Nebraska Obituaries


 

The Nebraska State Journal 09/12/1908

George S. Higginbotham (ca1871-1908) NE

Killed in Switch Yard

George Higginbotham Terribly Mutilated by Cars

Member of Camp Stotsenberg and Employee of Local Creamery Meets Death

George S. Higginbotham, shipping clerk of the Beatrice Creamery company, was killed in the Burlington yards some time between 4 and 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon. No one saw the accident but it is supposed that he was on top of a string of cars and fell between when there was a sudden jar. One hand was cut off and both legs severed above the knees. He died at Wilmeth’s hospital at 7:15 p.m.

Higginbotham had gone from his place of business to the Missouri Pacific yards to try to locate a car of coal that the creamery company had purchased. There had been a shortage of coal at the creamery and it seemed impossible to secure the transfer quickly from the Missouri Pacific tracks to the Burlington on which the creamery stands. It is supposed that he found the car about the time the switch engine started to make the transfer and climbed onto the string of cars that was being shunted about. The accident occurred after the transfer to the Burlington tracks had been made while the cars were in the north part of the yards between Ninth and Tenth streets.

Dr. Slattery was called. He was found in the northern part of the city and went direct to the scene of the accident. He did not have his surgical instruments with him and was forced to use the bell cord of the engine to bind the legs to stop the flow of blood. Higginbotham was not unconscious after the accident. He directed that his relatives be informed of the accident and that someone tell his wife. He also wanted to be taken to Wilmeth’s hospital. At the hospital Drs. Slattery, Mitchell and Wilmeth operated on him, taking off one of the mutilated legs. He was then found to be in so precarious a condition that the surgical work was stopped to see if he would rally. He never came out of the sinking spell, dying shortly after the operation on the one leg.

Mr. Higginbotham had been employed by the Beatrice Creamery company for seven years. He was a soldier in the Spanish American war, serving in the Philippines as a member of the First Nebraska volunteers. He was prominent in the organization of Camp Stotsenberg, Army of the Philippines, being at one time its commander and at all times identified with its prosperity.

Mr. Higginbotham lived at 1112 Rose street. He leaves a wife and four children, the youngest of whom was only four months old. He carried 10,000 insurance in two fraternal companies. He was thirty-seven years of age. It is likely that the funeral will be held Sunday. Arrangements for the services are in the hands of the members of Camp Stotsenberg, his comrades in the last war.

 

 

The Lincoln Star 04/26/1930

William Higginbotham (ca1860-1930) NE

Norfolk, Neb., April 25-William Higginbotham, 70, widely known Norfolk resident, met accidental death while attempting to repair a gasoline leak in his apartment here Thursday afternoon.

Indication were that he has loosened a coupling instead of tightening it as he intended. Miss Martha Norn, who made her home with the family, found the body.

Higginbotham was a baseball player in his youth. He had lived here 35 years and for a number of years operated the Green Room, a restaurant.

 

 

07/24/1933

Learthea Higginbotham (1916-1933) NE

Death By Drowning

A tragic accident occurred at the sand pit about 3 1/2 miles northwest of Bellwood shortly after 9 o'clock Monday evening July 24, when Larethe Higginbotham, a 17-year-old Bellwood boy, met an untimely death. While wading in the sand pit he accidently stepped over the edge of a sudden drop-off and sank in water nearly 15 feet deep. Being unable to swim more than a few strokes, he was rendered helpless by the shock and failed to rise to the surface. He had been working and living at the home of Mrs. Adolph Yanike for several years. He had accompanied Walter Yanike and R. P. Ross and son Bob to the sand pit, and others going for a swim. Mr. Yanike had left the water and was on the bank dressing, having warned Larethe not to wade too far out. Mr. Ross and Bob were swimming some distance away. Bob saw Larethe go down, and calling to the others, he at once swam to the spot and in diving clutched Larethe's wrist, but was unable to raise him. Mr. Yanike and Mr. Ross exerted every effort for a few minutes to bring the boy to the surface, and then summoned aid. A number of men hurried to the spot to assist, but it was nearly two hours later before the body was brought to the surface by Tom Murphy, a young man from Springfield, Ill., temporarily employed on the Clyde Ellis farm.    A first-aid squad of Columbus firemen had been summoned and in cooperation with Dr. J. M. McNally of Bellwood worked for more than 1 1/2 hours in futile effort to resuscitate the lad, ceasing only when it was clearly evident that life was extinct.

