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AKERT, Barbara Jean, 67, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 in Monument, Colorado
Service: St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, Neb., Thursday, July 16
Mortuary: The Springs Funeral Services-North in Colorado Springs
Born: Nov. 17, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: Ronald and Joan (Lawrence) Luth
Was baptized at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; attended Kearney High School, graduated 1971; graduated from Kearney State College with Bachelor of Science degrees in history and education
Married: Wayne Akert on May 14, 1977, at St. James Catholic Church
Moved to Colorado in 1995
Survivors include: her loving husband, Wayne of Monument; her son, Mark (Melissa) Akert of Pearland, Texas; and granddaughters, Audrey, Kayla, Nora and Ruby. She also is survived by her siblings, Sherry (Mick) Maassen of Mason City, Iowa, Rick (Gwen) Luth of Kearney, Rhonda (Ivan) Stones of Kearney, Mike Luth of Omaha, Jeff Luth of Kearney and Mary (Greg) Anderson of Littleton, Colo.; brother-in-law, J.R. (Nancy) Akert; sister-in-law, Jolene McGinnis; and by many dear nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Sue Fitzgerald
Kearney Hub, 15 February and 11 July 2020
ALFORD, Timothy L., 73, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney
Memorial service: Thursday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Interment: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 17, 1946, in Morgan City, La.
Parents: Judge Steve A. and Kate G. (Peatross) Alford
Was raised in Baton Rouge, La.; earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and furthered his education at Wake Forest University
Military: U.S. Army in May 1971 - December 1972; served during the Vietnam era
Married: Frances Jane Baker on Sept. 11, 1971, in Dallas
After marriage, lived in Baton Rouge, was employed by Baton Rouge Spine and Orthopedic and the LSU football medical team; moved to McKinney, Texas, and Lexington, Ky., worked for Texas Back Institute and St. Joseph’s Hospital; later moved to Kearney, worked for Good Samaritan Hospital and Kearney Regional Medical Center; was a physician assistant specialist and patient liaison at Kearney Regional Medical Center and was known to be the “self-appointed director of orthopedics;” during more than 43 years of diverse experiences, enjoyed the many friends he made throughout his career
Activities: member of the Grace Baptist Church and Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge; was an avid golfer, reader and lover of bad cinema and perhaps, the world’s biggest LSU fan; was a legendary teller of stories; was a man of faith, a loving husband, father and grandfather
Survivors include: his wife, Jane Baker Alford of Kearney; sons, Joshua Baker Alford of Charleston, S.C., and Tyler Christian Alford of Kearney; two grandchildren, August James Alford and Piper Jane Alford, both of Kearney; a sister, Paralee Frances Alford of Baton Rouge, La.; and several other family and friends
Was preceded in death by his infant son; his parents, Judge Steve A. Alford, Jr. and Kate Peatross Alford; and his brother, Steve A. Alford III
Memorials: American Melanoma Foundation
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2020
ANDERSON, Charleen Fae, 85, of Kearney died Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: postponed until a later date at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: later
Born: July 8, 1934, in Grand Island
Parents: Charles Shultz and Nell (Zimmerman) Shultz
Grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School
Married: Stanley Anderson; had five children together
After marriage, lived in Brady, cared for her children
Worked as a dispatcher for the Gothenburg Police Department; later moved to Kearney, worked in the accounting department at Good Samaritan Hospital; later lived at Autumn Village and made many friends; loved to share her homemade goodies with everyone and helped anyone she could; enjoyed decorating her apartment
Survivors include her children, Karen Ussery and her husband, Marty, of Shelton, Kathy Bullock and her husband, Cort, of Gothenburg, Koleen Fruhling and her husband, Jeff, of Cedar Bluffs and Michael Anderson and his wife, Mary, of Gibbon; sister, Jeannie Craig and her husband, Bruce, of Bellevue; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Anderson; son, Victor Alvarez-Anderson; grandchildren, Stacy Lee Miller and Victor Alvarez Jr.; her parents; siblings, Ronald Shultz, Jerry Shultz, Scotty Shultz, Wanda Bruegemann, and her identical twin sister Charlotte Shultz
Kearney Hub, 11 March 2020
ANDERSON, Lauri Ann, 45, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at her home of natural causes
Memorial service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: March 25, 1974, in Holdrege
Parents: Stevan L. Anderson and Carol (Chase) Dolan
Went to elementary school in Orleans, attended high school in Axtell
Was the manager of Amoco and also worked as a caretaker
Activities: was a loving mother known for having a big heart; loved all animals and dearly cared for many; enjoyed volunteering; faithfully attended the Circle of Hope Bible Study
Survivors include her son, Spencer Anderson of Kearney; father, Stevan Anderson of Funk; mother, Carol Dolan of Kearney; siblings, Carrie Anderson and Jessie Murphy, both of Kearney, and Wade Anderson and Kristi Effenbeck, both of Minden; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Don and Rowena Chase and Gilbert and Marjorie Anderson; and stepfather, Larry Dolan
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2020
ASCHE, Janet Sue, 77, of Kearney died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at her home.
Funeral service: March 20 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Friends may watch the funeral live stream from the church website
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 4, 1943, in Springfield, Ill.
Parents: Robert and June (Green) Young
Graduated from Lanphier High School and then graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield
Married: James M. Asche on Dec. 11, 1965, in Springfield; had two children together
Worked as a registered nurse at Mount Carmel, CHI Home Health and Hospice and was director of nursing at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Activities: Her faith was very important to her; member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney; was on the Board of Parish Life as a chairwoman; Lutheran Women’s Missionary League as a secretary, vice president and president; and the Holy Cross Quilters; enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, attending sporting events and visiting her grandchildren
Survivors include: her husband of 54 years, James Asche of Kearney; daughter, Jennifer (Ruben) Bustamante of Lubbock, Texas; son, Michael (Kathy) Asche of Lewisburg, Pa., and five grandchildren, Derek Asche, Lauren Asche, Olivia Asche, Collin Bustamante and Jace Bustamante
Was preceded in death by her parents and sister Delores Toland
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Holy Cross Quilters or the Peterson Senior Center
Kearney Hub, 14 March 2020
BAXTER, Marjorie A., 73, of Kearney, formerly of Holdrege, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Burial: later
Born: Feb. 21, 1947, at Holdrege
Parents: Wilmer Lee and Martha “Ruth” (Caddy) Hanson
Married: John Baxter; later divorced
Survivors include her children, Eric Baxter of Holdrege and Danielle Logan of Kearney; two brothers, John Hanson of Lexington and Steve Hanson of Damar, Kan.; sister, Shirley Olson of Holdrege; and six grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 26 February 2020
BELL, Shirley Mae, 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Inurnment: later
Born: July 24, 1943, in Seattle
Parents: Harold and Sue (Burton) Webster
Parents returned to Nebraska, 1945, to a farm near Gibbon; she enjoyed her early years on the farm, growing up with her sister Valda and all of her cousins and going to country school at District 75; graduated from Gibbon high school, 1961
Married: 1962, to Roger Myers in Gibbon; had four children, Beth, Elaine, Dean and Beckie; later divorced
Married: 1980 to Corwin "Corky" Bell; had two children, Craig and Crystal
Moved to rural Pleasanton, lived there until Corky's health initiated a move to Kearney; Shirley cared for Corky during his declining health; he died in 2012
