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ADAMS, Michael “Mike”, 67, of Kearney died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
A gathering of family and friends: Oct. 4 at Fort Kearny recreation area
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Military: a Vietnam-era veteran from 1968 to 1971, was honorably discharged as specialist 5
Survivors include: his wife, Kate Benzel; sons and daughters-in-law, John Adams, Jesse and Lindsey Adams and Jacob and Mariah Adams and their mother, Kathy Graham Adams in Indiana; stepson, Blake Benzel and Jessi in Minnesota, and Lucy, Josiah and Caleb, who called him “Grandpa”; cousins, Fred and Marilyn Wolking, Mike Wolking, Aaron Wolking and Joe Wolking and their mother, Val Wolking in Colorado; cousins, Jackie Perrin in California and Annette Thies and Russ Ebel in New Mexico; and nephew, Allen Constantino in Utah
Was preceded in death by his parents, William and Genevieve (Ebel) Adams; sister, Judy Constantino; brothers, Tommy and Jimmy; and his brother veterans
Memorials: Salvation Army and Wounded Warriors Project
Perhaps a song that Mike composed several years ago is his best epitaph:
“Early Times”
We’re born to run this race
From the cradle to the grave
I don’t know why, can’t tell you why
And our lives from day to day
Like an old photograph just fades
And becomes a memory, just a memory
And I will always remember you
Yes, I will always remember you
And loved ones we have known,
We find one day they’re gone
Well I don’t know why, I can’t tell you why
I can only tell your true
How much I love you
And I always will, you know I always will
And I will always love you
Yes, I will always love you
Kearney Hub, 22 September, 2015
ALBRECHT, Richard, 64, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Saturday, Nov. 28, at the World Theatre in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born April 30, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Harold and Inez (Johnson) Albrecht
Attended Kearney public schools and Kearney State College
Married: August 4, 1977, to Kaye Linn Golden in Kearney
Took up the drums in his youth and played with several bands during his lifetime, including The Sunny Funny Company, Stillroven and Last Chance; had a career as a sound engineer with Stanal Sound, Ego Trips, Clair Brothers and Audio Visions, and worked with various big-name artists; concert tours took him to Europe, South America and Canada and throughout the United States; received several awards and honors for his work
Activities: was a history buff with a particular fascination for the Civil War; enjoyed movie-going with his son; loved discussing history and politics at great length; was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and friend; member of the First Lutheran Church
Survivors include wife Kaye Linn of Kearney; daughter Molly Barari and husband David of Rapid City, South Dakota; son John Albrecht of Los Angeles, California; father Harold Albrecht of Kearney; brother Dennis Albrecht of Kearney; aunt Virginia Lindstrom of Holdrege; uncle Vernon Albrecht of Atkinson; aunt Betty Albrecht of Atkinson; aunt and uncle Martha and Wayne Hoxie of Imogene, Iowa; mother-in-law Dory Golden of Peoria, AZ; brothers-in-law Kelly Golden (Cindy) of Peoria, AZ, Tim Golden of Parker, CO and Tom Golden (Jenia) of Omaha; sister-in-law Sharon Golden of Omaha; and several cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kelpie and Fred Johnson and Amelia and Henry Albrecht; mother Inez Albrecht; uncles Morris Lindstrom, John Albrecht, Eddie Albrecht, Arthur Johnson, Harry Johnson and Gene Johnson; aunts Mina Lammert, Dorothy Gaylord, Hilda Lehl, Alvina Albrecht, Mildred Leach and Mabel Johnson; father-in-law James Golden; brother-in-law Brad Golden
Kearney Hub, 25 November, 2015
BAKER, Noreen Jacquelyne “Reenie”, 89, of Estes Park, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, in Estes Park
Born on June 28, 1926, in Seattle
Parents: Edwin and Frieda Isaak
Resided in Grand Island, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., and Omaha, Neb.
Married: June 19, 1971, to Dr. Robert Baker, M.D.
After marriage, lived in Kearney many years; moved to Estes Park in 1993
Survivors include: husband, Robert of Estes Park; her children, Mark of Berlin and Kent and Melanie, both of Kearney; and two grandchildren, Trevor and Teya of Kearney
Memorials: Unitarian Universalist Association or to the Southern Poverty Law Center
Kearney Hub, 4 September, 2015
BONNER, Jane Ellen, 71, of Fullerton, formerly of Kearney and Ravenna, died Wednesday, July 29, 2015, in Fullerton
Burial: Sept. 27 at Fairbury Cemetery
Born in Lincoln on May 7, 1944
Parents: Burdette S. and Evelyn (Denney) Johnsen
Graduated from Bismarck (N.D.) High School and Jamestown (N.D.) College
Married James McKee on Dec. 28, 1966
Taught English, Spanish, reading and writing; in 1991, received the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Recognition Award for contributions to students
Activities: helped many people in AA for over 30 years
Survivors include: sister, Sara Johnsen Freeouf and her husband, Dolen, of Crete; her daughter Laura Jane McKee (Mrs. Michael Sweet).; and former husbands
Was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Burdette “B.J.” Johnsen Jr. and Denney Johnsen Sr.
