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ADELUNG, Frederick Charles “Freddie”, 75, of Amherst died Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Services: Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst
Born Nov. 19, 1939, at home in Amherst
Parents: Fred and Theresia (Kaps) (Simshauser) Adelung
Grew up northwest of Amherst; graduated from Amherst High School with the class of 1957
Military: U.S. Army, from Nov. 21, 1958, served at Fort Lewis, Wash., for three years, three months and three days
After discharge, began farming along the Wood River with his father; after his father’s death, took over the family farm raising irrigated corn, soybeans and Hereford cattle; took great pride in operating his farm without government assistance
Shortly after returning from the Army, purchased a red convertible Jaguar; each year offered his Jaguar to the school to escort the homecoming royalty around the football field, many of his nephews and nieces were offered the opportunity to drive the “Jag” during the homecoming proceedings
Activities: after retiring, enjoyed watching University of Nebraska-Lincoln volleyball on TV and playing cards with family and friends; enjoyed playing cards with neighbors; spent considerable time and money feeding local wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, birds, turkey, etc.)
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Calvin and Gordon Simshauser; sisters, Audrey Condon and Vivian Juhl; and nephews, Clair Juhl and Kent Simshauser
Survivors include: sisters, Janette Hunt of Amherst, Phyllis Nelson of Broadview, Mont., and Edith Schriner of Kearney; 21 nieces and nephews; and even more grandnieces and grandnephews
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2015
CHITTENDEN, Edward “John”, 67, of Los Angeles, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, July 17, 2015, in Los Angeles, after a nine-year battle with multiple myeloma
Born Feb. 25, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: Edward Everett and Helen (Klein) Chittenden
Was a 1966 graduate of Kearney High School; earned a bachelor of arts degree from Stanford and a doctorate in English from UCLA; published his dissertation on medieval Latin, then earneed a UCLA master’s of business administration degree and began a second career in banking, an industry flexible enough to find a place for good cheer wrapped in an irreverent wit Activities: was a Jack-of-all trades; enjoyed reading everything from ancient Greek and Latin to history and popular science and the continual revisiting of the best Shakespeare
Survivors include: his wife of 35 years, Pat; two children, Sarah and Andrew; and two grandchildren, Kaylee and Kyle
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Rex
Kearney Hub, 11 August, 2015
DeGROFF, Margo A., 56, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan, shortly after being admitted to the hospital
Service: Friday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: later
Born Oct. 18, 1958, in Moscow, Idaho
Parents: Garry and Carol A. (Jones) Erpelding
Moved to Kearney, attended school and was a graduate of Kearney High School in 1977
Worked at Baldwin Manufacturing for 17 years and then at Mid-Nebraska Individual Services for 17 years, retired in 2010
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include one son, Justin DeGroff of Lincoln; one grandson, Tynan DeGroff of Lincoln; her mother, Carol Erpelding of Hastings; one sister, Valerie Erpelding of Kearney; two brothers, Ron Erpelding and his wife, Melinda, of Lincoln and Fred Erpelding and his wife, Sandy, of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her father, Garry Erpelding in 2002; sister, Shannon Spencer in 2011; and one brother in infancy
Kearney Hub, 6 August, 2015
DUNCAN, Bobby E., 85, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Saturday at First Baptist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 9, 1930, at Elm Creek
Parents: Ernie and Ida (Davis) Duncan
Firstborn child in family; attended school in Amherst
Military: entered U.S. Navy in September 1947, served on the USS Juneau during the Korean War as a radio operator; served four years on the light cruiser and traveled to more than 30 ports around the world
Married: Phyllis Lucille Haggard on May 12, 1951
After discharge from the Navy, began his 22-year career with Union Pacific Railroad as an office clerk in Kearney; was transferred to Fremont, then Grand Island and finally Sidney; retired from Union Pacific and moved back to Kearney
Activities: enjoyed buying and working on antique cars and remodeling houses; worked alongside his son, Doug, helping him with his marble business; taught his children and grand-children how to work on cars, fix plumbing problems with a house or just about anything that could be repaired; member of American Legion Post 52 and First Baptist Church; loved to joke around; enjoyed going with his family to the races and gambling boats
Survivors include: his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; his daughter, Debbie Johnson; a son, Douglas Duncan; a daughter, Diana Weaver; five grandchildren, Jon, Kelly, Geoffrey, Travis and Meredith; and seven great-grandchildren, Paul, Kyle, Kyler, Kelsey, Luke, Lucy and Quinn
Was preceded in death by his father, Ernie Duncan; his mother, Ida Davis; his stepmother, Helen Duncan; sister, Donna Olson; and great-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Stegman
Memorials: First Baptist Church or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Kearney Hub, 03 September, 2015
EPLEY, Lela Maye, 89, of Kearney died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at her home
Services: Monday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born Feb. 11, 1926, in Cheyenne County, Colo.
