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AXTELL, Gail Ann, 66, of Funk, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at her home
Celebration of life: later
Born May 31, 1951, in Kearney
Parents: Galen and Verna Dean (Snyder) Tatum
Was the eldest of eight children; got her education from Kearney High School
Married: Robert Axtell on Feb. 9, 1970; had three children together
Worked for Baldwin Filters in Kearney, where she retired
Activities: loved word puzzle books, Husker football; loved her grandkids and great-grandkids; was a whiz at game shows on the Game Show Network; was very passionate about her family and had a very close relationship with her best friend, Edna Petersen of rural Axtell
Survivors include her husband, Robert Axtell of Funk; daughter, Lisa and husband Christopher Wilbur of Funk; sons, Ray and wife Bev Roth of Kearney, Anthony and wife Judy Axtell of Gibbon and Michael Axtell of Lincoln; daughter, Shelly Nuss of Greenville, Ill.; sisters, Linda and Donny Brown, Cheryl Long and her special friend, Bobby Lewis, and Robin Kibler, all of Kearney; brother, Ricky Tatum of Kearney; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and family
Was preceded in death by three brothers; parents; son, Frank D. Axtell II; and three nephews
Donations and memorials: Funk Fire and Rescue
Kearney Hub, 14 October, 2017
BALL, Betty Lucille, 91, of Kearney, formerly of Shelton, died Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Tuesday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel
Born: Nov. 18, 1925, in Cherokee, Iowa
Parents: Forest and Mildred (Barnes) Stevenson
Grew up in Iowa, graduated from Quimby High School in 1943; attended Telegrapher School in Omaha, filled in as depot agent on the main line between Grand Island and North Platte during World War II
Married: to James “Jim” Ball at her parents’ home in Quimby on June 18, 1947; had three daughters and a son
After marriage, lived in Gibbon and St. Edward, then lived in Shelton for the last 55 years
Activities: was a 75-plus-year member of the United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women and was a Bible school teacher; pastimes included reading, walking, embroidery, card playing and bowling; most of all, treasured her children, grandchildren and nine great-grandsons
Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-law, Raye Ann and Ken Stenehjem of Omaha, Linda and Tom Polcha of Phoenix and Lori and Al Cornelius of Shelton; sisters-in-laws, Bonnie Ball of Kearney, Betty Stevenson of Quimby and Elsie Stevenson of Holstein, Iowa; grandchildren and their spouses, Kari and Demetri Pavlatos, Shane and Sherry Stenehjem, Jenny and John Hickey, Shannon and John Arbuckle and Seth and Maggie Stenehjem; and great-grandsons, Peyton, Isaac and Elias Arbuckle, Lucien and Oliver Stenehjem, Caleb, Judah and Luke Stenehjem and Jonathan Pavlatos
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clifford, Vernon and Richard “Dick” Stevenson; her only son, Jon; daughter-in-law, Deborah; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and other family members
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church and Shelton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2017
BECK, Elizabeth “Betty” (Hermes), 81, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at her home at Brookdale Kearney Northridge
Service: Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery near Arapahoe
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Aug. 1, 1936, in Furnas County, at their family farm near Arapahoe
Parents: Everett and Louise (Ziebell) Hermes
Graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1954, obtained her teaching certificate from Concordia Teachers College in 1956; later earned her master’s degree from Kearney State College in 1970
Married: Aug. 10, 1956, to Walter “Wally” C. Beck
After marriage, lived in Addison, Ill., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, St. Paul, Minn., and York; moved to Grand Island, 1964, taught first at Trinity Lutheran School, then moved to Engleman Elementary School, followed by Westridge Middle School; retired in 2000; moved to Hastings, 2007, to be closer to her siblings; then moved to Brookdale Northridge in Kearney, June 2016
. Activities: member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island, Faith Lutheran Church in Hastings and later, a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed traveling, knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery, drawing and painting; enjoyed a great card game of pinochle, bridge or pitch, going for walks, reading and shopping; loved entertaining friends and family; her life revolved around her faith and love of children, touched and taught young and old alike
Survivors include: her husband of 61 years, Wally of Kearney; children and their spouses, Kevin Beck of St. Petersburg, Fla., Rick and Valerie (Thomas) Beck of Spruce Pine, N.C., and Katie (Beck) and Mike Mathews of Kearney; and grandchildren and their spouses, Ryan and Mitsuko Beck of Boulder, Colo., Emily Beck of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Mitch and Libby (Szmanski) Mathews and MacKenzie (Mathews) and Carlos Tejada, all of Kearney; siblings and their spouses include Mary Lou Weber, Alice Oelke, Charlotte Hawthorne and Charles and Margaret Hermes, all of Hastings, and Doug and Cheryl Schutz of Arapahoe; and over nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; two siblings, William and Ruth; and brothers-in-law, Lee Weber, Victor Oelke and Bob Hawthorne
Memorials: Orphan Grain Train, Norfolk, Nebr.
