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ANDERSON, Edward Burton, 83, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center, after a 20-year battle with cancer
Memorial service: Friday at First United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 23, 1936, in Sterling, Colorado
Parents: Edward L. and Bertha (Raddatz) Anderson
At age five, moved with the family to Sidney, grew up there
Military: May 1953, at age 17, joined the U.S. Army; started a 22-year career with assignments in Germany, France, Korea and two tours to Vietnam as well as several assignments in the U.S., mainly in the Midwest; last duty assignment was with the ROTC at then-Kearney State College
Retired from the Army, had his own upholstery business, Edmar Upholstery for a couple years, then worked for Baldwin Manufacturing for another 22-year career as supervisor of various departments. Married: Oct. 28, 1960, Joyce Wright of Cheyenne, Wyo.; had two sons together; later divorced
Married: April, 13, 1968, Mardith Robbins of Oakland; had one daughter together
Activities: in retirement, cared for his wife, and did various woodworking projects and maintained his home at the site off the old cottonmill; member of First United Methodist Church of Kearney and the Friendship Class; was a supporter of Storm hockey, season ticket holder and Booster Club member; enjoyed making player buttons and cheering on the team, home and away; traveled to many away games and hosted three players; as his health declined, spent his time reading, watching TV, playing with his dogs and watching Storm hockey
Survivors include: his wife, Mardi of Kearney; sons, Ed Jr. (Doreen) of Hayden, Colo., and Joe (Cheryl) of Tampa, Fla.; daughter, Denise (Jerry) Stark of Kearney; sister, Judy Hartman of Wenatchee, Wash.; grandsons, Jon (Kelli) of Phoenix, Logan (Alyssa) of Atlanta, Ga., Nathan (MacKenzie) of Springfield, Mo., and Hayden (Samantha) of Homestead, Fla.; stepgrandchildren, Jon (Hannah), Nancy and Andrea Stark, all of Kearney; one great-grandson; four great-granddaughters; and two stepgreat-granddaughters
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty, Joyce and Vivian; and grandson, Shalako
Memorials: Habitat for Humanity or Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 24 September 2019
BAKER, Helen M., 92, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, at Brookdale Kearney Northridge
Service: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 7, 1927, in Miller
Parents: Orson M. and Hazel A. Smith
Grew up in the Miller area, graduated from Miller High School in 1944; attended Kearney State Teachers College, earned a teaching degree
Taught school for seven years, later accepted a position as a secretary at the college
Married: Gordon L. Baker on Sept. 30, 1947, in Elm Creek
After marriage, lived in Cherry Point, N.C., where Gordon was stationed with the U.S. Marines; later moved to Elm Creek, owned and operated Baker’s Standard Service and Baker’s Skelly; moved to Kearney in 1976, Gordon worked as grounds supervisor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Activities: member of the Kearney First United Methodist Church and a past member of Women’s Church Circle; enjoyed reading, crocheting and spending time with her family
Survivors include: her children, Kent Baker and his fiancée, Patty Zeleny, of Lincoln and Karen and Norman Graeff of Crookston; grandchildren, Tara Baker and husband Bryan Klinginsmith, Megan Baker, Keisha Andersen-Fries and husband Brett, Brady Graeff and wife Sandy, Jesse Graeff and wife Elisha, and Dillion Graeff; and great-grandchildren, Londyn Fries, Kali Graeff, Kellen Fries, Leonardo Graeff, Aiden Graeff, Cadance Graeff, William Klinginsmith and Charlotte Klinginsmith
Was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Gordon
Memorials: First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 28 September 2019
BEAN, Ronda, 63, of Shelton died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, at her home
Service: Alexander City, Alabama
Burial: Socapatoy Cemetery (in Coosa County, Alabama)
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Born: June 1, 1956, in Kearney
Parents: Ronald and Patsy (Woodman) Waddington
Was raised near Shelton, was a 1974 graduate of Shelton High School earned her nursing degree from St. Mary’s College; later receivee a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Eastern University
Was employed by Johnson & Johnson as a drug study protocol medical writer
Activities: enjoyed spending time with her family and friends
Survivors include: her husband, Paul Bean of Shelton; daughter, Cacey Duffee of Birmingham, Ala.; son, Zach Bean of San Jose, Calif.; granddaughter, Lela Duffee; siblings, Vikie (Steve) Harris of Texas, Susan (Robert) Mohler of Ord and Jaci (Frank) Rice and Darin Waddington, all of Shelton
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Mother Hull Home, Johns Hopkins Medicine Neurology and Neurosurgery, National Alzheimer’s Association or the donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 26 September 2019
BENNETT, Dolores R., 84, of Kearney, formerly of Oxford, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Village in Kearney
Service: Tuesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Oxford Cemetery
Born: July 1, 1935 in Ord
Parents: Erlo and Elsie (Haines) Cox
Attended school in North Loup, graduated from North Loup High School, 1953
Married: Wayne Monk on September 25, 1953 in North Loup
Lived in North Loup for a number of years, moved to Oxford in 1968; Wayne passed away in 1991
Married: Myron Bennett on July 3, 1993 in Oxford
Worked at Fox’s Department Store in Oxford for over 20 years and later McGee’s Grocery Store.
Activities: will be remembered for her baking and sewing; enjoyed playing golf, dancing, canning, enjoying the lake and spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren
Survivors include: her husband Myron Bennett of Kearney; daughters, Toni Brooks of Grand Island,and Tami Kuhl and husband Randy of Franklin; sons, Scott Monk of Oxford,and Mike Monk and wife Janet of Santa Monica, Calif.; brothers, Gary Cox and wife Merna of Boulder, Colo., and Darrell Cox and wife Janet of North Loup; grandchildren, Joe Brooks and wife Nancy of Albuquerque, NM, Spencer Kuhl and wife Sarah of Kearney, David Brooks of Hastings, Jay Kuhl of Franklin, Dan Brooks and wife Carly of Kearney, Rebecca Hajek and husband Josh of Kearney; great grandchildren, Baylea, Elin, Elliette, Isla, Payton, Preston, Paxton and Olivia; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne Monk; sister, Vicki Cox; son in law, Eugene Brooks, Jr.; 3 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2019
BIGG, Stanley D., 85, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with Alzheimer’s
Celebration of life service: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 18, 1934, in Sterling, Colo.
Parents: Virgil and Elsie (Shumway) Bigg
Graduated from Life Bible College in Los Angeles with a ministerial degree; had a desire to meld film and Christianity; mentored by Bill and Vonette Bright of Youth for Christ
Lived in several places, then moved to Kearney
Married: Susan Clare Stewart; married 53 years
Worked in the field of advertising, product development, manufacturing and sales; opened a College Store in 1967 by the campus, opened another downtown, created Young America Corporation, a college fashion company in St. Louise; returned to Kearney in 1971 and started Après Bath Products, which later became Horizon Designs Inc.
Activities; active member at Kearney Evangelical Free Church, was head usher, taught adult Sunday school and a boys Sunday school; worked worked tirelessly in the 1970s and early 1980s with the KEFC Youth Group; loved working with the youth pastors during those years; served on the Founding Board of the Kearney Area Children’s Museum; was a brilliant, creative man, never stopped thinking or dreaming; was named Nebraska Entrepreneur of the year in the late 1970s; loved all kinds of sports, enjoyed playing golf and bowling; collected sports memorabilia; loved trains and had an impressive collection; favorite hobby in later years was spending time with his granddaughters and family
Survivors include: his wife, Susan of Kearney; daughter, Stephanie Dickey and her husband, Alan, of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; granddaughters, Rebekah Dickey of Kearney and Hayley Dickey of Abu Dhabi; brother, James Bigg and his wife, Barbara, of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; and sister-in-law, Karen Stewart and her husband, Allan Cooper, of Melbourne, Australia; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and extended family all over the world
Was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Elsie Bigg; his in-laws, Walter and Clare Stewart; a baby sister; brother, Garry Bigg; sister-in-law, Victoria Stewart; sister-in-law, Alice Stewart; nephew, Geoffrey Bigg; and niece, Sandra Bigg
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church, the Alzheimer’s Association of Nebraska, or to the Kearney Children’s Museum
Kearney Hub, 4 October 2019
BLOCHER, Jeanne Renee, 96, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at The Windcrest on Van Dorn assisted living facility in Lincoln
Burial: Mount Auburn Cemetery in Omaha
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Born: Feb. 24, 1923, in Auburn
Parents: Robie and Hollis M. (Vanderford) Mayer
Was raised in Auburn, was a 1940 graduate of Auburn High School
Married: Sept. 2, 1945, to George Blocher in Auburn
After high school, worked at the Lincoln Air Base during World War II; worked at the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, and later spent 10 years at Kearney State College and then 10 years as a teacher’s aide in Sioux City
Activities: in Kearney, enjoyed playing bridge, played in several bridge clubs; member of the Kearney First Christian Church, was active in Christian Women’s Fellowship, Circle One, and taught Sunday school and Bible school; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in South Sioux City; after retiring, lived for several years at Johnson Lake, enjoyed long walks around the lake and spending time with family and friends; moved back to Kearney in 2001
Survivors include: her children, Susan Griess of Lincoln, Barry (Margie) Blocher of Oregon, Michael (Cheri) Blocher of Oakdale and Sally (Gary) Bernhardt of Omaha; grandchildren, Trent Pfeil, Ryan (Sheri) Pfeil of Lincoln, Brooke (Joe III) Hartnett of Omaha, Brady (Dawn) Venema of Omaha and Erin Kaminker of Oregon; great-grandchildren, Haley, Brianna and Austin Pfeil, Ellie, Isabelle and Joey Hartnett, Drake and Eden Venema, and Sophia Kaminker; and brother-in-law, Gerald Blocher of Hutchinson, Kan.
