Raymond Fitzgerald Ness, age 79 of Ogallala, passed away on Sunday evening, May 4, 2008 at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Cancer Pavilion Center in Denver, Colo.
     He was born Dec. 21, 1928 in Wolseley, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Guy and Ruby (Witby) Ness. The family moved to the United States and settled in the area northeast of Big Springs, Neb. after Guy's visit to the consulate in Regina, Canada, in 1929 regarding naturalization and immigration papers.
     Ray attended Day Town School and graduated from the Big Springs High School in 1946.
     He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was recruited into the Air Force in 1946. He served with the 8th Photo Recon Unit in Japan following World War II. After his discharge from the military he returned to help on the Ness family farm which was now located near Imperial, Neb.
     Ray married Carol Janice West in Ogallala on May 27, 1955.
     Ray was employed by United Airlines in San Francisco and then for his father-in-law, Gordon West, in Ogallala as a brick layer.
     In 1963, Ray started his own company, Ness Construction which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2002. His company built the Ogallala Softball Complex, Ogallala Bike Path, Kildare Lumber Company building, two large hangers at the Ogallala Airport and the Titan Industries building in Paxton, as well as many other smaller personal jobs.
     He served on the District #2 School Board and the Airport Advisory Board. Ray was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Ogallala Moose Lodge, the Ogallala Elks Lodge and the V.F.W. He had a passion for planes and flying and enjoyed both at every opportunity.
     He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his son, Scott; his parents, Guy and Ruby Ness; and his sister, Joan Grimes.
     He is survived by his daughter, Beth Ness and John Stulich of Ogallala; three grandchildren, Jennifer Kay (Ness) Shuler, Ryan Dale Ness and Keith Scott Ness.; one great-grandson, Cameron Scott Brown, and a brother-in-law, Eldon Grimes of Greeley, Colo.
     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008, at the Ogallala United Methodist Church with Pastor James Miller officiating.
     Interment services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen with military honors rendered by the Keith County Veteran's Organizations.
     Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. today, Thursday, May 8 at the Gubser Funeral Home.
     Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com.
     A memorial has been established in his memory.
     Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Doug Bussell, 58 of Loveland, Colo. passed away on May 5, 2008 at McKee Medical Center in Loveland.
     He was born on May 22, 1949 in Sutherland, Neb. to Melvin Bussell and C. Earlene (Scronce) Bussell.
     He was raised on the Bussell Homestead outside of Imperial, Neb. where he farmed with his father. He attended a rural grade school and graduated from Chase County High School in Imperial in 1967. He attended the University of Nebraska and Kearney State College and graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science.
     He owned and operated Funeral Homes in Windsor, Colo. and Laramie, Wyo. He was a member of the Lions Club, was the Albany County Coroner, and was active in his church and community. He then sold the funeral home in Laramie in 1991 and moved to Loveland to retire.
     He enjoyed Nebraska football, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and anything outdoors. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. He was very devoted to his family. As much as he wanted to get out in the world as a young man his heart never left the small country community he called home.
     He is survived by a daughter, Laura Owen, and husband, Jacob Owen, and two grandsons, Joshua Wyatt Owen and Louie Leeds Owen of Fort Collins Colo. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
     Funeral services will take place on Friday, May 9 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loveland and Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, Neb. with burial following at the Chase Cemetery.

    Grace Radcliff of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Lamar, Neb. and Holyoke, Colo. passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the age of 95.
     She had resided in the Beatitudes Campus of Care in Phoenix, Ariz. since April, 1999.
     She was born on Aug. 23, 1912 to Thomas and Claudia (Lockhart) Elwood near Salem, Ind. She graduated from Indiana State Teachers College in Terra Haute Indiana at the age of 19 in 1932.
     She married Keith Radcliff on Dec. 25, 1935.
     They owned and operated the Radcliff IGA in Lamar, Neb. for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1974. She was the Postmaster in Lamar for 16 years.
     She is survived by son, Ralph (Shari) of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter, Marilyn (Frank) Morse of South Sioux City, Neb., and son, Jim (Carolyn) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three brothers.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; one brother and one sister.
     A memorial service was held on Monday, April 28, 2008, at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ in Phoenix with burial in the City of Mesa cemetery.
     Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Ariz. 85014, FBO the Beatitudes Campus or Beatitudes Campus Foundation, 1610 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz. 85021, FBO Memorial for Grace Radcliff.

    Clifford "Cliff" Wagner Murray aka "WBOWVE" was born March 21, 1916 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Arthur Martin Murray and Mary Alice (Wagoner) Murray.
     He attended Anson High School in Marshalltown.
     Cliff left Marshalltown in 1942 for Detroit, Mich. where he began his career as a bartender. In 1946 he moved to Denver, Colo. working in several lounges until buying the Drift Inn and Monroe Liquors which he owned and operated until moving to McCook in 1983 where he owned and operated Cap & Cork liquors until his retirement.
     He married Geraldine Mae Lock on July 7, 1958 in Las Vegas, N.M.
     Cliff was a lifelong active member of the Elks and Eagles Club. He enjoyed listening and talking to his many friends on his Ham radios.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Geraldine (Lock) Murray; two brothers, Albert Murray and James Harvey; and one sister, Violet Prock.
     Cliff is survived by three daughters, Barbara and husband, Tim Shannon, of McCook, Kathleen and husband, Richard Gold, of Everett, Wash. and Debra Murray of Imperial; six grandchildren, Annie Murray and fiancé, Jeff Martin, of Imperial, Dennis Shannon of McCook, Michelle Shannon of Denver, Colo., Paul McQueen of Yakima, Wash., Madonna and husband, Anthony Schmierer, of Everett, Wash. and Donald McQueen of Lodi, Calif.; seven great-grandchildren, Neveah Martin of Imperial, Timothy D. Shannon of North Platte, Jessica, Brianna, and Erica McQueen of Lodi, Calif., Anthony and Westley Schmierer of Everett, Wash.
     Memorials may be given in his name.
     Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com
     Funeral services were Monday, April 28, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Father Gary Brethour officiating.
     Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery at McCook.
     Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.

    Robert Stanley "Coke" Cowles was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Denver, Colo. to Ralph and Edith (Innis) Cowles. Coke grew up in the Denver area graduating from Englewood High School.
     He entered the U.S. Navy in July of 1943 and served in the European Theater during WWII. After his discharge in March of 1946, he married Eva June Felt on Oct. 4, 1947, in Raton, N.M.. The couple lived in the Denver area, where Coke was employed in the auto industry.
     In 1954 they moved to California, where Coke was employed by General Motors, and he and Eva raised four children. In 1975 they moved to Enders, Neb., where Eva had originally come, and they owned and operated the Enders Cafe for many years. Coke was self employed most of his life restoring and rebuilding classic autos having his own company "Cowles Old Wheels."
     Coke passed away Thursday evening, April 24, 2008, at the Heritage of Wauneta Nursing Home. He was 83 years of age.
     He was a member of the American Legion and had many hobbies including collecting hubcaps and Classic Autos.
     Coke loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with his wife, Eva. He will be missed by all who had a chance to know him. He was truly a good soul.
     Survivors include wife, Eva of Enders; sons, Leonard Cowles and wife, Maria, of Seal Beach, Calif., Robert S. Cowles II and wife, Margie, of Lukewood, Calif.; daughters, Valerie Krenz and husband, Steve, of Owasso, Okla., Vickie Lynne Miner and husband, Gary, of Enders; 11 grandchildren, Michelle, Chris, Mike, Tonya, Jonna, Nichole, Jesse, Bobby, Hillary, Jena, Patrick; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister, Helen Prunk of Ramona, Calif.
     Coke was preceded in death by his parents and a twin brother.
     Coke chose cremation and his remains will be scattered at sea by the U.S. Navy, attended by his great-grandson, Chief Petty Officer, Michael Reed.
     A memorial has been established to donor's choice.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Sally May Garrison-McKinster was born April 3, 1914, at Carthage, Tenn., to Andrew and Dee (Cardwell) Martin.
     As a young girl she grew up and attended school near Carthage. Sally worked at the Carter Shoe Factory for several years before marrying John Garrison on May 28, 1932, in Franklin, KY.
     The couple lived in the Carthage area before, Sally being diagnosed with Juvenile T.B., moved to Denver, Colo.
     John and Sally made Denver their home for many years. Sally kept the books for her husband's contract painting business and helped raise her family before John's death in 1965.
     Sally married Andrew McKinster on June 18, 1966, in Englewood, Colo. and continued to make the Denver area her home. After andrew's death, Sally moved in 1997, to Imperial, Neb. to be near family.
     Sally passed away Thursday morning, April 10, 2008, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, Imperial, NE. She was 94 years of age.
     Sally's favorite hobbies included gardening and sewing. She was also a member of Eastern Star.
     Survivors include son, John Garrison Jr. and wife, Delores, of Las Vegas, Nev.; son, Dan Garrison wife, Dorene, of Imperial, Neb.; step-daughter, Marcella Young of Englewood, Colo.; numerous grandchildren.
     She was preceded in death by her husbands, John and Andrew; two sons, Buddy and William Garrison; grandson, Danny; granddaughter, Deborah Andahl; brothers, Herbert, Ezra, George and Henry Martin; sisters, Christin Eidson and Margaret Napier; step-daughter, Luella Sherman.
     Graveside services for Sally Garrison-McKinster were Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Littleton Cemetery, Littleton, Colo. with Rev. Bill Bryan officiating.
     A memorial has been established in Sally's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Arlyn Wesley Cox was born in Champion, Neb., on May 7, 1934 to John "Kermit" and Wilma Cox.
     Arlyn attended Champion Grade School from Kindergarten to eighth grade then left behind his education to farm with his dad. He made farming his passion and career for 61 years. Arlyn milked Holstein cows, raised corn, wheat, sugar beets, beans, onions, potatoes, hogs, sheep and beef cattle. He also shelled corn and cut silage for many years.
     On Aug. 8, 1959, Arlyn married Jeannine (Leach) Cox. The couple spent one year near Enders on the South Divide then settled permanently 2.5 miles west of Champion. The couple raised two daughters, Arlys Yvette and Tonya Lea.
     Arlyn's priorities were his family and farming. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather ("Bamp") and great-grandfather.
     As a young man Arlyn was a 4-H member and exhibited his Holstein dairy cows at the Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben.
     In his teens and early 20s Arlyn participated in the Golden Gloves boxing club that met in the top of his barn on Saturday nights. He loved riding his Triumph motorcycle-even though all of his friends had Indians. He took much pride in making improvements around his farm, putting in a hard days work and enjoyed the satisfaction of a high yielding crop.
     Arlyn loved his car collection. He and Jeannine went on many trips with the Flatlander Car Club to the Black Hills, Estes Park and eastern Nebraska. He enjoyed having the Flatlanders come to the ponds for meetings and showing them his collection of Bel Airs and Impalas. His favorite car was his light blue, 1958 Chevy Impala convertible.
     Arlyn was a firearm enthusiast as well. He enjoyed traveling to gun shows and adding pieces to his cache over the years.
     A person could always expect to get a stubby-fingered wave from Arlyn as he drove to and from town for his morning coffee and his afternoon game of pitch at the "V" or the Eagles.
     Arlyn was a member of the Elks Club for 39 years, the Flatlander Car Club for 30 years, Eagles #3472 for 30 years and the United Methodist Church for 50 years.
     Arlyn retired from farming in 2001. Since then he enjoyed having tea parties with his great-granddaughter, Morayah, and arguing with her over what channel the television should be on.
     He loved to watch the turkeys, deer and pheasants that took habitat on his farm. Arlyn took pleasure in watching his grandchildren show livestock, looking at their new calf crop every spring and was always up for a good western.
     Arlyn was reunited with his father, mother, infant brother and other family and friends on Saturday, April 12, 2008. He fought hard for eight weeks after a heart valve replacement and passed away at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln, Neb.
     Now he looks down on his family, his friends and his farm. Though his life was cut short, his memories will remain with us forever.
     Preceding him in death were his parents, in-laws, infant brother and three infant grandchildren.
     Arlyn is survived by his wife, Jeannine of Champion, Neb.; daughter, Arlys Cupp, and husband, Ed, of Champion; daughter, Tonya Lauer, and husband, Terry, of Greeley, Colo.; grandson, Taylor Cupp, and wife, Katie, of Lincoln, Neb.; granddaughter, Kelsey Cupp, of Lincoln, Neb., Brandi Emery and Aron Krautschun of Greeley, Colo; two great-granddaughters; sister, Patty Kilpatrick, and husband, Bill, of Tie Siding, Wyo.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
     Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. MST at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating. Burial will follow the services at the Lakeview Cemetery west of Champion.
     Casketbearers are Rod Johnson, Bob Kluender, Jack Kelly, Donnie Schilke, Donnie Bernhardt and Roy Cushing.
     Honorary casketbearers are Tom Elder, Ed Fisher, Art Creveling, Larry Hand, Bobby Cox, Vernon Tropf and Bob Kelly.
     A memorial has been established in Arlyn's name.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Ivan C. Brunkhorst, 83, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb.
     He was born Feb. 10, 1925 to Ernest and Sophia (Haarberg) Brunkhorst in Sharon Springs, Kan.
     He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
     Ivan moved with his family at an early age to Imperial where he attended school through the 8th grade. He then helped his parents on their farm and moved with them to the Wauneta Frenchman Valley area.
     On Aug. 25, 1948, Ivan was united in marriage to Lorene Duhm at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. They celebrated 51 years of marriage and raised twins, Dianna and Dennis.
     Ivan and his family moved to several locations in the Hamlet, Wauneta, Frenchman Valley, Eden and Stratton communities. He was a lifelong member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and served as Sunday School superintendent and an Elder. He served on the Frenchman Valley Co-op board, the Hamlet School Board, a 4-H leader and was an active member in whatever community he lived.
     Ivan was one who never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with people. His passion in life was farming, dancing and playing golf.
     He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Sophia Brunkhorst; his loving wife, Lorene Brunkhorst; an infant son; brother, Ansel Brunkhorst; and sister, Eulene Busking.
     Survivors include his daughter, Dianna Rowe and husband, Robert of Brighton, Colo.; son, Dennis Brunkhorst and wife, Cynthia of Palisade, Neb.; sister, Clairene Weimer and husband, Lee Roy of Hamlet, Neb.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta with Rev. Greg Stuckwisch officiating. Interment followed services at Riverside Cemetery near Wauneta.
     Memorials may be given in his name to either Grandview Retirement Center in Stratton, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta or Community United Methodist Church in Stratton.
     Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

