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ANDERSON, Betty June, 81, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial
Funeral service: Friday at the First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 30, 1939, in Lincoln
Parents: Jay and June (Barber) Kerwood
Was raised in Beaver Crossing and Kearney, later moved to Lincoln with her family
Married: 1957, to Jim Williams and raised her family
Married: April 2007, to K’Don Anderson
Moved back to Kearney and spent the rest of her time there
Activities: had a love of God, family, friends and lived her life that way
Survivors include her husband, K’Don Anderson of Kearney; two daughters, Kimberly (Kevin) Barnette of Saucier, Mississippi, and Kristel (Jon) Wischmann of Valparaiso; son-in-law, Ferrin McNeese of Lincoln; stepson, David Anderson of Alma; grandchildren, Kevin, Kellie, Ashley, Britny, Timothy, Asa, Tristan and Daniel; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley (Galen) Ashcroft of Lincoln; brother, Larry Kerwood of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Korrine McNeese
Memorials: First Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2020
BADURA, Linda, 69, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral mass: Wednesday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery. Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Aug. 25, 1951, in Loup City
Parents: Leonard and Ruby (Krewald) Czaplewski
Graduated from Loup City Central Catholic High School in 1969; graduated from Grand Island School of Cosmetology in 1970
Married: Philip Badura on July 25, 1970, in Loup City
Had her own beauty shop in a nursing home in Grand Island for two years, then began and ran her own licensed day care for 46 years; able to be at home and raise their three children
Activities: loved the outdoors, long walking, hunting, fishing and kayaking; most of all she loved kids; was blessed to have so many wonderful families in her life while doing day care
Survivors include her husband, Philip Badura of Kearney; her children, Jason Badura and wife Judy, and their daughter Emily all of Rapid City, South Dakota, Toby Badura and wife, Laurel, and their children, Tanner and Natalie Badura, all of Kearney, and Robin Vahle and husband, Mark and their daughter, Addyson Vahle, all of North Platte; her siblings, Shirley Scarrow, Steve Czaplewski, Marty Czaplewski, Kathy Sweeney and Mike Czaplewski
Memorials: Mount Carmel Keens Memorial Home or Tabitha Hospice of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 31 October 2020
BUNGER, Verdella Kathryn, age 86 of Kearney, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Service: Friday at the Kearney Seventh-day Adventist Church
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 14, 1934, in Onaka, South Dakota
Parens: Jake and Katie (Bieber) Stotz
Joined her 6-year-old brother Clifford, four years later her sister Shirley was born; graduated from Plainview Acadamy in Redfield, South Dakota, in 1951; obtained her teaching certificate and taught in a one-room school house for a couple of years
Married: Arlen Helm on Jan. 31, 1954, in Chicago; had two sons, Jerry and Dean; moved to Kearney in 1966, worked at the Boys Training School for several years; divorce in 1967
Married LeRoy Bunger on Dec. 8, 1968, in Upland; LeRoy had two children, Craig and Deb; Angela was born in 1972
Was a homemake; sold Avon for many years
Activities: was the treasurer for WCTU for many years and attended many of their conventions across the country; was on the board of directors for Mother Hull Home; dedicated member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, held various positions in the church during the years; loved everyone, especially children
Survivors include her sons, Jerry and Barb Helm of Olathe, Kansas, and Dean and Sue Helm of Loveland, Colorado; daughter, Angela and Roger Bontz of Kearney; stepson, Craig Bunger and girlfriend Deb Paben of Kearney; stepdaughter, Deb and Ron Greuter of Upland; brother, Clifford and Roberta Stotz of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; sister, Shirley Duley of Anson, Maine; nephew, Craig Duley; nieces, Sondra Bartels and Shari Goulette; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; as well as many relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother-in-law, Keith Duley
Memorials: Kearney Seventh-day Adventist Church or to Mother Hull Home
Kearney Hub, 21 October 2020
CAMPBELL, June Marie, 92, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society - St. John’s in Kearney
Cremation was chosen
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 26, 1928, in Wayne
Parents: John Isaac Dawson and Grace Ellen (Pfund) Dawson
Grew up and attended high school in Wayne; studied journalism at Wayne State Teachers College and graduated with an education major
Married: Jack L. Campbell in 1949
Moved from Lincoln to Kearney in 1962, Jack joined the teaching staff at then-Kearney State College, eventually became a department head and professor of education
Activities: was active in the League of Women Voters, bridge clubs, the Red Cross and Kiwanis; competed in local bowling leagues and once attended the USBC Women's Championships with her team; volunteered many hours working in the Good Samaritan Hospital gift shop, contributed her bookkeeping skills; in later years, enjoyed traveling, whale-watching, visiting Ireland, touring Alaska's Inside Passage aboard a converted tugboat, ventured aloft in a hot air balloon in Kenya and attended her daughter Jodi's wedding in La Adrada, Spain; enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles
Survivors include a sister, Mildred Titgemeyer of Andover, Ohio; children, Kenneth (Susan Ballenger) Campbell of Sacramento, California, Cheryl (Tom) Wiensch of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Chuck (Gwen) Campbell, full-time RVers living in Nebraska and Texas; Patty (Dan) Scarborough of Geneva, Michael (Laura) Campbell of Omaha, and Jodi (Juan Carlos) Sola of Fort Worth, Texas; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and bridge partners
Was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, in 1997 and by three sisters and three brothers
Memorials: Dr. Jack Campbell Memorial Scholarship for Special Education at UNK
Kearney Hub, 20 November 2020
CAVANESS, Sister Dorothy, 96, of the Holy Family died Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Private funeral mass: Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Oct. 18, 1924, in Eunice, Louisiana
Parents: Joseph and Hazel (Richard) DeVille
Had three careers: wife and mother, educator and religious; entered the religious order of Corpus Christi Carmelites as a widow; made her final profession in Trinidad in 1989 at age 65
Served God in the Caribbean, Africa, South America and in Kearney at Mount Carmel Home; was principal of St Joseph’s School in Sinoe, Liberia, West Africa, worked in parish administration in Grenada, Dominica and Antigua, was Novice Directress in Trinidad, and worked in the women’s hostel in Jamestown Guyana before returning to Kearney; never said “no” to the Lord but accepted willingly every assignment given her and always tried to give her best; was always grateful for the privilege to wear the holy habit of Carmel
Survivors include: two daughters, D.C. Cavaness Dunham (Dave), and Joel Cavaness Sellers (Gerard); seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Walton Cavaness; and her two sons, J.H. Cavaness and Roger W. Cavaness
Memorials: Corpus Christi Carmelites
Kearney Hub, 4 November 2020
DICKEY, Stephanie Sue (Bigg), 53, of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with illness
Celebration of life service: later
Born: Nov. 27, 1966, in Lincoln
Parents: Stan and Susan Bigg
Graduated from Kearney High School, attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, and UNK in Kearney, majored in communications and business
Worked as a sales manager for Pioneer Balloons, managed stores for the Limited and Warner Bros. in Omaha; returned to Kearney, worked for Horizon Designs Inc. first as sales manager and later becoming vice president of sales and product development
Married: Alan Dickey 2002
After marriage, lived in Houston, moved to Abu Dhabi in 2016; had two daughters together
Activities: was a fun-loving creative woman who loved life, had a contagious smile; cherished her family and friends and loved making and meeting new friends wherever she went; enjoyed golf, traveling and spending time with friends and family, especially daughters Rebekah and Hayley
Survivors include her loving husband, Alan; daughters, Rebekah and Hayley; mother, Susan Bigg; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins; and extended family all over the world
Was preceded in death by her father, Stanley D. Bigg; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sheri and Robert Dickey; and grandparents, two aunts and two cousins
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church or the Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska
Kearney Hub,17 November 2020
FISCHER, Dorothy Louise Heiden, 91, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Gretna
Service: later
Mortuary: Roeder Mortuary Inc. - Gretna Chapel
Born: Gaylord, Kansas, on Oct. 4, 1929
Parents: Charlie and Elda (Winkelmann) Heiden
Was the third child and only girl in her family; while in sixth grade, moved with her family to Nebraska, settled in the Alma area; graduated from Alma High School in 1947