A simple graveside burial will take place for Jane on the 60th anniversary of her mother’s tragic suicide, Sept. 27, at the Denney plot in Fairbury Cemetery
Memorials: Jamestown College
Kearney Hub, 12 September, 2015
BOVEY, William “Bill”, 76, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at his home
Memorial services: Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in York Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger is in charge of local arrangements
Born June 10, 1939, in Omaha
Adoptive parents: Hugh and Lois Bovey of York
Graduated from Hastings College graduate, with degrees in theater and English
Married: Jane Toms in York on June 21, 1959
Military: served in the U.S. Army Reserve
Worked in insurance, later became a district manager for Cato Oil and Grease; retired in 1997; in retirement, joined his wife Jane and son Sean and opened the retail party goods store Party America in 1999, and it is still open for business today in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed playing golf and fishing, was an avid reader; lifetime member of the NRA; loved his guns, his family and Ronald Reagan, not necessarily in that order
Survivors include: wife of 56 years, Jane Toms Bovey; son, Sean Bovey; daughter-in-law, Jaimee Bovey; and grandchildren, Ingrid Bovey, William Bovey and Ezri Bovey, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law and their numerous children and grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Bovey of Amarillo, Texas; and brother-in-law, Art Toms of York
Memorials: York Adopt-A-Pet
Kearney Hub, 5 October, 2015
BREI, Reuben Henry, 92, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Saturday 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 April 24, 1923, at the family home near Mission in Todd County
Parents: Henry and Anna Brei, nee Kasat
Was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mission; was a faithful member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod his entire life, having served for many years on various boards and committees; was a member of Zion in Mission, Trinity in Winner and Good Shepherd in Kearney
Graduated from Todd County High School in 1942 and worked for Wierr Construction Co., Orville Barry and L.E. Jones; had a 36 year career with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, retired in June 1986 as a certified heavy equipment operator; moved from Mission to Winner in November 2001, then to Cherry Hills in Valentine in February 2012; moved to Kearney in March of 2013 due to wife's declining health
Married Phyllis Christiansen on June 12, 1954; had two children
Enjoyed the large garden and fruit trees at their home in Mission; enjoyed hunting and fishing around the Mission, White River area; was an avid fisherman, loved to spend time with family and friends at a lake, also enjoyed attending Todd County High School reunions
Survivors include: son, Philip, daughter-in-law, Lois, and two grandsons, Kevin of Charles City, Iowa, and Matthew of Kearney; three 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 and Michigan
Was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Cheryl Brei-Phillips; his parents, Henry and Anna Brei; brothers, Richard, Emil and John; sister, Irene Brei-Tuttle-Anderson; brothers-in-law, Leon Tuttle and Clifford Anderson; sisters-in-law, Darlene Brei and Violet Brei; two grandnieces, Lisa and Angel Holmes; and parents-in-law, John and Gladys Christiansen
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2015
BURMOOD, JoAnn, 81, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Parson’s House on Eagle Run in Omaha
Burial of cremains: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Memorials: Alzheimers Foundaton
Born on July 2, 1933 at Minden, Nebraska
Parents: Walter and Christine (Hokser) Hansen
Grew up in Minden and graduated from Minden High School in 1951
Married: Richard L. Burmood on November 24, 1990 in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Omaha, returned to Kearney in 1994
Activities: hobbies included traveling with her husband, the camper club and collecting dolls; member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include husband, Richard, of Omaha; two nieces, Cathy Martin and her husband Randy of Omaha, and Carolyn Ritterbush of Brentwood, California
Was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Geraldine Golay. http://www.osrfh.com/obituaries
CARLSON, Marilyn R., 82, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Services: Sept. 29 at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on April 29, 1933, in Stamford
Parents: Paul E. and Ruth A. (Anderson) Carlson
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1950, attended Kearney State for one year, then graduated in 1954 from the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis; earned her Bachelor’s Degree in missions in 1958 from Trinity College in Chicag
After further study of tropical diseases and midwifery in Brussels, Belgium, went to Tandala Mission Hospital in the Belgian Congo; in addition to teaching and other duties, delivered more than 64 babies; was there for almost five years, but in 1964, violent revolution and unrest in the Congo caused the mission boards to withdraw all their missionaries back to the States; her love for the Congo and its people were forever in her heart
Began to work for Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, 1966, and helped start and direct the first intensive care unit in the hospital; became director of the Central Community College School of Practical Nursing, 1970, served in that position for 25 years; retired in 1995; was proud of the over 1,000 graduates of that program, many of whom continue to serve the medical needs of people throughout central Nebraska; was honored by the college and received an Emeritus Award in May 2015
Activities: member of Kearney Evangelical Free Church for many years
Survivors include her brother, Stan and wife Mary Carlson of Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.; sisters, Pauline Nelson of Pembine, Wis., and Lynette and husband Don Rathbone of Grand Island; nieces, Kay Mork, Janine Starcevich and Lynda Kay; and nephews, Brad Nelson, Eric Carlson, Chris Carlson, Caleb Newquist and Zach Newquist
