Traci Kenley
Hastings resident, Traci Lynn Kenley died Aug. 17, 2000, in an auto accident near Glenvil. Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday at the Edgar Cemetery. Traci was born Sept. 23, 1971, to Bill and Sharon (McLaughlin) Kenley in Hastings. She lived on a farm southeast of Edgar, then moved to Hastings after high school graduation. She attended Edgar Elementary School and graduated from Sandy Creek Junior-Senior High School in 1989. She attended Central Community College in Hastings and also earned a bachelor's degree in human and social service administration from Bellevue University. She worked at Good Samaritan and Martin Luther Home in Hastings. At the time of death she had been employed at the Hastings Regional Center as a psych technician since 1991. Survivors are her parents, Bill and Sharon Kenley, Edgar; three brothers, Bill and Dick, Edgar, Dan, Fairbury and one sister, Mrs. Gene Runge (Linda), Hutchinson; and special friend, Doug Wolfe, Hastings. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Helen McLaughlin, Edgar, and William and Grace Kenley, Edgar. Williams Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements.

Rex Tophigh
Rex Tophigh 76, died in El Dorado Hills, Calif., July 28. He was born Oct. 28, 1925 in Hardy. He had been a resident of El Dorado Hills since 1993, and lived in Foster City, Calif., for 25 years. He was a building contractor for 45 years in the state of California. His hobbies included fishing and golf. He was an active member of SIRS No. 49 in Folsom and a member of Folsom Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Roy Tophigh; daughters, Dana Everson, Karen Smith and Holly Abplanalp; seven grandchildren; sisters, Erna Hayes, Superior and Ethel Crook; and two stepdaughters, Carol Morgan and Sue Olfers; six step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Private graveside services were held at San Joaquin National Valley Cemetery with a memorial service at a later date.

Ruth Wehrman
Ruth Elaine Wehrman, 71, was born Nov. 21, 1930, in Nelson, to William and Nora Janssen, and died in the Good Samaritan Center, Simla, Colo., July 25. She grew up in Missouri with two sisters and a brother. She graduated from Nelson High School and attended Kearney State College, before marrying John R. (Dick) Wehrman on Aug. 8, 1950. They began their lives together in Nelson and moved to Colorado in 1954. Their marriage produced three children. Together, Ruth and Dick began their own business, where they worked together until they retired in Elbert, Colo. She was a deacon of her former church, a den mother, an active member of the Elbert Presbyterian Church and the Ladies Aide. She enjoyed oil painting, gardening and bird watching. Survivors include her husband, Dick, children, John Jr., Jim and Mrs. Rick Suder (Beth) and five grandchildren and sisters, Loreen Adamson and Nellie Littrell, Nelson. Memorial services were held by Dr. Karen Johnson at the Elbert Presbyterian Church. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Nelson Cemetery.

Arnold Bohling
Superior resident, Arnold "B" Bohling,87, died Thursday at Brodstone Memorial Nuckolls County Hospital, Superior. Services were Monday at Salem Lutheran Church north of Superior with the Rev. Dan Hays officiating. Burial was in the Davenport Cemetery. Mr. Bohling was born June 25, 1915, to Frederick and Martha (Glawatz) Bohling at Sedan. He attended St. Peter's Lutheran Elementary School in Davenport and graduated from Davenport High School in 1935. He was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad prior to enlisting in the Navy soon after Pearl Harbor. He served as a gunner's mate aboard the USS McCalla during the Pacific campaign. He was married at Davenport on June 20, 1947, to Beth (Snyder) Bohling. They resided in Hastings until moving to Deshler in 1954 when he became a Standard Oil agent. In 1957 he was transferred to Superior, where they lived at the time of his death. Survivors are his wife, two daughters, Sharon Bohling, McCook, and Martha Bohling, Indian Hills, Colo., two grandsons, Robert Bohling, Hastings and Jason Wessel, Harvard, three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Nita McKee, five brothers and four sisters.

