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ALBRECHT, Danny Lynn Jr., 40, of Cozad died Friday, March 19, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: May 2, 2021, at Elm Creek Cemetery
Born: Aug. 21, 1980, in Kearney
Parents: Danny Albrecht Sr. and Melonie Markus
Father to Danny Albrecht III and Amara Wieduwilt
Activities: was known to have a big heart with a smile that was infectious to those around him; was an amazing artist, loving father and brother
Survivors include his children, Danny III and Amara; sister, Beth Limbach; brothers, Chase Albrecht and Dillen (Katie) Albrecht; his grandmother, Connie Scott; mother, Melonie Markus; and girlfriend, Heather Franks; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his father. Danny Albrecht Sr.; and his grandparents, Betty and Ray Markus
Kearney Hub, 26 March 2021
APPELHANS, Alliene Ann, 98, of Cozad, formerly of Kearney, died Monday, March 29, 2021, at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Cozad
Celebration of life:
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: March 16, 1923
Parents: Ben and Alta Smith
Was the second eldest of nine children, grew up on a farm near Oshkosh; attended grade school at a nearby country school and graduated from Chappell High School in 1940, often boarding in Chappell during the week and returning to the farm on weekends; attended secretarial school in Denver
Married: Max Wright; husband joined the Air Force as a fighter pilot and served his first tour in Europe; had a brief reassignment in the States, then was reassigned to the South Pacific where he lost his life, leaving Alliene with a young son, and pregnanc with a daughter
Was employed as a civil servant at the Sioux Ordnance Depot near Sidney
Married: Jacob (Luke) Appelhans, who served in the Army stationed in North Africa during World War II
Raised their family at the Sioux Army Depot, after the children graduated from Sidney High School and left home, Luke and Alliene moved to various military bases in the United States and Germany; retired to a country property near Roseburg, Oregon; later moved to kearney to be near daughter Linda's family
Activities: enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe; after Luke's death, lived independently and enjoyed family, neighbors and friendships through Bible studies, needlepoint and a book club; familiy was her pride and joy; moved to assisted living; a bad fall, a hospital stay, COVID restrictions and a nursing home stay determined her life in 2020, all the while never losing her positive attitude and kind, gentle spirit; survived a COVID infection
Survivors include her two youngest siblings, Sydney Jo Smith of Hillsboro, Oregon, and Brenda K. Schertz of Bettendorf, Iowa; son, Michael J. (Pat) Wright, and their daughters, Jenny Jo (Brad) Thiem and Stacy (Mark) Desrocher, all of Austin, Texas; her daughter, Linda Max (Richard) Harr and their daughters, Ann Marie (Michael) Park, all of Kearney, Rebecca Linn (Alex) Watson of Verrierdale, Australia, and Katherine Dean Stanley of Laguna Niguel, California; great-granddaughters, Madie Eskew, Paige Desrocher and Amelia Stanley; stepgrandchildren, Elizabeth (Phillip) Pendergrass and Katharine Park, all of Lincoln, and Saxon and Milani Watson of Australia; along with many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Alta Smith; three brothers; three sisters; husbands, Max J. Wright and Jacob J. Appelhans; and great-granddaughter, Amanda Eskew
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice
Kearney Hub, 31 March 2021 and 26 June 2021
AXTELL, Jeffrey Dean, 45, of Refugio, Texas, formerly of Kearney, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, in Texas
Memorial service: Saturday, March 6, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: Feb. 2, 1976, in Kearney
Parents: Donald Axtell Sr. and Sandra (Brown) Axtell
Survivors include his wife, Amanda Axtell of Refugio, Texas; children, Kamden and Kalyssa Axtell of Refugio, Texas, Tyler Kuehn of Kearney and Rylan Axtell of North Platte; stepchildren, Kyra and Kaleb Grabast of Brownwood, Texas; parents, Sandy (Ronnie) Edson of Kearney and Donald Sr. (Ginger) Axtell of Odessa; and siblings, Angie Vasquez of Hickman, Donnie Axtell of Shelton, Jon Axtell of Kearney, Jenny Rodriguez of Shelton, Brook DeLong of Iowa and Shelly Krotz of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2021
BACHKORA, Vera Ann, 88, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Funeral service: Monday at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Burial: Westlawn Cemetery in Grand Island
Mortuary: O'Brien, Straatmann Redinger
Born: August 16, 1932 on a farm near White Lake, South Dakota
Parents: John and Gladys (Scott) Williams; John was killed in a car accident in 1935
Was the younger of two children; after father's death, moved with mother Gladys, sister Joan and aunt Helen Scott to Bassett; Vera attended elementary school, then moved to Kearney, graduated from Longfellow High; attended Grand Island Business College
Worked seven years in the office at Rainbow Bread
Married: Floyd Bachkora on August 24 ,1958 at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney After marriage, lived on the family farm north of Shelton; also lived near Fullerton, later moved to the Axtell/Kearney area
Activities: enjoyed living in Kearney and making many new friends; lifelong member of Kearney First United Methodist Church and Together Sunday School Class; loved nothing more than to speak with her grandchildren and great-children, and to tell others about them; will be remembered as a wonderfully unselfish and giving person
Survivors include: her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Jay Harris of Weaverville, NC; grandchildren, Josh (Kate) Harris of Freeport, FL, and Tyler Harris of Albuquerque, NM; great grandchildren, Noah and Evelyn; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 50 years, Floyd; sister Joan Iverson, and brother-in-laws Wayne Iverson, Bryan Bachkora, and Joe Ciemnoczolowski
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 18 March 2021
BALDWIN, Charlie, 67, of Gibbon died Friday, March 5, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 8 March 2021
BALS, Catherine A. (Gancos), 91, of Elm Creek died Monday, March 29, 2021, at her home
Funeral service: April 7, 2021 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial:Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 14, 1930, along with her identical twin sister, Phyllis (Beran) Reimers, in Ashton
Parents: Joseph and Eva (Kalkowski) Beran
Graduated from Ashton High School in 1948, began her teaching career the following fall at Paplin Country School northeast of Ashton; enrolled at Kearney State College, earned her bachelor's degree and later a master's degree in art
Taught school in Sherman County, St. James Grade School in Kearney and Stone School in Buffalo County; established, 1969, the art department at Kearney Catholic High School; retired in 1978; Mrs. G. had a special bond with all of her students, especially the Kearney Catholic High School class of 1974, having taught them in kindergarten, first and fourth grades as well as high school
Married: Steve M. Gancos on Dec. 27, 1952, in Loup City; he passed away in 1954
Married: Loren E. Bals on Oct. 14, 1978; lived south of Odessa; Loren passed away in 2003
Activities: dedicated member of the Catholic church, served in many ways throughout her life; member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. James Church Choir, VFW Auxiliary, Red Hat Society and a Good Samaritan Hospital volunteer; Sunday dinners after Mass were a long-standing family tradition; dearly loved visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing the best hugs; hobbies included growing roses, doing crossword puzzles, crafting, playing pinochle and fishing, and quilting with a small group of friends; was happy to discover through DNA testing in 2017 that she had an older half-sister and they met later that year
Survivors include: her daughters, Ann Jeanette (Gary) Gould of Elm Creek and June (Allen) Nelson of Elm Creek; stepson Mark (Lee) Bals of Overton; stepdaughter Laurie (Jeff) Schnacker of Elm Creek; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by two husbands, four brothers and three sisters
Memorials: Prince of Peace Catholic Church or Kearney Catholic High School Foundation
Kearney Hub, 3 April 2021
BEECHNER, Barbara Nelle Dill, 85, of Kearney died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at her home
