COLUMBUS TELEGRAM
August 1, 2011


[notices only] 


August 2, 2011 


COLUMBUS - Arthur T. GERSIB, 91, of Columbus, died July 31, 2011. Born 
Aug 18, 1919, Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Rev George and Minnie (Baade) Gersib. 
Served in the US Army from Nov 2, 1939 to July 15, 1945--a survivor of the 
Pearl Harbor attack. Returned to Columbus and married Shirley Hoessel, 
June 1, 1947 in rural Leigh. Worked for Consumer Public Power, which later 
became Nebraska Public Power, retiring after 36 years. Preceded by his 
parents; step-father, Rev J.A. Bahnsen; brother, George Gersib; and 
sister, Ann Heiliger. Services Wednesday at Peace Lutheran 
Church, Columbus. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Columbus
with military honors. Gass Haney Funeral Home in charge. 

LINDSAY - Phyllis A. McPHILLIPS, 86, of Lindsay, died July 30, 2011. 
Born Apr 3, 1925, Humphrey, to Alois A. and Minnie C. (Abler) Kosch. 
Married Joseph P. McPhillips, Nov 25, 1942 at St Francis Catholic 
Church, Humphrey. Lived in the Humphrey, Lindsay and [St] Bernard 
communities and farmed with her husband. Preceded by her parents; 
husband on Feb 3, 1970; son, Donald Phillips [sic]; four children in 
infancy; son-in-law, David Preister; grandson, Matt McPhillips; 
great-grandson, Vincent McPhillips; and brother, Joseph. Services 
Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lindsay. Burial in St Bernard 
Cemetery, rural Lindsay. Duesman Funeral Chapel, Humphrey, in charge. 

SCHUYLER - Evelyn “Pat” VANICEK, 81 of Schuyler, died July 31, 2011 at 
Bergan Mercy Hospital, Omaha. Born Mar 17, 1930, Schuyler, to David and 
Ruby (Scott) Legler. Married Wallace Vanicek, Apr 30, 1949. Farmed in the 
North Bend and Schuyler areas; began working in the Colfax County Welfare 
Department in 1964, retired as Area Director for the Nebraska Department of 
Social Services in Columbus in 1993. Preceded by her parents; brothers, David 
“Bud” Jr, Leonard “Skip” Legler; sisters, Dorothy Morbach and Betty Bohaty; 
and son, Kent Vanicek. Services Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, Schuyler. 
Burial in Schuyler Cemetery. Kracl Funeral Chapel, Schuyler, in charge. 

HUMPHREY - Emma P. GRONENTHAL, 64, of Humphrey, died July 30, 2011 at her 
home. Born May 13, 1947, Norfolk, to Ralph and Lois (Hensley) Smutny. Married 
Gerald J. Gronenthal, Sept 3, 1966, Humphrey. Preceded by her parents; and 
granddaughter, Katie Jo Gronenthal. Services Thursday at St Francis Catholic 
Church, Humphrey. Burial in St Francis Cemetery, Humphrey. Duesman Funeral 
Chapel, Humphrey, in charge. 


August 3, 2011 


STROMSBURG - Keith Lind COLSON, 93, of Stromsburg, died Aug 1, 2011. Born 
Aug 12, 1917, west of Stromsburg, to Gilbert and Hulda (Lind) Colson. Served in 
the US Army from Oct 24, 1941 to Nov 2, 1945. Held as a POW in Lemberg, 
Germany until May 1945. Married Jeanette E. Stromberg, Aug 6, 1946 in 
Belleville, Kansas. Made their home in Stromsburg where he worked at Roberts 
Dairy, Mamco Manufacturing and was self-employed as a masonry contractor. 
Preceded by his wife on Oct 29, 2010; son, Rick Colson; grandson, Matthew 
Colson; and brother, Merle Colson. Services Thursday at United Methodist 
Church, Stromsburg. Burial in Stromsburg Cemetery. Solt Funeral Home of 
Central City and Polk in charge. 

COLUMBUS - Linda PENSICK, 61, of Columbus, died July 27, 2011 after battling 
cancer. Born Oct 23, 1949 to Nick and Betty (Welsch) Adamy. Married Stephen 
Roberts, Jan 26, 1972, in Yankton, South Dakota. Married Ronald Pensick, 
Aug 1, 2002. Was a cook at Y-Knot, Elks Country Club, New World Inn, Prairie 
Village, Barbs Place, D&E Baitshop and Nebraska Boys & Girls Home in Columbus. 
Preceded by her parents; husband, Stephen Roberts on June 16, 2001; 
husband, Ronald Pensick on Mar 19, 2010. Services Friday at First United 
Methodist Church, Columbus. Burial in Roselawn Cemetery, Columbus. 

SCHUYLER - Gabriel Lee MOUSEL was born at rest July 29, 2011, at St Elizabeth's 
Hospital, Lincoln, to Nick and Amanda Mousel. Preceded by his grandfather, Rick 
Mousel; and great-grandmother, Theda Mousel. Services Saturday at Kracl Funeral 
Chapel, Schuyler. Private committal. 


August 4, 2011 


OMAHA - Berniece F. SCHAECHER, 79, of Omaha, died Aug 2, 2011, Omaha. 
Services Friday at SDt Stanislaus Catholic Churcy, Omaha. Burial in St Mary 
Magdalene Cemetery, Omaha. Bethany Funeral Home, La Vista, in charge. 

COLUMBUS - Donald E. MARKER, 63, of Columbus, died Aug 2, 2011, following 
a battle with cancer. Born Nov 8, 1947, Spalding, to Harvey and Nellie (Suntken) 
Marker. Worked on a ranch west of Petersburg before moving to Columbus. Married 
Carol Afrank, 1967, Columbus. Worked for Lyman-Richey-Central Sand & Gravel for 
more than 40 years. Married Linda Vondra Mullinix, Aug 5, 1983, Columbus. Preceded 
by his parents; five brothers-in-law; and father-in-law, Ladislav Vondra. Services 
Monday at First United Methodist Church, Columbus. Burial in All Saints 
Cemetery, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home in charge. 

