Richard “Dick” D. Cantral, age 90 years of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, died May 17 at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney. He was born July 11, 1932, in Schuyler to Virgil and Wilma (Hare) Cantral. He lived in Schuyler then lived at St. Cloud, Florida, from 1939 until moving to North Platte in 1942.
Dick married Ardith Moser on June 3, 1952, in North Bend.
Dick served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1951 to 1955. He worked as a brakeman for the Union Pacific Railroad until retiring in 1994. Dick moved to Kearney in 2020.
He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in North Platte for 68 years and was a current member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen from 1951 to the present, Prairie Lake Boat Club at North Platte for 64 years and was an avid golfer.
Dick is survived by wife Ardith; sons Rick Cantral of Centertown, Missouri, Dr. David (Kimberly) Cantral of Kearney and Michael (Diana) Cantral of Aurora, Colorado; daughters Cynthia (John) Seberger of Lincoln, Lori (Ralph) Grimit of Tucson, Arizona, and Denise (Johnny) Koller of Arapahoe; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Caryn) Moser of North Bend, Jim (Lynda) Moser of Fremont, Dick (Donna) Moser of Sacramento, California, and Eldon (Cheryl) Moser of Yutan; 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law Ed and Doris Moser, Margie and John Reynolds, Mae and Charles Jirkovsky, Richard Hartmann, Mercedes Hartmann Roth, Kathy Powers and Elizabeth Moser.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at Fremont Moser Memorial Chapel. The Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m, Thursday, May 25, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend. The burial will be in Woodland Cemetery at North Bend with military honors conducted by North Bend V.F.W. Post 8223 and AmVets Post 20 and Morse Bluff American Legion Post 340.
Memorials may be directed to North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Trust.
Online Condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published May 24, 2023

Patricia V. (Heald) Voss, 89, of Ames, passed away April 25 at Unity Point Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.
Pat was born April 20, 1934, in Marietta Township, Saunders County in the home of Richard L. and Ora (Neff) Heald. She grew up in rural Marietta Township and went to Dist. 57 grade school and then Clover Park High School when her family moved to Tacoma, Wash., graduating in 1952. She moved back to Nebraska and worked various jobs, including Spanglers Jewelers in Fremont. She also trained and showed quarter horses.
Pat married Douglas Voss in 1959 and moved to the farm near Ames. Doug passed away in February 2009 and Pat continued to live and work on the farm.
Pat was a lifelong member of the Mead Emanuel Baptist Church and involved in the American Quarter Horse Association for 60-plus years. Her greatest passion was her quarter horses, which she raised, trained and showed all her life, including a Grand Champion in 1970.
Pat liked to bake and made a special "upon request" birthday cake for each of her children. She enjoyed a good crossword puzzle and watching Jeopardy and westerns on television.
Pat is survived by her daughters Lori of Bassett, Linda (Sam) of Linwood, and Lisa of Snyder; sons Larry (Rhonda) of Ames, Lee (Holly) of Dike, Iowa, and Ivan (LaDawn) Hankins of Waterloo, Iowa; sister Betty (Carl) Whinnery of Lakewood, Wash.; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and two sisters.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 22 at 10 a.m., at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. A private family burial will be at Green Mound Cemetery in Mead.

Published May 3, 2023

Leonard G. Vyhlidal Jr. of Fremont passed away April 12 at the VA Medical Center in Omaha.
He was born Oct. 7, 1952, in Fremont to Leonard Sr. and Helen (Vavak) Vyhlidal.
Leonard was a 1970 graduate of North Bend Central High School, and during that time he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Wayne State College and soon after he served in the U.S. Army. He resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Fremont.
He is survived by his sisters Carol (Doug) Dale of Fremont and JoAnn (Francis) Zakovec of Morse Bluff, nephews Jason (Cindy) Dale, Mike Albert, and Ryan (Brienna) Zakovec; nieces Brooke Zakovec and Chris Dale; aunt Leona Loehr; and several great nieces and nephews.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sisters; and two nephews Jeff Dale and Brent Zakovec.
Per Leonard’s request no funeral services will be held.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 19, 2023

Gary L. Anderson of Fremont, formerly of North Bend, passed away April 4 at Methodist Fremont Health.
Gary was born Jan. 15, 1949, in Kearney to Clarence and Jurethia (Ray) Anderson. He grew up in Gibbon and graduated from Arlington High School in 1967. Gary married Susan Bloch on Aug. 25, 1969, in Lakewood, Colorado. They resided in Arlington until moving to North Bend in 1978.
Gary was employed by Appleton Manufacturing as a tool and die supervisor for more then 20 years before retiring in 2008. He was a member of the Arlington and North Bend Volunteer Fire Departments. Gary worked as an EMT. He was a member of the Jaycees in Arlington and was named as a state officer. Woodworking and gardening were his favorite hobbies.
Gary is survived by his loving wife Susan of Fremont; sons Brian (Ramona) Anderson of Shelly, Idaho, and Brent (Danielle) Anderson of North Bend; daughter Jennifer (Todd) Aspy of North Bend; brothers Dennis (Theresa) Anderson of Fremont, and Danny (Robin) Anderson of Arlington; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dell and Randy Anderson.
The funeral was April 10 at Fremont Moser Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Scott Jensen officiating. A private family burial will be a later date at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
Memorials are suggested to the family for a designation at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 12, 2023

