Columbus Telegram October 1 - 15, 2008 COLUMBUS – Darwin Melvin McWILLIAMS, 71, died Sept 29, 2008 at BryanLGH East, Lincoln. Born May 31, 1937, Spalding, to Harold and Lila (Hinkle) McWilliams. Married Janet (Melcher) Flamme, Feb 18, 1976 Yankton, S.D. Managed motels and ski lodges in Cheyenne, Wyo. and Vail, Colo. Preceded by his parents; stepmother, Pansy McWilliams; brother-in-law, Warren Wilton. Services Oct 3 at First United Methodist Church, Columbus. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. MEDFORD, Ore. – Gertrude MRSTIK, 89, died. Services Oct 4 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Schuyler. Burial in Schuyler Cemetery. Svoboda Funeral Home in charge. DAVID CITY – Elaine M. NAVRKAL, 74, of David City, formerly of Bellwood, died Sept 29, 2008, at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa. Born July 31, 1934, Vermillion, S.D. to Lester and Gertie (Coverdale) Bates. Married Emil Navrkal, Oct 18, 1951, Jackson. Services Oct 2 at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Bellwood. Burial in Sts Peter and Mary Cemetery, Bellwood. Chermok Funeral Home, David City, in charge. GENOA – Janet L. SCHWANEBECK, 59, of Genoa, died Sept 29, 2008. Born Mar 19, 1949, Osmond, to Delmer and Doris (Lingenfelter) Neubauer. Married Warren Schwanebeck, July 29, 1967, Plainview. Services Oct 3 at Augustana Lutheran Church, Genoa. Burial in Osmond City Cemetery, Osmond. Rice Funeral Home, Genoa, in charge. COLUMBUS – Mildred I. “Millie” AUGUSTIN, 82, died Oct 2, 2008. Born Oct 15, 1925, Brayton, to Arthur and Magdalena (Henricksen) Larson. Married Richard “Pat” Augustin, May 15, 1945. Preceded by her parents. Services Oct 6 at St Anthony Catholic Church. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Shelby. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. ST. EDWARD – Erma G. JOHNSON, 95, died Oct 2, 2008. Born June 15, 1913, rural Clayton, Norton County, Kansas, to Fred and Nora (Pease) Garton, the same place where her mother had been born in a sod house. Married Francis Johnson, Nov 25, 1934 at his uncle’s home in Ellis, Kansas. Moved to Danbury in 1936 where they built a movie theater. After the war they started farming in Decatur Co, Kansas. Preceded by her parents; her husband on Jan 5, 2002; son-in-law, Darrell Nelson; two brothers, Denton and his wife, Helen Garton and Dale Garton; one sister, Bea and her husband, Aud Thompson. Graveside services Oct 5, 2008 at Kanona Cemetery, Decatur County, Kansas. Patrick Funeral Chapel, Genoa, in charge. COLUMBUS – Merle E. JOHNSON, 81, of Columbus, died Oct 1, 2008 at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha. Born Aug 30, 1927, Valley County, to Clarence and Margaret (Banks) Johnson. Served in the Merchant Marines. Married Carolyn Glur, June 24, 1950, Kansas. Worked as an electrician in Kansas and Colorado Springs, Colo., before coming to Columbus in 1959 and starting Johnson Electric Co. Retired in 1988. Preceded by his parents; brother, Richard Johnson; and sister, Phyllis Newman. Services Oct 4, 2008 at St Luke’s United Church of Christ, Columbus. Burial in Columbus Cemetery. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. COLUMBUS – Robert Lee WINCHESTER, 73, of Columbus, died Aug 8, 2008 after a lengthy illness. Born Nov 10, 1934, Burwell, to Verl A and Sarah Redinger Winchester. Married Mary Ann Anderson, 1955, Monroe. Moved to California whthere they resided for many years. They later divorced. Worked as a welder and mechanic. Preceded by his parents; his brother Lee; and son Chad Winchester. Graveside services Oct 6 at All Saints Cemetery, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. SCHUYLER – Blazena HLADKY, 88, of Schuyler, died Oct 2, 2008. Services Oct 6 at St Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial in Schuyler Cemetery. Svoboda Funeral Home, Schuyler, in charge. MEADE, Kan. – Paul Lee RYBA, 74, of Meade, Kan., died Oct 1, 2008 at Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kan. Services Oct 7 at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Meade. Burial in Graceland Cemetery, Meade, with military honors. Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade, Kansas, in charge. DAVID CITY – Mildred B. WRIGHT, 81, died Oct 3, 2008 at her home in David City. Born Sept 3, 1927, rural Appleton, to Frank and Rose (Kovar) Samek. Married Richard Blei. After his death, she married Merlyn “Bud” Wright and they continued to lived in the David City area. Preceded by her parents; both husbands; one daughter, Lori Blei; and daughter-in-law, Carol Wright. Services Monday at St Luke’s United Methodist Church, David City. Burial in David City Cemetery. Chermok Funeral Home, David City, in charge. OMAHA – Mary Ann FOERSTER, 83, of Omaha, died Oct 3, 2008. Born June 8, 1925, Randolph, to Henry and Elizabeth (Staiert) Schrad. Married L.L. Foerster, Sept 16, 1947 at St Frances Catholic Church, Randolph. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., where she worked at the Navy Depot in Memphis. Moved to David City, working as a secretary for her husband’s optometry practice. Moved to Norfolk in 1979 and to Omaha in 2002. Preceded by her parents; husband in Aug 1997; two brothers, Clarence and Leonard; and two sisters, Genevieve, in infancy, and Florence. Services Tuesday at St Frances Catholic Church, Randolph. Burial in St Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph, in charge. DAVID CITY – Donald R. WONDERCHECK, 81, of David City, died Oct 4, 2008 at David City. Born Apr 3, 1927, Atkinson, to John and Ethel (Karr) Wondercheck. Married Elinor Onnen, Apr 18, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rising City. Member of the David City Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, serving as fire chief. Services Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, David City. Burial in David City Cemetery. Chermok Funeral Home, David City, in charge. MORSE BLUFF – Doris A. CHROMY, 47, of Morse Bluff, died Oct 4, 2008 at her home. Services Oct 9 at St Peter Lutheran Church, North Bend. Burial in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Morse Bluff. Moser Memorial Chapel, North Bend, in charge. RISING CITY – Dean E. STRUEBING, 79, of Rising City, died Oct 6, 2008, David City. Services Oct 10 at United Methodist Church, Rising City. Burial in Circle Mound Cemetery, rural Rising City. Chermok Funeral Home, David City, in charge. NORFOLK – James “Brownie” Russell ELSTON, 83, died Oct 5, 2008 in Omaha. Born Aug 1, 1925, Columbus, to Marvin and Catherine (Boettcher) Elston. Married Luella “Lou” Martensen, Dec 14, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus. Began his employment at Nebraska Public Power District in 1950; retiring in 1992. Preceded by his parents; wife on Nov 4, 2007; five brothers; and two sisters. Private services Oct 8 at Howser-Fillmer Mortuary, Norfolk. Inurnment in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Norfolk?] COLUMBUS – Helen A. BERNT, 89, of Columbus, died Oct 8, 2008. Born Oct 27, 1918, Platte County, to Louis and Mary (Scharff) Miksch. Married Eugene Bernt, Apr 8, 1947, Platte Center. Preceded by her husband; and daughter, Cathy Lueschen. Services Oct 11 at St Isidore Catholic Church, Columbus. Burial in St Bonaventure Cemetery, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. ALBION – Daniel Willis COX, 87, of Albion, died Oct 9, 2008. Born Oct 15, 1920, at Cedar Rapids, to John and Lillian (Babbitt) Cox. Served in the US Army from Sept 1942 to Jan 1946. Married Barbara Fitzsimmons, Nov 7, 1949, at Cedar Rapids United Methodist Church. Lived and farmed southeast of Cedar Rapids until 1952; then moved to a farm east of Albion; in 1980 moved into Albion where he drove a truck and later did maintenance; retired in 2000. Preceded by his parents; and four sisters, Ethel Vang, Wilma Young, Gertie Campman, and Ellen Wagner. Services Oct 13 at United Methodist Church, Albion. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, with military rites. Levander Funeral Home, Albion, in charge. BELLWOOD – Gerald A. MICK, 67, of Bellwood, died Oct 9, 2008 at David City. Born Aug 24, 1941, Silver Creek, to Joseph and Lydia (Gabel) Mick. Served in the US Army Reserves from July 1961 to Nov 1966. Married Patricia J Raric, Oct 31, 1964 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, rural Bellwood. Lived and farmed near Bellwood. Preceded by his parents; and one sister, Joann Ebel. Services Oct 11 at Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City. Burial in Pleasant View Cemetery, Butler County. BELLWOOD – Rick Lee HELLBUSCH, 54, of Bellwood, died Oct 7, 2008 at Columbus. Born Apr 17, 1954, Columbus, to Ruben and Helen (Goedeken) Hellbusch. Served in the Army from 1972 to 1975. Worked as a carpenter in Hellbusch Construction after his return. Married Lynn Young, June 18, 1977 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Preceded by his mother; grandparents, Rudy and Lucy Hellbusch and Albert and Margaret Goedeken; nephew, Todd Gehring. Services Oct 10 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus. Burial in Roselawn Cemetery with military honors. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. DALTON – Mark KUTA, 48, of Dalton, died Oct 6, 2008. Born in Columbus Nov 7, 1959. OMAHA – Martin J. PLACZEK, 83, of Omaha, died Oct 5, 2008 in Omaha. Born Jan 28, 1925, Loup City, to Joseph and Bernice Placzek. Raised in the Columbus area. Preceded by his wife, Angeline; parents; brothers, Charles, Frankie, Bernard and Sylvester; sisters, Bernice Kuta, Ann Krajicek, Clara McCarville and Agatha Placzek. Services Thursday at Sts Peter and Paul Church. Burial in St John Cemetery, Bellevue, with military honors. Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Funeral Home [Omaha?] in charge. GRAND ISLAND – Wesley Dean GYHRA, 37, of Grand Island, died Oct 9, 2008 at Park Place, Grand Island. Palmer Funeral Home, Fullerton, in charge. Burial in Fullerton Catholic Cemetery, Fullerton. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Sister Florita SAVAGE, OSF, 92, died Oct 10, 2008 at Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center, Colorado Springs, Colo. Born Oct 10, 1916, Tarnov to Francis and Mary (Kaipust) Savage. Entered Sisters of Saint Francis Perpetual Adoration, Colorado Springs, Aug 17, 1933. Ministered as an elementary teacher, organist and librarian in schools in Nebraska, Indiana, Tennessee, New Mexico and Kansas. Retired in 1982 after 46 years of educational ministry. Preceded by her parents; and brothers, Steve, Lester and Gerald; and a sister, Natalie. Services at Saint Francis of Assisi Church on Mount Saint Francis campus. Burial in the convent cemetery. COLUMBUS – Elizabeth “Dina” OLMER, 74, of Columbus, formerly of Humphrey, died Oct 10, 2008 of Alzheimer’s. Born Dec 9, 1933, Columbus, to John P Noonan and Elizabeth McPhillips. Married Robert K Olmer, Sept 9, 1954 at St John’s Catholic Church, rural Lindsay. Preceded by her parents; and brothers, Peter, John and Tom. Services Monday at St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. Burial in St John’s Cemetery, Joliet Township, rural Lindsay. Duesman Funeral Chapel, Humphrey, in charge. COLUMBUS – Opal M. JAHN, 96, of Columbus, formerly of Minden, died Oct 9, 2008. Born Jan 12, 1912, Campbell, to Charles and Margaret (Lang) Rhine. Married Chris Jahn, Dec 15, 1931. Lived in Roseland, moving to Blue Hill in 1959; later moving to Minden, then Highland Mills, N.Y., and then to Columbus. Preceded by her husband in 1982; two sons, Doyle and Donald Jahn; two grandsons, Christopher Jahn and Donald Jahn Jr; one granddaughter, Amy Jahn; and one great grandson, Justin Jahn. Services Monday at St John’s Catholic Church, Minden. Graveside service in Blue Hill Cemetery. Layton-Craig