DAVID CITY - Helen NOVAK, 86, of David City, died Aug 3, 2011. Born Sept 4, 1924, 
on a farm near Rising City, to Frank and Anna (Sykora) Konrad. Married Martin Novak, 
Apr 22, 1947, Columbus. Preceded by her parents; husband in 2008; sisters, Rosie 
Vavra, Tillie Konrad and Lillian Konrad; and great-grandson, Adam Thomas Kobza. 
Services Saturday at St Luke's United Methodist Church, David City. Burial in David 
City Cemetery. Chermok Funeral Home in charge. 


August 5, 2011 


CLARKSON - Valerie KLUTHE, 88, of Clarkson, died Aug 3, 2011 at her home. 
Services Saturday at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Burial in Clarkson 
Catholic Cemetery. Miller Funeral Home of Clarkson in charge. 

LAS VEGAS - Shane RAYMOND, 29, died July 29, 2011. Born Aug 14, 1981 to 
Mike Raymond and Chris (Arndt) Raymond. Services Aug 6 at The 
Crossing, Las Vegas.  

COLUMBUS - Ernst E. HAUK, 71, of Columbus, died Aug 4, 2011. Services 
Saturday at St Bonaventure Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial in 
St Bonaventure Cemetery with military honors. McKown Funeral 
Home in charge. 


August 6, 2011

[no paper] 


August 7, 2011 


GOLD CANYON, Ariz. - Geraldine M. (Bruhn) WATCHORN, 85, of Gold 
Canyon, Ariz., died Aug 4, 2011 at the home of her daughter. Superstition 
Springs Mortuary in charge. 

YUMA, Ariz. - Albert “Bert” O'CONNOR, Jr., 64, of Yuma, Ariz., formerly of 
Columbus and Kearney, died July 17, 2011, in Phoenix. Services July 22 at 
St James Catholic Church, Kearney. Homer Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral 
Services of Kearney in charge. 

COLUMBUS - Cordula “Corky” JOHANNES, 81, of Columbus, died Aug 4, 2011. 
Born Feb 15, 1930, Columbus, to Carl and Elizabeth (Schafer) Loseke. Married 
Carl Johannes, June 26, 1949 at Immanuel Lutheran Church [Columbus?]. Held 
many jobs, including at Lutheran Hospital, baby sitting, home health care, private 
sewing, cake decorating and a cook at Lakeview High School. Mainly remembered 
for the Johannes Feather Farm and the Johannes Cookie House. Preceded by her 
parents; husband; infant son, Roger Johannes; and brother, Roger Loseke. Services 
Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus. Burial in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, 
rural Columbus. Gass Haney Funeral Home in charge. 

COLUMBUS - Duane C. HOFF, 82, of Columbus, died Aug 3, 2011. Born Jan 5, 1929, 
Colfax County, to Emil and Augusta (Kroeger) Hoff. Served in the US Navy from 
Apr 1949 through Feb 1953. Married Doris Reznicek, Dec 27, 1955 at SS Cyril and 
Methodius Catholic Church, Clarkson. Lived in Leigh where he worked at the Leigh 
Hatchery; then at the Leigh Post Office, serving as a clerk, then rural mail carrier 
for over 20 years. Moved to Columbus in 2000. Preceded by his parents; brothers, 
Donald Hoff, Gordon Hoff, Ken Hoff, Melvern “Whitey” Hoff; and sisters, Donna Olson 
and Elaine Sprague. Services Monday at St Isidore Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial 
in Leigh Cemetery with military honors. McKown Funeral Home in charge. 

COLUMBUS - Anthony “Tony” Thomas ROSENTHAL, 88, died Aug 4, 2011, Madison. 
Born Aug 1, 1923, near Tarnov, to Thomas and Cecelia (Syslo) Rosenthal. Served 
in the US Army from Apr 1945-Dec 1946. Married Agnes Sock, Oct 10, 1951 at 
St Lawrence Catholic Church, Silver Creek. Lived and farmed near Humphrey for 
30 years before moving to Columbus in 1981. Worked for Schaben Industries for 
several years after retiring from farming. Preceded by his wife; parents; sisters 
and brothers-in-law, Angie (Edwin) Bender and Margie (Lavern) Bender; brothers, 
Raymond Rosenthal and Tom Rosenthal; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Rosenthal. 
Services Tuesday at St Isidore Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial in All Saints 
Cemetery, Columbus, with military honors. McKown Funeral Home in charge. 


August 8, 2011 


STROMSBURG - Homer T. CUDDEFORD, 96, of Stromsburg, died Aug 6, 2011. 
Born Aug 5, 1915, Genoa, to Ferran and Kirsten (Christensen) Cuddeford. 
Married Alyce Brown, Aug 9, 1935 in David City. Worked for Loup Public 
Power in Genoa before moving to Columbus in 1940, where he went to 
work for the railroad. Moved to Stromsburg in 1948, working as a blacksmith 
until retiring in 1970. Preceded by his wife; granddaughter, Tammy Luebbe; 
brothers, Dode and Virgil Cuddeford; and sisters, Leota Patrick and Opal 
Hendricksen. Services Tuesday at Evangelical Free Church, Stromsburg. 
Burial in Valley View Cemetery, Genoa. Ramaekers Patrick Funeral 
Chapel, Genoa, in charge. 