Kearney Hub, 14 October, 2017
BEHRENDT, Michael Eugene, 47, of Bruno, formerly of Ravenna, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Bruno
Service: Friday at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Feb. 20, 1970, in Kearney
Parents: Bob and Marjorie (Zimmer) Behrendt
Graduated from Ravenna High School in 1988; attended Central Community College-Hastings and the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Helped as needed on the family farm for several years, was the proud owner of a small herd of Hereford minis; later worked at Chief Fabrication in Grand Island, Marshall Engines in Kearney and Henningson Foods in Ravenna; was promoted to plant manager of Henningson Foods Inc. at David City and was vice president of Egg Manufacturing and Production at Henningson Foods Inc.; worked to make the plant more productive as well as a better environment to work in; was very well liked within the community, the plant and by its Japanese owners
Married: Amy Bauer; later divorced
With his ex-wife, owned and operated BEHR BQ Catering and Concessions out of Ravenna; attended many large competitions in the area, bringing home top honors
Activities: enjoyed having a good time; was an avid Husker fan; loved fishing, cooking, entertaining friends and family, gardening and then taking care of his produce; loved his children and was very proud of them as he watched them grow and begin building their own lives
Survivors include his daughter, Brittany Behrendt and her boyfriend, Eli Zwiener, of Pleasanton; son, Trevin Behrendt and his girlfriend, Karly Nitsch, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; his parents of Ravenna, sister, Bobbi Tavenner and children, Haley and Aaron, of Kearney; brother, John Behrendt and Amy Ostermeyer and children, Lindsey, Riley, Remi, Raegan and Reese, of Ravenna; sister, Danelle and husband Josh Nutt and children, Bailey and Gunner, of Ravenna; his very close friend, Angie Andrews of Bruno; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dean and Sylvia Zimmer and Dee and Alice Behrendt
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2017
BRUNER, Timothy Paul, 68, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church; cremation will follow
Burial; Thursday at Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann
Born: Jan. 19, 1949, in Bloomfield
Parents: Don and Mary Bruner
Attended St. Andrew’s Catholic School in Bloomfield, graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1967; attended Wayne State College, later graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in accounting
Military: U.S. Army from March 19, 1970, to Nov. 18, 1971; walked point for his squad in Vietnam for six months, did not lose a single soldier under his command and watch; was awarded the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, among other honors
After discharge, graduated from college under the GI Bill
Married: Patricia Schmidt on Aug. 5, 1972
Began his career in hospital finance working for Lutheran Medical Services; moved to Kearney in 1983 and along with two others, founded Richard Young Hospital and were responsible for bringing emergency medivac services to rural Nebraska; continued his career in Lincoln for Lincoln General Hospital and BryanLGH
Was dedicated to community service; served on the Board of Directors for Bright Lights, the Lincoln Rebels and the Healthcare Financial Management Association, including a term as president for all three organizations, among other foundations; retired and moved to Kearney, devoted his time to the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Church and his grandchildren; loved his family and friends, baseball and singing
Was preceded in death by his father, Don Brune
Survivors include: his mother, Mary and her husband, Roland; wife, Patsy; son, Nathan; daughter-in-law, Sara; his grandchildren, Sawyer, Emerson and Noah; brothers, Tom Bruner, Phil Bruner and wife Joanie, Chris Johnson and wife Marilyn, and Bill Johnson and wife Kelly; sisters, Ruth Ott and husband Curt, and Mary Pomerville and husband Rick; and numerous nephews and nieces
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2017
CUDABACK, Ronald M., 86, of Riverdale died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at his home
Service: Wednesday at Riverdale Christian Church
Burial: Riverdale Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 29, 1930, in Riverdale
Parents: Morris and Lena (Johnston) Cudaback
Graduated from Riverdale High School, 1949
Military: U.S. Air Force, was honorably discharged in 1955
Married: July 26, 1954, to Rebecca Ramon at Travis Air Force Base in California
After discharge from the Air Force, lived in Riverdale, owned and operated the Riverdale Service Station; retired in 1996; had served countless people in and around the Riverdale community
Activities: lent a hand to those in need or handed candy to the children as they walked home after school; active member in the Riverdale Christian Church and a longtime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association; had a passion for airplanes and enjoyed the challenge of building aircraft
Survivors include: children, Patricia Jorgensen and husband Gerald of Kearney, Jack Cudaback and wife Kellie of Omaha, Lanell Krafka and husband Marty of Bellwood and Renee Cudaback of Littleton, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim “Jimmie Dale” Cudaback of Riverdale, Jack Cudaback of Kearney, Elmer Cudaback of Scottsbluff, Jane Rumbeck of Amherst and Robert Cudaback and wife Karen of Riverdale; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 9 October 2017
GINTZLER, Michael Louis, 82, of rural Funk died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Private family inurnment
Mortuary: Nelson-Bauer in Holdrege
Born: Sept. 11, 1935, at Buffalo, N.Y., the eldest of two sons
Parents: Joseph H. and Golde (Zabat) Gintzler
Received his education from Bennett High School in Buffalo, graduated 1953; attended two years at the University of Buffalo
Married: Mary Jane Treadway, 1957; had one son, Mark Warre
After marriaged, lived in Miami, did various jobs
Military: three years in the U.S. Marine Corps,stationed in Millington, Tenn.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Cherry Point, N.C.; attended Aviation School and learned to become an aircraft mechanic; transferred into the U.S. Air Force, 1960; spent almost two years stationed in Denver and Rapid City, S.D.; was honorably discharged
Married: Sandy Davisson, 1963; had two sons were born, Max Joseph and Matthew Louis
Lived in Liberal, Kan., served as a police officer for the Liberal Police Department
Enrolled at Fort Hays State College, completed his bachelor’s degree in history in 1967 and his master’s degree in sociology in 1969
Moved to Kearney, was a professor at Kearney State College for 29 years; was selected as Professor of the Year three times and Ugly Professor of the Year once; retired in 1998, worked various jobs such as truck driver, library book shelver and pizza delivery guy and had numerous newspaper and mail delivery routes
Activities: member of the Funk Lions Club and Jachin Lodge 146 A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge in Holdrege; enjoyed flying, gardening, camping and dancing; rescued dogs them from shelters and foundnd them new homes; was proud to have lived out his personal philosophy, “I’m the happiest person I know.”