Parents: James and Ethel (McGinnis) Hird
Moved with family to Buffalo County, Nebraska; received her education in country school, Poole School and Ravenna High School; graduated in 1945; earned her teacher’s certificate and taught school for two years
Married: Oct. 14, 1947, to William W. Epley
Lived on a farm near Ashton in Sherman County; following her husband’s death in 1975, moved to Loup City; worked at Loup City Medical Clinic for 11 years; moved to Kearney, 1990, to be closer to family
Activities: was active with extension clubs and her children’s 4-H clubs and ball teams; was an active church member all of her life, joined Kearney Evangelical Free Church in 1990; enjoyed cooking, gardening, embroidering, scrapbooking and reading; avidly followed the news and prayed for many people, for the nation and for the world; was known for her joyous attitude, her contentment with life, and her love of family and friends
Survivors include: sons and daughters-in-law, Russell and Flossie Epley of Tokyo and Glenn and Nancy Epley of Kearney; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Drew Arnold of Sumner; grandchildren and spouses, Christie and Chul Moreau of Seattle, Joel and Christina Epley of Augusta, Maine, Dana and Chris Stelling of Yorktown, Va., Jeff and Mandi Epley of Panama City, Fla., Brand Bonsall and fiancée Sheila of Scottsdale, Ariz., Broc Bonsall of Vail, Colo., Donna and John DeMarco of Clarksville, Tenn., Pam and Les Miller of Ankeny, Iowa, Clark and Catie Rathe of Farmington, N.M., Grant and Amanda Rathe of Nashville, Nolan Rathe of Lincoln and Jason and Patty Lacoss-Arnold of St. Louis; 18 great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and Jean Hird; sisters-in-law, Patricia Hird and Muriel Epley; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, five sisters and her husband
Memorials: Press On Youth Center, TEAM Missions or the Kearney Evangelical Free Church Mission Fund
Kearney Hub, 29 August, 2015
GEWECKE, Rick K., 59, of Kearney died Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel north of Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born July 12, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Kenneth and Ruth (Baldree) Gewecke
Attended country school at East 12 near Elm Creek; later moved to the Haven’s Chapel area north of Kearney, and attended Pleasant Hill School; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1974 then attended Hastings Technical College
Married: 1975, to Linda Mayer; the couple later divorced
Worked for Ray Schroer then worked for Rockwell International
Activities: member of Haven’s Chapel United Methodist Church and Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association; loved fixing anything mechanical and playing cards and games; enjoyed watching all sports and especially Nebraska football; enjoyed time with friends and family
Survivors include his daughter, Sherry Mulholland and husband Michael of Amherst; stepdaughter, Amy Ohlman-Payne of Phoenix; grandchildren, Kelley, Nathan and Preston Mulholland of Amherst and Samantha and Morgan Ohlman of Phoenix; great-grandchildren, Brayden and Kayden Swartz; sisters, Linda Marzolf of Riverdale and Delila Hinrichsen and husband Jay, and Karen Brecht and husband Alan, all of Kearney; brother, Kenny Gewecke and wife Kim of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Brittany Payne; nephew, Matthew Brecht; and brother-in-law, Bob Marzlof
Memorials: Haven’s Chapel United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 31 August, 2015
GIBBONS, Dennis J., 74, of Riverdale died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery in Prairie Center
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Feb. 1, 1941, in Kearney
Parents: William and Gertrude (Paitz) Gibbons
Grew up and received his education in Pleasanton and graduated from Pleasanton High School
Married: Ila Capellan on April 20, 1961, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Prairie Center
After marriage, farmed until 1966, then started his well drilling company, Gibbons Well Drilling; continued to own and operate the business until his death
Activities: member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Prairie Center until the parish closed; loved to attend auctions, and throughout the years he had collected numerous model trains; was also an avid truck pulling fan, especially loved being pit boss for his son, Mark; had a remarkable ability to fix things; especially enjoyed spending time with his family
Survivors include his wife, Ila of Riverdale; a daughter, Krystal Standage and husband Bob of Colby, Kan.; a son, Mark Gibbons and wife Joy of Riverdale; four grandchildren, Brandon Standage and wife Sarah of Colby, Ashley Standage of Killeen, Texas, Will Gibbons of Litchfield and Bronson Gibbons of Riverdale; a great-grandson, Rees Standage of Colby; a sister, Hilda Jeffers and husband Rex of North Platte; a sister-in-law, Joan Williams of Kearney; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul Gibbons; and two sisters, Margaret Gibbons and Irene Macek
Kearney Hub, 22 August, 2015
HEILIGER, Duane Phillip “Digger”, 81, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, in Kearney
Services: Saturday at First Lutheran Church, with military honors
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born May 24, 1934, in rural Cheyenne County near Lodgepole
Parents: Phillip and Marie (Meyer) Heiliger
Married: Sept. 6, 1959, to Betty Sheldon in Kearney
Was baptized into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell Grew up his first 14 years on a ranch in Lodgepole where he was grounded in the love of cattle and pastureland; moved to Kearney in 1948; baseball became a fulfilling and rewarding phase of Duane’s life; finished his education in Kearney
Worked for General Telephone Co. for 16 years; began an electrical business in 1962, retired in 1988
Activities: enjoyed his work with the church, Saturday morning Bible study, motorist assist for the Nebraska State Patrol, golf, having coffee and many laughs with all his friends, and sharing time with his family, whom he loved so much
Survivors include his wife, Betty; his son, David and his wife, Lori, and their children, Shelby Heiliger, Rachel Bilodeau and Jared Chapman, all of California; son, Randy and his wife, Joni, of Lincoln and their children, Jacob Heiliger of Omaha and Joshua Heiliger and Jordan Heiliger of Lincoln; sister, Elaine Buss of Kearney; and brother-in-law, Butch Sheldon and his wife, Jane, of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Phillip Heiliger; and brother-in-law, Carl Buss
Memorials: Sullivan Hills Camp, a Lutheran youth camp, at Lodgepole or Kearney High School Bearcat Booster Club
Kearney Hub, 28 August, 2015
HUERTA, Rosalie Raye, 59, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at her home
Service: Tuesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Aspen Cremation & Burial Service in Lincoln
Born on Nov. 6, 1956
Parents: Joseph and Josephine (Rosales) Huerta
Survivors include: sons, Jamison and Jesse Bennett, both of Lincoln; daughter, Tina Bennett of Lincoln; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Linda Huerta of Kearney; and sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Rick Lidner of Hastings
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 3 September, 2015
JOHNSON, Shirley M., 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Graveside memorial services: Monday at Cozad Cemetery
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Berryman in Cozad
Born Dec. 30, 1926, near Oconto
Parents: Arthur and Rose (Smock) Johnson
Survivors include her nephews, Marvin of Broken Bow and Darrel and Gregory, both of Oconto; and six grandnieces and grandnephews
Kearney Hub, 6 August, 2015
JONES, Lynda C. “Colette”, 83, of Ranchero Bernardo, California, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Rancho Bernardo
A celebration of life service: Sept. 19 at Chalice Unitarian Universalist Church in Escondido
Born: Oct. 18, 1931, in Heartwell, Neb.