Larethe was born at Bellwood Dec. 4, 1916, and the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Higginbotham. He is survived by his parents, one sister and five brothers. He was well liked by all and always did his part in helping his mother in efforts to maintain the home and give her children an education. The funeral services were held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Bellwood M. E. Church by the pastor, Rev. J. C. Street. Paul Challstrom, Lester Fey, Lloyd Kamenske, James Powers and L. Rohrich were the pallbearers. Burial was in the Bellwood cemetery. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the family.

 

Higginbotham, Gerald     12/27/1944     Columbus Telegram
 

 

Higginbotham, Gerald D.     09/07/1948     Columbus Telegram

 

 

The Lincoln Star 08/20/1954

Anna ???? Higginbotham (1878-1954) Sweden/NE

Geneva, Neb.-Mrs. Anna Higginbotham, 76, died at her home here after a long illness. Death was attributed to a heart attack.

She was born in Sweden in 1878 and came to the U.S. and to Nebraska in 1884 with her parents.

Surviving are three sons, including Edward Higginbotham of the University of Nebraska Physical Education Department, and one sister.

Billings (MT) Gazette 08/20/1954

Mother of Billings Resident Dies After Long Illness

Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Higginbotham of 514 Clark Ave. left Thursday for Geneva, Neb., where they were called by the death of Mr. Higginbotham's mother, Mrs. E. Higginbotham, which occurred Wednesday.

Mrs. Higginbotham had been in ill health for the last year, friends said.

Accompanying them on the trip was a brother, Edward Higginbotham of Lincoln, Neb., who was visiting here when word of the death was received.

 

 

Columbus Telegram 01/13/1975

Delia A. Moore Higginbotham (1889-1975) AR/NE

Delia Higginbotham, 85, of Rt. 1, Bellwood, died Saturday night in Behlen Community Hospital.

She will be buried in Roselawn Cemetery following 2 p.m. Wednesday services at United Methodist Church, Bellwood, the Rev. David Hansen officiating. Gass-Haney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement, and the body will lie in state after 11 a.m. Tuesday at the family home in Bellwood.

She was born March 14, 1889, in Boone County, Ark., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Moore. After her marriage to Clarence Higginbotham, Sept. 23, 1910, she lived in Schuyler, Rogers and Bellwood communities.

Surviving are one daughter, Gladys E. Stewart of Omaha; four sons, John T. and Jay O., both of Chula Vista, Calif., Robert D. of Merced, Calif., Cecil E. of Columbus; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; four sister and three brothers.

Preceding her in death were sons, Gerald D., killed in World War II, Learthea of Bellwood and infant James; one brother and one sister.

 

 

The Lincoln Star 11/07/1976

Edward C. Higginbotham (1901-1976) NE

Retired NU Prof, Coach Ed Higginbotham Dies

Ed Higginbotham, 75, 4300 B, longtime varsity tennis coach, died in Lincoln Saturday.

Native of Geneva and 1924 Doane College graduate, Higginbotham spent 27 years at NU as assistant professor of physical education for men before retiring in 1970.

He taught and coached at several Nebraska high schools before he joined the University’s athletic staff in 1943. In 1951 he became varsity tennis coach.

Retirement ceremonies honored him for his many contributions to NU, especially for his part in organizing and conducting the men’s intramural program.

Higginbotham was actively involved in community work, donating much of his time to organizing recreation programs and to tennis court design and tennis-related activities.