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Marsha Gintzler
Survivors include: his three sons, Mark Gintzler and his wife, Tracy, of Brattleboro, Vt., Max Gintzler and his wife, Judy, of Kearney and Matt Gintzler of Denver; three grandchildren; one brother, David L. Gintzler of Concord, N.H.; and a host of other relatives and friends
Memorials: Start Over Rover Animal Shelter in Hastings
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2017
GOLDFISH, Barbara Jo, 71, of Shelton died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney. Service: Saturday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery in Scotia
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born: June 7, 1946, in Fairbury
Parents: Jack and Annabel (Singleton) Skelton
Grew up in Fairbury; attended the community college in Fairbury, earned her teaching degree
Taught second grade for several years at Elba School
Married: April 4, 1970, Gordon Goldfish at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury; he died in 1992
After marriage, lived on a farm in rural Scotia; helped on the farm and raised their family
Attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, earned a degree in social work; worked at the Area Agency on Aging in Kearney for 15 years; retired in 2015 and moved to Shelton
Activities: member of the Methodist Church; enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and baking, and watching her grandkids
Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Kirk and Kaylea Goldfish of Bertrand, Eric and Amanda Goldfish of Shelton and Gina and Nic Evans of Lincoln; grandchildren, Avery, Seaver and Gentri Goldfish, Madison and Matthew Goldfish and Alyssa and Logan Evans; brothers and their spouses, Jack and Debbie Skelton of Pueblo, Colo., and Richard and Sharon Skelton of Kearney; sisters and their spouses, Karen and Lloyd Dawes of Broken Arrow, Okla., and Nancy and Howard Oliver of Lincoln; and nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon; and brother, Larry Skelton
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church Food Pantry for the Backpack Program
Kearney Hub, 25 October, 2017
GRASSMEYER, Darrell, 88, of Columbus died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln
Service: Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus
Burial: Columbus Cemetery
Mortuary: Gass Haney in Columbus
Born: Nov. 26, 1928, in Buffalo County
Parents: Frank “Bud” and Ruby (Harden) Grassmeyer
Grew up on the family farm outside of Riverdale; graduated from Riverdale High School in 1946, attended Kearney State Teachers College, graduated in 1950
Married: Aug 20, 1950, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Axtell; married for 67 years
Taught history at Ogallala High School, then began a long career with State Farm Insurance in 1960; was a State Farm agent in North Platte before becoming an agency manager, moved to Columbus in 1963; retired from State Farm in 1992
Activities: loyal member of Trinity Lutheran Church, served as an elder and on several boards; 50-year member of the Shriners (with a particular passion for helping children), was active in Rotary, Jaycees, Masons, OFC (Old Farts Club) and the Elks; served on the board of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) in Columbus; treasured every moment of every visit with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; loved his family, talking with strangers, the Huskers and going to coffee
Survivors include: his wife, Lavonne Grassmeyer of Columbus; children and their spouses, Randy and Debby Grassmeyer of Holdrege, Bryan and Lynn Grassmeyer of Mount Juliet, Tenn., Kay and Tim Sprunk of Platte Center and Linae and Tim Anderson of Omaha; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brothers, Doyle and wife Virginia Grassmeyer of Schertz, Texas, and Dale Grassmeyer of Haysville, Kan.; and sister-in-law, Betty Grassmeyer of Tucson, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Ruby Grassmeyer; brothers, Dean and Don Grassmeyer; and sisters, Peggy Palmer and Bonnie Gipson
Memorials: Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis
Kearney Hub, 26 October, 2017
HARDEKOPF, Stacey J., 52, of Park City, Kansas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, at Diversicare of Sedgwick, Kansas
Memorial service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney Inurnment: the mausoleum at Kearney Cemetery
Born: July 28, 1965, in Kearney
Parents: James A. and Patricia (Sheen) Hardekopf
Graduate of Kearney High School in 1983; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; received her degree from the University of Phoenix
Was employed as the marketing director at Fanning-Bard-Larsen Architects AIA Ltd. in Albuquerque, N.M., later was the executive director of the Hutchinson-Reno County Cultural Arts Commission, and then was the student information coordinator for USD 405 in Lyons; last employment was as the head zookeeper at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard
Survivors include: her parents, Jim and Pat Hardekopf of Centennial, Wyo.; and several cousins
Was preceded in death by her grandparents
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2017
HARMS, Edward James “Jimmy”, 26, of Bondurant, Wyoming, died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Pinedale, Wyoming
Service: Saturday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, Neb.
