Theresa (Bartek) Vyhlidal, Schuyler, Dec. 29, age 89

Theresa Vyhlidal of Schuyler died Dec. 29 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha.
Funeral services were Jan. 2 at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cedar Hill, with the Rev. Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
Memorials are suggested for the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Cedar Hill or the Colfax County Senior Center
Theresa was born Jan. 27, 1923, in Valparaiso, to Benedict and Georgibelle (Bingham) Bartek. On Oct. 12, 1942, she married Joseph Vyhlidal at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Valparaiso. They lived many years on a farm near Cedar Hill. Theresa worked at the trailer plant in North Bend and Campbell’s Soup in Fremont. She lived at the “High Rise” in Schuyler until moving into the assisted living at Golden Living in Schuyler. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Schuyler.
Theresa is survived by her brother, Albert (Beverly) Bartek of Valparaiso; special friend Claudine (Daryl) Mares, Schuyler; three grandsons and five great-grandchildren.
Published Jan. 2, 2013

Cassie Stranik, Beatrice, Dec. 25 age 68

Carol A. “Cassie” Stranik of Beatrice died Dec. 25 at the Beatrice Community Hospital.
Cassie was born Aug. 30, 1944, in North Bend to Rudolph and Adeline (Jirik) Stranik. She grew up in Morse Bluff and has lived in Beatrice since 1991. She spent several years at the Scomar Wahoo Workshop for the developmentally challenged as a day student and as a boarder. She was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Morse Bluff.
Survivors include brothers Thomas J. (Kathleen) Stranik of Morse Bluff, James R. (Konnie) Stranik of Lincoln; sisters Phyllis Spence of Lincoln and Maribeth Stranik of Lincoln; nine nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and -nephews; and the Mosaic Community.
Funeral Mass was Dec. 29 at St. George Catholic Church in Morse Bluff.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Jan. 2, 2013

Connie (Graham) Taylor, Bellwood, Dec. 23, age 67

Connie J. Taylor of Bellwood died Dec. 23, 2012, at her home.
There was a memorial service was Dec. 28 Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus with the Rev. Patrick Sparling officiating.
Connie was born on June 18, 1945, in Council Bluff, Iowa to Jack and Helen (Hurd) Graham. She attended school in Council Bluffs until her mother passed away. Connie moved to Columbus to live with her aunt and uncle, Cliff and Dorothy Hurd. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1962. She was united in marriage to M. W. “Bill” Goedeken on Aug. 4, 1962. The couple later divorced. On Dec. 8, 2008, she married Bob Taylor of North Bend in Las Vegas. Connie worked at B-D for 24 years in quality control.
She is survived by husband Bob of Bellwood; daughters Gretchen Goedeken of Columbus, Billie Jo Schrad (Shawn Boyle) of Brady; son Michael “Mick” (Suzy) Goedeken of Madison; step-sons Robert J. (Kelly) Taylor of Bellevue, Kevin J. (Holly) Taylor of Dallas, Texas, Todd (Beth) Taylor of Fredericksburg, Va.; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; brother Jack (Joanne) Graham of Council Bluffs, Iowa; sister-in-law Doris Graham of Michigan.
Published Jan. 2, 2013

Robert V. Cruickshank, Loveland, Colo., Dec. 18, age 81

Robert Vern Cruickshank of Loveland, Colo., passed away Dec. 18. Bob was born Jan. 28, 1931, in Cedar Bluffs to James Moyer and Theresa Elizabeth (Rumpeltes) Cruickshank, between brothers James and Richard. He grew up in Cedar Bluffs and graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1948.
Bob married Doris Irene Spies in North Bend on March 21, 1951. He attended Midland College in Fremont majoring in social studies and education, graduating in 1953. He was a member of Sigma Rho fraternity.
After graduating from college, Bob began his education career in Uehling where he was a teacher and coach. He was later promoted to the position of superintendent of schools. Bob received his master’s degree in school administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during his tenure at Uehling High School. Bob and his family moved to Leigh where he was a high school teacher, coach of championship sports teams and a principal and served as superintendent of schools in Leigh.
The family moved to Mapleton, Iowa, where Bob served as an elementary principal for three years, before moving to Loveland in July of 1964. He served as an elementary school principal in Berthoud, Colo., for three years and then opened Van Buren Elementary school in Loveland where he served as principal for nine years. During this time Bob also assisted in the establishment of the Helping Hand program in Loveland. Bob received his specialist degree in education at the University of Northern Colorado. He was the Executive Director of Finance for the Thompson School District R2-J for 11 years. He retired in 1987 after a 34-year career as an educator.
Bob is survived by his wife, Doris; daughters Julie Mills and Janet (Jim) Hardin, both of Loveland and Jaymie Cruickshank of Platteville, Colo.; two grandsons; one great-grandson; sister-in-law Joyce Cruickshank of Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Thompson Education Foundation in care of Kibbey Funeral Home, Loveland.
Published Jan. 2, 2013

Sylvia (Hanis) Kaplan, Fremont, Dec. 16, age 92

Sylvia B. Kaplan of Fremont, formerly of North Bend, passed away Dec. 16 at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont.
Sylvia was born Oct. 24, 1920, in Prague to Wencl and Caroline (Tomsicek) Hanis. She grew up on a farm near Plasi. She married George Kaplan on Oct. 24, 1939, in Lincoln. He died July 11, 1986. After her marriage Sylvia lived in Morse Bluff. She worked as an aide at Birchwood Manor in North Bend. She had been residing at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont for the past seven years.
Sylvia was a member of St. George Catholic Church in Morse Bluff.
She is survived by son George Kaplan of Omaha; daughter Carol (Doug) Haase of Fremont; three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21 at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend with the Rev. Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Visitation is Thursday from 3 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends on Thursday from 5 - 7 p.m., all at the funeral home. Visitation will also be Friday, one hour prior to service at the funeral home, with burial at Killian Cemetery near Morse Bluff.
Memorials may be given to St. George Catholic Church in Morse Bluff and to the Morse Bluff Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Dec. 19, 2012

Joe J. Caniglia, Omaha, Dec. 9, age 65

Joe J. Caniglia of Omaha passed away Dec. 9.
Joe was born Oct. 4, 1947. He is survived by sisters Joyce (Jack) Klich, Catherine Caniglia; and three nephews.
Private services were held. Arrangements by Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, Omaha, Nebr.
Published Dec. 19, 2012

LeRoy W. Bird, North Bend, Dec. 4, age 68

LeRoy W. Bird of North Bend died Dec. 4 near North Bend.
LeRoy was born May 21, 1944, in Omaha to LeRoy and Irene (Burdick) Bird, Sr. He graduated from Omaha South High School and married Barbara Lyle on Jan. 12, 1969, in Omaha. He was a cook at Gorat’s in Omaha and Farmer Brown’s in Waterloo, and in 1978 they moved to North Bend. LeRoy owned and operated the Rawhide Steakhouse in North Bend from 1978-2003 and 2005-2012.
Survivors include wife, Barbara; sons David (Sara) Bird of Omaha, Robert (Roxanne) Talbitzer of Kearney, Lyle (Dana) Bird of Omaha; daughters Barbie (Michael) Johnson of Omaha, Cathy Rider of Wichita, Kan., Jenny (Chris) Smithberg of Omaha, Melinda (Curtis) Miller of Port Ludlow, Wash.; brother John (Chris) Bird of Omaha; sisters Danalee (Dan) Teeters of Omaha, Jeanie McDonald of Belfair, Wash.; 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service was held Dec. 8 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend.
Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Dec. 12, 2012

Ralph H. Snover, Ainsworth, Nov. 30, age 95

Ralph H. Snover of Ainsworth, formerly of North Bend, died Nov. 30, 2012, at the Ainsworth Care Center. Ralph was born March 15, 1917, on the family farm near North Bend to Floyd W. and Josephine (Mitchel) Snover. He attended school in North Bend and art school in Omaha. Following art school, Ralph worked for a graphic design company where he designed the label for the “7 UP” soft drinks.
Ralph designed and made many tools and equipment for the farm, He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a radio operator stationed in North Africa; Naples, Italy; and in occupied Italy following the end of the war. After his discharge, he returned to North Bend and went into farming and cattle feeding with his father and brother Reid. In the fall of 1947, the business expanded by buying a ranch south of Ainsworth to raise their own cattle. Reid and his family operated the ranch in Ainsworth and Ralph and his father did the farming to raise their own feed and cattle finishing in North Bend.
Ralph married Luverna Biberdorf on Aug. 2, 1953, in Rapid City, S.D. She died Jan. 15, 1999.
Ralph was a life-long member of the United Presbyterian Church in North Bend and served the church in many ways. He served on the Board of Directors of the Platte Valley Bank in North Bend for many years. Ralph received the “Volunteer of the Year Award” at his 90th birthday party at the North Bend Senior Center for the many hours that he volunteered there. He was an avid ham radio operator.
In 2008, Ralph moved to Ainsworth to be near his niece, Sheryl Graff.
He is survived by nieces, Sheryl Graff of Ainsworth, Paige Snover of Mankato, Minn; sister-in-law, Betty Snover of Ainsworth; brothers-in-law, Bernard (Marcy) Biberdorf of Fishers, Ind., Raymond Biberdorf of Henry, S.D., John Biberdorf of Los Altos, Calif, Art Puls of Alpine, Calif.; life-long friends Lloyd and Eva Roubal of North Bend and special cousins, Clayton and Carol Snover of North Bend.
Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m., Dec. 5 at United Presbyterian Church in North Bend with the Rev. Neal Allen officiating. Visitation is Dec. 4, 4 to 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Visitation on Wed. at the church one hour prior to service. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery in North Bend. Military grave side services will be conducted by members of V.F.W. Post 8223, AmVets Post 20 of North Bend and American Legion Post 340 of Morse Bluff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to United Presbyterian Church or the donors choice in Ralph’s name.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Dec. 5, 2012