Darlene J. Steinbach of Fremont passed away April 1 at Pathfinder Place in Fremont. She was born April 24, 1931, in Schuyler to Otto and Frances (Kracl) Wesely.
Darlene grew up and lived on her family farm northwest of North Bend until her marriage. She graduated from North Bend High School in 1948. Darlene taught at District 7 in Dodge County for four years. She then married Loye “Max” Steinbach Jan. 19, 1952, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They lived and farmed on an acreage east of Ames for nine years and then 36 years on a farm east of Fremont. They moved into Fremont in November of 1996.
Darlene was a 71-year member of the Fremont Presbyterian Church and its church circle. She was also a member of the Fremont Eagles Club and the Eagles Camping Club.
Darlene is survived by her husband Loye Max Steinbach of Fremont; daughters Debora (Eugene) Volnek of Valley, Suzanne Steinbach of Clarkson; sons Michael (Patsy) Steinbach of Valley and Bruce Steinbach of Ames; daughter-in-law Renae (Dusty) Lowther of Fremont; 10 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Randy Steinbach, grandson Adam Steinbach, daughter-in-lawKimberly Steinbach and sister Patricia (Vern) Janovec.
Her funeral will be 10 a.m., April 7, at the Fremont Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. Visitation will continue on Friday one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Ridge Cemetery in Fremont.
Memorials are suggested to The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 5, 2023

Joy Jenkins of North Bend was born Sept. 17, 1963, in Apple Valley, California. She lost her battle with cancer March 25 surrounded by family.
After living in two foreign countries and several states with her parents, she settled in Nebraska. She was a 1981 graduate of Papillion High School. She married Gary Cady in 1987. They later divorced. They had two children, Jesse and Mandy.
Joy married Mark Jenkins Jan. 17, 2003. They recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, riding motorcycles with her husband, watching NASCAR and crafts. One of her favorite things to do was to take other people’s junk and turn it into works of art.
Joy was a cafeteria manager with Schuyler Community Schools for 17 years. Her ideal accomplishment was when she began her employment as Food Director at the North Bend Central Schools.
She was preceded in death by her son Jesse Cady, sister Teresa Lennie, aunts Carrol Ramos and Faye Muller and both sets of grandparents.
Joy’s love for life is carried on by her husband Mark; children Renae (Chad) McCollum, Mandy Cady, daughter-in-law Brandi Cady; brother Shawn (Kim) Lennie; parents Del and Jean Lennie; stepdaughters Diane (Tim) Bryson and Jennifer Jenkins; grandchildren Ronnie, Lovelynn, Halo, River, Willow, Quentin, Cash, Bren, Justen, Jessica and Christine; great-grandchildren Jaidynn, Kayden, Hailey; niece Jennifer; and nephews Andrew and Tyler.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 8, at 2 p.m. at the North Bend Senior Center, 240 East 10th St., North Bend.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 5, 2023

Janet L. Mathis of Lyons passed away March 19 at her home.
Janet was born Dec. 4, 1943, to Harry W. Sr. and Lucille (Hansen) Strong in Fremont.
Janet had been employed in higher education her whole life. After achieving her master’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she worked for the Nebraska Indian Community College, where she became the vice president.
On Oct. 6, 1984, Janet married Tony Mathis.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Tony; sons Tony (Christine) Dodge, Richard (Sharon) Dodge, Randy (Wendy) Dodge; stepsons John Mathis, Michael Mathis; daughter Jody (Jim) Renninger; step-daughter Michele Grosch; brothers Gary (Sharon) Strong, and Harry Jr. (Kathy) Strong; 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 9, at Merly’s in Lyons.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 5, 2023