Married: Sept. 19, 1948,to Robert “Bud” Fischer at Peace Lutheran in Alma
After marriage, lived with her parents for a short time while Bud farmed land that was soon to be covered by the Harlan County Dam; then moved to the Bertrand area, and rented a farm; raised three children together; Was a homemaker and helped with the farming, enjoyed operating the large machinery; purchased and moved to Platte River ground near Overton in 1978; named their place "Deerbrook;" while in Overton, worked as a receptionist for the local dentist, and also started taking computer classes at Kearney State College; became a registered representative for Wadell and Reed Investments; later moved to Kearney in 2008
Activities: longtime active members at Adullam Lutheran Church; loved hosting church and family events at Deerbrook; was passionate about learning, read the paper daily; was a woman who knew who she was, and lived so that others did, too; was passionate about fashion and manners, she always dressed with elegance and class, was known by many as “the hat lady” for the beautiful hats she would create and wear; remained in Kearney until August 2020, then moved to Gretna to live with her daughter, Amy
Survivors include: her three children and their spouses, Connie Jelkin (Jim) of Kearney; KJ Fischer (Kelly) of Lexington; Amy Purintun (Doug) of Gretna; grandchildren, Jennifer Sill (Eric) of Ankeny, Iowa, Jeanine Jelkin of Des Moines, James Thomas Jelkin of Brooklyn, New York, Robert Fischer (Nina) of Lincoln, Jessica Ornelas (Donald) of Devine, Texas, Brandon Purintun of Gretna, Rachael Solanki (Kunal) of Lincoln and Amanda Purintun of Lincoln; great-grandchildren; Madison Sill, Mason Sill, Bailey Ornelas, Chloe Ornelas, Vivian Fischer, Elliott Fischer and a new Fischer baby coming in January
Was preceded in death by her husband in 2012
Kearney Hub, 27 October 2020
FRAZIER, James B. “Jim”, 94, of Cozad died Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020
Donated his body to medical science
Celebration of life: later in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 1, 1926, in Omaha
Parents: James Bell and Hilma (Johnson) Frazier
Was the second eldest of five children; moved to Kearney in 1940; graduated with the class of 1944 from Kearney High School
Military: U.S. Navy, servied as a radioman on the flagship USS Detroit in the Asiatic Pacific
Returned to Kearney after service; attended Kearney State Teachers College
Married: Cynthia “Ann” Moore, also of Kearney
Moved to Denver, completed his education at the Academy of Horology in watchmaking
Moved to Cozad, began their 49-year business — Frazier’s Jewelry
Survivors include his brother, Donald (Betsy) of San Diego; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Bob Junker of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Julie (Clinch) Frazier of Papillion; grandchildren include Brad Junker of Lincoln, Dave (Carrie) Junker of McCook, Katie (Shane) Junker-Edic of Arizona, Mathew (Meg) Frazier of Texas and Christina Frazier of Denver; and great-grandchildren, Ben, Ty, Brady, Addison, Madeline and Liam
Was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Ann; beloved son, Brian; his parents; infant brother, Melvin; and sisters, Geraldine Stuart and Bette Rhoades
Kearney Hub, 24 October 2020
GARRISON, Miles, 91, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home and Rehabilitation
Funeral service: Wednesday at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 29, 1928, in rural Lynn County, Texas
Parents: Miles E. and Iva J. (Greenway) Garrison
Grew up in Texas; graduated from Lubbock High School and attended Texas Tech University
Military: joined the US Army in November 1953, served during the Korean conflict
Married: Lois Husak on Jan. 16, 1954, in Lubbock
After marriage, moved to Columbus later that year; worked construction building houses; moved to Kearney in 1963 and continued to work in construction; started Garrison Custom Cabinets in Kearney in 1966; enjoyed building cabinets and remodeling homes for many years in the Kearney area
Survivors include his wife Lois Garrison of Kearney; daughter, Teri and Paul Wenz of Lincoln; brother, Truitt and Joyce Garrison of Granbury, Texas; sister Margaret Fears of Sun City, Arizona; and grandson, William and Melanie Wenz
Was preceded in death by his son, Mark Garrison, six brothers and one sister
Memorials: Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Kearney Hub, 27 October 2020
GILROY, Beverly K., 52, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney, exactly three years after her mother’s passing.
Funeral Mass: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Beverly K. Gilroy, 52, of Kearney died peacefully at her home Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, Born: Sept. 15, 1968, in Kearney
Parents: Paul and Irene Gilroy; was the second daughter; grew up in a rural setting of Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 1987
Suffered a series of traumatic strokes from the age of 3 months to 15 years old, which left her with a learning disability, resulting in several brain surgeries during her life; nothing dampened her giving and generous nature; defied many obstacles in her way for a person with such a setback, graduating from high school, being an active member of the Catholic church and the Kearney community
Was especially grateful to the Unity House in Kearney, where she built friendships but also the skills needed to lead an independent life of her choosing; was immensely proud of having her own apartment and her own cat; had a contagious smile and generous nature, always quick with a hug; also had an amazing memory; was a gifted knitter and along with Mom would sit and weave sweaters, scarves, dish towels together for hours; was fond of animals, with her favorite being cats
Survivors include her father, Paul Gilroy of Kearney; and her siblings, Brenda Karels of Littleton, Colorado, Eddy Gilroy of Valencia, California, Jeff Gilroy of Parker, Colorado, and John Gilroy of Olathe, Kansas
Was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Gilroy; grandparents, Paul and Martha Gilroy, and Jacob and Adola Miller; along with many other loved family members
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter or your local favorite animal shelter
Kearney Hub, 9 November 2020
GOLDENSTEIN, Melva, 92, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at Azria Montclair Home in Omaha
Memorial service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Aug. 5, 1928, in Adams County
Parents: Charlie and Sarah (Corbin) Krabel
Grew up in Hastings, graduated from Hastings High School, 1945
Married: April 20, 1947, to Robert Goldenstein at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hastings
After marriage, lived in Hastings, worked at Mary Lanning Hospital; later moved to Kearney, was employed by Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: longtime member of the First Lutheran Church in Kearney, served on the church board and was active in LCW; member of the Golden K’s Kiwanis, sewing club and the Town and Country Extension Club; enjoyed sewing, camping and reading
Survivors include her daughter, Kay Doty of Omaha; daughter-in-law, Christine Norman of Broomfield, Colorado; grandchildren, Chandra Hodges of Omaha and Sara (Troy) Santarelli of Grand Island; great-grandchildren, Obadiah, Isabella and Skylir Gish of Grand Island, Melissa Allen, James Allen of Omaha and twins, Liam and Lawsen Hulin of Council Bluffs, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Goldenstein; sons, Todd R. Goldenstein and Gary Goldenstein; grandsons, Jason Goldenstein and Erin Hodges; great-granddaughter, Hayley Schulz; and son-in-law, Dennis Doty
Kearney Hub, 9 November 2020
GRAYEK, Alberta, 90, of Kearney, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Family graveside services: later at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Jan. 14, 1930, in Litchfield
Parents: Harold H. and Dorothy (Senff) Nielsen
Was raised near Litchfield, graduated from Litchfield High School in 1947
Married: Virgil Nielsen on Aug. 9, 1947
After marriage, lived in Gibbon, was employed at Baldwin Filters for more than 30 years
Married: 1988, to Ray Grayek
Activities: member of Faith United Church, was active in Faith United Women’s Circle and Pioneer Club; enjoyed gardening and took much pride in taking care of her house and yard; loved to crochet and made many items for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and residents at Mount Carmel Home
Survivors include her daughters, Diane Nielsen of Houston and Karen Nielsen of Kearney; grandchildren, Lance Hawke of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John (Kathryn) Buso of Palmer, Alaska, Wade Buso of Kearney, Eric Lauer and fiancee Kathryn Lewton, and Kira Boerkircher and fiance Taylor King Bertin, all of Houston; great-grandchildren, Olivia Buso, Ewan Buso, Aletheia Buso, Collins Bertin and Kaleyo Bertin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Grayek; sisters, Elaine Ueckert, Erma O’Donnell, Alice Mars, Doris Patsios and Hilda Nielsen; and brother, Oscar Nielsen
Memorials: Faith United Church in Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 5 November 2020
HARTMAN, Richard “Dick” Laverne, 83, of Grand Island died peacefully at home Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020
