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ABOOD, William Amen., 70, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 31, 1950
Parents: Jeanetta and Tony Abood
Grew up older sister, Merilyn and Margaret; graduated from Kearney High School in May 1968
Military: U.S. Army; was in Viet Nam by July 1968; served two tours in Viet Nam and one tour in Germany
Married: 1973, to Sheila O’Shea
Started Abood Construction in 1988, he started Abood Construction; no one could ever out-work Bill Abood; was honest, unselfish, and reliable and unfailingly generous; loved his family; contracted covid in December; met Jesus for the first time, in front of the coffee machine at Good Samaritan Hospital in December 1975; years later, stepped into the arms of Jesus at that very same hospital...by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone
Survivors include: his wife, Sheila, five children and their spouses, Willie (Kellie) Abood, Amber (Curtis) Taylor, Lindsay (Rob) Dolezal, Katherine (Chris) McClemens, and Judith (Josh) Geiselman; seventeen grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sister Margaret Herrold, sister-in-law Judy Walker,and many, many friends
Kearney Hub, 14 January 2021
BAHDE, Maevis, 95, of Omaha, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at Brookstone Meadows in Omaha
Memorial service: January 18, 2021 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Aug. 28, 1925, in West Point
Parents: John and Carrybel (Baumer) Schroeder
Graduated from Wakefield High School
Married: Donald Bahde on March 24, 1946, in Wakefield
After marriage, moved to Hastings, where Donald worked for the Standard Oil Company; moved to Kearney, 1952, and was the office manager for family-owned Bahde Oil Company; retired in 1985
Activities: was an avid bridge player, enjoyed playing every week with a group of women from the Kearney area; donated her time at the First Lutheran Church with the quilting group; also enjoyed working in her flower garden, was recognized by the Kearney Sertoma Club and won the Yard of The Month; was a great cook and especially loved to prepare wonderful feasts for her family and friends during Thanksgiving and Christmas
Survivors include: her children, Richard and Reeann Bahde of Omaha, Pamela and Steve Coffman of Omaha, and Jeff and Jackie Bahde of Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren, Carrie and John Hjelle, Dawn and Jim Lusk, Conner Bahde, Taylor and Richard Moya, Kelly and Ryan Gray and Matt and Andrea Coffman; and 14 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; sisters, Bonnie Bressler and Alice Schroeder; and brothers, Kenneth and Jack Schroeder
Memorials: First Lutheran Church Radio Fund
Kearney Hub, 13 January 2021
BAIN, James Keith "Jim" Bain, 84, of North Platte died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Great Plains Health
Service: Saturday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte
Inurnment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery
Born: Aug. 4, 1936, in Grand Island
Parents: Estel and Minnie (Boulier) Bain
Moved to and was raised in Cozad
Military: U.S. Navy until 1957
Married: Kay Ann McGuire in 1956; were married 54 years, until her death on Sept. 7, 2010
After marriage, moved from California to Kearney, lived here and raised six children; worked making glasses in Kearney, became a licensed realtor; worked as a realtor; moved to North Platte in 1972, partnered with Gene Wiemers forming Wiemers and Bain Real Estate; went on to become a certified appraiser and formed Jim Bain Appraisal Associates in 1974; continued working full time until the time of his death, instilling in his kids that "Bain work ethic."
Married: Michelle Woltemath on Feb. 17, 2014, in Las Vegas
Activities: loved his family, his work and Jack Daniels; was an avid Husker fan and liked to golf; enjoyed being busy doing things, going out to play pool, play poker, going to casinos and Las Vegas, and taking trips to visit his kids and grandkids; was proud to pass on his hard-earned business to his two remaining sons
Survivors include his wife, Michelle; three remaining children, Kim (Matt) Joy, Pat Bain and Jeff (Brenda) Bain; grandchildren, Erin (Naomi) Bain, Tammy Bain, Tim Bain, Brooklynne (Mike Drahota) Rosado, Brittany Rosado, Rory Bain, Taylor Bain and Chelsea (Steve) Reigies; stepgrandchildren, Adam (Melissa) McMurtry, Sharon, Christina, Michelle and Kalob; and four great-grandchildren, Ariah, Paige, Kelly and Hannah
Was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie and Estel; two sisters, Virginia Binderup and Betty Shaw; his first wife, Kay Bain; and three sons, Kelly, Kris and Paul
Memorials: Lincoln Connection or donor's choice
Kearney Hub, 24 December 2020
BEAVERS, Joel P., 55, of Kearney died Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at Elm Creek
Graveside service: Jan. 15, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Elm Creek
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Oct. 9, 1965, in Kearney
Parents: Gary and Carol (Miller) Beavers
Was raised in Elm Creek, graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1983
Activities: loved to spend time outdoors gardening and tending to his flowers; most of all, enjoyed being with his family and friends
Survivors include his sisters, Anne (Jim) Moats of Elm Creek and Amy (Jerry Meridith) Hernandez of Gothenburg; special friend, Janet Kirsch of Kearney; stepsisters, Kathie (Jay) Martindale of Brewster and Sheila Dawn Miller of Golden, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; stepmother Lois Beavers; stepbrothers, Jamie Miller and Tom Miller
Kearney Hub, 9 January 2021
BENNETT, Aaron, 77, of Kearney died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at his home
Donated his body to the State of Nebraska Anatomical Board
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O’Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 29 September 2020
BLANKENSHIP, Bruce L., 63, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Jan. 5 at St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 16, 1957, in Superior
Parents: Alvin (Dale) and Virginia Blankenship
Moved with the family to Kearney in the spring of 1966
Married: Tammy Davenport on March 15, 1986
Was a graduate of Kearney High School and Kearney State College (UNK); his professional career included stints as a staff member and president of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, York Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo County Visitors Bureau, executive director of the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation and Business Development Officer at Farmers and Merchants Bank; had professional relationships with the Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association, Ward Laboratories Inc., Nebraska Charolais Association, Nebraska Seed Trade Association and others through a part-time consulting business; worked with others to organize and initiate the Kearney Visitors Bureau, Economic Development Council of Buffalo County, Leadership Kearney and the Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic; played a role in bringing Richard Young Hospital, Construction Rental, Midway Chevrolet, Cabela's and other businesses to Kearney; served two terms on the Kearney City Council, and was mayor from 2002 to 2004; served on many other boards over the years
Took the most joy in his 34-year marriage to Tammy and watching the achievements of his sons Brett, Brock and daughter-in-law Chloe; and his grandsons
Survivors include his wife, Tammy Blankenship of Kearney; sons, Brett Blankenship of Omaha, and Brock and Chloe Blankenship of Lincoln and their sons Titus and Asher; brother, Al and Sandy Blankenship of Waverly; sister, Debbie Brian Craig of Omaha; sister-in-law, Marge Blankenship of Kearney; father-in-law, Bob Davenport of Overton; sister-in-law, Konnie and Kevin Turner of Overton; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Virginia Blankenship; brother, Gary; nephew, Tim; mother-in-law, Lillias Davenport; and brother-in-law, Danny Davenport
Memorials: Kearney Catholic High School Foundation, Kearney Community Foundation or the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2020
BRESLEY, Susan "Suzzie" M., 71, Saluda, South Carolina, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at Saluda Nursing Facility
Memorial service: later
Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry
Born: in San Diego, California, on Oct. 2, 1949
Later moved to Idaho for college
Married Mick Bresley, her husband of 49 years
Throughout her career in child care, impacted the lives of over 100 children; loved each child for their individuality and spirit; was a loving caretaker
Activities: was a faithful steward and an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney and First United Methodist Church in Kearney, Missouri; most recently became a member of Central United Methodist Church in Newberry, South Carolina; was a loyal friend, and sister with a kind and generous heart, and her love left a lasting legacy in her children
Survivors include her husband, Mick; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Shannon Bresley, their five children, Lauren, Sarah, Anna, Joseph and Nora; daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Ned Purcell and their two children, Jensen and Fin; along with many loving siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association