Activities: was active and energetic; never met a stranger, enjoyed the friends she met playing games online; worked at a variety of jobs over the years, but especially enjoyed being a grandma
Survivors include: her children, Beth Carr (Kevin Griffis) of Kearney, Elaine (Larry) Behrendt of Ravenna, Beckie (Todd) King of Wood River, Craig Bell (Ginny Compton) of Kearney and Crystal (Ryan) Pfeil of Hastings; grandchildren, Bradley (Cynthia) Carr, Tyler Carr (Heather McGraw), Samone, Shelby, Dexter and Delaney Behrendt, Kaitlyn (Corey) Ash, Karys and Lauryn Kouba, Ashton Stogdill, Haidan Rivera, and Maecie, Harper and Blakely Pfeil; great-granddaughters, Rylee and Emersyn Ash; and her sister Valda (Randy) Kreie of Boston
Was preceded in death by her husband, Corky; her son, Dean Myers; parents, Harold and Sue Webster; and infant brothers, Larry and Dale
Kearney Hub, 20 February 2020
BELLINGER, Lois (Moody), 91, of Gothenburg died Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center; had been a resident of St. John’s Nursing Home in Kearney for the past two years
Service: March 16 at the United Methodist Church in Gothenburg
Burial: Gothenburg Cemetery
Mortuary: Blase-Strauser in Gothenburg
Born: Sept. 29, 1928, in Auburn
Parents: Earl and Myrtle (Drum) Moody
Graduated from Auburn High School in 1946; attended Peru State College, received her two-year teaching certificate
Taught in Wauneta, and then in Lexington
Married: Al Bellinger from Arcadia on Aug. 12, 1951, in Auburn
After marriage, lived one year in Miller, then moved to Ord where Al was a teacher, coach and then moved into the 7-12 principal position
Was a stay-at-home mother, cared for their three children
Moved to Kearney, 1968; earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1971 from Kearney State College; taught reading for three years at YRTC while Al served as the junior high principal in Kearney; moved to Gothenburg, 1974, taught at District 13 in Dawson County for 17 years; both retired in 1990
Activities: in retirement, spent the winters in Phoenix; enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska and many bus tours; member of several bridge clubs, the Methodist Church, Extension Club and PEO; enjoyed volunteering at the Senior Center; loved spending holidays with the family, watching grandkids play sports, playing cards with them and taking walks to the lake and park
Survivors include her three children, Dennis (Murleen) Bellinger of Waverly; Nancy (Dick) Wiles of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Carol (Carl) Dietz of Kearney; sister, Dorothy Parks of Lincoln; eight grandchildren, Matt Wiles, Holly Malick, Derek Bellinger, Nathan Dietz, Jason Wiles, Lindsey Favinger, Chelsie Bellinger and Jennifer Demoret; and 23 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her loving husband; parents; two brothers; and granddaughter, Cassie L. Bellinger
Memorials: Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg, Gothenburg Senior Center and St. John’s Nursing Home in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 6 March 2020
BERTRAND, Cinda Rae, 70, of Kearney died Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at her home of natural causes
Service: Saturday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary; O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: March 5, 1949, in Grand Island
Parents: Richard and Carolyn (Hutchison) House
Graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1967
Married: April 23, 1971, to Gale "Diddly" Bertrand at the First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, took great pride in raising her children
Activities: Loved people, enjoyed hosting friends and family; was a longtime volunteer at the Good Samaritan Hospital Gift Shop, enjoyed playing cards with her many bridge groups; always looked forward to her date nights with Diddly; most of all, loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their many events
Survivors include her husband, Gale "Diddly" Bertrand of Kearney; children, Andy Bertrand of Kearney, Ben "Pug" Bertrand and wife, Kiley, of Kearney, Tyson Bertrand and wife, Jaime, of Gretna and Neely Murphy and husband, J.P., of Kearney; grandchildren, Avery, Baker and Reese Bertrand, Hudson and Turner Bertrand, and Carson, Lainey and Jack Murphy; sisters, Andra House of Kearney, Belinda Rude and husband, Gil, of Kearney, Marcia Trompke of Holdrege and Patti Swift of Kearney; brother, Richard House and his wife, Jan, of Kansas City, Mo.; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dolly and Orlan Grams of Minden, Leon and Luyre Bertrand of Hildreth, Glenn and Jae Bertrand of Lincoln and Cindy and Ron Schneider of Kearney; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Jim Bertrand and Dave Swift; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernard and Milrae Bertrand
Kearney Hub, 27 February 2020
BRAND, Kenneth L., 72, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Feb. 29 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney, military honors
Born: Aug. 5, 1947, in Oxford
Parents: Frank and Ruth (Harrold) Brand
Was raised in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1966
Military: U.S. Army from Jan. 14, 1969, until his honorable discharge on Jan. 13, 1975
After discharge, traveled to all 50 states and lived in Hawaii for several years
Activities: in his younger years, enjoyed painting until his health and eyesight no longer allowed him to continue, gave away most of his artwork to family members and people in the community
Survivors include: his son, Ryan Brand of Davis, Calif.; sisters, Mildred Spence of Lexington, Ruth Little of Rocky Mount, N.C., Donna Cusick (Jack) of Littleton, Colo., and Patricia Hillyer (Lacy) of Peyton, Colo.; brothers, Frank Brand of San Mateo, Calif., Harold Brand of Norfolk, Va., and Richard Brand (Jeanne) of Edwardsville, Ill.; aunt, Carol Theobald of Beaver City; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Eldon Brand, Merna Shearer Haught and Robert Brand; nephew, Scott Brand; and niece, Ruth Ann Brand
Memorial: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 26 February 2020
BURTON, Mary Lou "Bonnie" Horsley, 86, of Kearney died Monday, March 9, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Service: Friday at the Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: June 25, 1933, in St. Edward
Parents: Vern and Carrie (Dolan) VanVleet
Was the fourth child of six; received her education in Gibbon and Kearney
Married: Ralph E. Horsley of rural Minden; had five children together; he died in 1995
Married: Robert W. Burton of rural Pleasanton
Worked at Head Start, was head of housekeeping and laundry at Mother Hull Home, did housekeeping at Good Samaritan Hospital, and was a daycare nursery attendant for 15 years
Activities: family and friends were a priority in her life; enjoyed baking and cooking, published a family cookbook; was gifted in embroidering; made several quilts and throws for family members; member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the Sunflower Kensington Club, and a volunteer at both an assisted living facility and a nursing home; enjoyed playing cards with her friends and at the Senior Center in Kearney; donated toys to The Salvation Army at Christmastime and was a longtime supporter of St. Jude’s Hospital; served as the kindergarten Sunday school teacher in the Kearney Church of the Nazarene for many years; also taught at the Kids for Christ after-school program at the United Methodist Church in Pleasanton; in 2014 wrote the song "We Are Blessed," which was recorded in March 2015; also appeared in a commercial for the South-Central Agency on Aging and in Joy Johnson’s 2014 calendar of older women
Survivors include: her daughters, Kathryn Thorne of Lincoln, Christine Dungan of Beatrice and Tamela Sikes of Alma; sons, Rick Horsley of Lincoln and Rod Horsley of Kearney; sister, Betty Reeves of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Tillie VanVleet of Valley and Dora Horsley of Minden; brother-in-law, Kenneth Marlatt of Chadron; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ralph Horsley and Robert Burton; brothers, Don, LaVern and Bobby VanVleet; and sister, Beverly Marlatt
Memorials: Gideons International
Kearney Hub, 11 March 2020
BUSO, James Stewart “Jim”, 72, of Mesa, Arizona, died Feb. 11, 2020, in Mesa
Service: Feb. 22 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Mesa
Burial: Feb. 24 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix with military honors
Born: April 21, 1947, in Gibbon, Nebr.