Mildred (Sheets) O'Hara, North Bend, Nov. 28, age 97

Mildred I. O’Hara of North Bend died Nov. 28 at her home. Mildred was born Oct. 25, 1915, in rural Herman to Charley and Malinda (Johnson) Sheets. She was a 1933 graduate of Herman High School, and attended Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne where she received her teaching certificate.
While teaching in North Bend, Mildred met Donald Meinte, and they married June 26, 1943, in Temple, Texas, where Don was in the Army. After Don was deployed overseas, Mildred worked in the Engineering Department of the Martin Bomber Plant in Bellevue. She was called home to care for her mother, who died in June of 1944. She and her dad then operated Don’s Coffee Shop in North Bend to keep the business running until her husband’s return from the war. When Don was killed in the Battle of the Bulge, Mildred returned to teaching, first in North Bend and then at Blair Junior High School.
Mildred married Francis O’Hara on Sept. 14, 1948, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tekamah. They farmed north of North Bend. Francis died Oct. 7, 1980.
Mildred is survived by her son Patrick, with whom she lived; daughters Linda (Bill) Harrison of Gretna and Irene (Arlen) Wemhoff of Columbus; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mildred was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend, St. Anne’s Altar Society and Christian Mothers. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 8223 of North Bend and the Gold Star Wives. She was a former member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clyde.
Funeral Mass was Dec. 1 at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend, with burial at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend. Memorials may be given to St. Charles Catholic Church, V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #8223 in North Bend and to the Diabetes Research Foundation.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Dec. 5, 2012

Violet (Tank) Wagner, Nov. 23, age 99

Violet Adaline (Tank) Wagner, sister of the late Gerald Tank, passed away Nov. 23.
Violet was born June 14, 1913, to Edward and Elsie (Miller) Tank. She married Arthur John Wagner, who preceded her in death. She owned and operated Wagner House of Music.
Survivors include niece Betty Lou Harney of Columbus; nephews Rick Tank of Silver Creek, Mick Tank of North Bend and Jay (Terri) Burton of Lincoln and many nieces and nephews of Wagner family.
The funeral service was Nov. 30 at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church in Lincoln.
Memorials may be given to Defreese Manor at 2669 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68131.
Published Dec. 5, 2012

Robert L. Best, Omaha, Nov. 6, age 79

Robert Loyd Best of Omaha died Nov. 6.
Robert was born Aug. 29, 1933, to Allen and Cleda Best of North Bend. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen; grandson Quinn Best; parents; and brother and sisters Floyd, Majorie, Catherine, Shirley and Janet.
He is survived by son Rob (Allison) Best of Des Moines, Iowa; daughters Diane Stegemann of Davenport, Iowa, and Suzanne Trogdon (Toby Martinez) of Omaha; sister Beverly Snyder of North Bend; and seven grandchildren.
Interment was Nov. 9 at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
Published Nov. 21, 2012

Alison Phelps Martin, North Bend, Nov. 13, age 18 days

Alison Mae Phelps Martin, aged 18 days, the infant daughter of Angela Phelps and Todd Martin died Nov. 14 at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. She was born Oct. 26 in Omaha.
Ali is survived by her parents, Martin and Phelps of North Bend; maternal grandparents, Jerry and Ann Halladay of North Bend; paternal grandparents, Randy and Deb Martin of Blair; maternal great-grandparents, Eddie Mae Phelps of Chicago, Ill., Eldon Proctor of Osceola, Iowa; paternal great-grandmother Phyllis Ocander of Blair.
Funeral service was Nov. 19 at the United Presbyterian Church in North Bend with the Rev. Neal Allen officiating.
Moser Memorial Chapel of North Bend was in charge of arrangements.
Published Nov. 21, 2012

Leah (Winkler) Pittenger, North Bend, Nov. 10, age 71

Leah M. Pittenger of North Bend, formerly of Fremont, died Nov. 10 at her home.
Leah was born March 18, 1941, in Petersburg to Henry and Helen (Graham) Winkler. She grew up in Petersburg and graduated from high school there. She attended business school for a year.
Leah married Gurney Pittenger on Oct. 13, 1962, in Elkhorn. After their marriage, they moved to Omaha. In 1973 the couple moved to Fremont. Leah worked at Grant and Milliken Park Elementary Schools as a school secretary until retiring in 1992. They moved to North Bend in 2002.
She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend.
Survivors include her husband, Gurney Pittenger of North Bend; son Kevin (Keri) Pittenger of Omaha; daughter Karmen Pittenger of Basalt, Colo.; brothers (her twin) Larry (Diane) Winkler of Colorado Springs, Colo., Don (Shirley) Winkler of Omaha and Terry (Connie) Winkler of Valley; sisters Roxie (Terry) Lewis of Elkhorn and Sheila Winkler of Omaha; and two grandchildren.
Funeral Mass was Nov. 13 at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend, with interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Elkhorn.
Memorials may be given to Poor Clares Sisters of Omaha.
Online condolences may be left at: mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Nov. 14, 2012

Lyla Ryan, Denver, Nov. 8, age 73

Lyla Ryan of Denver, Colo. passed away Nov. 8.
Lyla was born Nov. 18, 1938, to Lyle and Laurine (Dodge) Mylander in Maxwell. Lyla graduated from North Bend High School in 1956. During her life she lived in Florida, California, Hawaii and Colorado.
She is survived by son Patrick (Wendy) Ryan, daughter Colleen Petitt and four grandchildren, all of Denver; and sister Gwen (Dean) Helgenberger of Scribner.
Published Nov. 14, 2012

Stan Jorgensen, Fremont, Nov. 1, age 73

Stanley “Stan” W. Jorgensen of Fremont, formerly of North Bend, died Nov. 1 at Nye Legacy Health & Rehab Center in Fremont. He was born March 12, 1939, in Hooper, to Danish immigrants, Niels and Ingrid (Andersen) Jorgensen. The family moved from rural Hooper to rural North Bend in 1944.
Stan attended rural School District #13 and was a 1956 graduate of North Bend High School. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for one year, and then served in the U.S. Army Reserves. After six months of active duty, he returned to North Bend to begin his career in farming.
Stan married Judy Hillman on July 26, 1964, in Essex, Iowa. The couple lived at rural North Bend until moving to Fremont in 2010.
Stan was a long time member of St. John’s Ridgeley Lutheran Church near Scribner and served on the church board and sang in the choir. He served on the boards of the Cotterell Township, FHA and PCA. He enjoyed singing with the Fremont Pathfinder’s Chorus for the past 20 years. His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, shop work, home remodeling and crossword puzzles. Stan built his own home on the farm and enjoyed helping others on home projects and many projects at church. He shared his Danish heritage through cooking homemade sausage and aebleskiver for family and friends.
Stan is survived by his wife, Judy Jorgensen of Fremont; son, Kent (Janice) Jorgensen of Wahoo; daughter, Lori Jorgensen (Dave) Unick of Ankeny, Iowa; four sisters, Inez Benjes of Craig, Edy Montgomery of Lincoln, Lil Foresman of Cleghorn, Iowa, Sonja Waite of Athens, Ga.; six grandchildren, Josiah, Eli and Hannah Jorgensen, and Andrew, Joel and Alisha Unick.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law; and four nephews.
Funeral service were Nov. 5 at St. John’s Ridgeley Lutheran Church near Scribner with the Rev. Dr. Nicki McIntyre officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Ridgeley Lutheran Cemetery near Scribner. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Ridgeley Lutheran Church or to the Pathfinder Chorus.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
paid obit, published Nov. 7, 2012

Elizabeth (Masek) Gates, Nov. 1, age 96

Elizabeth Gates of Prague died Nov. 1 at South Haven Nursing Home in Wahoo. Funeral services were Nov. 5 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Prague, with the Rev. Leo Kosch celebrant. Burial was at St. Vitus Cemetery, Touhy. Memorials are suggested for the Prague Rescue Unit and American Legion Auxiliary.
Elizabeth was born Sept. 3, 1916, near Valparaiso to Joseph and Anna (Jirovsky) Masek. She graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1934 and attended UNL for one year. On Jan. 15, 1945, she married Glen A. Gates at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Valparaiso. They lived
in Pickstown, S. D., before moving to Prague where they owned and operated Gates Hardware for over 35 years. He died in 2011.
Elizabeth was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Altar Society, PCCW and American Legion Auxiliary #254 of Prague.
Elizabeth is survived by daughters Patricia (Marvin) Roubal of Bruno and Maxine Prochaska of Wahoo; sons Stephen (Sonja) Gates, Glen (Sharon) Gates, Jr., all of Lincoln, Gerald (Jeanille) Gates of Wahoo, Jerome (Judy) Gates, of Columbus, 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; sister Genevieve Kobza of Valparaiso, brother Leonard (Bonnie) Masek of Valparaiso, sister-in-law Rose Masek of David City; brother-in-law Gilbert (Dolores) Gates of Lincoln.