August 9, 2011 


BATTLE CREEK - Bernice E. REITZ, 84, of Battle Creek, died Aug 6, 2011. Born Dec 18, 1926, 
Madison, to August W and Marie K (Buettner) Klug. Worked at the ACS office for three years. 
Married Donald E Reitz, Feb 3, 1949 at St John Lutheran Church. Farmed south of Green 
Garden, until moving southwest of Battle Creek in 1951 where they farmed until moving 
into Battle Creek in 1999. Preceded by her husband in Mar 2002; brother, Virgil; sisters, 
Jeannette and Carol; one granddaughter; and two sons-in-law. Services Thursday at 
St John Lutheran Church. Burial in Emerick Cemetery, Meadow Grove. Steffen Mortuary 
in Battle Creek in charge. 

CLARKSON - Leonard L. WENDT, 75, of Clarkson, died Aug 7, 2011, Norfolk. 
Born June 4, 1936, rural Colfax County, to Walter and Katherine (Reininger) Wendt. 
Worked for area farmers and helped on the family farm when he was young. Worked 
at Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus for a short time. Served in the US Army from 
Apr 1957 to Mar 1959. Married Dorothy Tomasek, Sept 16, 1961 at New Zion 
Presbyterian Church, Clarkson. Preceded by his parents; brother, Morris Wendt; 
and brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Joy Wendt. Services Wednesday at New 
Zion Presbyterian Church, Clarkson. Burial in Clarkson National Cemetery with 
military honors. Miller Funeral Home in Clarkson in charge. 


August 10, 2011

[notice only] 


August 11, 2011 


COLUMBUS - Marie Therese JAKUB, infant, died July 30, 2011. Born July 30, 2011 to 
Justin and Jill (Furasek) Jakub; Preceded by great-grandparents, Clarence and Ruth 
Johnson; great-grandfather, Henry Jakub; great aunt, Linda Roh; great uncle, Gary 
Roh; and later joined by her twin brother, Samuel Joseph Jakub. Graveside memorial 
services at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery on Aug 5, 2011. 

COLUMBUS - Samuel Joseph JAKUB, infant, died July 31, 2011. Born July 30, 2011 to 
Justin and Jill (Furasek) Jakub; Preceded by his twin sister, Marie Therese Jakub; 
great-grandparents, Clarence and Ruth Johnson; great-grandfather, Henry Jakub; 
great aunt, Linda Roh; and great uncle, Gary Roh. Graveside memorial services at 
Lincoln Memorial Cemetery on Aug 5, 2011. 

SILVER CREEK - Reginald “Geen” ZELAZNY, 75, of Silver Creek, died Aug 9, 2011, Central City. 
Born Jan 14, 1936, Polk County, to Edward and Frances (Bialas) Zelazny. Helped farm the 
family farm after the death of his father. Moved to Nance County in 1957 where he continued 
farming. Preceded by his father; and sister, Maxine Tomasiewicz. Services Saturday at 
St Lawrence Catholic Church, Silver Creek. Burial in St Lawrence Catholic Cemetery, Silver 
Creek. McKown Funeral Home in charge. 


August 12, 2011 


SCHUYLER - Michael “Mac” DIVIS, 68, of Schuyler, died Aug 9, 2011, Lincoln, of ALS. 
Born Oct 30, 1942, Columbus, to Joseph R and Elizabeth (Koci) Divis. Served in the 
U. S. Army from 1964-1967. Farmed and worked for Camaco Columbus Manufacturing 
as a welder and in maintenance for over 41 years. Services Saturday at St Mary's 
Catholic Church, Schuyler. Burial in Schuyler Cemetery with military honors. Svoboda 
Funeral Home in Schuyler in charge. 

MONROE - Trevor John-Stewart COON, 30, of Monroe, died Aug 10, 2011 at his home 
after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Born Oct 29, 1980, Columbus, to Ron and 
Theresa (Blahak) Coon. Worked for Central Valley Ag in Monroe. Married Dee Fitzgerald, 
Sept 13, 2008, in Genoa. Preceded by his grandparents, John and Marge Blahak, and 
Stewart and Bernadine Coon; and brother-in-law, Christopher Scott Fitzgerald. Services 
Monday at United Methodist Church, Monroe. Burial in Clarks Cemetery. McKown Funeral 
Home in charge. 


August 13, 2011

[no paper] 


August 14, 2011 


COLUMBUS - David Joseph ELLER, 56, of Columbus, died Aug 10, 2011 from injuries 
sustained in an automobile accident east of Columbus. Born June 19, 1955, David 
City, to Leo and Helen (Shonka) Eller. Married Anita Konz, July 1, 1978 at St Isidore 
Catholic Church, Columbus. Lived in Columbus. Preceded by his mother; son, Jeremy 
Eller; brothers-in-law, Roger Konz and John Nelson; nephew, Jason Eller; and in-laws, 
Rudolph J. (Helen) Konz. Services Tuesday at St Peter's Catholic Church, Bellwood. 
Burial in SS Peter a7 Mary'Presentation Cemetery, rural Bellwood. McKown Funeral 
Home in charge. 

FULLERTON - August “June” L. WETOVICK, Jr, 84, of Fullerton, died Aug 11, 2011 at his 
home. Born Sept 7, 1926, near Cedar Rapids, to August Sr and Eva (Zaucha) Wetovick. 
Worked in Omaha. Served in the US Army from 1946 to 1957. Began farming in 1948 
near Fullerton. Married Patricia Reitz, June 1950 at Genoa. Continued farming in 
Fullerton and Belgrade area all his life, retiring in 1991. Preceded by his parents; 
son-in-law, Don Mustard; brothers, Ted, Dennis and Paul Wetovick; and sister, Delphine 
Whelan. Services Tuesday at St Peters Catholic Church, Fullerton. Burial in St Peter 
Catholic Cemetery, Fullerton, with military rites. Palmer Funeral Home of Fullerton in charge. 

