Donald Cleary of Omaha died March 24, 2025. He was the priest at St. Charles Borromeo and St. Leo Catholic churches in North Bend and Snyder from 2006 to 2015.
Funeral services were March 31 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Omaha. Burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Atkinson April 1.
Memorials are suggested for St. Joseph Elementary School in Atkinson. A full obituary is at Heafy Hoffman in Omaha.

Published April 2, 2025

Larry C. Watt of Fremont passed away March 21 at Shalimar Gardens in Fremont. He was born Feb. 26, 1938, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Lawrence G. and Bonnie L. (Currie) Watt.
Larry grew up in Iowa City and graduated from Iowa City High School in 1956. He served in the US Army from 1956 to 1961. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics from LaSalle College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his MBA in engineering from Kearney State College, now UNK. Larry was a quality control engineer for Talley Defense in Mesa, Arizona, until retiring in 2000.
Larry was married to Ann Richert for 40 years prior to her passing on April 4, 2019.
He enjoyed golfing.
Larry is survived by his brother Eddie (Betty) Watt of North Bend, sister Elizabeth Ann Watt of Iowa City, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ann Watt and sister Glenda L. (Victor) Greazel.
Larry’s wishes were to have no formal service.
Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 2, 2025

Carol A. Harter of Fremont, passed away March 21 at Nye Pointe in Fremont.
Carol was born on Dec. 28, 1953, to Lester and Isabelle (Perez) Harter in Fremont. She was a 1972 graduate of North Bend Central High School. Over the years, Carol worked for Nebraska Vital Statistics, Oriental Trading Company, as a seamstress and at Omaha Steaks. Carol and her mother operated a baking business, where Carol was the decorator. In her free time, she loved to fish for catfish.
Carol was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
She was preceded in death by her father Les and sister Dianne Stewart.
She is survived by sons Jamie (Andrea) Halladay, Kelly (Michelle) Halladay, Jesse (Jamie) Halladay, Cary (Sierra) Berkma, and Connor Harter; mother Isabelle; sisters Cheryl (Eddie) Shuster, Christine (John) Bridgeford and Charlotte Uhlik and their families; 11 grandchildren and extended family members.
The memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 7, at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Moser’s.
Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published April 2, 2025

Georgia (Vanek) Vyhlidal of North Bend passed away March 22 at CHI Health Lakeside in Omaha.
Georgia was born Oct. 18, 1936, to James and Antoinette (Houfek) Vanek. She attended St. John’s Parochial School and graduated from Prague High School. After graduation, Georgia taught school for two years at District 51. She worked as a para educator in Morse Bluff Elementary for 23 years and then 9 years at North Bend Elementary.
On Nov. 7, 1956, Georgia married William Vyhlidal at St. John’s Catholic Church in Prague. They owned and operated Bill’s Automotive Service in North Bend for several years.
Georgia was a faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend. She was a member of St. Anne’s Altar Society and president of the organization for over 20 years, a member of Christian Mother’s and Circle 6.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, husband William, daughter Connie Dvorak and brothers-in-law Ron Chadek, LeRoy Ohnoutka and James Fujan.
She is survived by sons Gary (Marla) of Prague and Doug (Shelly) of North Bend; daughter Deann (Dan) Wesely of Morse Bluff; son-in-law Bob (Judy) Dvorak of Stuart, sisters Dolores Chadek and Marlene Fujan; sisters-in-law Lillian Ohnoutka, Rita Vyhlidal, and Cec (Bill) Perk; 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and twins on the way.
Her funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend. The Rev. Steve Emanuel will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at church with a rosary starting at 7 p.m. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published March 26, 2025

Robert “Bob” Polack passed away peacefully on March 14 at the care center in Wahoo.
He was born July 20, 1924, on a farm northwest of Prague to Emil and Mary (Vasa) Polack, the third of nine children.
Bob attended St. John’s grade school and graduated from Prague High School. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. Bob was the last surviving WWII veteran in Saunders County.
Bob married Arline Cizek in 1946 and they raised five daughters on their farm one mile south of Prague.
Bob was committed to his faith, family and farming. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Prague where he sered as an altar boy and was later involved in church organizations as an officer, acolyte, on committees, choir and was on the original school board for Neumann High School.
When they retired from farming in 2004 the couple moved to Wahoo. Bob kept active in the St. Wenceslaus Parish.
Bob spent time in North Bend bowling, attending high school sporting events and patronizing businesses, where he made numerous memories and friendships in earlier days.
Funeral services were held March 18 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
His wife Arline preceded him in death July 8, 2020.
Bob is survived by daughters Audrey (Steve) Chromy of North Bend, Eileen (Allen) Bell, Carole Polack, Julie (Daryl) Bartek, Terri (Dr. Bob) Mathews; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and brother Alphonse Polacek of Prague.