Private celebration will be held
Mortuary: Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 17, 1935, in Belvidere
Parents: Nelle Trumble Dill and Earl (Squire) Dill
Raised on a farm in Belvidere with five older siblings, grew up milking the cows and making deliveries before school; was a top student, graduated from University of Nebraska Medical Center with a nursing degree
Married: Dick Beechner in 1957
Worked as school nurse in Lincoln as well as in nursing homes (Lancaster Manor, Mount Carmel and Good Samaritan Society in Gibbon); later served as a hospice volunteer for 25-plus years
Activities: was generous and kind, and a good friend; enjoyed family reunions and traveling with her siblings and their spouses to the Amazon in Peru, France, China, Egypt and Alaska; was a lifelong volunteer to multiple civic, church and cultural organizations, was an active enthusiast of Nebraska-related literature, art and nature, including the sandhill cranes migration on the Platte River; served as a Senior College board member, 4-H leader and membership in P.E.O., book clubs, Sweet Adelines choir and her birthday "Classics;" loved volunteering at Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney and was an avid supporter of local theatrical productions, including the annual storytelling conference in Kearney
Survivors include: her loving husband of 63 years, Dick Beechner; children, Lea Beechner Wylie and John Wylie (Kansas City), Richard "Beech" Beechner II and Connie Meyer (Kearney), Sara Beechner and Mark Aitala (Austin, Texas), her sister, Carol (Dill) Lehmkuhl; and grandchildren, Mackenzie and Hayden Wylie, Dillon and Kole Aitala; was a beloved sister-in-law, aunt and cousin to many
Preceding in death by: her parents, her infant son, Richard Dill Beechner, as well as her siblings, Jack Dill, Bob Dill, Jean (Dill) Anderson and Jo (Dill) Messman
Memorials: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing-Kearney campus Scholarship or Kearney Area Storytelling Festival
Kearney Hub, 2 March 2021
BENTLEY, Alta Marie, 91, of Omaha, formerly of Miller, died Monday, March 1, 2021, at Omaha
Funeral service: Monday at United Church of Sumner – East Campus
Burial: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Feb. 18, 1930 at home on a farm outside Elm Creek
Parents: Edward and Bertha (Pflaum) Becker
With sisters Louella and Betty, enjoyed farm life and found ways to have fun with paper dolls and playing house despite the hard times; later moved into town; graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1946; during summers, did babysitting and house cleaning for neighbors and relative. enjoyed staying in contact with her classmates and even lived near several of them when she moved to Northridge in Kearney after her husband's passing
Married: Oct. 11, 1946, Keith Bentley in Norton, Kansas; lived together happily for 67 years until Keith's passing in 2014
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Miller, and together raised kids, corn and cattle
Activities: active member of the First Christian Church in Elm Creek, taught Sunday school for many years; led 4-H clubs, sponsored 4-H'ers who went to Ak-Sar-Ben and mentored 4-H'ers throughout Buffalo County; member of Buffalo County Extension Club, Redwing Homemakers Club, the Christian Fellowship of Women and Miller Senior Citizens Club; loved bowling and belonged to a bowling league that competed weekly; after husband's death, moved to Northridge Assisted Living in Kearney, enjoyed old and new friends; moved in with her youngest granddaughter, Laurel Bentley Peterson, in 2019 who cared for her tenderly and with much love until she passed
Survivors include her daughters, Kathy Moomey and husband Rick of Sumner, Janna Pierce and husband Dick of Miller; and her son, David Bentley and wife Maris (Weidner) of Plattsmouth; 11 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith; her sisters and their spouses; her grandson, Joshua Mark Pierce; her great-grandson, Paul Smith; and many other beloved family members and friends
Memorials: Armada Cemetery
Kearney Hub, 4 March 2021
BRANDT, James "Greg", 68, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Memorial service: Thursday at First United Methodist Church
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Nov. 14, 1952, in Kearney
Parents: James F. and June (Michel) Brandt
Graduated from Kearney High School in 1971; attended Kearney State College
Married: Tamara Mulligan on July 4, 1977, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada
After marriage, lived in Kearney and had two sons; later divorced
Spent most of his life in the residential construction business and was instrumental in developing many subdivisions in Kearney; took great pride in his building business and was meticulous in every detail
Activities: was active in the community, and received numerous awards, including being inducted into the Kearney High School Athletic Hall of Fame and receiving the 2009 Kearney Hub Freedom Award for Sports
Survivors include his sons, JB and wife Amity and Luke and wife Ashley; grandchildren, Cole, Cooper, Breckyn and Price Brandt, all of Kearney; sister, Sandy Harrison and family of Shelby; and brother, Lean Brandt and family of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 6 April 2021
BRUNER, Richard S. "Dick" of Shelton died Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island
Celebration of life: March 13 at Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: later
Mortuary: Apfel in Grand Island
Born: Nov. 25, 1933, in Shelton
Parents: George W. "Chuck" and Fern (Miller) Bruner
Graduated from Shelton High School in 1951
Worked for his father and uncle at Bruner Brothers Sand & Gravel
Married: Oct. 15, 1954, to Veda L. Wheeler in Cairo
After marriage, lived in Shelton
Military: United States Navy, December 1955-September 1957; served aboard the USS Essex as a teletypist, also served in Guam
Returned to work with his father, eventually took over the business with his cousin Bill Bruner in 1970, renamed the business Bruners' Sand and Gravel; continued Bill retired in April 1996 due to ill health; was joined by son Jim; Dick retired in 2007
Activities: member of the Shelton United Methodist Church, served as an usher for many years and on various other committees, former member of the Shelton Volunteer Fire Department, Shelton Village Board, serving as mayor for several years, Kearney Elks Lodge, and a longtime member of a Thursday night pitch playing foursome; enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching his grandchildren grow and playing cards with friends during the years
Survivors include: his wife of 66-plus years, Veda; son, Jim (Gayle Knoll) of Shelton; daughter, Connie Rocker (Dave) of Franklin; grandchildren, Derrick Rocker of Omaha, Kelsey Rocker of Lincoln, Tess Bruner of Shelton, and Dr. Noel Bruner of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: Shelton United Methodist Church or Shelton Volunteer Fire Department
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2021
CARLSON, Steve, 64, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, surrounded by his family
Celebration of life: March 9, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Kearney
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Survivors include: his wife of 22 years Ann Carlson; their children, son Benjamin and his fiancee Sydney Slie, and daughter Cecelia, all of Kearney, and Steve's son, Zach Carlson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sister Christy Montgomery and husband Bruce of East Bethel, Minnesota; brother Dave Volenec and wife Gina of Omaha; sisters, Marjorie Sorenson of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Susan Mueller of Colton, California; and brother Gary Thompson of Omaha; mother-in-law Rosemarie Thurin of Geneva; brother-in-laws, Tim (Theresa) Thurin and Danial (Sasha) Thurin, all of Omaha; along with several nieces and nephews
Kearney Hub, 12 February 2021
CONLEY, Michael G., 72, of Kearney died Monday, March 8, 2021, at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln
Funeral service: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: later
Born: Oct. 9, 1948, in Grand Island
Parents: Elmer and Lillian (Hancock) Conley
Grew up in Grand Island, received his education at Grand Island Senior High School, graduated in 1966
Military: United States Navy, served during the Vietnam War, mostly at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base; was honorably discharged on May 12, 1971