Was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Paul and Wilma Carlson; and brother-in law, Merle Nelson
Memorials: Evangelical Free Church of Kearney or AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 26 September, 2015
CHISM-HELWICK, Mary J., 93, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at her home
Services: Sept. 8, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Feb. 9, 1922
Parents: Herman and Julie (Husa) Geisler of Pleasanton
Attended Pleasanton High School, graduated with the class of 1939
Married: Thomas Chism on June 18, 1943, in Olympia, Wash. Thomas passed away in 1990
Married: Harold Helwick on Dec. 27, 1997, in Kearney
Was an excellent cook; opened her first restaurant, Mac And Jacs, on Highway 30 at age 18 with her sister, Jacqueline; cooked at Rainbow Café and TelStar, owned Tiffin Café, retired in 1988 after 13 years at the Kearney Youth Development Center
Activities: continued to cook per request for elderly community members, worked part time for Beltone Hearing Center and was a charter volunteer for the Knights of Columbus Community Thanksgiving Meal and many years thereafter; was actively involved in the original Prince of Peace Catholic Community and served many years as Eucharistic minister with her husband, Harold Helwick
Survivors: two children, Mark Chism of Kearney and LeAnne Chism of Stockton, Calif.; sister, Iane Gray of Killeen, Texas; stepchildren, Janet Graham of Shelton, John Helwick of Lincoln, Linda Van Zandt of Checotah, Okla., Shirley Helwick of Odessa and Robyn Helwick of Longmont, Colo.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Thomas Chism and Harold Helwick; daughter, Julie Chism; son, Thomas Chism; stepson, Lonnie Helwick; brothers, Lawrence, Amil, Earl and Bernard Geisler; and sisters, Mrs. Minnie Maxiner, Mrs. Jacqueline Johnson and Mrs. Eunice Reitz
Memorials: Kearney Catholic High School Tuition Assistance Fund in her memory
Kearney Hub, 8 September, 2015
CLARK, Bruce Douglas, 60, of Ravenna died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at his home
Services: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 12, 1955, in Broken Bow
Parents: Larry and Janice (Waters) Clark
Lived in several places growing up, including Broken Bow, North Platte, Grand Island and Loup City; graduated from Loup City High School in 1973 before he called Ravenna his home
Military: U.S. Navy; after honorable discharge, returned to Nebraska
Married: Mary Farritor on Oct. 28, 1976
Lived in Ravena; owned and operated the Ravenna Locker for 13 years, then worked for the railroad depot (TravelAlliance) in Ravenna until his death
Activities: was a loving and protective husband, father, grandfather, brother and son; was known for his sharp wit and unwavering dependability; loved hunting, football and fireworks; especially loved time with his children and grandchildren
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Ravenna; daughter, Stephanie Clark of Gretna; sons, Ryan and wife Erica Clark of Shelton and Levi Clark of Kearney; daughter, Shawna Duffy; five grandchildren; his parents of Grand Island; sister, Wendy Kreta of Alliance; brothers, Phil Clark of Kent, Wash., and Mitch Clark of Alda; and numerous other family members and friends
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2015
CUSHMAN, Vicki Sue (Johnston), 60, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, died Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Lee’s Summit
Burial: Monday at Gibbon (Neb.) Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Langsford in Lee’s Summit
Born Dec. 25, 1954, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Luther and Edith Johnston
Graduated from Gibbon High School in 1973
Married Joseph Cushman on June 3, 1973
Loved the outdoors and was dedicated to her children and grandchildren; was dedicated to the R7 school district for 30 years, was a building manager at Woodland Elementary for 14 years
Was preceded in death by her parents
Survivors: her husband of 42 years, Joseph; daughter, Crystal Heffner; son, Thomas R. Cushman; and three grandchildren
Memorials: Kamoadventures.com, an organization dedicated to serving and honoring wounded and disabled veterans
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2015
DAVIS, Howard F., 96, of Ravenna died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at his home
Services: Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born June 20, 1919, in Amherst
Parents: Frank and Ruth (Higgins) Davis
Married LaVaughn Vermeulen on June 22, 1948, at St. Mary’s Church in Ravenna
After marriage, lived in Ravenna, worked as a bookkeeper
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, Mutual Aid, Ravenna Lions Club, Ravenna Cemetery Board and Ravenna Chamber of Commerce; actually was a “cowboy” at heart
Survivors include his wife, LaVaughn of Ravenna; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Joe Carranza of Kearney; son, James Davis of Kearney; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Bonnie Strieder of Ravenna
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Roy Davis
Memorials: Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department and EMS
Kearney Hub, 2 October, 2015
FITZKE, Donna J., 71, of Kearney died Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Graveside services: Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the Minden Cemetery in Minden
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born on December 19, 1943 in Kearney
Parents: Elmer O. and Marie H. (Craft) Fitzke
Was baptized on February 6, 1944 and later confirmed on May 3, 1992
Activities: member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Peoples First and The Arc of Buffalo County; family was a very important to her, greatly enjoyed their visits