Was preceded in death by her husband, George, and grandson, Chad Blocher
Memorials: American Red Cross, the Nebraska Humane Society and Hearts United for Animals in Nebraska City
Kearney Hub, 25 September 2019
BURR, Elaine B., 95, of Gibbon died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney. Service: Monday at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Burial: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Born: May 27, 1924, at the family home near Sumner in Dawson County
Parents: Roland and Mayme (Anderson) Rohde
Grew up in the Eddyville area, graduated from Eddyville High School in 1942
Married: Roy C. Burr on June 4, 1942, in Norton, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Eddyville; worked as a cook at the school then worked at Farmers Bank in Oconto; moved to Giboon, 1972, worked at Eaton Corp. until retiring
Activitiese: member of Faith United Church in Gibbon, the United Methodist Women and the Faith Circle; member of the Gibbon American Legion Auxiliary, enjoyed camping, fishing and especially enjoyed spending time with family; had a foster daughter, Brenda Anderson Kreutzer
Survivors include: a daughter, Charlotte Burr and her husband, Jim Myrick, of Gibbon; son, Kenneth Burr and wife Sandra of Sumner; daughter-in-law, Connie Burr of Kearney; grandchildren, Timothy Burr and wife Janet of Sumner, Jim Burr and wife Stacy of Lexington, Leah Swanson and husband Bryce of Eddyville, Brent Burr and wife Amber of Gibbon, Dan Burr and wife Alyssa of Shelton and Jessica Krupp of Spanaway, Wash.; 13 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 2002; son, Richard in 2018; brothers, Howard, Homer and Glenn; and sister, Genevie Fuestman
Kearney Hub, 12 October 2019
BURROUGHS, Max, 94, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery, military honors
Born: Oct. 20, 1924, in Beatrice
Parents: Edgar and Florence (Wills) Burroughs
Was raised in Beatrice , was a graduate of Beatrice High School; attended Peru College, then graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in structural engineering
Military: U.S. Navy from July 1, 1943, to June 30, 1946
Married: July 11, 1946, to Marnie; had four children together: Nancy, Timothy, Julie and Jane
Married: June 23, 1978, to Barbara Nickel in Kearney
Started Max A. Burroughs Engineering in Kearney, 1977; served on the board of Olsson and Associates for several years, as well as belonged to several professional organizations, including Sigma Phi Delta engineering fraternity
Activities: longtime member of Fort Kearney Shrine, Kearney Lions Club, Kearney Elks Lodge 0984 and Rob Morris Lodge 46 A.F. & A.M., was a 32nd degree Mason; member of the Kearney First United Methodist Church
Survivors include: his wife, Barbara Burroughs of Kearney; children, Nancy Thompson and husband Steve of Loveland, Colo., Timothy Burroughs and wife Jacque of Lakewood, Colo., Julie Burroughs-Holm and husband Rick Holm of Lincoln and Jane McCawley and husband Ben of Chandler, Ariz.; stepchildren, Paula Tripp and husband Emery of Trinidad, Colo., Frank Nickel and wife Cindy of Kearney, John Nickel of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Joni Nickel of Gibbon, Jerry Nickel and wife Ann of Sterling, Colo., Patricia Alexander of Kearney and Edward Nickel and wife Sherry of Okanogan, Wash.; 25 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Burroughs of Irvine, Calif.; half-brother, Dallas Burroughs of Beatrice; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marnie Burroughs; stepmother, Salina Burroughs; brother, Edward Burroughs; and half-sister, Janet Phillips
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2019
CAREY, Alicia A., 72, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Inurnment: Elm Creek Catholic Cemetery
Born: April 9, 1947, in Kearney
Parents: Leroy and Alice (Larsen) Dady
Married: George Carey on May 23, 1965, in DeWitt, Ark.
Activities: loved spending time with family and enjoyed watching movies and listening to music; spent most of her time caring for her children and grandchildren and helping others
Survivors include: her husband, George Carey of Kearney; daughters, Rhonda Carey, Renee Corder and husband Jeremy, and Rachelle Gatch, all of Kearney; sons, Russell Carey of Hutchinson, Kan., and Ron Carey and wife Nicole of Kearney; sisters, Trudy Hasbrouck of Kearney, Beverly Rothgery and husband Glen of Loveland, Colo., Marlyce Havens and husband Dale of Aurora and Lori Wang and husband Solomon of Milford; brother, Lee Dady and wife Cindy of Wells, Minn.; brother-in-law, Daryl Kozel of Kearney; sister-in-law, Pat Hasty; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Carey; sisters, Beth Kozel and Dixie Gideon; brothers-in-law, Mike O’Connor and Art Hasbrouck; great-granddaughter, Aurora Walters; and her parents
Kearney Hub, 10 October 2019
CHRAMOSTA, Edward “Ed” Jr., 74, of Ravenna died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
Burial: St. Wenceslaus Cemetery southeast of Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: March 13, 1945, on the farm near Gibbon
Parents: Edward and Margaret (Kriha) Chramosta
Grew up in Ravenna, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1963; Graduated from Kearney State College in 1967
Married: Karen Vandewalle on July 8, 1967, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna
After marriage, lived in Hordville and Arthur, then returned to Ravenna
Worked as a teacher, coach and farmer; was also employed by Fisher Insurance Agency and H&R Block in Ravenna
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, served on the parish council; served on the Good Samaritan Board, St. Wenceslaus Cemetery Board, the Grand Manor Board, and loved delivering meals for the Senior Center; enjoyed golfing, was an avid hunter and fisherman; attended all of his daughters’ and grandkids’ activities and was their biggest fan; his Catholic faith was an important part of his life; family and friends were special to him
Survivors include his wife, Karen of Ravenna; daughters, Carla (Jim) Nesci of Omaha and Candie (Tony) Jones of Omaha; three grandchildren, Cassandra and Caressa Jones and Hunter Hawley; sisters, Delores (Allyn) Eaves of Apple Valley, Minn., and Dorothy (Jim) Klemme of Green Valley, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Judy Peterson of Omaha; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 9 October 2019
CLEVENGER, Eddie Dean, 75, of Shelton died Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at his home
Family will be present: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Aug. 4, 1944 in Kearney
Parents: Eddie Sr. and Marian (Yockey) Clevenger
Graduated from Gibbon High School with the class of 1962
Married: Dec. 28, 1962 to Linda Korcek in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Shelton for the remainder of their marriage; had two sons together
Was employed by Baldwin Manufacturing of Kearney for 10 years; then worked in construction for four years; then started his own business as Clevenger Construction; was later joined by his sons in the family business and most recently by grandson Michael; retired in 2017 after 40-plus years, due to his health
Activities: enjoyed spending time with his boys, teaching them about hunting and fishing and later taught them about the construction business; especially enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren in all of their sporting events: was an avid NASCAR fan
Survivors include: his wife, Linda (Korcek) of Shelton; sons, Al Clevenger and his wife, Kathy, of Shelton and James Clevenger and his wife, Jill, of Kearney; grandchildren, Michael, Kaci, Mandy, Krystal, Trey and Connor; great-grandchild, Aubrey; sister, Sherril (Clevenger) and husband Jim Cline of Gibbon; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Clevenger Sr. and Marian Clevenger of Gibbon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Beulah (Coon) Korcek of Shelton; and brothers-in-law, James Korcek and Fred Korcek
Kearney Hub, 9 October 2019
CRISS, LeRoy Edwin, 76, of Spalding, formerly of Kearney, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at his home.