Funeral Home, Minden, in charge. CEDAR RAPIDS – James L. HUTCHINSON, 80, of Cedar Rapids, died Oct 11, 2008 at Grand Island Veterans Home. Preceded by his parents, Vern E. and Margaret A. (Lamb) Huchison; brother, Raphael; and sisters, Lucille Fitzsimmons, Margaret Finell, Inez “Inie” Carter. Services Tuesday at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial of cremains later. Levander Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, in charge. DODGE – Elizabeth KLUTHE, 100, of Dodge, died Oct 11, 2008. Services Oct 15 at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Howells. Burial in Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Howells. Svoboda Funeral Home, Schuyler, in charge. CLARKSON – George L. SAYERS, 82, of Clarkson, died Oct 11, 2008 at Immanuel Medical Center, Omaha. Born June 20, 1926, south of Leigh, to Roy and Elsie (Hejtmanek) Sayers. Farmed and raised cattle. Preceded by his parents; and one brother, Willis Sayers. Services Oct 15 at New Zion Presbyterian Church, Clarkson. Burial in Leigh Cemetery. Miller Funeral Home, Clarkson, in charge. SILVER CREEK – Helen A BIALAS, 96, of Silver Creek, died Oct 11, 2008 at Morys Haven, Columbus. Born Nov 22, 1911, St Edward, to George and Sophie (Gembica) Zona. Married Edward Bialas, Sept 9, 1946, at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Fullerton. Was a homemaker and helped her husband on the farm. Preceded by her husband; parents; brother, Stanley Zona; infant brother, Joe Zona; and sister-in-law, Helen Ann Zona. Services Oct 15 at St Lawrence Catholic Church, Silver Creek. Burial in St Lawrence Cemetery, Silver Creek. McKown Funeral Home in charge. CLARKSON – Agnes RUPPRECHT, 82, of Clarkson, died Oct 12, 2008 at her farm home. Born Sept 27, 1926, Stanton County, to Henry and Mary (Schlautman) Ridder. Married Richard Rupprecht, May 18, 1954, St Henry’s Catholic Church, rural Howells. Made their home on a farm southeast of Clarkson. Preceded by her husband on Dec 14, 1999; parents; brother, Henry Ridder. Services Oct 16 at Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Clarkson. Burial in Clarkson Catholic Cemetery. Miller Funeral Home, Clarkson, in charge. ALBION – Lorane Hazel SCHEFFLER, 82, of Albion, died Oct 12, 2008. Born Apr 30, 1926, Albion, to Andrew and Hazel (Shafer) Flock. Married Virgil E. Scheffler, Oct 4, 1945, at First Baptist Church, Albion. Preceded by her parents; husband; grandson, Levi Scheffler; three brothers, Kenneth, Edwin, and Marvin. Services Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Albion. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion. Levander Funeral Home, Albion, in charge. NEWMAN GROVE – Jerome DOHMEN, 75, of Newman Grove, died Oct 12, 2008 at Creighton Medical Center, Omaha. Services Thursday at Holy Family Church, Lindsay. Burial at Hope Cemetery, Newman Grove. OMAHA – Joyce A. LEICK, 59, of Omaha, formerly of Humphrey, died Oct 13, 2008. Services Saturday at St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. Duesman Funeral Chapel, Humphrey, in charge. CRESTON – Dennis KUHR, 71, of Creston, died Oct 14, 2008 at his home. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. COLUMBUS – Maria MEDRANO, 22, of Columbus, died Oct 14, 2008 as a result of an automobile accident near Duncan. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. Columbus Telegram October 16 - 31, 2008 COLUMBUS – Maria MEDRANO, 22, of Columbus, died Oct 14, 2008 as a result of an automobile accident near Duncan. Born Sept 18, 1986, Cuanutla Morelos, Mexico, to Rosa Maria Medrano. Moved to Columbus in 2007 and worked for CSS Farms, Inc. near Duncan. Services Oct 16 at Philadelphia Church, Madison. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. CRESTON – Dennis Frank KUHR, 71, of Creston, died Oct 14, 2008 at his home. Born Nov 25, 1936, Platte Center, to Frank and Emma (Hollmann) Kuhr. Served in the Army Dec 10, 1957 to Oct 27 1960. Married Norene Ann Ebel, July 25, 1964, Wisner. Engaged in farming on the Kuhr family farm southeast of Creston. Preceded by his parents; daughter-in-law, Ruth Kuhr; brothers-in-law, Boyd Ebel and Alvin Kort; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Kuhr, Marcilene Kort, and Eleanor Ebel. Services Oct 18 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, rural Leigh. Burial with military honors in the parish cemetery. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. OMAHA – Joyce A. LEICK, 59, of Omaha, formerly of Humphrey, died Oct 13, 2008 at Omaha. Born Sept 10, 1949, Omaha, to John J Leick and Florence Rosella Kiuntke. Lived in Humphrey, Lincoln and New Mexico and taught piano. Preceded by her parents; and grandparents. Services Saturday at St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. Burial in St Francis Cemetery. Duesman Funeral Chapel, Humphrey, in charge. FREMONT – Florence Carolina MEYER, 87, of Fremont, formerly of Osmond and Norfolk, died Oct 13, 2008 at Merrick Manor, Fremont. Born Aug 25, 1921, Plainview to Fay and Alvira Trube. Married Milford Meyer, July 4, 1942, Pierce. Spent most of her life in Osmond and Norfolk area. Preceded by her parents; husband; one daughter, Elaine Backer; and sister, Alice Henery. Services Friday at Ashburn Funeral Home, Osmond. FAIRMONT – Alvin ROGERS, Jr., 58, of Fairmont, died Oct 16, 2008 at his home in Fairmont. Born May 30, 1950, Kimball, W.V., to Alvin and Hazel (Hall) Rogers Sr. Served in the US Army. Worked at Schuyler Pack; then 20+ years at Becton-Dickenson, Columbus. Married Doris Krepel, Sept 2, 1972, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus. Owned and operated Legends Bar, Fairmont for 10 years. Preceded by his parents; sister, Patricia Gerlach; brother-in-law, “Butch” Hlavac; father-in-law, Leonard Krepel; and sister-in-law, Joyce Shockley. Services Oct 20 at Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus. Burial in David City Cemetery, David City. DAVID CITY – Calvin K. JIROVSKY, born at rest Oct 14, 2008 to Mark Jirovsky and Alicia Pernicek. Services Saturday at Assumption Catholic Church, Dwight. Burial in Assumption Cemetery. Chermok Funeral Home, David City, in charge. COLUMBUS – Sheryl C. WILSON, 72, of Columbus, died Oct 16, 2008. Born Nov 25, 1935, York, to Homer C. and Marcella (Surface) Lovell. Married Robert Wilson, Feb 24, 1957. Preceded by her parents; one brother, Benjamin Lovell. Private graveside services. Metz Mortuary, York, in charge. PLATTE CENTER – Ralph SCHMIDT, 89, Platte Center, died Oct 17, 2008 at Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus. Born Mar 29, 1919, Platte Center, to Bill and Matilda (Huesman) Schmidt. Served in the US Army during WWII (1942-1945) and was wounded while serving in the Phillipine Islands. Married Germaine Albracht, Sept 17, 1945, St Bernard Catholic Church. Lived in Stratton, Colorado 11 years; moved to Platte Center in 1956. Preceded by his parents; daughter, Linda Kruse; sisters, Margie Elsay, Mary Ann Hendrickson and Wilma Heitman; brothers, Mark Schmidt and Paul Schmidt. Services Oct 21 at St Joseph Catholic Church, Platte Center. Burial in Ss Patrick/Joseph Cemetery with military honors. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. COLUMBUS – Eric Lee SANSONI, 31, of Columbus, died Oct 17, 2008 as the result of an automobile accident in Butler County. Born Aug 10, 1977, Columbus, to Cathy (Galley) and Richard “Dick” Sansoni. Preceded by his father; grandfather, Vincent Galley Sr.; grandfather, Hank Sansoni. Services Oct 22 at St Bonaventure Catholic Church, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. SCHUYLER – Adelle HEAVICAN, 86, of Schuyler, died Oct 17, 2008. Services Tuesday at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Schuyler. Burial in St Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Rogers. Svoboda Funeral Home North Chapel in charge. ST. PAUL – Ada M. BERGGREN, 91, of St Paul, died Oct 18, 2008 at her home in St Paul. Services Wednesday at United Methodist Church, St Paul. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery, St Paul. Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home, St Paul, in charge. COLUMBUS – Donald L. MOORE, 72, of Columbus, died Oct 29, 2008 at University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. Born Nov 8, 1935, Cedar Rapids, to Ilo and Elizabeth (Yilk) Moore. Served in the US Army 1956-1958. Married Sharron Hansen, June 20, 1986, Columbus. Worked at Blazer Manufacturing, Columbus. Preceded by his parents; one great-grandson, Bryce Barber; three brothers, Paul Moore, Carroll Moore, and Anthony Moore; one sister, Elizabeth Moore; two sisters-in-law, Marge Moore and Rose Moore. Services Thursday at St Anthony Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Burial in Cedar Rapids Catholic Cemetery with military rites. Palmer Funeral Home, Fullerton, in charge. COLUMBUS – Glenn David ANDERSON, 83, of Columbus, died Oct 21, 2008 at his home. Born Jan 4, 1925, Bemidji, Minn., to Peter and Artea (Williams) Anderson. Served in the US Army Air Corp June 15, 1943 to Mar 27, 1946. Married Rogene Carlson, Dec 21, 1950, Bertrand. Preceded by his parents; sisters-in-law, Elaine Anderson and Sandy Anderson. Services Oct 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbus. Private burial at Columbus Cemetery with military honors. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. DALTON – Mark KUTA, 48, of Dalton, formerly of Columbus, died Oct 6, 2008 at Regional West Medical Center, Scottsbluff. Born Nov 7, 1959 at St Mary’s Hospital, Columbus, to Earl and Jenny (Kosiba) Kuta. Foster son of Lawrence and Jean Beyer, Dalton. Preceded by his parents; foster mother; and grandparents. Burial in St Mary’s Cemetery, Dalton. HOLDREGE – Kenneth Harold “Kenney” OLSON, 77, of rural Holdrege, died Oct 18, 2008 at his home southeast of Funk. Services Oct 22 at First United Methodist Church, Holdrege. Burial in Prairie Home Cemetery, Holdrege. Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home, Holdrege, in charge. COLUMBUS – Iola M. HASTREITER, 82, of Columbus, formerly of Humphrey died Oct 21, 2008. Born June 22, 1926, Humphrey, to Joseph H and Mary (Deitermann) Deitering. Married Leonard E “Doc” Hastreiter, Nov 20, 1951 St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. Worked for her father at Deitering’s Tavern, was a homemaker, and also worked as a receptionist and secretary for Kessler Law Office and Insurance Agency. Preceded by her parents; husband; brother, LaVern; stepmothers, Hazel and Blanche. Services Friday at St Francis Catholic Church, Humphrey. Burial in St Francis Cemetery. Duesman Funeral Chapel, Humphrey, in charge. COLUMBUS – Adam Ralph TORSON, 81, of Columbus, formerly of Duncan, died Oct 21, 2008. Born Feb 4, 1927, Cedar Rapids, to Vincent and Hedwig (Zelasney) Torson. Served in the US Army from Sept 1946 to June 1947. Married Shirley Ann Nordeen, Dec 9, 1950, Albion. Worked for Behlen Manufacturing for 13 years; also owned and operated Torson Tavern in Duncan; then worked for D&L until retiring in 1989. Moved to Schuyler in 1990 and managed the Valley Court Motel until 1999. Then worked part-time at Husker Bar. Preceded by his parents; and sister, Frances Torson. Services Oct 24 at St Isidore Catholic Church, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. SILVER CREEK – Lester E. VANEK, 69, of Silver Creek, died Oct 22, 2008 at his home. Born Feb 17, 1939, Comstock, to Edward and Lillian (Kuklish) Vanek. Served in the US Army from 1962-1964. Married Elissia Baker, June 8, 1968, Silver Creek. Worked for Central Sand and Gravel/Lyman Richey for about 30 years, retiring in 2006. Preceded by his parents; mother-in law and father-in-law; and a niece. Services Oct 25 at McKown Funeral Home, Columbus. Burial in St Lawrence Catholic Cemetery with military honors. COLUMBUS – Ida HARNAPP, 100, of Columbus, died Oct 23, 2008. Born Jan 25, 1908, rural Platte County near Christ Lutheran Church to Johannes and Amalia (Korte) Behrens. Married Oscar Harnapp, Feb 20, 1930, Christ Lutheran Church. Farmed near Center before returning to Columbus area. Worked for Swift and Company during WWII; founded and operated Handy Grocery Store from 1944-1955; then moved to a farm north of Arapahoe in 1995. Preceded by her husband in March 1993; twin son Arlyn about 1933, twin son Harlan in April 2005. Services Oct 25 at Peace Lutheran Church. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Columbus. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. AUSTIN, Ark. – Norman BRABEC, 37, of Austin, Ark., died Oct 21, 2008 as the result of an automobile accident in Arkansas. Born Aug 3, 1971 West Point, to Lumir J. and Patricia (Novacek) Brabec. Married Katrina Williamson, Mar 26, 1996, Jacksonville, Ark. Preceded by his mother. Services Oct 27 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Schuyler. Burial in Clarkson Catholic Cemetery. Svoboda Funeral Home North Chapel, Schuyler, in charge. CANON CITY, Colo. – Mabel Claire KORTE died Oct 23, 2008. Born June 29, 1912, Platte County, to John Hans and Mary Louise (Huggler) Ernst. Married Oliver N. KORTE, Nov 27, 1944 in Grand Island. Worked in retail throughout her life. During WWII she worked pouring bombs and one-ton 105 Howitzer shells at Quaker Oats Ordinance Plant in Grand Island. Retired to Canon City, Colo. in 1985 after living in Nebraska, Colorado and Minnesota. Preceded by her parents; five sisters; and seven brothers. Services Tuesday at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Canon City, Colo. Wilson Funeral Home in charge. GENOA – Arlene SOMERHISER, 73, of Genoa, died Oct 24, 2008 in Genoa. Born Apr 22, 1935, Lindsay, to Pete (Rudolph) and Rose Ramaekers. She was a nurse most of her life; and administrator and owner of Genoa Haven. Preceded by her parents; brothers, Bill Ramaekers and Jack Ramaekers; sister, Jeanette Anderson; nephew, Dave Ramaekers; grandson, Jamie Luzum; and husband, Charles Somerhiser. Services Tuesday at Genoa St Rose of Lima Community Center. Patrick Funeral Chapel, Genoa, in charge. MONROE – Otto James “Jim” ABBOTT, 75, of Monroe, died Oct 25, 2008 at the V.A. Medical Center, Omaha. Born Aug 12, 1933, Richland, Mo., to Oliver J. and Elma Lucille (Cole) Abbott. Served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from Apr 1951 to Nov 1958. Married Carolee Harris; and later Dianne Harms. Worked as a carrier for Pony Express for many years out of Kansas City. Moved to Monroe in 1997. Preceded by his parents; and first wife. Services Oct 30, 2008, Monroe United Methodist Church. Burial in Okay Cemetery, rural Monroe with military honors. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. COLUMBUS – Beverly Jane COOK, 72, of Columbus, died Oct 26, 2008 at her home in Columbus. Born Dec 26, 1935, Albion, to Jasper and Ercelle (Sward) Welburn. Married John F Cook, July 22, 1959, Columbus. Was a nursing assistant for numerous years. Preceded by her parents; and husband. Services Oct 30, 2008 at Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus. Burial in Columbus Cemetery. COLUMBUS – Neal DRUM, Jr., 83, of Columbus, died Oct 27, 2008 at Methodist Hospital, Omaha. Born May 17, 1925, Oconee, to Neal and Anna (Kuck) Drum, Sr. Served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and fought in Iwo Jima and Guam. Married Bonnie Murray, Aug 21, 1947. Joined the Columbus Police Department in 1950, retiring after 32 years; then served as Platte County Sheriff for nine years, retiring in 1989. Preceded by his parents; brothers, Leland Drum and Maurice Drum; sister, Margaret Waldman; son-in-law, Greg Jasper. Services Oct 30 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial in Roselawn Cemetery, Columbus, with military honors. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. ALBION – Robert H. “Harry” HOLLENBECK, 86, of Albion, died Oct 24, 2008. Services Tuesday at Levander Funeral Home, Albion. Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery with military rites. LINCOLN – Frank C. KUSKA, 88, of Lincoln, formerly of Columbus, died Oct 25, 2008. Born Jan 1, 1920, Baltimore, the son of Frank L. and Josephine (Hrebik) Kuska. Married Madelyn Francke, Nov 4, 1945. Served in WWII in the Army Air Corp as a flight engineer in India, China and the Marianas. Was a registered Professional Engineer and registered Land Surveyor in Nebraska. Preceded by his parents; and a sister, Anna Wright. Died Oct 25, 2008, Lincoln. Burial Trinity Lutheran Cemetery [rural Walton?]. Roper and Sons, Lincoln, in charge. COLUMBUS – Vlasta POKORNY, 86, of Columbus, formerly of Schuyler, died Oct 26, 2008. Born Mar 8, 1922, Omaha, to Frank J. and Helen (Kral) Stech, Sr. Married Joseph Pokorny, May 30, 1940. Moved to Columbus in 1995. Preceded by her husband on Aug 18, 1980; two brothers, Frank Stech, Jr. and Irwin Stech. Services Wednesday at Svoboda Funeral Home North Chapel. Burial in Schuyler Cemetery. NORTH BEND – Deanna J. WOLFE, 64, of North Bend, formerly of Omaha, died Oct 25, 2008, at Birchwood Manor, North Bend. Born Apr 25, 1944, Columbus, to Eugene and Marcella Kuhn. Married Ron Schneider, 1987. Preceded by her husband in 2002. Services Thursday at Moser Memorial Chapel, North Bend. CARTHAGE, N.Y. – Sundee ENGEL, 40, of Carthage, N.Y., died Oct 24, 2008 of ocular cancer. Born to Ted Louis Jr and Lorraine Kush. Preceded by her father; and grandparents, Ted and Evelyn (Paprocki) Kush. COLUMBUS – David L. ERNST, 61, of Columbus, died Oct 28, 2008. Born Feb 2, 1947, Columbus, to Lester and Clara (Burmood) Ernst. Married Meredith Hester, Aug 16, 1970, Lincoln. Moved to Greeley, Colo., where he worked at Weld County Garage, before returning to Columbus in 1972. Then worked with his father and brother at Ernst Auto. Preceded by his parents. Services Nov 1, 2008 at Federated Church, Columbus. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Columbus. Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. HOWELLS – Gilbert BRESTER, 84, of Howells, died Oct 29, 2008 at St Francis Memorial Hospital, West Point. Services Nov 1 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Howells. Burial in the parish cemetery. Svoboda Funeral Home, Schuyler, in charge. COLUMBUS – Edward L. ZAKRZEWSKI, 70, of Columbus, died Oct 29, 2008. Born Jan 28, 1938, St Edward, to John S. and Pearl (Brezenski) Zakrzewski. Married Betty Kush, June 17, 1961, at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Krakow. Worked for Douglas and Lomason Company for 32 years, retiring in 1997. Lived in Columbus, Leigh for 2 years, Red Oak for 2 years, then back to Columbus. Preceded by his parents; brothers, Albin, Lawrence, Frank and Bert Zakrzewski. Services Nov 1 at St Isidore Catholic Church. Burial in All Saints Cemetery, Columbus. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. COLUMBUS – Dennis L. BRUMBAUGH, 58, of Columbus, died Oct 31, 2008 at his home. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. COLUMBUS – Kathleen R. HICKMAN, 79, of Columbus, died Oct 30, 2008. McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, in charge. TWIN LAKES, Wis. – Lori L. PRILL, 45, of Twin Lakes, Wis., died at her home Oct 28, 2008 following a long battle with cancer. Born May 24, 1963, Nebraska, to Edward and Edna (Homan) Oppliger. Married John Carl Prill, June 29, 2002, Twin Lakes, Wis. Preceded by her parents. Services Nov 1 at Schuette Daniels Funeral Home, Burlington, WI. BROKEN BOW – Emma Madison PRUDEN, infant daughter of Dave and Angie (Feyerherm) Pruden, died Oct 30, 2008, North Platte. Services Nov 1 at Govier Bros. Mortuary, Broken Bow. Burial in Broken Bow Cemetery. ====== Copyright © 2008 Nebraska Obituary Abstracts NEGenWeb Project