Ravenna, taught Bible studies through the church; member of the Pleasant View Ladies Aid; enjoyed playing cards and games, baking and entertaining; tradition and family gatherings were very important to her; enjoyed journaling, traveling and camping
Survivors include her son, Nicholas D. Moffett V of Pueblo West, Colo.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband and a brother, Allen Dale Shultz
Kearney Hub, 25 June, 2015

MOLLARD, Irene May, 91, of Amherst died Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born on May 8, 1924, at her grandparents’ home at Amherst
Parents: John William “Bill” and Pauline K. (Herrmann) Willkens
Graduated from Amherst High School in 1940; was a lifelong resident of Buffalo County
Was employed at the State Hospital for Tuberculosis in Kearney, from 1942 until her marriage
Married: Aug. 8, 1944, in Kearney to the neighbor boy, Marvin L. Mollard
After marriage, helped husband farm and raise cattle and sheep in the Amherst area; also orked part time at the West Sale Barn in Kearney and in the food service department of Kearney State College
Activities: attended the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney; member of camping clubs and often traveled with her husband and their grandchildren; also belonged to the Miller Seniors, the neighborhood Bible study group, the Fort Kearny Genealogical Society and the Buffalo County Historical Society, and was a charter member of the State Genealogical Society
Survivors include her sons, Bernard Mollard and special friend Mary Richard and Ralph and wife Lynette Mollard, all of Amherst; grandchildren, Anita and husband Tim Petersen of Cambridge, Kristi and husband Randy Holmes of Elm Creek, Ryan Mollard and Riley Mollard, both of Amherst, and Rick and wife Hannah Mollard of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Lauren and husband Tyler “T.J.” Brandt, Matthew and father Steve Case, and Kinley Mollard, Ella Mollard and Jack Mollard, all of Kearney; and great-great-grandson, Barker Brandt of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband on Sept. 14, 2000
Memorials: Evangelical Free Church, Fort Kearney Genealogical Society or the Amherst Rescue Unit
Kearney Hub, 17 June, 2015

NUTTELMAN, Kathy L., 61, of Amherst died Friday, June 26, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Services: Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Burial: Immanuel Cemetery northwest of Amherst
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Aug. 19, 1953, in McCook
Parents: Kenneth and Betty (Stagemeyer) Lewis
Was baptized March 26, 1959, in Shelton; graduated from Shelton High School in 1971
Married: Nov. 11, 1978, to Clark Nuttelman in Shelton
After marriage, lived in Elm Creek; moved to Amherst in 1980
Worked as a bank teller at Platte Valley State Bank in Kearney and in retail selling women’s clothing in Kearney
Activities: became a memeber of Trinity Lutheran Church in July 1981, taught Sunday school and was a member of the Altar Guild; enjoyed spending time with family, especially her son’s school and 4-H events; also enjoyed interior design, shopping and playing cards
Survivors include: husband, Clark Nuttelman of Amherst; sons, Daren Nuttelman of Lincoln and Brandon Nuttelman and his wife, Megan, of Amherst; grandsons, Damon and Cayson Nuttelman of Amherst; brother, Rick Lewis and his wife, Joan, of Kearney; and brothers-in-law, Gary Nuttelman and his wife, Kay, of Bertrand and Lonnie Nuttelman and his wife, Susie, of Quincy, Ill.
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church or the Amherst Fire and Rescue Unit
Kearney Hub, 29 June, 2015

NUTTELMAN, Verna L., 89, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Service: Friday at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery. Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born June 29, 1925, at Gibbon
Parents: Walter and Ella (Wuehler) Hartman
Was baptized July 19, 1925, and confirmed June 18, 1939, at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School in 1943
Married: Dec. 1, 1946, to Melvin F. Nuttelman at Zion Lutheran Church
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Kearney; husband died in 1956 and she moved to Kearney in 1957
Owned and operated Vermel Beauty Salon; retired in 2001
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, was very active in church committees, volunteer work and worship groups; enjoyed working puzzles and especially loved spending time with family
Survivors include: sons, Craig Nuttelman and wife Linda of Kearney, Randy Nuttelman and wife Kathy of Lincoln and Keith Nuttelman and wife Beverly of Kearney; grandchildren, Katherine Nuttelman and great-granddaughter Abbygayle of Kearney, Christopher Nuttelman of San Antonio, Jared Nuttelman of Kearney and Karlee, Kassidy and Klaire Nuttelman, all of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her husband, and sisters, Milda Markus and Evelyn Daake
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 17 June, 2015

PAGEL, Lois A., 85, of Kearney died Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at Mother Hull Home
Service: Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Sunset Hill Cemetery in Herington, Kan.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 12, 1929, in Herington
Parents:Bernie and Ester (Longhoffer) Yates
Grew up in Herington and graduated from Herington High School
Married Ormand Pagel on June 26, 1948, in Herington
After marriage, lived in Herington and Abilene, Kan.; moved to Kearney in 1971, worked in the county treasurer’s office and then at Baldwin Filters doing accounts payable; was a dedicated employee at Baldwin’s for 30 years and earned the Eagle Award from the company
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her family and playing bridge; member the Kearney Woman’s Club and Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Survivors include son, Paul Pagel and his wife, Carol, of Kearney; daughters, Nancy Pagel of Columbus and Brenda Weller of Herington; sister, Virginia Brunner of Herington; grandchildren, Katie and Andrew Pagel of Kearney and Kyle and Wesley Weller of Kansas; and one great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Kathleen Cameron
Kearney Hub, 27 June, 2015