Service: Thursday at Dolce-Scheef Mortuary in Spalding, with military honors
Born: Nov. 4, 1943, at Columbus
Parents: Walter E. and Ethel E. (Estes) Criss
Married: Nov. 18, 1962, to Mary Ellen Long at St. Edward; divorced in 1979
Survivors include his children, Connie Bennett of Tarzana, Calif., Deborah Abramson and Mellissa Bloom, both of Kasson, Minn., and Angie Langer and Jeff Criss, both of Spalding; sister, Gladys Ostrander of Trumbull; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 9 October 2019
DAY, Donna M., 77, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Monday, Sept. 23 at Faith United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 3, 1942
Parents: Bernard and Dorothy (Holoubeck) Bond of Kearney
Was the first of two daughters; graduated from Kearney Longfellow High School, class of 1960
Married: Dennis Day of Gibbon in 1962; had two children together; later divorced
Held various jobs throughout her life, including office assistant at Baldwins and JL Clark, office manager at Second Chance Classics, Business Services assistant at Kearney State College, clerk at Buffalo County Clerk’s Office and most recently receptionist at Sampson Construction
Activities: was a loving daughter, sister, wife and mother; was a tailor, a school lunch lady, a Girl Scout leader, member and officer of Parents Without Partners, appreciated the arts, in particular local music events; enjoyed tending to her yard and garden and preserving the produce from them, and making pies for friends and neighbors; delighted in her two grandchildren
Survivors include: her daughter, Linda Manfull and husband Ray of Valley Center, Kan.; mother, Dorothy Bond of Kearney; sister, Marie Reiter and husband Irv of Kearney; granddaughter, Taylor Manfull and grandson, Steven Manfull of Valley Center; nieces, Lori Reiter, and Paula Marzolf and husband Lannie and their daughter, Jenna, all of Kearney; and daughter-in-law, Sher Marchman-Day of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Bond, and son, Larry Day, both of Kearney
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church, Kearney Area Animal Shelter or AseraCare Hospice in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 18 September 2019
DUNCAN, Edith “Ann”, 67, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at her home
She requested no services
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 10 October 2019
FISHER, Pauline, 94, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home
Service: Friday at Davenport Cemetery in Davenport
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Feb. 17, 1925, in rural Oak
Parents: Earl and Dina (Hespen) Schaeffer
Attended Ruskin High School, graduated from Davenport High School
Taught rural schools in the Ruskin area
Married: June 18, 1944, to Victor Fisher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Ruskin
Survivors include: her sons, Steve (Judy) Fisher of Kearney, Dennis (Jane) Fisher of Greeley, Colo., and Roger Fisher of Lincoln; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Buckles and Bert Christensen, both of Superior; sisters-in-law, Aleene Schaeffer-Mills of Colorado Springs and Fern Fisher of Davenport; and numerous nephews and nieces
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Victor Fisher; two sisters; and two brothers
Memorials: Carol Joy Holling Camp, Ashland, Nebr.
Kearney Hub, 3 October 2019
FOWLER, Emma "Margaret," 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott
Graveside service: Saturday at Pulaski Cemetery in New Boston, Texas
Mortuary: Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas
Born: Dec. 5, 1927, in Dalby Springs, Texas
Parents: Clarence Winston Dalby and Sarah Della Young Dalby
Attended the Dalby Springs School, graduated from Texas High School and Texarkana Junior College in Texarkana, Texas
Married: Herman Hugh Fowler on Jan. 24, 1953, in Dalby Springs; he became chief engineer for Rockwell International
Was a bank teller in De Kalb and also in Bryan, Texas, while Herman was attending Texas A&M University
Was a housewife, mother to two daughters, and was well known for her cake baking and sharing of delicious food with friends and neighbors; was an avid shopper, shopping for friends and family and mailing the items to them in other states; member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Neb., for 60 years
Survivors include: two daughters, Carol Johannsen and husband Mike of Gibbon, Neb., and Joyce Davenport and husband Larry of Fort Scott; grandchildren, Jenna Pilant and husband Darrel of Pauma Valley, Calif., Evan Johannsen of Gibbon, Craig Winston Davenport of Joplin, Mo., and Chris Winston Davenport and wife Jessica of Overland Park
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1987; brothers, Billy Fountain Dalby and Clarence Winston Dalby Jr.; and sisters, Virginia Dalby Messer and Della Dalby Icenhower; was the last remaining sibling of five
Memorials: First United Methodist Church of Kearney, Neb., or Dalby Springs Cemetery for the James Dalby Pavilion
Kearney Hub, 8 October 2019
GOODELL, Jacobi, 27, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at Nebraska Medicine
Service: Saturday Sept. 21, at Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 25, 1991, in Kearney
Parents: Lynn and Judy (Hansen) Goodell
Attended kindergarten through third grade at Picotte Elementary in Omaha and completed the rest of her education in Kearney at Windy Hills Elementary, Horizon Middle School and Kearney High; participated in many choral groups and the yearly high school musical for four years at KHS; traveled abroad and sang in beautiful cathedrals with the KHS chorale; member of the National Honor Society, graduated with honors from KHS in 2010; attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, graduated magna cum laude in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration; member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, served as assistant sisterhood chair, philanthropy chair and assisted with sorority rituals as well as charitable fundraising events and served on a variety of committees; worked at the Kearney Cinema 8; completed a summer internship for Crane River Theater in Kearney
After graduation, moved to Omaha and worked at the Hyatt Reservation Center and sold Dippin’ Dots at an Omaha mall; back in Kearney, summer of 2015, was employed by Scorr Marketing as a trade show coordinator; later accepted an Omaha position as the building manager of The Mastercraft, and was also the venue manager and director of the Living Room event space which was recognized as 2018 Best of Wedding Vendors from The Knot; this past year, was employed as an event producer for Catering Creations in Omaha
Activities: member of Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ when she was in third grade; enjoyed playing board games, trivia games; especially enjoyed music from Broadway musicals; loved reading books, and journaling; was a dog lover
Survivors include: her parents, Lynn and Judy Goodell of Kearney; brothers, Jamisen (Alexandria Tran) Goodell of Salt Lake City and Josh (Emily) Goodell of Omaha; uncles, Richard (Betty Jo) Goodell of Odessa, Kevin (Cathy) Goodell of Sonoma, Calif., and Larry (Roxann) Hansen of Boise, Idaho; her dog, Remy; as well as many cousins and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, LaVerne and Arleen Goodell and Russell and Leona Hansen; aunt, Arla Brenneman and her husband, Howard; and uncle, Delmer Goodell
Memorials: Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority Scholarship Fund
Kearney Hub, 18 September 2019
GRASSMEYER, Rozella Mae, 99, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at her home
Memorial service: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral chapel
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 22, 1920, in Riverdale
Parents: Charley and Hilder Pratt
Attended Riverdale schools, graduating in 1938; then graduated from the Grand Island Business School
Worked as a bookkeeper in Colorado; returned to work in Kearney at the phone company; later worked at the Riverdale State Bank in Riverdale
Married: July 27, 1945, to Ervin Grassmeyer in Smith Center, Kan.