Stanley Popken, 90, of Fremont passed away on March 24.
He was born June 27, 1932, in rural North Bend to Bernhard and Marie (Gollenstede) Popken. Stan was baptized August 7,
1932, and confirmed April 14, 1946 at St. John Ridgeley Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a 1949 graduate of Scribner High School and farmed with his father. Stan worked at Scribner Co-Op and Scribner Implement Co. He served in the U.S. Army for two years, spending a year with the 23rd Quartermaster Group at Headquarters in Seoul, Korea.
Stan married Ione Hasemann on March 13, 1955, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hooper. They lived and farmed two and one-half miles west of Scribner until 1961 when he became partnership owner of Uehling Implement Company
and the family moved to Uehling. Stan served on the Uehling Village Board of Trustees. He was a Uehling Volunteer Fireman for 23 years, served in various capacities with the Uehling Lions Club, the Uehling Business Club and American Legion Post 196. He served on the church council of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Uehling and sang in the church choir.
In 1988 Stan and his wife moved to Fremont after having sold the implement business in 1986. They became members of
First Lutheran Church. He did part-time work in sales with Air Comfort Company and was crop/hail insurance agent with
Uehling Insurance until retirement in 2007.
Through the years he enjoyed playing softball with the church league and Hillside Dairy and was in league bowling and
golf. Stan regularly followed his children’s activities, later catching flights to events of the grandchildren, as well as being a regular attendant for events of those grandchildren nearby.
Stan is survived by wife of 68 years, Ione Popken, son David (Michele) Popken of Florida, daughters Barbara (Darrell)
Sagehorn and Nancy (Jack) Hank of Texas and son-in-law Kurt Baumert of North Bend. Grandchildren Sarah and James Popken; Lisa (Dan) Rymas and Pamela (Scott) Henry; Samantha (Michael) Matson, Patricia (Brad) Lambert, and Kristina
(Andrew) Jastram; Ashley (Broc) Blanchard, Tyler Baumert, Kelly (Luke) Blanc, and Amy Baumert (and fiancée Alex
Jensen); great-grandchildren Jackson, Lila, and Amelia Rymas; Jace and Jordan Henry; Morgan and Cooper Matson;
Miles, Isla, and Ryder Lambert; Holly and Luke Jastram; Brody, Kate, Breckin, and Cora Blanchard; Beau and Rylee
Blanc; and sister-in-law Jean Popken.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Linda Baumert, in 2011 and brother, Duane Popken, in 1985.
The family will receive friends beginning 9:30am on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at First Lutheran Church. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, at First Lutheran Church (3200 E Military Ave.) in Fremont.
Fellowship and luncheon to follow the service.
Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church Fremont and new Uehling Fire and Rescue building. Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of arrangements.

Published March 29, 2023

Elaine (Buresh) Pokorny was born Feb. 24, 1934 in Elma, Iowa. She passed to her heavenly home March 20, surrounded by her daughters at Providence Place in Fremont.
As a teen, she attended a Billy Graham Crusade and accepted Jesus as her personal savior. Her faith in Christ deepened by reading scripture and through prayer.
Elaine moved to Fremont after high school and worked as an auditor at Gambles-Skogmo, Inc. for 2.5 years. After her children were older she worked at Reliable Services in Wahoo.
She married Ben Pokorny of Wahoo on March 20, 1955. He passed away in 2008.They made their home on a farm southwest of Wahoo for over 50 years, later moving to Fremont. Elaine worked alongside Ben helping with livestock, working in the fields and hauling grain. Her skills as a seamstress were often seen in the dresses she made for her little girls. Elaine was a vegetable and flower gardener. She canned produce and was an excellent baker. She set up bird feeders so as to enjoy the beauty and songs of various birds.
Elaine was active in ministries at the Czech Presbyterian Church and later Fremont Alliance Church. In the community she was an assistant 4-H leader, active in Christian Women’s Club and Bible Study Fellowship. She served on the Chapman Precinct election board for over 30 years.
She is survived by daughters Karen (Kirk) Kavan, Laurie (Jim) Martens, and Janette (Doug) Stuart, son Jim (Lisa) Pokorny, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother Dale (Sue) Buresh and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Two of her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kyle Kavan, had the honor of singing at her celebration of life service,
Memorials may be sent to Assure Women’s Center or Fremont Alliance Church. Elaine had a heart for missions and to the furtherance of the Gospel. She also cared deeply for the lives of pre-born babies, as she was given the great privilege of adopting her sweet son from a woman who chose life.

Published March 29, 2023

Shane R. Powers of Omaha passed away March 17 at his home.
Shane was born Oct. 18, 1978, to Larry “Bart” and Linda (Burger) Powers in Fremont. He graduated in 1997 from North Bend Central High School. On Sept. 9, 2006, he married Sandy DiMinico. They later divorced.
Shane worked for Certified Transmission for 23 years. He enjoyed gardening, grilling, and watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Shane was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Jason Daugherty.
He is survived by his brother Corey (Jennifer) Powers; sisters Misti Daugherty, Amber (Nick) Cherny, Amy (Jim) Paschal, and Jill (Greg) Peterson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. The Rev. Walter Nolte will officiate. Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., prior to the service at Moser’s.
Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery near North Bend.
Memorials may be directed to Archbishop Bergan Catholic Schools in Fremont.
Online condolences may be left at: ww.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published March 22, 2023