Survivors include her sister, Beverly Swanson of Grand Island; brother, Ronald Fitzke and his wife Haruko of Colorado Springs; sister, Judy Bell of Portland, OR; Nephews and Niece; Jimmy Swanson of Grand Island, NE, Cheri Swanson and Significant Other Tony Melvin of Hastings, NE, Rick Fitzke of Highlands Ranch, CO, Robert Bell and his Wife Rose of Oregon and Crystal Bell-Ward and her Husband Peter of Washington; Grand Nieces and Nephews, Dusty Swanson and his wife Kenna of Hastings, NE, Linzy Knuth and her Husband Matt of Hastings, NE, Catie Swanson and her Significant Other Nathan Kosmicki of Grand Island, NE, Ryan Fitzke and Reagan Fitzke both of Highlands Ranch, CO and Cassie Ward of Washington, Many Friends and Caregivers. Was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Jim Swanson
Kearney Hub, 21 September, 2015
FLANDERS, Ruby Doris, 95, of Shelton died Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society in Wood River
Services: Saturday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger of Gibbon
Born May 24, 1920, in Coleridge
Parents: Daniel and Edith (Mercer) Calhoon
Grew up in Coleridge and graduated from Coleridge High School
Married: Sept. 3, 1939, to Donavon A. Flanders in Coleridge
After marriage, worked and farmed near Laurel; moved to rural Verdel in 1946; lived in the Knox and Boyd County area along the Missouri River where they raised cattle and horses; both were excellent horsemen, spent a lot of time riding through the hills checking the cows and watering places; retired and moved to Shelton, 1977
Activities: member of Shelton United Methodist Church since 1977 and a member of the Methodist Church for over 80 years, was active in Church Ladies Aide and other church activities; especially enjoyed being around her grandchildren and attending sports and other activities; loved to play cards and spent many of her days and evenings playing with her many friends and neighbors
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and John O’Dell of Springfield, Mo., Karen and John Scharff of Shelton and Judy and Doran Burmood of Shelton; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Janice Flanders of Bristow; grandchildren, Lance Burmood, Adam Burmood, April Scharff, Christopher Scharff, Cory Wells, Zack Scharff, Monica (Dodson) Wilson, Tanja (Flanders) Mitchell and Yvonne (Flanders) Harrington; 15 great-grandchildren; several stepgrandsons and stepgranddaughters; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Don, in 1990; her parents; and her three brothers, Wilbur, Kelly and Harry
Memorials: the church or the Shelton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2015
GORGEN, Betty A., 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Aug. 7, 1927, in Odessa
Parents: LeRoy and Bess (Case) Lynch
Grew up and attended school in Sumner, Elm Creek, North Platte and Shelton, where she graduated in 1944
Worked as a typist and then at First National Bank in Kearney for five years
Married Gilbert “Gib” Gorgen on Sept. 3, 1950, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, and stayed at home to raise their children
Activities: enjoyed reading, sewing and window shopping, and decorating her home; also enjoyed making baked goods for her family and friends
Survivors include: daughters, Diane Panowicz and husband Ron of Kearney and Lisa Marple and husband Jeff of Lincoln; grandchildren, Shawn Koch and husband Travis of Kearney, Nate Panowicz of Grand Island, Emily Husen and husband Tim of Boston and Megan Hopkins and husband Randy of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Aiden and Keegan Koch and future great-granddaughter of Kearney, and Braylon Hopkins of Omaha; sister-in-law, Jeri Roshone of Valentine; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband and a brother, Bob Lynch
Kearney Hub, 7 October, 2015
HENNING, Harvey J., 91, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, at his home, just four days short of his 92nd birthday
Services: Sept. 18 at First Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Sept. 13, 1923
Parents: Martha (Daake) and Edward Henning
Married Betty Saathoff Henning with whom he recently celebrated his 68th wedding anniversary
Spent his entire life in the Kearney area; grew up on a farm near Haven’s Chapel, north of town, and graduated from Kearney High School in 1941
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps. 1943-1946
Returned to Kearney; worked his entire life at Cash-Wa, starting with deliveries on bicycles around town as a teen to eventually purchased the business in 1957; was an entrepreneur who grew Cash-Wa Candy Co. into what is now known as Cash-Wa Distributing Activities: was an avid golfer and outdoorsman, enjoyed playing cards with friends, and loved spending time at the ranch working outdoors with cattle and horses; enjoyed weekends during the summer at Johnson Lake playing golf, fishing and entertaining friends; was a loving, dedicated father to five sons; was incredibly friendly, unassuming, and welcoming; member of First Lutheran Church, a 32nd-degree Mason, a member of Rob Morris Lodge, Scottish Rite, the Jesters, Fort Kearney Shrine Club and the Kearney Cosmopolitan Club; held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations associated with Cash-Wa’s business; was a philanthropist and supported numerous charities focused on making Kearney a better place; had Betty recently established the Henning Family Scholarship Fund with the University of Nebraska Foundation as a permanent endowment to provide annual financial aid forever to undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Survivors include his wife, Betty of Kearney; son, Tom and wife Mary of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Judy of Kearney; and sons, Greg and wife Sue of North Platte, Bob and wife Michele of Kearney and Steve and wife Stacey of Pacific Palisades, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Chad and wife Melisa Henning, Michelle and husband Andy Harter and Stacy and husband Jeremy Hurt, all of Kearney, Nicole and husband Jason McNeil of Shanghai, China, Matthew and fiancée Jamalee Jenkins of Amherst, Kaleena and husband Brian Shannon of Lincoln and Christopher Henning of Pacific Palisades; and nine great-grandchildren, Logan, Ethan and Kyler Harter, Makenna, Cecil and Bailey Henning and Kennedy and Kassidy Hurt, all of Kearney, and Colette McNeil of Shanghai
Was preceded in death by his parents, son Gary, granddaughter Bari Lou Henning and sister LaVonne Sheen, all of Kearney
Memorials: First Lutheran Church and the Henning Family Scholarship fund