Obituaries Published August 15, 2002

Velma Harms
Velma Maria Harms, 83, the daughter of Henry and Martha (Brettman) Bethke, was born Aug. 2, 1919, on the family farm near Deshler. She died Friday at Parkview Haven Nursing Home, Deshler. She was the third of five children born in her family. Velma was baptized at Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kiowa. She attended school at Carleton and Sedan through the fifth grade and completed the eighth grade at Kiowa. She then helped at a cousin's family by doing the milking, helping care for the children, doing household chores, washing and ironing. She married Gustav Harms on Aug. 18, 1940, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Davenport. This union was blessed with three children, Virginia, Dennis and Julia. They lived their married life in the Kiowa area, farming and milking cows. They attended Bethleham Lutheran Church until its closing in 1967. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Deshler. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Albert, Harold and Melvin Bethke. She is survived by her husband, Gas Harms, Davenport, children Mrs. Frank Geib (Virginia), Leavenworth, Dennis Harms, Davenport and Mrs. Levi Krause (Julia), Louisville; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Clarence McGhghy (Mildred) Hebron. Services were held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Deshler, with the Rev. Duane Fahr officiating. Interment was in the Bethlehem Lutheran Kiowa Cemetery, rural Thayer County. Ahrendts Funeral Home of Deshler, was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothea Rogers
Dorothea Caroline Margaret Rogers, 84, the daughter of Fredrick and Katherine (Grummert) Hornbussel was born March 27, 1918, on a farm near Superior. She died Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Brodstone Memorial Nuckolls County Hospital. One of eight children, she was baptized and confirmed at the Salem Lutheran Church, Superior. She was educated at Beaver Rural School and graduated from Superior High School. On March 10, 1941, in Twin Falls, Idaho, she married Bud Rogers. Four children were born to this union. Preceding her in death were her parents; one daughter, LeAnn K. Emal; three brothers, Fredrick, George and Edwin; and two sisters, Erna Schiermeyer and Lenore Bruce. Survivors include her husband, Bud, daughter, Mrs. Carl Kalinowski, (Lynda), Omaha; son, Randl, Hastings; daughter, Mrs. Robert Cassidy (Jean), Lincoln, Neb.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Robert Knott (Pauline), Omaha, and Rosella Martin, Superior. Services were held Saturday from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home Chapel in Superior, with Pastor Leslie Warner officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Obituaries Published Jan. 30, 2003

Sam Swartz
Sam Swartz, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Superior High School Class of 1938, died Thursday morning in a Veterans Hospital. A former resident of Deshler, he was currently living Desert Hot Springs, Calif. He had operated plumbing businesses in both Deshler and California.

Kenneth Reynolds
Kenneth E. Reynolds, 71, Abilene, died Jan. 15 at Memorial Hospital, Abilene. He was born July 22, 1931, at Cuba, the son of Herbert and Eleanor (Klaumann) Reynolds. He graduated from Cuba High School. March 4, 1951, he married Shirley Kindler at Lebanon. They lived in Cuba five years moving to Illinois where he worked with registered cattle as a herdsman. He later worked at the Carl Sandberg Jr. College, Galesburg, Ill., as a maintenance man. They moved to Abilene in 1995. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Abilene, a member of the Good Sams Recreational Vehicle Club since 1972, serving as Illinois Assistant State Director, State Patch Packer, and Illinois State Director. After moving to Abilene he was Kansas Assistant State Director for six years. He was also a member of the Air Capital Carnival Glass Club. Surviving besides his wife are a son, Larry, Tonganoxie; a daughter, Linda Gleason, St. John; two brothers, Ray Reynolds, Agenda, and Carol Reynolds, Derby; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Leroy Reynolds. Services were at First United Methodist Church, Jan. 20 with the Rev. Rick Saylor officiating. Graveside services and burial were in Esbon Cemetery, Esbon. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene, was in charge of arrangements.