Service: Monday at Trinity Lutheran in Grand Island
Cremation: following the service
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: in Riverdale on Aug. 28, 1937
Parents: Oscar and Ruby (Knox) Hartman
Was confirmed at Christ Lutheran in St. Paul on May 13, 1951; graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1956
Married: Jan. 27, 1957, to Carol Lee Carman, had two sons together
After marriage, lived on a farm outside of Shelton, raised two sons; worked in a variety of roles all involving the agriculture and feed business
Married: Patricia (Todd) Nickman, March 17, 1966, in Columbus; in addition to Pat's four children, had two sons together, Dan and Tom
After this marriage, lived in Hastings; later bought and moved to their farm south of Grand Island in 1973; later moved to Scotia
Activities: Was involved in civic duties while serving on the Grand Island Northwest Public School Board, 1976 to 1989; also served on the Hall County Board of Supervisors, 1991 to 2007; in Scotia, was a member of the Lions Club and was active in the Zion Lutheran Church in Scotia; after Pat’s passing in 2017, returned to Grand Island, was again elected to the Hall County Board of Supervisors in 2018, served until his death; was passionate for the rural community
Survivors include his special friend, Joan Hermes; five sons, Mike (Denise) Nickman of Pleasanton, Steve (Deb) Hartman of Grand Island, Dave (Teresa) Hartman of Omaha, Dan Hartman of Houston, Texas, and Tom (Carlotta) Hartman of Grand Island; three daughters, Pam (Jim) Wetzel of Grand Island, Barb (Doug) Mendyk of Scotia and Carolyn (Paul) Trieschman of Houston; brothers, Gary (Kathie) Hartman of Mesquite, Nevada, and Dan (Bev) Hartman of Omaha; 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his parents, Oscar and Ruby; a brother, Fred; and a sister, Faye Ann Dauel
Memorials: Hartman scholarship fund for 4-H and FFA students
Kearney Hub, 29 October 2020
HAZZARD, Raymond Edwin, age 92, of Miller died Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at his son’s residence in Mitchell
Graveside service: Wednesday at the Armada Cemetery in Miller with military rites
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 14, 1928, north of Miller
Parents: Raymond Ellsworth and Alice (Osborn) Hazzard
Attended Wild Horse County School
Military: joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950; was stationed in Hawaii, Chicago, Denver, Libya and California; saw active duty during the Korean and Vietnam wars; retired from the Air Force after a 20-year career
Married: Carolyn E. Williams on Nov. 15, 1952, in Elm Creek
After his military career, lived in the Miller area, farmed and later worked at Eaton in Kearney, retired in 1990
Survivors include his children, Debra and Art Thompson of Lincoln, Patti and Dan Lee of Elsie, Edwin and Rhonda Hazzard of Mitchell, James and Yenni Hazzard of Lincoln and Russell Hazzard of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; sister, Hazel Strickler of Plattsmouth; sisters-in-law, Marlyn Hazzard of Broomfield, Colorado, and Geri Hazzard of Kearney; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family
Was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn in 2008; three sisters, Roslyn, Lois and Ruth; four brothers, Bernard, Kenneth, Walter and Harley; and one grandson, Jared Lee
Memorials: American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 20 October 2020
HIBBS, Sheryl, 64, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Service: Thursday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: later
Born: Nov. 29, 1955, in Belleville, Kansas
Parents: Ernest and Elda (Bergstrom) Carpenter
Was raised in Chester, received her education from Chester-Hubbell-Byron High School, graduating in 1975
Gave birth: Oct. 7, 1976, to her only daughter, Jennifer Renae Hibbs
Married: Aug. 9, 1980, to David Hibbs; had two more sons, David Hibbs Jr., on Jan. 28, 1981; and Jason Hibbs, on June 26, 1983
Activities: loved taking care of people; was a very caring person and especially cherished her time spent with family; enjoyed going to garage sales and was known for her sense of humor
Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Hibbs (Alex); sons, David Hibbs Jr. and Jason Hibbs (Maggie); grandchildren, Jaymee Hibbs, Britney Hibbs, Dylan Hibbs, Aclynn Osterbuhr, Aayden Hibbs, Caitlynn Anderson and Chloe Blank; two sisters; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Charles Fike, Keith Carpenter and Carl Carpenter
Kearney Hub, 4 November 2020
HOPKINS, Dallas, 81, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Center in Kearney
Burial: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Nov. 10, 1939, in Burwell
Parents: Leonard and Louise (Kinney) Partridge
Grew up in Burwell, received his education from Burwell High School; attended the Nebraska Law Training Center
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California, on July 15, 1957, was honorably discharged on Oct. 3, 1960
Married: Colleen White on July 8, 197, in Ord
After marriarge, lived in Burwell, was a police officer for 18 years; later moved to Kearney, worked for Good Samaritan Hospital
Activities: enjoyed camping, fishing, old western movies, playing cards and gardening; member of the VFW in Burwell
Survivors include his wife, Colleen of Kearney; sons, Joseph, Michael and Don Hopkins, all of Kearney; daughter, Annette (Rod) Palmer of Madison; brother, Dennis Hopkins of Dunning; brothers-in-law, Richard White and James White, both of Grand Island; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Partridge and Ferrol Hopkins; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Mary White; and daughter-in-law, Courtney Hopkins
Kearney Hub, 14 November 2020
HURT, Jack W., 93, of Kearney died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society - St. John’s in Kearney
Graveside service: Friday at Kearney Cemetery, with military honors
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 22, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: W. Warren and Beulah G. (Needham) Hurt
Attended Kearney High School and graduated with the class of 1944
Military: served as a radio operator in the Merchant Marines; joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged in 1947
Returned to Kearney and helped his father farm while attending Kearney State College; earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in education in 1950
Worked for the Union Pacific Railroad; began teaching English at Odessa High School, was recruited to be the girls’ volleyball coach in addition to his teaching duties; began his teaching career at his alma mater, Kearney High School, 1958; also taught business law, accounting and typing; obtained his Master of Arts in Education degree in 1959 and continued teaching, retired from Kearney High in 1989; throughout his teaching career, worked summers as an inspector for DeKalb Corp.
Married: June 21, 1953, to Irene Martha Siebler in Kearney
Activities: member of the Nebraska Education Association and the First United Methodist Church in Kearney; enjoyed walking his dog down the country road where they lived, stopping to talk with neighbors and friends who happened to be driving by; loved a good story, a good cup of coffee and treasured his days on the farm; even as his health began to fade, maintained his witty and well-known sense of humor
Survivors include his daughters, Jennifer Henricksen and husband David of Omaha, and Joni Fenwick and husband Mark of Kearney; grandsons, Bryan Fenwick and his wife Danielle, and Bradley Fenwick, all of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Warren Henricksen and his wife Alissa, and great-grandson Jack of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Irene in 2017
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 26 October 2020
JACKOWIAK, Lynne, 62, of Omaha died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020
Memorial service: private for the family
Interment: Fairview Cemetery in Lincoln
Mortuary: Wyuka in Lincoln
Born: June 8, 1958, in Lincoln
Parents: Robert L. and Marjorie (McMullen) Price
Graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School; earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kearney State College
Was a lecturer of Special Education/Communication Disorders at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1994 to 2007; was also a lecturer and clinical supervisor of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Northern Colorado from 2008 to 2018
Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Robert Jackowiak of Omaha; daughter, Taryn Jackowiak of Omaha; son and daughter-in-law, Cameron and Brittany Jackowiak and their daughter Lily of Omaha; and brothers, Jeff Price and Michael Price, both of Lincoln
Was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie Ames
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2020
JOHNSON, Lynn, 86, of Kearney died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Monday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Dec. 20, 1933, in Wausa
Nebraska: Albin and Ethel (Lingren) Johnson
Graduated from Norfolk High School in 1953, and from Luther College in Wahoo in 1966; at Luther College, lettered in four sports; after military service, attended Midland University, lettered in football and basketball and graduated in 1959.