Robert E. Nesladek, 91, of Omaha, formerly North Bend, passed away March 14 at Nye Legacy in Fremont. He was born May 22, 1931, in North Bend to Edward and Julia (Pacas) Nesladek.
Robert grew up in rural North Bend and was a 1948 graduate of North Bend High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 through 1955 during the Korean War, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Robert married Janice Platt on Sept. 19, 1959, in North Bend. They lived and farmed northeast of North Bend until Robert retired in 1994, and then they moved into North Bend in 1999. They moved to Omaha in 2019.
Robert was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Morse Bluff American Legion Post 340, North Bend Am Vets Post 20 and National Farmers Organization. He served on the District 93 School Board and the North Bend Area Senior Center board since its inception and as president and vice president.
Robert was recognized as an Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor in 2003.
After retiring from farming, he delivered fire trucks and other equipment for Danko Equipment for many years. In his later years, Robert volunteered at the North Bend Eagle newspaper.
Robert met his wife through Rural Youth where they did a lot of square dancing. He was a league bowler for many years and loved to listen and dance to polka music, play cards, work in the garden, play games with grandchildren, and spend time with friends and family.
Survivors include his wife Janice; daughters Kathy Nesladek of Richardson, Texas; Kris McMahon of Omaha; Deb (Chuck) Ness of Lincoln; son Tim Nesladek of Omaha. Grandchildren include Rachel (Joel) Beckman, Sean McMahon, Ryan McMahon, Michelle Ness, Bria Ness and Benjamin Ness, and great-grandchildren Jane Ann and Thomas Beckman.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Leonard Vech and son-in-law Dan McMahon.
A memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 25, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend. The Rev. Keith Rezac will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 23, from 5-7 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Living Rosary starting at 7 p.m., all at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend.
Private committal service with military honors will be at the Omaha National Cemetery near Omaha.
Memorials are suggested to North Bend Area Senior Center, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church or to the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com or send to Janice at 13410 Blondo Street, Apt. 316, Omaha, NE 68164.

Published March 22, 2023

John J. Chapman, aged 83 years, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at the PAM Health of Corpus Christi.
John was born on March 29, 1939, to John Joseph and Edith Maud (Button) Chapman in Fremont. He attended District 10 country school until eighth grade and graduated from North Bend High School in 1956. John attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln majoring in Agriculture.
In 1962, John enlisted in the United States Navy, retiring as an Avionics Master Chief in 1985. He attended the University of Guam and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. He taught school in Guam for 20 years. He lived all over the world throughout his career and lastly resided in Corpus Christi, Texas.
John married Elssa Brooks in 1979.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers David and Charles Chapman; brother-in-law Joseph Wisnieski; niece Susan (Wisnieski) Schommer; and nephews David and Sean Chapman.
John is survived by son Randy Chapman of Corpus Christi, Texas; sister Mary Ida Wisnieski of Dodge; sisters-in-law Kay Chapman of Grand Island, Diane Chapman of Pescadero, California; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 18, at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend, with military honors.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published March 15 ,2023

Elaine R. Walla of Linwood passed away Feb. 21 at Nye Legacy in Fremont. She was born at home near Linwood to Jerry and Marie (Frana) Kracman.
Elaine graduated from Linwood High School in 1949. She married LaVern Walla April 19, 1950, in Linwood. He passed away May 13, 1973. She raised her children and worked at the Corner Café in North Bend. Elaine was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in North Bend, the Presbyterian Women and ZCBJ Lodge in Morse Bluff.
Elaine is survived by sons Larry (Deborah) Walla of Linwood, Darwin (Denise) Walla and Eugene (Paula) Walla, all of Morse Bluff; daughter Susan Walla of New Knoxville, Ohio; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Delmar Kracman and infant sister Mary Frances Kracman.
Her funeral was Feb. 24 at the United Presbyterian Church in North Bend. Interment was at Killian Cemetery Morse Bluff.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published March 1 ,2023

Elsie Fern Stecki of Rogers passed away Feb 15, 2023, at Clarkson Community Care Center in Clarkson. She was born on Aug 19, 1932 in Octavia to Samuel and Frances (Milligan) Evans.
Memorials can be directed towards family wishes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Schuyler, the Rev. Jairo Congote officiating. A parish rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 20 with a visitation beginning at 9 a.m., all at the church. A funeral luncheon will follow Mass in the parish hall with burial taking place at 1 p.m. at Edholm Cemetery in rural Linwood. Svoboda Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Elsie grew up in Octavia and graduated from Schuyler High School in 1950. After graduating she moved to Omaha and worked at Mutual of Omaha. She was introduced to Joe Stecki and immediately fell in love. They were married on Aug. 29, 1955. She raised six children and lived in several different locations while her husband traveled working on the Union Pacific railroad. They finally settled in Rogers in 1967 where they made their home.
Elsie was a member of the St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Schuyler and was deeply involved with prayer groups. She was a longtime member of the Eagles Auxiliary Club. She enjoyed canning, sewing, reading and crocheting. Closest to her heart were her grandchildren and her deep faith in God which she shared with family and friends.
Elsie is survived by her son Ed (Nikki) Stecki of Corinth, Texas; daughters Lucy (Mark) Hahn of Omaha, Mary (Perry) Tompkins of St Joseph, Missouri, Laura (Don) Heins of Clarkson, Barb Gabel of Rogers; sisters Rita Beam of McPherson, Kansas, and Bev Garcia of Dixon, Illinois; grandchildren Zach Stecki, Mallory (Jared) DeWald, Teresa (Anthony) Maly, Stephanie (Joel) Stjernholm, Stacy (Travis) Brewer, Marissa Heins and Jose, Chris (Stephanie) Gabel, Lance Gabel and Haley (Nathan) Boyce and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe Stecki, son Mark Stecki, grandchildren Mark Jr Hahn and Ian Heins and sister Merna Danaher.