Laurrita Yarber
Laurrita D. Yarber, 82, died Jan. 22 at Long Term Care Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit. She was born Sept. 17, 1920, in Randall, the daughter of Miles McCracken Thornton and Loeta Dell Espelund. She married Floyd H. Yarber. He died Aug. 26, 1983. She was a lifetime resident of Randall, except during her husband's military career when they traveled the world. After her husband's retirement, she returned to Randall, where she lived until moving to Mitchell County Hospital Long Term Care. Survivors include two sisters, Lucile Plowman, San Leandro, Calif.; Florence Fitch, Portland, Ore.; and a brother, Melvin Thornton, Randall. She was preceded in death by parents, three brothers and a sister. Private family services are planned at a later date. Burial will be in West Lutheran Cemetery, Randall. Blachly and Buoy Funeral Home, Jamestown, are in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Zachgo
Dennis Keith Zachgo, 53, Tipton, died at his home Jan. 19. He was born Feb. 16, 1949, to LeRoy and Bonita Mintier Zachgo. He attended school at Vesper Grade and High School and Sylvan Unified High School. He played college football at College of Emporia and attended Fort Hays State University. On Aug. 7, 1971, Dennis married Twila Ulin. The couple resided at Hays, where Dennis worked for Allied Construction Co. In 1973 they moved to Tipton where he worked for Kent Manufacturing and Treb Construction. During this time he also farmed with his father-in-law, Woody Ulin. At the time of his death he was manager at the Farmway Coop Elevator, Hunter, where he worked for the past 15 years. Dennis attended Grace Chapel United Methodist Church, Hunter, and was a member of the Tipton Lions Club. He was on the school council, was the city judge, an EMT for Tipton, and a volunteer fireman for Tipton and Hunter. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and golfing. Preceding him in death were a brother, Larry, and his parents. Survivors include his wife of Tipton, two sons, Brian, Fort Atkinson, Wis., and Kelly, Geneva, Neb.; a daughter, Amber, Manhattan; two grandchildren; a brother, Ron, Salina; and a sister, Trish Waterman, Jewell. The funeral was Jan. 22 at Grace Chapel United Methodist Church, Hunter, with Marian Walker officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Hunter. Arrangements were made by Domoney Mortuary, Downs.

Ryan Struckhoff
Ryan John Struckhoff, 17, Kensington, died Jan. 21 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney, Neb. He was born Jan. 14, 1986, at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays to John and Bobbi Struckhoff, Kensington. Ryan became a confirmed member of the Kensington United Church where he was a junior deacon. At Kensington High School he was a member of KAYs, FFA, SADD and Pep-Club. He participated in football, basketball, track and golf. Survivors include his parents; sisters Alyssa and Ashley; brothers Ragen and Reece, all of the home; grandparents, Milton and Charlotte Detwiler and Bob and Barbara Struckhoff, all of Athol; great-grandparents, Maude Keller, Lebanon, and Dale and Dorothy Detwiler, Kensington. Services were Monday at Kensington High School Gym with Pastors Dale McCain and Lance McDowell presiding. Burial was in the Myer-Pleasant View Cemetery, Athol. Simmons Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries Published Apr. 17, 2003

Freda Anderson
Freda Helen Anderson, 88, the daughter of John H. and Ver Berna C. (Hofts) Windhorst, was born Nov. 15, 1914, on the family farm at Deshler. She died Saturday at the Republic County Hospital, Belleville. Feb. 20, 1949, she married Harold E. Anderson at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Deshler. They had three children, James, Lyle and Marylee. She and Harold first lived on a farm five miles south and one mile west of Courtland. In 1953, they purchased the farm two miles south of Courtland where they lived until 1986 when they retired and moved into town. For 18 years, Freda was head cook at the Courtland High School lunchroom. She will be remembered for her love of baking, especially Swedish tea rings and rye bread. She was an active member of Ada Lutheran Church, Ada WELCA, Naomi Circle, and Welcome In Club until she moved to the Belleville Health Care Center on Sept. 4, 1999. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1991; an infant brother, Elmer; her sister, Esther Lipker. She is survived by her children, James Anderson, Bonsall, Calif.; Lyle Anderson, Courtland; Mrs. Dale Fischer (Marylee), Doniphan; brothers, Erwin Windhorst, Deshler, Eldon Windhorst, Hebron and Roy Windhorst, Deshler; and six grandchildren. Services were held Wednesday at the Ada Lutheran Church, Courtland, with Pastor Shelby Bailey officiating. Burial was in Ada Lutheran Cemetery, Courtland. These arrangements were by Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral home, Belleville.