Military: U.S. Army, 1955 - 1957; was mainly stationed in Germany
Married: Aug. 13, 1961, to Bernadene Havekost at St. John’s Ridgely Church in Scribner
Taught for Papillion Public Schools and Gretna Public Schools; earned his master’s degree in 1965 and his doctorate in 1969 from the University of Nebraska; taught in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1969-1999, served the roles of classroom professor, department chair and associate dean of the College of Education; was a member of various educational groups
Activities: served on the Midland University Board of Trustees, Kearney Area United Way Board, Kearney Public Library Advisory Board and Foundation, the Kearney Area Literacy Council, Good Samaritan Society, the Senior Volunteer Advisory Council and the Civil Service Commission of the city of Kearney; received the Educator of the Year Award from the Nebraska State Council for the Social Studies; was the recipient of distinguished alumni awards from Luther Junior College and Midland University; volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital, at the Great Platte River Road Archway and for Meals on Wheels; member of First Lutheran Church, served on the Church Council and various other committees
Survivors include his wife, Bernadene Johnson of Kearney; son, David Johnson of Hastings; daughter, Stacy (Douglas) Buescher of Lincoln; grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Buescher of Lincoln and Sarah (Jacob) Hanus of Olathe, Kansas; great-grandson, Isaiah Hanus of Olathe, Kansas; brother-in-law, Loren (Dianne) Havekost of Blair; nephew, Dan (Donell) Johnson; nieces, Stephanie (Andy) Weissinger, Lori (Mike) Quakenbush, Leigh (Aaron) Koehn and Karen (Joe) Howell all of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willard Johnson, and sister-in-law, Eloyse Johnson
Memorials: the Lynn Johnson Scholarship at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the First Lutheran Church or to Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2020
LAMMERS, Ardyth, 93, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Home in Kearney
Graveside service: Thursday at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: September 24, 1927 in Litchfield
Parents: Emil and Beulah (Bessey) Anderson
Grew up near Litchfield and received her education from Litchfield High School
Later moved to Kearney, was employed at Baldwin Filters and Walmart as a door greeter
Activities: enjoyed watching gameshows, especially the Price is Right; loved to collect decorative spoons
Survivors include her grandchildren, Cody Lammers and Amy Lammers both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; and her sons, Greg and Randy Lammers
Kearney Hub, 17 November 2020
LANGE, Shirley Ann, 82, formerly of Brighton, Colorado, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, at Granite Rehabilitation and Wellness in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Celebration of life: Later
Born: March 16, 1938, in Malcolm, Nebraska
Parents: Victor and LaVerne (Otto) Lange
Married: 1959, to Robert Trimble
After marriage, lived near Pleasanton, then moved moved to Kearney; later divorced in 1992
Activities: was a woman of faith, instilled those values in her children and grandchildren; was loved for her caring ways, boisterous laughter and mischievous personality; loved to quilt and used her talents in many special ways, made many quilts for local charities to provide blankets for babies and children in need; spent many years researching her ancestors and learning about her family’s history; enjoyed travel, classical music, soap operas, visiting the ocean and eating ice cream before dinner; was a loving and dedicated mother of three sons and three daughters
Survivors include two brothers and their spouses, Delmar and Sheri Lange of Cody, Wyoming, and Kenny and Terri Lange of Cody, Wyoming; six children and their spouses, Vicki Bailey-Zeleski and Rick Zeleski of Overton, Todd Trimble of Fort Collins, Colorado, Roxanne Trimble of Powell, Wyoming, Lesa and Jeff Valentine of Bountiful, Utah, Monte Trimble of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Shawn and Lisa (Kenagy) Trimble of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren Chevy Bailey, Dustin Bailey, Dallas Bailey, Kody Bailey, McKenzie (Valentine) Rohde, Aaron Valentine, Parker Valentine, Zachary Herman, Emily (Herman) South, Amber Trimble, Jillian Trimble and Tyler Trimble; and 12 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband; and son-in-law, Kraig Bailey
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2020
LEIBEE, Geraldine, 88, of Lincoln died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, at Lincoln
Service: later
Mortuary: Colonial Chapel in Lincoln
Born: Sept. 20, 1932, in Missouri Valley, Iowa
Parents: Gerald and Marie (Smith) Epperson
Graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1949
Married: Roy Leibee on July 14, 1951, in Kearney
Worked at Gloria’s Frame Shop in Omaha then at The Gallery in Kearney
Married: in March 2009, to Ron Russell; had 10 very happy years together
Activities: hobbies included playing bridge, crocheting and quilting, crocheted many blankets for family, friends and residents of the Mother Hull Home in Kearney where she volunteered; enjoyed their cabin at Johnson Lake, fishing, sailing and entertaining family, friends and business clients; was a wonderful hostess; greatest joy was being married to Roy, being a homemaker and raising her family; adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Survivors include: her children, Patricia Mahan of Huachuka City, Arizona, Rick (Jodie) Leibee of Lincoln and Lloyd (Amber) Leibee of Joplin, Missouri; stepson, Steve (Stacey) Russell; grandchildren, Jenna (Barry) Wettstead, Cole Leibee, Eric (Tiffny) Leibee, Randy Leibee, Patrick Leibee-Haslip, Lauren Leibee, Wynn Leibee, Tayler Russell, Asa (Austin) Broadfoot and Lainey Russell; 12 great-grandchildren; along with many lifelong friends in Kearney
Was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Roy Leibee; second husband, Ron Russell; brother, Donald Epperson; sister, Paula Peterson Barritt; and son-in-law, Lee Mahan
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2020
MARSHALL, Kevin, 62, of Kearney died Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by family
Memorial service: Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Aug. 13, 1958, in Fort Madison, Iowa
Parents: Donald and Mary (Schultz) Marshall
Was raised in Burlington, Iowa, and received his education from Burlington High School
Moved to Kearney in 2010, was employed by Dandee Concrete
In 2011, met and started a relationship with Shelly Wendt
Activities:enjoyed working in the garage, attending yard sales, fishing and boating; most of all, loved to barbeque and spend time with his family
Survivors include his significant other, Shelly Wendt of Kearney; children, Ashley Reiber of Kearney and Amanda Reiber of Hershey; mother, Mary Marshall of Burlington, Iowa; brother, John Marshall of Burlington, Iowa; sister, Cindy Loyd of Burlington, Iowa; and three grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 22 October 2020
MATHIESON, Marita “Marty”, 75, of Shelton died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island
Graveside service: Nov. 7 at Shelton Cemetery
Born: April 12, 1945, at Ord
Parents: Philip and Minnie (Smolik) Wentek
Grew up in Elyria and received her education at Ord High School
Married: Richard L. Mathieson on Oct. 29, 1963, in Smith Center, Kansas
After marriage, lived in Shelton; was mainly a stay-at-home mom; also worked at the K&K in Shelton for at least 10 years before retirement
Activities: loved cats, birds and snakes all her life; enjoyed attending cat shows in Colorado, had many trophies and ribbons from her cats; in retirement, went birding frequently and had many bird friends
Survivors include: daughters, Brenda (Terry) Gay of Grand Island, Andrea (Alan) Bitterman of Lincoln and Courtney (Ron) Follmer of Shelton; and grandchildren, Sydney (Matthew) Crowell of Kearney, Dallas Gay of Colorado and Aranim Louis of Shelton
Was preceded by her parents and husband, Richard
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2020
MIIGERL, Adella Elizabeth, 97, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, on her birthday at Brookstone Gardens Assisted Living in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery south of Ravenna
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 14, 1923 at the homestead of her grandparents, John and Anna (Posusta) Vacek
Parents: Charles William and Cecilia Mary (Dusek) Vacek
Grew up on a farm 5 miles southeast of Ravenna in Garfield Township; attended grade school at Union District 62, then graduated from Ravenna High School in 1942; attended Kearney State College and taught at Rural Schools District 103 and 65 for five years in the Antelope Valley region
Married: Paul Eugene Miigerl on Aug. 17, 1949, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, south of Ravenna
After marriage, lived on a farm in Valley Township around 11 miles southwest of Ravenna; had four daughters together; retired in January 1989 and on Dec. 29, 2012, moved to Regency Retirement Residence in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed playing piano, embroidery, working with genealogy, was in 4-H many years and also was active in the Altar Society, music ministry and taught catechism at St. Wenceslaus and St. Mary's Prairie Center parishes; currently was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; loved teaching music to her children and grandchildren; laughed a lot and was a happy person
Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Kieborz and her husband Rodney of Litchfield, Roberta Paitz and her husband Patrick of Gibbon and Paula Albright and her husband David of Kearney; nine grandchildren, Jason Pokorney and his wife Marci of Meridian, Idaho, Shane and Lance Kieborz of Kearney, Michael Paitz and his wife Jenny of Henderson, Angela Baker and her husband Corey of Omaha, Heather Rosenthal and her husband Joe of Omaha, DaLyn Anderson and her husband Destry of Couer D'Alene, Idaho, Logan Albright and his wife Annie of Kearney and Lauren Stadler and her husband Riley of Minden; and eight great-grandchildren, Delaney Pokorney, Kayley Paitz, Mason and Kayden Albright, Levi and Autumn Baker and Brixten and Sutton Stadler
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Miigerl; sister, Irene Shrader in 1960; daughter, Linda Pokorney in 1998; twin granddaughter, Diedra Pokorney in 2015; and son-in-law, Daniel Pokorney in 2019
Kearney Hub, 17 November 2020
MILLER, Dorothy, 79, of Gibbon died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha
Funeral service: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Faith United Church in Gibbon
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 19, 1941 in rural Kearney
Parents: Ross and Mildred May
Grew up in the Kearney area, graduated from Kearney High School in 1958; completed her nurses training from Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln before becoming an RN
Married: June 16, 1963, to Donald Miller at her parent’s home near Riverdale
After marriage, lived in Gibbon, had four children