Milo L. Mastny, Schuyler, Oct. 29, age 89

Funeral services for Milo L. Mastny will be Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. at Kracl Funeral Chapel, Schuyler with Jerry L. Kracl, speaker. Visitation will be Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends 6 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. till time of service.
The committal will be at the Schuyler cemetery with military honors conducted by VFW Post #4836 and American Legion Post #47.
Milo Mastny, of Schuyler, died Oct. 29 at the Golden Living Center in Schuyler. He was born June 17, 1923, in rural Colfax County to Anton and Milada (Mayer) Mastny. Milo attended District 1 school in rural Schuyler.
From Dec. 19, 1944, to Nov. 20, 1946, he served in the Army.
On Sept. 23, 1948, Milo was united in marriage to Libbie Stepan at the Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson. Milo and Libbie farmed in the Schuyler area for 38 years, retiring in 1986. Milo was a 56-year member and past elder of the Presbyterian Church in Schuyler, life member of V.F.W. Post #4836, member of American Legion Post #47, and also served on the school board of Dist. 1. Milo and Libbie were honored with the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Family Award in 2004.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Libbie of Schuyler; sons Eugene (Joyce) Mastny of Fremont, Jim (Rae Ann) Mastny of Dwight, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Published Oct. 31, 2012

Ralph J. Lickteig, Fremont, Oct. 27, age 73

Ralph Joseph Lickteig of Fremont died Oct. 27 at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont. Ralph was born March 22, 1939, in Westphalia, Iowa, to Ray and Marie (Schechinger) Lickteig. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Boniface High School in Westphalia. He lived in Omaha, moving to Fremont in 1973. Ralph was employed in the warehouse at Fruehauf in Omaha. On July 24, 1973, Ralph married Nancy E. Scott in Fremont. Nancy died August 10, 2012.
Ralph was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont and an over 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus of Earling, Iowa. He was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 200 of Fremont.
Ralph is survived by sons, David (Amber Ross) Lickteig of Fremont and Scott (Stacy) Lickteig of Omaha; brother Ed (Cathy) Lickteig of Tulsa, Okla.; sisters, Thelma (Erv) Pauley of Denison, Iowa, Therese (Urbie) Henscheid of Westphalia, Iowa; four grandchildren; sister-in-law Virginia Lickteig of Denison, Iowa.
Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 2, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont with the Rev. David Belt officiating. Vigil service will be held at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Visitation on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. Visitation on Friday at church one hour prior to service. Burial will be 1:30 PM on Friday at the Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials may be given to the Fremont Area Medical Center Hospice.
Published Oct. 31, 2012

Charles M. Wilcox, Arlington, Oct. 20, age 74

A memorial service for Charles Milton Wilcox was held Oct. 20 at
McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with the Rev. John Hogue officiating. Internment followed at the
Silver Creek Cemetery.
Milton of Arlington, formerly of Silver Creek, died Oct. 17 at the Fremont Area Medical Center. He was born Jan. 1, 1938, in Columbus to Marvin L. and Marie (Larson) Wilcox. Milton graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1957.
On July 16, 1960, Milton was united in marriage to Nadine Ostrander in Columbus. The couple lived in Silver Creek until 1966 when they moved to O’Neill. In 1975 they moved to Arlington where they raised their children until 1985 when they moved to North Bend. After retirement they moved back to Arlington. Milton worked for Grosch Irrigation from 1956 until retiring in 2000. He was a member of the Nebraska Well Drillers Association and the Iowa & Missouri Water Well Association. He was a member of the Fremont Coin Club.
Milton is survived by his wife Nadine Wilcox of Arlington; daughters Teresa Wilcox, Lori (Duane) Panning, Joni (Dale) Greunke all of Fremont; son William (LeeAnn) Wilcox of Valley; five grandchildren; brothers Carroll (Suzie) Wilcox of Grand Island, Kenneth (Linda) Reed of Silver Creek, Jerry (Denise) Wilcox of Crete, Thomas (Juli) Wilcox of Bertrand, Dick (Sally) Wilcox of Doniphan, Larry Joe (Robyn) of Silver Creek; brother-in-law: Alonzo Lesiak of Columbus, and others.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Arlington Fire and Rescue, North Bend Fire and Rescue or the Arlington Community Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.mckownfuneralhome.com.
Published Oct. 24, 2012

Eileen (Smeal) Bose, Snyder, Oct. 15, age 91

Eileen Eva Bose of Snyder died Oct. 15 at Nye Pointe Health and Rehab in Fremont.
Eileen was born Sept. 13, 1921, northwest of Snyder in Dodge County to Lawrence and Ethel (Patchen) Smeal. She grew up on the family farm and was a 1939 graduate of Snyder High School. In 1941, Eileen married Raymond Renter. The couple ran Ray Renter Transportation until Ray’s death Mar. 16, 1960.
In 1961, Eileen earned her degree in cosmetology from Fremont Beauty School.
On Sept. 1, 1965, she married Anton Bose; he died in 2008. The couple made their home in Snyder where Eileen operated Eileen’s Beauty Shop, retiring in 1990. The couple moved to Arbor Manor in Fremont in 2008.
She was a lifetime member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Guild, Christian Mothers, VFW Auxiliary, and Snyder Extension Club.
She is survived by sons, Byron (Lois) Renter of Snyder, LaVern (Rosemary) Renter of San Antonio, Texas, Stephen (Carol) Renter of Fremont; daughters LaDonna (Jim) Scheppers of Longmont, Colo., LaMaar (Leonard) Scheppers of Gering, LaZelle (Kenneth Dolezal) Hunke of North Bend; 17 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Arlene Smeal of Dodge, Ardith Smeal and Loretta Smeal, both of Snyder.
Funeral mass was Oct. 19 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Snyder. Burial followed at St. Leo’s Cemetery. Stokely Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society Relay For Life.
Published Oct. 24, 2012

Irene (Odvody) Pelan, David City, Sept. 29, age 84

Irene M. Pelan of David City, formerly of Schuyler, passed away Sept. 29 in David City.
Irene was born Dec. 7, 1927, in Prague to John J. and Gustie M. (Fencl) Odvody. She graduated from Prague High School in 1945. On Sept. 15, 1947, Irene married Victor Ernest Pelan at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend. They farmed in Bruno until 1975 when they moved to Seward. They then moved to Schuyler in 1976.
Irene was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Schuyler and a member of the St. Mary’s Guild.
Irene is survived by sons Ivan (Karen) Pelan of Schuyler, Arnold (Maureen) Pelan of Denver, Colo., Victor Jr. (Sharon) Pelan of Dwight, Norman Pelan of Columbus, Daniel (Tracy) Pelan of Leigh, Arthur (Jodi) Pelan of Brainard, Richard (Linda) Pelan of Columbus, Steven (Christine) Pelan of Columbus; daughters Veronica (Tom) Sherwood of Lincoln, Loretta (Glen) Palmer of Linwood, Margaret (Anthony) Valenti of Rising City; daughter-in-law Lorna; 27 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister Lorraine (Milo T.) Pelan of Brainard.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wed., Oct. 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Schuyler, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested “In Care of the Family.”
Published Oct. 3, 2012

Willis H. Mueller, North Bend, Sept. 26, age 89

Willis H. Mueller of North Bend died Sept. 26 at the Pathfinder House in Fremont. Willis was born March 9, 1923, in Hooper to Herbert and Lena (Bartling) Mueller. He grew up at Hooper and was a graduate of Hooper High School.
Willis married Verda Niemeier on April 13, 1952, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Snyder. He farmed near Ames and was field manager for Vigortone Feeds. He moved to North Bend in 1978 and retired from Vigortone in 1988.
Willis was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend, was a church elder and member of the Lutheran Laymens League. He served on the Board of Directors of the North Bend Senior Center and helped his wife, Verda, who cooked at the senior center. Willis served as president of the Dodge County 4-H Council. He was a former member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Scribner, and was a church elder, choir member, trustee and served on numerous boards at the church.
He is survived by his wife, Verda; sons Kenneth (Denise) Mueller of Hooper, Ronald (Sharon) Mueller of Ames, Vernon (Cathy) Mueller of Warsaw, Mo., Daryl (Brenda) Mueller of Fremont; daughter Jodi (Scott) Zima of Junction City, Kan. brother Orlando (Lois) Mueller of Hooper; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren
Funeral service were Sept. 29 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend with the Rev. Calvin L’Heureux officiating.
Burial was at the Scribner Cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church and to the North Bend Senior Center.
Published Oct. 3, 2012

James K. Coffman, Morse Bluff, Sept. 17, age 80

James K. Coffman of Morse Bluff died Sept. 17 at Birchwood Manor in North Bend.
James was born Oct. 26, 1931, in Mansfield, Mo., to James and Cleona (Godfrey) Coffman. He grew up at Butterfield, Mo., and then moved to the Buckeye Ranch in Minden, where he worked as a ranch hand. James moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1949 and was employed as a heating and air conditioning technician by the Lennox Furnace Company for two years. He then moved to Omaha and was a meat cutter for Wilson & Company Packing House for 23 years. James later worked in maintenance at St. Joseph Hospital for several years and then at Boys Town for 15 years.
James married Janellyne “Jane” Moller on Nov. 5, 1976, in Omaha. He moved to Morse Bluff in 1997 after retiring and had been living at Birchwood Manor in North Bend since 2010.
He is survived by wife, Jane; stepsons, John R. (Diane) Love and Joseph M. Love, all of Omaha; stepdaughters Judy (Don) Dawson, Mary (Dennis) Johnson and Dona (Mike) Shearer, all of Omaha, Linda Dineen-Dutton of Gretna, Ruth (John) Mahon of Topeka, Kan., Betty Love of Glendale, Ariz. and Jean Slobodnic of Pattonsburg, Mo.; sisters Retha Forester of Neosha, Mo. and Barbara (Ken) Fuller of Wichita, Kan.; one grandchild, numerous step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. The Rev. Earl Underwood will officiate. Visitation will be 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials may be given to the North Bend Rescue Squad.
Published Sept. 19, 2012

Florence (Kracl) Blanchard, O'Neill, Sept. 12, age 82

Florence E. Blanchard of O’Neill, formerly of North Bend, died Sept. 12, at Golden Living Center in O’Neill.
Florence was born July 10, 1930, in North Bend to Thomas and Julia (Jonas) Kracl. She grew up in rural North Bend and was a 1947 graduate of North Bend High School. She taught at rural schools in Dodge, Colfax and Saunders Counties.
Florence married Lyle E. Blanchard on June 16, 1955, at Purple Cane, northwest of North Bend. The couple farmed east of Morse Bluff and later northwest of North Bend. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont. She moved to Fremont in 1985, and in 1999 moved to Leisure Lake near North Bend. Florence had been living in O’Neill since 2011.
Florence worked at Schweser’s Department Store in Fremont for 10 years after having taught school for 22 years. She was a member of the V.F.W. Post #8223 Auxiliary in North Bend, and a member of the former First United Methodist Church in North Bend and was the church pianist.
Survivors include son Brian (Rita) Blanchard of Fremont; daughter Beth (Bob) Sanders of O’Neill; brothers Raymond (Anita) Kracl of Fremont and Jerold (Leona) Kracl of Schuyler; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Sept. 17 at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend, with burial at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont. Memorials may be given to the North Bend Library.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Sept. 19, 2012