Parents: John and Mildred (Godfrey) Buso
Married: Sept. 22, 1984, Wynona Short in Mesa
Survivors include his wife, Wynona Buso of Mesa; sisters, Marilyn Jensen of Holdrege, Neb., Lydia Rippe of Chapman, Neb., Linda Holsten of Gothenburg, Neb., and Marla Osgood of Garland, Texas; brothers, Jack Buso of Gibbon, Phillip Buso of Hubbardston, Mass., and five stepchildren
Kearney Hub, 7 March 2020
COHAGAN, Arlene I., 83, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Kearney
Service: Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Geneva
Burial: Geneva Public Cemetery
Mortuary: Farmer & Son in Geneva
Born: June 28, 1936, in Omaha
Parents: Fermin and Josephine (Bax) Krause
Attended school in Geneva
Married: March 23, 1956, to Virgil L. Cohagan at the United Methodist Church in Geneva
Lived in many places because Virgil was in the U.S. Army for 22 years, including Grand Island, York, Johnson Lake, Elm Creek and finally Kearney; had worked at the Hilltop Café in Geneva, the ordnance base in Grand Island, Deluxe Cleaners in York and West Co. in Kearney; currently was a sales representative for Avon, which she did for 20 years
Activities: loved making craft items, crocheting and doing diamond paintings; loved watching all the finches, orioles and the flowers they had planted
Survivors include her husband, Virgil; daughter, Deb (Bob) Orlando of Bradshaw; son, Kevin (Katrina) Cohagan of Loveland, Colo.; granddaughter, Deanna Orlando of Grand Island; grandsons, Stacey Orlando of Henderson, Kurt Cohagan of Illinois and Matthew Cohagan of Loveland; great-granddaughter, Elli (Tyler) Valish of David City; great-grandsons, Conner Johnson of Duncan, Trenton Orlando of Henderson, and a great-great-grandson, Braxton Johnson of David City; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Krause of Geneva; brother-in-law, Duane Nienhueser of York; brother and sister-in-law, Marlan (Nancy) Cohagan of McCool Junction; sister and brother-in-law, Karen (Larry) Doran of Branson, Mo.; sister-in-law, Loree Irmer of Russellville, Ark.; and many nephews and nieces; will be missed by all of her Avon clients
Was preceded in death by her sons, Larry D. Cohagan and Kent F. Cohagan; parents, Fermin and Josephine Krause; siblings, brothers, Melvin Krause and Lolan Krause; sister, Erma Hurst and her twin sister, Darlene Nienhueser; Arlene was the last sibling of her family
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2020
DARBY, Thane Leroy, 81, of Pleasanton died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Lincoln
A reception for family and friends: Feb. 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Hall in Pleasanton
Born: Feb. 13, 1939, on the family farm north of Pleasanton
Parents: Jim and Alma Darby
Graduated from Pleasanton High in 1956
Military: enlisted in the Navy in August 1956, served on the USS Platte until January 1960
After discharge, worked for Hand Well Co. in Pleasanton, Coffelt Sign Co. in Emporia, Kan., and various real estate companies in Emporia; moved to Fort Collins, Colo., 1975, and purchased a maternity wear and uniform retailer, the Kangaroo’s Pouch; eventually moved the store to Emporia; continued his work selling medical uniforms traveling across the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming
Activities: loved the mountains, spent many elk hunting seasons with his friends in Colorado; shared this love of hunting with his two sons, many nephews, and friends in the mountains of Wyoming; after retirement, focused all of his energy on his true passion — horses
Survivors include: his children, Karl Darby (Angie) of St. Ignatius, Mont., Marla Covey (Doug) of Boise, Idaho, Luke Darby (Jennifer) of Dacono, Colo., and Laura Berger (John) of Longmont, Colo.; sisters, Sharon DeNeui (Doug) of Pleasanton and Linda Bauer of Kearney; the mothers of his children, Carolynn Nellis and Marla Darby; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Alma Darby; and brothers-in-law, Darrel Kohlscheen and Dean Bauer
Memorials: Pleasanton Fire Department-Building Fund
Kearney Hub, 21 February 2020
DAUEL, Robert L. “Bob”, 81, of Canon City, Colorado, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020, in Canon City
Memorial service: Monday at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Canon City
Mortuary: Harwood Funeral and Cremations Services in Canon City
Born: July 17, 1938, on a farm north of Riverdale Parents: Chris and Lillie Dauel
Grew up on his parent's farm; graduated from Pleasanton High School
Married: Fay; had one daughter together
Worked hard all his life farming and in manufacturing
Activities: loved his daughter fiercely; was proud of his grandsons and their accomplishments; loved sports, especially Nebraska sports, depending on the season, but football was at the top of that list; was a fan of the Broncos, Rockies and the Nuggets; mostly loved to be outside hunting and fishing with his family
Survivors include his wife Fay; daughter, Kim Huffington (Mark); grandsons, Matthew Huffington (Brook) and David; great-grandchildren Hayden, Cooper and Eugene; brothers, Darold (Barbara), Ed (Bernadine) and Don (Sharon) and their families
Was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Dot and Wanda (Toad)
Memorials: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or Sangre de Cristo Hospice
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2020
DAVIS, Patricia “Patsy” Irene, 72, of Kearney, died Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 at Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney
Memorial service: March 14 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: July 12, 1947, in El Dorado, Kan.
Parents: Ira and Marjorie (Wilson) Coons
Was the middle child of three; while in her youth, moved with her Coons family moved to Burns, Kan.; graduated from the Peabody High School, 1965
Married: Aug. 27, 1967, to Stephen “Steve” Davis
After marriage, both attended Kansas State University; Patsy majored in physical science. Her favorite classes were meteorology, geology and ornithology
After both graduated in 1969, moved to Marion, Kan.; Patsy worked as a math and science teacher and a secondary physical science teacher; moved to Kearney, 1975; taught grades 4-6 at Pleasant Hill Elementary until 1982
Welcomed son Matthew in 1985, was full-time mother until 1991, then worked as a paraprofessional and as a media assistant for Kearney Public Schools until 1995; later worked at the Kearney Public Library, and played a large role in running the Bookmobile, retired from the library in 2010
Activities: had many health complications, but never let those slow her down; loved traveling the country; greatest accomplishment was to raise her son Matthew to be a strong and caring individual, and see her two grandchildren Wesley and Ivy develop into energetic young children
Survivors include: her brother Michael, her son Matthew, and her grandchildren Wesley and Ivy Davis
Was preceded in death by her husband
Memorials: Kearney Public Schools Foundation
Kearney Hub, 4 March 2020
EWER, Jack L., 91, of Omaha, formerly of Pleasanton, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, in Omaha
Celebration of life: Wednesday at Sunset Hills Baptist Church reception hall in Omaha
Funeral service: Friday at the United Methodist Church in Pleasanton
Interment: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel of Grand Island
Born: March 28, 1928, in Pleasanton
Parents: Cyril Lincoln and Ella Martha (Smith) Ewer
Grew up in Pleasanton, graduated from Pleasanton High School
Military: U.S. Army Oct. 17, 1950 - Aug. 13, 1952; served during the Korean War
Married: Alberta Ruth Bethke on June 29, 1957, in Onawa, Iowa
After marriage, returned to the Azores Islands, Portugal, where they met while he was employed by the U.S. government as a civil servant instructing the Portuguese men on boiler maintenance; also lived in Rapid City, S.D.; Boise, Idaho; Chadron; Anchorage, Alaska; Grand Forks, N.D.; Omaha; and Loup City; retired from Royal Globe Insurance Co. in Omaha, had worked as a large mechanical equipment safety inspector
Survivors include: his wife, Alberta R. (Bethke) Ewer of Omaha; sons, David (Karra) Ewer of Elkhorn and Michael (Elizabeth) Ewer of Omaha; daughters, Carolyn (Robert) Ewer Killion of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Christine Ewer of Omaha; grandchildren, Ashley Amante of Loup City, Keia (Dave) Jensen of Omaha, Kenneth (Amanda) Ewer of Sterling, Va., Heather Ewer of Omaha and Kaylee Ewer of Omaha; great-grandson, Soren Jensen of Omaha; and great-granddaughter, Eliana Leigh Ewer of Sterling, Va.
Was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Ella (Smith) Ewer; brothers, Frederick (Marcella Sheckler) Ewer, Bruce (Helen Klein) Ewer, Russel (Doris Zimmer) Ewer, Bernard (Joan Walt) Ewer and Duane (Clara Mae Psota) Ewer; sister, Maybelle (Graham) Coughtry (Mac) Beith; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews
Memorials: Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9481 Pleasanton
Kearney Hub, 29 February 2020
FAHNHOLZ, Dale Edward, 47, of Kearney died Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery with honors provided by the Nebraska State Patrol
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 21, 1972, in Cambridge
Parents: Walter “Edward” and Carol (Bryan) Fahnholz
Was raised in McCook, graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1990; attended Mid-Plains Community College in McCook
Trooper Fahnholz began his law enforcement career as a carrier enforcement officer stationed in North Platte in 1994, transitioned to trooper in 1995, stationed in Lexington; transferred to Kearney in 1997, continued to serve there for the rest of his career; worked in both the patrol division and investigative services; earlier had served as a deputy for the Red Willow County Sheriff’s office
Married: Amy Miller on Sept. 20, 1997, in Cozad
Activities: enjoyed kayaking, training his dog, sport shooting, DIY projects and making wooden American flags; was always looking for projects for him and the boys; was a loyal and generous husband, father and friend; especially treasured the time spent with his family; enjoyed seeing his boys develop into well-rounded men with a love of God like himself: member of Family of Christ Lutheran Church and the Nebraska State Troopers Association
Survivors include his wife, Amy Fahnholz of Kearney; sons, Bryan and Jack Fahnholz of Kearney; mother, Carol Barrett of Kansas; sisters, Debbon Fahnholz and Danna Gabel; aunt and uncle, Dale and Cindy Fahnholz of McCook; mother-in-law, DeLoris Miller of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Walter “Edward” Fahnholz and his father-in-law, Dean Miller
Memorials: Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2020
FERGUSON, Edna, 98, of Kearney, formerly of Republican City, died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Service: Feb. 22, 2020, at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma
Interment: Republican City Cemetery in Republican City
Born: Dec. 11, 1921, on the family farm near Long Island, Kan.