Parents: Lloyd Leland Donaly and Nellie Bertrand Donaly
Was raised on the family farm near Kearney, Neb.; graduated second in her class at Kearney High School in 1948; earned her registered nurse certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: eloped, July 11, 1951, in Glendale, Iowa, to Churly Jones, an African-American engineering student; she wore her white nursing uniform; he wore his only suit. It was the beginning of their 64-year adventure together
Was a gifted nurse educator and a pioneer in establishing nurse practitioner and doctorate nursing programs; returned to UNL to graduate in 1958 at the top of her nursing class with highest honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa; earned her master of science in nursing at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and became an assistant professor of nursing at University of Maryland, Baltimore; also earned a Ph.D. in human development; returned, 1987, to her native Nebraska as the associate dean of graduate nursing programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing in Omaha, started the first nurse practitioner program in the state; moved to California in 1992, was an associate professor of nursing and associate dean of Graduate Nursing Programs at the University of San Diego, taught there for six years; retired and began consulting part time on medical and nursing research projects for many years
Activities: was an active Unitarian Universalist throughout her life; enjoyed gardening and sewing; in retirement enjoyed her book club, tai chi classes, writing group and a variety of online courses; was a dedicated political activist
Survivors incude: husband, Churley Jones, and her four children, daughter Holli Jones-White and son-in-law Major White of Concord, Mass., daughter Wendi D. Jones of Mission Viejo, son Kevin E. Jones and wife Penny Minor Jones of Westminster, Md., and son Kerry D. Jones and wife Pam Corder Jones of Leesburg, Va. She is also survived by her sister, Janeen Donaly Vokoun of Kearney; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Cynthia Jones Morton
Memorials: Nine Girls Ask? for a Cure for Ovarian Cancer Foundation or Just In Time for Foster Youth Foundation
Kearney Hub, 28 August, 2015
JOURNEY, Ralph Edward, 82, of Holdrege died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, at his home
Graveside services: Wednesday at Prairie Home Cemetery near Holdrege; military honors
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born June 21, 1933, in Lexington
Parents: Frank Joseph and Rose Louise (Miller) Journey
Was the oldest of nine children; received his primary education at Bryant School in Kearney through the fifth grade and at a rural school in Buffalo County from sixth to eighth grades; attended Amherst High School until his sophomore year, graduated from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1952
Military: U.S. Army, June 2, 1953 - May 27, 1955
Married: Sept. 5, 1953, to Bonnie June Barnes at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. She preceded him in death, July 5, 2012
After marriage, lived in Holdrege, worked for Bruns Furniture for 13 years as a carpet layer; then started his own carpet-laying company called Ralph’s Floor Service
Activities: after retiring, traveled to Arizona and Texas in the winter months; in Holdrege in the summer months, mowed for the city of Holdrege and also for the city of Alma; also enjoyed camping and fishing
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, Ed Journey and Ervin Journey; and two sisters, Josephine Osborn and Alice Marie Journey in infancy
Survivors include: two brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Journey and his wife, Joan, of Georgetown, Texas, and Wayne Journey and his wife, Sue, of Grand Island; two sisters, Blanche Worthing and her husband, Patrick, of Roseburg, Ore., and Marylin Schukar of Elm Creek; brother-in-law, Otto Osborn of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 22 August, 2015
KERSHNER, August Skye, infant daughter of Kodie Kershner and Meagan Frink of Kearney, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
A gathering of family and friends: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Survivors include: her parents; sister, Madison Frink of Kearney; and grandparents, James and Donna Seitz of Grand Island, Patricia Soto of Kearney and Rick Kershner of Bloomington
Kearney Hub, 5 August, 2015
KING-BRAMAN, Marjorie V., 91, of Kearney died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, in Kearney
Services: Saturday at Metz Mortuary Chapel in York
Burial: York’s Greenwood Cemetery
Born Aug. 29, 1923, in Holt County
Parents: Lee Roy and Nellie G. (Bryant) Zellers
Graduated from Page High School; received her teaching certificate and taught in a rural Holt County school
Married James C. “J.C.” King in Tarpon Springs, Fla., on March 3, 1946. He died in 1978