Married: Deb Rader on May 2, 1992, in Lexington
After marriage, lived in Kearney, was employed at Unisys as a computer field technician, later worked 15 years at Cabela's as a sales associate in the gun department
Activities: was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed viewing nature, hunting, fishing, boating and all things outside; loved raising and hunting with Labrador retrievers; was known for being a history buff also had a passion for classic cars and motorcycles; especially enjoyed helping his son Brad rebuild his 1978 Chevy Malibu
Survivors include his wife, Deb Conley of Kearney; son, Brad Conley and fiancee, Effie Magoulas of Chandler, Arizona; stepdaughter, Amy and husband Andy Spotanski of San Antonio, Texas; stepson, Doug and wife, Ellen Rader of Lincoln; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Makenzee and Isla Rader, and Maggie, Emma and Xavier Spotanski; brother, Rod Conley; and brother-in-law, Leonard (Shorty) Grudzinski; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia Grudzinski
Memorials: American Heart Association
Kearney Hub, 11 March 2021
DAUGHERTY, Larry Lee, 84, of North Platte, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Kearney Cemetery (Bowker plot) on Saturday, May 22
Mortuary: Adams and Swanson, North Platte
Born: March 1, 1936, in Beatrice
Parents: Morris LaVerne and Ethel Bea (Bowker) Daugherty
Was raised by great aunt and uncle Ethel and Stanley McCormack, along with sister Charmaine; grew up in Kearney, graduated from Kearney High with the class of 1954, then attended Nebraska Trade School in Milford for basic electricity
Military: United States Air Force, 1957-1961; served at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado
Settled back in Kearney and worked at Ted’s Motor Shop in Lexington
Married: Joanne Eslinger in 1976
Lived in North Platte, worked as an electrician for the Union Pacific Railroad; retired after 28 years
Activities: had a passion for the guitar and was in a hillbilly/country western band; loved his family, friends and animals; enjoyed eating and socializing at the Senior Center in North Platte; also raised pigeons and rabbits
Survivors include his sister, Charmaine Westphal, of Humboldt, Iowa, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins
Was preceded in death by his parents, Morris LaVerne and Ethel Bea Daugherty; great aunt and uncle, Ethel and Stanley McCormack; step-brother, David Ray; step-mother, Verna Daugherty
Memorials: North Platte Senior Center
Kearney Hub, 14 May 2021
ENGLAND, Jeanne L., 82, of Kearney died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at her home
Private family burial: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 21 December 2020
GALVAN, Kathryn "Kathy", 67, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Private family service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: April 15, 1953 in Kearney
Parents: Merle and Micaila (Huerta) Galvan
Graduated from Kearney Catholic High School
Worked in Kearney for GTE as a telephone operator, and then later as a house cleaner
Survivors include: son, Stephen and wife Kathryn Galvan; brothers, Martin and Christine Galvan, John Galvan, Stephen and Lorna Galvan; sister Vivian and Lonnie Johnson; and sister-in-law, Darla Galvan
Was preceded in death by her parents, brother Merle Galvan, and sisters, Carmelita and Juanita Galvan
Kearney Hub, 24 March 2021 and www.hlmkfuneral.com
HARRIS, Brenda Brisbin, 70, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Memorial service: Wednesday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Born: May 9, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Bernard and Gloria (Johnson) Brisbin
Was raised in Kearney and received her education from Kearney Public Schools
Worked for the last 17 years worked as a custodian at UNK
Activities: enjoyed outdoors and loved to fish; her whole life revolved around her family and dogs
Survivors include her children, Dwight Hill Jr. of Kearney, Leanna Albrecht of Kearney and Dack Hill Sr. of Ravenna; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, four sisters and one brother
Was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Kris Hill; a sister; and a nephew
Kearney Hub, 14 March 2021 and www.osrfh.com
HOLTZ, Darlene F., 101, of Kearney died Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society - Ravenna
Family graveside service: April 6, at the Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: November 20, 1919 on the family farm near Ravenna
Parents: Ernest E and Emma (Weber) Gosda
Received her early education at Zion Lutheran North Shelton, graduated in 1937 from Gibbon High School; lived in the Ravenna-Gibbon-Shelton-Kearney area all her life
Married: June 13, 1937 to Erwin Holtz
After marriage, lived on a farm north of Shelton; was a farm wife, helped with farm work, had a garden and raised her family
Activities: was active in teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Shelton; in 1964 became a member of a new mission church, Holy Cross Lutheran, in Kearney, where she remained a member for over 55 years, active in many capacities, including evangelism, Bible studies, visiting members in the hospital and assisted living homes to name only a few; was an active member for many years in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML); started volunteering at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in 1993 at the Surgical Floor Reception Desk, served for over 10 years; worked as a tour guide at the Archway Museum for several years and enjoyed sharing our great history and meeting people from all over the world; in retirement, enjoyed reading, painting ceramics and going to the Senior Center for lunch and staying to play cards with friends during the afternoon
Lived in an Assisted Living facility in Kearney for the past 5 years and enjoyed being with people and participating in the many daily activities; celebrated her 100th birthday on Nov. 23, 2019, with family and friends
Survivors include: 6 children, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one grandchild and one great-grandchild
Memorials: Mission Central—Attn: Gary Theis, in Mapleton, Iowa
Kearney Hub, 3 April 2021
HOWITT, Scott Elliott, 63, of Omaha died peacefully Sunday, March 14, 2021, after a long, courageous battle with cancer
Memorial service: later
Born: Feb. 1, 1958 in Stromsburg
Parents: Norma and Doyle Howitt
Was raised in Kearney, attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Began his radio and media career in Kearney at the age of 14; had a successful career in broadcasting that took him and his family to Lincoln, Omaha, Mobile, and ultimately Phoenix; received accolades and awards from the broadcast media industry, including awards from Billboard Magazine; was a creative and tireless professional whose path evolved as opportunity presented itself; rose through the ranks in broadcast as a disc jockey, radio host and programmer; eventually left to start his own market research firm that recently expanded into media and campaign management
Activities: most important job was always as a loving husband, father, son and brother, which he committed all of his boundless energy to; was an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers
Survivors include: his devoted and adoring wife, Michele; his children, Taylor, Chynna and her fiancé Luis, and Connor; his stepdaughter Anna; father Doyle; brother Blake and wife Cheryl; and his niece Catie; along with countless friends and colleagues
Memorials: the Food Bank for the Heartland, World Wildlife Fund and American Cancer Society
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2021
JOHNSON, Barbara, 67, of Kearney died Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at her home
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2021
JONES, Clifford "Gene" Eugene, 79, of Kearney died Sunday, March 21, 2021, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday, March 26, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born: March 10, 1942 in Springview
Parents: Clifford and Hazel (Blake) Jones
Was raised in Springfield until his sophomore year of high school; moved with family to Loup City and later to Mason City, helped on the family farm, then attended trade school in Milford
Was a mechanic in Broken Bow and Ansley, and service manager in Wayne and Ravenna for several years
Married: Karen Rapp, October 9, 1966 at the Methodist Church in Ansley