Published March 26, 2025

Doris Katherine Mary Widhelm O’Malley of Des Moines, Iowa, joined her family in heaven on March 3.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Katherine Widhelm and sisters Linda Parson and Genni Cerny, all former North Bend residents.
Doris is survived by her husband Michael O’Malley Sr., and six children Michael O’Malley Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona, and Patrick (Tanya) O’Malley of Litchfield Park, Arizona; daughters Julia (Jeff) Jenks of Des Moines, Iowa, Megan (Nick) Aerisolphal) of West Des Moines, Iowa, Colleen (Joel) Frosheiser of Des Moines, Iowa and Bridget (Brian) Kautzky of Scottsdale, Arizona; and 16 grandchildren.
Doris grew up in North Bend and was a 1969 graduate of North Bend High School. In 1974 she graduated from Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha.
She worked at hospitals in the Des Moines area in the pre-op and surgical departments. Doris was a three-time winner of the DAISY Award which recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to provide for patients and families. She retired in November 2023 after 50 years in the nursing profession.
Doris was active in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, her children’s schools where she served on the as the president of the Holy Trinity Board of Education and Girl Scouts. She loved to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, garden, bake and drive her 1931 Model A in parades.
There will be a visitation on Friday, March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, Iowa. The funeral will be March 15 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. The service will be live streamed. A Reception will immediately follow at Christopher’s restaurant at 2816 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, Iowa. The burial will be privately held with the family on March 17 at Glendale Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic School Endowment Fund and Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa.

Published March 12, 2025

Jeanne Marie Haines of Mesa, Arizona, was ushered into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 26, 2024. She was born May 28, 1954, to Don and Mary Satorie in Fremont. Jeanne was the second of six children and grew up in North Bend. After graduating high school, she moved with her family to Oklahoma City where she met and married David Mayo.
Jeanne was a devoted mother who lovingly raised four children: Kimberly Palombo, Cary Mayo, Matthew Grudowski and Danielle Celeya. In October 2011, she married John Haines, her steadfast and loving partner, who remained by her side until her passing.
Jeanne is survived by her husband John Haines; her children Kimberly (Mark) Cary (Staci), Matthew (Jessica) and Danielle; and grandchildren Saint, Rose, and Elowyn. She is also survived by her former husband David Mayo; her brothers Bill and Tom; and her sisters Mary, Julie and DeeAnn.
Jeanne’s unwavering faith, her love for her family and her zest for life leave a legacy of cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
A celebration of life is being planned for the spring of 2025.