Born: Sept. 14, 1991, in Denver
Parents: George Harms and Jana Harms-Bouw
Graduated from Kearney Catholic High School in 2010; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2015 Activities: loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing; enjoyed being in the mountains or on a stream or lake fishing; was of the Catholic faith
Survivors include: his father, George Harms; mother Jana Harms-Bouw and Henk; brothers, Dennis Philip Harms and Joseph Patrick Harms and Jennifer; and grandparents, Ed and Martha Wilcox
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Catherine Wilcox and Edward and Mary Harms; and great-grandmother, Frances Ryan
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2017
HARTMAN, Patricia Ann, 81, of Scotia, formerly of Grand Island, died Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, at Brookfield Park in St. Paul
Service: Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Scotia
Cremation will follow the service
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: Aug. 30, 1936, at Ansley
Parents: Franklin Earl Todd Sr. and Della Mae (Henderson) Todd
Grew up in Westerville and later in Odessa; graduated from Odessa High School in 1954
Married: Richard “Dick” Hartman on March 17, 1966, at Columbus
After marriage, lived in Hastings and later bought and moved to their farm south of Grand Island in 1973; moved to Scotia in 2009
Worked with Dick on the farm and cared for the home; loved to cook and entertain; was a loving mother and grandmother and was very proud of all of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments
Survivors include her husband, Dick Hartman of Scotia; three daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Jim Wetzel of Grand Island, Barb and Doug Mendyk of Scotia and Carolyn and Paul Trieschman of Houston; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Mike and Denise Nickman of Pleasanton, Steve and Deb Hartman of Grand Island, Dave and Teresa Hartman of Omaha, Dan Hartman of Peachtree City, Ga., and Tom and Carlotta Hartman of Grand Island; her brother and sister-in-law, Buzz and Luann Todd of St. Paul; 17 grandchildren, Anthony, Lauren, Josh, Angie, Lindsay, Tyler, William, Jennifer, Abbie, Jay, Jason, Kyle, Hannah, Cecily, Jack, Allie and Sam; and 11 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Gwendolyn Polka; and four brothers, Frank, Clifford, Donald and Ralph Todd
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2017
JAMESON, Lois Ann, 63, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Thursday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: October 29, 1953 at Broken Bow
Parents: Ross and Hazel (Sorensen) Shoemaker
Grew up in the Flatbottom community near Mason City, Nebraska; learned a strong work ethic; came to know her Savior at a young age and her faith continued to be vital in all she did throughout her life
Married: Clifford Gene Jameson on May 27, 1978 at the Kearney Evangelical Free Church
After marriage, lived in Kearney; had three children together; devoted much of her time to her family
Was a teacher for 40 years, most at Emerson Elementary in Kearney
Activities: loved cooking and catering for small and large groups, playing the piano, going on a yearly trip to Branson, Mo., and spending time with her family and friends; member of the Kearney Evangelical Free Church; had a servant heart and loved to volunteer; member of the Kearney Education Association; was involved in the Miller Auxiliary and a member of her beloved long standing E-Free Small group
Survivors include: husband Clifford Jameson; son Aaron and wife Emily and their children Kayla, Zachary, and Alyssa Jameson of Kearney; son Adam and his wife Valerie and their children Noah, Scarlet, and Simon Jameson of Kearney; daughter Amy Jameson of Kearney; her sister, Elaine and her husband Norman Anderson of Broken Bow; sister-in-law Arlene Shoemaker and mother-in-law Bonnetta Jameson both of Kearney, and many nieces and nephews and close friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Eldon and his wife Linda Shoemaker; brother Melvin Shoemaker; brother Ralph Shoemaker and his wife Eunice; and her father-in-law Harvey Jameson
Kearney Hub, 24 October, 2017
JOHNSON-HARDER, Vera Mae, 103, of Hazard died Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Service: Wednesday at Hazard United Methodist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: May 29, 1914, on a farm south of Hazard
Parents: Carl and Cora (Smith) Rasmussen
Was the oldest daughter and third sibling of a family of eight; attended Buffalo County Sweetwater School through the eighth grade, then stayed home to help with her siblings and the family farm
Married: Truman “T.J.” Johnson, April 16, 1932; enjoyed dancing together for 51 years until his death in 1983
After marriage, lived on various farms in the Sweetwater and Hazard areas; worked side by side while raising their twin daughters; later attended beauty school, then set up a salon in her home and continued styling hair for 29 years; was able to care for herself in her home until she was 97, then moved to Ravenna into assisted living and then the nursing home until the time of her passing
Was baptized and joined the Hazard United Methodist Church in 1947; was a member of the Women’s Society and served in various offices within the church; continued to attend services there even after turning 100 years old
Married: Oct. 23, 1986, to longtime friend, Maxwell Harder of Cairo; celebratec 10 years of marriage before his passing; enjoyed living in her home in Hazard, traveling and dancing
Activities: enjoyed time with family and friends; hosted many picnics for the Rasmussen and Johnson gatherings; entertained many neighbors, friends and family, playing cards; enjoyed traveling, especially to see daughter Donna and her family in Wyoming; was a great cook; loved dancing; her faith remained strong
Survivors include: her loving daughter and caretaker, Darlene Hughes of Hazard; grandsons and their spouses, David Hughes and Judy of Hazard, Scott Hughes and Jennifer of Gering and John Lueders and Donna, and Rob Lueders and Shirley, all of Buffalo, Wyo.; granddaughters, Gay Warner of Kearney and Linda Foss and husband Joe of Buffalo; 11 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marlene Rasmussen of Kearney; stepson, Ron Harder of Cairo; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend and remarkable caregiver, Pearl Sklenar
Was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Cora; siblings and their spouses, Walter and Adeline, Wilsie and Irene, Laura Poskochil and Jim, Leslie and Velma, Robert and infant brothers, Franklin and Harlan; husbands, Truman and Maxwell; daughter and spouse, Donna and Lavern Lueders; son-in-law, Donald Hughes; grandson, Brent Warner; and great-great-grandsons, Marcus Santos and Path Werner
Kearney Hub, 24 October, 2017
KRAFT, Marilyn, 77, of Heartwell died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at her home
Memorial service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: later
Born: July 27, 1940, in Kearney
Parents: Floyd and Margaret (Bundy) Shiers
Attended school in Kearney, graduated from Longfellow High School in 1958
Moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., and worked for the Heartland Ranch
Married: Charles Kraft on Aug. 1, 1959; he died on Sept. 28, 2009.