Kearney Hub, 15 September, 2015
KOEHLER, Robert J. “Bob” Jr., 49, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Services: Tuesday at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Grand Island
Burial: Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: Curran in Grand Island
Born Feb. 14, 1966, in Grand Island
Parents: Robert and Dorothy (Bykerk) Koehler
Survivors of the immediate family include his parents, Robert and Dorothy Koehler of Omaha; two sisters, Carla Koehler and Stephanie Koehler, both of Omaha; and three nephews, Joshua Koehler, Jerad Forrest and Leoniads Freeman
Grew up in Grand Island until he moved with his family to Omaha; graduated from Millard South in 1984 and continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney Worked in sales for D & K Auto in Kearney, later joined Ag Dryer Services Inc. in Elm Creek as a sales manager
Activities: enjoyed life, sports and participating in the Kearney City League sports, and took the Polar Bear Plunge; enjoyed time with family and friends
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thelma Cohee and Dan and Anna Bykerk
Kearney Hub, 21 September, 2015
LANDRIGAN, Colleen, 62, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village
Memorial services: Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born April 24, 1953, in Loup City
Parents: Frank and Clem Landrigan
Grew up on the farm five miles north of Ravenna; the family later moved to Ravenna
After parents' death, moved to Kearney to live and work with Mid-Nebraska Individual Services for 17 years
Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Charles Chramosta; niece, Cathy and Todd VanWinkle; nephews and their spouses, Bill and Kathy Chramosta and John and Julie Chramosta; and aunt, Alda Landrigan, all of Ravenna; and many cousins Kearney Hub, 1 October, 2015
LYON, Fay A., 74, of Kennewick, Washington, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Sept 15, 2015, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington
Services: Sept. 26 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Richland with military honors
Burial: Nebraska
Born July 23, 1941, in Harbor Beach, Mich.
Parents: Liakim and Mary Agnes (Carrick) Lyon
Graduated from high school in Harbor Beach in 1960
Military: U.S. Air Force; served as an aircraft fuel systems mechanic during most of his career; served tours in Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, Selfridge AFB in Michigan, Hahn Air Base in Germany, Offutt AFB in Nebraska, Clark Air Base in the Philippines, Hill AFB in Utah, Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam as well as many temporary duties, including Korea, Iran and many others
Married: March 30, 1974, to Carolyn Carmann, in Nebraska
After marriage, lived in the Philippines, subsequently lived in Utah; retired from the USAF, moved to Nebraska and worked for Lammers Land Leveling and later the Nebraska State Department of Roads; retired, 1992, and moved to Kennewick
Activities: was very involved in many organizations and served in positions in each. including The Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7952, The Richland Rod and Gun Club, and Redeemer Lutheran Church; loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his “buddies” or just sitting around the campfire telling stories; pursued his hobby of photography throughout his life; collected eagles and loved their majestic stature as a symbol of the great country he served
Was preceded in death by his parents, Liakim and Mary Agnes Lyon; his infant sister; and his firstborn baby girl, Lynn Marie
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Carolyn Lyon; daughter, Misty Lyon and her son, Colton Lyon,; and son, Mark Lyon and wife Andrea
Memorials: VFW, DAV or Redeemer Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 19 September, 2015
MURRISH, Gary Lee, 61, of Hazelwood, Missouri, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, in Bridgeton
Memorial services: Monday at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hazelwood
Born in Kearney, Neb.
Was the beloved husband of Debra (Shackelton) Murrish; loving father of Jeremy (wife Sherri) Murrish and Hilary (husband Ian) Benedict; cherished grandfather of Reagan, Logan and Morgan Murrish and Dillon Benedict; dear brother of Randy Murrish and the late Diane Driver; and a dear nephew, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and dear friend to many
Was an Eagle Scout
Memorials: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Kearney Hub, 12 September, 2015
MURRISH, Linda, 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha
Services: Monday, September 28, 2015, at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Nov. 11, 1947, in Broken Bow
Parents: Burrel and Anna (Connely) Taylor
Grew up in Broken Bow, graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1966, attended Kearney State College
Married: Dec. 16, 1967, Bernie L. Murrish in Broken Bow
After marriage, lived in Kearney, then in various other locations; returned to Kearney in 1979; worked part time for Kearney Public Library, became full time in 1982; was the librarian for the Buffalo County Bookmobile; continued to work at the library until her death
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney and the Acclamation Bell Choir at the church, was a guardian for Job’s Daughters Bethel 6; was active with Custer County 4-H; enjoyed bowling, camping and reading
Survivors include her husband of Kearney; son, Troy Murrish and wife Teresa of Howell, Mich.; daughter, Angela Murrish of Kearney; grandsons, Aaron Ziola of Howell and Garrett Murrish of Virginia Beach, Va.; sister, Dona Wray and husband Richard Upole of Exton, Pa.; and brother, Robert Taylor and wife Patricia of Sanborn, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Friends of the Kearney Public Library, Acclamation Bell Choir at First United Methodist Church or to Royal Family Kids Camp
Kearney Hub, 26 September, 2015
NICKERSON, Mary Corneliu, 83, of Kearney died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at Mother Hull Home
Memorial services: Saturday at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home in Fort Myers, Fla.