    Marjorie Wright was born Dec. 13, 1918 at Ashby, Neb. to Ora A. and Mary D. (Dearing) King. She grew up on the King homestead in Cherry Co., close to Survey Post Office, attended Survey School through the eighth grade, then attended high school in Hyannis, Neb. for one year, moving to Bethany, Mo. for one year of high school and lived with Mr. and Mrs. Ike King, her paternal grandparents, then completed high school in Alliance, Neb. in 1936.
     Marjorie attended college in Chadron and received her elementary teaching certificate and then taught school for 2 1/2 years in country school in Sheridan and Cherry Counties.
     On June 1, 1940, Marjorie married Tilbert W. Wright in Hyannis, Neb., who was to be her lifelong mate for 68 years. They started married life working for Elmus Henderson north of Whitman, Neb. for two years. She cooked for ranch hands, thus beginning a life time reputation as an excellent cook.
     To this union were born five children: Jimmy Roger, who died in infancy; Phyllis Diane, Valerie Eileen, Margie Annette and Billy Lynn.
     Prior to WWII, Marjorie and Tilbert lived in Hastings, Neb., then moved to Minden and opened a chicken hatcher with Tilbert's dad, Arlie Wright. Following the war, they moved to Cherry Co., moving to Mullen, Neb. in the summer of 1948, ranching north of Mullen until 1987, when they retired and moved to Imperial, Neb. They moved to Kearney in 2006 to be near their children.
     Marjorie passed away at her home in Kearney on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, with her family at her side. She was 89 years of age.
     Marjorie was a 50-year member of the Rebekah Lodge, member of the Methodist Church, serving with the UMW organization, was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, Extension Club and was a 4-H Leader. She was always willing to volunteer, serving many years in the nursing home and at the senior center.
     Survivors include her husband, Tilbert, of Kearney, Neb.; daughter, Diane Steinbrink and husband, Paul, of Kearney, Neb.; daughter, Annette Winberg and husband, Bob, of Loup City, Neb.; son, Bill Wright, and wife, Robyn, of Grand Island, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and seven great, great grandchildren.
     Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Mabel Macumber; brother, Keith King; son, Jimmy Roger; and daughter, Valerie Eileen Smith.
     Memorial services will be held Friday morning, April 18, 2008, 11 a.m. (MT) at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Inurnment will be held at a later date.
     No visitation, Marjorie chose cremation.
     A memorial has been established to the Imperial Senior Center.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Clarence "Andy" James Anderson was born Sept. 1, 1931, to Arthur H. and Petra C. (Valen) Anderson, at Windom, Minn.
     As a young man Andy moved with his family to Sioux City, Iowa, where he grew up and attended school, graduating from East High School in 1949.
     Andy then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 28, 1950, and served during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in November of 1953 and returned to the Sioux City area.
     On Nov. 14, 1954, he married Janice Elaine Schuler at Laurel, Neb., and the couple settled in Sioux City where they lived for a short time. The couple lived briefly in Gothenburg, Neb. before moving to Imperial in 1961 where he managed the Farmer's Lumber Yard for many years. Several years prior to his death Andy was a U.S. Postal Service Rural Mail Carrier, stationed out of Grant, Neb.
     Andy passed away Wednesday morning, April 2, 2008, in an automobile accident near Grant, Neb. He was 76 years of age.
     Andy was a former member of the Imperial Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Lions Club and the VFW of Imperial.
     He enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, coin collecting and along with Janice were devoted CCHS sports fans. They could always be found in the same spot on the bleachers during Friday night football games. Andy also enjoyed following the Nebraska Cornhuskers and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
     Andy was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Phyllis Cavlson; sons, Brian and William (Bill) Anderson; grandchildren twins, Melanie and Cory Weiss.
     Survivors include wife, Janice of Imperial; son, Michael Anderson and wife, Julie, of Cheyenne, Wyo.; son, David Anderson of Brighton, Colo.; daughter, Carol Harchelroad and husband, Sid, of Enders, Neb.; daughter, Cindy Styskal and husband, Doug, of Denver, Colo.; son, Scott Anderson and wife, Lisa, of the Island of Hawaii; daughter, Phyllis Parker and husband, Scott, of Alexandria, Va.; son, Bryce Anderson and wife, Vicki, of Grant, Neb.; son, Tom Anderson of Madrid, Neb.; son, Eric Anderson and wife, Ronny, of the Island of Hawaii; daughter, Melissa Tidwell and husband, Chris, of Stillwater, Okla.; 24 grandchildren: Tosha Jupiter, Andy Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Tara Anderson, Dustin Weiss, Amanda Jantz, Danielle Rozga, Dillon Harchelroad, Cassie Eye, Lindsay MacDonald, Aleasha Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Jacob Milner, Lance Milner, Jacy Anderson, Taylor Parker, JaRee Parker, Samuel Parker, Aaron Parker, Austin Anderson, Chase Anderson, Noah Anderson, Autumn Anderson, Eliya Anderson; nine great-grandchildren including: Michael and Jacob Anderson, Isabella and Violet Jupiter, Beau Weiss, Treysen Eye; brothers: John and wife, Judy, of Sioux City, Iowa, Wayne and wife, Carolyn, of Sioux City, Iowa.
     Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, April 5, 2008, 3 p.m. (MT) at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Pianist was Joan Lantry and soloist was Jeanette Munger.
     Casketbearers were Dustin Weiss, Andy Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Dillon Harchelroad, Austin Anderson, Chase Anderson, Jacy Anderson, Jacob Milner, Lance Milner, Taylor Parker, Sam Parker, Aaron Parker, Noah Anderson and Spencer Anderson.
     Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
     A memorial has been established in Andy's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Wayne Johnsen, age 77, of Bird City, Kan., died on March 27 at Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis, Kan.
     Wayne Martin Johnsen was born Feb. 7, 1931, son of George Jergen Johnsen and Viola Leone (Hawkinson) Johnsen at a farm northeast of Wilcox, Kearney County, Neb.
     He grew up on farms around Wilcox. He had seven brothers, Lawrence, Lamoine, Lloyd, Dale, Glenn, Arlan and Gary.
     Wayne was baptized on Feb. 7, 1932, and has been a lifetime member of the Methodist Church.
     Wayne graduated from Wilcox High School in 1948. He was inducted into the US Army on Aug. 15, 1951, age 20, at Omaha, Neb. and served two years during the Korean War.
     On Feb. 17, 1952, Wayne married Virginia Rogene Stoltenberg.
     Wayne shipped out of Seattle, Wash., just two weeks later for Korea in March, 1952. He spent time at the Punch Bowl and Heart Break Ridge areas operating telephone and radio for the rifle company and was promoted to Corporal while he was in Korea.
     Wayne returned home on Feb. 14, 1953. He served a short time at Ft. Carson, Colo., then was assigned to MP duty at Ft. Sheridan, Ill. Wayne was released from active duty in May, 1953, and spent the remainder of eight years on inactive duty. He was honorably discharged in August, 1959. Wayne has been a member of the American Legion for nearly 35 years.
     Wayne returned to Wilcox where he farmed, then managed the Coop. elevator at Ragan.
     Wayne and Rogene had three children, Pamela, David and Daniel.
     In 1967 the family moved to Bird City, Kan., where Wayne worked for Coop. for many years. He later worked for and retired in 1993 from the Cheyenne County Road Dept.
     Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Lawrence, Lloyd and Glenn.
     He is survived by his wife, Rogene; daughter, Pam, and husband, Tom, of Monument, Colo. and their three daughters, Krysta, Bryana and Tasha; son, Dave, and his wife, Monica, of Imperial, and their three children, Ben and wife, Sheila, and great-grandson Will, daughter, Tara, and husband, Matt, and daughter, Amanda; son, Dan, and wife, Janet, and daughter, Teri, of Wiley, Colo; brothers, Lamoine of Wilcox, Neb., Dale and wife, Gussie, of Wilcox, Neb., Arlan and wife, Elaine, of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Gary and wife, Elizabeth, of Stapleton, Neb.; sister-in-law, Juanita and husband, Bernie, sister-in-law, Verle; brother-in-law, Rex, and wife, Kenda; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
     Wayne passed on to a more peaceful, pain-free life at Cheyenne County Hospital on Thursday, March 27, 2008.
     Funeral services were held at the Bird City United Methodist Church on Monday, March 31, 2008, with burial at the Bird City Cemetery.
     Memorial gifts can be made on Wayne's behalf to Cheyenne County Hospital for their superior care or other donation of your choice.