After marriage, lived in Riverdale and Kearney and raised their family, son Doug and daughter Cheryl; was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother
Activities: was kind, loving and enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; always had lots of treats for everyone and a great sense of humor; was an avid music fan, loved to dance and was a loyal fan of Lawrence Welk
Survivors include: son, Doug and Janice Grassmeyer of Kearney; daughter, Cheryl and Tom Weides of Kearney; grandchildren, Erin Grassmeyer of Las Vegas, Nathan and Ginger Weides of Kearney, and Beth and Adam Greenquist of Seward; great-grandchildren, Addison Kirschner of Las Vegas, Reid, Callie and Aubrey Weides of Kearney, and Brooks, Finnley, Camille and Baker Greenquist of Seward; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin; parents, Charley and Hilder Pratt; and a brother, LaVerne Pratt
Kearney Hub, 25 September 2019
HENDRICKSON, William “Bill”, 70, of Glendale, Arizona, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at Glendale
Memorial service: later
Born: March 22, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Elmer and Lorene (Nelson) Hendrickson
Was raised on a farm northwest of Shelton; graduated from Shelton High School and Central Community College-Hastings
Military: U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War
Married: Vicki Craft in Hastings in 1969; had three children together, later divorced
Married: Sue Clifton in Phoenix; spent 25 years together
Worked in the construction business, becoming a superintendent
Activities: was an avid hunter and fisherman
Survivors include: his wife, Sue of Glendale; his son, Joel of Phoenix; his daughter, Theresa Cronk of Duarte, Calif.; grandchildren, Cheyenne Hendrickson and Willow and Bodie Cronk; his brother, Lynn Hendrickson of Gibbon, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robbie; and two sisters, Pat Bateman and Barbara Rayback
Kearney Hub, 9 October 2019
HENRICKSEN, Leo L., 93, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society in Alma
Service: Thursday at First United Methodist in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 26, 1925, on a farm near St. Edward
Parents: Henry and Mary Henricksen
Was the youngest of nine children, grew up on the farm; attended a one-room school house in Rosenberg, worked in the family’s farm and general store
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday, served on board the USS Oxford in the Pacific until 1946, through the end of World War II; participated in the assault on Okinawa, part of the greatest generation
Married: Opal Cuddeford; had two sons together
After marriage, lived in Kearney; worked for his brother-in-law, then joined First National Bank (now Wells Fargo); with 33 years at First National Bank, helped countless individuals and businesses achieve their dreams and made many friends; served on numerous boards of businesses and charitable organizations contributing to the Kearney community
Retired and spent several years traveling, spent winters in Arizona; after almost 50 years of marriage, Opal passed in 1995
Married: a few years later to Jeanene Swartz; enjoyed almost 18 years together; spent winters in Arizona, golf and frequent visits to the Peterson Senior Activity Center
Survivors include: his wife, Jeanene; children, David Henricksen (Jennifer), Dana Henricksen (Cheryl), Mary Jo Christensen (Greg) and Tomas Schwartz; grandchildren, Amber McCants, Angie Luce, Warren Henricksen (Alissa), Sarah Sheehy (Brendan), Brandy Johnson (Ben), Samantha Tilson (Jamie), Ariel Neumeyer (Will), Austin Christensen, Alan Christensen (Jenna), and Aimee Christensen (Zane Petersen); and great-grandchildren, Emma and Jace McCants, Skye, Gordon and Carter Luce, Jack Henricksen, Lucas Sheehy, Brynleigh and Bria Johnson, Haley and Jacob Tilson, Wyatt and Josephine Neumeyer and Lennox Christensen
Was preceded in death by his wife, Opal; his parents, Henry and Marie Henricksen; brothers, Clark, Roland, Ernie, Dennis and Jerome; sister, Lillian Petersen; and infant twins
Memorials are suggested to the Peterson Senior Activity Center in Kearney. Kearney Hub, 24 September 2019
HODGES, Mary Lou (Lambert), 92, of Lexington died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, at Lexington Regional Health Center
A memorial gathering: Sunday in the fellowship hall at First United Methodist Church in Lexington
Inurnment: later
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: Nov. 26, 1926, in Shelton
Parents: Gus and Mary Lambert
Married: June 30, 1949, to Wayne S. Hodges in Shelton
Survivors include her sons, Mike Hodges of Lexington, Pat Hodges of British Columbia, Canada, and Jeff of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Kearney Hub, 24 September 2019
JEFFERS, Rexford Lee “Rex” “Si” Jeffers, 93, of North Platte died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at Linden Court
Cremation was chosen
Celebration of life: Saturday in North Platte
Inurnment: Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens near North Platte
Mortuary: Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte
Born: May 7, 1926, on the family farm near Amherst
Parents: Rex William and Eva (Whitesel) Jeffers
Grew up on the farm near Amherst; went to school in Miller, graduated from Miller High School in 1943; attended Kearney State College for a semester
Worked at the Cornhusker Ammunition Depot in Grand Island; was hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte, 1945, worked as a fireman, later becoming an engineer; retired from the railroad in 1984
Married: June 7, 1950, to Hilda M. Gibbons at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Prairie Center
After marriage, lived in North Platte where they raised their three children; was married for nearly 69 years when she passed away just a few months ago
Activities: member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Eagles Aires 2839; member of the North Platte Rock Club, served as president; in retirement, enjoyed camping trips and volunteering at the Senior Center delivering Meals on Wheelsl loved doing scenic photography and collecting and working with rocks; was also a bit of an inventor of garden tools and gadgets; especially loved his family
Was preceded in death by his wife Hilda, son, Gary; his sister, Rosemary Hemman; and parents, Rex and Eva Jeffers
Survivors include: daughters, Sylvia Thornton of McCook and Colleen (Jim) Larsen of North Platte; grandchildren, Gianna (Luis) Nolda, Jessamy Thornton (Mike Generette), Micah Larsen, Jeremy (Carolyn) Larsen, Brian (Toshanna) Jeffers and Christina (Thomas) Dodson; great-grandchildren, Steffani, Lexis, Evie, Henry, Harmony, Alexia and Stephen; and other family members
Memorials: North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund
Kearney Hub, 8 October 2019
JELKEN, Linda Kay, 73, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at her home
Gathering of family and friends: Sunday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Born: Oct. 20, 1945, in Franklin
Parents: John and Rachel (Lax) Hendricks
Grew up in Franklin, graduated from Franklin High School in 1963; attended Central Community College-Grand Island
Married: Arlen Jelken; had three children together; later divorced
Moved to Kearney, worked as a waitress at Kings Restaurant, the Diet Center and Bob’s Super Store in the Fabric Department
Activities: enjoyed watching TV, going dancing, collecting wolf memorabilia and Elvis Presley
Surivors include: her mother, Rachel Hendricks of Kearney; daughters, Julie Pedersen and husband Tim, and Jodi Weeder, all of Kearney; sisters, Joyce White and Pat Lux of Kearney; grandchildren, Brandon Jelken, Samantha Jelken, Tory Weeder and Zackary Weeder; and great-granddaughter, Kyra Robins
Was preceded in death by her father and a son, Jeff Jelken
Kearney Hub, 11 October 2019
JENSEN, Richard K. “Rich”, 67, of Kearney died of cancer Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Friday, Oct. 18 at Kearney Church of Christ
Born: Feb. 2, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Ernie T. Jensen and La Vaugn (Hathaway) Jensen
Had one sibling, Ernie T. Jensen Jr.; grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1970; member of the band Fresh Air, which later became Timberline
Married: 1982, to Sarah Hockley; had one son together: later divorced
Later moved to Denver, attended The Art Institute; then became a chef and worked at The Brown Palace and The Wolfgang Puck restaurant; moved back to Kearney and continued his love for cooking at various restaurants and establishments; forced to retire by illness
Activities: loved cooking, art, music, carpentry and his family and friends
Survivors include his son, Andrew Jensen and wife Sarah Jensen of Kearney; grandsons, Tate and Dylan Straatmann of Kearney; ex-wife and dear friend, Sarah Hockley of Eustis; and many extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and brother
Memorials: Kearney Church of Christ
Kearney Hub, 10 October 2019
JESSOP, Daniece A., 67, of Kearney died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, at her home
No services are planned at this time
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 21, 1951, in Seward
Parents: Alvin R. and Elizabeth A. (Harris) Ihde
Survivors include her daughters, Rayna Samples and Rhonda Kearney; sons, Greg Jessop and Brandon Jessop; brother, Rondo Ihde; and six grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 21 September 2019
LONG, LeNelda “Lee” Marsh, 84, of Prescott, Arizona, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at Marley House in Prescott
Requested that her ashes be carried to Africa and scattered where the elephants play
Mortuary: Ruffner-Wakelin Prescott Chapel
Parents: Wayne Marsh and Esther Rehn of Kearney, Neb.