Parents: Hugh Cyrus and Mary Abba (Hall) Rodenbaugh
Attended Liberty Country School District 67 near Long Island until the eighth grade, then started working and providing for her family
Married: May 1, 1939, Orval John Ferguson at the Harlan County Courthouse in Alma; he died Oct. 24, 1999, after 60 years of marriage
After marriage, lived on a farm seven miles south of Republican City, focused her efforts on caring for her family and helping Orval on the farm; also was employed at Hank and Ag’s Cabins at Patterson Harbor and was a cook at North Shore Marina for many years; then worked at the Republican City Schools as a cook and also cleaned homes for numerous people in the area; in later years, enjoyed working at the Caring Cupboard in Alma
Activities: was a devoted member of the Republican City Methodist Church, belonged to a ladies community club; was a talented seamstress and was also skilled in quilting and crocheting; most of all, loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them
Survivors include her son, Larry Ferguson and his wife, Lynn, of Gibbon; daughter, Elaine Smith of Holdrege; seven grandchildren, Jay Smith of Ogden, Utah, Randy Smith of Salt Lake City, Jeff Smith and his wife, Karen, of Holdrege, Kelly Cudaback and her husband, Darren, of Gibbon, Brian Ferguson and his wife, Lisa, of Springfield, Brent Ferguson and his wife, Colleen, of Minden, and Adam Ferguson of Gibbon; 16 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Alta Mae Groshong of Cambridge; sisters-in-law, Crystal Rodenbaugh of Lincoln and Verla Rodenbaugh of St. Louis; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Orval, and her parents, her son, Kenneth Ferguson; grandson, Eugene Ferguson; son-in-law, Allen Smith; siblings, Raymond Rodenbaugh and his wife, Helen, Ella Williams, Opal Molzahn and her husband, Kenneth, Don Rodenbaugh, Orin Rodenbaugh and MaryAnne Rodenbaugh as an infant; brothers-in-law, Dean Groshong and Dale Ferguson; and sister-in-law, Leora Milligan and her husband, Larry
Memorials: youth programs within the community
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2020
FITZGERALD, Warren, 86, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at his home
Graveside service: Riverside Cemetery near Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 19, 1933, in Gibbon
Parents: John and Grace (Wilson) Fitzgerald
Was raised in Gibbon, received his education from Gibbon High School; attended York College in York
Military: U.S. Army during the Korean War, honorable discharge in 1954
Married: June 19, 1955, to Juanita Nellie Brayton in Kearney
After marriage, lived in in Gibbon, farmed with his father on the family farm in Gibbon; was also a self-employed tax accountant and bookkeeper; in retirement years, raised catfish
Activities: was a 1972 candidate for the 3rd Congressional District of Nebraska; enjoyed playing the piano and was a member of the Gibbon American Legion Post 310
Survivors include: his son, Michael Fitzgerald of Texas; daughters, Patti Mack of Florida, Margaret Martindale of Gibbon and KD Roberts of California; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Patrick John Fitzgerald
Kearney Hub, 13 February 2020
GRECKEL, Allen L., 74, of Kearney died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at his home in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday, Feb. 22, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 7, 1945, in West Point
Parents: Kenneth and Leona (Hass) Greckel
Was baptized Sept. 23, 1945, and later confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in West Point; received his education at St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from West Point High School in 1963
Military: U.S. Army, served 18 months in the Vietnam War
Marriage: Sept. 7, 1968, to Mickey Lemke
Worked for the city of West Point for more than 30 years; later was employed at CHI Health Good Samaritan Fitness Center in Kearney; after the children were grown, moved to Yankton and Hot Springs, S.D., Reno, Nev., and back to Nebraska; lived in Kearney for the past 18 years
Activities: loved Husker football, hunting and fishing at his parents’ lake down the road and along the Elkhorn River; most of all, enjoyed time with family; grew an abundance of trees, garden vegetables, raised many animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors
Survivors include: his wife of 51 years, Mickey; his children, Mark (Lisa) Greckel of Kearney, and Jennifer (Paul) Kreikemeier of Axtell; his brother, Robert Greckel of Coppell, Texas; and grandchildren, Brandon Greckel, Jesse Kreikemeier, Romeo Rodela and Reina Hernandez
Was preceded in death by his parents and infant grandson, Jacob Kreikemeier
Kearney Hub, 19 February 2020
HABER, Wanda M., 74, of Leesburg, Florida, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Leesburg. Graveside services: Friday, March 20, 2020 at the Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 15, 1945
Parents: Rudolph and Myrna (Carmen) Axmann
Attended grade School at Dist. 55, later graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1960; graduated from Kearney State College with a B.A. in 1964
Taught schools in Fairfield, Spalding and Giltner, Nebr.; later moved to Grand Island where she experienced the 1980 tornadoes; worked for St. Francis hospital in Grand Island
Married: Robert Haber, October 20, 1984; they met through a dating club magazine
After marriage, moved to Redding, Connecticut
Purchased her parent's farm north of Riverdale, in 1987; worked at Head Start and later became a foster parent, then adopted Everett and Grant in 1993; worked at Morris Press in Kearney from 1996 until 2009; retired and moved to Florida to retire
Surviving relatives include her husband, Robert Haber of Leesburg, Florida; sons, Everett and Mandy Haber of Kearney, and Grant Haber of Leesburg; grandson, Kayden Haber; other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; Rudolph & Myrna Axmann
Kearney Hub, 18 March 2020
HALL, Jerry Duane, 77, of Ravenna died Thursday, March 5, 2020
Service: Monday, March 9, at Rasmussen Funeral Home in Ravenna
Born: September 5, 1942
Parents: DeVoe "Butch" and Zoreda Hall
Was raised in Ainsworth; worked diligently on the family farm; by the age of 12, was able to operate bulldozers and other heavy construction equipment at an expert level that continued throughout his life; was fascinated by mathematics, engineering, art and air flight
Married: 1961, to Sandra Sawyer of Ainsworth; was married 22 years; had three surviving children; Duane, Kristine (Grube), and Victoria
Worked as a surveyor for the U.S. Geological Service; gave flight lessons; developed his extraordinary artistic skills by creating accurate scale models of aircraft, construction equipment, and wildlife which led him to operate a hobby store for several years
Married: 1986, to Barbria Holley, with whom he developed his strong faith in the Lord
Activities: continued to build model airplanes and equipment for collectors, museums, and legal cases requiring exact replicas
At the time of his passing, had three grandchildren and was married to Barbria for 34 years
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2020 and www.rasmussenfh.com
HELMS, Charles E. Jr., 75, of Huxley, Iowa, died Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Taylor House in Des Moines
A celebration of life: April 26 at Ballard Country Club in Huxley
Mortuary: Soderstrum in Story City
Born: March 20, 1944, in Des Moines
Parents: Charles E. and Elsie M. (Carlson) Helms Sr.
Married: May 28, 1965, Patricia Duranski
After marriage, lived in Kearney, Neb.; moved to Ames, Iowa, in 1976 and then to Huxley in 1978
Worked as a district manager for Baldwin Filters for many years
Activities: volunteer fireman in Kearney, also officiated football in Nebraska; member of the Huxley Library Board and Elks Club; volunteered at the Drake Relays for many years helping with the discus and shot put, was on the chain crew at Ballard football games, and announced at high school softball games; loved going to his children’s high school sporting events
Survivors include his wife, Pat of Huxley; son, Chad Helms and his wife, Tanya, and her daughter, Kilah, and two grandchildren of Monroe; a daughter, Brandi Helms of Ankeny; grandson, Dylan; and a brother, Don (Susan) Helms of Sun City, Ariz.