Robert Cooper
Robert Ernest "Bob" Cooper, 73, the son of Ralph and Alberta (Long) Cooper, was born March 26, 1930, near Marysville. He died Thursday, April 10, at the Blue Valley Lutheran Nursing Home, Hebron. He moved with his parents to Superior, Neb., where he graduated from high school. He was a member of Superior High's undefeated football team in 1949. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church at the time of his death. On July 30, 1950, he married Marilyn N. Wilken at Grace Lutheran Church, Hebron. This union was blessed with two daughters, Janice and Rebecca. The couple started married life in Superior, moving to Belleville and Hebron and in 1988 to Clayton, N.M., for five years before returning to Hebron. He was a Debus bread truck driver for 10 years and then began his 30 year career as an independent insurance agent. During this time he was named to the "Millionaire Round Table" twice. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and taught youngsters how to hunt safely and catch the "big ones." He was preceded in death by his death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, Hebron; daughters, Mrs. James Buller (Janice), and Rebecca Strothkamp, all of Hebron; three grandchildren; a great-grandson, two brothers, Thomas or Rochester, Wash., and Jerry of Seattle, Wash. Services were held Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church, Hebron, with the Rev. Richard Pfleiderer officiating. The body was cremated. Price Funeral Home of Hebron, was in charge of arrangements.

Travis Ford
Cpt. Travis A. Ford died April 4, 2003, while defending his country over the skies of Iraq. He was born Nov. 19, 1972, to Harold and Josephine Ford in St. Paul. He grew up in Ogallala, where he excelled in athletics. Upon graduating in 1991, Travis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an engineer equipment operator. While in the Reserves, he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. He was an avid Huskers fan and a member of the Nebraska Yell Squad. He was also a member of Phi Gamma Theta social fraternity. In August, 1996, Travis married Deon Tipton of Superior. In April 2001, their daughter, Ashley Morgan was born. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boxing and time with family and friends. In May, 1997, he was commissioners as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He attended Field Artillery officer's Basic Course at Fort Sill, Okla., and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines. He then served as a forward observer and later as the executive officer of Echo Battery. He was accepted for flight training through the Fleet Accession Program in Pensacola, Fla. In March, 2002, he earned his Wings of Gold. Following his additional training at camp Pendleton, Calif., he was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter squadron 267, flying the Ah-1 Super Cobra helicopter. In January, 2003, Capt. Ford deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Survivors include his wife, Deon, their daughter, Ashley, of Oceanside, Calif., his mother, Josephine, Ogallala, and his brothers, Alex, San Diego, Mike, Belton, Mo., Todd, Grant, and Matt, Chadron. Services were held Wednesday at the Berean Church , North Platte, Burial was in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel, North Platte, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Gonder
Charles Averell Gonder was born in Carrol County, Mo., on May 31, 1919, to George and Elizabeth Bell Gonder. He died April 11, 2003 at Hemphill, Texas. He attended schools in Carrollton, Mo., as an honor student and attended the University of Missouri. He was united in marriage to Eleanor Nadine Musick in Carrollton, Mo., in 1937. This union was blessed with four children. He was a navy veteran and served in the Pacific at Pearl Harbor. After returning from the war, he was a supervisor with Co-op Oil Refineries for many years in Phillipsburg, Kan., and later at Coffeyville, Kan. To Averill, or "Pop" Gonder as he was known to his family, was a fierce competitor and loved any kind of game. He especially loved cards and had master credits in bridge., He enjoyed all sports and was known for his athletic abilities. Outdoors was where he wanted to be as an avid hunter and fisherman. He continued to play golf and go dancing until a few weeks before his death. He was an accomplished musician and played many musical instruments including the violin, guitar, banjo, piano, organ and keyboard. He was an innovator and in the early fifties built his own version of a pop-up camper that fit on the back of a pickup. He named the camper the Mrs. G' in honor of his wife, Eleanor, who assisted him with the project. He later took over more ambitious projects and built a pontoon boathouse, giving his family and friends hours of enjoyment. He assembled a "kit" T.V. and built the cabinet for the family's first television. Friends questioned this ambitious project and asked why he just didn't buy a T.V. His answer "because it cost less and it was a challenge." He was especially proud that at the age of 80, never having any computer experience, he checked out a book to study and with one hour of instruction was "surfing the net with the best of them." This gave him an opportunity to keep in close contact with family, especially his grandchildren. He was always active in church work where he shared his musical talent. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eleanor; son, Charles Averill Gonder, Jr.; and brother, Truman Dale Gonder. He leaves to mourn his daughter, Patricia Cleveland, and her husband, Conley, Webber, Kan.; Barb Tweedy, Republican City, Neb.; Kathy Gonder, Mankato, Kan., brothers, Dr. William and Mrs. Gonder, Jefferson City, Mo.; brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Burl Musick, Carrollton, Mo.; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Coffeyville, Kan. Services will be at Ford Wulf Bruns Mortuary, Coffeyville, Kan., today (Thursday).