After marriage, lived in Page, Omaha and Columbus, settled in York in 1960; worked in the York County Treasurer’s Office for many years; became the York County Treasurer, held that office until 1987
Married: October 1999,to Elmer Braman
After marriage with Elmer, lived in Shelton; after his death in 2004, Marjorie moved to Kearney; had been a resident of Mother Hull Home since January 2010
Activities: was very active in the Rebekah Lodge for over 50 years and served in most offices on the local and state level; hobbies included reading, sewing and quilt making
Survivors include: two daughters and their husbands, Nelta and Dan Melton of Kearney and Elona and John Howe of Monticello, N.Y.; grandchildren and their spouses, Dani Sue and Pete Longoria of Kearney, Justus and Lori Melton of Riverdale and Stephani and Jasen Plocharczyk of Toano, Va.; great-grandchildren, Rowdy and Ryder Melton, Samantha, Ethan and Alex Longoria and Olivia, Alyssa, Emily and Elizabeth Plocharczyk; sister, Della Heiss of Page; four nephews, Alvin Heiss and Kevin Heiss of Page and Kirk Rapp and Kent Rapp of Smithsboro, N.Y.; and seven grandnephews; also stepchildren and their spouses, Larry and Dona Braman of Wood River and Joyce and Jerry Carroll of Moberly, Mo.; eight stepgrandchildren; 18 stepgreat-grandchildren; and two stepgreat-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; grandson, George Howe; great-grandson, Ronan Melton; sister, Dorothy Rapp; and brothers-in-law, Richard Heiss and Merlyn Rapp
Memorials: Mother Hull Home in Kearney or the Kearney Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 13 August, 2015
KOONTZ, Laura Jane, 88, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, at Tabitha Nursing Home in Lincoln
Memorial services: Sept. 5 at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born April 26, 1927, in York
Parents: Samuel McConaughy and Ruth Keyroku (Watson) Taylor
Grew up on a farm four miles east of Polk; lost her mother to cancer in 1936, and with her sister was raised by her father, with an extended family of aunts and uncles assisting; attended country school at Polk; graduated from Stromsburg high school in 1945 with a normal certificate
Began teaching in a one-room school near Polk; taught country school for four years, took courses at York College during the summer and enrolled full time in 1949; in college, played violin in the orchestra and traveled extensively with the college choir; graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1952
Married: June 6, 1952, to George Frederick “Fred” Koontz at her father’s home in York
Taught primary grades at Clarksville and Little Rock, Ark., and was one of the first teachers in the federal Head Start summer program in that state; family moved to Kearney in 1966, taught at Bryant Elementary School, retired in 1990; earned a master’s degree in education at Kearney State College in 1969; Laura and Fred moved to Lincoln, 2007, attended Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
Activities: active member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, sang in the church choir for 41 years; was a Red Cross volunteer, a polling place volunteer, a Trails and Rails Museum docent and a member of the Kearney and Lincoln chapters of PEO; longtime board member and past co-president of the Kearney Community Concert Association and a charter member and past president of the Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority in Kearney; lifetime member of the National Education Association; was an excellent cook, loved her vegetable garden and flowers, and was always eager to travel; visited Europe six times — once on a backpack trip — and also visited China, Russia and Canada as well as much of the U.S.; enjoyed the theater, orchestra, ballet, modern dance and other classical stage entertainment; enjoyed reading and listening to classical music, entertaining friends and her grandchildren
Survivors include: her husband; two children and their spouses, Allan and Mary Kay of Lincoln and Moray and Douglas Greenfield of Los Angeles; and a sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Tom Brown of Omaha. Also surviving are five grandchildren and spouses, Heidi and Jeremy Bellner of Whitehouse, Ohio, Allison and Nathan Luce of Haskins, Ohio, Jeff Koontz of Los Angeles, Evan Koontz of Waterville, Ohio, and Chase Greenfield of Los Angeles; five great-grandchildren, Riley and Ethan Bellner and Devin, Eleanor and Madeleine Luce; sister-in-law, Margaret Koontz of Hastings; brother-in-law, Alva Koontz of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews
Memorials: Laura Koontz Elementary Education Scholarship Fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation or to the First Presbyterian Church of Kearney choir
Kearney Hub, 2 September, 2015
KUTICKA, Helen R., 94, of Ravenna, Neb., died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, at Manor Grove Nursing Home in St. Louis, Missouri
Graveside memorial service: Sept. 4 at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Jan. 22, 1921, at Rockville, Neb.