Moved to Kearney in 1982; was an over the road truckdriver, then worked at Anderson Wrecking and later the Loomis Salvage Yard; went back to driving truck, retired in 1992; most recently, he and Karen sold peaches at farmers markets in Kearney
Activities: past member of the Eagle’s Club and the American Legion; also served as a volunteer firefighter for several years
Survivors include: his wife, Karen Jones of Kearney; children, Bobbie Jo (Tim) Ackley of Lincoln, Mikel (Kristie) Jones of Lincoln, Pamela Rapp of Kearney, Lonnie (Judy) Jones of Kearney, Marcia (Sean) Temoshek of Kearney; 24 grandchildren; 55 great grandchildren; sister, Edith Van-Cleave of Omaha; brothers-in-law, Jack Frost of Omaha, Gail (Deb) Rapp of Blair and Kevin (Jeanne) Rapp of Ansley; sisters-in-law, Judy Jones of Mason City, Linda (John) Sturgill of Doniphan and Marlene Rapp of Kingsland, GA; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death his parents; sister, Freda Frost; brothers, Johnny Earl Jones and Donald Jones; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edmond “Bud” and Rosa Rapp; brothers-in-law, Cliff and Keith Rapp; and his longtime friend, Wayne Welsh
Memorials: National Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2021 and www.osrfh.com
JONES, David "Dave" P., 65, of Kearney died Sunday, March 28, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday, April 6 at Kearney Evangelical Free Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 16, 1955, in Lexington
Mother: Helen (Snider) Brandorff; was adopted by his stepfather, Carl "Dee" Jones, when he was 10 years old
Grew up on a farm north of Amherst, attended Watertown Country School; enjoyed hunting, fishing, football, basketball and baseball; graduated from Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School, 1973, where he excelled at football; attended Kearney State College for a year and played football
Married: Dec. 6, 1974, Diana Gibbons
Worked in commercial construction and then residential construction, developed his skill as a finish carpenter; in 1980, began his 30-year career at Eaton Corporation, worked in maintenance and special projects; member of the Eaton Fire Brigade and retired in 2010
Activities: in retirement, enjoyed their home at Harlan Lake, spent time with friends and precious family time boating, fishing and swimming; longtime member of Meadowlark Hills Golf Course, was especially proud of his hole-in-one and double-eagle; was known for his solid work ethic, craftsmanship, quick sense of humor; enjoyed his family, especially his seven grandchildren
Survivors include his wife Diana Jones of Kearney; children and spouses, Kris Jones and wife Bridget of Elm Creek, Stef Roper and husband Matt Roper of Kearney, Luke Jones and wife Kael of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother Dan Jones of Broken Bow; sister-in-law, Kathy Shaffer and husband Glen of San Antonio, Texas; brother-in- law, Dan Gibbons and wife Carol of Desert Hot Springs, California; seven grandchildren, Sailor, Hayden, Brooks, Savanna, Cannon, Briggs and Maverick; along with numerous nieces and nephews
Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Jones; adoptive father, Carl "Dee" Jones; biological father, George Brandorff; father-in-law, Dennis G. Gibbons; mother-in-law, Jean (Gibbons) Deke; and sister-in-law, Sheri Jones
Memorials: Meadowlark Hills Golf Course
Kearney Hub, 3 April 2021
LANGE, James "Jim", 66, of Kearney died Friday, March 26, 2021, at his home
Mass of Christian burial: April 5 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus
Mortuary: McKown Funeral Home of Columbus
Kearney Hub, 29 March 2021
LEAR, Delbert Don, 75, died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at his home in Kearney
Private family memorial service, Saturday, March 20, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bassett
Inurnment: Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery
Mortuary: Hoch of Bassett
Born: July 12, 1945, in Ainsworth
Parents: Quentin K. and Ruth M. (Randall) Lear
Graduated from Keya Paha County High School, class of 1963; attended Iowa State University and Chadron State College
Married: Janet L. Buell of Rose on Aug. 28, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Long Pine
After marriage, attended Chadron State College together, then moved to Rose to begin working at the Shovel Dot Ranch; owned and operated their own ranch; moving to Kearney in December 1995 to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney; received his master's degree in community counseling in 2001 and worked as a mental health therapist, retired in 2008; celebrated 55 years of marriage on Aug. 28, 2020
Survivors include his wife, Jan; and his three children, Bruce (Menda) Lear of Kearney, Rick (Jennifer) Lear of Madison, Alabama, and Lori Lear (Nathan Castaldi) of Brookhaven, Georgia; his grandchildren, Megan and M'Lynn Lear, Josh, Aidan and Asher Lear; and stepgranddaughter, Seraphina Castaldi; his sister, Bonnie (Pat) Murphy of Nathrop, Colorado; his brothers-in-law, Homer (Darla) Buell of Rose and Larry (Nick) Buell of Bassett; sister-in-law, Sue Hutchinson of Rose; along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families
Memorials: Valley Hope of O'Neill, Nebraska, or Valley Hope of Norton, Kansas
Kearney Hub, 22 March 2021
McCORMICK, Geraldine "Gerry" Innes, 93, of Centennial, Colorado, died Monday, March 1, 2021, at Littleton Adventist Hospital of an aortic aneurysm
Funeral: Friday, March 12, at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Kearney Cemetery
Born: May 6, 1927, in Smith County, Kansas
Parents: Hilda and Ralph Innes
Grew up as a child of the Depression era on her family's farm, graduated from Smith Center High School in 1944
Moved with her parents to Odessa, taught one year in a one-room school, enrolled at Kearney State Teachers College in Kearney, Nebraska, and graduated in 1948
Married: Neal William McCormick in 1948, raised three children, JoNeal, Jan and Douglas, together
After marriage, lived in several towns in Nebraska, then moved to Littleton, Colorado, in 1964. Gerry lived in Littleton/Centennial the rest of her life; began teaching in the public schools in Nebraska, then he continued her teaching career at Central Business College in Denver, Colorado; worked at the Air Force Reserve Personnel Center in Denver for several years, and finally worked for many years in the Arapahoe County Public Library system; continued her own education in Colorado, earned a master's degree in education in 1977
Activities: family was the most important thing in her life; was dedicated to her husband and three children; her happiest times in life were when she was surrounded by her extended family
. Survivors include: her three children and their families: JoNeal Hurst and her daughter, Nicole Hurst; Jan and Charlie Brodhead and their daughters, Katherine and Laura Brodhead; Douglas and Cheryl McCormick and their daughter, Briana McCormick and son, Neal McCormick
Was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Neal; and her sister, Marcelene
Memorials: St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2021
MONTGOMERY, Lori Lea, 39
MONTGOMERY, Austin Lee, 4
MONTGOMERY, Emmah Mae, 2
All of Kearney, died tragically on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Thursday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: Armada Cemetery in Miller
Lori Lea was born Jan. 14, 1982, in Kearney
Parents: Eugene Sr. and Diane (Schutt) Wempen
Was raised in Overton, graduated from Overton High School graduating in 2000; has worked at Motel 6 for the past 21 years
Married: Sept. 22, 2012, to Jesse Montgomery in Minden
Survivors include her husband, Jess Montgomery of Kearney; daughter, Hanna Montgomery of Kearney; parents, Eugene Sr. and Diane Wempen of Overton; brother, JR Wempen of Overton; sister, Katie (Jeff) Bohlen of Pleasanton; mother-in-law, Linda Montgomery of Minden; grandparents, Beverly Wempen of Overton and Darlene Montgomery of North Platte; brother-in-law, AJ Montgomery of Las Vegas; as well as many aunts, uncles and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cecil Wempen, Robert and Evelyn Schutt, Stella and Leroy Montgomery and Robert and Jeannette Powell; and father-in-law, Monty G. Montgomery
Austin was born Dec. 2, 2016, in Kearney to Jess and Lori (Wempen) Montgomery
Loved Thomas the Train and anything to do with race cars; was a cookie monster and enjoyed talking on his mom's phone
Emmah Mae was born July 27, 2018, in Kearney to Jess and Lori (Wempen) Montgomery