Donna Hare
Donna Frances Roe Hare, 76, Charlotte, N.C., died Friday at Wilora Lakes nursing home. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Church of the Nazarene, at 4 p.m. on Saturday. A graveside service will be held at Olive Hill Cemetery southwest of Superior at a later date. Born Dec. 19, 1926, in Jewell County to the late Francis Leroy Roe and Gladys Chamberlain Roe, Donna attended high School in Superior and graduated from business college in Lincoln, Neb. She married Charles Louis Hare, Sr. on July 4, 1946, he died in September 1995. She is survived by her children; Charles Hare, Jr., Austin, Texas; Elizabeth Brunmeier, Raleigh, N. C.; Michael Hare, Atlanta, Ga.; Maribeth Hare, Salina, and Charlene Williams, Charlotte, N.C.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren as well as a sister, Fern Graham, Sun City, Ariz., and aunts, Verla Roe, Superior and Winifred Uhley, West Covina, Calif. Arrangements are by Carolina Funeral and Cremation Center.

Allen Harriger
Allen Samuel Harriger, 88, the son of Fredrick A. and Lena (Waterman) Harriger, was born Dec. 28, 1914, in Beaver Crossing. He died Thursday at his home in Superior. He attended Exeter Public School and graduated from Exeter High School. He married Eleanor McCowin on Dec. 18, 1942 in Curtis, Neb. He enlisted in the United States Army on March 28, 1942, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 16, 1946. He was employed with the Chicago North Western Railroad serving as a depot agent. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, VFW, Legion, Kiwanis, IOOF, Elks, Masons and the Superior Country Club, all of Superior. His hobbies included golfing and fishing. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Eleanor on Jan. 1, 1994; and one brother, Henry. Survivors include his two sisters, Mrs. Harold Mathews (Medora), York, and Irene Ivers, Richland, Wash. Services were held Monday from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home Chapel in Superior, with Pastor Dorthea Fairbanks officiating. Interment with flag presentation by the American Legion St. Mihiel Post was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Helena Nejeschchleb
Helena Danisow Nejeschchleb was born May 9, 1916, in Smolensk, Russia, to Jacob and Vera Danisow. She died in Marantha Manor, Springfield, Mo., on Apr. 9 at the age of 86 years, and 11 months. She was the oldest daughter of five children; three brothers, and one sister. Helena lived on a farm that raised thoroughbreds, wheat, oats, and apple orchards. She had many fond memories of riding horses bareback, helping her father tend to the other animals, and working in the fields. She married Robert Spellman in 1933, and had two children: Valentina and Adolph. Robert died in a tragic drowning accident in 1941. She later married Dimitri Laluk with whom she had twin boys, with Tony the only one surviving. Dimitri was killed in 1945, during World War II, in Italy. However, Helena, her children, and parents had immigrated to West Germany in 1943, where they remained until Feb. 1952. She later married Gabriel Nejeschchleb and they proceeded to leave for America. Helena's parents stayed behind. Helena and her family arrived in Mankato, in Feb. 1952. She cooked and Gabe did maintenance work for Jack Turner for several years. As time passed, Helena worked at the Jewell County Hospital as a cook and kitchen supervisor. She loved her job, the patients, and her co-workers. Helena's hobbies included baking, gardening, visiting with friends over coffee and cake, and taking long walks with the neighborhood ladies. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. In 1998, Helena moved in with her daughter Valentina and son-in-law, James Vaughan. She traveled extensively with them to Canada as well as other states, and took many trips to the Branson shows. Helena was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, and infant son. Helena is survived by: daughter, Valentina Vaughan, Springfield, Mo.; two sons, Adolph Laluk, Superior, Neb., Tony Laluk, Wichita; nine grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Funeral mass was held Apr. 12 at 11 a.m., at St. Theresa's Catholic Church,Mankato, with Father Allen Scheer officiating. Vigil services were held Apr. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary, Mankato. Interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato. Melby Mortuary, Mankato was in charge of arrangements.