Kearney Hub, 13 January 2021
BROWN, Esther, 99, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Private family funeral: Tuesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 7, 1921, in Watkins, Colorado
Parents: Oscar and Josephine (Abrell) Irvin
Was raised in Bloomington and received her education from Bloomington High School
Married: March 12, 1945, to Arthur H. Brown in Kearney; had three children together
Survivors include her daughters, Joan (Wendell) Stevens of Kearney and Betty Nielsen of Kearney; grandchildren, Cheryl Downey, Alicia Smith, Brian Stevens, Matthew Nielsen, Jessica Nielsen-Boyle and Jeri Wilson; as well as many great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Irvin; parents; husband, Arthur Brown; son, LeRoy Brown; and great-granddaughter
Kearney Hub, 21 December 2020
CLEVENGER, Doretha, 88, of Gibbon died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, at her home surrounded by family
Funeral service: Friday at the Gibbon Baptist Church
Interment: Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon
Mortuary: Redinger in Gibbon
Born: Jan. 5, 1932 in Gibbon
Parents: Chet and Elsie (Lowell) Smith
Was the youngest of nine children, was raised south of Gibbon and graduated from Gibbon High School in 1949
Married: Robert Clevenger on Aug. 28, 1949, on her parents' farm south of Gibbon; celebrated 67 years of marriage in 2016
After marriage, lived near Shelton for 10 years while they both worked for local farmers; opened Lakeview Café south of Gibbon in 1968; left the cafe in 1972 and purchased the Gibbon Standard Oil Agency; expanded their business to what is now Clevenger Farm Products and Clevenger Propane
Activities: member of Gibbon Baptist Church; traveled extensively throughout the United States; treasured time spent with family and friends
Survivors include her children, Karen (Barry) Hemmerling of Lincoln, Rob Clevenger (Vicki) of Gibbon, Dan (Cheryl) Clevenger of Gibbon and Jayne Cain of Omaha; her best friend, Rich Cain of Hays, Kansas; her grandchildren, Brett (Bryan) Hemmerling, Brandon Hemmerling, Dusty (Jody) Clevenger, Colby (Ashley) Clevenger and Hayley (Mitch) Mentzer, Zach Clevenger, Austin Clevenger, Derrick (Angie) Clevenger, Ali (Josh) Slawski, Cassie (Paul) Robinson, Casey Cain, Cami Cain and Calli Cain; her great-grandchildren, Faith and Charity Clevenger, Colton and Alex Clevenger, Raelynn Mentzer, Jameson Clevenger, McKenzie, Jordan, Luke and Rachel Clevenger, Lincoln and Milo Slawski and Gracie Robinson; two sisters-in-law, Doris Winkler-Marquart of York and Donna Clevenger of Scotia; a brother-in-law, Bert (LaDonna) Clevenger of Omaha; and several nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Clevenger; and two brothers and six sisters
Memorials: the church or to the Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 17 December 2020
CORRIGAN, Dorothy "Bert" Roberta, 99, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at CountryHouse in Lincoln
Graveside service: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: May 8, 1921, in Cairo
Parents: Ray and Edna (Nielsen) Ingalls
Graduated from Cairo High School in 1939, moved with family to Kearney; attended Hastings College for one year and Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney, now UNK, for one year
Married: Dec. 10, 1942, to Clarence LeRoy "Roy" Corrigan
Worked at the Kearney Air Force Base while Roy was stationed overseas in Okinawa training to invade Japan; after the war, continued to live in Kearney where Roy worked at the Ingalls Grain Company
Loved her work as a stay-at-home mom, raising her children was her No. 1 priority
Activities: was a Cub Scout leader, Camp Fire leader, enjoyed the baseball games, cheerleading, track and golf events of her children and grandchildren; was active in Women's Circle at the Kearney First United Methodist Church; was an avid bridge player
Survivors include her daughter, Beth (Corrigan) Otto of Lincoln; grandchildren, Tina Corrigan of Gothenburg, Pam (Corrigan) Yunker of Omaha, Stephanie (Corrigan) Corral of Omaha, Lori (Otto) Olson of Conroe, Texas, and Rich Otto of Lincoln; great-grandchildren and extended family
Was preceded in death by parents, Ray and Edna Ingalls; infant son, Roger Corrigan; husband, Roy Corrigan; and son, Reed Corrigan
Memorials: First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 16 December 2020
DeBRIE, William "Bill", 78, of Gibbon died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: Tuesday at the Kearney First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Sept. 2, 1942, in Shelton
Parents: Merle and Mabel (Webster) DeBrie
Received his education in Gibbon, graduated in 1960
Married: July 21, 1967, to Glenda Garrett in Kearney
Farmed most of his life; started Buckeye Valley Trucking with son Justin in 1994; retired from farming in 2003, then drove truck until retiring in 2012
Activities: enjoyed motorcycles and snowmobiling; made many trips to Sturgis during the years; loved to hunt and spend time with his family, especially his grandsons; served as president of the Gibbon American Legion for several years and was active in the Gibbon Tractor Pull and Parade
Survivors include his son, Justin DeBrie and wife, Amber of Gibbon; grandchildren, Wyatt and Barrett DeBrie of Gibbon
Was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Glenda DeBrie
Kearney Hub, 18 December 2020
DEKE, LaVern E., 81, of Kearney died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: April 30, 2021, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment with military honors: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 17, 1939, in Fairbury
Parents: Norbert and Marie Elena (Martens) Deke
Was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury, and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Shickley; graduated from Concordia High School in 1956 in Seward
Military: US Air Force, 1962-1966, served in Roswell, New Mexico, during the Vietnam War
Married: Betty Rahde in 1962 and had three sons
Farmed with his father for several years and then helped erect grain bins and steel buildings with John Block Construction; later was an insurance agent for Aid Association for Lutherans; moved to Kearney in 1993 and worked for Epley Express and Navigator as a bus driver
Married: Jean Muller on Oct. 29, 1994, in Kearney
Cared for his mother who moved to Kearney in 1996 until her death in 2001; was an avid coin collector and interested in genealogy
Survivors include his sons, David A. Deke of Gretna, Daniel D. Deke of Los Angeles, California, and Darin A. Deke of Evergreen, Colorado; grandson, Hunter Deke of Gretna; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Deke of Gretna; brother, Wilfred Deke of Beatrice; sisters, Elaine Rahde of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Evelyn Yost of Glenwood, New Mexico, Louise and Robert Wulf of Ohiowa and Carol Collier of Bennett; stepson, Dan and Carol Gibbons of Desert Hot Springs, California; stepdaughters, Diana Jones of Kearney and Kathy and Glen Schaffer of Boerne, Texas; along with great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his wife Jean and a niece and nephew
Kearney Hub, 26 November 2020 and 25 April 2021
DORRIS, Gerald, 87, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society in Ravenna
Memorial service: Monday Dec. 21, at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney, with military honors
Burial: Arthur Cemetery
Born: April 14, 1933, in Ogallala
Parents: Laurence and Alice (Shaw) Dorris
Attended Arthur County Schools, participated in football and basketball, graduated in 1952
Military: enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, was sent to Fort Belvoir in Virginia for basic training and equipment repair school, was later sent to the Central Depot at Fort Richardson in Alaska and finally to Fort Lewis in Washington
After discharge, moved to Los Angeles, worked for UPS for two years
Military: enlisted into the U.S. Air Force, served at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Iceland and also ENT Air Force Base in Colorado, discharge in 1962
Married: Jacqueline Kinslow Tucker on Oct. 12, 1961
After marriage, lived in many different areas, including Oregon, Wyoming and Nebraska, worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for John Deere, Allis Chalmers, Massey Ferguson and others; retired in 1989; after Jackie passed away in 1997, moved back to Nebraska to be closer to family
Married: Helen J. Crow Hickenbottom on July 31, 1999, in Lemoyne; eventually made their home in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed fishing, traveling with Helen and collecting artifacts
Survivors include his wife, Helen of Kearney; stepchildren and spouses, Jerry and Kathy Hickenbottom of Kearney, Dick and Joyce Hickenbottom of Holdrege and Sandra and Dick Remmenga of Kearney; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stan and Phyllis Dorris of Pueblo West, Colorado, Melvin and D'Ann Dorris of Geneseo, Kansas; sister, Orma Jean Hawkins of Bend, Oregon; sister-in-law, Ramona Dorris of Lemoyne; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Jacqueline; brother, Wilton Dorris; and brother-in-law, Don Hawkins
Kearney Hub, 19 December 2020
FEES, Anna "Ann" Faye, 90, of St. Paul, formerly Amherst, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul
Mass of Christian burial: Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 26, 1930, in Callaway
Parents: Earl and Elsie (Havenstine) Sickler
Graduated from Kearney High School
Married: Jerome Mathias Fees in October 1958
After marriage lived on a farm north of Miller; raised their children and resided there until Jerome's death in 1969, them moved to Amherst; worked for Baldwin Filters from 1970 until her retirement in 1998; was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, 2018, and moved to a care home in Grand Island and later to St. Paul, lived there until her death
Activities: active member of St. John Capistran Catholic Church in Amherst and the Miller American Legion Auxiliary; enjoyed her church family, playing pinochle with her friends, and especially loved spending time with her family
Survivors include her children, Gary Fees (Bronwyn) of Manhattan, Kansas, Cheryl (Eugene) DeVillier of Wellsville, Kansas, Lori (Shannon) Ready of Grand Island and Craig Fees of Omaha; her grandchildren, Isaac (Emily), Brooke, Hailee, Alexander, Michael, Charles, Catherine and Kalli; great-grandchildren, Savannah and Amos; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her mother in 1943, her father in 1975, husband (Jerome) in 1969, a brother (Robert) in 1959, twin sisters (Doris and Dorothy) in 1929 and 2001 respectively, and her sister (Betty) in 2020
Memorials: St. John Capistran Catholic Church in Amherst or the Alzheimer's Association
Kearney Hub, 26 December 2020
FLANAGAN, Sherri, 57, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, surrounded by family at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Interment: Memorial Cemetery in McCook
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 15, 1963, in McCook
Parents: Erwin and Leona (Frecks) Wudtke
Received her education from Republican Valley High School, graduated in 1981
Married: July 14, 1984, to James Flanagan in Denver, Colorado; had two children; moved to Kearney in 1989, was a stay-at-home mom raising her children; later was employed as a day care teacher and preschool aid at Pumpkin Patch Daycare and then as a pharmacy tech at Walgreen's for more than 20 years
Activities: longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church; enjoyed sewing and crafting, and taught adult continuing education craft classes at the community college; was a leader for her daughter's 4-H club for a number of years; enjoyed sharing her creativity with others; loved hunting for antiques and spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren
Survivors include her children, Chelsie Bebensee and husband Casey of Kearney and Chad Flanagan and wife Emmylou of Omaha; grandchildren, Eliott, Kinsley and Brinley Flanagan and Olivia and Quinn Bebensee; siblings, Dennis Wudtke of McCook, Pat Jeanperrin of Arvada, Colorado, and Stan Wudtke and wife Claralynn of McCook; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Linda Wudtke; and brother-in-law, Richard Jeanperrin
Memorials: Concrete Cares or Kearney Tackles Cancer
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2020
GALUSHA, Marcia Lee, 67, of Hastings died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, at her home
Memorial service: Tuesday, Jan. 5 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
No visitation or burial
Born: Sept. 29, 1953, in Broken Bow
Parents: Lloyd and Gladys (Davis) Galusha
Grew up in Thedford and later Kearney
Married: Randy Russell on March 15, 1972; had three children: Angelic', Leon and Joshua; later divorced
Marrieg: Marion Smith; had a daughter, Krystle; later divorced
Had a son Kyle with Kelly D. Spotts were blessed with a son, Kyle
For the remainder of her life, had a special relationship with Steve Breitenfeldt
Activities: was an avid garage saler, enjoyed collecting knick-knacks, doing puzzles and always had a butterscotch or a stick of gum handy for anyone who wanted one; influenced the next generations with her love of sci-fi movies; most of all, loved being with her family and friends
Survivors include: her children, Angelic' (Jeff) Schluter of Hastings, Leon Russell of Hastings, Joshua (Amy) Russell of Hastings, Krystle (Matt) Schrock of Grand Island and Kyle Spotts of Giltner; grandchildren, Scott (Emma) Sunders, Alexandria Sunders, Mattie Schluter, Corbin, Ethan and Macey Russell, Haidyn and Merrick Russell, and Caleb Schrock; sisters, Kathy (Denny Young) Shonkwiler and Doreen (Randy) Muldoon; close friend, Steve Breitenfeldt; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Loiel Stogdill; siblings, Roger (Joy) Galusha and Karen (Bill) Harwager; also, Marion Smith and Kelly Spotts
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2020
GARRISON, Emma Ruth, 76, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha
A remembrance gathering: later
Born: Dec. 7, 1944, in North Platte
Parents: Ruben and Mary (Young) Hasenauer
Grew up in the North Platte area, graduated from high school in 1963
Moved to Kearney
Married: Len Garrison on July 5, 1964; Len already had three children: Ron, Linda and Steve; son Kendal was born in 1970
Earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 1976 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Started a gift, home decor and custom framing shop called Décoratif; in 1980, Ruth, Len and Kendal moved to Lemoyne on the north side of Lake McConaughy in the Sandhills of western Nebraska; later spent three winters in Beaver Creek, Colorado, working in the children's ski school and as a nanny; moved to Lincoln in 1993, lived with family and worked as the custom framing department manager at a national craft store chain; moved to Atlantic, Iowa, in 2014
Activities: was a passionate artist throughout her life; had many fans who enjoyed her pottery, photography and paintings; specialized in acrylic and watercolor paintings, favorite genres were still life, floral and landscape; loved having tea in her garden,e grew many of the flowers used in her artwork; also had a prolific collection of antiques, quilts and linens that provided inspiration for her art
Survivors include her siblings, John Hasenauer, Lyle Hasenauer, Chris Hasenauer, Kenneth Hasenauer, Susan Thompson and Sandra Thompson; her children, Ron Garrison, Steve Garrison, Linda Cope and Kendal Garrison; her daughters-in-law, Michelle Garrison and Melody Garrison; her sons-in-law, Marshal Cope and Errol "Skip" Coleman; her grandchildren, Shannon Garrison, Todd Garrison, Daniel Richter, Megan Russell, Geordan Christian, Autumn Christian and Madison Garrison; and her many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her stepfather, Charles Thompson; her father, Ruben Hasenauer; her mother, Mary (Young) Thompson; her sister, Linda Ready; and her stepsister, Marsha Williams
Kearney Hub, 21 December 2020
GARY, LaNae, 59, of Lincoln, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020
Celebration of life: this summer
Mortuary: Butherus, Maser and Love in Lincoln
Born: May 10, 1961, in Redfield, South Dakota
Parents: Harold and Myrtle (Carlson) Gary
Was a graduate of Kearney High School
Had been a contract worker the last 13 years for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; was a dedicated worker and friend
Activities: loved sports, when she was younger, played and coached softball; more recently, was known at a Patriots football fan; was always learning; loved reading, music, documentaries, podcasts and black and white movies
Survivors include her sisters, Myrna Liebig of North Platte and Melanie Gary of Lincoln; niece, Audra (Gordy) West, Black Hawk, South Dakota; nephews, Rory Kay, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Taylan Schoen, Lincoln; great-nephews, Gage, Kasen and Gaven West; along with aunts, uncle and cousins
Was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gail Ruth; brother, Dallas; and her little buddy, Laika
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2020
GERDES, Cheryl A., 72, of Kearney died Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Wednesday at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Feb. 19, 1948, at her home in rural Deshler
Parents: Norman and Adeline (Holtzen) Vieselmeyer
Was raised in Deshler, graduated from Deshler High School in 1966; earned her associate degree from Kearney State College
Married: May 31, 1969, Lanny Gerdes at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Deshler
Worked at Caldwell Manufacturing for 10 years, then stayed home to raise her boys and help run their family business
Activities: will be remembered as being very caring and full of compassion; was always willing to lend a helping hand; family was very important to her; enjoyed organizing and providing food for many family events; longtime member of First Lutheran Church, was active on the Caring and Sharing committee, Funeral Luncheon committee, G.I.F.T. and VBS programs; member of Kearney Kiwanis, led the Backpack Program; with Lanny was involved in Marriage Encounter and maintained several friendships during the years through that experience