PALLAS, Mary (Kappas), 95, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Fort Lauderdale
Graveside services and burial: Monday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 26, 1919, in Kearney
Parents: Tom P. and Clara (Tourlis) Kappas
Was raised and received her education in Kearney
Married: to the Rev. John E. Pallas, who preceded her in death
Survivors include: daughter, Stacy Homatas and her husband, Michael, of Fort Lauderdale; son, Tom Pallas and his wife, Carolyn, of Vineyard Haven, Mass.; one granddaughter; one sister, Helen Kappas of Kearney; nephew, Tom Kappas of Kearney; and other nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 26 June, 2015

RAINS, Richard D. “Dick”, 71, of Kearney died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at his home
Services: Wednesday at Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 5, 1944, in Atlantic, Iowa
Parents: George and Margaret (Nagel) Rains
Moved to Kearney with his family at age 10, graduated from Kearney High School
Married: to Rowena Richards on Aug. 18, 1963, in Kearney
Was the manager at Kearney Co-op for 20 years
Activities: was always ready to lend a helping hand; member of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department; enjoyed camping, fishing and especially spending time with his grandchildren
Survivors: wife, Rowena Rains of Kearney; daughters, Leah Isaac and her husband, John, and Jessica Rains, all of Kearney; son, Todd Rains and his wife, Tracy, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother, Eugene Rains and his wife, Susan, of Kearney; brother-in-law, John Richards and his wife, Jeanne, of Kearney; sister-in-law, Sandra Coffman of Evans, Colo.; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter
Was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Eldon and Robert Rains; and parents-in-law, Bill and Ruth Richards
Memorials: Salvation Army or Faith United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 16 June, 2015

SEIFERT, Leonard A., 90, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Celebration of life memorial service: Saturday June 27,at Ravenna United Methodist Church r
Inurnment with military honors: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 10, 1924, on his grandfather Andrew P. Paulsen’s family farm in Sherman County
Parents: Frank J. and Anna P. (Paulsen) Seifert
Attended school at Sweetwater, Poole and the Karel School in Sherman County; also worked on his father’s farm doing all sorts of farm work, including auto mechanics
Military: U.S. Army Sept. 20, 1940-Oct. 24, 1945; was one of the last World War II veterans living in Ravenna
Was a brakeman/conductor on the Burlington Northern Railroad for 37 years, retired in May 1984; was the last of the CB&Q hires from Ravenna; also served on the passenger or “excursion” trains that ran from Hill City, S.D., to Keystone, S.D.;was also a conductor on passenger trains from Ravenna to Alliance
Married: Frances Bauer on June 5, 1948, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Ravenna; Frances passed away on July 12, 2008
Was baptized and was a member of the United Methodist Church, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Eagles Aerie 136 of Alliance and the Ravenna Railroad Retirement Association; hobbies were fishing, pheasant hunting and mechanic work on cars and trucks; enjoyed mentoring and teaching young people who wanted to work on their own cars
Survivors include his son, Lon Seifert of Minneapolis; sisters, Wilma Barton of Ravenna and LaJune Anderson of Lancaster, Calif.; brother-in-law, Alvin Bauer of Hazard; and nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his wife; infant daughter, Jane Marie; his parents; brother, Erwin Seifert; and sisters, Letha Serry and Darlene Rasmussen
Kearney Hub, 23 June, 2015

SORENSEN, Marian Lucille, 84, of Houston, formerly of Minden and Kearney, Neb., died Friday, June 26, 2015, at Harbor Hospice in Houston
Services: pending
Born: Dec. 2, 1930, in San Francisco
Parents: Jesse and Myrtle (Palmquist) Ayer
Married: Lawrence “Larry” Sorensen on March 9, 1957, in Reno, Nev.
Moved to a dairy farm in southwest Minnesota, 1962; discovered the love of baking bread, canning and helping in the fields; moved to Colorado Springs, Colo. in 1967, and to Kearney in 1975
Worked as a sales clerk for Sears in Kearney for 11 years; with Larry, owned and operated Shays Restaurant in Minden for eight years beginning 1987
Activities: enjoyed playing bridge, spending time with family and traveling
Survivors include: her husband; son, Michael Sorensen of Seabrook; daughters, Sandra Harp and her husband, Richard, of Kearney and Wendy Nielsen and her husband, James, of Houston; stepson, David Sorensen and his wife, Pam, of Tulsa, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and a brother
Memorials: The American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 2 July, 2015

VASQUEZ, Gilbert “Gil” , 77, of Kearney died Sunday, June 28, 2015, at his home
Memorial services: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Sept. 23, 1937, in Pearsall, Texas
Parents: Francisco and Isabel (Ortiz) Vasquez
Moved to Gibbon at a young age
Military: U.S. Air Force, served 1955-1956; served in the National Guard, 1961-1968
Married: Feb. 7, 1959, to Sally Rodriquez in Kearney
Attended Greer Training Institute in Chicago, 1957-1961
Worked as a security guard at Kearney State College; worked at McCue’s then worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 12 years; owned and operated Gillies Bar, 1992-2013
Activities: member of the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Kearney Eagles Lodge and Kearney American Legion Post 52; enjoyed hunting, fishing and fast cars, going to the casino and especially liked spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Sally of Kearney; sons, Ruben Vasquez of Laramie, Wyo., Richard Vasquez, Ronnie Vasquez and Viola, and Rusty Vasquez, all of Kearney; daughter, Renae Vasquez of Kearney; brothers, Gus Vasquez Sr., Raul Vasquez and wife Gloria, and Frank Vasquez and wife Patty, all of Kearney, and Louie Vasquez of Papillion; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; aunt, Soledad Zammaripa of Modesto, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rhonda; and brothers, Robert, David and Dean
Kearney Hub, 1 July, 2015
Back to Obituary Index