COLUMBUS - Jewell OLSON, 89, of Columbus, died Aug 8, 2011. Services 
Aug 27 at Highland Park Evangelical Free Church. Burial in Roselawn Memorial 
Cemetery [Columbus]. 


August 15, 2011 


COLUMBUS - Brian J. CARLSON, 53, of Columbus, died Aug 14, 2011 at his home. 
Born May 17, 1958, Omaha, to Joe and Laura (Hunt) Carlson. Served in the US 
Marine Corp from Sept 1977 to May 1982. Married Becky Dunn, Nov 17, 1984, in 
Osceola. Worked as a truck driver, police officer and most recently as assistance 
manager at Arby's, Columbus. Preceded by his parents; and grandparents, Rolland 
and Edith Carlson, and Walter and Lucille Hunt. Private services later. Gass Haney 
Funeral Home in charge. 

GENOA - John CZAPLA, 29, of Genoa, died Aug 12, 2011. Born Nov 22, 1981, Grand 
Island, to Pat and Sharon (Heft) Czapla. Worked for Cuba Construction in Genoa. 
Preceded by his grandfather, George Heft; and uncles, Bobby and Danny Heft. 
Services Tuesday at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Burial in Valley View 
Cemetery. Ramaekers Patrick Funeral Chapel in Genoa in charge. 

COLUMBUS TELEGRAM
August 2011

August 16, 2011

COLUMBUS – Esther B. ZUERLEIN, 88, of Columbus, died Aug 13, 2011 at Golden Livingcenter, 
Columbus. Born July 16, 1923, Lindsay, to John Henry and Cecelia (Fangman) Preister. Married Paul B
Zuerlein, Feb 20, 1946, at St Bernard Parish. Was a daycare provider and worked at Dale Electronics 
for 10 years. Preceded by her husband; parents; sisters, Mary Beiermann-Rutten, Doris Choutka, Irene 
Clark, Coletta Hamling, Loretta Preister; and brothers, Joe, Leonard, Mark and Morris Preister. Services 
Wednesday at St Isidore Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial in St Bonaventure Cemetery, Columbus. 
McKown Funeral Home in charge.

ST. EDWARD – Joseph D. ROBERTS, 64, of St Edward, died Aug 13, 2011 at his home. Services 
Thursday at St Edward United Methodist Church. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Levander Funeral 
Home in charge.


August 17, 2011

COLUMBUS – Dave Lee “Boog” JOHANSEN, 79, of Columbus, died Aug 14, 2011 at Grand Island 
Veterans Medical Center, Grand Island. Born Mar 2, 1932, rural Polk County, to Fritz and Ollie (Boro) 
Johansen. Served in the US Air Force from June 30, 1952 to June 14, 1956. Returned to Nebraska 
and worked for Butterfield Trucking; then swinging meat to the west coast. Later drove for Central Sand 
& Gravel until retiring. Worked for Central Valley Ag during the summer. Preceded by his parents; and 
brother, Milford “Stub” Johansen. Graveside services Thursday at Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, with 
military honors. Gass Haney Funeral Home in charge.

DAVID CITY – Laverne H. HOEFT, 77, of David City, died Aug 16, 2011 at david place, David City. 
Born Aug 3, 1934, David City, to Henry and Hilda (Gocken) Hoeft. Served in the US Army from June 
12, 1957 to Mar 13, 1959. Married Sharon Barlean, Feb 9, 1963. Lived and farmed south of Rising 
City; moved north of Garrison in 1968; then to David City in 2008. Also worked at Ulysses elevator and 
drove truck for Sam Schroeder. Preceded by his parents; and brother, Dennis Hoeft. Services Friday at 
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rising City. Burial in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery with military honors. 
Kracl Funeral Chapel in David City in charge.

LINCOLN – Margaret BROADGATE, 87, of Lincoln, died Aug 12, 2011. Born Oct 23, 1923, rural 
Humphrey, to Theodore and Mary (Wieser) Wemhoff. Worked at the US State Department in 
Washington, DC from 1943-1978. Married William Broadgate, Nov 2, 1970, in Maryland. Retired to 
Lincoln in 1996. Preceded by her parents; sisters, Techla (in infancy), Hildegarde, Marie, Faye and 
Sister Ann OFM; and brothers, Leonard, Stephen, Edwin, William, Clarence and Vincent. Services 
Friday at St Francis Church, Humphrey. Burial in St Mary’s Cemetery, rural Humphrey. Duesman 
Funeral Home, Humphrey, in charge.

ALMA – Angeline Wilhelmina KING, 94, died Aug 14, 2011 at Colonial Villa Good Samaritan Society 
Home, Alma. Born Feb 10, 1917, Silver Creek, Merrick County, the fourth child of nine children to 
Arthur Matthias Engel and Mrs. Anna Viola. Married Bennie Lloyd King, July 20, 1944, Wilmington, 
Kansas. Resided in Silver Creek, a short time in Dalhart, Texas, Silver Creek, then Alma in 1999. 
Packed parachutes in Fremont during WWII. Served as a cook in the Silver Creek Public Schools, a 
checked at Koza Grocery Store, Silver Creek; also worked at B&D Health Care Produces and D&L 
Manufacturing in Columbus. Preceded by her father in Nov 1953; mother on Nov 18, 1972; sisters (and 
brothers-in-law), Esther (Eddie) Gerber, Frances (Louis) Tchantre, Maxine (Walter) Schweizer, and 
Geraldine Engel; brothers (and sister-in-law), Warren (Gladys) Engel, and Chester Engel; and brother-
in-law, Bruce Kershaw. Graveside services and burial in Roselawn Cemetery, Columbus. Banta-Torrey 
Funeral Home, Alma, in charge.