] Activities: enjoyed nursing, loved helping people; loved children and spent her life caring for many, whether it was Pediatrics at the hospital, Scouts, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, AWANA or with kids she met around town and mentored; was active in mission work, sponsored kids through Compassion Ministry, also did work through International Missions Outreach in Haiti
Survivors include: her children, Angela (Tom) Gillming of Gibbon, Heather Brown of Forest City, Iowa, Regan Miller of Gibbon, Josh (Klesha) Miller of Crete; brothers, Harold May, Bill (Sue) May, all of rural Kearney, and John (Evelyn) May of Hampton; sister, Phyllis Roker of Bird Island, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; close friend, Renae Harp of Grand Island; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband, Don Miller; parents; sister, Helen Steinmeyer; infant brother, Kenneth May; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law
Memorials: International Missions Outreach
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2020
OERTLE, Charley J., 87, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: August 22, 1933 on a fram near Elm Creek
Parents: Charley and Edith (Montgomery) Oertle
Grew up in various Nebraska communities, graduated from Kearney High School
Military: US Armed Forces, served in Alaska during the Korean War, was discharged in 1955
Married: 1957 in Pleasanton to Carole Busch of Pleasanton
After marriage, lived in Kearney, and raised two sons
Was employed as a tool and gauge machinist at Rockwell International; then worked the next fifteen years working at the Buffalo County Highway Department; retired in 1998
Activities: loved being out in the open-hunting and fishing; was ScoutMaster of Troop 136, 4-H leader of several 4-H clubs, also helped organize the first shooting sports program in Buffalo County; traveled as much as possible during retirement
Survivors include: his wife Carole; sons, James, Kenneth and wife, Kathy all of Kearney; 4 grandchildren, Samantha Klassen, Kyle Oertle, Jacob Oertle and Jamieson Oertle all of Kearney;2 great granddaughters, Bradly and Devyn Klassen. Brother Maynard Oertle of Holdrege; Brother-In-Law, Terry Holoubeck of Kearney; Sisters-in-law Rhoda (Larrie) Jensen of Florida, and Helen Oertle of California
Was preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene Karsten and Dean Oertle, in-laws, Archie Busch, Mary and Don Mayer and Sara Holoubeck
Memorials: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Kearney Hub, 5 November 2020
ORSBORN, Otto Gene, 88, of Kearney died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Graveside service with military honors: Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Elm Creek Catholic Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: Oct. 14, 1932, in Overton
Parents: John and Malta Orsborn
Grew up in Elm Creek, graduated high school in 1950
Military: United States Air Force in 1952, served as a gunner on B-26s and B-29s during the Korean War
After the war, returned to the United States, attended barber school in 1956
Married: Josephine Journey, on Dec. 28, 1957; adopted Scott in Lincoln, and had Anise and Anne also in Nebraska; she died in 2009
Began barbering in Plattsmouth, spent time in Colorado and Arizona, settled in Elm Creek; lived in Lincoln, in Australia, Holdrege, Arizona, Oregon, Ravenna, Dannebrog, Grand Island and Wood River, also in Florida; in addition to barbering, also owned Orsborn Irrigation and Holdrege Drilling, and Tucker & Grog Steakhouse in Elm Creek; after Josephine's death, moved to Kearney and found his new best friend and love, JoAnn Epping. They had a wonderful relationship and frequently traveled to visit friends and family
Actibities: was a nomad at heart, loved traveling and meeting new people; loved sharing photos of loved ones, cracking jokes, a good steak and to talk football; loved to laugh and had an incredible memory; was always proud of the different places he’d been and the special people he’d met along the way; lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Christine of Omaha; two daughters and sons-in-law, Anisa and Greg Branigan of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Anne and Brad Cline of Fort Myers, Florida; one sister and brother-in-law Juanita and Kenneth Wenburg; and dearest friend JoAnn Epping and family; grandchildren, Britanny Peasinger, Breanna Kruger, Ryan and Bradley Halford, Alexa Stewart, Daley Cline, and Emma, Ben and Will Branigan; close longtime friend, Rob Chelewski and family; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; parents, John and Malta Orsborn; sisters, Sadie Orsborn, Gloria Lind and Alberta Ekholm; brothers, Jeptha, Kermit, Gary, Cogan and William Orsborn; and grandson, Brandon Orsborn
Memorials: the VFW or the American Legion
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2020
ORTGIESEN, Jeanne Louise, 74, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at Edgewood Vista Memory Care in Grand Island
Funeral service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: St. John’s Cemetery, south of Wilcox
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 20, 1946, in Holdrege
Parents: Bill and Louise Harms
Was raised on a family farm south of Wilcox, graduated from Wilcox High School in 1964; graduated from LPN school in Kearney in 1965
Worked as an LPN in St. Paul, Norton, Kansas, Holdrege and Kearney
Married: Sept. 12, 1965, to Eugene Ortgiesen
Activities: had a love for God, family and friends, as well as a talent in making every person she came into contact with feel special
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Eugene Ortgiesen of Kearney; sons, Chad (Cara) Ortgiesen and Reggie (Jennifer) Ortgiesen, both of Wilcox; grandchildren, Garrett, McKenna, Claire, Dagan and Cole Ortgiesen of Wilcox; a sister, Shirley Lush of Wilcox; and brothers, Bill (Jeanne) Harms of Estes Park, Colorado, and Brent (Debbie) Harms of Wilcox
Was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Joanne Stratman
Memorials: Parkinson’s Foundation
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2020
PRITTS, Sharon M., 82, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Graveside service: Wednesday at Guide Rock Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Bor:n Nov. 7, 1937, in Ainsworth
Parents: Charles and Verna (Pate) Crawford
Grew up in Guide Rock and graduated from Red Cloud High School
Married: Duane Pritts on Feb. 13, 1954, in Guide Rock
After marriage, lived on a farm in Webster County; later moved to the Giltner and Trumbull area; in the 1960s moved their family to Shelton and then to Gibbon; moved to Kearney in retirement, worked at Cambridge Court, Hilltop Mall and Buffalo Motel; later lived at Prairie View Gardens assisted living facility in Kearney
Activities: loved to take care of her family, whether it was making a quilt, jelly, bread or pickles
Survivors include her daughters, Deb Mortensen and husband Terry of Cheyenne and Barb Bickford and husband Ray of Kearney; daughter-in-law, Jackie Pritts-Lewis and husband Dave of Kearney; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, three sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her husband; parents; step Pops, Vernon R; two sons; Ronald and Tim; a daughter, Linda; brother, Jerry Crawford; sister, Pat Higby; brother-in-law, Kenny Bailey; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Rossanna Pritts
Memorials: Mount Carmel Home
Kearney Hub, 27 October 2020
REED, Mabel Lorraine, 86, of Centralia, Missouri, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at Valley View Health and Rehabilitation in Moberly, Missouri
Memorial service: Friday at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral home in Centralia
Burial: Chapel Grove Cemetery in Clark
Born: May 18, 1934, in rural Gibbon, Nebraska
Parents: Burton Byron Kenton and Wyvette (Lockwood) Kenton
Was one of seven siblings, grew up in rural Buck-Eye Valley; was strong, vibrant and smart; graduated in 1952 from Kearney High School, and from SVC in Dixon, Illinois, at age 51 receiving her associate degree; was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, first in Kearney then Dixon, Illinois, and lastly Centralia, Missouri, where she last resided
Survivors include: one brother, Jerry Kenton of Davis, California; sister-in-law, Marilyn Kenton of Minden, Nebraska; her children, Randy Reed and wife Brenda of Centertown, Missouri, Steven Reed of Clark, Missouri, Carol Smith and husband Ray of Clark, Missouri, and Keith Reed and wife Karen of Huntsville, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews as well as a mentor to all
Was preceded in death by five siblings; her parents; Richard Reed, her husband of 30+ years; and then her companion of 20 years, Joe W. Robinson
Memorials: Centralia United Methodist Church for Local Outreach and Missions
Kearney Hub, 10 November 2020
REIDY, Pamela A., 64, of Florissant, Missouri, died Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at her home
Funeral mass: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church at Florissant
Burial: Thursday, Oct 22, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Born: Sept. 18, 1956, in Grand Island
Parents: Robert and Connie (Carter) Gappa
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1974, attended Kearney State College, and was employed at Unimart
Married: May 27, 1978, to Patrick Reidy at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Kearney, Norfolk, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Florissant, Missouri
Worked in the medical field for 40 years; loved her job and all the families she met
Activities: loved life and cherished being with her grandchildren
Survivors include husband, Pat Reidy; children, Jett (Cindy) Reidy, Stevie Reidy and KC Reidy; four grandchildren, Ava, Anna, Lincoln and Aiden; mother, Connie Gappa; siblings, Sherri (Stanley) Lahm, Peggy Gappa and Doug (Janna) Gappa along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Kearney Hub, 20 October 2020
RIPP, Doris May, 78, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral: Tuesday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Born: May 27, 1942, in Kearney
Parents: Lloyd C. and Mildred L. (Vogt) Frazier
Attended Gibbon Public Schools, graduated in 1960
Married: October 1965, to Lawrence Ripp; had two children together, Gene Wayne and Teressa Yvonne
Worked at Baldwin Filters in Kearney; llived most of her life in Gibbon; moved to Mount Carmel Home in Kearney in 2014, and later to Homestead Assisted Living
In 2005, due to a miracle, was reunited with Bonnie, her first-born daughter whom she had given up for adoption; the last 15 years have been a blessing to them both
Activities: ember of the Gibbon Baptist Church; at Homestead kept busy with jigsaw puzzles and found joy in tending and watching the flowers grow outside of her room; always enjoyed sewing and various crafts
Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie (Chad) Chapman of Lincoln and Teressa Short of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and her son, Gene (Jen) Ripp of Kearney; grandchildren, Roderick Ripp, Kyslie Short, Darren and Tyree Langley, Brian Swink, Brooke (Justice) Shorter, Mariah Putty (fiancé Noah Miller); and great-granddaughter, Adeline Joy Shorter, and another great-grandchild due soon; her siblings, Duane (Garnita) Frazier of Shelton, Doyle (Carolyn) Frazier of Stromsburg, Dorothy (Louie) Valdez of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Connie Frazier of Wahoo; as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved
Was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, David Frazier
Memorials: Gibbon Baptist Church or Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 9 November 2020
RODRIGUEZ, Barbara E., 79, of Shelton died Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Graveside service: Saturday at Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Jan. 24, 1941, in Grand Island
Parents: Edward and Edna (Ankney) Goodwin
Was raised in Grand Island, received her education from Grand Island Senior High School; earned her nursing degree in Omaha
Married: Nov. 12, 1958, to Frank Rodriguez in Omaha
After marriage, lived in Shelton, was employed by Baldwin Filters; also worked at nursing homes in Gibbon and Wood River; later cared for many people out of their residence for more than 30 years
Activities: longtime member of the Grand Island Church of God
Survivors include her husband, Frank Rodriguez of Shelton; grandchildren, Frank Rodriguez III and wife, Julie Diaz De Leonn, and Annie Rodriguez and husband, Victor Garcia; siblings, Edna Blum, Treesa Goodwin, Kathy (Dennis) Rich and Tom (Rita) Goodwin; seven great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; son, Frank Rodriguez Jr.; brothers, Eddy and Joe; sisters, Bonnie and Irene
Kearney Hub, 28 October 2020
ROEDER, Geraldine B. “Gerry”, 89, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society - St. John’s Center in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday, Nov. 16, at Zion Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 21, 1931, in Riverdale
Parents: Lloyd and Dallas (Fredrick) Cudaback
Graduated from Riverdale High School; attended Kearney State Teachers College
Worked at Kaufmann-Wernert Department Store
Married: Dale Roeder on June 29, 1952, in Las Vegas
Worked at Wal-Mart, 1984 until 2009, enjoyed being around her coworkers and helping customers for 25 years
Activities: member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney; enjoyed cooking, collecting cookbooks, going to coffee at Perkins with family and friends, golfing and spending time at Johnson Lake
Survivors include her son, Tom and Marta Roeder of Fullerton; grandsons, Derek and Amber Roeder of Fullerton, Cory and Tawny Roeder of Papillion, and Jason Roeder of North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Payton, Davin, Ava, Hudson and Haddie Roeder; sister, Norma Altmaier of Columbia, Missouri; and daughter-in-law, Carla Roeder of Belleville, Kansas
Was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; son, Tim Roeder; and two brothers, Dale and Donny Cudaback
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 14 November 2020
SADLER, George, 86, of Kearney died Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, at CHI Health Immanuel Hospital in Omaha
Funeral service: Thursday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney
Burial with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Jan. 16, 1934, in Kearney
Parents: George William and Mae (McCall) Sadler
Was the oldest of two children; grew up in Kearney, was known as "Markie" to the people on his Hub route; graduated from Kearney High School in 1952
During his Trades and Industry class, worked at Baumgartner’s Variety Store
Military: U.S. Army May 1, 1956-May 1, 1958; spent two years in Augusta, Georgia, as a signal corps instructor
Began a 20-year career at Rockwell International in Kearney, spent time in Raleigh, North Carolina, assisting them with the move; returned to Kearney, worked at Coleman Powermate until they down-sized; developed his woodworking skills, built his workshop and created many fine pieces of cabinetry; was loved by the people he worked with
Activities: was baptized in the First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, was a life member, served as an usher and assisted in sponsoring Junior High Fellowship; member of the Cosmopolitan Club, Toastmasters Club and the carving club
Survivors include his wife, Erma Sadler of Kearney; daughter, Teri and Marcus Ditchman of Kearney; brother, Chuck and Pat Sadler of Lincoln; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 10 November 2020
SAMP, Mary Helen, 89, of Bellvue, formerly of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at Bellevue
Graveside service: Monday at the Kearney Cemetery
Procession to the cemetery will start at Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: What Cheer, Iowa, May 10, 1931
Parents: Cecil and Margaret (Baughman) Wright
After living in Iowa, Kansas, and Norfolk, settled in Kearney; graduated from Kearney High School in 1949; earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Kearney State College
Married: June 7, 1953, to Dallas Samp at the Kearney First Presbyterian Church
Working with children was her passion; taught students in fourth and sixth grades for many years in the Kearney Public Schools at Kenwood, Bryant and Park elementary schools; loved her work and delighted in her students’ progress and successes
Activities: was an avid Husker fan, loved to watch the football and volleyball teams; studied Nebraska’s history and taught it to fourth graders for many years, taking them on annual field trips to Pioneer Village; active member of Faith United Methodist Church, 70-year member of Chapter AS PEO; in widowhood .kept herself busy spending long weekends in Bellevue with family, traveling with her daughter, meeting her friends for coffee or lunch, teaching Bible study, and simply spending time at home reading, doing crossword puzzles, knitting or watching TV; was handy with a sewing machine and she knitted numerous afghans for the family; delighted in watching the squirrels, bunnies and birds in her backyard; in 2014, moved to Bellevue to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters
Survivors include her daughter, Jayne Samp of Bellevue; granddaughters, Melinda Bray of Bellevue, and Alexandra (Steven Shupe) Bray of Omaha; nieces, Anne Welch and Elizabeth Brandt of Lincoln, and Julie (Dan) Banderas of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; nephews, William (Linda) Dahl of Axtell and Matthew Wright of Omaha; and sister-in-law, Marianne Wright of Norfolk
Was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 55 years, Dallas Samp in 2008; children, Katherine and Steven Samp; parents, Margaret and Cecil Wright; brother, George Wright; niece, Tara Samp Durham; nephew, Andrew Wright; and in-laws, Elmer and Fern Dahl of Axtell, Lloyd and Ioline Samp of Kearney, and Loren and Helen Samp of Casper, Wyoming
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, or to the animal shelter/rescue of your choice
Kearney Hub, 11 November 2020
SAYER, Laurie, 70, of Kearney died Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at her home
Private family service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: July 7, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Richard Jr. and Dorothy "Jo"Ann (Seidel) Rogers
Was raised on a farm between Kearney and Gibbon; graduated from Gibbon High School
Married: Randy Horine
After marriage, lived in Norman and Minden; after divorce, moved to Kearney
Was raised in a hardworking family, carried that work ethic throughout her life; worked at Baldwin Filters; then earned her LPN license in 1983, worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in the PCU, TCU and 2 North through 2010; in 2011, graduated from Central Community College with honors with a health information management services-medical coding degree, then worked for Kearney Clinic and Valley Medical Management Services performing medical coding; later was with B&B answering services, retired four years ago
Activities: loved to read since she was a child; more recently, her yard and flowers became her passion
Survivors include her daughter, Angelique Trotter of Kearney; granddaughters, Ina Bradley and Emily Trotter, both of Lincoln; sisters, Lisa (Martin "Marty") Huff of Lincoln and Holly Grady of Solida, Colorado; brother, Steve (Dorothy) Rogers of Kearney; niece, Kelli Hergert (Dax Englert); nephews, Joe Hergert (Adam Hahn) and Tommy Hergert (Kayla); great-niece, Hadley Hergert; great-nephew, Thomas (Teddie) Hergert; and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Rebecca Jo Rogers; brother-in-law, Dave Grady
or donor’s choice. Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter, AseraCare Hospice, or donor’s choice
Kearney Hub, 3 November 2020
SCHRINER, Edward Eugene, 76, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Private service: later
Interment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 22, 1944, in Campbell
Parents: Wilbur and Geraldine (Reese) Schriner
Received his education from Franklin High School, graduated 1963
Military: United States Army, 1963 to 1966
Married: 1967 to Connie Scott; had two sons together; divorced in 1983
Worked at several local grain elevators for many years; also lived in Taylor, Red Cloud, Wilcox; later lived in Holdrege, was employed at Becton-Dickenson for many years
Married: Doris Schierling in 2000; remained in Holdrege until their divorce in 2019, then moved to Kearney
Activities: member of the American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Eagles; loved to golf, garden and work on numerous handyman projects around the house; also enjoyed traveling to Arizona in the winters
Survivors include his sons, Edward Schriner Jr. and wife Amber of Costa Mesa, California, and Steven R. Schriner of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Robert Hauver of Upland and Roger Flesner of Lincoln; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda Hauver and Bonnie Flesner; and one niece, Glenda Manser
Kearney Hub, 13 November 2020
SHAFER, Janice L. , 84, of Kearney died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan. Memorial service: Thursday, April 29, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 22, 1936
Parents: Lester and Nellie (Hawkinds) Homan
Was a wonderful, kind-hearted woman who loved life and her family; touched the hearts of many in her years of teaching
Survivors include her husband, Marvin of Kearney; her four children and their families, Len Shafer of Boonville, Missouri, Jodi (Craig) Garrett of Lincoln, Jill (Bill) Hortness of Somerville, Texas, and John (Autumn) Shafer of Jamestown, North Dakota; grandchildren, Matt Shafer, Tim Shafer, Tyler Garrett, Phillip (Christina) Yanda, Holli (Simon) Hortness-Bedoya, Jazmin (Devin) Renner, Ashlee Shafer and Austin Shafer; great-grandchild, Luka Bedoya; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Homan of Grand Island; and brother-in-law, Don (Linda) Shafer of Holiday Island, Arkansas
Was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Nellie Homan; brother, Larry Homan; sister, Dixie Tripe; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Glen and Doris Shafer; and brother-in-law, Dick Shafer
Kearney Hub, 30 October 2020 and 25 April 2021.