    Lloyd Leslie Kinder was born Oct. 15, 1929, in Imperial, Neb. to Jacob H. and Rachel I. (Anderson) Kinder.
     As a young man, Lloyd grew up and attended school in Imperial, graduating from Chase County High School in 1948.
     That October, Lloyd enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in September of 1952, and continued his education at Park's Aeronautical Engineering college in St. Louis, Ill. where he graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in Engineering in 1956. Lloyd was employed by McDonald-Douglas and Boeing Company, traveling the world, from 1956 through 1970.
     In that time, he married Marilyn Widger in 1960 at Bloomfield, Colo.
     Lloyd was also employed in environmental and commercial construction from 1971 until 1995. He then returned to Chase County where he made his home.
     Lloyd passed away Thursday afternoon, April 3, 2008, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial. He was 78 years of age.
     Lloyd's hobbies included golfing, hunting, traveling, driving, raising dogs and listening to music. He also enjoyed following the Huskers and our local football teams.
     Survivors include: daughter, Sheila Kinder of Kirkland, Wash.; son, Maridus Kinder and wife, Constance, Franklin, Tenn; son, Terry J. Kinder, Kirkland, Wash.; brother, Wayne "Rusty" Kinder and wife, Colleen, of Imperial, Neb.; numerous nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Andy, James and Zane and one sister Beulah George.
     Memorial services for Lloyd Kinder will be Saturday morning, April 12, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial with Pastor David Kahle officiating.
     Inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
     No visitation, Lloyd chose cremation.
     A memorial has been established to donor's choice.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Helen J. Martindale, 98, of Fort Morgan, Colo., passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at her home. She was born June 8, 1909 in Imperial, Neb. to Herbert and Maude Crandall. She graduated from Chase County High School and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
     On July 5, 1928, Helen married Lester Martindale.
     Helen had farming interests in Washington County, Colo., and she taught in the Akron Schools before retiring in 1974. Helen was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Ruth-Elizabeth Circle of the Church, PEO, TTT and a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years.
     Survivors include her daughters, Bonnie Dorn and Opal Martindale Brown; grandchildren, Doug Dorn and his wife Kim, Catherine Brown Furness and Chris Brown; great grandchildren, Mariah, Brennan and Colin Furness, Adam and Kendra Dorn; and her sister-in-law, Lucille Crandall. Helen also had many acquaintances both in Akron and Fort Morgan, including valued, long-time friends, Velma Cooper and the late Les Cooper of Akron and Margaret and Richard Timpe of Fort Morgan.
     She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister Wilda Denton, a brother Theron Crandall, a son-in-law Dick Dorn and a granddaughter Carol Brown Beste.
     There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Heer Mortuaries & Crematory are entrusted with the cremation arrangements.
     Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Fort Morgan.
     Memorial gifts may be given to the charity of the donor's choice.

    Lula Belle Williams was born on June 1, 1916, on her father's homestead near Lamont, Neb., in northwest Dundy County, to Hiram A. and Fannie L. (Turne) Davis.
     As a young girl she attended the Broad Valley School District #59 through the eighth grade and attended Sunday school in Lamont.
     Lula married Royce Oren Williams on Oct. 13, 1936, in Wray, Colo. and the couple settled on the Williams' homestead in northwest Dundy County.
     In 1969, after the death of Royce's father, they purchased the ranch and made it their home until Royce's death in 1998.
     Lula continued to live on the ranch and in 2006 celebrated 100 years of Williams' ownership with family and friends.
     Lula received The Homestead Plaque from Dundy County in 2007.
     Lula passed away Monday evening, April 7, 2008, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial, Neb. She was 91 years of age.
     Lula enjoyed gardening, growing indoor plants and she especially loved her cats. She also loved to ride horses in her younger years.
     Survivors include: son, Rex Williams and wife, Kay, of Haigler, Neb.; son, Max Williams and wife, Pauline, Topeka, Kan.; daughter, Evelyn Bronzynski and husband, Don, of Norfolk, Neb.; daughter, Shirley Corrons and husband, Jim, of Truth or Consequences, NM; daughter, Sharon Statz and husband, Bud, of Champion, Neb.; daughter, Carolyn Morrison and husband, Randy, of Pierce, Colo.; daughter, Marilyn Ellis and husband, Duane, Tyrone, Ga.; 24 grandchildren, Ricky Williams and wife Linda, Terry Rapue and wife Rita, Denise Rapue, Bonnie Jesienouski and husband Rod, Candy Angrisani and husband Ed, Glenn Rapue, Patty Byrd and husband Larry, Dana Williams, Kevin Williams and wife Vicki, Kelly Szabo, Lori Bronzynski, Greg Bronzynski and wife Jayne, Lacey Roberts and husband Jesse, Brook Vincent and husband Craig, Joe Jackson and wife Dolores, Michelle Jackson and husband Raymond, Frank Jackson and wife Anita, Coletta Clouse and husband Dave, Sandy O'Neil and husband Shannon, Steve Statz and wife Lila, Richard Morrison, Melinda Neeley and husband Seth, Ashley Ellis and Brian Ellis; 40 great grandchildren; 11 great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Majorie Williams of Aurora, Colo.; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Royce, son Eugene and great grandson Matthew Williams.
     Funeral services for Lula will be held Saturday afternoon, April 12, 2008, 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Imperial was Pastor Kay Alnor and Rev. Francis Baker officiating.
     Interment will follow at Crete Cemetery, Champion, Neb.
     Visitation will be held Friday afternoon, April 11, 2008, 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home in Imperial.
     A memorial has been established in Lula's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Leonard Jablonski was born on June 10, 1926 in Valley County near Ord, Neb. He was the second of six children born to James and Helen Silver Jablonski. He grew up in the Elyria community where he attended rural school.
     Leonard moved to Perkins County, Neb., as a young man, and found farm work with the Knebel and Nodlinski families.
     Leonard joined the United States Army in 1950 during the Korean War and served in the Corps of Engineers. After his discharge in 1952 he returned to Perkins County.
     Leonard was married to Joyce Russell on Dec. 27, 1952 in Ogallala, Neb. They made their home west of Grant, Neb. and three children were born to this union.
     In 1955 the family moved to the Blanche community in Chase County where Leonard continued to farm. Joyce died in 1961 and Leonard continued to raise his three young children.
     The family moved to Grant in 1966 and Leonard worked for Brown Chemical and later for the Grant Coop fertilizer division. Leonard bought the Grant Conoco service station from Gary Cockerill and operated it until 1984. After he left the service station he served as the Pioneer seed corn distributor in the Grant area.
     Leonard suffered a stroke in the middle of February and died early Saturday morning, March 29, 2008 at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. He had reached the age of 81.
     Leonard was civic minded and had been an active member of the Grant American Legion Post. He had served on the Grant Volunteer Fire Department for several years and served on the Planning Commission for the City of Grant. In his retirement, Leonard spent many hours researching and had a keen interest in genealogy of the Jablonski family.
     In addition to his parents and his wife, Leonard was preceded in death by one brother, Ray, and one sister, Lorraine.
     He is survived by two sons, Randy and his wife Hiedi of Champion, Neb.; and Rick of rural Elsie, Neb.; one daughter, Kristi Musick of Cozad, Neb.; nine granchildren and five great-grandchildren; one brother, Ernie in New Hampshire; two sisters, Pat Robbins of Ogallala and Irene Harris of Loup City, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
     Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at the Grant Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Pfeiffer officiating.
     Burial was in the Paxton Cemetery with a military tribute.
     A memorial has been established to the Grant American Legion Post. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Reinhold LaVern Gloy was born to William Edward Gloy and Elizabeth (Boehmer) Gloy on the family farm north of Grant Dec. 14, 1911, the second of five children. He passed away at the Chase County Community Hospital early Sunday, March 30, 2008 at the age of 96 after a brief illness.
     Reinhold was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on Jan. 1, 1912 and was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on March 28, 1926. Trinity Lutheran is located between Grant and Ogallala, and was just one mile from the family farmstead.
     He attended country school through the ninth grade and then worked on the family farm with his father. On Sept. 6, 1938, he was united in marriage with Edith Margaret Pankonin at Trinity Lutheran, a union of 69 years.
     To this union, four children were born-Julana Jean, Trudy LaVonne, Naomi Ann and Ronald Emil.
     In 1944, Reinhold followed his desire to ranch and the family moved to a ranch along the Stinking Water Creek 15 miles north of Wauneta. Over the years, the ranch grew to 1,800 acres along with 120 acres of farm ground. Reinhold was among the first ranchers to introduce the Black Angus breed to the area and fed cattle for himself and others.
     He and Edith continued to live on the ranch until 1972 when they purchased a home on the North Divide six miles north of Wauneta. In 1976, Reinhold retired and sold his cattle herd and machinery, focusing on his new hobbies-woodworking and gardening.
     Reinhold was involved in numerous activities during his life.
     His parents instilled in him a strong Christian foundation, a foundation that was passed on to his children and led to his strong involvement in the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. His relationship with Christ and the church proved to be an important and rewarding aspect of his life. He taught Sunday School for many years, served on numerous boards and committees within the church and helped build the Redeemer Church in Wauneta.
     He started the first Wauneta school bus route after the Blanche school merged with Wauneta, hauling kids to school with his own vehicle. The school later purchased a school bus and he drove it for another three years, with Edith succeeding him for another 17 years. He also drove the school activity bus for nearly 20 years.
     He and Edith started the Blanche Community 4-H Club and worked with many young people over the years.
     They enjoyed square dancing and held weekly dances in the haymow of their ranch barn for many years and included the children of the parents in dancing activities.
     Reinhold served on the Chase County Fair Board, the Coop board, was a long-time member and past president of the Chase County Farm Bureau, and was a winner of the Soil Conservation Family Farm Award.
     He especially enjoyed singing and was known for his deep bass voice. He sang bass as a long-time member of the Prairie Statesmen Barbershop Chorus in McCook.
     Reinhold was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Julana, who died in 1958 at the age of 15, and his son, Ronald, who died in 2006 from cancer; brothers Harold Gloy, Leonard Gloy and sister Eleanor Hodde.
     Survivors include wife Edith, daughter Trudy Skelton and husband, Jerry, of Surprise, Ariz.; daughter Naomi Brown and husband, Jim, of Escondido, Calif.; daughter-in-law Pam Gloy of Ogallala, Neb., sister Hulda Pankonin of Grant, and sisters-in-law Marian Hodde of Grant and Betty Gloy of Ogallala.
     Grandchildren include Lucas Skelton and wife, Susan, of Scottsdale, Ariz., Todd Skelton and wife, Kim, of Wittmann, Ariz., Troy Skelton and wife, Evelyn, of Wauneta, Monty Skelton and wife, Wendy, of Glendale, Ariz., Melissa Ard and husband, Robert, of Twentynine Palms, Calif., Benjamin Brown and wife, Tori, of Livermore, Colo., Gretchen
     Nowak and husband, John, of Ogallala, and Rachel Ervin and husband, Brian, of Ogallala.
     Great grandchildren include Macayla, Kinsley and Lacie Skelton, Colby and Emma Skelton, Gage, Caleb and Brenna Skelton, Isabella Ard, Marlee Ervin, and Landon Nowak.
     Other survivors include numerous nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends.
     Funeral services for Reinhold Gloy will be held Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery.
     Memorials in memory of Reinhold can be made to to the Redeemer Lutheran Church or a memorial of choice.