August 18, 2011

CRETE – Leroy R. SMITH, 78, of Crete, died Aug 15, 2011. Born Dec 14, 1932. Preceded by his 
parents; wife, Betty. Services Saturday at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. Burial in Riverside Cemetery, 
Crete.


August 19, 2011

PLATTE CENTER – Medarda “Dart” HOADLEY, 87, of Platte Center, died Aug 17, 2011 at Mid-
Nebraska Lutheran Home, Newman Grove.  Born Sept 13, 1923, Lindsay, to Joseph and Theresa 
(Ball) Dreifurst. Married George P. Hoadley, July 15, 1944, Los Angeles. Lived in California before 
returning to the area in 1966. Worked at various jobs, including D&L for 12 years. Preceded by her 
parents; husband; son, Don; brothers, Harold and Ray; sister, Jody Hoyda; infant child, Joann; 
grandson, Chris Hoadley; son-in-law, Cliff Rutan. Services Saturday at St Joseph Catholic Church, 
Platte Center. Burial in Ss Patrick/Joseph Cemetery, Platte Center. McKown Funeral Home in charge.


August 20, 2011

[no paper]


August 21, 2011

GOLD CANYON, Ariz. – Geraldine WATCHORN, 85, of Gold Canyon, Ariz., formerly of Columbus, 
died Aug 4, 2011 at the home of her daughter after a nine-month battle with cancer. Born Oct 14, 1925, 
Leigh, to William and Ida (Schroeder) Bruhn. Married Roland “Bud” Watchorn, Nov 9, 1944, in Leigh. 
Worked for Becton-Dickinson for over 30 years. Preceded by her husband on Dec 4, 1994; son, Keith 
Watchorn on Sept 1, 1997; parents; brothers, Lester and Earl Bruhn; sisters, Arlene Mohrman and 
Marilyn Loseke; brother-in-law, Vernon Loseke; and sister-in-law, Mildred Bruhn. Services in Arizona 
later.

OSCEOLA – Robert E. DAVIS, 88, of Osceola, formerly of Shelby, died Aug 18, 2011 at Annie 
Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center, Osceola. Born Aug 23, 1922, Shelby, to Silas and Rosa 
(Lockard) Davis. Married Evelyn Marie Lux, July 21, 1942. Made their home in Spalding, Silver Creek, 
Fullerton and Shelby, where he farmed south of town. Was also employed at Shelby Oil Company, 
retiring in 1982. Preceded by his wife on June 11, 2004; infant son, William; brothers, Dale and Perry 
Davis; and sister, Opal Scow. Services Monday at Shelby Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial in 
Shelby Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Dubas Funeral Home of Osceola and Stomsburg in charge.

BEE – Anne Louise SEDLAK, 91, of Bee, died Aug 18, 2011 in Seward. Born July 17, 1920, on the 
farmily farm north of LCarkson, to Jerry James and Anna Frances (Podany) Lodl, the second oldest of 
four children. Married Louis Joseph Sedlak, a farmer and cattle feeder, on June 28, 1969 at St Mary’s 
Catholic Church, Valparaiso. Spent their entire married life on the family farm northwest of Bee. Taught 
school in Coming and Platte counties; then worked for Union Pacific Railroad for 38 ½ years in the 
Wyoming and Nebraska divisions. Preceded by her parents; husband on Nov 28, 2007; sisters and 
their spouses, Adella and Frank Yonda, and Angela and Frank Helman; brother and sister-in-law, 
Dennis and Mae Pavel; and nephew, Jerry Joe Lodl. Services Monday at St Wenceslaus Catholic 
Church, Bee. Burial at Seward Cemetery, Seward. Zabka Funeral Home in Seward in charge.

COLUMBUS – Vernell L. RANKIN, 93, died Aug 18, 2011 at Golden Livingcenter, Columbus. Born Oct 
14, 1917, Columbus, to Paul and Della (Elston) Kissell. Married Edgar D. “Chief” Rankin, May 3, 1941 
in Little Rock, Ark. Lived in Denver during WWII; then returned to Columbus in 1946. Worked at Tooley 
Drug periodically. Preceded by her husband; parents; son, Jim Rankin; brothers, Carroll, Paul, Jack, 
and Ned Kissell; sisters, Florence Speight, Marcie Buford, and Della (Bob) Steele. Services Monday at 
McKown Funeral Home, Columbus. Burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

SCHUYLER – Shirley SVEC, 84, of Schuyler, died Aug 19, 2011 at Alegent Health Memorial Hospital, 
Schuyler. Born Aug 21, 1926, Columbus, to Ross E. and Mable (Abbott) Braithwait. Married Emil J. 
Svec, July 28, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Shelby. Worked at the Colfax County Assessor’s 
office for over 25 years, retiring in 1998. Preceded by her parents; husband in 1991; brothes, Delton 
and Ross Braithwait; sister, Phyllis Brandt; and son-in-law, Orville (Rocky) Fletcher. Services Tuesday 
at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Mary’s, Schuyler. Burial at Schuyler Cemetery. Kracl Funeral Chapel in 
charge.


August 22, 2011

DAVID CITY – Leona A. KOZISEK, 91, of David City, formerly of Silver Creek, died Aug 20, 2011 at 
david place, David City. Born Aug 16, 1920, Cedar Rapids, to Nekolas and Mary Sauser. Moved to 
Omaha in 1945 to work. Married Jerry Kozisek, Apr 19, 1950, Omaha. Lived by Schuyler until 1961 
when they moved to Silver Creek, where they farmed until 1972. Continued living there until 1993 when 
she moved to Central City; then moved to david place in 2003. Preceded by her husband; parents; 
son, Donald Kozisek; and sisters, Catherine Hein and Julia Goeken. Services Aug 24 at St Lawrence 
Catholic Church, Silver Creek. Burial in St Lawrence Cemetery, Silver Creek. 