Phyllis (Pelen) Pabian, Lincoln, Sept. 4, age 68

Phyllis M. Pabian of Lincoln, formerly of Schuyler and Morse Bluff, passed away Sept. 4 at Bryan LGH Medical Center East in Lincoln of complications while battling lung cancer.
Phyllis was born Dec. 1, 1943, in David City to Louis and Antonia “Tonie” (Busek) Pelan. She attended Schuyler High School. In 1965 she married George H. Pabian. They made their home in Morse Bluff and later in Schuyler. In 2008 she moved to Lincoln to be closer to her family and care for her grandchildren.
Phyllis worked at Johnnies Steak House in Schuyler for over ten years and worked with her parents at their family owned business, the Town Pump Tavern in Schuyler. She then worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years as a rural mail carrier in Valparaiso, North Bend and Morse Bluff, retiring at age 62. She was a life-member of V.F.W. Auxiliary No. 3704 in Columbus, Nebraska.
She is survived by son Jeff (Lola) Pabian of Lincoln; daughter Penny (John) Brian of Ashland; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Sept. 8, at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend, with burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in rural Morse Bluff.
Memorials may be given to Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort St., Omaha, NE 68134.
Published Sept. 12, 2012

Laddie Kmoch, Broken Bow, Aug. 31, age 61

Laddie Kmoch of Broken Bow died Aug. 31 at the Callaway District Hospital in Broken Bow.
Laddie was born in Columbus on Mar. 12, 1951, to Laddie and Adeline Kmoch. He married Elizabeth “Lu” Heller on Feb. 27, 2003, in Broken Bow.
Survivors include his wife; sons Nicholas Kmoch of Rising City and Bo Kmoch of Lincoln; stepdaughter Nancy Sipes of Broken Bow; two grandchildren; mother Adeline Kmoch of Columnbus; and brother Gene Kmoch of Grand Island. He was preceded in death by his father, and sister Bonnie Sic.
Funeral services are Sept. 5. Memorials are suggested to the family or the donor’s choice.
Published Sept. 12, 2012

Marjorie (Cook) Stenger, Fremont, Aug. 27, age 86

Marjorie C. Stenger of Fremont, formerly of Norfolk, passed away on Aug. 27, at the Pathfinder House in Fremont.
Marjorie was born Oct. 27, 1925, in Humphrey to Jacob and Gertrude (Schafer) Cook. She attended school at St. Bernard. She married Walter Stenger on April 30, 1947.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Mel (Joan) Stenger of Morse Bluff, Gene (Ida) Stenger of Fontanelle, Marv (Coleen) Stenger of Cedar Bluffs, Nancy (Bill) Rich of Norfolk and Joan Stenger of Columbus; brother Norman Cook of Monroe; sisters Alice Stenger of Humphrey and Renie Diederich of Omaha; 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Aug. 30 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk.
Published Sept. 5, 2012

Don Vyhlidal, Morse Bluff, Aug. 25, age 73

Donald Vyhlidal of Morse Bluff, passed away Aug. 25 at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont. Don was born March 28, 1939, in Morse Bluff to Cyril and Barbara (Brousek) Vyhlidal. He had lived his whole life on the farm at Morse Bluff.
Don farmed and raised cattle. When he was younger he played drums in his fathers’ band.
Don Vyhlidal married Shirley (Zoubek) Padrnos Aug. 31, 1985, in Fremont.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Survivors include wife Shirley Vyhlidal of Morse Bluff; stepson Don Padrnos of Fremont; stepdaughter, Debbie Iemmiti of Staten Island, N.Y.; sister Hattie Pabian of David City; 16 step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass was Aug. 28 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial at Cedar Hill Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the family.
Moser Memorial Chapel, North Bend, was in charge of arrangements.
Published Aug. 29, 2012

Jean (Wooden) Brower, Fort Collins, Colo., Aug. 12, age 86

Jean W. Brower of Fort Collins, Colo. passed away Aug. 12.
Jean was born Nov. 6, 1925, in Evanston, Ill. to Robert and Ruth Wooden. She attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., and received her degree in chemistry and worked as a research chemist.
Jean married Thomas Brower on Feb. 22, 1958, in Denver, Colo. They lived in Nebraska for 34 years, then moved to Fort Collins in 1992. Jean was a member of the Harmony Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins.
Jean is survived by her husband, Tom; sons Mike (Elizabeth) Brower of Denver and Mark (Linda) Brower of North Bend; daughter Beth Brower of Las Vegas, Nev.; and three grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Aug. 16 at the Allnut Drake Chapel in Fort Collins.
Published Aug. 22, 2012

Kenneth C. Dvorak, Broken Bow, Aug. 11, age 74

Kenneth C. Dvorak of Broken Bow, formerly of North Bend, died Aug. 11 at Golden Living Center in Broken Bow.
Kenneth was born March 15, 1938, in North Bend to Joseph and Marion (Groff) Dvorak. He grew up in North Bend and was a 1956 graduate of North Bend High School. Kenneth graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. He was in the ROTC program at the University, and after graduation he became a 2nd Lieutenant with the Army National Guard. Kenneth had been a veterinary pharmaceutical salesman for Upjohn in Lexington, Ky. He returned to North Bend in 1968. He was a former member of St. Peter Lutheran Church at North Bend.
Kenneth is survived by brothers James (Darlene) Dvorak of North Bend and his twin brother, Keith (Vicki) Dvorak of Chetek, Wis.; and sister, Susan (Thomas) Groeteke of Clarks.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wed., Aug., 15 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend. Visitation is on Wed. at the church from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church or to the Morse Bluff/North Bend Veterans Memorial Park. Military graveside service conducted by members of American Legion Post #340 of Morse Bluff and V.F.W. Post #8223 and AmVets Post #20 of North Bend.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Aug. 15, 2012

Amy (Miller) Limbach, Kearney, Aug. 10, age 42

Amy Limbach of Kearney died Aug. 10 at her residence.
Amy was born May 2, 1970, in Denver, Colo. to Roger and Donna (Hetherington) Miller. She grew up and received her education in Wauneta. After high school she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Nebraska at Kearney in criminal justice. On Dec. 5, 1998, she was united in marriage to Dustin Limbach in Kearney. The couple lived in Kearney, where she worked for Affiliated Broker Insurance.
Amy is survived by her husband Dustin Limbach of Kearney; sons Morgan Kane Hansen, Noah John-Roger Limbach and Gannon Redfield Limbach; parents Roger and Donna Miller of Kearney; brother David (Theresa) Gobble of Lakewood, Colo; sister Heather Johnson of Ft. Meyer, Fla.; father and mother-in-law John and Cynthia Limbach of North Bend; grandmother Kathleen Semrad of North Bend; brothers-in-law, Devlin Limbach and Ryan Rutar, both of Lincoln; and sister-in-law Darcie (Steve) Hubbard of Morse Bluff.
Funeral services are 10 a.m., Wed., Aug. 15, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney. Interment will be at 3 p.m. in Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be submitted to www.osrfh.com.
Published Aug. 15, 2012

Nancy (Scott) Lickteig, Fremont, Aug. 10, age 73

Nancy E. Lickteig, of Fremont, died Friday, August 10, at her home.
Nancy was born Feb. 17, 1939, in North Bend, to Ross and Geneva (Janssen) Scott. She was a 1956 graduate of North Bend High School, and a graduate of Midland Lutheran College. She taught first grade in the Valley and Papillion schools.
Nancy married Ralph Lickteig on July 24, 1973.
She was a member of the Fremont Presbyterian Church, the church circle and Presbyterian Women; the Dodge County Extension Club and bowling leagues.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Ralph; sons, David (Amber Ross) Lickteig of Fremont, Scott (Stacy) Lickteig of Omaha; and four grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at the Fremont Presbyterian Church with the Rev Jon Ashley officiating. Visitation is on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in North Bend. Memorials may be given to the Fremont Presbyterian Church.
Published Aug. 15, 2012

Olga (Markussen) Perry Fosbinder, Fremont, Aug. 6, age 94

Olga G. Perry Fosbinder died Aug. 6 at Nye Pointe Health and Rehab Center in Fremont.
Olga was born Feb. 20, 1918, in Hooper to Markus and Katrina (Hansen) Markussen. She grew up in rural Fremont. Olga married Howard Perry on June 30, 1937, at Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont. The couple moved to a farm north of Ames. Howard died Aug. 4, 1972. Olga married John L. Fosbinder on June 15, 1974, at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. John died July 16, 2001.
Olga was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fremont and a member of the church Altar Guild and the Dorcas Circle. She was a member of the V.F.W. Post #8223 Auxiliary in North Bend and a former Red Cross Volunteer at the Fremont Area Medical Center. Olga was a cook at the Ames school for several years and also did housekeeping and painting in area homes.
She is survived by nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Aug. 11 with burial at Ridge Cemetery in Fremont. Memorials may be given to First Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.
Published Aug. 15, 2012

George J. Thege, Norfolk, July 28, age 83

George J. Thege, 83, of Norfolk passed away July 28 at his home.
George was born on October 16, 1928, in Linwood to George and Rose (Houfek) Thege Sr. He was raised on a farm near Linwood and graduated from Linwood High School in 1946. He joined the Air Force in 1948. He was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu, Hawaii, Savannah, GA, and Bourne End, England, during the Korean War.
On June 27, 1950, he married Mary Ann Rueschhoff in Honolulu, Hawaii. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1955, George and his family returned to Nebraska and made their home in Dodge.
In 1961, they moved to Norfolk. George worked at Heckman Top and Body as an auto body repairman. Late, George was employed by Bob Johnson VW, Dick Grace Ford in Plainview, Dietz Well and Pump as a bookkeeper and Courtesy Ford as office manager, retiring after 22 years.
George was a member of Sacred Heart Parish where he served as trustee and a member of the parish council. He sang in the parish’s Bound for Glory Choir and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Golden Hearts Club. Following his retirement, George volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul for 10 years.
George is survived by his wife Mary; children David Thege of Norfolk, Barb (Todd) Papstein of Norfolk, Allen Thege of Lincoln, Patty (Joe) Klima of Norfolk, Susie (Dan) Sauers of Billings, Mont., Dale Thege of Lincoln; brothers Richard Thege of North Bend, Raynold (Pauline) Thege of David City, Donald (Alyce) Thege of Schuyler; sister-in-law Marlene Thege of North Bend; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are Wednesday, August 1, 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk, with burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk. Home for Funerals oversaw arrangements.
Published August 1, 2012