Survivors include her husband, Lanny Gerdes of Kearney; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Leslie Gerdes of Ashland; son, Jeremy Gerdes of Kearney; grandchildren; Lauren, Megan and Ben Gerdes; her brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Kathy Vieslemeyer of Deshler; sister-in-law, Alice Vieselmeyer of Friend; stepbrother and stepsister-in-law, Terry and Pam Priefert of Malcolm; stepsister and step-brother-in-law, Vicki and Dennis Grummert of Shenandoah, Iowa; uncle and aunts, Larry and Deanna Holtzen of Deshler; Dorothy Holtzen of Hebron; along with many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Adeline (Holtzen) Vieselmeyer; brother, Jerry Vieselmeyer; and step-mother, Hazel Vieselmeyer
Memorials: Camp Carol Joy Holling
Kearney Hub, 11 January 2021
GRACZYK, Elijah Christin, 21, of Kearney died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: in Omaha on Feb. 11, 1999
Parents: Chris Graczyk and Rochelle Reiter
Went to school in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High School in 2018
Lived just outside of Kearney with his dad Chris, stepmom Michelle and brother Christian; was an amazing young man, who was born with tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder; though given little chance of survival or any quality of life, defied the odds time and time again and found much happiness in everything, including the small things for his entire life; found joy in listening to music, being outdoors playing and absolutely loved the sunshine and the warmth it provided while either sitting out on the patio or sitting in his tree swing just listening to nature; also enjoyed going for rides with his dad, hanging out on his Grandpa and Grandma Graczyk's farm, and just spending time with his loving family returning his unconditional love to them; through all of his trials of life, still remained such a kind, gentle and good-hearted soul
Survivors include his father, Chris; stepmom, Michelle; and brother, Christian; mother, Rochelle; brothers, Danny Albrecht III, Tatum and Jaxtyn Reiter, all of Kearney; grandparents, John and Kris Graczyk of Ravenna, Rick and Karen Reiter of Kearney, Marla and Cary Shinkle of Fall River, Kansas; grandma, Sandy Ayers of Kearney; and grandma, Deb Ayers of Kearney; great-grandmas, Bea Urwiller of Ravenna, Anna Graczyk of Sumner and Gwen Reiter of Kearney; uncles, Tony (Erin) Graczyk, Michael (Carrie) Graczyk, Sean Ayers, James Shinkle, Jamie Reiter and Justin (Selia) Martin; and aunts, Jessica (Drew) Schuller, Kim Ayers, Katy Ayers, Megan Ayers and Suann (Terry) Gipe, and numerous cousins, other relatives and many friends
Was preceded in death by his great-grandpas, Richard Urwiller, Edmund Graczyk and Bruce Reiter; and grandpa, Mark Ayers
Kearney Hub, 4 January 2021
HASBROUCK, Vicky Lyn (Brill), 65, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2020, at her home. Memorial service: later
Future interment: planned
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatman-Redinger
Born: Feb. 3, 1955, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota
Parents: Vernon and Betty (Bergeson) Brill
Survivors include her son, Jeremie Hasbrouck of Kearney; five grandchildren; brothers, Lonnie Brill of Valentine, and Kent Brill of Kearney; sister, Kathy Walgren of Aurora, Colorado, and Jacki Buettner of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2020
HASKILL, Marvin "Mike" Jr., 69, of Elm Creek died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at his home surrounded by family
Funeral service: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 12, 1951, in Lexington
Parents: Marvin Sr. and Delma (Mansir) Haskill
Attended elementary school through the fourth grade in Overton, graduating from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1969
Married: Aug. 14, 1970, to Jill Johnson in Kearney
After marriage, lived on the family farm north of Elm Creek; farmed there since 1975
Activities: in his younger years, enjoyed hunting and fishing; favorite pastimes were trading in trucks at Midway Chevrolet and going to morning coffee in town; always loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their many events
Survivors include his wife, Jill Haskill of Elm Creek; daughters, Jami Engelhardt and fiancé, Doug Amend of Kearney and Erin Bear and husband Ryan of Kearney; honorary son, BJ Engelhardt of Kearney; grandchildren, Triniti and Tryston Engelhardt of Kearney; sister, Karen Hazzard and husband Gary of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, William LeRoy Engelhardt
Memorials: Elm Creek Fire and Rescue Department
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2021
HENDRICKSEN, Valerie Lea, 57, of Holdrege died Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, as the result of a car accident north of Elm Creek
Celebration of life service: Monday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl home in Kearney
Born: Jan. 25, 1963, to James Caldwell and Donna (Thornton) Caldwell
Graduated from Kearney High School
Held various jobs, such as involved in real estate for a title firm as well as few others
Married: Larry Pazdernik, had a son together Colby Scott Pazdernik; she and Larry were later separated
Married: Marc Hendricksen and resided in Oconto
Raised chickens and was particularly fond of her horses; while in Oconto, took over the responsibility of raising her grandson and a few years later moved to Holdrege; was especially proud of raising her grandson, helping with school and enjoyed spending much time with her grandchildren; always enjoyed having the grandchildren stay and helping them with their projects and schools; prepared big holiday meals for the family; in Holdrege, became involved in attending college through online courses and was most recently very excited to be accepted at the University of Oklahoma to further her education
Survivors include her mother, Donna Caldwell; husband, Marc Hendricksen; son, Colby Pazdernik; half-brothers, Brett and Matt Caldwell; grandson, James Pazdernik; granddaughters, Madison and JayCee Pazdernik; aunt, Lori Farquhar and her husband Mitch; cousins, Cale, Asa and Morgan; aunt Linda Thornton and cousin, Cole
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, father, an uncle and a cousin
Kearney Hub, 26 December 2020
HILKER, Mae, 77, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at her home surrounded by family
Funeral service: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Edison Cemetery in Edison
Born: July 2, 1943, in Lincoln
Parents: John and Betty (Parker) Gier
Married: Jan. 7, 1962, Dennis Hilker in McCook
Survivors include her husband, Dennis Hilker of Kearney; son, Todd Hilker of Kearney; brother, Paul Linnemeyer of Benson, Arizona; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 2 January 2021
HINTON, Chester C., 92, of Yakima, Washington, died Dec. 5, 2020, at Landmark Care Home in Yakima
Memorial service: summer 2021, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska
Born: April 21, 1928, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Parents: Chester and Blanche (London) Hinton
Graduated from Chestnuthill High School near Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, in 1947
Military: U.S. Army, Nov. 1950 - Oct. 1952, he was inducted into the U.S. Army; served in Korea as a surgical technician in the 2nd Army, 22nd Evac Hospital at Pusan, South Korea; achieved the rank of sergeant
Married: Freda Marion Handelong of Bangor Junction on June 3, 1951, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Returned to the U.S., and lived at Tacoma Park, Maryland; worked at printing books; moved to Axtell, farmed until 1968; moved to Shelton, remained there until 2010, when he had taken ill, and moved to Yakima, to his son's home
Activities: loved baseball as a young man, was a talented farmer, builder, fabricator, welder and mechanic; always had a big vegetable garden; loved studying the Bible and was even a preacher and teacher at his local Seventh-day Adventist Church of which he was a lifelong member
Survivors include his son, Steve Hinton and his wife Kristy of Yakima; two grandchildren, Joshua (Morgan) Hinton and Jordan Hinton, a great-granddaughter Harper Hinton, all of Kearney; brother, William (Harriet) Hinton of Sun City, Arizona, and several nieces and nephews and extended family
Was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Blanche; his wife Freda Hinton in 2009; his daughter, Linda Hinton in 2010; and his sisters, Betty Snyder and Esther Locke
Kearney Hub, 12 December 2020
HOFFERBER, Frances "Fran" Elaine, 70, of Kearney, formerly of Lexington, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at her home in Kearney
Celebration of life: Saturday at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington
Inurnment: Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington
Born: Aug. 27, 1950, in McCook
Parents: Harold "Wilber" and Goldie (Dillan) Conner
Married: William "Bill" Hofferber on July 1, 1977, in Lexington
Survivors include her husband Bill of Kearney; two daughters, Shawney Wellmann of Cozad and Shannon Woodard of Fountain, Colorado; stepchildren, Jeffery Hofferber of Fort Worth, Texas, Tom Hofferber of Waco, Texas, and Traci Contreras of Atchinson, Kansas; sister Lois VanDusen of Kearney; brother Richard Conner of Phillipsburg, Kansas; six grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren and four stepgreat-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 6 January 2021
HUNT, Carl "Tuffy" E., 80, of Minden died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at Bethany Home in Minden
Funeral service: Tuesday at the Keene Evangelical Free Church
Inurnment: Merna, Nebr.