Parents: Alfred A. and Orley (Bishop) Gray
Spent most of her life in Nebraska
Married: James F. Kuticka on April 6, 1941
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Ravenna, moved into Ravenna in 1984; moved to St. Louis in 2011 to be near her daughter
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, James L. and Lana Kuticka of Clever; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Roger Twist of St. Louis; daughter-in-law, Josephine Kuticka of Bosque Farms, N.M.; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Helen Gray and Iane Gray; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Kuticka; son, Richard A. Kuticka; sister, Edna Mrkvicka; and brothers, Loyde F. Gray and Alfred A. Gray
Kearney Hub, 1 September, 2015
LOUISHOMME, Eugene Pierre, 97, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Kearney, Nebraska, died Monday, July 27, 2015, in St. Louis
Services: Aug. 7, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Louis
Burial: St. Peter’s Cemetery in St. Louis
Mortuary: Austin A. Layne in St. Louis
Born: Sept. 2, 1917 in Belle Roche, Haiti
Parents: Pierre and Julie P. Louishomme; because his mother died soon after his birth, was raised by his grandmother, Miriam Laport
Began to work at 17 years of age
Married Angelique Morrisseau in 1946. The couple had six children
Was urged to emigrate to United States by his wife Angelique, and her sister, Coty, who lived in the US; eventually was convinced that moving to the U.S. would provide his family a better life, and in 1963 Eugene settled in St. Louis; worked and saved and brought his family to the U.S. in 1966; worked as a custodian and retired from Nordman Printing Co. in 1983 moved to Kearney in 2010 to live with his son, Claude, a professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Activities: enjoyed visiting with neighbors and church friends and spending time with his children and many great-grandchildren; enjoyed looking after his neighborhood; almost always had an encouraging word to share and a story to tell; despite speaking a mix of English, French and Creole, he seldom lost a listener (or they never let on); active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Louis, helped raise funds to rehabilitate the church and served as an usher; in Kearney, loved to attend services at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Lopers’ volleyball, basketball and football games
Was preceded in death by a daughter, Betsy in 1950; son, Jean Bernard in 1969; wife, Angelique on March 8, 1981; and daughter, Marlene on May 27, 2009
Survivors include: daughters, Rose Marie and Edelyne; son, Claude; granddaughter, Natalie; grandsons, lan, Walter and wife Shelley, Lamont, and Maurice and wife Daniella; nieces, Toni and Monique and her husband, Chris; nephew, Joseph and his wife, Sherryl; and a host of great-grandchildren, family and friends
Kearney Hub, 7 August, 2015
MARET, Darrell J., 82, of Omaha, formerly of Gibbon, died Sunday, Aug, 9, 2015, in Omaha
A celebration of life was Thursday in Omaha
Born: Dec. 31, 1932 in Kearney
Parents: Frank and Alethia (Tuffs) Maret
Married: to Reita Covert on Oct. 9, 1955
Survivors include: his wife; children and their spouses, Ron and Deanna, Kyndra and Eric Witthuhn and Connie and Mike Israelson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Sandy Maret and Robert and Lana Maret; sisters and brothers-in-law, Darleen and Ed Staab, Margie and Chuck Leonard, Elaine and Mike Batenhorst, Nancy and Jerome Packer and Ramona Raile; granddaughters, Andrea, Becky and Brandy; and great-grandchildren, P.J. and Delaney
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2015
MOWREY, Gary L., 76, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 4, 2015 at CHI Health Good Samaritan. Services: Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on Oct. 3, 1938, in Miller
Parents: Melvin L. and Ruth E. (Muller) Mowrey
Attended Miller High School, graduated 1956; moved to Kearney shortly after high school
Married: Barbara A. Thiem on Nov. 28, 1959, in Kearney
Worked in car sales for over 45 years, retired in 2005
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, the Knights of Columbus, Kearney Lions Club, Optimist Club, Kearney Elks Club 984, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course and the Miller Trap Shooting Club; attained the rank of fourth-degree knight and also served as the financial secretary for Kearney Knights of Columbus for many years; had a passion for trapshooting, golfing, hunting and fishing; also enjoyed many late-night family card games, years of camping with his family and friends and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events
Survivors include: his wife, Barbara Mowrey of Kearney; daughters and sons-in-law, Stacey and Steve Russell and Lisa and Jay Westesen, all of Kearney, and Krista and Nate Ritterbush of Omaha; brother, Kenneth and wife Mona Mowrey of Port St. Joe, Fla.; sister, Linda and husband Ron Larchick of Oklahoma City; brother-in-law, Harold Baker and his wife, Donna, of Lincoln; and grandchildren, Tayler Russell, Asa and husband Austin Broadfoot, Lainey Russell, Jackson Westesen, Creighton Westesen, Christian Westesen, Skyler Ritterbush and Steely Ritterbush
Was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Mowrey; infant grandson, Graham Ritterbush; sister, Melva Baker; and infant brother, Myron Mowrey
Memorials: Kearney Optimist Club, St. James Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus St. James Council 1728
Kearney Hub, 8 September, 2015
NELSON, Lois Greta, 54, of Kearney died Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at her home
Memorial services: Wednesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial of cremains: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Dec. 2, 1960, in Inglewood, Calif.
Parents: John and Cleone (Menning) Groen
Grew up in and received her education in Holdrege
Married: to Dirk Nelson on Sept. 20, 1980, in Holdrege
After marriage, lived in Lexington, worked for American Charter Federal Savings and Loan Association; later moved to Kearney, worked for Target, Hobby Lobby and Kearney Public Schools
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school and worked with the confirmation classes for many years; member of the Kenwood Elementary PTA; enjoyed cross-stitching, craft fairs, riding her bike, swimming and taking family vacations; especially loved spending time with her family
Survivors include her husband, Dirk of Kearney; three daughters, Emily, Jennifer and Stephanie, all of Kearney; her mother, Cleone Groen of Sioux Falls, S.D.; two brothers, Mylo Groen of Tucson, Ariz., and John Groen Jr. and his wife, Pat, of Fishkill, N.Y.; a sister, Cathy Hoffman and her husband, Matt, of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her father, John Groen Sr.