    Floyd Kenneth Carman was born March 27, 1926, on a farm near Kearney, Neb., to Harry J. and Clara (Hitzelburger) Carman. As a young man he was baptized and confirmed at Peak Lutheran Church near Kearney. Floyd grew up and attended school in Kearney graduating from High School in 1944.
     He entered the U.S. Army in July of that same year and served in the Army Artillery, 41st Division of the 146th Field Artillery Battalion during the Pacific Theatre of WWII. After his discharge in August of 1946, he returned to the Kearney area where in 1949 he married Freeda Thomas and to this union three children were born: Jack, Jim and Diane.
     In 1960 he moved west with his family to the Imperial, Nebraska area where he started Carman Land Leveling Company.
     Floyd retired in Imperial and made the community his home until his death on Wednesday afternoon, March 26, 2008. He was 81 years of age.
     Floyd had many hobbies including playing pitch. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Freeda; brothers, Marlin and Larry; sister, Judy.
     Survivors include: long time companion, Goldie O'Neil of Imperial; sons, Jack Carman and wife, Mary, of Imperial and Jim Carman and wife, Kim, of Bella Vista, Ark; daughter, Diane Pfortmiller and husband, Tim, of Bella Vista, Ark; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, brother, Lonnie Carman of Fruitland, Idaho; sisters, Joyce Wood of Kearney and Lois Stidd of Indianapolis, Ind.
     Graveside Inurnment services for Floyd Carman were held Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2008, 2 p.m. (CT) at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Neb.
     No visitation, Floyd chose cremation.
     In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to St. Jude's Hospital for Children.
     Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of arrangements.

    Margie Deane (Ferrel) Machart, 84, Independence, MO., died Sunday, March 16, 2008, at the Monterey Park Nursing Center.
     Margie, born Sept. 7, 1923, in Lamar, Neb., to Grover and Alta (Hall) Ferrel, graduated high school in Holyoke, Colo., then attended Business College, Denver. She married Dale Machart Nov. 11, 1942, Margie was instrumental in organizing the girls' programs of Skylarks and Orioles in the Eastern Colorado District. She was President of PTA. She spent 10 years in Bible study fellowship and community Bible study as a student and an instructor of Children's classes. She was a "Professional" volunteer. Many Sundays she could be found teaching children in Sunday School and/or playing the organ for church services. Margie wrote and helped produce a set of seven cloth children's scripture books. Dale and Margie moved to Independence in 1991, and were active members of Waldo Restoration Branch, then South Crysler Restoration Branch.
     Margie was preceded in death by daughters, Becky Carrick and Kathy Machart, her parents, brother and nephew.
     She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dale Machart; daughter, Jeanie Hazelrigg and husband, Randy, of Independence; a son-in-law, Mark Carrick; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a nephew; and two nieces.
     Funeral services were March 19 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, Independence, Mo. Burial was in Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, Mo.
     Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com.
     Arrangements were under the direction of the Speaks Suburban Chapel, Independence, Mo.

    Vincen Beard was born to Oath and Mabel Beard of Lamar, Neb. Jan. 15, 1919.
     He was married to Iliene Tatum of Yoder, Wyo. Sept. 15, 1946 at Torrington, Wyo., and they cele­brated 61 years of marriage.
     He was baptized Jan. 27, 1992 at First Christian Church of Holyoke.
     He spent many long and happy hours fishing and hunting with his family and friends. In his retirement years he enjoyed working with his wife in the garden and yard.
     Vincen died March 19, 2008 after a short illness.
     He is survived by his wife, Iliene, of Holyoke, Colo.; one brother, Max Beard of Imperial, Neb.; two sisters, Thelma Gibbs of Holdrege, Neb. and Lois Bussell of Loveland, Colo.; five children, Barb Statz and husband, Bob, of Holyoke, Colo., Danny Beard of Marion, Ark., Tim Beard of Trinidad, Colo., Patty Coyne of Holyoke, Colo. and Deb Devlin of Bremerton, Wash; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.
     He is preceded in death by his parents, one infant daughter, three sisters and three brothers.
     He will be missed by his family and friends as well as two faithful pets, Sam and Jerry.
     Memorial service for Vincen was held Friday, March 21, 2008, at First Christian Church of Holyoke, Colo. with Pastor Jim Blake officiating. Services concluded at the church.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Vincen Beard Memorial Fund, 146 N. Coleman, Holyoke, Colo. 80734.
     Arrangements were entrusted to Gerk Funeral Home.

    Father Zygmund Rydz, a retired priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, died unexpectedly Monday, March 24 at the Bonacum House for Retired Priests in Lincoln. He was 87.
     Father Rydz celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination at the Chrism Mass on Monday of Holy Week, March 17.
     At the banquet that followed the Chrism Mass, Father Rydz recounted for the priests of the diocese his journey to the priesthood.
     Born in Poland Feb. 9, 1921, Father Rydz was in the seminary studying for the priesthood when Poland was overrun by the Nazis in 1939. The rector of the seminary told the seminarians that the seminary would be closed until further notice and that the students were to go home.
     Several days later while on his way to his parish church, a German Messerschmitt fighter plane attacked and strafed Father Rydz and others who were with him. Father Rydz lay down in a ditch to avoid being shot. While others immediately around him were shot and killed, Father Rydz was spared. He credited the Blessed Virgin Mary with saving his life.
     After Poland capitulated, Father Rydz made his way to Beruit, Lebanon, where he joined the British Army. He eventually returned to seminary studies and after several more harrowing experiences, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Louis Kucera in St. Mary Cathedral in Lincoln on March 27, 1948.
     Father Rydz served as assistant pastor in Beatrice, Lawrence and Lincoln. In 1952 Father Rydz studied at Pius X School of Music in New York State. He later put his love of music to use as a teacher of Sacred Music at Pius X High School in Lincoln.
     In addition, he taught music at each of the Catholic grade schools in Lincoln in the 1950s.
     Father Rydz served as pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Julian; St. Paul Parish, Dunbar (now closed) and St. Clara Parish in Peru from 1958 to 1964.
     He later served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Imperial and St. John Parish in Wauneta from 1964 to 1979.
     While in Imperial, Father Rydz was active in the planting of thousands of trees in the Enders Lake area. He was chairman of the Enders Lake Woodland Association.
     He had a keen interest in astronomy and wrote a regular column in the Imperial Republican.
     In 1979 Father Rydz was appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish in Ashland and St. Joseph in Greenwood, a position he held until his retirement from the active ministry in 1986. In retirement, Father Rydz filled in for many priests in parishes across the diocese. He moved to Bonacum House earlier this year.
     Father Rydz is survived by one sister in Poland.
     A rosary will be prayed for Father Rydz Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m. in St. Wenceslaus Church in Wahoo. Father Rydz's funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 29 beginning at 10 a.m. in St. Wenceslaus Church in Wahoo. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo.
     Svoboda Funeral in Wahoo is in charge of arrangements.

    Mary Ann Barnes was born on April 24, 1914 at Canby Precinct, Chase County, Neb., to John E. and Jane Ellen (Clark) Edwards.
     As a youngster she grew up in the Canby Precinct and attended the Chase School until the eighth grade.
     Mary married Charles Wille Barnes on April 18, 1931 in Oberlin, Kan. They settled on the north divide of Wauneta. To this union was born a son, Charles "Keith." In 1989 her great grandson, Charlie came to the loving care of Mary.
     Mary was a great helper on the farm raising chickens, pigs and milking the cows. She also worked in Wauneta at a cafe. After Charlie's passing in 1958 their son, Keith, and wife, Shirley, came back to the Barnes homeplace.
     In 1968 they moved to Imperial where she made her home to the present. She worked at the Imperial Manor for several years until her retirement at 71.
     Mary passed away Monday morning, March 24, 2008 at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial. She was 93 years 11 months.
     Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, watching wrestling and following Charlie's wrestling throughout his schooling. Doing things with grandchildren and great grandchildren were many joys of Mary's. In her earlier days she enjoyed going to barn dances where her dad played his accordian. She could cut a pretty step and continued singing until her passing. She was also a past member of the VFW Auxiliary in Imperial.
     Survivors include son, Charles "Keith," and wife, Regina, of Imperial; daughter-in-law, Shirley Barnes of Imperial; seven grandchildren, Duane Barnes of Exeter, Deb Nichols and husband, Mike, of Exeter, David Barnes and wife, Mary, of Ogallala, Dwight Barnes and wife, Sherry, of Imperial, Diane Vandike and husband, Tony of Bird City, Kan., Daryl Barnes of Imperial and Daniel Barnes of Omaha; 20 great grandchildren and 15 great, great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
     Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles, in 1958; brothers, Edward, William and Isaac Edwards; two sisters, Agnes Bussell and Ellen Thomas; a brother in infancy and a great grandson, Davey Barnes.
     Services were held at the United Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon, March 26, 2008 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Music was by Kristol Cummings, a great granddaughter and accompanied by Marcia Bauerle.
     Casketbearers were Duane Barnes, David Barnes, Dwight Barnes, Daryl Barnes, Daniel Barnes and Charlie Barnes.
     Honorary pallbearers were Deb Nichols, Diane Vandike and all the great grandchildren.
     A memorial has been established in Mary's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of the arrangements.

    Kathryn Virginia (Foster) Todd was born Feb. 19, 1914 at Imperial, Neb. and died on Feb. 17, 2008 at Plantation, Fla.
     Kathryn was the daughter of the late P.N. (Nick) Foster and the late Mabel S. (Meeker) Foster. (Nick was the manager of the Kilpatrick Bros. south ranch east of Champion.)
     She attended school in Imperial and the University of Nebraska where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.
     Kathryn married the late Albert H. Todd in 1938 and this union lasted for 64 years. They had no children.
     During the war while her husband was serving overseas, she was engaged in clerical work at the Lincoln Army Airfield.
     They lived in Lincoln, St. Louis, Mo. and for many years in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Florida was good to them both.
     Her siblings were the late Watson W. Foster of Imperial and the late Evelyn June (Foster) Davis, who for many years lived in Beatrice.
     Everyone who met her was affected by her warmth, loving presence and her deep faith in the Almighty.
     She is survived by her nephews John N. Davis of Florissant, Colo. and William F. Davis of Las Vegas, Nev.

    Karl Raymond Kirwan was born April 6, 1963, at North Platte, Neb. to Myron (Mike) and Jean (Larreau) Kirwan.
     As a young man, he attended school in Paxton and Venango, graduating from Chase County High in Imperial, Neb. in May of 1981.
     Karl continued his education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and the University of Texas, Dallas, where he earned a degree in economics. Karl then worked in Dallas and Maimi, moving to Connecticut where he married Renea Zeh on May 17, 1998, in Greenwich.
     Karl continued his career as a stock broker moving with Renea to New York and working on Wall Street. His employment included investments and Karl recently was working in Ireland and other European countries with the Westminster Securities Corporation. He was a member of the New York Stock Exchange as a Managing Director in Investment Banking.
     Karl passed away Friday, March 7, 2008, in Dublin, Ireland. He was 44 years of age.
     Karl had many hobbies and interests including photography, bird watching, deer hunting and fishing with his family. Karl was a big Husker fan and played in the UNL Marching Band for three years. He was an avid reader and loved to travel especially to Ireland, his favorite.
     Survivors include wife, Renea, of Calverton, NY; parents, Mike and Jean Kirwan of Imperial, Neb.; sister, Karen Weiner and husband, Richard, of Charlotte, NC; brother, Kris Kirwan and wife, Ana, of Charlotte, NV; three nieces, Chelsea Weiner, Jocelyn Weiner and Katherine Kirwan; two nephews, Grant Weiner and Brian Kirwan.
     He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathie and brother, Michael.
     Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning, March 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. (MT) at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Pianist was Mr. Rob Browning and soloists were Gary Joe Bragg and Christy Clark Boggs.
     Choir selection was by CCHS Show Choir and The 9th Street Singers.
     Casketbearers were Mark Cahow, Gary Joe Bragg, Larry Castle, Kurt Johnson, Jim Tomky and Roy Grosbach.
     Honorary casketbearers were Ken Erickson, Steve Browning, Terry Mills, Dean Weinman, David Noetzelman, Mike Irwin and Darren Weinman.
     Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
     Memorials have been established to the North Fork Animal Welfare League, Main Road Home, P.O. Box 315, Cutchogue, NY 11935 or the American Heart Association, 1550 South 70th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68506.
     Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of arrangements.