Kester Johnson
Kester D. Johnson, 95, the son of Lawrence and ArBelle (Lawson) Johnson was born Aug. 17, 1907, at Waterville, Kan. He died Wednesday, April 9, at the Good Samaritan Center, Superior. He is survived by his wife, Mae Johnson, Superior, sons; Jerry Johnson, Superior and Robert Johnson, Oceanside, Calif.; a sister, Alice Buresh, Lincoln, Neb., and three grandsons. A full obituary will run at a later date along with memorial service information. Williams Funeral Home, Superior, is in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Kathman
Anna F. Kathman, 81, of SilverRidge Assisted Living Community, Gretna, Neb. died April 9. Rosary service was Friday at Butler-Volland Chapel, Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial was in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Neb. Anna F. Kathman was born May 1, 1921 in Winnett, Mont., to Carl and Ada (Byford) Schmidt. She married George A. Kathman on May 19, 1942 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena, Mont. They moved to a farm south of Lawrence, where they farmed until their retirement in 1979 and then moved to Hastings. She was member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, Oct. 15, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Virginia Joblonski. Survivors include sons David, Superior, Dennis Bellevue; daughters, Kathy Dunagan, Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. Gary Miner (Linda), Cedar Falls, Iowa; JoAnne Kathman, Omaha; and Mrs. Dale Hermsen (Laura), Gretna; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter. Butler-Volland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gail Kincheloe
Gail Leon Kincheloe was born June 25, 1939 at the home of his parents, Glen Wilbur and Celia C. Norton Kincheloe, west of Ionia, in Odessa Township, Jewell County. He died Apr. 11 in the Salina Regional Health Center, at the age of 63 years. He attended Ionia elementary school and graduated from Ionia Rural High School in 1957. Gail was inducted in the Army in June 1962, receiving training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Fort Gordon, Ga., and Fort Sill, Okla., before being sent to Karlsrub, Germany. He serve there until May 1964 when he received his honorable discharge. A highlight was a trip with two friends to Paris and on to the Rock of Gibraltar. Gail has had many occupations in his lifetime: farming, employment at Richardsons's Mfg., Cawker City; construction with Kents of Tipton; as a backhoe operator near Ithaca, N.Y. and with Central Colorado Construction Co., managed by Lewis Williams, a good friend. Health conditions forced his retirement from work in 1978. Gail was honest, dependable, cheerful, good natured, lover of nature and animals. He always made sure that his pets, dogs and many cats, were well taken care of. He enjoyed relatives and special friends and spent many hours on the phone to them. He was a mechanic for cars, trucks and tractors. He enjoyed watching the weather and predicting what would happen. He always kept up on the latest news. His hobbies were traveling, Denver Broncos football on TV, listening to daily news and weather, fishing, cooking, crossword puzzles, computer games, music and keeping in touch with family and friends. Gail was preceded in death by grandparents, Floyd and Celeste Stites Kincheloe and Ralph and Louise Haseltine Norton; father, Glen W. Kincheloe and a favorite niece, Anita Louise Slaughter. Survivors include: his mother, Celia Norton Kincheloe, Cawker City; daughter, Lana R. Mabrey, Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.; step-son, Capt. Ronald M. Jones, Mannheim, Germany; sister, Marjorie Slaughter, Laramie, Wyo.; a grandson; four aunts; nieces and nephews. Gail was privileged to have ancestors who fought for and settled in America so he could enjoy membership in the Society of Sons Of the American Republic. Being of English descent he was a direct descendant of twelve Mayflower Pilgrims and had life memberships in the Kansas Pilgrim Descendants Society and in the General Mayflower Society of Plymouth, Mass. Funeral services were held Apr. 15 at United Methodist Church, Ionia, with Pastor Laura Fricker officiating. Honors rendered by American Legion Post #279. Interment in Ionia Cemetery. Arrangements were made by McDonald Roberts Funeral Service.