Kearney Hub, 10 August, 2015
PROSOSKI, Robert R. “Bob”, 56, of Kearney died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Private family services: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 24, 1958, in Des Moines, Iowa
Parents: Samuel and Leona (Zelasney) Prososki
Graduated from Columbus Scotus High School in 1977; attended Central Community College Platte campus in Columbus for two years, then earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Married: Karen Swanson on June 6, 1981, in Columbus
Moved to Ogallala, worked as a pharmacist for a year; moved to Lincoln, attended dental school; served a two-year residency in orthodontics; moved to Kearney, 1989, purchased and began Prososki Orthodontics; was very meticulous in his work, and loved his patients
Activities: member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church; was an avid hunter, enjoyed spending time on the Platte River, attending his kids activities, coaching club soccer and basketball
Survivors: wife, Karen of Kearney; sons, Christopher and wife Jennifer Prososki of Beatrice and Andrew “Drew” Prososki of Omaha; daughters, Carrie, Carlie and Allie Prososki of Kearney; parents, Sam and Leona Prososki of Columbus; brothers, John and wife Linda Prososki of Wausau, Wis., and Paul Prososki of Kansas City, Mo.; sisters, Donna Carlin and her husband, Kent, of Omaha and Lisa Prososki of Tucson, Ariz.; and one grandson, Bentley Prososki of Beatrice
Kearney Hub, 15 August, 2015
RAECKE, Richard James, 86, of Lincoln died Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, in Lincoln
Services: Wednesday at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Lincoln
Cremation was chosen
Mortuary: Roper and Sons in Lincoln
Born in Central City on April 21, 1929
Parents: Walter R. and Orral J. Raecke
Married: 1952, to Georgia Lee Baker at Second Presbyterian Church in Lincoln
Graduated from Central City High School in 1947, received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1954, a master’s degree from Colorado State College in 1959 and a doctor of education from UNL in 1970
Military: U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1950
Retired as a lifelong Nebraska educator; served schools in Albion, Wahoo, Kearney, Minden, Nebraska ETV Commission and Nebraska Department of Education; retired in 1992 as superintendent of schools in Minden
Activities: member of LARSP, NEA/NSEA, NCSA, Phi Delta Kappa, Elks, Friendship Force International and Nebraska Schoolmasters Club; past president of Lincoln Area Retired Teachers Association and past president of Nebraska Schoolmasters Club; enjoyed spending time with family, had a private pilot’s license and worked as an usher at UNL’s Lied Center; helped write the initial grant and served as director of Kearney’s first Head Start program; after retiring, became active as Volunteers in Mission; was ordained as an elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church at the time of his death
Survivors include: his wife of 63 years, Georgia Lee (Baker) Raecke; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and the Rev. David Smith of Lincoln; daughter and son-in-law, Dyan and Jay Carlson of Talala, Okla.; son, Joe Raecke of Kremmling, Colo.; three grandsons; four granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; sister, Marjorie Jean Prince and brother, William R. and wife Pam Raecke, all of Lincoln; and three brothers-in-law and their wives, William and Jean Baker, Tom and Barbara Baker and Jon and Ann Baker and their families, all of Lincoln
Memorials may be given to the church or to the family for future designation
Kearney Hub, 25 August, 2015
REED, Robert D. “Bob”, 82, of Kearney, formerly of Arnold, died Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Thursday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Friday at Sheridan Cemetery in Auburn; military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Oct. 23, 1932, in Brownville
Parents: Harlan and Neva (Thorn) Reed
Graduated from Auburn High School in 1950
Military:U.S. Navy, May 9, 1951-1955, served during the Korean War
Married: Shirley Bolejack on Oct. 23, 1955, in Nemaha
Earned his teacher’s certificate from Peru State College and a master’s and specialist degree from Kearney State College; was a teacher and coach in Stapleton for 15 years, was awarded the Nebraska coach of the year in 1971 after an undefeated state championship football season; moved to Arnold, 1978, was the principal for five years and the superintendent for 17 years, and then Custer County superintendent for nine years; moved to Kearney in 2006
Activities: was a timer for the Stapleton Rodeo; was also a referee for high school football and basketball; member of First United Methodist Church, served as a board member of Educational Service Unit 10, and an active member of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, Nebraska Coaches Association, Nebraska Council of School Administrators, Nebraska State School Board Association, Nebraska School Activities Association, Kearney American Legion Post 52, lifetime member of the VFW, Eagles Club and the Elks; enjoyed golfing and spending time with his puppy and socializing with his friends