Had been on hospice care for over 15 months, dealing with the ravages of leukemia Married: Barry Long; enjoyed a 60-year marriage; had two daughters together
Was an operating room nurse working in Nebraska, California, Florida, Colorado and finally here at YRMC as she followed her husband’s career around the country
Activities: loved to regale any and all with her stories of high jinks in the operating room; enjoyed sewing “wearable art,” singing with the Sweet Adelines and traveling the seven continents
Survivors include: Barry, her husband; daughters, Kelly and Colleen; and son-in-law, Rod Burris
Memorials: Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah
Kearney Hub, 28 September 2019
MILLER, Wilma, 90, of Loveland, Colorado, formerly of Elm Creek, Neb., died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at Good Samaritan Rehab Center in Loveland
Memorial service: Sept. 30, 2019, at First Christian Church in Elm Creek
Inurnment: Elm Creek Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Aug. 16, 1929, in Elm Creek
Parents: Oliver and Mary (Carmen) Mays
Attended school in Elm Creek, graduating from Elm Creek High School in 1947
Married: Gene Miller of Elm Creek on Nov. 12, 1948; were married for 62 years
Worked in her mother-in-law’s café for several years and later at Baldwin’s in Kearney; retired from Baldwin’s after 30 years of service
Activities: in her younger years, enjoyed playing the piano and going to barn dances; in later years, liked to play cards and work puzzles; member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney and later the First Christian Church in Elm Creek; moved to Loveland in 2011 to be near family after Gene’s death
Survivors include: her four daughters, Linda (Lonnie) McCormick, Susan (Dennis) Thiers, Patricia (Riley) Hinojosa and Jo Ellen (Mike) Baker, all of Loveland; sister, Brenda Fisher of Aurora, Colo.; brother, Robert Atkinson of San Antonio; two sisters-in-law, Lois Ochsenhirt (Willi) of Utah and Barbara Czimer of Missouri; six grandchildren, Nathan (Jyl) Ourada, Angela Levin, Andrea Ourada, Dustin (Mary) McCormick, Christopher (Katie) Hinojosa and Julie (Ben) Augustine; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Leroy and Virgil Mays; and sister, Gladys Muncie
Kearney Hub, 25 September 2019
MITCHELL, Andre A. "Dre", 32, of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri, while on vacation
Service: Tuesday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: St. Louis, Missouri
Parents: Clayton Allen Mitchell and the late Denise Randolph
Married: Lacy R. Molina
Loved his family and friends; was loyal, honest and generous; enjoyed X-Box, basketball, football, tumbling for the kids, “The Simpsons,” Rick and Morty, to name a few; had a remarkable ability to quote movies and “one-liners.”
Was the beloved husband of Lacy R. Mitchell (nee Molina); cherished father of Isabella Molina, Able Molina, Brooklyn Mitchell, Maurice Mitchell, Aiyana Mitchell and Ezekiel Mitchell; dear son of Clayton Mitchell and the late Denise Randolph; dear grandson of Al Randolph, who helped raise him, and Rita Mitchell; dearest brother of Onyee Carter; dear nephew of Charlotte Jung and Eldridge Mitchell; dear son-in-law of Fred and Mary Molina; dear brother-in-law of Justin (Cecilia) Molina and Manuel (Gina) Molina; dear uncle of Justin, Seith, Isaac, Olivia, Adreyan, Jadynn and Oaklyn; and a dear nephew, cousin and friend
Kearney Hub, 28 September 2019
MITCHELL, James, 71, of Elm Creek died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney. Service: Friday at Elm Creek United Methodist Church
Burial: Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 12, 1947 in Kearney
Parents: George Mitchell and Frances (Peterson) Mitchell
Graduated from Elm Creek High School, then earned his bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College
Military: was deployed to Germany
Returned to the Elm Creek area for the rest of his life; farmed for much of his working life; then was employed by the village of Elm Creek for many years; Married: Jean, on Aug. 10, 1969
Activities: was an avid hunter, spent many hours at the Platte River each fall and winter, also was a competitive trap shooter for many years; member of a card group, enjoyed poker and blackjack; was a fan of Nebraska football games; enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country by car, seeing the countryside along the way; above all, enjoyed time with friends and family
Survivors include: his daughter, Nicole Mitchell of Baton Rouge, La.; son, Trapper Mitchell of Platteville, Wis.; brothers, Bill Mitchell and wife Lou of Kearney and Bob Mitchell and wife Pat of Elm Creek; sister, Connie Olson and husband Bob of McCook; as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends and neighbors
Was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Jean; sister, Barb Saum; brother-in-law, Hal Saum; and his parents
Kearney Hub, 18 September 2019
NEWTON, Joann G., 84, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Memorial service: Friday, October 4, at the Calvary Assembly Of God Church in Lexington
Inurnment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: May 30, 1935 in Buffalo, (Dawson County) Nebraska
Parents: Albert and Gertrude (Westbrook) Wood
Was the youngest of eleven children; attended school at a Buffalo rural school
Married: September 22, 1951, to Robert Newton in Lexington; had two children together
After marriage, lived in the Lexington area her entire married life Worked as a waitress at A&W and later the Leprechaun restaurant for many years
Activities: longtime member of the Calvary Assembly Of God Church in Lexington; loved gardening and grew many hybrid irises and roses; was very fond of her cats; enjoyed her last seven years in the Alzheimer's wing, Angel's Way at Mount Carmel; enjoyed the birthday club with her best friends but most important was spending time with her family
Survivors include: her daughter, Peggy Winter of Lexington; son, Mark and wife Lana Newton of Grand Island; eight grandchildren, Mike Winter and wife Laura Winter of Lexington, Matt and wife Lora Winter of York, Mason Winter of Grand Island, Melodee Winter of Lexington, Lori Belitz of Kearney, Katie and husband Nick Watkins of Omaha, Benjamin Newton of Gilbert, Minnesota and Blake Newton of Mountain Iron, Minnesota; thirteen great-grandchildren; and extended family and many friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert in 1993, two sisters and eight brothers
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 30 September 2019 and www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
NOLTENSMEIER, Clarence E., 83, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Oxford Community Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 29, 1936, at home norht of Holbrook
Parents: Simon and Minna (Ziems) Noltensmeier
Grew up and attended school there
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Army, 1959
After discharge, moved to Cozad, worked at the Monroe plant
Married: Aug. 2, 1964, to Ortha Herrick
After marriage, lived in Cozad; moved to Kearney in 1967; worked at the Josten-Wilbert Burial Vault plant in Kearney for many years, then as a custodian at Kearney Clinic; worked for the state of Nebraska doing maintenance at rest areas along Interstate 80
Activities: member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the Full Gospel Men’s group; enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, the “Old Goat Patrol,” being a Boy Scout leader and having coffee with friends
Survivors include: his wife, Ortha of Kearney; daughters, Delia (Dee) Durand and husband Calvin, Karen Noltensmeier, Michele Marienau and husband Kenneth, all of Kearney; sons, Daniel Noltensmeier and Adam Noltensmeier and wife Rachel, all of Kearney; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Alice Deitz and husband Richard of Atlanta, Viola Cortee and husband Gary of Lowry City, Mo., and Lorene Russell of Bertrand; and brother, Wayne Noltensmeier of Arapahoe
Was preceded in death by his daughter, Misty Dawn; and brother, Richard
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or the Boy Scouts of America
Kearney Hub, 8 October 2019
PETERSON, Lavonne Metta “Vonnie”, 81, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln
Service: Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham, Texas, next to her brother
Born: July 23, 1938, in Grand Island,
Parents: Ola Herman Peterson and Hilda (Quandt) Peterson
Grew up south of Kearney; attended Zion Lutheran School beginning in the second grade in 1944; attended Concordia University at Seward and began her first teaching job at St. Peters Lutheran School at Battle Creek Heights; then taught at Zion Lutheran in Worms and Trinity Lutheran in Blue Hill; graduated from Concordia University in June 1968
Taught in Kearney at Zion Lutheran, Kearney, dedicated her time and energy to the students, parents, faculty and congregation for nearly five decades; retired in 2006
Activities: active member of the Zion Lutheran congregation, continued teaching a 3-year-old Sunday school class for years after her retirement; taught the children that God loves them and created them for a special purpose, and to care about others
Never married or had had birth children, but spread her mother-like love to her nieces and nephews who survive: Randy Eugene Peterson and wife Margie, Kevin Ola Peterson and wife April, Andrew Dean Peterson and fiancée Tammy, David Allen Peterson and wife Chris, and Joel Beavers; nieces, Kathy Lynn Peterson, Melissa Ellen Veronie and husband Steve, and Kathryn Metta Peterson; grandnephews, Jeremy Wayne Peterson and wife April, Daine Lee Dunlap and fiancée Carolina, Braden Charles Veronie, Nicholas Ola Peterson and Jonathan David Peterson; grandnieces, Krystal Ann Peterson, Sara Marie Peterson, Haidyn Paige Peterson, Kristina Marie Nelson and Victoria Sulin Nelson; and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, Nevaeh Ann Dirickson, Alicia Lynn Dirickson, Luke Wayne Peterson, Emily Brooke Peterson and Nina Marie Dunlap; survivors also include countless church family and friends, numerous cousins and a host of community friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Rodney Ola Peterson in 2016; nephews, Ricky Eugene Peterson in 1985 and Johnny Wayne Peterson in 1991; and grandniece, Sophia Peterson in 2009
Pallbearers are: Randy Peterson, Kevin Peterson, Andrew Peterson, David Peterson, Daine Dunlap and Steve Veronie
Memorials: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and to Lavonne Peterson Scholarship benefiting students at Zion Lutheran Church and School Kearney Hub, 3 October 2019
PFEIFFER, Mary Lou, 78, of Council Bluffs died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at Northcrest Care Center in Council Bluffs
Service: Saturday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Council Bluffs
Burial: Garner Township Cemetery
Mortuary: Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel in Council Bluffs
Born: Dec. 21, 1940, in Norfolk, Neb.