    Mary Anglin, age 85, of Yukon, passed away Thursday Feb. 28, 2008 in Yukon.
     She was born Feb. 12, 1923 in Lamar, Neb. and had been living in the OKC area for the last 40 years, spending the last 10 in Yukon.
     Mary was a teacher and had taught school in New Mexico, Colorado and OKC, where she retired.
     She was a charter member of Central Oklahoma Chapter of Embroiderers' Guild of America and the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. Mary was also a member and past president of the metro area of Kappa Kappa Iota, member of Oklahoma Foreign Language Teachers Assoc., American Institute of Discussion, Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association and OU Medical Center Faculty Wives.
     She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Lee.
     Mary is survived by her husband, Dr. J. Hill Anglin, of the home; daughters, Dianne Bielstein and husband, Van, of OKC, and Cyd Anglin McInerney and granddaughter, Heather Cecilia McInerney, both of San Antonio, Texas; brothers, David Miller of Elgin, Ill. and Dr. James R. Miller of Huntsville, Texas; sister, Lois Stevens of Salem, Ore., and sister-in-law, Bettie Lou McCord of Logan, NM.
     A memorial service was held Monday, March 3, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Spanish Cove Plaza in Yukon with a reception following in Spanish Cove Atrium.
     A private family burial was held in Rose Hill Burial Park in OKC.
     Memorials may be made to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, 1700 N.E. 63, OKC, OK 73111.
     Friends may sign the online guest book at www.smith-turnermortuary.com
     Services were under the direction of Smith & Turner Mortuary, Yukon.

    Mello John Langenfeld left this earth on Thursday, March 6 to fly high with the angels.
     Mel is survived by his wife, Kathleen, whom he married on Oct. 17, 1953. Together they shared the next 54 years and raised two wonderful daughters and four loving sons.
     He was born on April 10, 1925. His parents were William F. Langenfeld and Ludvina Kohles Langenfeld.
     He attended Saint Joseph School in Earling and graduated from Creighton University. He taught school at Neola and Paton, Iowa. He started working for John Deere in 1952.
     He married Kathleen Emma Assmann of Dunlap, Iowa. They resided in Council Bluffs, Iowa until 1969. During this time, they were blessed with seven children.
     In 1969 Mel purchased an interest in Midwest Sales & Service and the family moved to Imperial.
     He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and served as president. He was active in Rotary. He was an active member of Saint Patrick's Church. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He served on the Imperial City Council. He was a very active community member.
     Mel owned Midwest Tire Center. He purchased the local GM dealership and operated Langenfeld Motors.
     Upon retirement he continued to work at Wendell's Fertilizer at Lamar.
     He enjoyed traveling to visit family and was an avid card player and could be found every Saturday night with the Weiss, Bilka and Terryberry crowd! He took up golf as a way of socializing with friends and family. He will be missed by the Canadian Club. Mel will always be remembered because of his big heart; always willing to lend a hand. He will be especially missed by his grandchildren, who were the center of his universe.
     Mello John Langenfeld was preceded in death by his parents, William F Langenfeld and Ludvina Kohles; two sisters, Rita Schecinger and Gladys Dolan; one son, Mel; one granddaughter, Raechel Langenfeld and most of his friends.
     He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; children, Connie and husband, Jeff Pribbeno, of Imperial, Bill of Cool, Calif., Gary of Scottsdale, Ariz., Ruth and husband, Dean Eechaute, of Warrenton, Mo.; Mike and wife, Susie, of Cool, Calif.; John and wife, Cyndi, of Wiggins, Colo. He leaves 16 grandchildren to mourn him: Natasha and Tabitha Langenfeld of Sacramento, Calif., Logan Pribbeno of San Francisco, Calif.and Max Pribbeno of Fort Collins, Colo.; Cameron Langenfeld of Corte Madera, Calif.; Brady, Harrison and Eliot Langenfeld of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Mitchell and Matthew Eechaute of Warrenton, Mo.; Sophie and Frank Langenfeld of Cool, Calif.; Coby, Cory and Katie Langenfeld of Wiggins, Colo.
     He was blessed with one great granddaughter born one week before his passing, Madelyn Marie Huddelston. They passed each other on their journeys. Mel had no greater joy in life than spending time with his grandchildren.
     Rosary was Monday, March 10, 2008, 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imperial, Neb.
     Funeral mass was Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imperial with Father Bernard Lorenz officiating.
     Organist was Mrs. Marcy Nesbitt and soloist was Mr. Ronnie Moritz.
     Cantor was Mrs. Jeanette Munger.
     Casketbearers were Logan Pribbeno, Max Pribbeno, Dave Benge, Ed Lee, Joe Weiss, Terry Bilka, Cameron Langenfeld, Brady Langenfeld, Matthew Langenfeld, Mitchell Eechaute, Coby Langenfeld, Cory Langenfeld, Harris Langenfeld and Frank Langenfeld.
     Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial, Neb.
     Liewer Funeral home was in charge of arrangements.

    Mary Magdalen Mullanix was born Nov. 28, 1917, in Cass County, near Avoca, Neb., to Nicholas Louis and Clara Helen (Jorgensen) Kohl.
     As a young girl she moved with her parents to Chase County, Neb. where she grew up and attended school, graduating from Chase County High School in 1935.
     She then went on to attend Barnes Business College in Denver, Colo. for two years.
     She worked for Meadow Gold for two years and one year for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
     Mary was united in marriage to Laurence Thomas Mullanix on Oct. 26, 1946, at Grant, Neb.
     The couple then settled and farmed near Lamar, Neb. until 1972, when they moved into Imperial proper.
     Mary had recently moved to Hutchison, Kan. due to health reasons, returning to Imperial in December of 2007.
     She passed away Saturday night, March 8, 2008, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, Imperial. She was 90 years of age.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Laurence; son, Robert; and one infant brother.
     Survivors include: daughter, Lora O'Brien and husband, Dan, of McCook; son, Dave Mullanix and wife, Colleen, of Lamar, Neb.; daughter, Maribeth Dawson and fiance, Zan Borders, of Hutchison, Kan.; son, Russ Mullanix and wife, Darla, of Gordon, Neb.; son, Dan Mullanix and wife, Janie, of Champion, Neb.; son, Phil Mullanix of Imperial; 15 grandchildren, Karrie and Kristen O'Brien, Erin (O'Brien) Ryan, Stephanie Stevens, Jackie Mullanix, Shawnna Silvius, Corey Kepler, Teel, Trevor, Travis and Tyler Mullanix, Tess Welbig, Tony Schaible, Laurence and Nick Mullanix; 14 great-grandchildren, Riley O'Brien, Tate, Carter and Creighton Ryan, Sheridan and Allison Silvius, Chase and Levi Kepler, Peyton Mullanix, Avery, Shelby and Shayla Welbig, Sarah, Samantha and Anthony Schaible.
     A Rosary for Mary Mullanix was recited Tuesday evening, March 11, 2008, 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Imperial, with the Funeral Mass following Wednesday morning, March 12, 2008, 10 a.m. also at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Fr. Bernard Lorenz officiating.
     Organist was Mrs. Marcy Nesbitt with Mr. Ronnie Moritz as soloist.
     Casketbearers were Ron Dart, Dewayne Kuehn, Teel Mullanix, Vince Ryan, Larry Browning and Rob Browning.
     Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
     A memorial has been established to the Imperial Public Library.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Harold "Punk" Statz was born April 14, 1937 at Imperial, Neb. He passed away March 5, 2008 at his home at the age of 70.
     Harold was the oldest of ten children born to Fred and Dorothy Statz. He attended District 8 School for eight years before graduating from Chase County High School in 1955. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 206 from Champion where he earned the Eagle Scout Award.
     Harold held many jobs after graduating from high school some of which included picking peaches in Colorado, canning tomatoes at a factory, working on a sheep ranch in South Dakota and building the elevators in Imperial. After this time he began working for Layne Western in Omaha, Neb. He retired from them after working for 43 years. After retirement he enjoyed working for Camp Crossed Arrows Girl Scout camp where he was care taker until his death. He enjoyed seeing the deer and the turkeys that would come around while he was eating breakfast and working.
     On Sept. 2, 1961, he married Ann Jones and they adopted a daughter on Nov. 13, 1979. They were married for 46 years. They resided in Fremont before moving to Camp Crossed Arrows at Nickerson, Neb.
     In Harold's spare time he enjoyed beating anyone who dared to play him a game of cribbage. He also enjoyed going to his brothers' farm and spending time with him driving the combine and deer hunting. He had a love for gardening and often had various vegetable plants growing in his basement that he started from seed in March. He loved being able to share his plants and vegetables with all his friends and neighbors.
     Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Ruth; a brother Bill; father-in-law Anthony Jones; sister-in-law Linda Brady; brother-in-law Roger Thelen and brother-in-law Jim Hern.
     He is survived by wife, Ann of Nickerson; daughter, Lisa; grandson Drew Statz and granddaughter Amber Gaver all of Blair; four brothers, Robert and wife Barbara of Holyoke, Colo., Ralph and wife Linda of Holyoke, Colo, Leon and wife Jean of Lebanon, Ky. and Bud and wife Sharon of Champion; three sisters, Kathy Hern, Pauline Patterson and Carla Croner all of Tucson, Ariz.; mother-in-law Dorothy Jones of Ft. Calhoun; two sisters-in-law Sue Dale and husband Dick of Omaha and Louise Thelen of Dakota Dunes, S.D.; uncle Don Knight of Rockville, Md.; numersous nieces and nephews and a host of many friends.
     Services were held at Moser Memorial Chapel on March 8, 2008 at 10:00 in Fremont, NE. Interment was held at Moser Cemetery.
     Pallbearers were Drew Statz, Adam Thelen, John Thelen, Bud Statz, Steven Statz, Shannon O'Neil and David Clouse. Honorary pallbearer was Amber Gaver.