Enjoyed playing with dolls and talking on her mom's phone; loved her kitty and puppies; will be remembered for her beautiful red hair
Austin and Emmah's servivors include: their father, Jess Montgomery of Kearney; sister, Hanna Montgomery of Kearney; grandparents, Eugene Sr. and Diane Wempen of Overton and Linda Montgomery of Minden; uncles and aunt, JR Wempen of Overton, AJ Montgomery of Las Vegas and Katie (Jeff) Bohlen of Pleasanton; and great-grandparents, Beverly Wempen of Overton and Darlene Montgomery of North Platte
Kearney Hub, 22 March 2021
MORTON, John "Gary", 63, of Kearney died Friday, March 26, 2021, at his home
Memorial service: Wednesday at Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Burial: later
Born: Aug. 5, 1957,in Shreveport, Louisiana
Parents: Donald and Evelyn (Adams) Morton
Graduated with the class of 1975 from Fair Park High School in Shreveport
Married: Jeanne Williams on Aug. 4, 2001, in Shreveport
Made a lifelong career in irrigation related sales for over 40 years
Activities: was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a real true friend to everyone; had an unmatched ability and love for cooking and showed his love by sharing his food with everyone he knew; was a true sportsman and enjoyed hunting in Mississippi with his cousins and brother Gene
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne of Kearney; children, Jacob Morton of Omaha, Adrian Morton of Kearney, Kasey Powers and husband Chris of Kearney, Jen McDermott and husband Joe of Kearney and Barry Hand and wife Amber of South Carolina; grandchildren, Tyler, Wesley and Walter Powers, Maclyn McDermott, Echo Hand and Alex Steenblock of Omaha; two fur babies, Teddy and Toni; brother, Gene Morton and wife Barbara of Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Patti Williams, Terri Buell and husband Bob of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; our "P.B.F." Kim Steenblock and husband Rob of Omaha; along with numerous relatives, dear friends and co-workers
Was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Evelyn Morton; and mother- and father-in-law, O.B. and Doris Williams, all of Shreveport, Louisiana
Memorials: St. Jude Children's Research or Concrete Cares
Kearney Hub, 30 March 2021
MURPHY, John Paul, 70, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at his home
Celebration of life: Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the Murphy house in Kearney
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Sept. 7, 1950, in Kearney
Parents: Charles and M. Barbara Murphy
Survivors include: 12 siblings, Tom Murphy of Kihei, Hawaii, Charlene (Bruce) Moats of Kearney, Ed (Vera) Murphy of WaKeeney, Kansas, Mary Dady of San Antonio, Jane (Brian) Moody of Kearney, Patrick (Veronica) Murphy of Kearney, Jim Murphy of Kearney, Marty Murphy of Denver, Kate Murphy of Kearney, Mike (Sandi) Murphy of Baker, Florida, Joe (Aiko) Murphy of Chandler, Arizona, and Sheila Murphy of Omaha; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Jackson Murphy; and special friend, Ilene Anson
Kearney Hub, 4 March 2021 and 28 June 2021
NEWMAN, Irene, 86, of Kearney died Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Funeral service: Friday, March 19, 2021 at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: July 7, 1934, in Kearney
Parents:Vern and Helen (Zeilinger) Dorothy
Was raised in Kearney and was a graduate of Kearney Longfellow High School
Married: July 26, 1953, Harold L. Newman at Kearney First United Methodist Church
Activities: enjoyed raising her family and was active in 4-H, Cub Scouts and PTA while the children were young; later worked at the Buffalo County Veteran's Service office for 30 years, retired in 2004
Survivors include her children, Reva Vandevoorde of Wahoo, Danny (Nancy) Newman of Surprise, Arizona, Deanna (Robert) Abbott of Grand Island, Rhonda (Kirk) Ahrens of Summer Haven Lake, Donna Newman of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Richard (Jenna) Newman of Lee's Summit, Missouri; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Newman; brother, Ray (Betty) Dorothy; son-in-law, Phil Vandevoorde; and her sister, Alice (Bob) Cruise
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 17 March 2021
NICHOLS, Wayne D., 81, of Miller died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Graveside service: March 17, Armada Cemetery near Miller
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Sept. 25, 1939, in Kearney
Parents: Theodore Roosevelt Nichols and Dasie Dena (Runyan) Nichols
Attended grade school at Grand View country school, then continued his education at Miller High School, graduated with the class of 1959 from Sumner High School after the consolidation
Worked in the Holdrege area and gained valuable farming experience; started with a hay hauling business and eventually found his passion for farming and ranching north of Miller; enjoyed farming the land, but truly loved working with the horses and cattle; for years was known for his annual cattle drive from Eddyville pastures, down Highway 40, to their home north of Miller
Married: April 22, 1962, to Emma Ferguson
Activities: will be remembered for his love of his family, his joking personality and his crazy and funny stories; over 400 people attended his 80th birthday open house; lived with these three values: put God No. l, Family No. 2, and Health No. 3; loved traveling, was adventurous and full of life; was involved in his community, volunteered on the Miller Fire Department, served on the Miller Christian Church Board, and Nebraska Cattlemen
Survivors include his wife, Emma (Ferguson) Nichols; son, Douglas Dean and wife Tamera and granddaughters, Dasie, Dawnae, Annabelle, Karla and Darla of Miller; daughter, Janet Lynn and husband Tim Burr of Sumner; granddaughter, Nicole and husband Ric Garcia; great-grandsons, Jonathan and Tristan Garcia of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; grandson, Terry Burr and Kendra Guthard; great-grandchildren, Ember and Wiley Burr of Riverdale; granddaughter, Shaylee Burr of Dallas, Texas; three sisters, Marybelle-Burge of Miller, Ruby Burt of Tampa, Florida, and Carol Rowedder of Kearney; six brothers, Allen of Elm Creek, Larry of Kearney, Glen of Miller, Rodger of Sumner, Kenneth of Cozad and Bernard of Berwyn; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Nichols; mother, Dasie Nichols; brother, Wesley Roy; sister, Donna Jean; and his twin sisters
Memorials: Sumner Rescue Squad, Armada Cemetery, Miller Christian Church, or the Parkinson's Foundation
Kearney Hub, 15 March 2021
OGLEVIE, Jack, 88, of Kearney died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Graveside service for Jack, his wife Norma Jean and their son Rick: March 19 at Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 16, 1933, in Fairbury
Parents: Myrel and Nora (Koch) Oglevie
Was raised in Fairbury until moving to Holdrege; graduated from Holdrege High School in 1951
Married: March 14, 1952, Norma Jean Young
After marriage, lived in Holdrege, was a longtime employee of Becton-Dickinson; moved to Sunrise Beach, Missouri in 1995; moved to Kearney in 2008 to be closer to family
Activities: member of the Kearney First United Methodist Church, was active in Bible study; enjoyed fishing, boating and volunteering at the church
Survivors include his daughter, Robin Bowers of Kearney; and grandchildren, Alex Oglevie of Hermitage, Tennessee, and Brooke Brown of Austin, Texas
Was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma Jean Oglevie [died 2016], son Rick Oglevie [died 2008] and brother Richard Oglevie
Memorials: Kearney First United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 14 March 2021
PACE, Nancy Diane (Brown), 73, of Pawnee City, formerly of Pleasanton, died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at Premier Estates in Pawnee City
Cremation was chosen
Burial: later
Mortuary: Wherry in Pawnee City
Born: July 27, 1947, in Wauneta
Parents: Wayne and Phyllis (Rankin) Brown
Married: George William Pace on Dec. 25, 1982, in Pleasanton; he preceded her in death
Survivors include her daughter, Connie "C.J." Brown-Sorensen of Humboldt; son, Kenneth Brown of Humboldt; brother, Jerry Brown of Kearney; and two grandsons
Kearney Hub, 24 February 2021
PETERSON, Ward Carol, 74, of Kearney died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at The Monarch hospice facility in Lincoln
Funeral service: March 16 at First Lutheran Church in Kearney
Inurnment: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: April 23, 1946, in Holdrege