In 1974 he received the Doane College Builder Award, which recognizes persons who have excelled in the life’s work.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

 


Higginbotham, Robert D.     10/2/1988     Columbus Telegram

 


Stewart, Gladys E. nee Higginbotham     7/11/1997     Columbus Telegram

 



North Platte Telegraph 04/06/2005

Janis Higginbotham Kraetz (1962-2005) NE/MN
MINNESOTA - Janis Higginbotham Kraetz, 43, of Minnesota, formerly of North Platte, died March 27, 2005.
She was born March 27, 1962. Growing up in North Platte, Janis moved to Madison Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, she moved to Minnesota working for Honeywell, Guidant and most recently Medtronic. To know Janis was to know love, caring, adventure and faith. She had a smile that could light up a room with sparkling eyes that could look deep into your soul. She was a caring and sensitive mother, active in scouting and ultimately loving to Erica and Andrea. She had a spirit of adventure that took us to some of the most beautiful spots in the world, and a warmth and foundation in faith that grounded our family.
She was the beloved wife to William, mother to Erica and Andrea, and stepmother to Jillisa and Christopher. Survivors also include her mother, Mary Helen Higginbotham; brothers, John and Daryl Higginbotham and of North Platte; and sisters, Debra Higginbotham of Santa Fe, N.M. and Lisa Higginbotham Arnold of Maple Grove, Minn.
She was preceded in eternal life by sisters, Ronna Higginbotham and Marcia Higginbotham Topliff. Janis will be deeply missed, but those qualities that made her such an outstanding person will live on in those she has left behind. Wishing Janis eternal peace and happiness - Her Family.
Memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte with the Rev. Vince Parsons officiating.

 

 

North Platte Telegraph 08/11/2007
James D. Hickenbottom (1937-2007) NE
Hickenbottom, James D., 69, of Lexington died Aug. 9, 2007, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor John Shields, officiating. A memorial has been established. There will be no visitation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge.

 

 

Lincoln Journal Star 05/08/2009

Delores Beth Hickenbottom (1937-2009) NE

Delores B. Hickenbottom 71, North Platte, formerly Lincoln, passed away Sunday (5/3/09). Born at Arnold, Neb. to Rolla and Frances Hickenbottom. Retired teacher. Survivors: Marvin Hickenbottom, Callaway; Patricia Boucher, Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mary Eggen, Cle Elm, Wash.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial service 1 p.m. Friday (5/8/09) at the First United Methodist Church, North Platte. Inurnment: Arnold Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sandhills Express 09/17/2009

Charles Walter Hickenbottom (1939-2009) NE

Memorial Services for Charles W. Hickenbottom, age 69, of Mason City, will be held on September 19, at 11:00, in the Ansley United Methodist Church, in Ansley, with Pastor Michael Laing officiating. Burial will be in the Ansley Cemetery with Govier Brothers Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 17, from 10:00-8:00, with family present from 6:00-7:00, at Govier Brothers. A memorial has been established to the family. Charles is survived by his son Patrick of Mason City, daughter Pamela Hickenbottom of Mason City, sisters Rosa Lee (Reed) Hamilton of Thedford, Betty Celeskey of Waverly, brother Mick (Bonnie) Hickenbottom of Ansley, mother-in-law Lucille Miche of Ansley, several nieces and nephews.

 

 

The Grand Island Independent 06/08/2010

Micky Lynn Hickenbottom (1945-2010) NE

ANSLEY - Mick L. Hickenbottom, 64, of Ansley died on Friday, June 4, 2010, at his home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Ansley Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Ragan officiating. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow. Burial will be in the Ansley Cemetery. He was born on Sept. 9, 1945, at Dunning to Leonard and Goldie (Bellinger) Hickenbottom. He married Bonnie Reinke in July 1972 in Ansley. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife; one son, Steve of Ansley; and two sisters and one brother-in-law, Rosa Lee and Reed Hamilton of Thedford and Betty Celesky of Waverly.