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Taylor House, American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2020
HERRICK, Kathleen “Kathy” M., 71, of Kearney died Friday, March 13, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan
A gathering for family and friends: postponed until later at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: September 28, 1948 in Hays, Kansas
Parents: Celestine “Rudy” and Marcella (Rome) Ruder
Grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney Catholic High School in 1966; attended Kearney State College for two years
Married: Paul Herrick on November 29, 1969 in Kearney
Activities: Was a hardworking woman in anything she did; loved to walk her dog, spend time with her grandchildren, and play bingo
Survivors include: her husband Paul Herrick of Kearney; son, Jeremy “Rex” Herrick and his wife Jamie of Kearney; daughter, Paula Cowen of Kearney; brothers, Ron Ruder and wife Lucy of Kearney, Larenzo Ruder and wife Cid of Atlanta, GA; and six grandchildren
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 17 March 2020
KURZ, Yolande Mercedes, 91, of Silver Spring, Maryland, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Feb. 5, 2020, at her home in Silver Spring
Graveside service: Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring on Feb. 7
Born: born Dec. 27, 1928, in Nice France
Parents: Gabriel and Mercedes (Orsucci) Andreoli
Grew up in Nice, was the youngest of five children
Met Robert L. Kurz, an American GI stationed in Nice, 1945; corresponded with each other when he was transferred stateside; he proposed in 1950, and she traveled to the states
Married in 1945; first lived in Oakland, Calif.
Became an American citizen in 1963
Moved to Kearney, 1957; Robert worked at Rockwell Manufacturing Co. in its pipeline valve manufacturing plant
Activities: enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling; moved to Silver Spring, 2013, to be close to her son
Survivors include her son, John L. Kurz; partner, Mark Lambert, both of Washington, D.C.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband in 2003; her parents; two brothers; and two sisters
Kearney Hub, 12 February 2020
LAURSEN, The Rev. Harold James, 85, of Kearney died Monday, March 9, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Saturday at Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Inurnment: Spring Creek Cemetery near Ruskin
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 30, 1934, at the farm residence south of Ruskin
Parents: Chris and Tora (Goldbeck) Laursen
Was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ruskin; received the “call” to the ministry as a youth in that congregation; attended Prairie Home District 29 School through the eighth grade, graduated from Ruskin High School with the class of 1952; earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dana College in Blair in 1956, and Master of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1960
Was ordained into the ministry of the American Lutheran Church, in May 1960, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Ruskin
Married: Barbara Whiteside July 28, 1956, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Chicago; had three children together
Through the years, served parishes in Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado
Retired from the active ministry in 1997, moved to McCook and later to Kearney; spent the winter months in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas; continued to enjoy serving as interim and supply pastor in several congregations throughout Kansas, Nebraska and Texas
Activities: served on various boards and committees in the ALC and ELCA Synods and Conferences and in other helping organizations; always emphasized Christian life and the grace of Jesus Christ in his ministry; had great concern and love for his congregations; was a loving husband and father
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Laursen; children, Kathryn (Craig) Fulwider, Elizabeth (Jon) Laursen-Roesler and James (Rischa) Laursen; grandchildren, Megan (Justin) Alvis, Nick (Holley) Laursen, Marco Laursen, Matthew Laursen, Jeremiah Laursen, Julian (Liese) Laursen, Davina James, Tiana (Robert) Brown and Erica (Darrell) Yelder; great-grandchildren, Lilly and Olivia Alvis, Roudmaline and Roudly Roesler-Lundy, Robert Jr. and Brysen Davis, and Ellia Yelder; sister, Elizabeth Kaldahl; and nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Vernon Kaldahl; and sister-in-law, Ellen Crum
Memorials: Family of Christ Lutheran Church building fund or Oaks Indian Center
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2020
LIESINGER, Terry W., 76, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Good Samaritan Center — St. John’s in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Home
Born: April 25, 1943, in Kearney
Parents: Wilbur and Charolette (Shiers) Liesinger
Graduated from Gibbon High School in 1961
Married: Sandra Holstein in March 1963 in Kearney; had one son together; later divorced
Worked as an electrician for Walters Heiliger Electric and Kelly Electric in Kearney; later owned and operated T&J Electric in Kearney; also worked at Apple Market for a number of years and then Lewis Feedlot driving truck
Activities: enjoyed fishing at Harlan County Lake, watching sports, especially Husker football, and duck hunting
Survivors include his brother, Mark Liesinger and wife Lisa of Kearney; sisters, Deb Vavra and husband Mick of Kearney, Cheyrl Beck and husband Terry of Branson, Mo.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents and son Scott Liesinger
Memorials are suggested to Make-A-Wish Foundation and AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 13 March 2020
LIND, Robyn Rea, 60, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, as the result from an automobile accident near Toronto, S.D.
Memorial service: Saturday, March 7, at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: March 9, 1959, in Cozad
Parents: Rex Robison Sr. and Norma (Wing) Robison
Grew up in Cozad, graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1977; attended Kearney State College
Worked as a substitute teacher for Kearney Public Schools for over 25 years; was well known by all Bearcat fans, and could be found at the admission stand for as many athletic events as her school schedule allowed; was an ardent fan of every sport, but was an enthusiastic Husker and Washington Capitals fan
Survivors include: her children, Laura Lind of Hawaii, David Lind and his wife, Jill, of South Dakota and Joanna Lind of Kearney; grandchildren, Emma and Kora Lind of South Dakota and Tristan and Bridget Lind of Kearney; siblings, Rex Robison Jr. of Columbus, Rita Robison of Alexandria, Va., Rick Robison and his wife, Victoria, of Rochester, Minn., and Renay Robison-Scheer and her husband, Kendall, of Omaha; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her son, Matt Lind
Memorials: Kearney Public School Foundation to be used for scholarships
Kearney Hub, 4 March 2020
MERRIFIELD, Elizabeth Ann “Libby”, 61, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Monday at St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 19, 1958, in Kearney
Parents: Howard and Betty (Whitney) Connell
Was raised in Kearney; received her education from Kearney High School and Kearney Catholic High School, graduated in 1976
Married: Sept. 5, 1988, to Pat Merrifield in Kearney
Worked alongside her parents running Grandpa’s Steakhouse in Kearney and upon Bud and Betty’s death maintained ownership of Grandpa’s until its closure in 2013
Activities: in her youth, participated in 4-H showing her horses, participated as a Junior Olympic diver and enjoyed drag racing her Mustang; was a board member and president of the Nebraska Restaurant Association, and campaigned for Sens. Jim Exon, Ben Nelson, Bob Kerrey and Mike Johanns; enjoyed numerous crafty hobbies from floral arranging to helping her daughter with art fairs; enjoyed traveling with her family, especially to South Dakota and the desert Southwest and riding the Harley with her husband; will be remembered for her legendary Fourth of July and Halloween parties
Survivors include her husband, Pat Merrifield of Kearney; daughter, Kristen Brown and husband Jeremy of Lincoln; son, Keyton Merrifield of Kearney; grandson, Lawkryn Merrifield; brother, James Connell and wife Laura Connell of Tucson, Ariz.; and numerous friends and family
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Kearney Catholic High School Foundation for the Bud and Betty Connell and Libby Merrifield Scholarship
Kearney Hub, 13 March 2020
METHE, Michael Dean, 58, of Springdale, Arkansas, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark.