Published Feb. 22 ,2023

Carolyn J. Nielsen of Fremont passed away Feb. 13 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont. She was born on Sept. 7, 1935, in Leigh to J. Henry and Bessie (Novotny) Miller.
Carolyn was raised in Leigh until she moved to Fremont in 1946. She graduated from Fremont High School in
1953. Carolyn married Lee Nielsen on Jan. 14, 1955, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. She was employed by J.C. Penney and Don Peterson & Associates.
Carolyn was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Fremont and the Women Of Faith group.
Carolyn is survived by her grandchildren, Jessie (Vinnie) Krikac and children Calum and Katelyn of Lincoln; Chris (Mary Jane) Nielsen of Omaha; Tara (Brad) League and children Cameron, Grace and Cody of Waterloo; Spencer Nielsen and son Grayson of Fremont; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lee; sons Timothy Nielsen and Randy Nielsen; sisters Marlene Keyes, MaryAnn Cate, and Jeanette Mather.
A memorial service was Feb. 28 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont.
Burial took place at Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published March 1 ,2023

Dean M. Cunningham of North Bend passed away Jan. 30 at his home. He was born May 6, 1934, in Tekamah to Raymond and Garnet (Martin) Cunningham.
Dean grew up in Tekamah and graduated from Tekamah High School in 1952. Dean then served in the US Navy from Jan. 14, 1955, to Dec. 31, 1958. He then received multiple degrees from University of Nebraska–Lincoln: a bachelors in physical education and social sciences in 1961; master’s in educational administration in 1965 and a specialist degree in education administration in 1978.
Dean worked for 40 years as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in Exeter, Tekamah, Hooper, Logan View, East Butler, Haigler, Prague, Thedford, Greeley, Marquette and North Bend Elementary, retiring in 1994. Before retiring a second time, Dean started Cunningham Educational Services where he supervised and consulted for School Districts 5, 36, 50, 70 and 14.
Dean was a member of NCSA, NASSP, NASCD, Methodist Church, Lions Club, Commercial Club, Hooper Masonic Lodge 72 and the American Legion.
He is survived by his sons, Mark (Pam Murphy) Cunningham of Grant, Mike (Lisa) Cunningham of Lincoln; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Howard and Donald Cunningham.
The funeral was Feb. 7 at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. Interment with military honors conducted by the US Navy Honors Team, North Bend VFW Post 8223, AmVets Post 20 and Morse Bluff American Legion Post 340 was at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorials are suggested to the North Bend Central Foundation for the North Bend Elementary School. Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Feb. 8 ,2023

Rev. Hugh F. Schwartz passed away Jan. 30 in Omaha. He was born Jan. 27, 1930, in Wyoming. He was a graduate of Conception Seminary in Missouri and studied at Catholic University in Washington D.C. and ordained into the priesthood on May 26, 1956.
He served at numerous churches including St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend from June 1986 to 1992. He was pastor at St. Charles when the present rectory was built.
Schwartz also served St. Wenceslaus Catholic in Dodge from 1976 to 1986.
Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 25, at St. Patrick Church in Elkhorn. Internment was at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Priest Retirement Fund.
Online condolences may be left at www.heafeyheafey.com.

Published Feb. 1, 2023

Keever E. Swenka of rural Solon, Iowa, passed away at the Solon Nursing Care Center on Jan. 26. The funeral Mass was Jan. 28 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon, officiated by the Rev. Charles Fladung. Burial was Sulek Cemetery, near Shueyville.
Keever is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria; children Amber (Richard) Wesely of Cedar Bluffs, Paul (Cindy) Swenka, Audra (Keith) Nearad, both of Iowa; grandchildren Joseph Nearad, Jenna (Austin) White and Samuel Wesely; siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary (Klima) Swenka, and brothers Dennis and Glenn.
Keever was born May 25, 1944, in Cedar Rapids and was a lifelong resident of this area. He was a 1962 graduate of Oxford High School. Keever married Gloria Patten on June 5, 1965. Keever was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company (later Century Link) for 45 years until his retirement. He and Gloria moved from Cedar Rapids to their farm home in 1986 and started a cow/calf operation in the early 1990s which they maintained for almost 30 years.
Keever was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. He was also a longtime member of the Johnson County Cattlemen’s Association, CWA, ARA, and Lodge Cedar Rapids 262 WFLA.
A memorial fund has been established and donations may be directed to the family.