Survivors include: son, Mitchell Reed and wife Joan of North Platte; daughter, Susan Bielenberg and husband Ron of Kearney; sister, Sandy Leach and husband Ron of Las Vegas; brother, Brad Treloar of Las Vegas; sisters-in-law, Deloris West and Janice Bolejack, both of Nebraska City; stepsister, Barb Moore and her husband, Rich, of Auburn; grandchildren, Kristin and husband Jeremy Hoerle, Juddson Reed and wife Stevie, Bob Bielenberg and wife Kelly, Jim Bielenberg and wife Patty, and Mark Bielenberg; great-grandchildren, Madie, Gavin and Scarlet Hoerle and Sam, Sarah, Rachel, Andy and Erin Bielenberg; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; stepparents, Herb Trealor, Audre Blankenship and Meta Reed; grandson, Ryan Reed; sister, Linda Oestmann; and brother-in-law, Robert Bolejack
Kearney Hub, 12 August, 2015
ROHDE, John H. Rohde, 83, of Kearney died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at his home. Memorial service: Monday at Ansley United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Govier Bros. of Broken Bow
Born Jan. 14, 1932, in Cedar County northeast of Laurel
Parents: Frederick W. and Bertha Rohde
Married: Nov. 13, 1982, to Joan A. Doane in Ansley
Survivors include his wife; sons, David E. of Moorcroft, Wyo., Robert L. of Tulsa, Okla., and Bradley D. of Lawton, Iowa; daughter, Debra J. Brandl of Lincoln; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and stepsons, Kaye L. Doane of Wood River and Terry L. Doane of Ansley
Kearney Hub, 15 August, 2015
SCHNACKER, Lawrence "Larry" Lynn, 72, of Elm Creek died Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Services: Monday at the Elm Creek High School gymnasium
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Elm Creek
Born Sept. 17, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Wayne and LaRea (Cool) Schnacker
Received his education from Ansley High School, graduated in 1962
Married: Sept. 14, 1963, to Nancy Garringer at Ansley Christian Church
Worked at the alfalfa mills in Overton and Elm Creek; opened L&S Tire and Towing in Elm Creek in 1968; with Nancy, operated the business until September 2014
Activities: enjoyed collecting miniature tow trucks and working on his 1940 Ford pickup; member of Professional Towers Association of Nebraska and a longtime member of the Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department
Survivors: wife, Nancy Schnacker of Elm Creek; daughters and sons-in-law, Denise and Brad Buethe of Elk Creek, Amy and Will Schmidt of Kearney and Gina Schnacker of Elm Creek; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Laurie Schnacker of Elm Creek; son-in-law, David Wilmot of Kearney; grandchildren, Morgan and Lauren Schnacker, Mikayla Wilmot and Riley and Cambrie Schmidt; great-granddaughter, Evelynn Ann Schnacker-Bowden; father, Wayne Schnacker of Wood River; brother and sister-in-law, Lonny and Charlotte Schnacker of Kearney; sister and brother-in-law, Patti and Richard Wolf of Danville, Ind.; and sister-in-law, Marianne and husband Bud Paben of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his son, Scott Schnacker; mother, LaRea Schnacker; and his parents-in-law, Roy and Erma Garringer
Kearney Hub, 5 August, 2015
SKRDLANT, Kathryn E. "Kathy," 48, of Kearney died Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at her home
Memorial services: Wednesday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born on Feb. 6, 1967, in Ames, Iowa
Was a special education teacher in Texas before she moved to Nebraska
Activities: loved rock ’n’ roll, especially classic rock;, was an independent thinker; and appreciative of all forms of art;loved history and poetry and wrote her own poems; enjoyed going to the beach at the Gulf of Mexico in Texas; enjoyed assisting rock bands, playing music and traveling in pursuit of gaining insight knowledge into art;was interested in preserving the earth and was dedicated to leaving the earth in a better state for years to come; had traveled overseas and appreciated differences in people whom she met along the way; daughter Ali was the light of her life
Survivors include: her beloved daughter, Ali Skrdlant of Gibbon; her parents, Harold and Marcia Skrdlant, also of Gibbon; and her brother, Jeff Skrdlant and his wife and children, Sierra, Nora and Keith, of Sherwood, Ark.
Kearney Hub, 19 August, 2015
SOWL, Michael A., 59, of Kearney died Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha
Cremation was chosen
Celebration of life: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born on July 17, 1956, in Central City
Parents: Wayne and Maude (Short) Sowl
Military: U.S. Army, April 23, 1977,- Feb. 23, 1978
Activities: was simple man who cherished the small pleasures of life, including spending time with his family and friends, cooking and riding his prized motorcycle; was always willing to lend a hand to friend or stranger
Survivors include: wife, Linda Sowl of Kearney; his children, Tabitha and Martin Harding of Salt Lake City, Michael and Maggie Sowl of Gibbon, Nancy and Bill Gfeller and Kelly and Jim Cabrera, all of Kearney, Charlie and Shane Burns of Gibbon, Tammy Ponsler of Kearney, Ezra and Chissy Harris of Oklahoma and Micah Harris of Kearney; 26 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 19 August, 2015
STIKA, Connie Jo, 59, of Kearney died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
She chose cremation
Born: March 14, 1956, in Abilene, Kan.