Activities: was active in the Saddle Club and participated in parades and rodeos during Cheyenne Frontier Days
Due to health reasons,moved back to Nebraska, 1968; worked for Gibbon Food Service.; returned to Cheyenne in 1977
Daughter, Joyce, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Aug. 16, 1977
Had been a resident of Heartwell for 25 years; member of the Extension Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary
Survivors include her son, Peter and wife Cindy of Loveland, Colo.; grandchildren, Todd and Aaron Kraft; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Clifford of Gibbon, Ronald of California, Arthur of Lincoln and Lavern of Ames, Iowa; and sister, Edith Brill of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter, Roselynn; daughter, Joyce; granddaughter, Krystle Anne; brother, Alvin; sister-in-law, Marilyn Shiers; and brother-in-law, Frank Brill
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2017
LINK, Kathryn (Locker), 77, of Lincoln, formerly of Gibbon, died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Lincoln
Service: later in Aruba
Born: March 28, 1940, in Aruba, Dutch West Indies
Parents: Harold and Eula (Potts) Locker
Married Rodney Link
Survivors include her husband; children, Kathryn Cone, Susan Swanson, Melissa Fowler and Jacob Link; sisters, Melinda Barras and Stacey Berberich; brother, Thomas Locker; and nine grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 13 October, 2017
LITTLE, Brett D., 46, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, at his home
Memorial service: Tuesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Dec. 8, 1970, in North Platte
Parents: Jerry and Georgia (French) Little
Graduated from North Platte High School in May 1989
Military: U.S. Army Reserve in fall 1989, remained active until his passing; served a tour in Germany, was mobilized for Iraqi Freedom and served one tour in Kuwait during this time; was awarded the following awards: the Meritorious Service Medal, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hourglass, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon
Graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 1998 with a degree in physical education; was a member of UNK’s Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity; worked for Weigand Security Service in Kearney
Later became the owner of Weigand Security Service and expanded it to include a branch in North Platte
Activities: loved wrestling, playing softball and spending time with his children, and supporting Macie and Jordan in their various sports and activities; coached youth wrestling and especially enjoyed coaching his son, Jordan; was a fan of the Huskers and Miami Dolphins
Survivors include: his four children, Macie and Jordan of Kearney and Lawsen and Ian of St. Paul; his parents, Jerry and Georgia Little of North Platte; siblings, Jerri Phillips and her husband, Matt, Denise Flanders and her husband, Jim, Melody Miller and her husband, Jim, John Little and his wife, Natalee, and Nadine Florea, all of North Platte; 36 nieces and nephews; 14 grandnieces and grandnephews; and special friend, Michelle (Niemack) Choplin of Shelton and her two daughters
Memorials: Wounded Warrior Program and Veterans’ Suicide Awareness Project
Kearney Hub, 14 October, 2017
MARSHALL, Amily Jean “AJ”, infant daughter of Chris and Lisa (Nepple) Marshall of Kearney, was born at rest Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: later in Kearney
Born: Sept. 20, 2017, at 19 weeks, 4 days; weighed 9.4 ounces and was 9 inches long
Was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Lloyd Nepple and Thomas Marshall; and cousins, Sophia Eileen Biltoft and Connor James Anderjaska
Survivors include: her parents,her grandmothers, Bonnie Marshall of Kearney and Janis Nepple of Hastings; aunts, Tammy (Steve) Umholtz of Lincoln, Tracy Anderjaska of Hastings, Lori (Matthew) McHenry of Holdrege and Stephanie Marshall (Josh) of Kearney; uncle, Jason (Shannon) Nepple of Hastings; cousins, Shaylee, Shyann, Caden and Carlee Anderjaska of Hastings, Hunter and Blake Nepple of Hastings, Lacy Biltoft and Malachai, Jeremiah and Samuel McHenry of Holdrege; and great-aunt, Karen Woerman of Kearney
Memorials: the family or to the CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation-Family Birth Center Bereavement Fund
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2017
MARZOLF, Edward L. “Ed”, 70, of rural Gibbon died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at his home near Gibbon
Memorial service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Ravenna. Born on July 28, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: William A. and Marie (Miller) Marzolf
Was baptized at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney; grew up in Kearney, attended Kearney High School and graduated in 1965
Married: April 11, 1969, to Sharon Stittle at the Newman Center at Kearney State College; had one daughter and one son together