Mortuary: Craig in Minden
Born: March 8, 1940, in Ainsworth
Parents: Leon and Clara (Bruce) Hunt
Grew up and attended school in Merna
Military: served with the Nebraska National Guard Unit out of Broken Bow
Married: Patricia Bond on Aug. 22, 1965, in Broken Bow
After marriage, lived in Kearney, was employed by Kearney Crete and Block; also drove semi for several years across the United States with Delicious Foods, T.F.S. (Tri-Farm Service), Rawhide and Friend Freightways; retired at the age of 70; was known on the roadways through his CB handle: "Hey Road King"
Activities: enjoyed country western music, especially Johnny Cash; loved watching Westerns, bull riding, NASCAR, football and especially Husker football; even took to the sport of snowmobiling; other hobbies included watching real and model trains; was an avid bowler in his younger years; especially enjoyed family gatherings and loved being with family
Survivors include his former wife Patricia Hunt of Axtell; daughters, Sherie (Jay) Hixon of Wilber and Loretta (Mike) Morgan of Axtell; grandchildren, Bruce Carpenter, Halie Morgan, Cassandra Hixon and Ethan Morgan; great-granddaughter Aliena Osterbuhr; brothers, Roy Hunt of Grand Island, Gerald Hunt of Grand Island, Roger (JoAnn) Hunt of St. George, Utah; sisters, Iris Sisson of Ainsworth, Janice Swearingen of Kearney, Georgia (Tom) Kleeb of Sargent, Kathy (Marvin) Christy of Minden, Nevada; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Jaylynn Hixon
Kearney Hub, 12 December 2020
HUSEN, Sally Kay, 71, of Grand Island died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at her home
Private family service: Apfel Funeral Home of Grand Island
Born: Sept. 16, 1949, at Alliance
Parents: Allen and Verlene (Witham) Zikmund
Grew up in Alliance, Grand Island and Kearney; received her education at Kearney High School and KSC, was a cheerleader and member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority; earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in exercise physiology
Taught at Nebraska high schools and became an adjunct faculty member at UNK and Central Community College; was a member of the Governor's Council on Health Promotion and Physical Fitness
Married: Steven Husen on June 7, 1987, at Grand Island
Survivors include her husband, Steve; sons, Jack (Nickie) Melson of Glenwood, Iowa, Jeremy (Andrea) Husen of Gretna and Tim (Emily) Husen of Suwanee, Georgia; daughter, Kate (Dan) Horton of Manhattan, Illinois; grandchildren, Emerson, Hudson and Harper Husen, Colette Husen, and Claire and Jay Horton; her brother, Jim (Vicki) Zikmund; and sister, Sue (Paul) Pocock
Memorials: The University of Nebraska Foundation in memory of Sally (Zikmund) Husen
Kearney Hub, 13 January 2021
JACKSON, Michael D., 70, of Ravenna died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln from natural causes
Inurnment: Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cairo
Born: Aug. 26, 1950, at York
Parents: Dixie and Paul Jackson
Lived in Ravenna most of his life, moving there in 1958; graduated from Ravenna in 1968 and remained in Ravenna working for the BNSF Railroad for 40 years; retired in 2010
Married: 1970 to Nancy Bernet; had two daughter together
Married: 1995 to Kathleen Clark; started their Rafter JX Ranch, raised Red Angus cattle; enjoyed life on the ranch; horses, cattle and dogs were always part of his day; always had a pot of coffee for any visitor; retired from the cattle business in 2017
Activities: excelled at leather working, spent many hours at his leather workbench; loved cars, exhibited his 1940 Ford Coupe throughout Nebraska and brought home many awards and trophies, could tell you something about every car ever made
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Kathleen; his parents, Orville (Buck) and Dixie Buxton of St. Paul; his two daughters, Andrea (Nunie) Casarez of Katy, Texas, and Erin (Travis) Nye of Ravenna; and five grandchildren, Brandon, Sophia and Jackson Casarez, and Avery and Taytem Nye
Was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents
Kearney Hub, 11 December 2020
JACOBS, James "Jim" Benton, 93, of Shelton died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Friday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery with military honors
Born: Feb. 24, 1927, in Kearney
Parents: Roy and Erna (Schauer) Jacobs
Was raised near Shelton; attended Shelton High School, graduated in 1944
Married: Oct. 8, 1950, to Doris Blue at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowell; had three children together
Military: U.S. Army, November 1950 until August 1952; served in Korea during the Korean War from March 1951 to Februrary 1952
After marriage and discharge, lived south of Gibbon, farmed and raised cattle until 1992; later drove truck, retired in 2010
Activities: longtime member of the Gibbon American Legion Post 310
Survivors include his daughters, Renee (Roger) Swearingen of Gibbon and Connie (Randy) Scarrow of Norton, Kansas; son, Brian Jacobs of Gibbon; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kelly (Orville) Vincent of Sargent and daughters, Sidney and Carsen and nephew, Daniel Vincent and family; Tyler (Kim) Swearingen of Kearney and children, Carter and Avrie; Misti (Jon) Schroeder of Kearney and children, Devin of Lincoln and MaKennah, Charley, Ryaan and Makenzie; Brandon Jacobs of Lincoln and daughters, Brianna and Brielle; Danette Jacobs of Gibbon and daughters, Desirae, Destiny and Josa, Arianna and Atticus; Seth Jacobs of Kearney and children, Sienna and Xavier; Geoff (Anita) Wieland of Wheatland, Wyoming, and children, Gunner, Josey and Ziva; Reiley Wieland of Ravenna; Mallory Pinger of Vine Grove, Kentucky, and son Carson; and Jeremy Scarrow of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Della Wallace of Kearney; nieces, Trudy Jacobs, Candi Michel and Marcene Bauer; and nephew, Cary Blue
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris Jacobs; brother, Robert Jacobs; and an infant sister
Memorials: Central Nebraska Veterans' Home
Kearney Hub, 11 January 2021
JEYS, Herbie Ray, 74, of Elm Creek died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Celebration of life: Friday, May 28, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Nov. 8, 1946, in Lincoln
Parents: Joseph and Gwendolyn (Snyder) Jeys
Graduated from Lincoln High Schoo
Military: U.S. Navy from 1963, until 1969 during the Vietnam era
Married: Nov. 8, 1969, to Joan Coats at the community church in Juniata
Owned and operated a plumbing and backhoe business
Activities: attended and supported his children through their 4-H activities, their go-kart racing, wrestling at tournaments; loved coaching his sons from Little League to Junior League
Survivors include his wife, Joan Jeys of Elm Creek; three sons, Thomas Jeys of New Jersey, Todd Jeys of San Angelo, Texas, and Timmy Jeys of Elm Creek; daughter, Tanya Crouch of Kearney; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents; and his daughter, Theresa Jeys
Memorials: Kearney First Baptist Church
Kearney Hub, 29 December 2020 and 24 May 2021
KLEIN, Michael Clarence, 68, of Holdrege passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at the Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln
Memorial Mass: Thursday at All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege
Inurnment: Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Born: July 16, 1952, at Kearney
Parents: Milton N. and Mary E. (Moore) Klein
Grew up in a horse-loving family, had a childhood of chores, saddles, hackamores, harnesses, buggies, sleighs and fun
Married: Jacqueline Ann McGuigan on Aug. 14, 1971, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; had four children together; Jackie died in 2008
Married: Vickie (Streff) Lawrence, resulting in a combined family of eight children, five daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, one significant other, 19 grandchildren and one grandson-in-law
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1970 and from Kearney State College in 1974; graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law, 1977; had served as the editor of the Nebraska Law Review; practiced law from 1977 until his death
Activities: was active in community and statewide organizations, including the Kearney State College Foundation, the Child Saving Institute, the Lincoln Diocese Catholic Foundation and the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce; also served as a trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation, a board member and president of the Phelps County Community Foundation, a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulture of Jerusalem; a TeamMates mentor; and was a proud God Teen's mentor for four years through the All Saints Catholic Church; was an Eagle Scout, and was a longtime supporter of Scouting, and served in many capacities, locally and for the council
Survivors include his wife, Vickie Klein of Holdrege; his four children: Andrew M. Klein and his wife Stephanie of Holdrege; Benjamin P. Klein and his wife Jennifer of Lincoln; Molly E. Klein of Lincoln; and Katherine A. Klein and her significant other Samuel Golson of Cozad; Vickie's four children: Eric Lawrence and his wife Karyn of Omaha, Joe Lawrence and his wife Liz of Columbus, Kyle Lawrence and his wife Abbey of Broken Bow, and Jessica Kennedy and her husband Cy of Granby, Colorado; his brother Mark A. Klein and his wife Joanie of Kearney; 19 grandchildren: Jordan Reinertson and her husband, Jordan, Chase Christensen, Gavin Klein, Meredith Christensen, Ethan Lawrence, Jirsie Klein, Jacob Lawrence, Sadie Mae Klein, Noah Lawrence, Carter Lawrence, Grant Lawrence, Quincy Lawrence, Landon Lawrence, Rowan Lawrence, McKenah Lawrence, Piper Lawrence, Charlie Golson, Kendall Lawrence, and Evelyn Golson, two nephews: Matthew Klein and his significant other Margaret Balch of Kearney; and Shawn Patsios and his wife Heidi of Kearney; his mother-in-law Marcie Streff of Holdrege; one brother-in-law Rod Streff and his wife Jeannie of Florence, Arizona; three sisters-in-law: Kathy Worman of Florence, Arizona, Connie Johnson and her husband Bob of Bertrand and Lauri Bosco and her husband John of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; along with other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jackie; father-in-law, Leonard Streff; a grandson, Brenden Lawrence; and a granddaughter, Camille Christensen