Published Feb. 1, 2023

Jeanene Westerman of North Bend passed away Jan. 23 at Nye Legacy in Fremont.  
Jeanene was born June 29, 1931, in rural North Bend to Chris and Agnes (Gaughen) Dunker.  She graduated from North Bend High School in 1949 and moved to Omaha where she worked before meeting Glenn (Wes) Westerman. They were married Oct. 29, 1950, in Fremont and together celebrated 70 years of marriage. In 1958, they moved back to North Bend and resided there for 64 years.  
Jeanene was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend and a former member of the United Methodist Church in North Bend before its closing. Jeanene was a member of the North Bend Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. 
She had a love of playing bridge, a game that she believed more should learn to play. She had the opportunity to play with many from around the North Bend and Fremont areas as well as in Edinburg, Texas, where she and Wes would spend the winters after their retirement. She was a member of the Red Hat Society of the Citrus Mobile Park in Edinburg where she enjoyed the social gatherings. Jeanene was the one who would get others together for happy hour and loved hosting, whether at home in North Bend or in Edinburg. During COVID, she hosted porch parties to help others with the isolation created by the pandemic. 
Christmas was her favorite holiday and she would host Christmas bridge, decorating her home just like you would see in magazines. 
She and Wes loved traveling and visited many states of the United States. She always said no one should travel to another country unless they had toured the U.S. first. 
Jeanene is survived by daughters Pam (Jim) Kabourek of David City, Virginia Sue (Bart) Bosco, Jeanene Lambley both of North Bend; sons Bob (Jan) Westerman of Lincoln, Tom (Tamara) Westerman of Scribner; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Jeanene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wes; sisters Jerry Mohr, Roberta Freeman and her twin sister, Virginia Paden; brother Gilbert Dunker; and great-granddaughter Dionne Striplin.
Services were Jan. 28 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend with burial at Woodland Cemetery. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the North Bend Volunteer Fire Dept or the Nebraska Kidney Association. Condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Feb. 1, 2023

Sandra A. Kruger of Omaha passed away Jan. 23 at her home. She was born March 2, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to Verne and Eileen (Backstrom) Dahlstrom.
Sandra grew up in Chicago and graduated from North Park Academy High School. She also went to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for two years. She moved to Omaha in 1969.
Sandra married James H. Kruger on July 17, 1973,in Lincoln. He preceded her in death on Aug. 13, 2020.
She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Master in Omaha.
Sandra is survived by her children, Barbara (Kenneth) Krzycki of Mesa, Arizona, Joni (Jeff) Gunn of Fort Collins, Colorado, Julie (Mark) Murphy of Papillion, Jami (Kenneth) Kotera of Springfield, Matt (Cheri) Keyes of Gretna, Dan (Bethany) Kruger of Holland, Michigan, Karla (David) Miller of Coppell, Texas; 15 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim, sister JoAnne Brill and nieces Jamie Hammer and Kathy Finn.
Her funeral was Jan. 31 at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. A private interment was at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
In lieu of flowers send memorials to Al-anon, AIS 4611 S. 96th St. Suite #172, Omaha, NE 68127.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Feb. 1, 2023

Jerome “Jerry” C. Warneke of Grand Island passed away on Jan. 21 at CHI-Health Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln. A funeral service was held on Jan. 27 at Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Dan Bremer officiated.
Jerry was born on Oct. 5, 1943, in Omaha to Carl and Cecelia (Frauen) Warneke. He was raised in the Chapman, Omaha and Ralston areas, graduating from Ralston High School in 1962. Jerry entered the United States Army in 1965.
On July 28, 1979, Jerry was united in marriage to Janet Thurber. He spent many years working with his father at Warneke Plumbing and Electric. He later went to work for the Veteran’s Home in the Maintenance Department until his retirement in 1995. Jerry was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the VFW, Eagles and American Legion.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Janet; brother Lon (Kathie) Warneke of Granger, Ind; sister Carla Warneke of Grand Island; sister-in-law Cheryl (Larry) Feala of North Bend; brother-in-law Marvin (Linda) Thurber of Jackson, Wyo; nieces and nephews Paul Warneke, Megan Warneke, Kenna Feala, Michaela (Mark) Buckner, Jason (Leigh) Feala, Seth Feala, and their families; and many cousins.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, grandparents and sisters-in-law, Georgia Kempkes and Frances Butler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Online condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.