Burial: Friday, September 10, 2021, Kearney, Nebraska
Mortuary: Westfield Chapel in Springdale
Born: Dec. 9, 1961, in Kearney
Parents: Armond “Frenchie” and Evelyn Methe
Survivors include his fiancée of eight years, Gloria Pritchett of Springdale; stepchildren, Josh Brown, JaErin Fiel and Jandi Clem; sister, Evan Kell of Medford, Ore.; brother, Vernon Beavers of Elm Creek, Neb.; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2020 and 9 September 2021
MORROW, Gordon Stanley, 82, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation in Kearney
Service: Saturday Feb. 15, at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 2, 1937, in Kearney
Parents: Carroll and Hazel (Panek) Morrow
Married: Aug. 21, 1965, to Mary Jo McCune
Attended A.O. Thomas and Whittier Elementary, Kearney Junior High; graduated from Longfellow (now Kearney) High School in 1955, participated on the football team, played trombone in the band, and sang in the choir and madrigals; attended Kearney State College, participated in choraleers and was a member of the Phi Tau Gamma Fraternity; transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, member of Phi Gamma Delta and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1959
Returned to Kearney, joined his father working at Kearney Land & Mortgage Co.; later the name of the business became Morrow Insurance & Real Estate
Activities: was active in the community; was a member and president of Kearney Jaycees; charter member and president of the Dobytown Kiwanis, coordinated their Salvation Army bell ringers schedule, worked many hours in the Harvey Park concession stand, and received the International Foundation’s highest honor, the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award; member and chairman of the Kearney Salvation Army Board; member of the 1733 Barbershop Chorus; member of the Elks Club; baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church where he was a charter member of the men’s breakfast Bible study, served as session member and Sunday school superintendent, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir; sang in the Faith United Methodist Church choir; participated in the annual Goodfellows campaign; member of the Buffalo County Board of Realtors; served on the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Sport and Recreation Committee; president and campaign chair of the Kearney United Way; volunteer at The Archway; president of the Kearney High School Band Parents; a Boy Scout where he achieved the rank of Life Scout and attended the Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pa.; volunteered as an adult leader in Cub and Boy Scouts where he assisted his sons in earning their Eagle Scout awards; coached Little League baseball teams; assisted with the Kearney Jaycees and Legion baseball programs; with two other community members helped to establish the Kearney Blue Jays (now Five Points Juniors) baseball program; in his early days was a pilot; an avid KHS and KSC/University of Nebraska at Kearney sports fan; a cutthroat bridge player; enjoyed coffee at Sehnert’s Bakery, Target, Valentino’s, Hardee’s, and Daylight Donuts
Survivors include: his wife of 54 years, Mary Jo Morrow; sons, J. Ritchie Morrow, his wife Amber, and their child James, and Rob Morrow and his wife Patti, and their children Jacob, Justin, and Jessica, all of Omaha; daughter, Kathy Morrow of Kearney; brothers, John Morrow and his wife, Delphine, of Reno, Nev., and Thomas Morrow and his wife, Heather, of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; sister, Janet Morrow of Anchorage, Alaska.; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and a niece
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church, Mount Carmel Home or the Kearney Salvation Army
Kearney Hub, 13 February 2020
NELSON, Jerry Joe, 78, of Kearney and a longtime resident of North Platte, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Kearney
Celebration of life: originally scheduled for March 21 at the First United Presbyterian Church in North Platte; postponed until Aug. 8, 2021
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 21, 1941, in Bridgeport
Parents: Robert and Alby (Kubes) Nelson
Grew up with five brothers on his parents' farm southwest of Bridgeport; attended Bridgeport High School
Married: June 23, 1962, to Linda Lee Miller,his high school sweetheart; celebrated 57 years of marriage last June
After marriage, attended Colorado State University together in Fort Collins and graduated in 1964
After graduation, moved to Oakland, Nebr., taught vocational agriculture for a year; joined Allied Chemical Company, 1965, as a fertilizer salesperson, was transferred to North Platte, in 1968
Military: U.S Army Reserve
Began his career in residential real estate in North Platte in 1971; after 1981, worked for several agricultural companies in retail, wholesale fertilizer and ag chemical sales, logged more than 3 million miles in Nebraska, Kansas and western Colorado as an ag chemical sales representative throughout his career; retired from American Cyanamid (BASF) in 2000 and returned to residential and part time ag real estate sales until 2012 when health issues forced him to retire again
Activities: in North Platte, attended First United Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, served as session officer and deacon; active member of the Optimist Club for many years, attaining Lt. Governor status; spent summers camping and boating at Lake McConaughy in Ogallala and traveling to various activities throughout the school year; enjoyed traveling, hunting and canoe trips with his family and friends; in retirement, moved to Kearney; traveled frequently and especially enjoyed trips in their RV to Yellowstone and the Tetons
Survivors include: his wife, Linda; two daughters and two granddaughters, Jodi and Taryn Geiger of Omaha, and Kristi and McKenna Baer of Kearney; brother Ward Nelson and his wife, Barb of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters-in-law Gloria (Don) Nelson of Yuma, Ariz., and Arleen (Bart) Nelson of Greeley, Colo,; Linda’s brother and sister, Dr. Gaylen and Mimi Miller of Longmont, Colo., and Cheryl and Gary Van Ostrand of Tallahassee, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alby, and four brothers, Roger, Donald, “Coly” and Barton Nelson
Kearney Hub, 16 March 2020 and 25 July 2021
OLIVER, Roger Dennis, 76, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at Faith United Methodist Church; military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 22, 1943, in Glendale, Calif.
Parents: Merton and Blanche (Roberts) Oliver
After World War II, moved home to rural Shelton; attended District 8 and town school in Shelton through 1957; family quit farming, moved back to California, Roger finished high school there
Military: United States Air Force in May 1960-Febr. 1964; served in San Antonio, Biloxi, Miss., and at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C.
Worked at 3M Company in 1964, then began his career at GTE in January 1965; while at GTE, earned a BSAS degree from Pepperdine University in March 1976 and an MBA in January 1977; continued at GTE until 1985, suffered from a heart attack and went on inactive employment until November 2001; retired as district manager with 36 years of service; in 1989, started a small construction business in Kearney doing remodeling and building additions
Married: Brenda York on May 23, 1992, in Kearney; designed and built a home for his wife and himself with the help of his wife, son and a few close friends, completed in 1996; then retired for health reasons
Activities: as a young man, enjoyed water sports, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, golf and canning; loved his lord and savior Jesus Christ, his wife, his family and many friends
Survivors include his wife, Brenda (York) Oliver; two sons, Roger Oliver II and his fiancé Devon Lewis of Kearney, and James Oliver of California; two daughters, Kimberley Hadwiger of Florida and Karen Salinas and her husband Hector of California; three stepchildren, Sue Liveringhouse and her husband Kalin of Kearney, Jeff York and Ted York, both of Texas; sister, Becky Hock and her husband Bryon of Bertrand; brother, Greg Oliver of Texas; sister-in-law, Lana Oliver of Oregon; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Oliver
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 29 February 2020
OLSON, Wayne E., 78, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at his home
Funeral service: Tuesday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 2, 1941, in Minden
Parents: Oren and Leona (Stierly) Olson
Attended Kearney High School, graduated with the class of 1958; briefly attended Kearney State College
Moved to Denver, 1959; worked various jobs including unloading railcars of bagged pinto beans by hand and was paid by the carload; later worked for the Martin Marietta Co. on the eastern Colorado missile silo projects; in the winter of 1961-62, returned to Kearney, took over the Conoco service station at the corner of 25th and First as an independent owner operator for Continental Oil Co.; later take over the jobber ship delivering the bulk fuel and oil products to local municipalities, service stations, and industrial and manufacturer customers, and in 1974, became owner-operator of the jobber ship; this was the beginning of Olson Oil Co. Inc. that Wayne operated for more than 30 years
Activities: longtime member of the Kearney B.P.O.E., Kearney Eagles Club and the Nebraska Firefighters Museum Board; served with the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department from 1963 to 1978, retiring as captain; became active on the reserve company for the fire department, 1998, and continued that service until his death; also served as civil service commissioner for 40 years, serving both the fire department and the Kearney Police Department; was also on the boards of the American Red Cross, Platte Valley State Bank and Circle C Board; was state brand chairman for Conoco, National Board Conoco Advisory Council for Jobbers and the Paul Harris Fellow Rotary International; was awarded the Kearney Hub’s 2014 Humanitarian Award; enjoyed fishing and restoring KVFD fire equipment and collectibles; was instrumental in establishing the local food pantry which provides food for as many as 200 families a week; loved to hunt and fish; enjoyed going to his grandkids’ sporting events and church with them each week
Survivors include his children: Christine Olson of Kearney, Gregory (Shannon) Olson of Ragan, Troy Olson of Provo, Utah, Tiffani (David) Olson of Kearney and Shane (Becky) Olson of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Jarod, Bridger, Chamonix, Ethan (Sara), JJ (Colby), Sarah (Tony), Hope (Reece), Grace, Macy, Dawson and Camdyn; great-grandchildren, Jarod, Ariana, Talyn, Taytem, Hudson, Kara, Logan and Ella Mae; and three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Don Olson of Dubois, Wyo.; as well as numerous extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Kearney First UMC Food Pantry or the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 6 March 2020
PATTON, Kristopher M., 40, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, at his home in Kearney
Visitation: Saturday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Born: Nov. 7, 1979, in Dell City, Texas
Survivors include his mother, Linda Hood of El Paso, Texas; and sister, Alisa Grimes of Ravenna
Kearney Hub, 25 February 2020
PFLASTER, Kathleen E., 79, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, in Kearney
Service: Thursday at the Eddyville Community Center
Interment: Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: Aug. 5, 1940, in rural Ord