Burial: Monday at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens
Born April 23, 1932
Was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Francis Johnson; her sister, Bonteen; and three brothers, Emmitt, Tommy and Jack Johnson
Survivors include: her children, Connie Rinehart, Anna Wills, Carl Harwell and Mandy Stillwagon; grandchildren, Drew Harwell, Chris Gandy, Seth Wills and Kelly Stillwagon; great-grandchildren, Austin Gandy and Makenzie Stillwagon; and her brother, E. Jim Johnson
Graduated from Fort Myers Senior High School in 1952
Worked many years in retail customer service and retired from Kmart
Activitiese: during retirement, enjoyed travel with family living in Elkin, N.C.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jennings, Fla.; Ames, Iowa; and Kearney; loved knitting, crocheting, quilting and reading; especially enjoyed playing bingo at the nursing home
Kearney Hub, 10 September, 2015
OBERMILLER, Deborah D. “Deb”, 63, of Grand Island died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at her home
Cremation was chosen
Memorial services: Saturday at Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island
Inurnment: Overton Cemetery
Born Dec. 2, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Carl W. and Thelma C. (Carman) Daake
Survivors include: son, Ryan Obermiller and his partner, Michael McKenzie, of Washington, D.C.; brother and sister-in-law, August and Judy Daake of Lexington; sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna Beck of Kearney, Karla and Richard Shafer of Gibbon and Kristi and Patrick Sims of Lexington; and her ex-husband, Dan Obermiller, and his mother, Mary Obermiller, both of Grand Island; and many nieces and nephews
Grew up in Amherst and later Overton; graduated in 1970 from Overton High School; attended Grand Island School of Beauty; later completed her degree for drug and alcohol counseling in 2013 at Central Community College
Married: Dan “Buggs” Obermiller on Dec. 1, 1974, in Grand Island
Worked at several beauty salons; after marriage, worked at the Nebraska Veterans’ Home and as a part-time cashier at Ace Hardware; was a part-time counselor at the Crisis Center at the time of her death
Activities: enjoyed creating stained-glass pieces, flower gardening and antiquing, and was an avid supporter of the Nebraska AIDS Project and the AIDS Walk, along with supporting the Central Nebraska Humane Society
Was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Larry Lienemann; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Beck
Kearney Hub, 1 October, 2015
PRITCHARD, Maybelle, 97, of Ravenna died Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Thursday at Ravenna United Methodist Church
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Aug. 2, 1918, in Polk
Parents: Playford and Ella (Jackson) Rockwell, was adopted while an infant by William and Esther (Wischmeier) Synder
Spent her early years on the family farm in the Miller area
Married Rollin Pritchard on Sept. 27, 1941
After marriage, lived on the farm in the Pleasant Valley area west of Pleasanton until the late 1950s; lived in Litchfield and Hazard, then moved to Ravenna in 1967; continued to work in Ravenna at the Dew Drop Inn and Ravenna City Hall; retired at age 90 in 2008
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Robert Morgan of Ravenna; grandchildren and spouses, Peggy Dobish of Kearney, Susan and Michael Baumfalk of Henderson, Iowa, Randy and Kathy Pritchard of Rosemount, Minn., Rick and Thuha Pritchard of Aurora, Colo., William and Rose Williams of Glendale, Ariz., and DeWayne and Nancy Williams of Franklin; and many great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; husband, Rollin in 1975; son, Lowell in 1973; and her grandson, Michael Morgan in 2015
Kearney Hub, 14 September, 2015
PRITSCHAU, Leonard, 82, of Ravenna died Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Private memorial service: later
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Nov. 2, 1932, on the family farm northeast of Ravenna
Parents: Darwin and Florence (Tangerman) Pritschau
Lived his entire life in the Ravenna area; graduated from Boelus High School in 1951
Military: U.S. Army, April 30, 1953, - April 28, 1958, during the Korean War
Returned to the family farm and continued to farm until his death; also drove a school bus for Boelus Public School and Centura School District for 23 years
Married: Donna Whitefoot on June 25, 1955, in Boelus
Activities: member of Shipman-Morgensen American Legion Post 201 in Boelus
Survivors include his wife, Donna of Ravenna; daughters, Vicki Victor of Fremont and Lori Burrage of Ravenna; and son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Keri Pritschau of Firth. Also left to cherish his memory are grandchildren, Jacie Victor and John Lowther of Nehawka, Ryan and Victoria Victor of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Rhiannon and Joel Jurgens of North Platte, Jami Pritschau of Omaha and Kody Pritschau of Firth; great-grandchildren, Jaelinn, Xavier, Kaylun, Trevin, Maci, Ryder and Janaya; and nieces, Sheri Sinon and Barbara Adrich
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Allen and Albert; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Pritschau; and in-laws, Herbert and Thelma Whitefoot
Kearney Hub, 29 September, 2015
RUSSELL, Karen L., 70, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, at Country House in Kearney
Private memorial services: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born Jan. 14, 1945, in Pierre, S.D.