CLARKSON – Elsie JIRSAK, 91, of Clarkson, died Aug 19, 2011 at Nye Legacy, Fremont. Services 
Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, Clarkson. Burial in Clarkson National Cemetery


August 23, 2011

ST. EDWARD – Frank Eugene WILLIAMS, 90, of St Edward, died Aug 20, 2011 at Boone County 
Health Center, Albion. Born Jan 17, 1921, Madison, South Dakota, to Fred M. and Orval M. Sparks 
Williams. Entered the US Army Reserves in 1940; served from 1942 through 1945. Returned to South 
Dakota to further his education. Married Joan P. Piper, May 30, 1947 at Presbyterian Church in 
Madison, South Dakota. Taught and coached in Lennox, S.D., Brookings, S.D., and McGrager, 
Minnesota. Served as principal in Wayne and Wisner; then superintendent in Gresham, moving to St 
Edward in 1971 where he served as superintendent until retiring in 1985. Preceded by his parents; 
wife; and brother, Charles. Services Wednesday at St Edward United Methodist Church. Burial in 
Evergreen Cemetery with military rites. Levander Funeral Home in charge.

DUNCAN – Mary L. CRANE, 68, of Duncan, died Aug 20, 2011 at her home. Services Thursday at 
Gass Haney Funeral Home . Burial and graveside services Saturday at Mt Zion Cemetery, Gover, 
Missouri. 

ABILENE, Kan. – Maurice Marvin SIMPKINS, 81, of Abilene, Kansas, died Aug 20, 2011 at Village 
Manor, Abilene, Kansas. Born Aug 25, 1929, Ulysses, to Ross and Margaret (Crapenhoft) Simpkins. 
Worked at Hughes Bros in Seward for many years. Served in the Army. Married Mary Prevo. Made their 
home in Hays, Kansas until after his wife’s death. Retired from the Kansas Highway Dept. Preceded by 
his parents; wife; brothers, Gerald and Lyle; two infant sisters; two nieces; and one nephew. Burial at 
Ulysses Cemetery later.


August 24, 2011

COLUMBUS – Jewell OLSON, 89, of Columbus, died Aug 8, 2011 at Morys Haven, Columbus. Born 
Oct 2, 1921, Hallock, Minnesota, to Hafter and Elizabeth (Burris) Olson. Was a medical missionary from 
1949-1983 at Oicha, Belgian Congo. Worked at a hospital in Uganda between 1961-62; moved back to 
Columbus in 1983. Preceded by her parents; sisters, Helen Dalke and Winnie Oppliger; and brother, 
Bill Olson. Services Saturday at Highland Park Evangelical Free Church. Burial in Roselawn Memorial 
Cemetery. Gass Haney Funeral Home in charge.


August 25, 2011

COLUMBUS – Lawrence “Larry” Arthur DOMEIER, 88, of Columbus, died Aug 23, 2011 at Golden 
Livingcenter, Columbus. Born Dec 25, 1922, Ohiowa, to Jesse and Lydia (Thomas) Domeier. Moved 
to Californa after school to work for JC Penny Co. Served in the US Navy from June 7, 1942-Dec 14, 
1945. Married Esther Dageforde, Apr 9, 1946 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Geneva. Worked 
at Consumer Public Power (now Nebraska Public Power District) in York; transferred to the Lincoln 
office in 1970; then to Columbus office in 1972, retiring after 40 years. Preceded by his parents; son-
in-law, Bill Staszak; brothers, Dayle, Earl (Stella) Merle (Esther), and Jesse (Mamie) Domeier; and 
sisters, Pearl (Verdette) Bumgarner and Lois (George) Krause. Services Saturday at Immanuel 
Lutheran Church, Columbus. Burial with military honors in Ohiowa Cemetery, Ohiowa. Gass Haney 
Funeral Home in charge.

OMAHA – Shiela Rae Beebe MOORE, 68, of Omaha, died Aug 23, 2011 at Methodist Hospital, 
Omaha. Services Friday at Dundee Presbyterian Church, Omaha. Inurnment at Hoffer Cemetery, rural 
Gresham. Dubas Funeral Home, of Stromsburg and Osceola, in charge.

SCHUYLER – Dana SUCHA, 61, of Schuyler, died Aug 23, 2011 at his home. Services Friday at St 
Augustine’s Catholic Church, Schuyler. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Schuyler, with military honors. 
Kracl Funeral Chapel of Schuyler in charge.

ALBION – Emma M. HOLYS, 90, of Albion, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Aug 23, 2011 at Wolf 
Memorial Good Samaritan Center, Albion. Services Saturday at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Cedar 
Rapids. Burial in the parish cemetery. Levander Funeral Home, in Cedar Rapids, in charge.


August 26, 2011

DAVID CITY – Donald MORAVEC Sr., 66, of David City, died Aug 24, 2011 at Butler County Health 
Care Center, David City, with cancer. Born Dec 27, 1944, in David City, to Ernest and Alice (Behne) 
Moravec. Served the Army National Guard. Married Donna Kratochvil, Sept 3, 1966, in Ulysses. 
Farmed for over 45 years. Preceded by his grandparents; and brothers-in-law, Merv Kirkpatrick, LeRoy 
Kratochvil, Eugen Kadavy, and Leland Wullenwabber. Services Saturday at Immaculate Conception 
Catholic Church, Ulysses. Burial in Ulysses Catholic Cemetery. 