Parents: Otto and Esther Mary (Hankie) Graul
Grew up on a farm southwest of Ord, graduated from Ord High School with the class of 1958
Married: Robert Bower in April 1958 in Ord; had five children together; later divorced
Moved to Kearney, 1968
Married: Dwayne Pflaster on April 17, 1970, in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Eddyville; opened her arms to Dwayne's four
With Dwayne, owned and operated the Eddyville Café and Bar for many years; then worked at Plectron in Overton, then spent 24 years working in Cozad at Monroe Tenneco Automotive before retiring
Activities: loved dancing with Dwayne throughout the years; was a very talented piano player and enjoyed watching old westerns; enjoyed tending her garden and canning; active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Eddyville; member of the Eddyville Women’s American Legion Auxiliary
Survivors include her children, Buddy R. Bower of Arcadia, Connie E. Freeman of Austin, Colo., Bonnie S. (Mike) McCrary and Donnie L. Bower, all of Casper, Wyo., J. Joe (Michelle) Bower, Terrie E. (Steve) Maloley, all of Kearney, Carrie I. Polak of Omaha and Scott H. (Monica) of San Clemente, Calif.; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ellen E. (Eugene) Paist of Kearney and nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwayne in 2013; daughter, Debra Lynn; an infant son; and daughter-in-law, Jeanette Bower
Memorials: Grace United Methodist Church, Eddyville Community or Eddyville Women’s American Legion Auxiliary
Kearney Hub, 18 February 2020
REEDER, Raymond, 90, of Shelton died Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel Funeral Home
Born: Nov. 2, 1929, in Wood River
Parents: Edward and Augusta (Boltz) Reeder
Received his education at Shelton Public Schools
Worked for Gene Schutz Furniture, then opened his own business, Reeder Paint and Floor, in 1963; proudly supported the community until his retirement in 1995
Married: Carleen, March 22, 1953; had three sons together
After marriage, lived in Shelton for 66 years; moved to Cambridge Court Assisted Living in Kearney, in January 2020; would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on March 22
Military: served in the National Guard
Activities: longtime member of the Shelton Fire Department; was known at the Mayytag Man; loved gardening and sharing his bounty of vegetables with his family, friends and neighbors; enjoyed fishing and hunting for mushrooms with his grandkids; was a happy man and never met a stranger
Survivors include his wife, Carleen of Kearney, sons, Brian (Jo) of Shelton, Kirk (DeAnna) of Kearney and Greg (Jessica) of Lincoln; grandchildren, Trevor Reeder of Shelton, Jessi Reeder of Shelton, Kristine (Josh) Silvers of Kearney and Kory Reeder of Denton, Texas; great-granddaughter, Halsey Ann Silvers; brothers, Gerald Reeder and Vermoyn Reeder; sisters, Louise Reeder and Darlene Dieken; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Leland; and sisters, Glendora Maynard and Margie Borgmann
Memorials: Shelton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2020
RIEKS, Lila Jean, 86, of Gibbon, died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at her home
Service and inurnment: Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Iowa Falls, Iowa, at a later date
Mortuary: Apfel
Born: April 12, 1933 at home on the farm north of Williams, Iowa
Parents: Thomas and Edna Everman
Attended rural schools until eighth grade, graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1950
Worked in several administrative capacities but loved her work as a dental assistant most of all
Activities: was an avid quilter, rose gardener and traveler; was particularly interested in helping individuals with disabilities; member of the Arc of Buffalo County as well as the Gibbon Faith United Methodist Church and the church sewing group
Survivors include: her son, Robert (Laurie) Rieks of Naples, Fla.; daughter, Linda (Thomas) Mercer of Gibbon; brothers, Dale Everman of Naples, Fla. and Allen (Jo Ann) Everman of Stewartville, Minn.; brother-in-law, Ron Peyton of Hampton, Iowa; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Rieks; parents, Thomas and Edna Everman; sisters, Ruth Armstrong and Helen Peyton; and sister-in-law, Judy Everman
Memorials: Arc of Buffalo County in Kearney or the Gibbon Faith United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 22 February 2020
SCAMEHORN, Mary Esther, 96, of Kearney, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, military honors
Born: Oct. 15, 1923, in Livingston County, Illinois
Parents: John and Teresa (Smith) Weber
Grew up on a farm near Saunemin, Ill., with her brothers Glen, Virgil and Harold; in high school, excelled in 4-H; graduated from Saunemin High School, then attended college at Illinois State Normal, studying home economics
Military: proudly served in the United States Navy in the WAVES during World War II; was a pharmacist Mate and was awarded a World War II Victory Medal; later served in the U.S. Naval Reserve
Moved to Nebraska, earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and later completed her master’s degree at Kearney State College
Married: Nov. 22, 1952, to Denver Scamehorn in Cullom, Illinois; were married for nearly 45 years until his death in 1997
After marriage, lived in York; moved to Lexington, 1972, and later to Elwood
Worked many years as an educator (including economics, general science and GED instruction), and a volleyball coach, and a food and equipment demonstrator for a gas company
In retirement, became an avid traveler, participated in numerous trips around the country with the Elderhostel program as she enjoyed continuing her own education; also traveled frequently with family and friends; was very active with the local Flatwater WAVES and with the National WAVES Organization
Moved to Kearney in 1998; volunteered in the Kearney community and participated in activities at the Peterson Senior Center; enjoyed time with her granddaughters; was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include: her children, John Scamehorn of Norman, Okla., Dan (Karin) Scamehorn of Kearney and Teresa Scamehorn of Norman, Okla.; grandchildren, Sarah and Laura Scamehorn and great-grandchildren, Ava and Olivia, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Glen, Harold and Virgil Weber; and her husband, Denver Scamehorn
Memorials: Good Samaritan Society Prairie View Gardens Staff Crisis Fund
Kearney Hub, 15 February 2020
SCHNACKER, Mary Ann, 77, of Lexington died Thursday, March 5, 2020, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Friday, March 13, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery at Lexington
Mortuary: Reynolds-Love in Lexington
Born: November 23, 1942 in Trenton
Parents: Wesley I. and Edna L. (Frakes) Fuqua
Moved with her family different places in central, Nebraska, but ended up in Lexington in 1957; graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1961
Married: August 31, 1963, to Richard Schnacker; later divorced
Worked as bookkeeper at Joe’s Tavern, later known as Schnacker’s Country, and then was employed by Tri-County Hospital in Lexington as the purchasing Agent for twenty-eight years
Activities: member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington; enjoyed growing plants and flowers, bowling, needle point, sewing, playing Bingo, and crossword puzzles; greatest joy was her family, attending the son’s sporting events and later spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include two sons: Rick and wife Angie of Humboldt, Nebraska , Rex and wife Tammy of Lexington, one sister; Rosie Griess of Spokane, Washington, Six grandchildren: Stacia Schnacker, Kalyn Schnacker, Sonja (Kyle) Davis, Emily Schnacker, Kali (Blaken) Zamudio and Aric Schnacker, ten great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter
Was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Harry and one sister Betty Wonderly
Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2020 and reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
SEALING, Gaylord, 78, of Shelton died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Monday at the Shelton United Methodist Church
Inurnment: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Dec. 30, 1941, in Shelton
Parents: Charles and Adina (Stearley) Sealing
Was raised in rural Shelton, received his education from Shelton High School; studied at Southeast Community College in Milford
Was a talented mechanic and had the ability to think outside of the box with everyday problems
Survivors include: his wife of 28 years, Helga Sealing of Shelton; son, Gaylord Scott Fines and wife Susan of Escondido, Calif.; daughter, Patricia Case of Gibbon; grandchildren, Michael Fines and Amy Fines, Katrina Case and Treston Case; great-grandchildren, Brooke Fines and Jay Case; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arnold and Raymond Sealing; and sisters, Charlene Johrde, Eula Gray and Margaret Triplett
Kearney Hub, 12 February 2020
SKRDLANT, Marcia, 89, of Gibbon died Friday, March 6, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney after a brief illness with cancer
Memorial service: Tuesday at Gibbon Baptist Church
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: in rural Adams County on March 31, 1930, to Milton and Ella Gangwish
Lived briefly in Hayes County, moved to Gibbon in 1943; graduated from Gibbon High School in 1947; attended the University of Minnesota and spent two summers traveling with a gospel evangelical group
Taught third grade in St. Louis
Married: Harold B. Skrdlant, 1965
while teaching third grade in St. Louis. Was a teacher, had a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; also worked at Country Home Learning Center in San Antonio as an executive director for six day care locations in San Antonio and Austin; after Harold's retirement, moved to Gibbon to be closer to family
Activities: loved to sing and loved music, she loved to read; loved her Gibbon Baptist Church home, volunteered with the children with Awana and taught Sunday school; wanted to be a missionary; once had a pilot’s license and used to fly her family places based on her husband’s doctorate work; was a prayer warrior, a peace keeper, a lover of people and of God
Survivors include her husband, Harold; son, Jeffrey K. Skrdlant (Kathy Skrdlant) of Sherwood, Ark.; four grandchildren, Katriel Ione Skrdlant of Gibbon, Nick Parks of Sherwood, Ark., Nora Elizabeth Skrdlant and Keith Aaron Skrdlant, both of Jacksonville, Ark.; sister, Fauna Fay Gardener of Mountain City, Tenn.; brothers, Cliff (Francey) Gangwish of Gibbon, Nick Gangwish of Denver and Alex (Eulah) Gangwish of Kearney; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Was preceded in death by her daughter, Katherine Skrdlant; parents; brother-in-law, Clark Gardner; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Gangwish
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2020
STEINKE, Karen Suzette (Spencer), 68, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney due to cancer
Service: Sat., Feb. 15, at the McCook Memorial United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Herrmann Jones of McCook
Born: in Palisade on July 7, 1951
Parents: Russel B. and Lavonna (Henze) Spencer
Married: April 3, 1971, James E. Steinke of McCook
Survivors include her husband, Jim of Kearney; daughters, Jennifer Pietrzak of Hartville, South Carolina, and Keri Waddle of Gibbon, Neb.; brother, Craig Spencer of McCook; and 5 grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 15 February 2020
THUNBERG, Douglas M., 68, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in Colorado Springs
Memorial service: March 14 at Sunnyside Christian Church in Colorado Springs
Born: Sept. 20, 1951, in Kearney, Neb.