Parents: Harold and Jeanette (Mordhorst) Lindquist
Grew up in Scottsbluff, graduated from high school there in 1963
Lived in North Platte and managed Duling Optical; moved to Kearney, 1987, worked at Duling Optical and then managed Walmart Vision Center; retired in 2010
Activities: loved helping others with painting and decorating their homes, refinishing furniture, watching movies, reading books, art and classical music; especially, loved her family
Survivors include: her daughter, Charlynn Frantzve and her husband, Kent, of Surprise, Ariz.; sons, Eric Russell and special friend Betsy Turk, and Aaron Russell and his wife, Pam, of Kearney; grandchildren, Travis, Kelsey and Colton Anderson and McKayla and Jacob Russell; and great-grandchildren, Tristan and James; and siblings, Rhonda Miller and her husband, Leroy, of Boise, Idaho, Dennis Lindquist of Arvada, Colo., Larry Lindquist and his wife, Judy, of Hazen, N.D., and Susan Loseke of Rapid City, S.D.
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association or the Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 24 September, 2015
SALINAS, Edgar I., 27, of Kearney died Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at his home
Services: Friday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 23 September, 2015
SHORES, Terry, 63, of Gibbon, Neb., died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Denver, Colorado
Graveside services: Saturday at Shelton Cemetery
Born May 20, 1952, in Lincoln, Neb.
Graduated high school in Rocky Ford
Lived in Nebraska, Colorado and California and found her way back to the Shelton, Neb., area, which she always considered “home,” in 2004
Married: Barry Shores in 1983
Activities: cherished her time with her family and loved bowling, bingo, crafts and sewing
Was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Melodean Woten; and younger brother, Michael
Survivors: husband, Barry; sister, George Ann and husband Daniel Martinez; brother, Bruce and wife Victoria Woten; children and spouses, Bobby and Connie Vialpando, Toni and Tony Mutton and Devonne and Chris Kingery; nine grandchildren; and extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 9 September, 2015
SIEBLER, Phyllis Jean, 88, of Kearney, formerly of Loup City, died Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Burial of cremains: Thursday at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Higgins in Loup City
Born: Sept. 6, 1927, in Ashton
Parents: Albert Siebler and Martha Bremer Siebler
Grew up in Loup City and graduated from Loup City High School in 1945, and from Kearney State College in 1949; received her Masters of Christian Education in 1970 from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.
Activities: member of First Baptist Church of Loup City
Survivors include: her sister, Irene Hurt and husband Jack of Kearney; nieces, Jennifer Henricksen and husband David of Omaha, Joni Fenwick and husband Mark of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Brenda Whitley and husband Glen of Hurst, Texas; nephew, Ron Siebler and wife Julie of Dallas; and sister-in-law, Norma Lee Siebler of Wichita Falls, Texas
Was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Harold Siebler of Wichita Falls
Kearney Hub, 6 October, 2015
SPANGRUD, Jean Anne, 81, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford, died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, at Mother Hull Nursing Home
Services: Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford
Burial: Oxford Cemetery
Mortuary: Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer in Oxford
Born Oct. 21, 1933, on the Taylor Place near Tioga, N.D., the younger of two children
Parents: Norien and Berta (McCormick) Blikre
Began her education in a rural school near her home in Tioga; in the third grade, moved to Centralia, Wash.; Attended grade school at Washington Elementary, graduated from Centralia High School, 1951; returned with her family to Tioga in 1952, worked as a teller in the Bank of Tioga
Married: Don M. Spangrud, May 7, 1956, in Rapid City, S.D.