Published Feb. 1, 2023

Barb Anderson of Ericson passed away peacefully at her home in Ericson surrounded by her family on Jan. 16.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 23, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ericson with Fr. Scott Harter and Deacon Paul Nordhues officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ericson, with a rosary and wake service at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cedar Bluffs followed by interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church – Ericson, Ericson Volunteer Fire and Rescue, or to the family for later designation.
Levander Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
Barbara Ann Anderson, daughter of Leonard J. and Evelyn J. (Nesladek) Vech, was born Oct. 17, 1959 in Fremont. She was baptized and confirmed at St. George’s Catholic Church in Morse Bluff.
Barb attended elementary school at District 91 near Cedar Bluffs and moved with her family to Ericson her eighth grade year and attended Wheeler Central Schools, where she was very active in band, swing singers, FHA, volleyball, track, cheerleading, and showing 4-H calves. She attended the University of Nebraska where she played saxophone in the marching band.
On Feb. 4, 1978, Barb was united in marriage to Bryan Lee Anderson in North Bend. They were blessed with two daughters, Becky and Angie.
Barb was a 4-H leader and taught music at numerous rural
schools in Dodge and Saunders counties and St. Wenceslaus from 1982-2002. She went back to college and earned her teaching degree from Peru State College at the age of 40.
In 2002, Barb and Bryan began splitting time between
Cedar Bluffs and Ericson as Barb spent the next 20 years doing what she loved, teaching elementary grades and music at schools in Wolbach, Greeley and Scotia. Barb had a gift of inspiring students to give outstanding performances at Christmas music concerts with many concerts receiving standing ovations.
Barb had a strong faith in God. She was very supportive to others and generously gave of her time, talent and treasure. Barb was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ericson. She taught CCD and was active in the altar society and CEC (Catholics Encounter Christ).
Barb was a very talented musician. She played the guitar during her youth for Mass at St. Theresa’s and later as an adult she was the musician for St. Theresa’s for over 20 years. She taught private piano and guitar lessons to countless students over the years and led a bell choir in Fremont.
Throughout Barb’s five-year battle with cancer, she was an inspiration to all who knew her. God’s grace filled her with hope and she always had a positive attitude. She was full of courage and accepted her “health condition” and never felt sorry for herself. Barb was blessed with an abundance of energy and attended many of her granddaughter’s school events, traveling after her busy school day and on weekends. Barb’s most valuable treasure was her family. She loved children, especially her granddaughters. Golf cart rides and going swimming at the pool or lake with the granddaughters and playing pasture golf with her husband on the ranch, were some of her favorite things to do.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Bryan of Ericson; daughters Rebecca Anderson of Cedar Bluffs; Angie Anderson (Frank Blanchard) of Cedar Bluffs; granddaughters Cassandra Burbach, Cecilia Anderson and Hailey Anderson, all of Cedar Bluffs; sisters Sharon (Robert) Swett of Ericson; Lois (Randy) Peterson of Rapid City, South Dakota; sisters-in-law Vanessa (Virgil) Riecks of Elm Creek, Vikki (Fred) Buhlmann of Albion; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Evelyn Vech, and parents-in-law Allen and Bernice Anderson.

Published Jan. 25, 2023

Thomas L. ‘Tom’ Ladehoff of Fremont died Jan. 13 at Methodist Fremont Health.
Tom was born to Landers and Para Ladehoff in North Bend and graduated from North Bend High School in 1953. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, majoring in architecture before serving in the U.S. Army National Guard. After being discharged he returned to North Bend and met Darlene Isaacson of Oakland. They later married and divorced. He began his career in farm services selling International Harvester Equipment from 1956 to 1969 until buying his first trucks and began hauling for Archer Daniels Midland of Decatur, Il. He owned Central States Trucking for 47 years. He met the love of his life, Debbra Castillo, and they married in 2001.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, tennis and was a long time member of the Fremont Golf Club, serving as President in 1980.
A letter from us all:
You were an artist. A pilot. An apple pie baker. An adventure seeker. Your zest for life was unmatched. Your life stories were as bright, colorful, and as unique as you were.
You elevated us. You made us smile with your infectious laugh. You made our lives fun.
Your happiest times were spent in Canada laughing and going on adventures with friends and family. “Papa Tom’s Nine Pines” we now fondly call this magical place. What a legacy you leave behind.
There is a void without you here. We are better for having known you. Thank you for your beautiful life, your smiling eyes and the big way you loved this world.
We miss you so much.
Survivors include his wife Deb of Fremont; twin daughters Kimberly Lynn (Brian Timmons) Ladehoff of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Kelly Lynn (Jason) Wills of Salt Lake City, Utah; son Colby (Taylor) Ladehoff of Michigan; six grandchildren Jackson, Anna-Kathryn, Emma Grace and Tenley of Salt Lake City, August Jackson and Addison of Steamboat Springs; step-daughter Peggy (Joe) Spence of Arlington; grandchildren Isaac Lackey, Paul and Alli Spence.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob, Bill and Jim, and sisters Marilyn and Eleanor.
A memorial service was Jan. 16 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to Wishing Wheels or Rebuilding Together. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com.