Memorials: the Child Saving Institute of Omaha, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or to the All Saints Catholic Church of Holdrege
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2020
LASHLEY, Jackie Louise, 71, of North Platte died at peace Friday, Jan. 8, 2021
Memorial service: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte
Born: Sept. 22, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Dr. Benjamin H. Pahl and Eula (Billie) Louise Warehime Pahl
Attended school in Kearney
Married: Jan. 3, 1970, to Michael G. Lashley; had two children
Moved to North Platte in March 1973; Jackie was a stay-at-home mom; enjoyed working at Whitaker Furniture, Century 21 Wilkinson Agency, Chamber of Commerce; retired in 2015 from Commercial Investment Services Stefka Agency; while working full time, married with two teenagers at home, took classes and graduated in 1991 from the last graduating class of Kearney State College before it became UNK
Activities: enjoyed attending plays and shopping with friends, traveling, playing golf and bridge, dogs and yard work; most of all, enjoyed watching her son and daughter grow, marry and become contributing members of this community while being a good example to their children; attended many churches beginning and ending with the Methodist church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and on the church councils; believed in salvation through Jesus; founding member of Chapter HO in P.E.O, cherished this sisterhood and counted its members among her oldest and closest friends
Survivors include her children, Ben (Libby) Lashley and Amy (Brian) Johnston; grandchildren, Morgan, Maggie and Maya Lashley, Skyler and River Johnston; Gil Wilkinson, his siblings, sons and their families who so warmly welcomed Jackie into their family; sister Bobbie Welty and her boys and their families in Tennessee; and many good friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother-in-law Jon Welty
Memorials: P.E.O. Star Scholarship or Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation for women's education
Kearney Hub, 9 January 2021
LYNCH, Gary "Wren", 73, of Kearney died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at Englewood, Colorado
Memorial service: Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Burial: later Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: in Hastings on Jan. 14, 1947
Parents: Gerald and Catherine (Roffers) Lynch
Graduated from high school in Hastings, graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Kearney State College; Taught for a short time, then began a career in insurance until his retirement; in retirement, worked part time for Yellow Van Cleaning Services in sales and marketing where he was currently employed
Married: Carol Tice in Lincoln on Aug. 15, 1970
After marriage, lived in Kearney, had two daughters
Activities: spent the majority of his free time in the company of his friends while hunting, fishing and golfing; member of the Kearney Country Club for nearly 50 years; more recently, became a charter member of Awarii Dunes Golf Club; most of all, loved spending time with his four grandkids
Survivors include his sister, Lori Wilwerding of Omaha; and daughters, Jenny Lynch and her husband Jaime Rogers and their children, Oakes and Indie Rogers, all of Englewood, Colorado, and Taryn Schwartz and her husband Ryan and their children, Aubrey and Bennett, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Catherine Lynch; and his wife, Carol Lynch
Kearney Hub, 8 January 2021
O'BRIEN, Robert "Bob" J., 55, of Shelton died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Graveside service: Wednesday at Prairie Home Cemetery
Visitation: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Oct. 2, 1965, at Grand Island
Parents: John and Patricia (McRoberts) O'Brien
Started his education in Shelton; moved to Taylor, graduated from Loup County High School in 1983
After high school, drove a truck, mostly hauling cattle through several states; worked at feedlots and worked several years as a welder in Grand Island
Activities: was an avid Husker fan and deer and antelope hunter, hunting with his father, brother-in-law and nephew; also enjoyed fishing in the Sandhills
Survivors include his mother, Pat of Shelton; sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Joe Berglund of Shelton; niece, Emmilly Berglund of Shelton; nephew, Camron Berglund of Shelton; aunt, Linda Fosler, of Kansas City, Missouri; and cousins, Amanda Fosler of Holdrege and Corissa (Geoffrey) Gross, and Adisyn and Jaxon, both of Kansas City, Missouri
Was preceded in death by his father on Aug. 4, 2020; grandparents; and three uncles, Tom O'Brien, Carl Fosler and Jerry McRoberts
Kearney Hub, 11 December 2020
O'DEA, Peggy, 70, of Kearney died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Friday, June 25, 2021, at St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: June 28, 1950, in Grand Island
Parents: Alex and Des (Demakes) Poullos
Graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1968 and Kearney State College in 1973
Married: Tim O'Dea on June 15, 1974, in Grand Island
Took great joy in her career as an elementary school teacher for 37 years, taught at Wood River Elementary and Emerson Elementary in Kearney; retired in 2010; was active in local, state and national educational organizations
In retirment, served on the boards of Kearney Public Schools Foundation (served as chair), Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation (served as chair), and Buffalo County Community Partners (serving as co-chair); volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital; active member of St. James Catholic Church, helped count the Sunday collection every Monday morning for 10 years; active member of PEO Chapter GG in Kearney; loved the Kearney community and it loved her right back; hobbies included quilting and sewing, cooking for others, playing bridge, tending to her flowers, decorating and lunching with her friends; enjoyed road tripping around the country to various destinations; especially enjoyed her grandchildren
Survivors include: her husband, Tim O'Dea of Kearney; daughters, Megan and Brian Jenkins of Omaha, and Kate O'Dea of Omaha; grandson, Rex Jenkins of Omaha,; granddaughter, Poppy Terhaar of Omaha; and brother, George and Jody Poullos of Omaha
Was preceded in death by her parents
Memorials: Kearney Public Schools Foundation, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, or the Help Care Clinic
Kearney Hub, 31 December 2020 and 22 June 2021
PAPINEAU, Jeanie, 73, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Azria Health in Grand Island
Graveside service: December 22, 2020 at the Armada cemetery near Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl in Kearney
Born: November 18, 1947 in Kearney
Parents: Roy “Bub” and Dorothy (Hotaling) Robbins
Grew up in Sumner and Miller area, attended school in Sumner
Married: Gary Papineau on May 9, 1966 in Lexington
After marriage, lived in Bertrand, Amherst, and Miller
Was a great cook and enjoyed making and decorating wedding cakes; also enjoyed working in her garden and canning what she had grown; loved Christmas and decorating her home with lights
Survivors include: daughter, Maria and Robert Hollander of Sumner; sons, Gary Papineau of Miller, Randy and Tonya Papineau of Aurora; brothers, Dan and Olivia Robbins of Kearney, Dean and Pam Robbins of Overton; sisters, Elly and Jim Smith of Gothenburg, Dotty Ross of Waterloo, Iowa; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, and two nephews
Kearney Hub, 19 December 2020
PECKMAN, Mary Delores "Dee", 98, of North Platte died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at Linden Court in North Platte
Service: Friday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in North Platte
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell
Mortuary: Adams and Swanson in North Platte
Born: June 19, 1922, in Hazard
Parents: Henry and Mary Agnes (Moore) Wiest
Graduated from Hazard High School, then attended St. Francis School of Nursing
Worked as a nanny in Lincoln; later moved to Kearney, worked at the telephone office and Sears and Roebucks
Married: Harold "Barney" Peckman, Feb. 5, 1948, in Kearney
Resided in Kearney; in 1955, moved to North Platte; enjoyed staying home and raising her family, then went back to work as a bookkeeper for Sixth Street Food Stores for 25 years
Activities: member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and BPOE Does; family was the center of her life; especially loved and enjoyed her grandchildren
Survivors include her children, Barbara (Lynn) Cordell of Hastings, Diana (Michael) Halverson of North Platte and Michael (Gina) Peckman of Easton, Washington; grandchildren, Cory (Antoinette) Halverson of North Platte, Gabe (Kara) Cordell of Bennington, Tish Halverson of North Platte, Carissa (Brian) Deeds of North Platte, Kasey (Cody) Halverson of Omaha, Myles (Jenna) Peckman of Roanoke, Virginia, Mikaela (Steven) Souza of Woodinville, Washington, and Morgan (Tyler) Finneseth of Phoenix, Arizona; sister, Lareen Jacobson of North Platte; special family friend, Sister Carole Wakefield of Grand Island; along with numerous other family members and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Wiest; husband, Barney; and brothers, Milford and Harlan Wiest and Father Robert Wiest
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2021
RAASCH, Lyle Leon, 85, of Walthill died Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at the Wisner Care Center
Memorial service: Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial with military honors: Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell
Mortuary: Munderloh-Smith in Bancroft
Born: in Beemer on June 22, 1935
Parents: Adolph Sr. and Alma (Hass) Raasch
Was the eighth of 12 children; graduated from Beemer High School in 1952
Military: U.S. Army, fought in the Korean War, 1953 to 1955
After discharge, returned to Nebraska, began working in Omaha
Married: Mary Felber on Dec. 29, 1957, in Beemer; had four children together