    Karl Kirwan, age 44, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2008, in Dublin, Ireland.
     Survivors include: wife, Renea of Calverton, N.Y.; parents, Mike and Jean Kirwan of Imperial; sister, Karen Weiner and husband, Richard of Charlotte, N.C.; brother, Kris Kirwan and wife, Ana of Charlotte, N.C.; three nieces and two nephews.
     Funeral services are scheduled for Wed., March 19, at 11 a.m. at Imperial First United Methodist Church.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Margaret Grace Schilz was born Aug. 24, 1923 on a farm northwest of McCook, Neb. to Jacob and Nellie (Spurgeon) Schilz.
     As a young girl she attended a nearby county school and helped with household chores.
     Margaret married Al Heskett on Aug. 29, 1944, at Immaculate Conception Church in Westerly, R.I., where Al was stationed in the Navy. They returned to the McCook area and lived on Al's family farm northwest of McCook.
     In 1968, the family moved to Imperial where Margaret worked at the Imperial Republican and later as Activities Director at the Imperial Manor.
     Margaret was an active member of St. Patrick's Church, Imperial and a member of the Altar Society. She enjoyed her family, friends, garden and loved to fish.
     Margaret passed away Sunday morning, March 2, 2008, at Franklin County Hospital, Franklin, Neb., at the age of 84.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; infant daughter, Janice; son, Kirk; brothers, Leo, Bernard and Gene and sister, Florence.
     Survivors include daughters, Marilyn Iverson of Imperial, Vivian Brown and husband, Jerry, of Lexington, Neb., Nancy Terryberry and husband, Tom, of Imperial, Lois Silvester and husband, Kim, of Champion, Carla Colton and husband, Charley, of Imperial and sons, Douglas Heskett and wife, Julie, of Omaha, Neb., Ernest Heskett and wife, Vicky, of Imperial, Craig Heskett and wife, Debora, of York, Neb.; 34 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Hampton of California and brothers, William Schilz of McCook and Rich Schilz of Arvada, Colo.
     Rosary was recited on Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated today, Thursday morning, March 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
     Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
     Music provided by Kim Silvester, soloist, Jeanette Munger, Cantor and Marcy Nesbitt, organist.
     Casketbearers are Mark Heskett, Terry Nelson, Rick Nelson, Randy Hill, Charlie Mack and Steve Leibbrandt.
     A memorial has been established in Margaret's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Elsie Rosa Kessler was born May 27, 1918, at Hiawatha, Dundy County, Neb. to Joseph Guy and Ella O'Tillie (Talmon) Hendrix.
     Elsie attended school at District #12, at Hiawatha. She met her future husband to be, Michael Andrew Kessler, when he came to Dundy County from Kansas in the 1930's to work for several area farmers, one of which was her father.
     Elsie and Mike were married on Oct. 11, 1937, at Imperial, Neb. After their marriage they bought and moved onto a farm in the Hiawatha community. Elsie continued to live on the farm after Mike's death in 1996 until her health started to fail in the 2000's. At that time she made the Heritage of Wauneta Care Center her home until the time of her death.
     Elsie passed away Thursday evening, Feb. 28, 2008, at the Chase County Community Hospital. She was 89 years of age.
     Elsie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Mike, in 1996.
     Survivors include daughter, Cheryl Hamilton and husband, Richard, of Wauneta.
     Private family inurnment services were held at Mount Hope Cemetery with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating.
     A memorial has been established in her memory
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Merle Genevieve Newman Bock was born Feb. 10, 1923, at Chase, Neb., to Harry and Edyth (Tallman) Newman.
     Merle attended grade school at Chase Rural District 66. She graduated from Chase County High School in 1940 and went on to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo.
     Merle moved to California in 1944 and became a Physical Therapist.
     She married Dr. John Bock in June of 1950 and the couple had an office in Inglewood, Calif. for 28 years.
     After retirement, Merle and John moved to Escondido, Calif, where they spent nine summers working for the US Forrest Service.
     After 46 years of marriage, John passed away in 1996 and Merle moved to Imperial in 2001 to be near family.
     Merle passed away Saturday evening, March 1, 2008, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, Imperial, Neb. She was 85 years of age.
     Merle was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Bock; parents, Harry and Edyth Newman; her sister, Maye and husband, Arthur (Boots) Creveling and great-nephew, Dick Creveling.
     Survivors include nephew, Art Creveling and wife, Liz, of Imperial; great-niece, Cindy Norman and husband, Don, of Imperial; great-great-nephews, Donivan Norman and Adam Creveling Johnson; two step-daughters, Pat Crandall and husband, Jim, Melinda Kilmer and husband, Don; seven step-grandchildren, all of California.
     Graveside inurnment services for Merle Bock was held Tuesday afternoon, March 4, 2008, 1 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     A memorial has been established in Merle's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    William "Bill" Horst, 71, a resident of Arnold for the last five years, passed away on March 2, 2008, in his home surrounded by loving family after a long battle with cancer. He loved the Lord and used his illness as a way to tell others.
     William was born August 11, 1936, in Scottsbluff, Neb., one of five children and the third son of Peter and Lydia (Reh) Horst. Both sets of his grandparents were German immigrants who fled the Volga River area in Russia.
     In 1954 he graduated from Scottsbluff High School and continued on to the Junior College there. He furthered his education at Chadron State College, receiving his Master's degrees in Guidance and Administration.
     His first teaching position was on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, then he continued to teach and coach football, basketball, track and wrestling for 42 years in schools around west and central Nebraska. Bill was an outstanding athlete and fierce competitor, with football being his first love. He coached football teams from Ansley, Westholt and Mullen to Championship years.
     After retiring from education at Wauneta, Neb., he spent time enjoying his favorite hobby of restoring and collecting fishing rods and reels. He amassed a large collection and became quite knowledgeable in the history of the various makes and models.
     Preceding him in death are his parents, brother Gerald Horst and a stepson, Mitchell Marsh.
     He is survived by his wife, Diane; four daughters, Debra Boyles (Donny) of Gillette, Wyo., Julia Ann Jones of Casper, Wyo., Risa Horst Langman (David) of Eagle River, Alaska and Heidi Connell (Randy) of Arnold; stepdaughter, Vangie Marsh of Austin, Texas and stepson, Myron Marsh of Omaha, Neb.; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother, Peter Horst Jr. of Oregon and sisters, Janette Cawley (Ray) of Virginia and Sharlene Powell of Denver, Colo; four nieces and six nephews.
     Services will be Thursday, March 6, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Arnold, Neb., at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverends Irvin Jennings and Ben Eichoff officiating. Burial will be in the Arnold Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
     A memorial has been established in his name.
     Arnold Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Kenneth "Pete" Lee Werner was born Sept. 16, 1953, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Art "Shorty" Werner and Rose (Oeseau) Werner.
     He had an eighth grade formal education with a lifetime of self education in auto body work and truck driving.
     He married Gwen (Robbins) Werner on July 1, 1986, in Palestine, Texas. They lived in Palestine until 1993, when they moved to Benkelman, Neb. and finally settled in Imperial.
     Pete passed away early Friday morning, Feb. 29, 2008, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial. He was 54 years of age.
     Pete's hobbies were fixing up cars, building model cars, camping and fishing. His greatest joy was his wife, children and playing with his grandchildren.
     Pete was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patty Miller.
     Survivors include: wife, Gwen of Imperial; daughters, Elizabeth McCrumb and husband, James, of Imperial, Valarie Werner of Wauneta; sons, Tracy Hamby and wife, Christine, of Keene Texas and Christopher Werner of Woodland, Calif.; six grandchildren, Joshua, Cole, Noah, Sarah, Gabriel and Ashton; sister, Barbara Claus and husband, Joe, of Palisade; brothers, David Werner of Palisade and Arthur Werner and wife, Tammy, of Palisade and uncle, John Oeseau and wife, Mary, of Alma, Wisc.
     Funeral services for Pete Werner were held Monday morning, March 3, 2008, 10 a.m. (MT) at the Berean Fundamental Church of Imperial with Pastor John Engbrecht and Rev. Matt Dupeire officiating.
     Interment followed at the Palisade Cemetery, Palisade.
     Casketbearers were Brian Hagen, James Robbins, James McCrumb, Luke Snyder, AC Werner and Jared Brewer.
     A memorial has been established in Pete's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

    Margaret "Margie" Jane (Covert) Cranwell was born on Jan. 12, 1920 to William Franklin and Bertha May (McGaughy) Covert. She died Feb. 22, 2008.
     She was born in an old cement house on the Nebraska/Colorado line, the road curved around the house as the house was built right on the state line.
     Margie rode her horse, Roudy, to school at Pleasant Valley southeast of Holyoke, Colo. through the eighth grade. She and her brother, Roy made the school ride everyday together.
     On Sept. 19, 1938 Margie married Kenneth Sidney Cranwell in Holyoke, Colo. To this union three children Gary, Gene and Beverly were born.
     Margie cleaned house for several families and was employed by the Holyoke School District for many years where she made many friends. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Church while living in Pleasant Valley and later she was a member of the EUB Church in Lamar, Neb. until moving to Holyoke in 1969, at that time, she joined the Holyoke United Metho­dist Church.
     Margie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bertha Covert; her son, Gene; granddaughter-in-law, Melinda and great grandson, Westyn; two sisters, Bernice and Minnie; six brothers, infant Floyd, Lloyd, Orville, Wayne, George "Bud" and stillborn Charles; two nephews and one niece.
     Margie will be greatly missed by her son, Gary, and Vonnie of Broken Bow, Neb.; daughter, Bev, and Lee Struckmeyer and daughter-in-law, Julie Cranewell-Koch, and husband, Duane of Wray/Otis, Colo.; brother, Roy Covert of Platteville, Colo. and sister-in-law, Rae Belle Sicka of Holyoke, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Holyoke, Colo. with Pastor Darrell Dennis officiating.
     Interment followed at the Holyoke Memorial Park.
     Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke was in charge of arrangements.

    Russell Irenus Williams Sr., MD, 96, died peacefully at the Davis Hospice Center on Dec. 13, 2007.
     He was born July 27, 1911 in Wauneta, Neb.
     The Williams family was raised south of Enders in the lake area.
     He married Carleen Steckelberg of Lincoln in 1939 and took up residence in Cheyenne, Wyo. in 1942.
     Dr. Williams graduated in 1936 from the University of Nebraska Medical School, served an internship in Birmingham, Ala. and residencies in Memphis, Tenn. and Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, D.C.
     He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1936, reached the grade of Captain and was honorably discharged in 1942.
     He specialized in ear, nose, throat and eye surgery and pioneered diagnosis and treatment of allergy. Dr. Williams practiced medicine in Cheyenne for 36 years.
     Dr. Williams was instrumental in the establishment of Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wyoming in 1945 and served as its president for ten years. He was the sponsor and director of the Wyoming Post-Graduate courses in allergy and immunology for 28 years, bringing world authorities in the field to Wyoming. In addition, he directed courses by invitation in Tokyo and Australia.
     During his 36 years in practice, Dr. Williams served as president of Wyoming Blue Cross, Wyoming Tuberculosis Association, Laramie County Medical Society, Wyoming State Medical Society, Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, American Rhinologic Society, Colorado Otolaryngological Society and The Pacific Coast Oto-Ophthalmological Society. He also served as Chief of Staff of Memorial Hospital.
     Dr. Williams was vice-president of the prestigious Western Section Triological Society and director of research for the American Society of Ophthalmologic and Otolaryngologic Allergy.
     He was associate professor of ENT Surgery at the Colorado Medical School (emeritus status) and granted emeritus status at the Triological Society, the American Academy of ORL, Head and Neck Surgery, Colorado Allergy Society and the American Association for Clinical Immunology and Allergy.
     Dr. Williams actively participated and maintained membership in 28 different professional medical organizations.
     He contributed to the medical establishment by publishing multiple research articles in professional peer-reviewed journals and writing a book about the management of clinical allergy. He served as surgeon and physician for the U.P Railroad and was on the Warren Air Force Base Advisory Committee.
     Although Dr. Williams had many opportunities to pursue his career in other locations, he chose to live in Wyoming because of his love of the outdoors. He was an avid and accomplished fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting a variety of migratory birds and big game. He also enjoyed rock-hounding, silver-smithing, lapidary work and framing paintings for his wife. Dr. Williams enjoyed volunteering for Cheyenne Frontier Days and became a Heel.
     Dr. Williams is survived by his wife, Carleen; three sons and their wives, Dr. Russell I. and Barbara Williams, Jr. of Cheyenne, Wyo, Dr. P. Brock and Julie Williams of Olathe, Kan. and John G. and Theresa Williams of Laramie, Wyo.; seven grandchildren, Grant Williams, Kathryn Spilotro and husband Daniel, Lancelot Williams, Bryce Williams, Kyle Williams, Dustin Williams and Cheslea Williams and three great-grandchildren.
     A private family memorial service was held.
     Friends who wish may send contributions to The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Meals on Wheels or charity of choice.