SHAFER, Linda, 71, of Kearney died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at home surrounded by family
Funeral service: Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Oct. 10, 1949, in Benkelman
Parents: John and Virginia (French) Kramer
Married: November of 1968, to John Shafer in Hayes Center
Survivors include her husband, John Shafer of Kearney; daughters, Michelle Neville of Kearney, Jody Shafer of Kearney and Jennifer Shafer of Tacoma, Washington; brother, Daniel Kramer of Hayes Center; sisters, Lona Kramer of Lincoln and Sharla Roschewski of Imperial; and six grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 10 November 2020
SHELDON, Sidney Ray, 89, of Kearney died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at St. John’s Good Samaritan Home in Kearney due to complications of COVID-19 and Parkinson's
Graveside service: Friday at Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: January 24, 1931 in Kearney
Parents: Earl and Pearl (Byerley) Sheldon
Grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School; was one of 12 children in a family that farmed land during the Depression years
Military: U.S. Navy during the Korean War, served in Kodiak, Alaska from 1952 to 1955, and Coronado Island in San Diego
Was a lifelong resident of Kearney; worked most recently for close to 30 years with Culligan Water; retired at age 81
Activities: enjoyed coffee with his friends, UNK volleyball games and above all else, the Huskers; his love for his kids, the Huskers and his close friends Ron Payne, Ron Mallum, Jim Cudaback and Wayne Garrelts was always most important The void of losing his eldest child Lynn in 1989 was a loss that could never be filled, however, Carol, his daughter-in-law, who led him to accept Jesus as his savior was a beautiful gift and he always called her "daughter"
Survivors include his children, Scott and wife Carol, Lita and husband Gary and Lori and husband Bill; grandchildren, Tory, Christine, Ryan, Jake, Jennifer, Matthew, Brandon, Trevor, Megan, Anthony and Amanda; along with numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Sheldon; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lynn Sheldon; grandson, Abraham; brothers, Floyd, Harold, Meri, Leon, Stan and Carroll; and sisters, Beulah, Verna, Doretha and Violet
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 17 November 2020
SKOV, Leonard C., 85, of Kearney died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, at Stratford Commons Memory Care Center in Overland Park, Kansas
Memorial service: Saturday, May 29, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Kearney.
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 10, 1935, in Riverdale, graduated from Riverdale High School in 1952; earned bachelor's (1956) and master's (1960) degrees at Kearney State College followed by a Ph.D. at UNL in 1967
Married: Dolores McConnel on June 6, 1954; had four sons together; she died in 2004
Married: Wanda Franklin, Jan. 27, 2007
Had a 40-year career in education, served as principal in Red Cloud (1956-59), superintendent at Wilcox (1959-62) then worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Education (1962-67); came to Kearney State College in 1968 as dean of the School of Education and served in many roles within the education department, retired in 1997; continued his legacy by serving as interim president at Peru State College in 1999; was also instrumental in founding the Himanchal Education Foundation, promoting community-based educational development in rural Nepal
Activities: loved his family, was a dedicated husband, father and role model; enjoyed camping at Fort Kearny, the Black Hills or Chadron State Park for camping, swimming and fishing; dedicated his life to having a positive influence on his family, community and the world; loved the Lord and his church, First Baptist Church of Kearney, served as chairman of the building committee, Sunday school teacher, mowing the church lawn or clearing snow; served on the board of Kearney Regional Airport and in several capacities at the Archway
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Franklin of Kearney; sons, Steve (Susan) of Springfield, Missouri, Randy (Jinda) of Fayetteville, Georgia, Jeff (Judy) of Spring Hill, Kansas, and Mike (Valerie) of Arlington, Virginia; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Jens Christian and Edith Lou (Johnson); wife, Dolores; brother, Charles; sister, Marian Fisher; and half-brother, Elmer Skov
Memorials: Dr. Leonard Skov Scholarship Fund or the Himanchal Education Foundation
Kearney Hub, 19 November 2020 and 27 May 2021
STANDAGE, Roger E., 85, of Ravenna died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Kearney
Funeral service: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen in Ravenna
Born: Nov. 1, 1935, on the family farm in Poole
Parents: Roy and Sadie (Hughes) Standage
Attended grade school in Poole, graduated from Ravenna High School in 1952; farmed with his father for a year
Military: U.S. Army, did basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, then was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for five months; was honorably discharged after his mother's death, to return home to farm with his father
Married: Patricia Rochford on June 3, 1957, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; had eight children and 63 years of married life together
Farming and livestock were his true passion; raised corn, alfalfa, wheat, beans and milo, and had a great love of the land; milked Holstein cows for 42 years, and raised cattle, hogs, chickens and horses; also enjoyed doing electrical work with his brother-in-law Marvin Keaschall; spent years selling Archer Oil products and loved driving around the country visiting his many customers
Activities: was known for his patience, kindness, integrity and generosity; served on the Ravenna School Board for 27 years, was a member of the FSA board, served on the Rural Fire Board and the Township Board; loved leading songs and singing in the men's choir at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and was a Holy Name member there for many years, holding various offices; was very involved in his kids' lives, attending and supporting them in every event he could; was a 4-H leader for them and several youths in the community for more than 20 years; favorite times were spent with his children, family and many close friends
Survivors include his wife, Patricia of Kearney; children, Lori (Larry) Buchmann of Lincoln, Bob (Krystal) Standage of Colby, Kansas, Sharon Standage of Leona Valley, California, Scott (Melinda) Standage of North Platte, Doug (Barb) Standage of Elmwood, Mark (Heidi) Standage of Ravenna, Kevin Standage of Ravenna and Matt (Shannon) Standage of Lincoln; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Linda Grassmeyer of Kearney, Verla Walker of Stafford, Texas, and Carol Prescott of Lincoln; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Sadie Standage; his stepmother, Lucille (Rasmussen) Standage; and his stepsisters, Jan Fruhling and Rojane Catlin
Kearney Hub, 17 November 2020
TRIMBLE, Marcia L., 94, of Kearney, passed away Monday, November 9, 2020 at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Wednesday, November 18, at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: October 18, 1926 in Ridgeway, Missouri
Parents: Elton and Marjorie (Black) Tyner in Ridgeway, Missouri
Grew up in Ainsworth, Liberty, and Lincoln, Nebraska, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944
Married: Bill Wortman in Lincoln in 1947, they later divorced
Married: George Hassing June 1, 1979 in Kearney; he passed away in 1993
Married: Robert Trimble on August 18, 1996 in Kearney; he passed away in 2013
Earned her bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College; began teaching at Kearney Public Schools in 1966 and taught for 27 years; retired in 1993
Activities: member of First United Methodist Church, American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, Kearney Women’s Club, M.O.N.A., Alpha Xi Delta, Kearney Education Association, Nebraska Education Association, National Education Association, AARP, Mother Hull Home Board, Red Cross, P.E.O., and Golden K Kiwanis
Survivors include: her daughter Cindy and Ron Reher of Humboldt, IA; granddaughter, Tina and Tim Clarken of Badger, Iowa, their children, Cooper and Gavin Clarken; grandson, Brent Reher of Humboldt, IA and his children Montgomery and Dakota Reher
Was preceded in death by her parents, brother Stan Tyner, and two husbands
Kearney Hub, 16 November 2020
WALLER, Gerald J. Sr., 76, of Kearney died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 3, 1944, in Valley County
Parents: James Lloyd and Merna (Goodrich) Waller