William J. Krula, Rogers, July 27, age 90

William Joseph Krula of Rogers died July 27 at Birchwood Manor in North Bend.
William was born May 30, 1922, on a farm north of Rogers to Joseph and Mary (Faltys) Krula. He attended Dublin Rural School #7, two years of high school in Rogers and the last two years in Schuyler. He graduated in 1938. He then took ag short courses at the College of Agriculture in Lincoln for two winters.
William married Gladys Prusa of Howells on June 18, 1946, at Bethlehem Chapel in rural Colfax County, Rogers. They lived on the family farm and raised a family of nine children.
During his life he served on the rural school board, as an Elder at Bethlehem Chapel and a term as Moderator for the Colfax County Feeders Association.
William is survived by his wife, Gladys, of 66 years; children Bonita (Marvin) Zelman of Hartford, Conn., Duane Krula and Cathleen Castellot of Grand Junction, Colo., Colleen (David) Anderson of Raleigh, NC, Arlette (Don) Kroupa of Omaha, Ellen (Robert) Misek of Marquette, Florence Krula of Omaha, Gary (Carla) Krula of Rogers, Howard (Susan) Krula of Omaha, Ivan (Susanne) Krula of Rogers; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law Melvin Prusa of Howells.
Funeral services were July 31 at the Presbyterian Church in Schuyler with burial at Purple Cane Cemetery in rural Rogers.
Published Aug. 1, 2012

Marguerite (Kelly) Allen, Fremont, July 16, age 95

Marguerite A. Allan of Fremont, formerly of North Bend, died Monday, July 16, at Edgewood Vista in Fremont.
Marguerite was born January 22, 1917, in Fremont to Michael J. and Alice (Shanahan) Kelly. She was a 1934 graduate of North Bend High School and received her teaching certificate from the College of St. Mary in Omaha. Marguerite taught school in Prague, Staplehurst and Seward. She then worked at Mutual of Omaha prior to her marriage. Marguerite married Alfred E. Allan on April 14, 1951, in North Bend. The couple farmed east of North Bend. Alfred died on April 1, 2006, and Marguerite moved to Fremont in 2009.
Marguerite was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend and St. Anne’s Altar Society and the Church Circle #2.
Survivors include daughters Carol (Tom) Givens of Fremont and Nancy (John) Hines of Colleyville, Texas; son Mike (Suzanne) Allan of Omaha; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 19, at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend with the Rev. Don Cleary officiating. Vigil Service will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, following visitation from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 7, all at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Visitation will continue Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials may be given to St. Charles Catholic Church, North Bend Senior Citizen Center, North Bend Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Morse Bluff/North Bend Veterans Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published July 17, 2012

Robert L. Bladt, Elk Horn, Iowa, June 11, age 85

Robert Lee Bladt of Elk Horn, Iowa, died June 11 at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.
He was born Feb. 11, 1927, in Kimballton, Iowa, to Ole and Elna Bladt. He was a member of the Elk Horn Lutheran Church.
Robert is survived by daughters Diane (Jim) Hines of Morse Bluff, Neb., Carol (John) Ewing of Elk Horn; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters Norma Jean (Larry)Meyers of Austin, Texas, Romona Mae (Delbert) Andersen of Elk Horn.
A graveside service was held at Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery in Elk Horn June 18.
The family requests memorials to the Danish Immigrant Museum or the Elk Horn Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.
Published June 20, 2012

Bill Krenk, Linwood, June 11, age 81

William “Bill” Krenk of Linwood passed away June 11 at the Golden Living Center in Schuyler with special friends Theresa Vyhlidal, Allen and Beverly Bartek, and the Ascera Hospice Care nurses at his side. Bill was born on the family farm on Dec. 4, 1920. He farmed and raised purebred registered Black Angus cattle.
Funeral services were held June 16 at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Abie. Burial was at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Abie with the Brainard American Legion Post 273 performing the grave side Military Honors
Bill was a Korean War veteran and a member of Brainard American Legion Post 273. He was a member of S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and a past member of Black Angus Cattle Association.
Bill is survived by special friend Theresa Vyhlidal, one nephew, two nieces and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to go to S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Abie.
The funeral services were arranged by Svoboda Funeral Home in Schuyler.
Published June 20, 2012

Maynard W. Mitties, North Bend, June 8, age 93

Maynard W. Mitties, of North Bend, died June 8 at his home. He was born June 2, 1919, in Knox County, in the community known as Venus, to William and Hertha (Stoltenberg) Mitties. He was the second youngest of seven children. The family moved to Pleasant Valley Township in Dodge County in Nebraska in 1924, where the family farmed. Maynard attended School District #52 through the 8th grade. He then worked for neighbors and clerked at Hertleville Country Store from 1931 to 1936. Maynard worked for DeKalb Seed Company and Mitchell McVicker from 1937 until 1940. He then moved to Worland, Wyo., and worked for a carpenter. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1941 to 1945, serving in the Pacific Theater as a Tech Sergeant with the 6th Rangers. After his discharge, he returned to North Bend and farmed northwest of North Bend in the Purple Cane area for over 50 years.
Maynard married Frances A. Soukup on Sept. 22, 1947, in Beatrice. Frances died March 27, 1985.
Maynard was a 50-year member of United Presbyterian Church at North Bend and served as an elder and trustee. He was a life member of American Legion Post 340 of Morse Bluff and the V.F.W. Post 8223 of North Bend, where he was a past post commander.
His service to the community included serving on the Union Township Board, District #7 and District #92 School Boards and the Purple Cane Cemetery Board. His hobbies were bowling, baseball, fishing, dancing and playing cards with family and friends.
He is survived by daughters Connie (John) Smith of Lake View, Iowa; Carol (Chris) Nielsen of Shenandoah, Iowa; and Beverly (Bob) Argumosa of Peachtree City, Ga.; son Jeffrey (Deanna) Mitties of North Bend; sister, Jane Moeller of Cherry Valley, Calif.; 15 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; special friend Elaine Walla of Morse Bluff, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews, comrades and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances; son, Terry; two brothers, Merlin and Dallas; and three sisters, Belva McVicker, Delsie Peters and Blanche Bolden.
Funeral service were June 12 at United Presbyterian Church in North Bend with the Rev. Neal Allen officiating. Military graveside service were conducted by members of American Legion Post 340 of Morse Bluff and V.F.W. Post 8223 and AmVets Post 20 of North Bend. Burial was at the Purple Cane Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to United Presbyterian Church in North Bend, the North Bend Rescue Squad or for the family’s choice. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com
Paid obit, published June 13, 2012

Sharon (Carstens) Quota, North Bend, June 1, age 69

Sharon J. Quota of North Bend died June 1, at A.J. Merrick Manor.
She was born Aug. 14, 1942, in Winside to Henry and Elsie (Koepke) Carstens. Sharon grew up in Winside and Wayne before moving to Fremont. She worked for Campbell’s Soup Company in Fremont for 20 years until they closed. She then worked for Arbor Manor in Fremont and then the Life Care Center in Elkhorn.
Sharon married Eugene F. Quota, Sr., May 19, 1980. He died Sept. 11, 2004.
Survivors include son Mark H. Quota, daughter Amanda D.(Waylin Yeutter) Quota, all of North Bend; two step-sons; four step-daughters; brothers Gerald (Vellma) Carstens of Pilger, Terry Carstens of Wayne; sisters Dorothy (Gordon) Nelson of Wayne, Marilyn (Donald) Nelson of Branson, Mo., Janet (Earl) Fouss of Wayne; two grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m., June 9 at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. The Rev. Scott Jensen, Fremont Area Medical Center Chaplain, will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Moser Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at 1 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Wayne.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Moser Memorial Chapel, Fremont is in charge of arrangements
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published June 6, 2012

Marguerite (Brennan) Mensik, Fremont, May 22, age 90

Marguerite C. Mensik of Fremont died May 22 at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont.
Marguerite was born March 13, 1922, in North Bend to Thomas and Ellen (Grogan) Brennan. She grew up in North Bend and graduated from North Bend High School. Marguerite married Donald P. Mensik on June 12, 1941, in North Bend. He died May 15, 1972. The couple moved to Fremont in 1970 where Marguerite worked at the Linden Elementary School cafeteria for several years.
Marguerite was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont and a former member of St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend. She was also a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #200 in Fremont.
Survivors include son Thomas (Shirley) Mensik of Omaha; daughters Rita (Robert) Widhelm of Lincoln and Patricia Young of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother Thomas Brennan of Cupertino, Calif.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were May 26 at St. Charles Catholic Church with burial at Woodland Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the North Bend Area Community Foundation.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published May 30, 2012

Arnold Aspergren, Hastings, May 20, age 81

Hastings resident Arnold E. Aspegren died May 21 at Harvard Rest Haven.
Services were May 25 at the First United Methodist Church, Harvard, with the Rev. Dean Joy officiating. Burial was in the Harvard Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com.
Arnold was born June 15, 1930, to Melvin and Leona (Barker) Aspegren in Saronville. He graduated from Sutton High School in 1947. After graduation Arnold farmed and owned and operated elevators in the Clay County area.
On Jan. 7, 1951, Arnold married Marilyn Miller, of Harvard. He was a past member of the Harvard Lions club.
In 1974, Arnold and Marilyn moved to Hastings where they retired. He then drove school bus for both Hastings and Trumbull Public School Systems for several years.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, of Hastings; children James (Joan) Aspegren of Sutton, Patricia Robison of Des Moines, Ia., Mary (Mark) Kingston of North Bend; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, also brothers and a sister. Burnell Aspegren of Harvard, Percy Aspegren of Geneva, Joan Cleven of Lincoln, Herbert Aspegren of Sutton.
Published June 6, 2012