Parents: Milen and Gladys (O’Connor) Knotek
Attended school in Council Bluffs, graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1958; graduated as a registered nurse from St. Catherine’s School of Nursing in Omaha, Neb., in 1961
Married: Robert Klesath in 1959
Had four children together, who became the light of her life
Married: 1979, to Bill Pfeiffer; was blessed with the addition of three children
Worked 40 years at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs and Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb.; retired from Mercy Hospital in 2004
Activities: attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, was a member of the choir, the Altar Society and served the church as prayer chain leader
Was preceded in death by her parents; stepson, William J. Pfeiffer Jr.; son-in-law, Robert Regan; and brother, Bill Knotek
Survivors include: her husband of 40 years, William J. Pfeiffer Sr.; daughters, Teri (Bill Simmons) Regan, all of Council Bluffs, and Debbie (Dennis) Wademan of Gering, Neb.; sons, Robert Klesath of McKinney, Texas, and Jeff (Michelle) Klesath of Kearney; stepdaughters, Julie Cohen and Erin (Derric) Swinfard, all of Riverside, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Curry of Natick, Mass.; brothers, Larry (Maryanne) Knotek of Council Bluffs, Mike (Karen) Knotek of Tucson, Ariz., and Jim (Trudy) Knotek of Camdenton, Mo.; sister-in-law, Bobbie Knotek of Plano, Texas; and nieces and nephews
Memorials: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 17 October 2019
PHILLIPS, Bernard Earl “Jade” “Bernie” Jr., 74, of Kearney, formerly of Beaver City and Curtis, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Inurnment: later
Public reception: Thursday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 30, 1945, at North Platte
Parents: Bernard and Doris V. (Linnemeyer) Phillips
Grew up on a farm north of Maywood; then moved to Curtis during his sophomore year of high school; graduated from the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture (UNSA) in Curtis in 1963; then attended Kearney State College and earned his bachelor’s of education degree in December 1966
Married: Evelyn Marie Messersmith of Alliance on Aug. 15, 1964; had three children together
Earned two master’s degrees from Chadron State College, spent 35½ years as an educator, coach and administrator; started teaching n Valentine and then moved to teach and serve as principal at Beaver City High School; in 1996, Beaver City consolidated into Southern Valley Schools; coached football and girls/boys basketball at various levels and was head coach of the Beaver City 1986-1987 boys basketball team that earned a trip to the Nebraska State Basketball Tournament; finished his career in education in 2002
Activities: member of the Elks Lodge 984 of Kearney; former member of Nebraska Council of School Administrators, Nebraska Coaches Association, Nebraska Athletic Directors Association and Nebraska Schoolmasters Club; was devoted to his students and their academic and athletic pursuits; formed many lasting relationships; was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending his time hunting, fishing, camping and taking trips with the fifth-wheel; especially enjoyed the trip to Alaska; spent many summers at Lake McConaughy with family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Survivors include: his wife, Evelyn Phillips of Kearney; son, Brian Phillips, Kearney; daughter, Trene (Alan) Garey of Curtis; daughter, Terri (Todd) Schirmer of Kearney; and grandchildren, Kelcey (Ricky) Walker, Riley Garey, Regan Garey and fiancé Cole Scheer, Kellan Garey and Madison Schirmer
Kearney Hub, 7 October 2019
PICKERING, Ramona K. “Mona”, 63, of Kearney died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: on Aug. 13, 1956, in Denver
Parents: Charles G. and Geraldine M. (O’Day) Johnson
Attended South High School in Denver, graduated with the class of 1975
Married: Ronald D. Pickering on Nov. 4, 1981, in Golden, Colo.
Was employed as the school secretary at Windy Hills School in Kearney for over 25 years Activities: developed numerous friendships and touched countless lives of faculty, staff, parents and students throughout her career; will be remembered for her warm, kind and caring personality, and her amazing cooking
Survivors include: her husband, Ron of Kearney; parents, Charles and Geri Johnson of Waynesville, N.C.; siblings, Lori Johnson of Arvada, Colo., Rock and Vanessa Johnson of Conifer, Colo., and Genna Wissman of Littleton, Colo.; uncles, Danny and Linda O’Day of Brighton, Colo., and David and Amy Johnson of Murphy, N.C.; numerous other family members; and a host of friends and colleagues
Kearney Hub, 16 September 2019
RECTOR, Michael W. “Mike”, 79, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Memorial service: Wednesday at Kearney Church of Christ
Burial: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Born: July 28, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa
Parents: Cy and Theoan (Kniseley) Jerman; Theoan later married R.E. “Bill” Rector, and he adopted Mike as his son
Grew up in Kingsley, Iowa; graduated from high school in 1959
Military: served in the U.S. Navy for four years
Married: Lina Currey on June 2, 1963, in Litchfield; had three children together, later divorced
Worked in Ravenna as a meat cutter, then managed the meat department for Safeway grocery stores in Colorado, New Mexico and Nebraska; after Safeway, worked for Monfort Beef in Grand Island; retired in 2004; moved to Kearney in 2009
Activities: enjoyed being around horses, wearing cowboy boots, and collecting John Wayne and horse memorabilia
Survivors include: daughters, Dawn Helgeson and husband Scott of Kearney and Shannon Casillas and husband Jeff of La Junta, Colo.; son, Bill Rector of La Junta; brother, Terry Rector of Castle Rock, Colo.; sister, Roxanne Stauch and husband Tom of Omaha; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, EA Rector
Kearney Hub, 14 October 2019
RENO, Sammy Carmino “Sam”, 86, of Escondido, California, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Escondido
Memorial service: with military honors: Sept. 28 in Escondido
Born: Jan. 18, 1933, in Salida, Colo.
Parents: Frank Anthony and Helen DePasquale Reno
Was the first in his family to go to college; earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado
Married: Ann Leavitt on Aug. 4, 1956
Taught school in Salida then LaSalle, Colo.