Lived in Oxford, with Don, owned and operated Spangrud Oil Inc., worked side-by-side together in the business; retired on Jan. 1, 1997; moved to Kearney, 2004
Activities: felt most fulfilled in being a mother and grandmother; enjoyed home decorating and following her grandchildren in their activities; loved to cook and enjoyed sewing, making crafts and decorating cakes for special occasions; enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, Ariz.; member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oxford, served on numerous church committees; member of the Shy Ann Social Club in Oxford, served on the Oxford Scholarship Committee and was active in the Oxford Chamber of Commerce; transferred their membership to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Kristy Jean
Survivors include: her husband of 59 years, Don Spangrud of Kearney; three children, Kathy Weidner and her husband, Jerry, of Kearney, Jay Spangrud and his special friend, Silver Beach, of Oxford and Jeff Spangrud and his wife, Christine, of Omaha; a special family friend, Deryl Parsons and his wife, Tracy, of Russell, Kan.; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, James Blikre and his wife, June, of Bothell, Wash.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Kearney Hub, 8 September, 2015
STREFF, Teresa J., 85, of Kearney died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, at Mother Hull Home
Services: Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence
Burial: Sacred Heart Cemetery near Lawrence
Mortuary: Merten-Butler in Blue Hill
Born Sept. 5, 1930, in Juniata
Parents: John and Teresa (Hemberger) Loskill
Married: Gerald Streff on Nov. 22, 1949
Worked at the Blue Hill and Nelson Care Centers; member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Altar Society and American Legion Auxiliary; baby-sat and loved children; enjoyed ceramics and bowling
Was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Thomas Streff and Joseph Streff; three sisters, Marie Klein, Marilyn Schumm and Bernadine Reise; and three brothers, Vern Loskill, Edward Loskill and John Loskill
Survivors include her husband, Gerald J. Streff of Kearney; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jane Streff of Lawrence; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Kay and Rick Robinson of Kearney, Barbara and Neal Jacobson of Gillette, Wyo., and Beth and Steve Strain of Rapid City, S.D.; grandchildren, Chris Bieber and Brent Bieber, both of Kearney, Tim Streff of Blue Hill, Toby Streff of Pierce, Brad Strain and Jordan Strain, both of Rapid City, Todd Streff of St. Louis, Dan Bieber and Nick Robinson, both of Kearney, and Mijkan Strain of Rapid City; 20 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Geraldine Parr and Katherine Theisen
Memorials: American Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 17 September, 2015
THOMSEN, Wayne E., 80, of Rockville died Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: Souleville Cemetery near Boelus
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born Nov. 5, 1934, in Sherman County
Parents: Niels and Lillian (Schmaljohn) Thomsen
Was raised in Sherman County and graduated from Rockville High School
Military: U.S. Army
Married: Jean Huryta on July 27, 1968, in Ravenna
After marriage, lived near Poole; moved to Rockville in 1979
Survivors include his wife, Jean of Rockville; daughter and son-in-law, Audrey and Brad Euans of Louisville; sons and daughter-in-law, DeWayne Thomsen of Ravenna and Roger and Sherri Thomsen of Amherst; four grandsons, Riley Thomsen, Douglas Euans, Tanner Thomsen and Tyler Euans; sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Dutch Dethlefs of Ravenna; brother, LaVern Thomsen of Grand Island; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; brother, Kenneth; sister and brother-in-law Carol and Gary Wicht; parents-in-law, Gertrude and Dale Huryta; and sister-in-law, Joyce Thomsen
Kearney Hub, 21 September, 2015
WORTMAN, Wilferd Wallace, 97, of Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Fort Dodge
Services: Tuesday in the chapel of Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt
Burial: Union Cemetery in Humboldt with military honors
Born: Oct. 11, 1917, in Crisfield, Kan.
Parents: George and Elma Wortman
Was raised and educated in Harper, Kan., and graduated from Harper High School; attended the University of Kansas and received his bachelor’s degree
Military: U.S. Army, served as a flight instructor with the Army Air Corps, training pilots known as 90-Day Wonders during World War II
Married: Marcia Tyner on Oct. 11, 1947 in Lincoln
After marriage, lived in Denver, Wilferd worked as a pilot for Continental Airlines
Received his master’s degree from the University of Denver, taught at the college level in Omaha, Neb., Sioux Falls, S.D., and Flint, Mich.; received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and served as a professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney until his retirement; retired to Denver, continued to teach part time
Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Ron Reher of Humboldt; grandchildren, Tina and husband Tim Clarken of Badger and Brent Reher of Humboldt; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Gavin Clarken and Montgomery and Dakota Reher; his brother and sister-in-law, Willard and Gerry Wortman of Wichita, Kan.; and his companion of 10 years, Christina Mayer of Denver
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Winona Schlich
Kearney Hub, 3 October, 2015
ZELLER, Loretta M., 84, of Cairo died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Memorial services: Friday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Inurnment: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born April 5, 1931, on the Echo Farm northeast of Ravenna in Buffalo County
Parents: Pete and Mildred (Alleman) Scott
Was baptized on May 22, 1931, at the Ravenna Methodist Church; was confirmed in the Lutheran faith after her marriage in 1950 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
Attended schools at Ravenna, Buffalo County District 20, Sherman County District 21 and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1949; received licensed practical nurse training at Central Community LPN Nursing School in Kearney in 1982
Married Kenneth Zeller on May 19, 1950, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ravenna
After marriage lived on a farm northeast of Ravenna in Sherman County for 35 years; taught school at Sherman County District 55 for two years; then stayed home to raise their three children; worked for the Good Samaritan nursing home as an aide and at the Nebraska Veterans’ Home as a licensed practical nurse; moved to an acreage north of Cairo in 1985
Activities: enjoyed volunteering at church, Sunday school and belonged to the Dorcas Society; transcribed Braille adult Sunday school lessons, tutored English as a second language through the Grand Island Literacy Council and belonged to the Boelus American Legion Auxiliary; especially enjoyed getting together with her family and friends; belonged to several card clubs; liked gardening, oil painting and homemaking
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Paul Lonn; sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney and Annette Zeller and Philip and Rebecca Zeller; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Roberts; brother-in-law, Carl; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Ann Beilke
Kearney Hub, 1 October, 2015