DAVID CITY – Ramona “Mona” J. YOUNGBERG, 86, of David City, died Aug 24, 2011. Born July 29, 
1925, David City, the youngest of eight, to Lawrence and Anna (Zegers) Kearney. Married Gustave A. 
Youngberg, Feb 23, 1963. Worked in Omaha during WWII; at the David City Hospital, and owned and 
managed Youngberg Motors until 1983. Preceded by her husband; son-in-law, Scott A. McFall, 
parents; brother and sisters, James Kearney, Leona Beckius, Dorothy Plummer, Catherine Callaghan, 
Margaret Kearney, and Elizabeth Ryan; sister-in-law, Betty Youngberg Jones; and in-laws, Gus and 
Hazel (Tschudy) Youngberg. Services Saturday at St Mary’s Catholic Church, David City. Burial at St 
Mary’s Cemetery, David City. Chermok Funeral Home in charge.

FIRTH – Anna L. SAALFELD, 91, of Firth, formerly of Sterling, died Aug 22, 2011 at Lakeview Care 
Center, Firth. Services Saturday at St John Lutheran Church, Sterling. Private inurnment at Sterling 
Cemetery. Zink-Fox Funeral Home, Sterling, in charge.

FULLERTON – Norma L. MacDONALD, 81, of Fullerton, died Aug 24, 2011 at Boone County Health 
Center, Albion. Services Monday at Palmer Funeral Home, Fullerton. Burial in Fullerton Cemetery.


August 27, 2011

[no paper]


August 28, 2011

KEARNEY – Lloyd W. MARTY, 77, of Kearney, died Aug 25, 2011, at his home. Born Mar 30, 1934, to 
Adolf and Pauline (Loseke) Marty. Served in the Army from Dec 3, 1956 to Nov 11, 1958. Returned to 
Columbus where he worked as an electrician. Began working for NPPD in 1967; was transferred to 
Kearney in 1972, retiring in 2002. Preceded by his parents; sisters, Alva Lutjelusche, Helen Hoessel, 
Vernell Schroeter, Delores Zoucha, Vera Herrmann; brother, Raymond Marty; three infant brothers; 
nephews, Merele Schroeter, Richard Hoessel, and Randy Hoessel. Services Monday at Christ 
Lutheran Church, rural Columbus. Burial in Christ Lutheran Cemetery with military honors. Gass Haney 
Funeral Home in charge.

FREMONT – Melvin R. POULAS, 88, of Fremont, formerly of Schuyler, died prior to August 29, 2011. 
Born July 24, 1923, Colfax County, to John F. and Emma (Fendrick) Poulas. Served in the US Army 
from Mar 21, 1944 to Sept 21, 1945. Married Louise Luecke, Nov 17, 1953. Married Roma McDuffee 
Vanicek after his first wife’s death. Was a farmer. Preceded by his parents; wife, Louise on Oct 13, 
1984; wife, Roma on May 23, 1999; five brothers; and four sisters. Services Aug 31 at St John’s 
Lutheran Church, Schuyler. Burial in Schuyler Cemetery. Svoboda Funeral Home in charge.

COLUMBUS – James S. FINK, 64, of Columbus, died Aug 26, 2011 at Morys Haven. Services 
Monday at St Anthony Catholic Church. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. McKown Funeral Home in charge.

RISING CITY – Edwin Edgar KOPKE, 90, of Rising City, died Aug 24, 2011 at Ridgewood 
Rehabilitation and Care Center, Seward, following a brief illness. Born Feb 24, 1921, Milerton, to John 
and Etta Kopke. Served in the Army from 1942 to 1946 during WWII. Married Naomi Marie Poppe, Nov 
23, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran Church [Rising City?]. Married Pauline Chambers in 1977. Farmed in 
Butler County for 39 years. Preceded by his parents; wives Naomi and Pauline; six brothers; one sister; 
and one step-granddaughter. Services Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, near Rising City. Burial 
at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Chermok Funeral Home in David City in charge.

LINCOLN – Steven RUDOLPH, 49, of Lincoln, formerly of David City, died Aug 22, 2011 in California. 
Services Monday at St Luke’s United Methodist Church, David City. Burial in Garrison Cemetery in 
Garrison with military honors. Kracl Funeral Chapel in David City in charge.

NORFOLK – Velma M. BRANDL, 86, formerly of Madison, died Aug 24, 2011 at Norfolk. Services 
Tuesday at St Leonard’s Catholic Church, Madison. Duesman Funeral Chapel in Humphrey in charge.

GLENWOOD, Iowa – Irene “Renie” Putnam Zlomke Soden FORD, 59, of Glenwood, Iowa, died Aug
15, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Services Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church, Omaha. 
Douglas Trade Service and Crematory in Omaha in charge.


August 29, 2011

NEWMAN GROVE – Rosalia WERNER, 89, of Newman Grove, formerly of Lindsay, died Aug 26, 
2011 at Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home, Newman Grove. Born July 26, 1922, St Bernard, to Joseph and 
Regina (Dusel) Dohmen. Married Marion Werner at St Bernard Catholic Church, St Bernard on Apr 29, 
1941. Moved into Lindsay in 1949. Worked at Lindsay Holy Family School cafeteria for 25 years; was 
also employed at Klub 81 in Humphrey for many years. Resident of Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in 
Newman Grove for the past nine years. Preceded by her husband in 1999; two infant sons; brother, 
Michael Dohmen. Services Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lindsay. Burial in the parish 
cemetery. Newman Grove Memorial Funeral Home in charge.


August 30, 2011

COLUMBUS – Roger W. SCHMIDT, 56, of Columbus, died Aug 26, 2011 at his home. Born Jan 24, 
1955, Burlington, Colorado, to Ralph and Germaine (Albracht) Schmidt. Married Linda Alms, Oct 20, 
1979, York. Worked for Federated Insurance Company for 20 years. Preceded by his father; and 
sister, Linda Kruse. Services Wednesday at St Anthony Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial in Ss 
Patrick/Joseph Cemetery, Platte Center. McKown Funeral Home in charge.