Parents: Carol and Leitha (Carlson) Peterson of Bertrand
Grew up on a farm north of Bertrand along with his siblings, Ramona, Rebecca and Timothy; was a lifelong Lutheran, was baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran in Bertrand; attended school in Bertrand, started school in a country school; graduated from Bertrand High School in 1964, earned a degree in agronomy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Paula Larson on Jan. 13, 1973; became the parents of two dauybrids; enjoyed the family-owned company and spent 35 years building a loyal customer base from central Nebraska to eastern Wyomingghters
In 1976, began his dream job with Hoegemeyer Hybrids; enjoyed the family-owned company and spent 35 years building a loyal customer base from central Nebraska to eastern Wyoming
Activities: was proud of his Lutheran and Swedish heritage; faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, served on various committees, was a member of the church council and sang in the chancel choir; his pride and joy was his family; was a wonderful husband and adored his daughters, their husbands and being a grandpa; enjoyed traveling, attending estate sales; spent hours working in his back yard
Survivors include his wife, Paula of Kearney; daughters, Brooke (Matt) Larson of Lincoln and Ali (Seth) Svoboda of Peoria, Arizona; grandchildren, Soren Svoboda, Vic Svoboda, Collins Larson, Rowan Larson and Bo Svoboda; siblings, Ramona (Wayne) Karschner, Rebecca (Rod) Bredenkamp and Tim (Stacy) Peterson, all of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Mark (Lynn) Larson of North Platte and Craig Larson of Scottsbluff; nieces and nephews, cousins, and other family members and many friends
Was preceded in death by his parents, Carol and Leitha Peterson; his sister, Deanna in infancy; and Paula's parents, Elliott and Delores Larson
Memorials: Kearney First Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand and St. Joseph's Hospital NICU in Phoenix
Kearney Hub, 3 March 2021
PHILLIPS, Carol Jean, 81, of Pleasanton died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Society in Kearney
Funeral: Saturday, March 13, 2021, at the Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Burial: Pleasanton Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 22, 1939, on the Hadwiger homestead in the Pleasant Valley area of Buffalo County
Parents: John and Josie Unick Hadwiger
Grew up on the farm 2 miles east of Pleasanton; attended Pleasanton Public School, graduated in 1957 as salutatorian; attended Nebraska State Teachers College (UNK), played in the college band, and sang in the college choir, women's chorus and church choir; enjoyed playing saxophone in Otto Vap's Dance Band
Taught at Poole for one year before having children
Activities: was very involved in her community; was first baseman for the Pleasanton Women's softball team; was a loyal fan of her children's and grandchildren' games and activities; was music director for children's, youth and adult choirs at Pleasanton United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, lead multiple cantatas, Vacation Bible School music and Kids for Christ; served as music director for the Pleasanton Community Theatre; reorganized the quilting group at church and helped make many quilts for the church bazaar; was treasurer for United Methodist Women and was a member of the Sunflower Extension Club and the Kensington Club; loved to garden and can fruits and vegetables; was known as a great cook and loved cooking for family and friends; with William, led the Prairie Hills Couples Golf League for many years; enjoyed traveling with Billy and kept photo albums of all their adventures around the country; was a devoted, caring and spirited wife, mother, grandmother and friend
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, William; four children, Rick (Linda) Phillips of Mesa, Arizona, Mick (Cheryl) Phillips of Greeley, Colorado, Lori (Mike) Conyers of Minden and Ronald Phillips of Pleasanton; nine grandchildren, Rachel, Matthew, Joshua and Katie of Mesa, Arizona, Eric of Westminster, Colorado, Brandon and Megan of Minden and Samantha and Nicholas of Pleasanton; and one great-grandchild, Kira of Tempe, Arizona
Was preceded in death by her parents, John and Josie; and daughters-in-law, Michelle Phillips and Lori Phillips
Memorials: Pleasanton United Methodist Church
Kearney Hub, 11 March 2021
REINKE, Rene J., 84, of Kearney died Thursday, March 25, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Mass of Christian burial: Monday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 6, 1936, in St. Paul
Parents: Karl and Mary Wissbaum
Attended Kearney High School, graduated in 1954; attended Nebraska State Teachers College
Worked at Consumer Public Power
Married: Samuel Reinke, April 4, 1959, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
After marriage, lived in Orchard, moved to Kearney in 1970; raised her children and worked at Kearney Public Schools and was a bookkeeper for Reinke's Heating, Air and Electric Inc.
Activities: enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, canning, genealogy, her pets, the children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events, and Husker football; made potato salad that many requested
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Samuel Reinke of Kearney; daughters, Michele (William) Carlson of Lincoln, Sharon (Gary) Jensen of Wilcox and Candice (Jeff) Kreutzer of Kearney; sons, Samuel S. (Diane), Jeffrey (Twilla), Kent (Amy) and Kevin, all of Kearney; sister, Phyllis Hawes of Hastings; grandchildren, Bryce (Ashley) Carlson, Amber (Eric) Toombs, Vade (Stephanie) Jensen, Sarah Jensen, Danielle (Peter) Longo, Jared (Shayne) Reinke, Tanner Reinke (Morgan), Tiana Reinke (Anthony), Lindsay (Dusty) Ayles, Hannah and Wyatt Kreutzer; great-grandchildren, Morgan Carlson, Oliver Toombs, Marlene Jensen, Amelia, Charles, Sophie and Bennett Longo, Margo Reinke, Charlie Ayles, and many nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Mary Wissbaum; in-laws, Marian and Wilfred Lenzen, Richard Hawes, Lyle and Connie Reinke, Iris and Robert Flenniken and David Reinke; nephew, Greg Reinke; grandson, Matthew Carlson; and father- and mother-in-law, Oswald and Stepanka Reinke
Kearney Hub, 27 March 2021
RODEHORST, Thomas Allen, 63, of Kearney died Monday, March 8, 2021, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha
Funeral service: Monday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney
Interment: later
Born: Jan. 16, 1958, in Amarillo, Texas
Parents: James and Leola (Gavin) Rodehorst
Family moved many times while James served in the U.S. Air Force, including Washington, D.C., Newfoundland, Canada, and Okinawa, Japan
Graduated high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and then moved to Kearney
Began working at Skelly's Gas Station
Married: Brenda Mast, Feb. 16, 1980, at the First Baptist Church in Kearney
Worked at Systems Undercover in Colorado for several years, commuting from Kearney each week; for the past 25-plus years,was employed by Insulation Systems of Grand Island as a project supervisor, worked on many major construction projects in the Kearney area
Activities: was a devoted husband, father and employee; had attended Kearney Evangelical Free and Kearney First Baptist Church, served as Sunday school teachers for many years; had a servant's heart and was especially attentive to the needs of children; attended his sons' and grandkids' athletic events, going hunting and fishing, and catching up on work around the house; loved listening to music, reading about politics, history and religion, and was an avid Husker football fan; family was important to him, and was exceptionally thoughtful and generous to those he loved
Survivors include his wife Brenda Rodehorst of Kearney; sons, Ryan (Rutheah) Rodehorst of Kearney and Drew (Julia) Rodehorst of La Vista; grandchildren, William, Anna and Leo Rodehorst, Kamila and Kasyn Rodehorst; brothers, Ronald (Lupe) Rodehorst of Kearney, and James (Pam) Rodehorst of Wichita, Kansas; sisters, Sharon Rodehorst of Pensacola, Florida, Karen (Richard) McCollum of Pensacola, Florida, Kristi (Tom) Morales of Chattanooga, Tennessee; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Robert Dean and Anneliese
Memorials: Compass Nebraska or Kearney Area Humane Society
Kearney Hub, 12 March 2021
ROMJUE, Donis "Doni" Coleen, 87, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Private family service