After marriage, lived in Kearney, later moved to an acreage northeast of town
Worked as a plumber and mechanic the majority of his life, but also delivered Kearney Hub newspapers and worked at various cement companies, city of Kearney garbage collection, Stormor, poured bin pads and built bins, Broadfoot’s Sand & Gravel, auto repair and Guardsman Security; retired in September 2000
Activities: enjoyed attending auctions, car shows, parades, swap meets, road trips, camping, fishing and visiting with people; especially enjoyed time in Colorado, Utah and Arizona with the Bruce and Joan Smith family; enjoyed working on and showing his 1958 Chevy Delray
Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Gibbon; daughter, Laura Johnson and her husband, Herb, of McCook; son, Lannie Marzolf and his wife, Paula, of Kearney; sister, Janet McClaran of Kearney; sister-in-law, Rita Marzolf of Kearney; grandsons, Austin Giltz and his wife, Dannette, of Colorado and Jackson Wallace and Bronson Wallace of Kearney; granddaughter, Jenna Marzolf of Axtell; great-grandchildren, Angelina Giltz and Ronnie “RJ” Giltz; and numerous other family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Charles and Robert
Memorials: Highway Creepers Car Club
Kearney Hub, 23 October, 2017
MUNSON, Darlene M., 80, of Lakeville, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017
Memorial service: Nov. 11 at Gill Brothers Funeral Home in Bloomington, Minn.
Born: June 19, 1937, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: John and Gladys Cepel
Survivors include: her loving husband of 60 years, Donald; daughter, Michelle Munson and Charles Thorne; son, Matthew and Brenda Munson; grandchildren and spouses, Nikolas and Saritha Munson and Shannon and David Markley; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Harold and wife Lula Cepel
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2017
NELSON, Dirk H., 62, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Inurnment: later
Born: Sept. 28, 1955, in Great Falls, Mont.
Parents: Dale and Glendora (Burns) Nelson
Was raised in Brooklyn Center, Minn.; was a 1973 graduate of Park Center High School; completed a two-year technical degree from Brown Institute in electronics
Married: Lois G. Groen on Sept. 20, 1980, in Holdrege
Pursued a variety of jobs; dedicated the majority of his career to Chief Industries, was the shipping manager at the Kearney Division for 15-plus years
Activities: loved spending his time outdoors; was on the varsity baseball team during high school; spent his summers traveling the country with his parents; as a young adult, was an avid hunter, fisherman and stock car crew member; when he had a family, began gardening, became a renowned chef and baker of carrot cake and pie; enjoyed remodeling the house, playing card games and fixing puzzles with his daughters; was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Minneapolis Twins
Survivors include his three daughters, Emily Nelson of Washington, D.C., and Jennifer Nelson and Stephanie Nelson, both of Kearney; brother, David Nelson and wife Linda of McGregor, Minn.; mother-in-law, Cleone Groen of Sioux Falls, S.D.; two brothers-in-law, Mylo Groen of Tucson, Ariz., and John Groen Jr. and his wife, Pat, of Fishkill, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Cathy Hoffman and her husband, Matt, of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Nelson; his parents; and father-in-law, John Groen Sr.
Kearney Hub, 6 October 2017
NYE, Shirley W., 94, of Granbury, Texas, died Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Granbury
Born Sept. 27, 1923, in Kansas City, Mo.
Was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert M. Nye
Was a world traveler and loved animals
Survivors include: her children, Robert M. Nye Jr., Michael W. Nye, Laurence A. Nye, Kenneth F. Nye, Carolyn N. Allen and Janet N. Green; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren
Burial: with Robert at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio
Kearney Hub, 10 October, 2017
ROTH, Julie Eileen, 56, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, at Franklin Care and Rehabilitation Center
Memorial service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Parkview Cemetery in Hastings
Born: Oct. 22, 1960, in Hastings
Parents: Thomas and Wilma (Stiles) Roth
Grew up in Hastings, moved with family to Kearney in 1972; was a 1979 graduate of Kearney Catholic High School
Had several jobs over the years; her charismatic personality allowed her to succeed in everything she did
Activities: hobbies included fishing and sports of all kinds; especially loved to follow the Dallas Cowboys and Husker football
Survivors include her mother, Wilma Roth of Kearney; life partner, Dondi Drozd of Kearney and his children, Donald Drozd III, Chelsey Drozd and Hanna Masilko; brothers, Greg Roth of Lakeside, Calif., and Jeff Roth of Lincoln; and niece, Samantha Roth and nephews, Tommy and Cody Roth, all of Lakeside, Calif.