FRESNO, Calif. – Ardis HEINE, 68, of Fresno, Calif. Died Aug 24, 2011 in Fresno, of complications 
from ovarian cancer. Born Oct 22, 1942, Columbus, to Arthur and Marie (Hassebrook) Feye. Worked at 
Lutheran Social Services, Omaha. Married Lyman H. Heine, Jr in 1966. Moved to Fresno, California in 
1968 where she worked at Fresno State University, then Fresno County Children’s Mental Health in 
1974 for 30 years, retiring in 2004. Had a private practice until 2010. Preceded by her father; and 
husband. Memorial service Thursday at Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus. Burial in Hooper.

MADISON – Evelyn S. HEMMER, 89, of Madison, formerly of Humphrey, died Aug 26, 2011 in 
Madison. Born Oct 10, 1921, Madison County, near St Bernard, to Mary (Geilenkirchen) and Joseph 
Joerger. Married Gerald J. Hemmer, Jan 21, 1947, St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. Lived in 
rural Humphrey and rural Cornlea, where she farmed with her husband, retiring in 1975. Preceded by 
her parents; husband; son, Joseph; great-grandson, Marius Wiese; sister, Marcella Bender; brothers, 
Harold, Joseph Jr., Gerald, and John. Services Wednesday at St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. 
Burial in St Francis Cemetery, Humphrey. Duesman Funeral Chapel in Humphrey in charge.

CLARKSON – Duane MATTHIES, Sr., 82, of Clarkson, died Aug 29, 2011 at Heritage of Bel-Air, 
Norfolk. Born Apr 16, 1929, rural Clarkson, to Ralph and Marie (Odvarka) Matthies. Served in the Army 
1951-1953, then returned to Clarkson where he farmed. Married Lorraine Luxa, Apr 1, 1951, at New 
Zion Presbyterian Church, Clarkson. Farmed south of Clarkson until moving into town in 1994. Also 
worked at Behlen Manufacturing and did construction jobs. Preceded by his parents; wife; daughter, 
Carol Volk; brother, LeRoy Matthies; sisters, Dorothy Charipar; and son-in-law, Ken Claussen. Service 
Thursday at New Zion Presbyterian Church, Clarkson. Burial in Clarkson National Cemetery with military 
honors. Miller Funeral Home of Clarkson in charge.

ABILENE, Kan. – Services for Maurice M. SIMPKINS, 81, who died Aug 20, 2011 in Abilene, Kansas 
will be Friday at Ulysses Cemetery, Ulysses. Martin-Becker- Carlson Funeral Home in charge.

NEWMAN GROVE – Irene LEE, 94, of Newman Grove, died Aug 28, 2011 at Mid-Nebraska Lutheran 
Home, Newman Grove. Services Thursday at Immanuel Zion Lutheran Church, rural Albion. Burial in the 
parish cemetery. Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove in charge.


August 31, 2011

COLUMBUS – William “Bill” FISHER, 50, of Columbus, died Aug 28, 2011 at Nebraska Heart Hospital, 
Lincoln. Born Apr 7, 1961, Columbus, to Keith A. and Jeannette (DeYoung) Fisher. Worked at Joe & 
Al’s and Hy-Vee; then for Preferred Plumbing in Columbus the past 11 years. Married Elaine. 
Preceded by his parents. Services Thursday at St Isidore Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial in All 
Saints Cemetery, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home in charge.

OSCEOLA – Josephine T. KROPATSCH, 90, of Osceola, died Aug 29, 2011 at Annie Jeffrey 
Memorial Health Center, Osceola. Born June 3, 1921, Platte County, to Charles and Kathryn (Molczyk) 
Tworek. Married Conrad Kropatsch, Feb 2, 1942 at St Bonaventure Catholic Church, Columbus. Lived 
and farmed in Polk County. Preceded by her husband; parents; son, David Kropatsch; grandson, Andy 
Kropatsch; sister, Helen Rosno; and brothers, Alois, Henry, Mike, Raymond and Tom Tworek. Services 
Thursday at St Stanislaus Catholic Church, Duncan. Burial in St Andrew Cemetery, rural Shelby. 
McKown Funeral Home in charge.

COLUMBUS – David Ray WEVERKA, 49, of Columbus, died Aug 28, 2011 at Columbus Community 
Hospital. Born Nov 5, 1961, Richmond, Virginia, to Amanda Halderman and adopted by Ernest 
Weverka after his mother’s marriage. Lived and worked in California and North Carolina; then returned 
to Columbus after the death of his mother. Married Priscilla Weltruski, May 26, 2006. Worked various 
jobs including at EGS, Behlen Mfg., Lindsay Mfg. Co., and Wal-Mart. Preceded by his mother. Services 
Friday at McKown Funeral Home. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Columbus.

WAVERLY – Alice B. SCHUMACHER, 89, of Waverly, formerly of Lindsay, died Aug 26, 2011 at 
Waverly Care Center, Waverly. Born Oct 21, 1921, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Matthias and Mary C. 
(Heembrock) Riewer. Served in the US Marine Corps Feb 2, 1944-Mar 20, 1946. Married Raymond C. 
Abelyn, June 16, 1948. Married Sylvester P. Schumacher, Aug 22, 1959. They farmed near Perham, 
Minnesota, moving to Lindsay in 1979 where they later retired. Preceded by her parents; both 
husbands; son, Raymond Abelyn; granddaughter, Regina Herbertz; brother, Steve; and sister, Sr. 
Teresa. Services Saturday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lindsay. Burial in Holy Family Cemetery, 
Lindsay. Duesman Funeral Chapel in Humphrey in charge.

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Copyright © 2011
Nebraska Obituary Abstracts 
NEGenWeb Project


======
Copyright © 2011
Nebraska Obituary Abstracts 
NEGenWeb Project