Barbara (Drovwal) Navrkal, Morse Bluff, April 19, age 74

Barbara J. Navrkal of Morse Bluff died Thursday, April 19, at the Fremont Area Medical Center. She was born March 13, 1938, in Osceola to Lawrence and Dorothy (Bonne) Drovwal.
Barbara moved to North Bend and was a 1955 graduate of North Bend High School. She lived in several towns in Eastern Nebraska and had been living in the North Bend and Morse Bluff area since 1971. Barabara worked at L & L Lumber in North Bend and for D & L (now known as Camaco) in Columbus.
Barbara married Melvin J. Gulbrandson on Oct. 19, 1956. He died November 24, 1977. She then married Harold G. Sorensen on Oct. 14, 1978, and he died August 30, 1981. Barbara married Johnnie H. Navrkal on June 30, 1984. He died Sept. 25, 1999.
She is survived by sons, Harold (Jeanne) Gulbrandson of Whitefish, Mont., Michael Gulbrandson of Omaha; daughters Susan (Ken) Jarecki of Platte Center, Brenda (Bob) Steinbach of Morse Bluff, Linda (Andy) Granger of Fremont; sister Connie Drovwal of Kearney; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was April 23 at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend with the Rev. Scott Jensen officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be determined at a later time.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published April 25, 2012

Helen (Tresnak) Shiffer, Alaska, April 17, age 97

Helen Marie Shiffer died on April 17 in Alaska. She was born in Dodge on July 21, 1914, to Anton F. and Anna M. (Havelka) Tresnak, the tenth of 11 children.
After graduation from North Bend High School in 1931, she taught in a one-room rural school. Helen married Earl William Shiffer on Dec 9, 1933, in Logan, Iowa, and the couple resided in Omaha. They moved to Tulsa, Okla., in 1937 where Helen was employed by Safeway. Between 1959 and 1969 Helen and Earl owned and operated The North Shore fishing resort on Bull Shoals Lake close to Mountain Home, Ark. They retired from the resort business in 1969 moved to Alaska where Helen became the resident manager of the Colonial Plaza Apartments in Anchorage. Earl died in 1986 and Helen moved to Califorina, later returning to Alaska.
Helen is survived by son Jim (Rita) Shiffer, daughter Patty (Debbie Parrott) Shiffer; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren .
Funeral services will be at Saint Patrick’s in Anchorage, Alaska. Online condolences can be left at www.janssenfuneralhomes.com.
Published April 25, 2012

Elaine (Ristau) Harms, Fremont, April 11, age 83

Elaine A. Harms of Fremont died April 11 at Nye Legacy in Fremont. She was born Feb. 11, 1929, at Scribner to Harry and Lora (Iske) Ristau.
Elaine grew up in rural Scribner and was a 1946 graduate of Scribner High School.
On Oct. 9, 1947, Elaine married Dale Harms at Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont. Dale died March 9, 2006. The couple farmed northwest of Fremont from 1947 to 2005, when they moved into Fremont.
She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont; member of Fraternal Order of Eagles 200 Auxiliary and the Fremont Eagles Camping Club; and member of Tri Valley C.B. Radio Club.
Elaine is survived by daughters Susan (Jack) Aspy, Judy (Dean)Chapman, Peggy (Randy) Brand and Kathy (Matt) Hoschiet all of Fremont; sisters-in-law, Nadine Ristau, Dona Mock and Ella Harms all of Fremont; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were April 14 at Salem Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Thomas officiating.
Burial will be at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
Memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont or the American Kidney Foundation.
Published April 18, 2012

Jeanne (Giep) Bendlin, Fremont, April 10, age 84

Jeanne K. Bendlin of Fremont, formerly of North Bend, died April 10 at Arbor Manor in Fremont.
She was born Nov. 7, 1927, in Norfolk, Va., to Harold and Naomi (Wright) Giep. Jeanne grew up in Buzzards Bay, Mass., and moved to Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 16. Jeanne graduated from Spencer High School in Spencer and obtained her bachelors degree from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, and her masters degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD.
Jeanne married Virgil Bendlin in Jackson, Minn., on Oct. 11, 1946. The couple farmed near Sutherland, Iowa, for 20 years and then moved to Spencer where they lived for 15 years. Jeanne taught school at Spencer, Hartley and Primghar, Iowa, until her retirement in 1989. The couple lived at Weslaco, Texas, for 11 years before moving to North Bend. Virgil died Nov. 23, 2011. Jeanne had been residing at Arbor Manor in Fremont since 2009.
Jeanne was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend, a former long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Sutherland and was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary at Sutherland.
Survivors include son Greg (Rena) Bendlin of Omaha; daughters, Naomi Sue (Jim) Dodge of North Bend, Sally JoJean (Russ) Bailey of Tulsa, Okla.; brother, John (Barbara) Giep of Flag Pond, Tenn.; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held April 13 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend with the Rev. Calvin L’Heureux officiating. Memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church.
Published April 18, 2012

Al Goebel, Fremont, March 21, age 93

Alphonse A. “Al” Goebel of Fremont died March 21, at the Pathfinder House in Fremont. He was born Sept. 23, 1918, in West Point to Antone and Marguerite (Elmer) Goebel. He lived east of Hooper from 1942 to 1963 and then moved to a farm south of Hooper. Al farmed and also was employed by Hoegemeyer Hybrids at Hooper for 24 years. He moved to Fremont in 1985 and retired in 2003.
Al married Alvina Blome on April 8, 1941, in West Point. She died Oct. 10, 1984. He married Donna Christian Miller Nov. 8, 1985, in Fremont. She died March 1, 2010.
Al was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #200. He was a former member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at Hooper and former member of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association. Al served on the District 14 School Board for several years.
He is survived by sons Larry Goebel and Lloyd Goebel, both of Hooper; daughters, Jean (John) Engelbart of West Point, Jan (Bob) Walraven of Hooper; step-sons, the Rev. James (Linda) Miller of Seward, Jeff (Iantha) Miller of Columbus, Larry (Dr. Nancy Phillips) Miller Warren, N.J.; step-daughter, Linda (Dan) Thiesen of Cedar Bluffs; sisters, Leona Kasik of Norfolk, Louise (Orion) Shulzkump of West Pont: 18 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; fourgreat great grandchildren, Chase, Dylan and Mylee Goossen and Kyra Cordell.
Funeral Mass was March 24 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with the Rev. Damien Wee officiating. Burial will be at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery at Hooper.
Memorial may be given to the American Cancer Society or to Care Corps.
Published March 28, 2012

Mart Houlihan, Omaha, March 18, age 91

Clarence “Mart” Martin Houlihan of Omaha died March 18. He was born June 4, 1920, to Bryan and Gertrude Houlihan in Denison, Iowa.
Mart was a veteran of World Wart II and Korea, a 1950 graduate of Creighton University with a degree in chemistry and before retiring was as a pharmaceutical representative for Abbot Labs for 30 years. Mart was a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society, Knights of Columbus, Blessed Sacrament Church, VFW and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife Kathleen “Kay”; children the Rev. Michael K. Houlihan of Hastings, Carol (Roberto Orihuela) Brown of Greensboro, N.C., Margie (Paul) Emanuel of North Bend, Tim Houlihan of Annadale, N.J., Janie (Peter) Obradovich of Omaha, Amy Houliahan of Gretna; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services were March 22 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with his son Rev. Michael Houlihan, Bishop Michael Jackels of Wichita, Kan., Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of Lincoln, the Rev. Don Cleary of North Bend, and many other visiting priests from the Lincoln diocese officiating. His body was donated to medical research at Creighton University. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Blessed Sacrament Church or Creighton University.
Published March 28, 2012

Sandra (Schindler) Freisen, Lewellen, March 14, age 62

Sandra Jean Friesen of Lewellen, died March 14 in her home on Lake McConaughy after a four-month battle with small cell carcinoma cancer.
Sandie was born Nov. 7, 1949, in Columbus to Lester and Darlene (Bohac) Schindler. After graduating from Schuyler High School in 1967 Sandra studied nursing at University of Nebraska Medical Center.
On June 26, 1970, Sandie married Bob Friesen in Thornton, Colo. The couple made their home in the Broomfield area. When her children got older she went to work for a homebuilder as a bookkeeper.
Sandie and Bob moved to the Lake McConaughy area in 2000. Sandie golfed with the Ladies League in Oshkosh.
Survivors include her husband Bob Friesen and son Tyler Friesen, both of Lewellen; daughter Robin (Kirk) Friesen-Holwell of Longmont, Colo, and two grandchildren; sister Deb (Jess) Kucera of Leigh; and brother Ron (Jan) Schindler of North Bend.
The family chose cremation. There will be no visitation. The memorial service will be Friday, March 23, at 2 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church in Lewellen. Vonnie Brown will officiate.
A memorial has been established to the Shriners Hospital for Children, call 800-241-GIFT. Online Condolences may be sent to www.drauckerfh.com or www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Hospitals/ContactUs.aspx
Interment will take place at Ash Creek Cemetery, Lewellen, in a private family ceremony.
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.
Published March 21, 2012

Anthony J. Palensky, David City, March 8, age 25

Funeral services for Anthony J. Palensky of David City were held March 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City with the Rev. Bernard Kimminau officiating. Music was provided by soloist Shelbi Palensky and organist Carol Fuxa. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery at Cedar Hill in rural Morse Bluff.
Anthony was born July 20, 1986, in Schuyler to Leonard and Loretta (Vrana) Palensky, Jr. He graduated from Prague High School in 2005. He was employed at Timpte Manufacturing in David City. After his grandmother died, Anthony moved in with his grandfather to help him. Anthony died March 8 trying to save his grandpa during a house fire.
Anthony is survived by his parents, Leonard “Tom” and Loretta Palensky, Jr; siblings, Rachel (Eric) Johnson of David City, Christina (Kasey) Kadavy of Prague, Carla Palensky of Lincoln, Leonard (Shelbi) Palensky, III of Geneva, Christopher (Lindsey) Palensky of David City, William Palensky of Lincoln, Nathan (Christy) Palensky of David City; 13 nieces and nephews; god-children, Alayna Johnson and Ashton Renee Hjort.
Svoboda Funeral Home of Schuyler was in charge of arrangements.
Published March 14, 2012