Was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, several aunts and uncles and four cousins
Kearney Hub, 11 October, 2017
SHERRERD, Christine J., 72, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life service: Monday at New Life Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Oct. 8, 1945, in Kearney: Parents: Joseph and Lorraine (Needham) Poffenberger
Grew up in Kearney; in her teen years, worked at the Kearney Public Library and also at The World movie theater; graduated from Kearney High School in 1964; attended Kearney State College and was a member of Chi Omega sorority; graduated from KSC in 1968 with a teaching degree
Taught school in Los Angeles, North Carolina and Denver
Married: July 20, 1969, to Dennis Sherrerd in Kearney
Moved to Kearney in 1970, raised their family, which grew to three children and seven grandchildren
Activities: treasured her extended family, church family and many friends; a member of New Life Church in Kearney; was well known for her fun-loving disposition, happy laugh and loving generous ways; loved her many animals; had a deep and constant faith; loved the peace of their home on the Platte River, surrounded by birds and wildlife
Surviving relatives include her husband, Dennis of Kearney; daughters, Amy Mason of Bellingham, Wash., and grandchildren Isabelle, Ethan, Jack and Crew, and Alissa Sherrerd and grandson Joseph of Grand Island; and son, Andy Sherrerd and wife Steph of Purcell, Okla., and grandchildren Drew and Max
Was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Larry Poffenberger
Memorials: New Life Church
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2017
SHOOK, Lois Marie (Miller), 80, of Plymouth, Minn.,formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, July 25, 2017, in Minneapolis due to end-stage dementia and Parkinson’s disease
Graveside service: Saturday, Oct. 7, at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Oct. 8, 1936, in Grand Island
Parents: Frank and Lois Miller
Grew up in Los Angeles, and raise her family in Azusa, Calif., until 1975
Was a resident of Kearney for 32 years; was employed at Eaton Corp. for 22 years; retired in 1996, then was a caregiver for her mother and worked part time at Walmart
Survivors include: her children, Alice and husband Larry Brown of North Carolina, Mark and wife Nancy Shook of Nebraska, Su Benish of Minnesota and Lance Carpenter and Kent Carpenter, both of Colorado; plus numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Frank Miller Jr.; and special friend, Robert Carpenter
Kearney Hub, 5 October 2017
SMITH, Jack Dee, 88, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society in Wood River
Service: Wednesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: Jan. 13, 1929, Langdon, Mo.
Parents: John Frederick and Bessie (White) Smith
First-born son; graduated from Rock Port High School
Military: U.S. Army, was part of the occupation of Japan, served in the Korean War, was awarded the Bronze Star
Married: Thelma Ruth Koehler in 1954 in Falls City
After marriage, lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Kearney, and raised four sons; she preceded him in death in 2001
Married: 2005, to Helen M. Haase Frazer; she preceded him in death in 2013
Spent most of his career as a manager for Singer Sewing Machines
Activities: enjoyed camping with the Red Dale camping club, cards, bowling, golf and watching sports, especially enjoyed just socializing, whether with family, coffee group, friends or customers at work; member of Timothy Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, Holy Cross Lutheran Church and First Baptist Church of Kearney
Survivors include: his sons, Stan and wife Linda of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bob of Apache Junction, Ariz., Jeff of Kearney and Dan of Gibbon; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; and sister, Bettie
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Kearney Hub, 16 October, 2017
VOGT, Jeanette R. “Jean”, 76, of Grand Island died Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, in Grand Island
Celebration of life service: Friday at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Haven’s Chapel north of Kearney
Born: Nov. 24, 1940, at Kearney
Parents: Maurice and Jessie (Lowell) Giffin
Was raised in and received her education in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School
Married: to Allen Vogt on Oct. 10, 1959
After marriage, lived on a farm near Ravenna and moved to their home in Grand Island in 1976
Ran Grandma Jean Daycare for the past 30 years
Activities: had a great love for taking care of kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and countless others; enjoyed riding motorcycle across many state; was an avid reader, reading a book a day; also enjoyed computer games, playing the piano, crossword puzzles, Scrabble and polka music; was a ruthless card shark; collected teapots
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Allen; their children, Vicki Sherman, Robert Vogt and Rick and wife Carmen Vogt, all of Grand Island; grandchildren and their spouses, Apryl and Matt Randolph, Marshal and Amanda Sherman, Mackenzie Vogt, Mackayla Vogt, Maiya Vogt and Eric Vogt; great-grandchildren, Devin Miles, Alene, Kaylee and Jackson Randolph and Taten and Hadlee Sherman; her brothers and their spouses, Bob and Vera Giffin, LeRoy and Jan Giffin and Bill and Denise Giffin, all of Kearney; and her sisters and their spouses, Pat Davidson of Las Vegas, Sharon and Ed Morrison of Missouri, Merna Giffin of Kearney and Virginia and Steve Kearney of Iowa
Was preceded in death by her parents; son, Richard Allen Vogt; son-in-law, Mark Sherman; and parents-in-law, Art and Birdean Vogt
Kearney Hub, 18 October, 2017
VOLQUARDSEN, Shirley A., 86, of Grand Island, formerly of Cairo, died Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Grand Island