Published March 12, 2025

Margaret “Margie” Eileen Finegan was born Aug. 21, 1940, in Fremont to John Joseph and Ethel Elizabeth (Matz) Finegan.
Growing up on a dairy farm, she was active in 4-H showing champion Brown Swiss and was named Aksarben Dairy Princess in 1957. She graduated from North Bend High School in 1958 and attended Wayne State College and Midland to earn a teaching certificate. Margie married John Melena July 8, 1961, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend.
She was a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, assistant grocery store manager and bookkeeper. When her children were in school, she worked as an assistant store manager, office assistant/loan specialist in financial aid at Wayne State College, and in accounts payable at Providence Medical Center, retiring in 2003.
Margie was an active volunteer at St. Mary’s as a CCD teacher, Ladies Guild member and president, VIA president, lector, EMHC, and parish council president as well as on St. Mary’s board of education, funeral committee and Friday morning bulletin crew. She served as Blue Devils Booster president and volunteered in the kitchen at Wayne Senior Center. She made many friends throughout the state with John’s involvement in Knights of Columbus. Margie was a loyal supporter of the Huskers and spent countless hours enjoying softball and baseball games, and always had her rosary ready for a trip around the beads.
Margaret is survived by her children, Terri (Don) Hypse of Wayne, John (Steph) Melena of Milford, Pat (Julie) Melena of Wayne, Bill Melena of Wayne and Molly (Casey) Schroeder of Wayne; grandchildren Amy (Shane) Kelly, Dan (Lauren) Melena, Courtney (Walker) Barnes and Hailey Schroeder; great-grandchildren Delaney Kelly, Braelyn Kelly, Rudy Kelly, Baker Melena, Kallie Melena, Baylor Barnes; sisters Mary Emanuel of North Bend and Kathi Emanuel of Omaha; sisters-in-law Margaret (John) Cioni of Springfield, Missouri, Pat Langhorst of Liberty, Missouri; and brother-in-law Richard Dvorak of Stuart.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Frank and Eileen (Foy) Melena, husband John Sr. on Feb. 26, 2012, sisters Marilyn “Joanie” Preston, Lois Dvorak and Pat Cunningham; and sister-in-law Joan Pfeifer.
Arrangements are with Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne.

Published Feb. 26, 2025

Ronald R. Mueller of Ames passed away Jan. 12 at Methodist Fremont Health.
Ronald was born on Sept. 2, 1955, to Willis and Verda (Niemeier) Mueller in Fremont.
He was a 1973 graduate of North Bend Central High School. Following high school, Ronald earned his degree in farming at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. During this time, he also helped his father on the family dairy farm.
Ronald was united in marriage to Sharon Sabata on April 8, 1978, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Cedar Bluffs. At this time, they moved to the family farm where he continued farming on the family dairy farm. While maintaining the family dairy farm he also worked at Lakeview Pig Company and later at Holcim. Ronald continued his love of farming with his son Mark until his passing.
Ronald also enjoyed bowling in his early years and was always up for a game of pitch. He especially loved his grandchildren and spending time cheering them on at all their events. His beloved farm dogs throughout the years could often be found at his side. If you couldn’t find him outdoors, he was indoor watching his DIY TV programs planning his next project. Ron could fix almost anything, and if he wasn’t able to then it probably wasn’t fixable.
Ronald was a past member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Scribner where he was on the Board of Education and was a current member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend.
Ronald was also a past Dodge County Extension Board member and past member of Young Dairymen.
He was preceded by his parents and infant sister Janet.
Ronald is survived by wife Sharon; son Mark (Corrine) Mueller; daughters Tracy (Jeff) Kaiser and Ashley (Andy) Classen; sister Jodi (Scott) Zima; brothers Ken (Denise) Mueller, Vern (Cathy) Mueller, and Daryl (Brenda) Mueller; grandchildren Chasity, Macey, Montana, Brooklyn, Braxton, Colton, Peyton and Hailey; and brothers-in-law Frank Sabata and Ed (Cindy) Sabata.
His funeral service was Jan. 18 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend. Burial was at the Scribner Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to St. Peter Lutheran Church or the family. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Jan. 22, 2025

Ed Johnson of Arnold died Jan. 1. His funeral was Jan. 11 at Arnold First Baptist Church.
Ed was born Nov. 6, 1966, to Robert C. and Ruth (Warga) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm outside North Bend. He graduated from North Bend Central in 1985 and Northeast Community College with a degree in diesel mechanics in 1987. He worked at Pollard Implement in North Bend as a diesel mechanic. He moved out to Arnold with sons Steven and Tristan and worked at his profession.
In 2007 Ed married Alasha Jennings. They made their home on property Ed had bought outside Arnold. They had four children, Jamie, Michael, Weston and Melody.
In 2011 Ed and Alasha started Prairie Springs Equipment where he worked as a mechanic and sold Hydra Beds.
In November of 2021 Ed was diagnosed with cancer. He died Jan. 1 in Chandler, Arizona, where he had gone for treatment, surrounded by family.
Ed is survived by his wife Alasha and four children of Arnold, a son Steven of Broken Bow and one Tristan of Lincoln, parents Robert and Ruth Johnson of North Bend, three sisters and two grandsons.

Published Jan. 15, 2025