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1969 and from the University of Nebraska
Worked at the Nebraska Department of Roads in Lincoln in the materials research chemistry lab until his tragic bicycle accident in 1980 that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Despite the physical difficulties caused by his TBI, continued to participate in community activities, painting and outdoor adventures for the disabled; remained a strong, friendly, resilient and deeply faithful servant to the Lord to the end
Survivors include: his brother, Larry (Deborah) Thunberg; sister, Lisa (Troy) Rice; and niece, Sophie Thunberg
Was preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Lynn (Griffis) Thunberg
Memorials: Sunnyside Christian Church
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2020
VASQUEZ, Raul O., 77, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Service: Friday, March 13, at St. James Catholic Church, military honors
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 27, 1943, in Pearsall, Texas
Parents: Francisco and Isabel (Ortiz) Vasquez
Married: Gloria Patlan, on Dec. 13, 1959, in Elmhurst, Ill.; were married 60 years
Military: proudly served in the U.S. Army; his sons and grandsons also served in the Armed Forces
Was a sergeant in the Kearney Police Department
Activities: member of St. James Catholic Church; favorite hobby was cars; could take a car apart and put it back together; enjoyed racing at Kearney Dragway
Survivors include: his wife, Gloria Vasquez of Kearney; daughters, Nora and Daniel Lenz of Eagle and Annelle and Dale Rowedder of Kearney; son, Roy Vasquez of Kearney; brothers, Frank and Patricia Vasquez of Kearney and Louie Vasquez of Papillion; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Toni and Bart Willnerd of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., and their children Brodi, Chase, Bell and Colin; Lane Hinn of Eagle and his children Aalyiah and Elijah; Whitney Hinn of Omaha; Uriah Lenz of Honolulu, Hawaii; Indra Rowedder; Alaric Rowedder; Aubrey Vasquez; Joe Vasquez; Erica and Pedro Martinez and their children Carlos, Christian, Thalia and Adriana, all of Kearney; Jonathon Vasquez and Jillian Komskis of Charlotte, N.C.; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gilbert, Robert, David and Dean Vasquez; son, Nicholas Vasquez; nephews, Gerald and Gus Vasquez Jr.; and an uncle, Domingo Ortiz
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2020
WAGNER, Virgil Dale, 93, of Kearney died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney
Service: Feb. 18 at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege
Interment: Oxford Cemetery with military honors
Born: March 17, 1926, in Glen Elder, Kan.
Parents: William and Eva (Coe) Wagner
Married: Sept. 1, 1947, to Betty Jean Quinn in Oxford; she died on Dec. 25, 1984
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Schukar of Loomis; four grandsons; and 11 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 11 February 2020
WHEAT, Marilyn R., 77, of Kearney died Monday, March 2, 2020, at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney
Service: Saturday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 2, 1943, in Wichita, Kan.
Parents: Urban and Pauline (Barger) Steinke
Grew up in Wichita, graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1961; graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1964
Maintained her nursing license for 30 years and in that time worked at the University of Nebraska Health Center, Bryan Memorial and St. Elizabeth’s hospitals in Lincoln, the Jefferson Community Hospital in Fairbury and the Kearny County Hospital and the Family Health Center in Lakin, Kan.
Married: Jon Wheat, on Aug. 24, 1963, in Wichita
Jon finished dental school in 1968; then lived in Lakin; Marilyn was active in the community for 40 years nursing, volunteering and raising their five children; moved to Kearney, 2013, to be closer to grandchildren and family
Activities: enjoyed golfing, skiing, biking and hiking; enjoyed traveling to more than six countries, and spending time at her home in the mountains of Colorado; treasured her six grandchildren and great-granddaughter; lived her faith by leading with strength, forgiving graciously, persevering in adversity and generously loving those around her; passed away on hr birthday
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Jon Wheat of Kearney; daughters, Kristin Trotter and husband Michael of Windham, N.H., Jamie Lewis and husband Matt of Kearney, Regan Wheat and Paolo Parisi of Florence, Italy; sons, Michael Wheat of Phoenix and Nate Wheat and wife Angie of Omaha; grandchildren, Tanner Jon Kinsey and wife Amanda, Betsey Rose Lewis and Samuel Lewis, Maya Wheat and Layla Wheat; a great-granddaughter, Reese Rose; and sister, Susan Farmer and her husband, Mike, of Plymouth, Minn.
Wwas preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter Peyton Elizabeth Wheat
Kearney Hub, 5 March 2020
WILLEY, Wade W., 58, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: in Scottsbluff on Sept. 1, 1961, the first of five boys
Grew up near Chimney Rock, enjoyed racing horses and repairing cars and farm equipment; was an animal lover; enjoyed fishing; had never seen the ocean until The Dream Foundation made that happen in December, had the time of his life driving a speed boat at top speed and catching fish on the open water at daybreak
Survivors include: his wife, Suzy Willey of Kearney; daughter, Hannah Willey of Palatine, Ill.; son by choice, Jeremy Hasbrouck and family of Kearney; brothers, Boyd Willey of Bayard, Shawn Willey and wife, Brenda, of Gering, Eric Willey and Laurie of Bayard, and Justin Willey and wife, Jill, of Sterling, Colo.; aunts and uncles, Evelyn VanCamp of Lancaster, Ohio, Gerald and Betty Parriott of Scottsbluff and Kenneth and Jo Parriott of Bayard; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews
Memorials: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Dream Foundation
Kearney Hub, 27 February 2020
WILLIAMS, Todd N., 65, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in Tucson after a lengthy illness
Memorial service: Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Fellowship Bible Church in Tucson
Born: in Arapahoe, Neb., on March 10, 1954
Parents: Bede F. and Marie (Bratt) Williams
Was the youngest of eight children
Moved with his family to Kearney, 1961; parents built, owned and operated Unimart Thrift Center, now Family Fresh Market; attended St. James Elementary, Kearney Catholic High and Kearney High, graduating in 1972
Relocated to Tucson
Married: Christina (Tina) Quiroga in 1982; were married 30 years and had three sons
Started a construction business specializing in finish carpentry, home and commercial remodeling, and stained-glass artwork; custom designed and built their family home
Survivors include: his ex-wife; son, Colin of Tucson; son, Ryan and wife Jamie and their daughter Annaliese of Aurora, Colo.; and son, Sam and wife Lizzy of Las Vegas; sister, Suzanne and husband William Ward of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brother, Gregory and wife Nancy of Sedona, Ariz.; as well as many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, two infant siblings and older siblings Ron, Janet and Hugh
Memorials: Fellowship Bible Church in Tucson
Kearney Hub, 25 February 2020