 

 

The Grand Island Independent 02/16/2012

Shirley June Rama Higginbotham Hickman (1922-2012) NE

BROKEN BOW - Shirley Hickman, 89, of Broken Bow died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Broken Bow. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, with the Rev. Doug Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Merna Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Hickman was born June 6, 1922, at Merna to Clarence Eugene and Wilma Loy (Taylor) Rama. She married James Higginbotham at Denver in 1945. She married Leo Hickman in 1968. He preceded her in death in 1986. Survivors of the immediate family include a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Tish Higginbotham of Broken Bow; a daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Bob Bowles of Broken Bow; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

 

 

Sandhills Express 11/19/2012

Patrick Hickenbottom (1966-2012) NE

Pat Hickenbottom was born on April 21, 1966 at Broken Bow, NE. to Chuck and Karolyn (Miche) Hickenbottom and passed away on November 15, 2012 at Overton, NE. Memorial services will be held Friday November 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ansley with Rev. Bill Ragan officiating. Inurnment will be in the Ansley Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Ansley and Ansley Fire Department. Pat attended school in Ansley and continued to live in Mason City – Ansley area until a few years ago. After graduating he worked for his Grandpa Miche. Along with his farming, he also had his own truck, worked for the township and was later employed with the Custer County Road department. Pat was also a volunteer with the Ansley Fire department. He like his mother Karolyn, would often leave his own work to go help a friend or neighbor in need. Pat was a good worker and had a variety of mechanical skills. Survivors include his sister, Pam Hickenbottom of Broken Bow, grandmother Lucille Miche of Ansley, aunt Marilyn and uncle Duane Miller, aunt Bonnie Hickenbottom, aunt RosaLee and uncle Reed Hamilton, aunt Betty Celesky and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Karolyn, grandparents Mae and Leonard Hickenbottom, granddad Robert Miche, and uncles.

 

 

09/17/2016

Jacquelyn Rae Higginbotham Ludwig (1938-2016) IA/NE

July 6, 1938 - September 14, 2016

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Rae Higginbotham was born July 6th, 1938 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was born at home, narrowly escaping death with the umbilical cord around her neck but she was born with the will to live. Her parents were Hugh Edwin Higginbotham and Florence Rebecca Stephens. She had one older sibling, Frankie Edwin Higginbotham. Jackie was proud of the fact that she came from a railroading family and her brother was a Marine. Florence was a traditional housewife of the time who gardened and sewed. As a girl Jackie invited Christ Jesus into her life and was baptized at Seventh Avenue Baptist Church. Later in life Jackie enjoyed a very close relationship with her Lord and Savior and spent many quiet hours praying for her friends and family. Jackie went to school at Abraham Lincoln HIgh School, leaving school early to marry Robert Ludwig and raise 3 children, Cindy Cay Sullivan (husband Ronald), Robert Bruce Ludwig (reunited with our Savior in 1963) and Mischelle Dana Hamawoo (Kokouga). As circumstances evolved, Jackie ended up becoming a single parent and raising her two daughters on her own. Jackie worked in various fields including banking, libraries and car dealerships. Jackie’s commitment to family continued as she became the only grandparent of her 4 grandchildren Robert Bruce, Timothy Jason, Ronald (Bucky) Lee and Amanda Cay Wallace. Jackie was very close to her grandchildren and still had enough love to share with Nakecia Agee who came to live with Jackie when she was 15 years old. Nakecia became a permanent member of the family. God added to Jackie’s joy with the following great-grandchildren-Robert Bruce Jr, Christian, Zhonae, Selario, Ronald Lee Jr, Kesheen, Kierra, Neveah, Jay’Lynn, De'janae Alanah, Arianna, Aaron, Kawiyou, LeRon, Taliyah, and Tashanti. Jackie went home to be with Jesus and her son, Bruce on September 14, 2016. Jackie’s family will miss her deeply but I’m sure she would want us to remember that Joy comes in the morning.

 

 

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