Lived in numerous states in his career of more than 50 years in finance; returned to Nebraska; held positions at several financial institutions, retired in 2008 while senior vice president at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Kearney; received certificates of continued education from the Colorado School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado, and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma
Activities: member of Optimist International, was named an Admiral with The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska; participated Gateway Farm Expo, Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic, Colonels Club and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce; used his talents in construction as his hobby to remodel and build numerous homes; enjoyed entertaining at his home in Kearney, his cabin at Jeffery Reservoir or his home in Paisley, Florida; enjoyed barbecuing for community and family events; had a booming, infectious laugh Married: Nancy Athey Feb. 14, 2018, in Eustis, Florida; enjoyed helping on the Athey family farm
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; children, Kevin (Sheena) Raasch of Grinnell, Iowa, Deb Raasch of Bellevue, Jean (Ed) Spillman of Kearney, Len (Tracy) Raasch of Foley, Missouri, Janelle Stansberry of Fremont, Shellie (Bill) Harms of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Bill (Kari) Athey of Walthill and Wally (Jennifer) Juhlin of Crawford; brothers, Dean Raasch of Phoenix, Arizona, and Terry (Cindy) Raasch of Beemer; sister, Elgene (Lyman) Brown of Sutton; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and extended family and many friends
Was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Raasch; parents, Adolph Sr. and Alma Raasch; brothers, Adolph Jr. (Beverly) Raasch, Clifford Raasch, Harlan Raasch and Dallas Raasch; sisters, Berdina (Elmer) Paulsen, Ivaloh (William) Cooper, Vernell (Quentin) Petz and Orphia (Warren) Ackerman; grandson, Kevin Lyons; and infant granddaughter, Alexandria Raasch
Kearney Hub, 5 January 2021
RANSOM, John Robert, 72, of Kearney died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, at Bethany Homes in Minden
Private family funeral: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: Dec. 19, 1948, in Kearney
Parents: Gene and Bonnie (Montgomery) Ransom
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1967, and from Kearney State College
Moved to Alliance, worked for Lampert Building Center; later returned to Kearney, worked for West Company, Winnelectric and Ask Supply
Activities: attended Grace Fellowship Church; enjoyed camping, boating, trains and Bible study with brothers and sisters of the Lord
Survivors include his sister, Jackie Mercer and husband Steve of Kearney; sister-in-law Ruth Ransom of Franklin; nieces and nephews, Chad Mercer and wife Angie, Karl and wife Karena, all of Kearney, Jennifer Trompke and husband Jerry, Patricia Schurman and husband Ed and Terri Wenninghoff, all of Franklin
Was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; and brother Jim Ransom
Memorials: Grace Fellowship Church or AseraCare Hospice of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2020
ROEDER, Roberta 'Bert' M., 88, of Kearney died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at Kearney
Funeral service: Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary; Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Jan. 15, 1932, in Pleasanton
Parents: Paul and Annie (DeLaet) Fellows
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1949
Married: Merle Roeder in Kearney on Aug. 31, 1950
Was a longtime Kearney resident; with Della Wallace, painted and hung wallpaper in many houses throughout Kearney; also worked at Chartwells on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 25 years; retired at the age of 80
Activities: enjoyed attending activities her grandchildren were involved with, especially Kearney High football games; Sunday breakfast with her family was important to her; enjoyed cooking for the holidays and gathering together; also liked picking out flowers for her flowerpots every year; member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, very rarely missed the Saturday night service
Survivors include: her sons, Dan, Doug and Jolly Roeder; daughter, Cheryl and Keith Halliwell, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Meggan and Curt Coghill, McKenzie Roeder, Kaiti and Tom George, Nate Halliwell, Brittanny and Eric Thoendel, Brady and Darbi Roeder, and Bailey Roeder; and great-grandchildren, Brayden Burton, Jenna George, Collin George, Charley Roeder and Benni Roeder
Was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Roeder; brothers, Harvey, Dale and Darrell Fellows; and sister, Pauline Wells
Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Kearney Hub, 13 January 2021
ROHRICH, Donald L, 93, of Wood River died Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis with his family by his side
Private family service: Friday
Mortuary: Apfel in Wood River
Born: in Kearney on Nov. 3, 1927
Parents: Adolph Rohrich and Mamie Klein Rohrich
Moved from Pleasanton to the Wood River area, resided there all his life; attended District 27 Elementary School and graduated from Wood River High School in 1945
Military: U.S. Army, served in 1951 during the Korean War; attained the rank of sergeant and received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; was honorably discharged on Jan. 20, 1953
Married: Inez M. King on March 14, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Silver Bell Wedding Chapel
After marriage, lived in the Wood River area, farmed until retiring in 1992; lived on the farm until 2004, then moved into the town of Wood River
Activities: member of the Wood River First United Methodist Church, the American Legion and the VFW; also served on the District 5 School Board and the Wood River Recreational Association; member of the Saddle Club, the Liederkranz and the Platt-Duetsche; hobbies included fishing, boating and camping; enjoyed many weekends at their cabin at Harlan County Reservoir; attended rallies as members of the Monaco Wannagos and enjoyed many trips across the United States, especially the trip to Alaska; enjoyed many winters in Mesa, Arizona, and made many close friends; loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities; was an avid reader; used his mechanical skills at home, on the farm or wherever needed; had many wonderful friendships and fond memories of their time in the Wood River community and surrounding areas
Survivors include Inez, his wife of 62 years; daughter, Trena (Terry) Boshart; son, Curtis (Debra) Rohrich; and daughter, Tracy (Phil) Watts, all of Wood River; grandchildren, Sam and Caci Boshart of Severance, Colorado, Lucas and Haley Boshart of Clancy, Montana, Andrew Watts, Cassie Watts, Spencer Rohrich, Sydney Rohrich and Beau Rohrich, all of Wood River; and one sister, Barbara (Riley) Sterling of Chino Valley, Arizona
Was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty (Shorty) McDonald
Memorials: First United Methodist Church of Wood River, the Wood River Community Foundation or the Wood River American Legion
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2021
SCHLIEFERT, Beverly Elaine, 84, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Celebration of life: Tuesday at First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Mortuary; Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island
Born: in 1936 in Peru
Parents: Nellie and William Vanderford
Was one of seven children, grew up in Auburn, graduated from Auburn High School in 1953
Married: Feb. 2, 1958 to Mervyn Schliefert; had five children together; lived in various locations across the country, settled in 1983 in Kearney for most their lived
In Kearney, worked as a secretary for First United Methodist Church until her retirement
Activities: was extremely active with volunteering and supporting local events; thoroughly enjoyed her time and the friends she met at Sunday school, in Bell Choir, Chancel Church Choir, Kiwanis, Kearney Community Theatre, etc.; was enormously proud and supportive of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; it was rare to see her without a smile and she always had the best attitude; was known most recently at Tiffany Square in Grand Island as the social butterfly and Sunday pianist
Survivors include her children, Roger Schliefert, Doug Schliefert and wife Jodi, all of Grand Island, and Linda Mousel and husband Kirby of Central City; six grandchildren, Josh, Michael, Megan, Courtney, Chloe, and Sarah, as well as five great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her sons, Dennis and David, and her husband Mervyn
Memorials: Kearney's First United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity or the Grace Foundation
Kearney Hub, 11 January 2021
SHULER, Jack Eugene, 81, of Kearney died Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, at his home
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 19, 1939, in Findlay, Ohio
Parents: William and Dorotha Shuler
Attended Findlay High School, graduated from Oakland Community College
Military: United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964; was based at Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland, Canada
Married: Helen S. Jones, June 25, 1963, in Curling, Newfoundland, Canada
Worked 40 years for Dana Corporation in Toledo, Ohio, and Syracuse, Indiana; moved to Kearney in 2016 to be near family
Activities: enjoyed drag racing, fishing, hunting, toy truck and tractor collecting and watching sports; especially enjoyed spending time with his family
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Helen; children Mike (Julie) Shuler, Cynthia (Philip) Miller and Tonya (Steve Reimers) Cretacci; grandchildren, Cass (Matthew Ludwig) Ludwig-Davis, Holly (Eric) Barnes, Dylan, Kalem, and Trevor Lockhorn, Dayton and Sadie Miller, Tyler (Jordan) Cretacci, and Brandi Cretacci; along with eight great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents William and Dorotha Shuler, sister Dottie Witt and son Douglas Shuler
Memorials: Gibbon Faith United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 28 December 2020
SPEASE, Barbara Rose, 77, of Minden died Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 1, 1943, in Rushville
Parents: John and Ruth (Hoos) Janssen
Graduated from Rushville High School
Married: Jeffery Herman Spease, in August. 1963, in San Diego, Calif.