Military: U.S. Army, served in Korea from 1958 to 1960
Returned and taught high school in Alamosa, Colo.; earned his master’s degree in business administration from Adams State College; moved to Nebraska in 1967, taught at Kearney State College, and earned his doctorate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; retired from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2003; moved to Escondido in 2013
Activities: enjoyed retirement at Johnson Lake, running, boat skiing and fishing; enjoyed time with family and grandchildren
Survivors include: his wife of 63 years, Ann; daughter, Eileen (Wade) Maurer and grandchildren, Samanna and Cole; daughter, Susanne (Thadd Thacker) Reno and granddaughters, Lilly and Delaney, all of San Diego; son, Frank (Claudia) Reno and granddaughters, ZitaAnne and Leavitt, of Grand Island, Neb.; sister, Mary Lou (Rick) Boehme of Nebo, N.C.; and cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Reno; brother, Frank Reno; and an infant sister
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 12 October 2019
SCHIRMER, John Edward, 81, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte
Burial with military honors: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: March 12, 1938, in Lewellen
Parents: Julia Rispy (Moore) Schirmer
Graduated from North Platte High School in 1956
Military: U.S. Army; served in Korea; was honorably discharged in 1963
Worked at the Tomahawk Truck Stop, then worked for Union Pacific Railroad in the Store Department; retired 38.5 years later as a crane operator with the railroad
Married: June 13, 1965, to Shirley May Foster in North Platte
After marriage, lived in North Platte for a while then moved to Hershey in 1978; had four children together; divorced in their later years
Returned to North Platte in 1990 and liked visiting the Senior Center; later moved to Kearney to be closer to family
Activities: member of the Hershey Baptist Church and the North Platte Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Eagles Club; enjoyed watching television and riding his motorcycle; had a love for speed; was a “jack-of-all-trades”, took pride in his work
Survivors include: his children, Todd (Terri) Schirmer, Marty (Kristi) Schirmer and Bryan Schirmer, all of Kearney, and Kimberly (Sylvester) Thomas of Omaha, and their mom, Shirley Schirmer of Kearney; grandchildren, Micah Marth, Sotonye Green, Madison Schirmer, Tyler Schirmer, Ibinye Green, Payton Schirmer and Isabell Schirmer; as well as other family
Was preceded in death by his mother, Julia, and stepfather, Warren “Grandpa Carl” Johnson; sister, Doretta Cain; brothers, Bob and Herbert “Rusty” Schirmer
Memorials: North Platte Senior Center or McKenna’s Rae of Hope
Kearney Hub, 24 September 2019
SCHLIEFERT, David Royt, 56, of Grand Island died Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, at his home
Service: Monday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Burial:Geneva Cemetery
Born: May 30, 1963, at Ames, Iowa
Parents: Mervyn and Beverly Schliefert
Grew up in Norfolk, Lincoln and Naperville, Illinois; in high school, enjoyed playing his trombone and playing intramural basketball; graduated from Naperville North High School in 1981; earned an auto mechanic’s degree from Southeast Community College in Milford
Bought and ran Seward Auto Service with his brother, Roger; sold the business and moved to Kearney, and worked at Marshall Engines; continued to live in Kearney until his parents moved to Grand Island; then retired in Grand Island, enjoyed living with his two cats and feeding the neighborhood cats, turkeys and squirrels
Activities: spent his time listening to rock ‘n’ roll music and watching political shows; enjoyed living close to family, helping be the limo driver for his mom, eating out with family, playing pool and watching Nebraska sports, including football, volleyball and basketball; above all, loved living in Nebraska and being a Cornhusker
Survivors include: his mother, Beverly Schliefert of Grand Island; brothers, Roger Schliefert of Thailand, Doug (Jodi) Schliefert of Grand Island; sister, Linda (Kirby) Mousel of Central City; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father, Mervyn Schliefert; and infant brother, Dennis Schliefert
Memorials: Central Nebraska Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 20 September 2019
SCHNACKER, Ronald Dee, 79, of Sumner died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at his home
Service: Saturday, October 12, Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Chapel
Burial: Sumner Cemetery
Born: Feb. 24, 1940, at Miller
Parents: Clifford L. and May L. (Dickerson) Schnacker
Attended Miller and Sumner high schools, graduated with the class of 1958
Married: Gena Johnson on Sept. 5, 1959, in Sumner
After marriage, lived in Omaha, worked in the meat-packing industry; spent 10 years building plants and training personnel in Omaha, Harlan, Cozad and Lexington, then decided to pursue his love of farming; moved to the Sumner area in 1969; became an active member of the community, served as a member of the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller School Board; was a hard worker; member of a nondenominational church and chose to serve the Lord as a youth, staying true to his profession throughout his life. His faithfulness was an inspiration to his family
Survivors include: his wife, Gena of Sumner; sons, Tracy Schnacker and his wife, Kathy, of Topeka, Kan., Cris Schnacker and his wife, Marta, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Perry Schnacker and his wife, Janet, of Shawnee, Kan., and Layne Schnacker and his wife, Amy, of Amherst; daughter, Becky Rieken and her husband, Paul, of Dakota City; brother, Gerald Schnacker of Alma; sister-in-law, Donna Schnacker of San Antonio; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and brother, Robert Schnacker
Memorials: Sumner Rescue Unit
Kearney Hub, 10 October 2019
SCHUTTE, Linda S., 67, of Kearney died Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Born: Jan. 26, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Edwin and Marion A. (Copeland) Jordan
Graduated from Kearney Senior High
Married: Otto John Schutte on March 12, 1971, in Minden
Activitiese: will be remembered for her kindness and selfless love and care for her family and her amazing cooking; cared for her mother for many years; with her husband, volunteered at St. Luke’s nursing home in Kearney with the Rev. Dean Pofahl; enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and doing the things that they were interested in
Survivors include: her husband, O. John Schutte of Kearney; sons, Randy and Sheila Schutte of Kearney and Cory and Vanessa Schutte of Omaha; grandchildren, Brady (Murphy) Schutte of Omaha, Brett (Brianna) Schutte of Kearney, Jordan (Katelyn) Schutte of Arizona and Emily Schutte and fiancé Brady Semm of Omaha; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Marion A. (Copeland) Jordan; and brother, Gene Jordan
Memorials: Live On Nebraska or the Chaplaincy Fund at Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 17 September 2019
SHANNON, Melanie Carol, 56, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Private service: later
Mortuary: Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte
Born: November 1, 1962, in Greenwood, Mississippi
Parents: Lyal L. and Naomi G. (Palmertree) Lamb
Married: Lane Shannon, Sr.
Activities: enjoyed spending her time shopping, cooking and listening to music
Survivors include: her children, Christopher L. Lamb, Melanie M. Chapman, Jennifer E. Shannon, Lane Shannon, Jr. and Stacy A. Shannon; twelve grandchildren; two siblings and her significant other Matt Skunda
Was preceded in death by her husband, Lane Shannon, Sr.; her parents, Lyal L. and Naomi G. (Palmertree) Lamb; and a grandaughter
Kearney Hub, 2 October 2019 and www.carpentermemorial.com
SICKLER, Dale A., 84, of Papillion, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, at Papillion Manor
Service: Friday at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 29, 1935, in Kearney
Parents: Cyrus and Martha (Petet) Sickler
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1953
Married: June 27, 1954, Marilyn (Jeanie) Johnson at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Immediately following graduation, started working for the Kearney Daily Hub; retired in 1999 as a full-time production manager but continued to spend one day a week in the Hub plant overseeing commercial printing projects and handling budgeting and purchasing; worked for the Hub for 52 years; was among the team that planned the Hub’s current facility, completed in 1991; played a key role in the transition when the Omaha World-Herald Co. purchased the Hub; was honored by the Nebraska Press Association with its Golden Pica Pole Award in 2005; was known as “The Hub Man.”
Activities: member of Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, was a 4-H leader, a member of the Amherst School Board, the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department and the Kearney Elks Lodge 984 for numerous years; enjoyed woodworking and made many special pieces for his family; was a great craftsman; was a perfectionist in everything he did; loved traveling in his motor home with his family, visited all 50 states; was the strength of his family; loved the great state of Nebraska; enjoyed coffee time with friends
Survivors include his wife of 65 years; daughters, Connie Wietjes and husband Rodney of Liberty, Mo., and Janeen Cox and husband Ron of Omaha; son, Steve Sickler and wife Cathy of Omaha; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Twila Plant and husband Richard of Royse City, Texas, and Lou Shields and J Walker of Mesa, Ariz.; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by parents; his daughter, Kelly McNeil; two brothers; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 October 2019
SIMPKINS, Timmy Dean, 58, of Kearney died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha as a result of heart complications
Memorial service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 9, 1960, in York
Parents: Eugene and Twyla (Pinneo) Simpkins
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1979; grew up in the family store and then was a partner at ENT
In the past few years, had been in Republican City running the Outcast Bar and Grill, and making many close friends
Activities: enjoyed outdoor sports and recreation, especially golf, hunting and fishing; also loved Husker football
Survivors: his parents, Eugene and Twyla Simpkins; two brothers, Gene Simpkins and his wife Julie and family of Kearney, and Dale Simpkins and family of Broad Bent, Ore.; three sisters, Lila Simpkins and family in Bellevue, Kathy Shearer and her husband Mike and family of Kearney, and Jenny Deboer and her son of Kearney; and his good friends, Trevor M. and John H
Was preceded in death by his grandparents; brother, Gary Lynn; uncle, Virgel Pinneo; and aunt, Beverly Ratcliff
Memorials: Republican City Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 15 October 2019
TORRES, Benigno “Benny”, 84, of Kearney died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at Brookstone Gardens
Service: Thursday at New Life Church in Kearney
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Feb. 13, 1935, in Harlingen, Texas
Parents: Tomasa and Gonzalo Torres
Grew up in Harlingen
Married: April 6, 1954, Eva Pena Torres; had nine children together: Benigno Jr. (deceased), Benito, Tony, Tomasa, Rick, Jose Luis (deceased), Jesse, Joe (deceased) and Bea.