    William E. "Bill" Pankonin, 60, died Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb.
     He was born Oct. 2, 1947 to Edward and Gladys (Pollard) Pankonin at Grant, Neb.
     Bill attended country school near Enders, Neb. until the 6th grade, then attended school in Enders for his 7th and 8th grade years. He finished the rest of his schooling in Imperial, Neb.
     On Feb. 12, 1966, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Mae Snyder. This union was blessed with four children: Donald, Sandy, Melinda and Kristie.
     Bill and his family made their home in Chase County, Neb., where he worked as a farmer. It was here, where Bill also began Golden Glove Boxing in 1967 at Grant and Valentine, Neb.
     On May 1, 1980, Bill married Clara Bea Nichols. They made their home in Benkelman and soon Bill adopted Clara's son, Todd.
     Bill worked as a farmer, truck driver, mechanic and a road worker for Dundy County.'
     Bill loved his family very much and looked forward to spending time with both his family and friends. He participated in Golden Glove Boxing for two years and later became interested in building and working on race cars. He raced in Benkelman for several years and won numerous races and trophies. Bill was also a gun enthusiast and enjoyed reloading and shooting his rifles.
     He will be deeply missed by those who came to know him.
     His parents, Ed and Marie Pankonin, precede him in death.
     Survivors include his wife, Clara Pankonin of Benkelman, Neb.; daughters, Sandy Vandike and husband, Denis, of Benkelman, Neb., Melinda Pankonin of McCook, Neb., Kristie Mae Pankonin of Benkelman, Neb.; sons, Donald Pankonin of Imperial, Neb., Todd Pankonin of Benkelman, Neb.; sisters, Gladys Shafer of McCook, Mattie Parrett of Norton, Kan.; brothers, Jim Pankonin and wife, Joyce, of Imperial, Neb., Dick Pankonin of Minatare, Neb.; 12 grandchildren, Philip, Lauren, Victoria, Michael, Christopher, Tyler, Kyle, Brandon, Bradly, Sydney, Michael and Dakota; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     A memorial service celebrating his life was Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with Rev. George Mathews officiating.
     A private inurnment will take place at a later date.
     Memorials may be given in his name. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

    Marcella Tangney, 93, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Juniper Village, Louisville, Colo., on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.
     Born July 2, 1914 in Havelock, Neb., to Aloysius and Eleanora Laux, Marcella earned a BA degree from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1936 with a vocal music major.
     After she married Leonard A. Tangney of Rulo, Neb., on Aug. 8, 1936, the couple moved to Denver, Colo., where Leonard pursued a journalism career with the Denver Catholic Register and the Rocky Mountain News.
     Marcella became a homemaker and also served as soloist and choir director at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
     She was a charter member of Mother of God Catholic Church in Denver and served as choir director and organist until she retired in her early 80s. She also worked as a singer and accompanist for numerous weddings, funerals and quinciñeras in the Denver area, and for a time was a musician on the staff of McConaty Boulevard Mortuaries.
     She was a longtime board member for the Denver Musicians' Society and was honored as a lifetime member. She served for many years as a member and officer of the Mother of God Altar Society, and also of the Golderado Club.
     An avid bridge player, Marcella spent her later years playing cards and caring for the garden in the house she'd lived in since 1946; she especially loved the roses.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her parents, Aloysius and Eleanora Laux; brothers, Aloysius and John Laux; and sisters, Agnes Matteson and Cecilia Griffin.
     Survivors include son, Dennis Tangney of San Francisco, Calif.; daughters, Catherine Howard and Mary Sue Erskine, both of Imperial, Neb., Jeanne Klatka of Arvada, Colo.; sisters, Adelaide Paradise of Alton, Ill. and Bernadette Munson of Arlington, Va.; brother, David Laux of Indianapolis, Ind.; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
     In memory of Marcella, friends and family prayed the Rosary Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. in Mother of God Catholic Church in Denver, with Mass following.
     Soloist was her granddaughter, Lenore Weatherly, of North Platte, Neb.
     Scripture readers were granddaughter, Kayla Klatka of Arvada, Colo., great-grandchildren, Philip Hayes of Fremont, Neb., Matt Hayes of Imperial, Neb. and Shane and Ryan Weatherly of North Platte, Neb.
     The eulogy was given by daughter, Cathy Howard, of Imperial, Neb.
     Cremation took place Wednesday, Feb. 12, with inurnment next to her husband at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Denver.
     Contributions may be sent to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 3629 W. 29th Ave., Denver, Colo. 80211.

    Pauline Fuehrer, long time resident of Imperial, passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 9, 2008, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home. She was 77 years of age.
     Survivors include husband, Don, of Imperial; sister-in-law, Thena Mae Hart of Loveland, Colo.; five nephews and four nieces.
     Funeral services for Pauline Fuehrer will be held Friday morning, Feb. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
     Visitation will be held Thursday afternoon, Feb. 14, 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home in Imperial.
     A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society, First United Methodist Church of Imperial or Donor's Choice.
     A full obituary will follow in a future issue of the Imperial Republican.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    William Bishop Weir was born March 22, 1933, in Lincoln, Neb. and died Feb. 5, 2008 in his home in Imperial from complications due to heart disease.
     Bill was the second son of "Coach" S. Edwin Weir and Josephine (Bishop) Weir.
     He attended the University of Nebraska, majoring in business. He pledged Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity where he developed life long friendships.
     On Sept. 3, 1955, he married Nancy Chamberlin of Lincoln (whom he had been in love with since the 9th grade and patiently waited until she graduated from UNL).
     They moved to Imperial in May of 1956 where he and his partner Ivan Althouse bought Service Insurance Agency. In 1964 he added Real Estate and Appraisals to his occupation. He served the Nebraska Realtors as their President in 1975 and served on the University of Nebraska Water Conference Committee.
     He was passionately involved with the developing area irrigation business that started with a Valley Center Pivot dealership and later with Lindsay Zimmatic. He managed ground for area landowners, was involved with Ross Well Drilling (now Wren's), and was part of popcorn production as a new crop to Chase County which that year totaled three percent of the total global popcorn crop. He worked with John Nolon and Vernon Tropf in Speer Vee livestock operation and promoted bringing potato and onion production to Imperial. He worked with two different land owners to develop the Max and Sage housing additions. Bill built many personal relationships based on trust and hard work.
     He served on the Imperial Manor Board, promoting the building of Imperial Heights and Parkview Manor. In his early years he was active in Jaycees, the Imperial Chamber and Lions Club and was a 50 year member of Masons Purity Lodge 198 and Imperial Methodist Church. In his free time he loved to golf, garden, hunt and was a gourmet cook.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ed Weir Jr., and sister, Helen Pickett.
     He is survived by wife Nancy, and four children: son Joe and wife, Trudy, of Topeka, Kan. and her two boys, Rob and Scott; son Michael Tad with friend Rose of Imperial; daughter Cathy Renk and husband, Jim, their children, Sam and Ellen of Peru, Ill.; Julie Gockley and husband, Joel, children Kale, Lauren and Brit of Imperial.
     Bill was cremated and will be inurned in a family plot in Riverside, Wyo., when the Weir relatives meet for a yearly reunion in Encampment, Wyo. A celebration of his life was held in the family home on Feb. 9 in Imperial.

    Viola Marie Fristrom, 92, of Oklahoma City, Okla., passed away Jan. 23, 2008 at her home in Oklahoma City.
     A former resident of Champion and Imperial, she moved to Oklahoma City 10 years ago to be near her daughter after the death of her husband, Ed Fristrom.
     Survivors include one daughter, one son, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one great great grandson, two sisters-in-law and many other relatives.
     Services and burial were conducted at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Oklahoma City on Jan. 26, 2008.

    Bill Weir passed away at his home on Tuesday morning, Feb. 5, 2008.
     In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to the Imperial Community Foundation.
     Please join Bill's family for a celebration of his life on Sat., Feb. 9, 1-5 p.m. at the house at 106 Yucca Drive, Imperial.
     A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of The Imperial Republican.

    Wilfred Henry Nelson Miller, a lifelong area resident, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2008.
     Wilfred was born Feb. 7, 1913 to Anna Wallin Miller and Locy Nelson Miller on their farm home, 15 miles west of Imperial.
     He attended District 4 school and graduated from Chase County High School in 1932.
     On Dec. 25, 1932 he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Dunbar. To this union three children were born: Murlena, Wilfred (Bill) and Delvis.
     They farmed west of Imperial before retiring in 1978. They moved into Imperial in 1983. Wilfred was active in community affairs, helped organize and get electricity to that area in 1942 and telephone in 1949. He served on the Rural Fire Board and the Chase County Fair Board.
     He was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church until it united with the Methodist Church. He was an active member of Izaak Walton League and the Imperial Lions Club. He loved to hunt and fish and took up golf after retirement.
     Wilfred is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen; his parents; two brothers; two sisters; one daughter-in-law; two grandsons and one great-grandchild.
     He is survived by his daughter, Murlena Beard, and husband, Max, of Imperial; son, Bill, and wife, Susan, of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; son, Delvis of Norton, Kan.; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Imperial with interment following at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial.
     Pianist was Mrs. Marcia Bauerle and singers were Irvin and Garneta Bauerle.
     Casketbearers were Mitch Miller, Albert Beard, Kelly Beard, Richard Beard, Michael Beard, Matthew Beard and Brandon Adamson.
     Honorary casketbearers were Frank Clements, Dean Milner, Nick Schultz, Wes Spickelmier, Alvin Harmon, Marvin Hamilton and Lloyd Wilson.
     Memorials have been established to the United Methodist Church and the Imperial Community Center.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Linda Sue Dreiling was born Oct. 2, 1952, at San Benito, Texas, to J.W. Pauline (Grayson) Holloway.
     As a young lady she grew up and attended school in the Harlingen, Texas area, graduating from Harlingen High School in 1970.
     Linda married Paul L. Dreiling on May 9, 1992, in Lubbock, Texas, where the couple settled and made their home. Linda was employed by Texas Tech University in the payroll department.
     Linda passed away Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, at the Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. She was 55 years of age.
     Linda enjoyed fishing, bowling and camping with the kids.
     Survivors include husband, Paul Dreiling of Lubbock, Texas; sons, Tony Dreiling and Joe Rattcliff of Lubbock, Texas; daughter, Debbie Rattcliff of Lubbock, Texas; brothers, Gary Holloway of Lubbock, Texas and Dennis Holloway and wife, Teresa, of Imperial, Neb.; sister, Debbie Shakespear of Utah; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chris and Mary Dreiling of Imperial, Neb.
     Memorial services for Linda were held Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the First United Metho–dist Church with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Inurnment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial, Neb.
     A memorial has been established in Linda's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Elzada Dougherty, 79, passed away Jan. 13, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nev.
     She was born Nov. 16, 1928 in Imperial, Neb. and was an 18-year resident of Pahrump, Nev.
     She was a lover of all animals and loved taking care of dogs and finding them good homes. She owned her own animal rescue shelter.
     She leaves to mourn son, Terry, and friend, Dana, of Pahrump, Nev.; daughter, Karen Edwards, and husband, Kenny, of Imperial; three grandchildren, Julie Sharp of Imperial, Tim Dougherty of Pahrump, Nev., Tami Jackson of Denver, Colo.; five great-grandchildren, Alex and Jared Sharp of Imperial, Desman and Julian Jackson of Denver, Colo., Alyssa Dougherty of Pahrump, Nev.; two sisters and many loving friends.
     Memorial services were held Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at Lee Funeral Home Chapel, Pahrump, Nev.