Parents: Norman Sr. and Beulah (Arnold) Lamer
Grew up and received her education in Abilene
Moved to Salina, Kan., worked as a certified nurse assistant; moved to Kearney, 2004, to be closer to family, worked for a short time at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Activities: enjoyed recording and watching numerous television shows, flower gardening and painting nails with her grandchildren; loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren; member of Lighthouse Church in Kearney
Survivors include two daughters, Rachael Stika and Carrie Flores and her husband, Xavier, all of Kearney; three grandsons, Malachi, Connor and Jace Flores, all of Kearney; her father, Norman Lamer Sr. of Kearney; a sister, Susan Jones of Kearney; a brother, Norman “Bud” Lamer Jr. of Kearney; and several nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her mother, Beulah; two infant sons, Mitchell and Michael Stika; her grandmother, Neva Arnold; and a nephew, John Jones
Kearney Hub, 6 August, 2015
STOETZEL, Phyllis Beverly, 81, of Carl Junction, Missouri, died Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Mo.
Memorial services:Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney, Neb.
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born June 10, 1934, in Kearney
Parents: Cleo (Reager) Wiser and Glen Wiser
Was a cook for National Health Care for several years and loved to garden and watch birds
Survivors: three sons, John Ryan and Art Ryan, both of Carl Junction, and Mark Stoetzel of Gibbon, Neb.; siblings, Cleo Smith of Minnesota and Shirley Norris of St. Joseph, Ariz.; grandchildren, Heather, Trinity, Mark, Melissa, Josh, Esther, Adam, Rachael, Haley, Mattie and Nathan; and great-grandchildren, Arianna, Weston and Sawyer
Was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Doran Stoetzel
Kearney Hub, 18 August, 2015
STULTZ, Charles “Charlie”, 85, of Kearney, formerly of Norfolk, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015, in Kearney
Services: today (Saturday) at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk, with military honors
Born: Feb. 26, 1930, in Magnet
Parents: John and Alice (Bobenmoyer) Stultz
Graduated from Magnet High School in 1949
Military: U.S. Army from Feb. 14, 1951, to Feb. 20, 1954, during the Korean War
Married: Ann Ola von Rentzell on June 29, 1952
Helped raise his nine children; had a long career as an over-the-road truck driver; drove moving vans for Andrews Van Lines, Lyon Van Lines and Bekins
Survivors: wife, Ann of Minden; his sons, John Stultz of Norfolk, James Stultz of Dallas, William Stultz of Minden and Daniel Stultz of Overton; his daughters, Kathi Stultz of Unadilla, Marcia Love of Gunnison and Carlin Seale and husband Jeromy of Dallas. He has numerous grandchildren and several great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his brother, Ellis Stultz; his parents; and his sons, Charles and Michael Stultz
Memorials: American Cancer Society or the American Legion
Kearney Hub, 4 September, 2015
THORELL, Harold Allan “Charlie”, 77, of Seward died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, in Lincoln
Services: Monday at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church in Seward
Burial: Seward Cemetery
Mortuary: Zabka in Seward
Born in Holdrege on Jan. 1, 1938
Parents: Earl Arvin and Lenore Evangeline (Anderson) Thorell
Grew up in the Loomis area, attended Loomis High School and graduated with the class of 1955; attended Kearney State College, played football and ran track; graduated in 1960
Married: May 22, 1959, to Vera Irene Yost in Grand Island
After marriage, lived in Sumner, began teaching and coaching in 1960; moved to Seward, 1964. began teaching industrial arts and physical education; coached football and track and started the cross country and intramural basketball programs; refereed for many years, including five state basketball tournaments; was later inducted into the University of Nebraska at Kearney Hall of Fame; lettered in track and football in all four of his college years; started Thorell Detasseling, which they ran for several years, then merged with the Sloup family
Activities: loved watching his children and grandchildren in their activities; enjoyed working as an event staff member for many of Nebraska’s sporting events; longtime member of the Seward Recreation Board and Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church where he drove the bus (The Son Shine Line)
Survivors include: wife, Vera Thorell of Seward; three children and their spouses, Shelly Smetter and husband Sam of Seward, Shane Thorell and wife Rhoda of Aurora and Trent Thorell and wife Pam of Memphis, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Olivia Thorell of Glendale, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren and spouses, Chelse Smetter, Zack Smetter, Zoie and Logan Thune, Grace Smetter, Trina and Lucas Harger, Trevor Thorell, Sarah Thorell, Teagan Thorell, Traeten Thorell, Tatum Thorell, Ben Thorell, Emily Thorell, Katie Thorell and Josh Thorell; three siblings, Stuart Thorell, Gloria Mitchell and husband Harry, and Dennis Thorell and wife Nancy; sisters-in-law, Karen Thorell and Pam Miller and husband Ron; brother-in-law, Bill Stroh and wife Holly; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of friends Was preceded in death by his parents; son, Travis Thorell on May 5, 2010; brother, Jim Thorell; and sister-in-law, Robin Thorell
Memorials: Seward Booster Club, Alzheimer’s Association or Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church
Kearney Hub, 8 August, 2015
VEAL, Lyle E., 87, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Wednesday at Overton United Methodist Church, with Masonic Rites
Burial: Overton Cemetery
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born Aug. 29, 1927, at Miller
Parents: Clyde “Lefty” and Hazel (Scranton) Veal
Married: May 25, 1947, to Lyllis Kile in Kearney. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his children, Kay Monks of Limon, Colo., Bill of Lincoln, Lynne Scott of Twins Falls, Idaho, Nancy Richmond of Coalville, Va., Cindy of Goodland, Kan., Merry Butler of Kearney, Bob of North Platte and Jim of Casper Wyo.; 24 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild
Kearney Hub, 8 August, 2015