Service: Tuesday at Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: All Faiths Funeral Home, Grand Island
Born: Feb. 19, 1931, at Shelton
Parents: Clarence and Hazel (Marks) Doremus
Grew up and received her education in Shelton; also took a business course through Kearney State College, graduated from the Grand Island Beauty School in 1960
Married: April 2, 1948, to Amos A. Ward; had three children together: Rick, Jim and Rhonda
Married: Marvin Leth on June 24, 1956; had two children together: Mary and Jan
Married: Alvin Volquardsen on Sept. 24, 1988
Was the owner and operator of Shirley Anne’s Beauty Shop in Cairo
Activities: member of Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo, longtime member of Ladies Aid and a sponsor of the youth group, Walther League; had a love for children and teaching Sunday school; enjoyed preparing cinnamon rolls and countless meals to deliver to shut-ins; was Cub Scoutmaster for her boys when they were young; enjoyed crocheting, knitting and spending time visiting and attending family gatherings with her children and grandchildren
Survivors include: children and their spouses, Rick and Jan Leth of Cairo, Jim and Pat Leth of Aurora, Rhonda and Tim Goodman of Grand Island, Mary Ostermeyer of Omaha and Jan and Matt Johnson of York; stepchildren and their spouses, Randy and Diane Volquardsen of Omaha, Jerry Volquardsen of Grand Island and Darryl and Denise Volquardsen of Gibbon; 13 grandchildren, Lori Molzahn, Wendi and Justin Sanny, Ashli and Tony Gano, Kimberly Leth and Roger Ladd, Michael and Kristi Leth, Corey and Sandra Spiehs, Kellie and Ryan O’Neill, Anna and Andy Stapleton, Johnnie and Robyn Ostermeyer, Robyn and Jim Bruning, Craig and Kammy Ostermeyer, Luke Johnson and Libby and Todd Garrett; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Marvin and Alvin; and seven siblings, Clarence, Walter, Melvin, Donald, Mildred, Elizabeth and Charlotte
Memorials: Christ Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran LYF or Moses Comfort Dog Fund
Kearney Hub, 9 October 2017
WACHTER, Lawrence Gerald “Larry”, 65, of Lake City, Pennsylvania, formerly of Kearney, Nebraska, died of a heart attack Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at his home
Born: May 3, 1952, in Travis, Texas
Parents: Walter and Bernice (Eldridge) Wachter
Survivors include his son, Matthew of Kearney; daughters, Victoria Ranee White of Lake City and Sara McCarrol of Armadale, Australia; brothers, Bruce and Richard; sister, Sheila Lindenstein of Kearney; and 10 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 26 October, 2017
WEISS, Loretta E., 67, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl
Born: March 1, 1950, in McCook
Parents: Norbert and Beatrice (Sis) Schumer
Grew up in Wallace and graduated from Wallace High School in 1968; graduated from Kearney State College in 1973
Married: Richard Weiss on Aug. 18, 1973, in Wallace
After marriage, lived in Kearney, taught home economics in Minden from 1973 until 1976; then worked for 40 years at Varsity Formal Wear, was the manager there; also worked part time at B&B Answering Service
Activities: member of Kearney American Legion Auxiliary, Kearney Eagles Auxiliary and Kearney Area Breast Cancer Support Group; loved spending time with her grandchildren and going to their events, baking birthday cakes, and also loved her dogs; enjoyed attending Loper athletic events and Storm hockey games
Survivors include: her husband, Richard Weiss; sons, Jake Weiss and his wife, Tiffany, Luke Weiss and his wife, Darcie, and Nate Weiss; grandchildren, Fayelynn, Maxton, Owen, Atticus, Calliope, Michael and Makenzie Weiss, all of Kearney; brother, Laverne Schumer of Gibbon; and sisters-in-law, Linda Fox of Kearney, Debbie Conroy of Omaha and Colleen Schumer of Wallace
Was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Leonard Schumer
Memorials: Kearney American Legion youth programs or the Kearney Goodfellows
Kearney Hub, 21 October, 2017
WIESTER, Jacqueline Kay “Jackie”, 75, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at her home
Service: Friday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 1, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Joyce and Ardis (Ingram) Anderson
Grew up in Kearney, was in the last graduating class from the old Longfellow building in 1960; attended Kearney State College
Married: Robert G. Wiester in Kearney on Aug. 11, 1961
Worked at Anderson Bros. Plumbing & Heating Co., Task Lighting Corp., Holmes Plumbing & Heating and Valley Pharmacy; was involved in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and held the office of executive secretary of PHCCA at the state level
Activities: active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kearney, was treasurer of the church, director of the Altar Guild, Nearly New shop and was a teller and acolyte; spent many hours caring for elderly friends and family members; active member of the local chapter of the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES. was a five-year secretary, a five-year conductor and a 20-year treasurer; enjoyed following her granddaughter’s activities; also enjoyed playing bridge and playing the penny slots, and loved to dance
Survivors include her husband, Bob of Kearney; and son, Michael and wife Rosanne of Columbus and their daughter, Taylor of Omaha. Also surviving are siblings and their spouses, Kenneth and Linda Anderson of Kearney, Cheryl Schroeder of Columbus, Tim and Carla Anderson of Ashland and Cynthia and Jim Fahrenbruch of Loomis; in-laws, Don and Marge Wiester, Roger and Cookie Wolford and Jerry and Suzie Wiester of Kearney; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce and Ardis Anderson; parents-in-law, Don and Katie Wiester; and brother-in-law, Norman Schroeder
Memorials: the church, Jubilee Center or AseraCare Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 9 October, 2017