    The Omaha athletic community lost a true sports enthusiast and former Creighton University baseball and basketball standout when Robert L. "Bob" Gradoville died early Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008.
     The 83-year-old, a Creighton University multi-letter athlete in the 1950s, died quietly in his sleep after battling congestive heart failure for several months. He had moved to the Papillion Manor near Omaha in September, 2007.
     Born in Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 25, 1924, he attended grade school in Knoxville, Iowa, and graduated from Dowling/St. Joseph High School in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1942 after earning nine athletic letters in baseball, basketball and football. He was rated one of the best high school baseball catchers in the state of Iowa during high school, and was also a top scorer in basketball in the Des Moines area. He was named to Iowa's second team all-state basketball squad in 1942. He also played running back on the high school gridiron.
     After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943, serving in the Pacific Theatre, he was honorably discharged in 1945 and earned a Purple Heart. Gradoville returned to Omaha and enrolled at Creighton University the next year, where he was a standout athlete in baseball and basketball, earning seven letters as a Bluejay (three in basketball, three in baseball, one in football). As a catcher, he was captain of the baseball team his last two years at Creighton. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in English and secondary education.
     He was united in marriage to Rita Ostronic on Aug. 13, 1950.
     His first teaching assignment took him and his new wife to Hartington, Neb., where he spent two years coaching and teaching at Holy Trinity High School. While teaching there, he also played baseball in the summers in the semi-pro Pioneer Night League for the team from Wisner, Neb. He also played for Schuyler, West Point and David City in the Pioneer League.
     He left education after the 1951-52 school year, and took a position with the Veteran's Administration Hospital, where he served as recreation director, director of volunteers, and later, as administrative assistant to the chief of staff. He retired from the VA after nearly 30 years of employment.
     Despite leaving teaching, Bob never lost his love of coaching. He spent 30 years coaching baseball and basketball in Omaha's Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) grade school leagues, and also coached summer baseball teams at the high school level. Because of that, he was fondly known by many as "Coach."
     In 1963 and 1964, his Midget baseball teams earned the runner-up spot in the state. In 1965, he was an assistant coach when Ryan High School's Legion baseball team, known as the Pepsi Team, advanced to the national finals in Aberdeen, S.D., where they finished second.
     Despite his involvement in coaching, he always found time to follow his eight children and grandchildren's athletic accomplishments and other involvements. All four of his sons played for their father's CYO teams. Son Bill, now of Rapid City, S.D., went on to play baseball in college, and was an all-American catcher for Kearney State College in the early 1970s. Two of his grandsons, both catchers, played baseball for Creighton University, and have been drafted.
     Bob was also a long-time member of the Nebraska's Old Timers Baseball Association. He was inducted into the Dowling/St. Joseph High Athletic Hall of Fame in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1997. He was active in his church and veteran's organizations, as well.
     He enjoyed numerous visits to Imperial and made many friends here during the past 30 years.
     Survivors include four sons, Gary and Jean Gradoville of Aurora, Colo., Bill and Patty Gradoville of Rapid City, S.D., Ron Gradoville of Omaha; Mark Gradoville of Fresno, Calif.; four daughters, Jan and Nick Schultz of Imperial, Neb., Lori Gradoville of Papillion, Peggy Gradoville of Lincoln, and Donna and Dave Donham of Omaha; 19 grandchildren, and -four great grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers and two sisters.
     His wife of 53 years, Rita, preceded him in death in 2002.
     A funeral Mass was held Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, in Omaha at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. A rosary and wake service was held on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008.
     A special part of the funeral was the singing of his favorite song, "Prayer of St. Francis," by daughter, Lori Gradoville, and testimonials from his grandchildren. Pall bearers were his six grandsons. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Omaha.
     Memorials are being earmarked for a baseball scholarship at Creighton University.

    Ardith Geraldine McCormick Smith was born March 1, 1909 in Hayes County, NE and passed away at the Heritage of Wauneta on Jan. 18, 2008, at the age of 98 years.
     Geraldine graduated from Palisade High School in 1927.
     Jan. 1, 1930 she married, Clifford C. Smith of Palisade. To this union three children were born.
     Cliff and Geraldine started a cement construction business. One of their accomplishments was building the second largest outdoor swimming pool in Palisade. They had their gasoline transports and auto repair shop until 1942.
     During World War II they lived in Omaha where she worked at the Martin Airplane Bomber Plant as rosie the riveter.
     After the war they moved back to Palisade and continued with their auto repair and Dodge and Plymouth dealership, along with being a housewife, mother and secretary for the business. She worked at the local cafe and a short time at the REA.
     She was a Legion Auxiliary member for over 60 years and a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Amvets Auxiliary, and was also a member of the Palisade Community Foundation.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, C.C. Smith; her parents, Flora-Bel Johnston and Arthur W. McCormick; five brothers, Orie, Earl, Vern, Charlie and James McCormick and one daughter, Isletta Ann Zolper.
     She is survived by her two sons, Billy C. Smith and wife, Beth, of Palisade and Dennis G. Smith and wife, Carol, of Whidby Island, Wash.; 13 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 15 step great grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, 1 p.m. CT at the First United Methodist Church, Palisade, Neb. with Pastor Judy Dye officiating.
     Organist was Mrs. JoAnn Ward.
     Casketbearers were Richard Miner, Byron Alberts, Cliff Smith, Scot Knudson, Steve Brown and LeMoine Ferguson.
     Memorials may be given to the Palisade Community Foundation.
     Interment was at the Palisade Cemetery, Palisade, Neb.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Elmer Keiser was born August 28, 1926 in rural Dundy County to John and Mary (Haarberg) Keiser. Elmer attended St. Paul's Lutheran School, Ough School and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1944. Elmer was baptized Sept. 19, 1926 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and confirmed in the church on April 21, 1940.
     Elmer was honorably discharged from the US Army after serving in the Korean Conflict. Returning home to the farm where he was born, he was joined in marriage to Edna Legg on Feb. 20, 1955. Elmer and Edna continued to reside at the farm with Elmer farming and ranching until he passed away on Jan. 17, 2008 at the age of 81.
     Elmer held several offices at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, during his membership there. He also served on local CO-OP Boards, first at Enders and then Wauneta Equity for many years, most recently serving on the First State Bank Board until retiring at the end of 2007.
     Survivors include his wife, Edna of Enders; sons, Rodney Keiser of Enders, Richard Keiser and wife, Janet, of Wauneta; a daughter, Marcia Comly and husband, Richard, of Boulder, Colo; a sister Leta Brunkhorst of Enders; grandchildren, Aaron Keiser, who attends college in Hays, Kan., Brennan Keiser of Wauneta, Patrick and Ross Comly of Boulder, Colo.; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Wilma Keiser of Stratton, Elma Hinde of Otis Colo., Wilma Parsons, Lafayette, Colo., Vera Eliot of Bellflower, Calif., Howard and Lorena Legg of Grand Island, Neb., Marjy Legg of Crete, Neb., Sharlene Legg of Haxtun, Colo.; and nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Albert John (in infancy), William, Albert, Raymond and Edwin; sisters, Alma McBride and Linda Rietsch.
     Services were held Tuesday morning, Jan. 22, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Pastor Keith Wellman officiating.
     Interment followed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
     Pallbearers were Aaron Keiser, Brennan Keiser, Lynn Keiser, Joseph Rietsch, Richard Comly and Steven Arnett.
     Liewer Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

    Joseph J. Greene was born Jan. 24, 1924, to Joseph H. Greene and Vera M. (Bricker) Greene on a farm near Enders, Neb.
     Joe attended Benkelman High School where he played saxophone in the band. After graduating in 1931, Joe continued education at Chillicothe Business School in Missouri.
     Joe served in the Army Air Corp as an airplane mechanic in India. He was happy to say that he never lost a plane.
     Afterwards, Joe returned to Denver, Colo., where he completed a business degree at Denver University. While there, he worked as a top salesman for a Pontiac/Cadillac dealership.
     Perhaps his most successful sale was to convince a beautiful woman he knew to marry him. In 1952, he "closed the deal" and married Gloria Bremer, an Imperial native, daughter of Albert and Ione Bremer. The couple took up residence at the Bremer farm eight miles west of Imperial as Joe worked with his father-in-law, Albert Bremer.
     Joe, a hard worker, loved farming and even during years of drought and low corn prices, said, "there is no place else I'd rather be." His perseverance and passion for life were immeasurable. He loved music and often sang as he tended the ground God had entrusted to him.
     With daughter Sylvia's marriage to Dale Large in 1983, Joe continued successful farming, partnering with Dale. In addition to farming, Joe sold seed corn and won numerous district and national awards for excellence. He really enjoyed people. Strangers were just friends he hadn't met yet.
     Joe said he felt his greatest accomplishment in life was to be a loving husband, father and grandpa. Joe enjoyed his entire family immensely and reunions were a passion for him.
     Joe and Gloria had three children: Annette (Greene) Hazuka (1953), Sylvia (Greene) Large (1955) and Robert Alan Greene (1959). Sadly, Robert died as an infant, but Joe enjoyed the fellowship of his "girls," and four grandchildren, teaching them the joys of go-carting, target shooting, traveling, music, golfing, fishing, hunting, humor and just being together.
     Joe was an avid collector of replica cars, a special hobby he shared with his family.
     He was a World War II veteran, member of Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, the National Rifle Association and served on the board at Chase County High School.
     After seven years of dialysis due to renal failure, Joe went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where had recently moved to be with his daughter, Annette, and son-in-law, Jim.
     Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria Marie (Bremer) Greene; his daughter, Sylvia Kay (Greene) Large, and infant son, Robert Alan Greene.
     He is survived by his daughter, Annette (Greene) Hazuka and son-in-law, James E. Hazuka, of Monument, Colo.; grandson, Joseph Hazuka of Aurora, Colo.; son-in-law, Dale Large of Imperial, Neb.; granddaughters, Alisha Large of Lincoln, Neb., Kimberly Large and Samantha Large of Omaha, Neb.; brothers, Carroll Greene and wife, Ruth, of Ogallala, Neb., Glenard Greene and sister, Virginia (Greene) King, both of Imperial, Neb.
     The Imperial United Methodist Church hosted the celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Annette (Greene) Hazuka and Dale Large presented eulogies and the grandchildren offered their memoirs of grandpa.
     Music was beautifully orchestrated by Dr. J. Gordon Christensen and soloist, Mrs. Jill Bauerle.
     The poignant power point presentation was authored by granddaughter, Kimberly Large.
     Pallbearers were Dale Large, James Hazuka, Joe Hazuka, Geoff Beemer, Tim Greene and Dirk Greene.
     Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery and Andrew Kinder VFW Post #4688 rendered a moving 21-gun salute.
     Joe will by missed by all.
     Liewer Funeral Home carefully carried out arrangements.

    B. Frederick Muscheites, 89, of Sabetha, Kan., passed away Jan. 14, 2008 at the Apostolic Christian Retirement Village in Sabetha, Kan.
     He was born May 18, 1918 on a ranch near Greeley, Colo. He was about four years old when he and his parents, B. Frederick and Ruth McCoy, moved to a farm just a mile north of Table Rock, Neb.
     On April 5, 1933 their farmhouse burned to the ground and the family moved into Table Rock. Fred was a graduate of Table Rock High School.
     With the assistance of a football scholarship, he was able to attend and graduate from Doane College in Crete, Neb. in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was selected as one of the outstanding students in American Universities and Colleges.
     Fred spent the next year teaching social science and coaching football at Pawnee City High School.
     He was united in marriage on May 25, 1941 to B. Roberta Barnard at Stratton, Neb.
     That fall Fred enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to pursue a Masters degree and was given a