Moved to the Miller area in 1975, owned and operated the Miller Grocery Store; also worked at Baldwin Filters and the Eaton Corporation, retired after 15 years; then earned certification as a CNA, and worked with the elderly in their homes; worked for Tri-County Hospital for 10 years; moved back home to Rushville, took care of her mother and worked at Parkview Assisted Living for eight years; in 2017, moved to Minden with her daughter and family, continued in home health care for elderly clients in their homes, retired in May 2020
Activities: active member in the American Legion Auxiliary; loved attending Bible studies, playing guitar, piano and accordion while singing and yodeling for family and friends; also enjoyed reading, embroidery, sewing, cooking, hunting, gardening, wildlife and nature; especially enjoyed being with family and friends
Survivors include her daughter, Sandra (Brian) Nevitt of Minden; son, John (Melissa) Spease of North Platte; three brothers, Benny (Judy) Janssen of Rushville, Bob (Crickett) Janssen of Crookston and Bill (Jackie) Janssen of Litchfield; sister, Patricia Wages of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; three granddaughters, Briana Nevitt of Minden, Keannea Spease of North Platte and Ashlynn Spease of Lincoln; grandson, Stephen Schaetzle of Lincoln; and her best friend, Donna Wilson of Overton
Was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Seth, and several aunts, uncles and cousins
Kearney Hub, 14 December 2020
STAHLMAN, Jerry Duane, 77, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Elm Creek, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at his home in Mesa from ALS after a long battle with the disease
Graveside service: West End Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho
Mortuary: Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl
Born: May 4, 1943, in Twin Falls, Idaho
Parents: Millard and Fern (Crisp) Stahlman
Grew up and attended all 12 years of school in Buhl, Idaho, graduating in 1961; fondly remembered his childhood Buhl and loved to tell stories about the good old days; helped in the family bee business
After high school graduation, worked full time with his father and grandfather
Married: Linda Hartman on Dec. 7, 1963; had four children together; later divorced
Bought his own bee business in 1969 and moved the family to Elm Creek; had an opportunity for better bee territory in South Dakota in 1981; started moving his beekeeping operation, by 1986 the bee business was completely operated from Selby, South Dakota; worked with his two sons, Doug and Dan, until his retirement in 2005
Activities: in retirement, continued to enjoy his love of street rods, custom and high performance cars; owned a '34 Chevy Coupe street rod for 60 years that won many awards at car shows; also loved just driving, crisscrossed the United States in a motor home, made five trips to Alaska and Canada with a camper, and took motorhome adventures in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa; spent the winters in Arizona and traveled to many countries and events throughout the world while he was still able; was diagnosed with ALS in 2018
Survivors include his children, Angela Stahlman of Jerome, Idaho, Doug (Marissa) Stahlman of Selby, South Dakota, Dan (Kris Fordham) Stahlman of Selby, South Dakota, and Kim Colsden (Dan Hill) of Kearney; his sister, Janice (Chuck) Madsen of Sandy, Utah; his partner of 25 years, Julie Lundquist of Mesa, Arizona; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one niece
Kearney Hub, 12 January 2021 and www.farmerfuneralchapel.com
STUEHM, LaVern Chris, 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Funeral service: Friday, January 15, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney
Burial: St. John’s Cemetery south of Wilcox
Born: May 19, 1932 in Hildreth
Parents: Frank and Erna Staben Stuehm
Was raised on the family farm near Hildreth; graduated from Hildreth High School, played basketball winning a state championship
Sold tires for many years then drove truck until retirement, logging over a million miles traveled
Activities: loved watching basketball, hunting and fishing, cooking, and sharing his catch; never knew a stranger
Survivors include: his wife, Elaine; children Alan (Arelda) Stuehm, Deb (Tim) Pressley, Lynn (Kirk) Hagan, Mark (Farzaneh) Coffey, Teresa (Mike) Tonn; a sister, Mildred Adam; grandchildren Kim, Evan, Seth, Eric, Steven, Jennifer; great-grandchildren Caden, Riley, Makaylee, Rilee, Hagan, Monroe, Marvin, Aneka, Grace, Chris, Loren, Carson and Brayden; and a great great granddaughter Mariah
Was preceded in death by his parents and a great grandson Spencer Stuehm
Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church Radio Broadcast
Kearney Hub, 14 January 2021
THOMAS, Lester Martin, 82, died Jan. 3, 2021, while sitting in his chair reading a book at his home in Bennett Springs, Missouri
Private memorial service: later
Born: March 27, 1938 in Hickman, Neb.
Parents: John and Jennie (Topp) Thomas
Grew up and lived in and around Bennet, Neb., until 1994; also spent six years in Elm Creek, Neb., and 20-plus years in Bennett Springs, Missouri
Married: Arlene Taft, on Feb. 5, 1956
Worked as a serviceman at Nebraska Neon for more than 30 years; moved to Bennett Springs in 1994
Activities: in retirement, worked at the Sand Spring Resort in Bennett Springs until 2003; member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner; enjoyed a wide array of work, activities and hobbies, had a knack for restoring antiques and furniture; loved road trips and traveling to historic places; was a "handyman" to anyone that needed his services; was a voracious reader; was a friend to all, a good listener
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife Arlene; daughter Cindy Graczyk; brother Kenneth Thomas and sister Lena Rae Nolting
Survivors include: son, Marty Thomas and his wife Barbara of Lincoln; daughter, Sheri Thomas of Fort Collins, Colorado; son Storm Thomas and his wife Diane of Lincoln; son-in-law Jaime Graczyk of Elm Creek; sister-in-law Jan Thomas of Plattsmouth; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and countless friends and other relatives
Memorials: Shriners Hospital for Children
Kearney Hub, 9 January 2021
VOHLAND, Robert G. "Bob", 92, of Gibbon died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul
Funeral service: Jan. 6 at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Interment: Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: Sept. 15, 1928, in Gibbon
Parents: Gage and Mabel (Marks) Vohland
Was raised in Gibbon, graduated from Gibbon High School
Married: June 1, 1948, Evelyn Halkyard in Taos, New Mexico
After marriage, lived in Gibbon; was employed on the family farm with his dad, shelled corn and commercially harvested wheat; also worked at the ammunition plant in Grand Island before taking over as the caretaker of Riverside Cemetery for many years; was a longtime bus driver for Gibbon Public Schools
Activities: member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Sons of the American Revolution; was an EMT instructor for many communities in the area; longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney; scoutmaster for many years, enjoyed taking the scouts to Minnesota on numerous canoe trips; was a 40-plus year member of the Gibbon Fire Department and served as chief for many years; enjoyed camping, working with dogs and traveling with his family; loved his family very much and was very proud of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren
Survivors include: his daughter, Cindy Crouch and husband, Bob of St. Paul; daughter-in-law, Vicki Vohland of Kearney; grandchildren, Susan (Vohland) Grove and husband, Dave, Michelle (Crouch) Padrnos and husband, Todd, Katherine (Vohland) Hoagstrom and husband, Cory, Stephanie (Crouch) Kounovsky and husband, Jason, Matthew Crouch and wife, Lanaya, Michael Vohland, Heather (Crouch) Placzek and husband, Chase, Megan (Crouch) Wiles and husband, Wade; sisters, Joan Hemmerling of Gibbon and Jane Olson of Kearney; sister-in-law, Mrytle Halkyard of Gibbon; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn Vohland; son, Rich Vohland; sister, Donna Rose Vohland; brothers-in-law, Donald Halkyard, DeWayne Hemmerling and Norris Olson
Kearney Hub, 2 January 2021
WOOD, Shirley Marie, 82, of Kearney died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Monday, December 21, 2020 at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral Home
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 6, 1938 in Kearney
Parents: Floyd and Iola (McGinnis) Kersting
Had nine sisters and seven brothers all together
Married: Merle E. Wood on December 14, 1957 in Kearney
Worked as an CNA for 37 years at Mount Carmel Nursing Home in Kearney
Activities: enjoyed watching tv and cross word puzzles
Survivors include: her son, Randy Wood of Kearney; two daughters, Susan (Robert Coiner) Miska of Kansas City, MO. and Wanda (Andrew) Riggle of Lincoln, NE.; siblings, Loretta Luce Westminster of Colorado, Fred Kersting of Kearney, Joyce Snell of Elm Creek, Bill Kersting of Holden, MO., Roy Kersting of Kearney, Roberta Kersting of Kearney, Karen Stutheit of Lincoln, and Lois Hunsberger of Hastings; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters and two brothers
Kearney Hub, 17 December 2020 and www.hlmkfuneral.com