Graduated from North Loup Scotia High School in 1962; attended Kearney State College, was part of the football program
Military: U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1971; was stationed in France and later in England
Married: Mollie A. Reid, Oct. 28, 1967, in Oxford, England
Returned to the United States, went into a partnership with his high school friend, Steve Reeves; was a longtime employee of Brown Transfer and Yellow Freight, retired in 2005
Activities: member of the American Legion Post 52, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and B.P.O.E. 0984; proud member of the Teamsters Union; loved to hunt, fish and golf; enjoyed woodworking and his conversations with friends at the American Legion Club; loved his family and was a devoted grandfather
Survivors include his wife, Mollie Waller of Kearney; sons, Gerald Waller Jr. and wife Sharon of Kearney, and Corey Waller and wife Cami of Riverdale; daughter, Holly Carnes and husband Mark of Kearney; grandchildren, Zachary Waller and wife Brittany, Jacob Waller, Ella Waller, Ava Waller, Trystan Carnes, Londyn Carnes, Keeghan Hunt and Kaden Hunt; great-grandchild, Thia Waller; mother-in-law, Grace Reid of Oxford, England; brother-in-law, Keith Oliver of Oxford, England; nieces, Kerrie Oliver and Nikki Brayshaw, both of Oxford, England; and special friends of the family, Greg Sohrweid and Karri Boston
Was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Peg Marchant; father-in-law, Fred Reid; and sister-in-law, Lynn Oliver
Kearney Hub, 12 November 2020
WATTLES, Melvin D. (George), 88, of Fountain Hills, Arizona, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, at Fountain Hills
Memorial service: Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Mortuary: Messinger Mortuaries in Fountain Hills, Arizona
Born: in Kearney on Dec. 2, 1931
Parents: Melvin A. and Vera (Rowe) Wattles
Began working at age 12 the shoe shine parlor on Central Avenue; also worked during high school years at The World Theatre and the Fort Kearney Hotel; developed his lifelong love of cars working at a gas station and a used car lot in high school
Military: U.S. Air Force, trained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas during the Korean War and later was stationed at the Denver Air Force Base as an instructor of card punch IBM machines
Earned his bachelor’s degree in education from UNK in 1956; later achieved his master’s in education
Taught for 36 years in high schools in Gibbon, Amherst and Kearney; was honored with the Nebraska Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year Award; greatest teaching achievement was the Construction Tech class he developed at KHS, designed and built 17 houses with students; taught young men the skills of house building, pride in craftsmanship and responsibility; also designed and built his own nine homes, including the A-Frame, one of the few in Nebraska; designed many other homes in Kearney; in his retirement, started an online business, RadioAge.com restoring antique radios that were sold all over the world; also built frames for his wife's art work
Activities: enjoyed good times with pals at McDonald’s; moved to Arizona to be near their daughter and grandsons
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Wattles of Fountain Hills, Arizona; daughter, Kelli Lawhead of Fountain Hills, Arizona; son, Todd M. Johnson of Washington, D.C.; grandsons, Grant Urbom of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Alex Urbom, of Los Angeles; and granddaughter, Kate (Johnson) Salokorpi of Santa Barbara, California
Was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin A. and Vera Wattles
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 14 November 2020 and 20 August 2021
WEIGHT, Donald D., 93, of Loup City died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Saturday at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City, with military honors
Mortuary: Peters Funeral Home of Loup City
Born: March 5, 1927, at Shenandoah, Iowa
Parents: John and Leona (Surface) Weight
After parents divorced, was moved to an orphanage in eastern Nebraska; later moved to Poole and was raised by the Ernest and Lena Schneider family; received his education in the Poole area and attended Ravenna High School
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb. 27, 1945, served on the USS Hutchins, USS Greyhound and USS Sanborn; was honorably discharged on Aug. 1, 1946
Returned to Nebraska and farmed near Poole
Married: Phyllis J. Fiebig on June 28, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton
After marriage, lived and farmed near Poole; had twin daughters Debra and Donna and a son, John together; Phyllis died Feb. 6, 1954
Married: Shirley I. (Rowedder) Plumb on Aug. 20, 1963, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island; had two daughters Cheryl and Connie
Farmed north of Loup City; moved into Loup City in 1976; continued to farm for several years, also worked as an adjuster for Federal Crop Insurance; later operated Middle Loup Insurance Agency until retiring
Activities: member of St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 5455 and American Legion Post 48, all of Loup City; was also an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy; never knew a stranger and loved music, wood carving and the Nebraska Cornhuskers
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Weight of Kearney; daughters, Debra Walter and Donna Harrison, both of Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law, John and Joyce Weight of St. Joseph, Missouri; daughters and son-in-law, Cheryl and Frank Boardman of Olathe, Kansas, and Connie Weight of Kearney; eight grandchildren, Rachel and Abigail Boardman, Jeffrey and Gregory Otto, Ryan and Evan Weight, and Kara Morris and Neil Walter; and nine great-grandchildren, Kaylee Shade and Ashton Otto, Eleanor and Joey Walter, Tessa and Lexi Weight, Atley and Addison Morris, and Kenneth Rodriquez; one half-brother, Walter Weight of California; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; sons-in-law, Alfred Walter and Garry Harrison; brothers, Eugene, Virgil, Eldon, Kenneth “Jack,” and Wilber “John;” and sisters, Helen Ann, Lucille and Mary Louise
Kearney Hub, 5 November 2020
WILKINSON, Douglas Wayne, 92, of Kearney died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney. Cremation was chosen
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell
Mortuary: Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte
Born: Aug. 23, 1928, in Rawlins County, Kansas
Parents: Jesse and Esther (Cushing) Wilkinson
Grew up in Colorado and Nebraska, graduated from Stratton (Nebr.) High School in 1945
Military: U.S. Navy, 1946-1947, served on the U.S.S. Holder DD819
Following his discharge, returned to Stratton
Married: Dolores Ann Damrow on June 5, 1949, in Benkelman
After marriage, lived in Benkelman, moved to North Platte in 1953; managed grain elevators throughout Nebraska then bought a place in Elba in 1974, ran a cow-calf operation and did painting and sandblasting; eventually returned to North Platte in 2004
Survivors include his children, Thomas (Pattie) Wilkinson of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Gary (Cindy) Wilkinson, and Sherri (Ron) Morris, all of Kearney; his sister, Twila Brynoff of North Platte; sister-in-law, Nedra Wilkinson of Ravenna; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and other family members
Was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, Ellis and Leon Wilkinson; sister-in-law, Marsaleen Wilkinson; brother-in-law, Fonce Brynoff; and sister-in-law, Jackie and husband, Burdette Wilson
Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kearney Hub, 21 October 2020
WOTHERSPOON, Alma J., 98, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society — St. John’s in Kearney
Private family services and burial: Forrest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: November 19, 1921 in Moorehead, Iowa
Parents: Chester and Irene (Currie) Bailey
Grew up in Omaha, graduated from Omaha South High School; attended Omaha University
Married: Allen Wotherspoon, December 2, 1943 in Tucson, Arizona
Was a loving wife, and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend;e generously volunteered her time and talents to Jobs Daughters, Demolay, P.E.O., Eastern Star, D.A.R., and Nebraska Methodist Hospital; had been an active member of her church in Omaha and Green Valley, Arizona
Survivors include: daughter, Linda and Kent Schroeder of Kearney; sons, Wayne Wotherspoon and Laurie Roush of Omaha, Keith and Linda Wotherspoon of Stafford, Virginia; sister, Barbara and Clair Soseman of Omaha; 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, three sisters and their spouses, one granddaughter, and one daughter-in-law
Memorials: St. John’s in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 7 November 2020