Moved to Nebraska in 1957; lived in Minden, worked on a farm as a farmhand, and at the Minden Beef Co. in maintenance; also worked for Peister Grain Co.; loved to raise livestock and garden on the side; also loved to teach his children what he knew and watch them learn new things
First wife Eva passed away in 2002
Married: 2010 to Delores Broweleit in Kearney; brought two families together with love and excitement; were married for 10 years
Activities: enjoyed traveling most of the USA with Delores; loved and enjoyed family and looked forward to fellowship with their extended church family and Bible study group; had a strong faith, loved the Lord
Survivors include: his wife, Delores Broweleit of Kearney; children, Ben (Linda) Torres of Lexington, Tony (Eva) Torres of Minden, Tomasa “Tomi” Torres-Fickler of Minden, Pastor Rick (Marlene) Torres of Denison, Iowa, Jesse (Daphney) Torres of Charlotte, N.C., and Bea (Roger) Wengler of Minden; stepchildren, Bob (Connie) Broweleit of Seneca, Roger Broweleit of Kearney, Jim Broweleit of Burwell and Mike Hutchinson of Gibbon; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two half-brothers and six half-sisters, all of California; as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva; sons, Benigno Jr., Jose Luis and Jose Valentine; and sisters, Maria, Petra and Anna
Memorials: New Life Church in Kearney and New Life Church in Denison, Iowa
Kearney Hub, 24 September 2019
WEBER, Norma M., 85, of Kearney died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation Center
Memorial service: Friday at First Lutheran Church
Entombment of ashes: the church columbarium
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 9, 1934, at her parents' home in DeWitt
Parents: Erwin and Martha (Mueller) Burger
Graduated from DeWitt High School in 1951; took normal training while in high school and after graduation taught first through eighth grades at Prairie Star School District 5 near her home; attended Kearney State Teachers College for two years, then attended and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1958
Married: Sept. 1, 1957, to Carl Weber at Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt
After marriage, lived in Lincoln to finish school, then returned to Kearney for the rest of her life; was currently living at Brookdale Kearney Northridge
Was a wife, mother and homemaker, also held several jobs outside of her home, i.e., the American Red Cross and Buffalo County Election Commissioner’s Office; Activities: rarely missed a sporting event, music program or any other activity the kids or grandchildren participated in; volunteered for Meals on Wheels, reading the Kearney Hub to the visually impaired, driving cancer patients to medical appointments, and cleaning house and making meals for neighbors in need; also worked many years working in the Sure Cure Gift Shop at Good Samaritan Hospital; active member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney and was a longtime member of P.E.O. Chapter GG; developed many deep and lasting friendships; loved walking, talking, lunching and laughing with her friends
Survivors include her husband, Carl of Kearney; and children and spouses, Craig and Nancy Weber of Kearney, Ann and Sid Moore of Phoenix and Mark and Stephanie Weber of Dawson, Minn. Grandchildren include Alicia Harrison, Marissa Harrison, Sam (and Bailey) Weber; Dylan (and Janae) Moore, Jace (and Lindsay) Moore; Elle Weber, Esten Weber, Emma Weber, Eli Weber and Eden Weber; and great-grandchildren. Gavin Goble, Kai Moore and Greer Moore
Was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and Robert Burger; and sister, Marcene Renner
Memorials: First Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 18 September 2019
WEMPEN, Harry H., 90, of Sumner died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at his home
Service: Thursday at Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner
Burial with military rites: Sumner Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 23, 1928, on the family farm near Sumner
Parents: Herbert and Cynthia (Wingert) Wempen
Was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst; attended Lone Star Rural School
Married: Reva Steinhauser on Sept. 2, 1952, in Holdrege
Military: U.S. Army on Dec. 2, 1952, to Oct. 21, 1954; basic training in Fort Sill, Okla., then served in Korea
After the service, lived southeast of Sumner, ranched, raised sheep and hogs, and owned a dairy farm for more than 30 years
Activities: loved his horses and had registered quarter horses and paints; belonged to the American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association; enjoyed attending rodeos and showing his “trick” horses; had raised greyhounds for the track and was a member of the Grey Hound Association; 4-H member and leader, started the dog obedience class in Sumner; loved hunting coyotes and coons; member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Sumner and was an honorary member of the Sumner Saddle Club; was one of the first members to start the saddle club in 1950, riding with the drill team
Survivors include: his wife Reva of Sumner; son Terry Wempen and wife Pam of Sumner; daughters, Janet Furry and Pam Handy of Gresham, Nancy Welsh of Shelby, Cindy Elliott and husband Jeff of Garden City, Kan., and Joyce Wempen and Charlie Ripp of Sumner; brother, Lenard Wempen of Mexico; sister, Lucille Lang of Lincoln; grandchildren, Parry Siebenaler and wife Lisa, Carmen Wempen and Dean Pelowski; Jason Cranwell and wife Jordan, Andrew Lopez and Miranda Sealey, Stacy Lopez, Cara and Shay Stephens, and Katherine Dornes and husband Brad; and 15 great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Opal Freeze, Viola Provolt, Bernice Volmer, Ruth Schnacker, Pearl Schnacker, and son-in-law, Jim Welsh
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 16 October 2019
WIGGINS, Jordon R., 38, of Omaha died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, in Omaha
Service: Friday at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Celebration of life: Friday at Lincoln Country Club
Born: July 9, 1981, in Kearney
Parents: Robert R. and Shirley (Bartruff) Wiggins
Was baptized and confirmed as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kearney; growing up, participated in soccer, wrestling, baseball and scouting; enjoyed time with his grandparents on their farm, fishing and hunting with friends, and playing bridge, cribbage or pitch; graduated from Kearney Senior High School in 1999; graduated December 2003 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in accounting and finance; was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity
Following graduation from UNL, began working for Deloitte in Omaha; in 2017, began working for TD Ameritrade
Activities: was a devoted father, son, brother and friend; will be remembered for his great sense of humor, kindness, incredible work ethic, his selfless love and care for his children, and the thoughtful help and support he gave to his family, friends, co-workers and others
Survivors include: his daughters, Elizabeth (5 years) and Leah (3 years) of Omaha as well as his dog, Boris; his parents, Robert and Shirley Wiggins of Lincoln; brother, Jason (Amanda) Wiggins of Orono, Minn., and children Jack and Ella; and sister, Jenna (Barrett) Ruud of Lincoln and children Brooks and Hudson; and by uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vern and Lorraine Bartruff and Ray and Jewell Wiggins; uncle, Ron Wiggins; and aunt, Catherine Chin
Memorials: the Safari Park at the Omaha Zoo Foundation or the Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Kearney Hub, 14 September 2019
ZACZKOWSKI, David John “Zack”, 55, of Kearney, formerly of Stillwater, Minnesota, died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
Service: Sept. 28 at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Stillwater, Minn.
Born: April 8, 1964 Birth Place: Washington county, Minnesota
Parents: Robert and Deanna Zaczkowski
Graduated: in 1983 from Stillwater High School, and Valley City University in North Dakota
Worked for Home Depot and Cabela’s as store manager
Survivors include: his wife, Shelley; and children, Zachary, Brooke and April; parents, Robert and Deanna Zaczkowski; sisters, Cheri (Chip) Pracht, Susan Kress; like a sister, Jae Olson (Greg Carlson); sister-in-law, Pam (Grant) Isfeld; brothers-in-law, Brian Stevens (Liz) and Scott Stevens; nieces, nephews, and many close friends
Kearney Hub, 17 September 2019; Minnesota Birth Records, and www.bradshawfuneral.com