Published Jan. 18, 2023

Mary Libbie (Podany) Flamme, 95 years, passed away Jan. 10, at the Saunders County Medical Center in Wahoo surrounded by her family. Mary was born Nov. 8, 1927, to Rudolf and Libbie (Dvorak) Podany on the family farm north of Clarkson.
Her brother Lumir was born in 1931. She attended elementary school at District 48 near Clarkson and graduated from Howells High School in 1946. Mary worked various jobs including house cleaning, mowing lawns and helping young couples after the birth of their babies, staying with them for one to two weeks. She did that for three years, until the Karl brothers asked her to work in their grocery store in Howells for seven years. She worked Saturday nights until 11 p.m.
Mary met Marvin Flamme at a dance in Howells, where they would dance on Sundays at the Howells Ballroom. Marvin would hang out at the grocery store until Mary was done working, and then they would go out to eat in Pilger. They were married on Jan. 26, 1956, at the Schuyler courthouse. The couple made their home on a farm two miles north of North Bend, later moving to the Flamme home place a quarter mile north.
Mary belonged to an extension club and a bowling league. She loved to garden, sew, cook, listen to polkas, bake kolaches, and take car rides in the country. Mary was a wonderful farm wife, mother and grandmother.
After Marvin’s death on June 24, 1999, she moved to North Bend. She enjoyed playing dominoes, cards, and the friendships that she developed at the North Bend Senior Center. Mary looked forward to a regular Sunday game of Three Thirteen and visits from grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her children Twila Flamme and husband Jeff Alderson, Theresa (Kent) Baumert, Maynard (Stephanie Iwan) Flamme and Mark Flamme and his special friend Christine Balch; grandchildren Mary and Collin Alderson, Neal (Andrea) Baumert, Laura Baumert, Alle (Flamme) and Joe Henderson, and Livi Flamme; great grandson Elijah Baumert and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother Lumir Podany. A memorial service was held Jan. 16 at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Chaplain Scott Jensen officiated. A private family burial was held at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
Memorials may be given to the North Bend Senior Center.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Jan. 18, 2023

James “Jim” R. Kingston of Fremont passed away Jan. 3 at his home in Fremont.
Jim was born April 12, 1931, to Robert and Martha (Childrey) Kingston in Stanton. He was raised on a farm near Stanton and graduated from Stanton High School in 1948. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was medically discharged. He considered a career in farming with his dad, but they believed working at the Fremont Pack (later purchased by Hormel) was a better choice.
On Feb. 21, 1955, Jim married Jodean Jones in Wayne. They had three children, Mark, Debra and Robert, and lived together in Fremont for 25 years when they divorced. On May 25, 1984, Jim married Carolyn (Gaspers) Heimann of Omaha. They married in Yankton, South Dakota and made Fremont their home.
Jim lived on a lake and loved boating. He enjoyed playing cards at the Fremont Friendship Center.
In his younger years, Jim owned a bakery and invested in rental properties. He worked for Hormel Foods for over 40 years until his retirement.
Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fremont. He was a previous board member of the Fremont Friendship Center, loan officer for the Hormel Credit Union, and a union leader while working at Hormel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, second wife Carolyn, stepdaughter Arlene Heimann and nephew Thomas Kingston.
Jim is survived by his sons Mark (Mary) Kingston of North Bend, Robert (Eileen) Kingston of Omaha; stepson Mike (Leisa) Heimann; daughter Debra Kingston of Omaha; stepdaughter Janice (Mike) Stopak of Park City, Illinois; brother Larry (Jana) Kingston of Yorkville, Illinois; sister Lou Ann (Phil) Quinn of Lincoln; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
His funeral Mass was Jan. 9 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fremont with Rev. Walter Nolte officiating. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Fremont Friendship Center. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Jan. 11, 2023

Stanley E. Vala Jr. of Elkhorn, formerly of North Bend and Lincoln, passed away on Jan. 1 at Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha. He was born on Jan. 4, 1955, to Stanley E. Vala Sr. and Bernice (Grow) Vala. He was a 1973 graduate of NBC.
The Lord, family and many friends and neighbors supported him and Nancy through their four-year journey fighting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The latest in care, clinical trials, and treatments such as stem cell transplant, CAR-T Cell and other immunological agents were provided by the UNMC Lymphoma Care Team.
Stan is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy (Rehbein) Vala, son Justin (Karamie) and grandchildren Kendall and Owen, all of Elkhorn; sister Nancy (Larry) Frank; sister-in-law Karen Dorian; brothers-in-law Dave (Ann) Rehbein, Randy (Loretta) Rehbein, uncle Marvin (Gayle) Vala and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley Sr. and Bernice Vala and cherished in-laws Raymond and Phebe Rehbein.
A memorial service was held Jan. 6 at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn.
Memorials may be sent to Josie Harper Hospice House, 7415 Cedar Street, Omaha, NE 68124.
Special thanks to neighbors in Lincoln and Elkhorn for their help around the house and yard, as well as with surprise gifts and treats throughout Stan’s illness.

Published Jan. 11, 2023