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien, Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 16, 1934, in Lovewell, Kansas
Parents: Perce and Violet (VanMeter) Jepson
Was raised in Narka, Kansas, graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1952; growing up, worked with her family to run several restaurants in and near Narka
Married: Nov. 2, 1952, to Delmar Romjue in Phillipsburg, Kansas
Worked as an administrative assistant for Senator Coffey of Alma for six years; later worked as a bookkeeper with her husband at their real estate business
Activities: in her younger years, enjoyed playing tennis and bowling; was very active as a leader in Girl Scouts for many years; loved playing bridge with her friends and family
Survivors include: her husband of 68 years, Delmar Romjue of Kearney; daughter, Kathy (Jesse) Antillon of Kearney; grandchildren, Trevor Antillon, Josh (Jennifer) Thompson, Derek (Megan) Corral, and Sam (Tammy) Corral; seven great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Jamie Alcorn
Memorials: Kearney Area Animal Shelter
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2021
ROSE, Margene, 80, of Gibbon died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at her home
Funeral: Friday at Gibbon Faith United Church
Burial: Prairie Center Cemetery at Havens Chapel
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Aug. 16, 1940, in Gibbon
Parents: George and Ellen (Osborne) Myers
Grew up with two brothers on a farm north of Gibbon and then moved into Gibbon when Marge was 8; graduated from Gibbon High School in 1958; attended the Kearney Teachers College, 1958 to 1960; earned her degree and taught elementary students at 7 East and 7 West in Grand Island; was the superintendent of these two schools and then taught at Stolley Park in Grand Island
Married: Richard Rose on Aug. 15, 1959
Besides teaching, also worked at the Gibbon turkey plant, first in high school and later years served many employees their meals; started a day care; later moved to Johnson Lake, after for four years, returned to Gibbon
Activities: had the ability to see the goodness and humor in almost in situation; enjoyed making afghans for relatives and friends; thoroughly enjoyed her craft club in Gibbon; was an active member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Gibbon and the women's group there; was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Fraternal Order of Rebekah; member of the Gibbon Campers group, enjoyed camping with Richard, family and friends
Survivors include: her husband of 61 years Richard Rose; her son Dave with his wife Cathy and two children, Matthew and Sophia; her son Doug, who is married to Julie and have four children, Dillon Rose and his wife Breanna, Carter Rose, Ally Wagner and Adam Wagner
Was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two brothers-in-law, Paul and Henry; and sister-in-law, Kathryn
Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church in Gibbon for the Vacation Bible School or Sunday School program or the Trails and Rails Museum in Kearney
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2021
RUBIN, Barbara (Bunny) Jean, 93, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, died peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2021
Private service
Mortuary: Mount Sinai at Beverly Hills, California
Born: in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on April 18, 1927
Parents: Jack and Edna Luttbeg, who owned a drey cleaning business Was raised in Omaha. Her parents were Jack and Edna Luttbeg, who owned a dry cleaning business; went to Central High in Omaha, and attended Iowa State University in Ames
Married Henry Rubin, 1950
After marriage, lived in Kearney, raised their family here
The Rubins owned and ran three clothing stores, which were an integral part of downtown Kearney; Rubin's, catering to young women; Ruter's The Fashion, a small department store for women; and Young Moderns, a children's clothing and toy store; as well as a Hallmark store, Ruter's Card and Gift; in 1980, retired to Tucson, Arizona, where, for a time, all three of her children lived; was a devoted wife of 61 years to Henry, who passed away in 2011.
Activities: was very active in the Kearney community as a Red Cross volunteer, an officer in the League of Women Voters and Cub Scout den mother; loved to play bridge and to host large family gatherings with family and friends - especially for Big Red football games; had an accepting nature, warm smile and ability to laugh at all of life's challenges
Survivors include her daughter, Diane (husband Neil) in Tucson; and her son, David (wife Patti) in Los Angeles. Her grandchildren are Lauren (Simon) Bronshtein of Israel (husband, Gilad), Eric Simon of Los Angeles, Caroline (Rubin) Williams of San Diego (husband Elliot), Eliana Rubin of Los Angeles and Cayla Rubin in New York City, and she was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Aurora Williams of San Diego. Was preceded in death by her older brother, Leonard, and her son Daniel
Kearney Hub, 31 March 2021
RUPPRECHT, Coral E., 90, of Wheaton, Illinois, and Kearney, died Saturday, March 20, 2021, at her daughter's home in Kearney
Memorial service: Saturday at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Warrenville, Illinois
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 14, 1930, in Canada
Devoted much of her time during the last decades to starting and running the co-op with her dear friend, Marilyn Spradley, serving to provide clothing, kitchen supplies, etc., for students in need
Memorials: Corinthian Co-op, at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
Kearney Hub, 22 March 2021
SCHAFER, Michael, 84, of Kearney died Monday, March 8, 2021, at his home
Graveside service: Westlawn Memorial Cemetery in Grand Island, military honors
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger in Kearney
Born: July 26, 1936, in Greeley
Parents: Herman and Aileen (O'Conner) Schafer
Grew up in Doniphan and graduated from Doniphan High School
Military: United States Army in July 1954 to October 1957
Married: Sept. 11, 1960, LeeAnn Hannon
Owned and operated M&N Implement in Kearney for several years, later worked for Eaton Corporation for 20 years until his retirement
Activities: favorite hobbies were repairing, restoring and collecting cars; was also a gun enthusiast and enjoyed hunting
Survivors include his wife LeeAnn of Kearney; daughter Tammy Nelson of Sebastian, Florida; son-in-law Robert Nelson of Kearney; grandchildren, Justin (Lindsey) Nelson of Lincoln, Destinee (Matt) Shearer of Shenandoah, Iowa, Bailey Nelson (Jordan Isaak) of Orlando, Florida, and Ryan Nelson of Vero Beach, Florida; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Kinley Shearer of Shenandoah, Iowa; brothers, Matt Schafer of Cathedral City, California; sister-in-law Joyce Schafer of Doniphan; brother-in-law Francis (Connie) Hannon of Doniphan; along with many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Cheryl Nelson; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Virginia Schafer; and brothers, Ted Schafer, Paul Schafer and Leo "Roger" Schafer
Kearney Hub, 10 March 2021
SCHMID, Stephen "Steve" Owen, 77, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa
Service: Thursday March 11, at Victory Lutheran Church in Mesa
Burial: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
Kearney Hub, 4 February 2021 and www.legacy.com
SEVER, Devona Lane, 61, of Kearney died Monday, March 15, 2021, at her home
Celebration of life: Tuesday at the Eustis Fair Building
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: Oct. 3, 1959
Parents: Melvin and Betty (Fields) Richardson
Was raised in Dupree, South Dakota, graduated from Dupree High School in May 1977
Married: Lamont "Monty" Sever on May 30, 1980
After marriage, lived on the Sever Ranch south of Dupree, raised registered Charolais cattle; family moved to Eustis in May 1993; in Eustis, worked at Nebraska State Bank in Cozad and then as the business manager at Eustis-Farnam Public Schools; moved to Kearney, 2005, worked at Platte Valley State Bank and Bruning Bank; took great pride in her career and was noted as an exceptional team player by her colleagues
Activities: was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, was proud of her children and grandchildren; kept a notoriously tidy and welcoming home; delighted in hearing and telling jokes, playing cards and Words With Friends, reading, crocheting and spending time with family and friends; was selfless, loving, strong and kind; was diagnosed with ALS in November 2019, braved the progression of this disease with grace and dignity until her passing