Leonard Palensky, Sr., David City, March 8, age 88

A funeral Mass for Leonard Palensky, Sr., of David City, was held March 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City with the Rev. Bernard Kimminau officating. Music was provided by the Assumption Choir, soloist Theresa Pasonault and organist Carol Fuxa. Burial was in the Assumption Catholic Cemetery at Appleton, rural David City, with Military Honors by American Legion Post 273.
Leonard was born Dec. 23, 1923, in Prague to Charles L. and Anna (Svoboda) Palensky. He attended District 73 in Rescue through the eight grade and received his GED at the age of 64.
Leonard married Goldiemae Manzel on Feb.5, 1945 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Abie and they farmed in Saunders County. Goldie died Sept. 22, 2010.
Leonard served in the Army in 1946. He moved to David City in 2007 and was a member of the American Legion, Assumption Catholic Church, the Heritage Club. Leonard died March 8 in a house fire in David City.
Leonard is survived by his children, Connie (Duane) Svoboda of David City, Leonard, Jr. “Tom” (Loretta ) Palensky of David City, Julie Chmelka of David City, Ron (Tracy) Palensky of Linwood, Tim (Lisa) Palensky of Columbus, Tammy Ehrich of Fremont, Carmen (Kevin) Broman of David City and Pete (ReNee) Palensky of Schuyler; son-in-law, Jerome Jakub of Columbus; 31 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; brother, Charles “Chuck” (Sue) Palensky of Omaha; sister, Geraldine Vanek of Omaha; sister-in-law, Irene Palensky of David City.
Published March 14, 2012

Rita M. Zeleny, Morse Bluff, March 7, age 77

Rita M. Zeleny of Morse Bluff died March 7 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha.
Survivors include her husband Ed Zeleny; daughter Liz (Jim) Dake of Ames; sons Joe (Shelly) Zeleny of Morse Bluff, Jon (Sharon) Zeleny of Lincoln and Jack Zeleny of Lincoln; and six grandchildren.
A private family memorial service was held. As per Rita’s request, her body was donated to medical study.
Published March 14, 2012

D. Joyce (Clement) Lefforge, Rock Port, Mo., Feb. 23, age 75

Doris Joyce Lefforge died Feb. 23 at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Rock Port, Mo.
Joyce was born June 21, 1936, to Charles M. and Doris Alberta (Johnston) Clement in Westboro, Mo. Joyce attended school in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Braddyville, Iowa, before graduating from Westboro High School in 1955.
Joyce began her professional career employed by Ozark Airlines in Rockford, Ill. She later worked as a secretary for the Newark, Ill. school system, in administration for the insurance industry in Ottawa, Ill. and for the Conoco Oil Company in Ponca City, Okla. until she retired in 2002.
Joyce soon returned to Westboro, living there until January 2009 when ill health forced her to move to Pleasant View Nursing Home in Rock Port.
Survivors include sisters Patricia (Clement) Fox of St. Joseph, Mo. and Nancy L. (Donald) Martin of Westboro; sister-in-law Carol Clement of North Bend; and three nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services are planned for spring 2012 with interment at Center Grove Cemetery in Westboro.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online obituaries and condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
Published March 7, 2012

Richard L. Spence, Lincoln, Feb. 18, age 78

Richard L. Spence of Lincoln died Feb. 18.
Richard was born Oct. 29, 1933, to Harold and Stella (Lucier) Spence in Pender. He married Phyllis Stranik at St. George’s Catholic Church in Morse Bluff on Nov. 28, 1959. He worked as a staff reporter for the Custer County Chief in Broken Bow from 1959-1966 and Great Plains National ITB from 1966-1998.
Survivors include wife Phyllis of Lincoln; sons Steven, Joseph, Jeffrey and Gregory, all of Lincoln; sister Holly Spence of Tucson, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Thurs., Feb. 23, 2012, at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church. in Lincoln. Fr. Lyle Johnson will officiate. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Saunders County.
Memorials are suggested to the church, Pink Sisters or Kings Men Adoration Convent.
Published Feb. 22, 2012

Frances (Thurber) Butler, Grand Island, Feb. 14, 68

Frances M. Butler of Grand Island died Feb. 14 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Grand Island.
Frances was born April 13, 1943, in Superior to Marvin and Lucille (Kempkes) Thurber.
Survivors include sons Michael Hutchins of Temecula, Calif. and Mark (Valerie) Hutchins of Sacramento, Calif.; sisters Cheryl (Larry) Feala of North Bend and Janet (Jerry) Warneke of Grand Island; brother Marvin (Linda) Thurber of Jackson, Wyo; four grandchildren, one stepchild and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were Feb. 16 with Dan Naranjo officiating. Burial of ashes will be in Nelson Cemetery in Grand Island at a later date.
Published Feb. 22, 2011

Henry C. Nelson, North Bend, Feb. 11, age 81

Henry C. Nelson of North Bend passed away Feb. 11 at Nye Legacy Health & Rehab in Fremont.
Henry was born June 23, 1930, in Alliance to Henry J. and Eva (Barritt) Nelson. He was raised in Alliance and graduated from Alliance High School in 1948. Henry graduated from Chadron State College in 1952 and then served in the US Army during the Korean War from Aug. 13, 1952 to Aug. 12, 1954. After his service he returned to Chadron and received his Masters Degree from Chadron Educational Administration. Henry taught at Farwell for seven years and then three years at Thomas County High School at Thedford.
In 1964 he came to North Bend where he taught Industrial Arts, was principal and activities director before retiring in May of 1989.
On Jan. 12, 1953, Henry married Theona R. “Toni” Kramer at Portsmouth, Va. She preceded him in death on June 20, 1998.
Henry was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church at North Bend and was a Life Member of the National Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association and Nebraska Association of Secondary Principals and former member of North Bend Education Association.
He is survived by sons Bill (Jennifer) Nelson of Lincoln, Mark (Stacey) Nelson of Omaha; daughters Lou Ann (Melvin) Dawson of Albion, Jean (Gregory) Lonergan of Fisher, Ind.; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral Mass was Feb. 14 at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend with the Rev. Donald Cleary officiating. Military graveside services were conducted by members of VFW Post 8223 and AmVets Post 20 both of North Bend and American Legion Post 340 of Morse Bluff at Woodland Cemetery, North Bend.
Memorials may be directed to the North Bend Senior Center.
Moser Memorial Chapel 1040 N. Main St. North Bend, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com
Published Feb. 15, 2012

Margaret Iske, Sacramento, Jan. 29, age 75

Margaret A. “Marge” Iske, 75, of Sacramento, Calif., died Jan. 29 at Kaiser Permanent Medical Center in Sacramento after a brief illness.
She was born on Jan. 4, 1937, in North Bend to Leonard and Clare (Gaughen) Iske of rural Dodge. Marge was raised on the family farm west of Webster. She graduated from North Bend High School in 1954, after which she moved to Omaha where she worked as a secretary. She worked at Offutt Air Force base for many years before moving to Sacramento in 1963. Marge worked for McClellan Air Force Base until her retirement in 1998. She was a member of Sports Leisure Travel Group and National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Marge is survived by a brother, Charles (Gorgene) Iske of North Bend; sisters, Mary Jean (Martin) Paup of Seattle, Wa., Helen (Ken) Tallerico of Sacramento, Calif.; nieces and nephews.
No services are planned. Memorials may be given to the North Bend Central Jr. Sr. High School Foundation or to the donor’s choice.
Published Feb. 8, 2012

Cheryl (Green) Olson, North Bend, Jan. 27, age 62

Cheryl Lynn Olson died Jan. 27, 2012, at her home in North Bend.
Cheryl Lynn Olson’s life began on February 26, 1949 when she was born with her twin brother, Ronald, in Yankton, S.D., to Earle and Margaret (Fritz) Green. Cheryl was later joined by a little sister, Vicki. Cheryl was raised in Niobrara where she attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1967. Following graduation, Cheryl attended Norfolk Junior College for two years. On August 24, 1979, at the Niobrara Presbyterian Church, Cheryl was married to Dallas Olson, whom she loved until her last breath. Together, Cheryl and Dallas raised three children: Alicia, Chad, and Tonya.
Cheryl’s love for the restaurant business began at an early age, while working at Larry’s Drive-Inn. Her love for the business continued through high school, while working for her dad and mom at their restaurant, Green’s Cafe, in Old Niobrara. Cheryl moved forward with her career, holding managerial positions at Bonanza, Valentino’s and Burger King. A proud accomplishment and fun memory for Cheryl and Dallas was an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii that she earned while working at Bonanza. Cheryl concluded her restaurant career in New Niobrara, operating Green’s Cafe for several years following her mom’s retirement. After selling the cafe, Cheryl enjoyed 10 years traveling and working on the road with Dallas in Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma, for Dobson Brothers Construction.
For a period of time, Cheryl resided in many different communities, but she was always drawn back to Niobrara; Niobrara was always home. Along with being a proud Husker football fan, Cheryl loved crocheting. Cheryl continues to share her warmth with her loved ones through all the cherished afghans she has given over the years. Fond memories for Cheryl and her family were packing picnic lunches for the kids, and summer track meets.
She loved following her children and grandchildren in their endeavors; she was their greatest fan. Cheryl’s family will remember her as one whose cares and concerns reflected those she cared about, rather than herself.
Cheryl is survived by her husband of 32 years, Dallas; daughter Alicia Kuester of Pierce (grandons Jacob and Brock, and great-grandson, Cillian); son, Chad (Sarah) Ruda of Fremont (granddaughters, Madelyn-Grace, Isabella, Meredith and Niyah); daughter Tonya Robichaud (grandchildren Austin, Abigail, Audrey and Tucker); twin brother, Ron (Susan) Green of Norfolk (niece Ashley and nephew Jordan); sister Vicki Uhlir of Norfolk (nephews Troy, Tony, Todd, Tommy and Tyrone); sister-in-law Janice Olson of Omaha (niece Susan and nephew Scott); and sister-in-law Denise Wilson of Niobrara (niece Chelsey and nephew Cody).
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents Earle and Margaret; father-in-law Russel Olson; mother-in-law Evelyn Olson; first husband Henry “Pete” Hargens; grandson Wesley Kuester; infant sister Patricia; brother-in-law Dennis Olson; and nephew Chad Olson.
Cheryl loved her family. She was quick to listen, quick to forgive and full of encouraging words. Niobrara was the place she called home, and now her Savior has called her Home.
Funeral services were held on Jan. 31 at the Niobrara Lutheran Church with Pastor Kelley Pedersen officiating. Burial was in the L’Eau Qui Court Cemetery in Niobrara.
Paid. Published Feb. 8, 2012

Betty (Moore) Scheinost, Columbus, Jan. 27, age 80

Betty Scheinost of Columbus died Jan. 27 at Columbus Community Hospital.
Betty was born March 4, 1931, in Nemaha to Gerald and Edna (Hall) Moore. She graduated from Nemaha High School in 1948. Betty first attended Peru State College before going to Bishop Clarkson nursing school in Omaha.
She married Don Scheinost on Nov. 12, 1950, at the Nemaha Christian Church. They lived in North Bend.
Betty worked at a doctor’s office for several years as a nurse’s aide then moved to Columbus in the fall of 1964. Betty worked as the office manager for Columbus Cable before going to work at the Columbus Clinic. Betty returned to Platte College to complete her LPN degree. She then worked at Columbus Community Hospital where she worked until she retired in the early 1990s.
Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and helped with funeral dinners. She was a member of the Oregon California Trails Association and of a genealogy society.
Survivors include husband, Don; brother Dale (Ann) Moore of Denver, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Jan. 31 at the First Baptist Church in Columbus.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Published Feb. 1, 2012

Robert D. O'Day, Rowlett, Texas, Jan. 22, age 58

Robert Dean O’Day passed away Jan. 22 at his home in Rowlett, Texas.
Robert was born Sept. 10, 1937, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Glenn and Mildred O’Day. The family moved to North Bend when he was in high school. Robert graduated from North Bend High School in 1955.
Upon graduating Robert joined the U.S. Navy, and was based in Newport, R.I., and served as a sonar man on the U.S.S. Beatty. While in high school he met his wife, Shirley Krumm, and married her on May 9, 1956, while on leave.
After the Navy, Bob worked in Industrial Sales in Texas. Bob and Shirley were members of Central Lutheran Church of Dallas. Bob was actively involved with the a- Capella chorus, The Vocal Majority, for 11 years. He traveled the country with the chorus performing for a few presidents, and also performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Survivors include his wife Shirley; daughters Susan O’Day, Julie (Wilson) Whitt, Carol Dozier, and Lisa (Alan) Scholz; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Funeral services will be held Jan. 25 at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Donations can be made in his name to the SPCA of Texas and The Living Gift of Dallas, Texas.
Published Jan. 25, 2012

Dorothy (Rowell) Lockwood, Fremont, Jan. 20, age 79

Dorothy J. Lockwood of Fremont died Jan. 20 at Nye Legacy in Fremont.
Dorothy was born May 20, 1932, at Auburn to Jay and Gladys (Sievers) Rowell. As a child she moved with her family from Auburn to the Waterloo area where she graduated from Waterloo High School.
On June 19, 1951, Dorothy married Kenneth C. Lockwood at Council Bluffs, Iowa. They later moved to North Bend where they owned and published the North Bend Eagle from 1964 to 1971. They moved to Fremont in 1971 and Dorothy was employed as a cook for the Fremont Public Schools for 20 years and also worked at Camp Calvin Crest. She was a member of the Fremont Presbyterian Church.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Kenneth; sons Frank (Amy) Lockwood of Page, Curtis (Debra) Lockwood of Fremont; daughters Doreen Sayler of Marysville, Ohio, Denise Richard of Fremont; brothers Norman (Darlene) Rowell of Waterloo, Ronald (Jeane) Rowell of Florence, S.D.; sisters, Edith Riepl of Fremont, Lola (Bernard)Simmerman of Omaha, Neva (Richard Deckliver) Kellett of Des Moines, Iowa, and Wilda (Ronald) Thompson of Bushnell, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, Tracey Christensen, Denise (Dennis) Marfisi, Sherry ( Eric) Warden, Jennifer Lockwood, Laurie Ridemann, Kristine (Eric) Hardy, Bob (Desi) Jones, Teresa Sayler, Kevin Sayler and Colby (fiancée, Brandie Hammond ) Lockwood; 14 great-grandchildren Damon, Zeke and Anna Warden, Derrick and Devin Christensen, Tiana Knapp, Dalton Marfisi, Trenten Hardy, Evan Lockwood, Abby Hancock, Jayden Pennell, Devin, Rily and Lily Jones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Cheryl Jirovksy; sisters, Ruth Adams, Eunice Rowell; and great-grandson, Leland Curtis Lockwood.
There was a memorial service Jan. 24 at Moser Memorial Chapel, Fremont. There is no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be given to United Presbyterian Church Youth Camping Fund.
Moser Memorial Chapel, 2170 North Somers, Fremont, NE 68025 402-721-4490 Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com
paid. Published Jan. 25, 2012

Robert Odvarka, North Bend, Jan. 19, age 58

Robert S. Odvarka, 58 years of North Bend, formerly Lincoln, passed away Jan. 19, 2012, at Birchwood Manor in North Bend. Robert was born Nov. 27, 1953, in Schuyler to Dr. Robert Charles and Arlene M (Fayman) Odvarka.
He grew up at Clarkson and was a 1972 graduate of Clarkson High School. He then moved to Lincoln where he attended the University of Nebraska for three years. Robert was a musician and played with several bands for many years. He resided in Lincoln until 1996 then he lived in various towns before moving to North Bend in 2011.
He was a former member of New Zion Presbyterian Church at Clarkson.
Robert is survived by his mother, Arlene Odvarka; brother, Scott (Stephanie) Odvarka, all of Lincoln; sister Sandi (Keith) Weeder of Aurora, Colo.; several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be at a later date at New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson. Interment will be at the Bohemian Cemetery at Clarkson.
Moser Memorial Chapel, 2170 N. Somers, Fremont, NE is in charge of arrangements. 402-721-4490. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com
Published Jan. 25, 2012

Alan Eveland, Lincoln, Jan. 16, age 58

Alan Eveland passed away Jan. 16 at a hospital in Lincoln.
Alan was born Dec. 6, 1953, to
Paul and Kathryn (Huston) Eveland in Lincoln. Alan is a 1972 graduate of North Bend Central. He attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where he was a place kicker for the Huskers for three years and also won Big 8 honors. He was served as president of the Interfraternity Council, a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, a member of the Innocents Society, and was named Outstanding Greek on Campus.
Alan was a bond underwriter and worked for the last several years for Ameritas of Lincoln. He underwrote the latest bond issues for North Bend Central.
Alan is survived by his father Paul (Donna) Eveland of Ames; brothers Bruce and Scott Eveland of Ames; sister Kristin Caradine of Wichita, Kan.; two nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Kay Eveland.
Funeral arrangements are pending in Lincoln.
Memorials may be made to the North Bend Presbyterian Church or the Kay Eveland Endowment Fund at North Bend Central.
Published Jan. 18, 2012

Dick Cody, Linwood, Jan. 13, age 63

Richard D. “Dick” Cody of Linwood died Jan. 13 at Birchwood Manor in North Bend.
Dick was born June 30, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Richard and Doris (Teager) Cody. He grew up in Council Bluffs and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Dick married Sharon Bauman July 22, 1974, in Fremont. Dick farmed for 36 years.
Survivors include his wife Sharon; daughter Susan Cody of Linwood; son Jim (Melissa) Cody of North Bend; sister Linda Cody and father Richard H. Cody, both of Council Bluffs; brother-in-law Marvin (Louise) Bauman of Seward; and one grandchild.
There will be no services, no visitation and the body will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the North Bend Veterans Memorial Park, the North Bend Public Library or the North Bend Central Jr.-Sr. Foundation.
Online condolences may be directed to mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published January 18, 2012

Joe T. Kopecky, Octavia, Jan. 12, age 86

Joe T. Kopecky of Octavia died Jan. 12 at his home.
Joe was born Dec. 29, 1925, in David City to Bohumil and Anna (Justyn) Kopecky. He attended Marietta School and graduated in 1943. Joe married Dorothy Treadway on May 20, 1946, in Marietta. She died May 4, 1993.
He was a member of Presentation Catholic Church where he also served as a Parish acolyte. Joe was an Honorary Third and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Eagles Club and Aquinas Booster Club.
Joe farmed until 1996 and did commercial trucking for 50 years. He was a football referee for 40 years and a basketball referee for 20 years.
Survivors include sons Donald Kopecky of Aurora, Colo., Rick (Eileen) Kopecky of Octavia and Jack (Karen) Kopecky of David City; sisters Agnes Orcutt of Omaha, Hattie Bougger of Brainard and Marie Johnson of North Bend; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Jan. 16 at Presentation Catholic Church with burial at the Presentation Cemetery in Bellwood.
Memorials have been established to Presentation Catholic Church and Aquinas Guardian Angel Fund.
Published Jan. 25, 2012

Kay (Eichholtz) Roe, North Bend, Jan. 10, age 85

Kay Roe of North Bend died Jan. 10 at Birchwood Manor in North Bend.
Kay was born April 1, 1940, in Goshen, N.Y., to Karl and Ellen (Young) Eichholtz. She grew up in Maybrook, N.Y. She married Howard Roe on Sept. 13, 1958, in Maybrook. Kay lived in various places before moving to North Bend, where she resided for the last 10 years. Kay worked as a dispatcher and office manager for Yellow Freight.
Survivors include husband, Howard; sons Mark (Maluz) Roe of Las Vegas, Nev., Scott (Debbie) Roe of Reno, Nev.; daughter Karen (Darell) Johnston of North Bend; brother Harry (Mary) Eichholtz of Kentucky; sister June Gavin of Connecticut; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A private family service was held Jan. 12.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society for research.
Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.
Published Jan. 18, 2012