Survivors include her husband, Monty Sever; children, Barry and wife Somer Mraz of Cozad, Ryan and wife Jacqueline Mraz of Sutherland, Tanya and husband Kip Holbrook of Livingston, Montana, Megan and husband Jerad Hutchens of Platte, South Dakota, and Tell and wife Ryan Sever of Eustis; her grandchildren, Morgan and Cody Mraz, Rylee and Jeremiah Mraz, Dallas, Aubrey and Sam Weitzel, Ava Naylor, Erik, Ariel and Elvee Hutchens, and Paisley Sever; her sisters, Dondra (Bob) Menzel of Dupree, South Dakota, and Debbie (Mike) Burgee of Black Hawk, South Dakota; her brother, Larry (Pam) Richardson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; her stepmother, Pam Richardson, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; mother-in-law, Connie Sever of Dupree, South Dakota; aunt, Verla (Hollis) Barker of Lincoln, Arkansas; uncle, Ron (Eva) Fields, of Washington, Arkansas; and many cousins, nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Betty Richardson; her father-in-law, Dallas Sever; her grandparents; and many dear aunts and uncles, family members and friends
Kearney Hub, 18 March 2021
SHUBERT, Kenneth, 86, of Kearney died Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at Kearney Regional Medical Center
Funeral service: Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien, Straatmann Redinger
Born: May 27, 1934, in Elm Creek
Parents: Clarence and Verna (Cox) Shubert
Grew up in Elm Creek and graduated from Elm Creek High School with the class of 1952
Married: Helen Ludwig on Sept. 22, 1957, in Kearney; had two children
Worked as the coop manager in Elm Creek for 25 years, retired in 1986
Activities: enjoyed fishing, bowling and playing cards; loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; member of First Baptist Church in Kearney; former school board member and past member of the Elks and Lions clubs for many years
Survivors include his wife, Helen Shubert of Kearney; son, Stuart (Hayley) Shubert of North Platte; daughter, Robin (Kelly) Florell of Funk; brother, Jack Shubert of Elm Creek; brother-in-law, Ron Smith of Grand Island; sister-in-law, Phyllis Shubert of Elm Creek; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Dean Shubert; sister, Sharon Smith; and sister-in-law, Jane Shubert
Kearney Hub, 20 March 2021
SNART, William "Billy" L., 75, of Kearney died Monday, March 22, 2021, in Kearney
Funeral service: Tuesday, March 30 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney
Burial: Orleans Cemetery
Born: Feb. 20, 1946, in Denver
Parents: William G. and Leah (Russell) Snart
Grew up in the Kearney area, later moved to Beatrice; returned to Kearney in 1972
Worked at Baldwin Filters and other local businesses for many years before his retirement
Activities: attended First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include his brothers, Rocco Snart of Golden, Colorado, and Ronald Snart of Kearney; aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews; along with his caregiver, Stacy Butner of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Memorials: People First of Kearney or The ARC of Buffalo County
Kearney Hub, 27 March 2021
SPELLMAN, Roma J., 86, of Kearney died Friday, March 12, 2021, at Kinship Point in Kearney. Funeral Mass: Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Interment: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien Straatmann Redinger
Born: Jan. 17, 1935, in Wood River
Parents: Ernest and Mary (Kearney) English
Was raised in Wood River, received her education from Wood River High School, graduated in 1952
Married: June 9, 1956, to Marvon J. Spellman in Wood River
Worked at Wal-Mart
Activities: member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton and St. James Catholic Church in Kearney; member of the American Legion Post 52 Auxiliary, Kearney Eagles Club, VFW Auxiliary and Kearney Elks; loved Husker football, slot machines, crossword puzzles, barbershop music and balancing her checkbook or Wal-Mart's cash drawers to the penny; entertained her family and friends with her good sense of humor; will be heart of gold
Survivors include her brother, Larry (Gayalynn) English of Alda; sister, Arlene Wiseman of Papillion; brothers-in-law, Bill Spellman of Shelton, Jim (Sylvia) Spellman of Shelton and Gary (Joyce) Spellman of Minden; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends
Was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvon Spellman; brothers, Harold, Bernard and Jake English; sister, Barbara Hayden; and brothers-in-law, Fredrick and Bob Spellman
Memorials: Kearney Area Community Foundation or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Kearney Hub, 17 March 2021
TRAGER, Martin J. "Marty", 44, of Kearney died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at his home in Kearney
Memorial service: later
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Kearney Hub, 3 February 2021
UHLER, Anne M., 76, of Kearney died Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Mount Carmel Home-Keens Memorial in Kearney
Memorial Mass: Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kansas Veterans Cemetery near Winfield, Kansas
Mortuary: Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl
Born: July 17, 1944, in Marseille, France
Mother: Reine Lescoutre; was later welcomed by her adopted father, William Grattan
Attended Sedgwick (Kansas) High School and graduated with the class of 1962; attended St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated in 1965
Began her 40-plus-year career in nursing as a registered nurse
Married: William H. Uhler on May 6, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nevada
Activities: dedicated member of the Catholic Church, served in many ways throughout her life; volunteered at CHI Health – Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney; enjoyed attending movies, especially at The World Theatre; was an avid reader, and also enjoyed traveling and time with family
Survivors include her daughter, Lili Koster and her husband Greg of Kearney; grandchildren, Blake (Sadie) Koster of Kearney and Brittani Koster of Nashville, Tennessee; great-grandson, Cooper Koster; brother, William (Judy) Grattan of Valley Center, Kansas; and sister, Michelle (Vern) Roemer of Gem, Kansas
Was preceded in death by her parents, William and Reine Grattan; and her husband, William Uhler
Memorials: AseraCare Hospice or The World Theatre
Kearney Hub, 30 March 2021
WADE, Gregory Roy, 56, of Elm Creek died Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney
Funeral service: Saturday at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Elm Creek Chapel
Burial: Elwood Cemetery
Born: March 28, 1964, in Lexington
Parents: Robert and Catherine (Clough) Wade
Survivors include his mother, Catherine (Howard) Eltiste of Holdrege; sister, Sonia Howard of Gothenburg; brother, Robert Todd Wade of Douglas; stepbrothers, Tim Wamsley and Scott Wamsley; and stepsisters, Sheri Ballhorst, Marie Rodriguez and Michelle Smith
Kearney Hub, 25 March 2021
WESCOAT, Ramona Louise, 69, of Springfield, Missouri, formerly of Loup City and Kearney, died Thursday, March 4, 2021
Mortuary: Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services in Springfield
Born: Sept. 6, 1951, in Loup City
Parents: Alfred and Louise Gill
Had a career as an RN for over 35 years
Activities: enjoyed cross stitch, quilting and going to the races with her family; also loved baseball games and cheered on the Royals
Survivors include: her husband of 51 years, Jerry Wescoat; children, Jason Wescoat and wife Margaret, Stacey Gladfelter and husband Charley, Jeanne Wescoat, Tammie Chaplain, and Terri Nicholson and husband Robert; grandchildren, Chantilly, Frances, Jeff, Baily, Jordan, Dylan, Alexandra, Lexus, Breanna, Robert, Donovan; and great-grandchildren, Audi, Emillio, Cecilia, Carly, Carson, Diwali, Jadyen, and Garrison
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 9 March 2021 and www.midwestfuneralservices.com
WOLF, Dale Edward, 96, of Wilmington, Delaware, a former Kearney resident, died Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Country House Retirement Community in Wilmington
Celebration of life: later
Mortuary: Chandler in Wilmington
Born: Sept. 6, 1924, in Kearney, Nebraska
Married: Clarice Marshall on Dec. 31, 1946; on Feb. 23, 2018 she preceded him in death
Survivors include his four children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 26 March 2021