Blanche Statz
Services for Blanche Statz, 80, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Nelson Community United Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Nelson Cemetery. Klawitter-Price Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Harold Tambke
Harold Tambke, a Ruskin resident, died Tuesday. Service arrangements are pending at the Price Funeral Home, Hebron.

Grace Walum
Grace LaJune Crooks Walum, 87, the daughter of Vernie H. and Gladys M. (Lewis) Gallop, was born June 16, 1915, on a farm in Boyd County. She died April 8 at the Nelson Good Samaritan Center. She attended Moniwi Grade School and graduated from Lynch High School in 1934. She married Kenneth (Ted) Crooks on Nov. 30, 1935, in Gering, Neb. This union was blessed with three children, Pat, Kenneth and Linda. They lived in Lynch, Neb., until his death in 1965. Grace moved to Kent, Wash., in 1968. She married Elmer Walum in March, 1988. They moved to Nelson in 1992. Grace was a beautician, worked as a receptionist and was a member of the Rebbeka Lodge. She had recently moved to the Nelson Good Samaritan Center. Preceding her in death were her parents her first husband, Ted, on June 22, 1965; second husband, Elmer, on April 26, 1996, and one brother, Wilbur. Survivors include her daughters, Mrs. Duane Ehlers (Pat), and Mrs. Floyd Tucker (Linda), and a son, Kenneth, all of Nelson; four stepchildren all of Seattle, Wash.; eight grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and one sister, Babe Baker, Seattle. Services were held Sunday from the Nelson Community United Church of Christ with the Rev. Dr. Ralph Sturdy officiating. Services were also held Monday from the United Methodist Church, Lynch , with Pastor Donna Carpenter officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Lynch, Neb. Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, Nelson, was in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries Published July 31, 2003

Alexyss Andersen
Alexyss Andersen, the infant daughter of Jack Bernal and Amie Andersen, was born at rest Saturday at Lincoln, Neb. Survivors include her parents; grandparents, Cindy Kievernagel, Nelson; Bryan and Rebecca Andersen, Ong; great-grandparents, Gene and Gloria Andersen, Ong, and Floyd and Linda Tucker, Nelson. Services will be Friday at 11 a.m at Klawitter-Price Funeral Home Chapel, Nelson. Pastor David Sellers will officiate. Burial will be in Ong Cemetery.

Iris Cosand
Iris Cosand, 84, died July 2 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney, Neb. She was born to Phila (Marshall) and Clark Calahan on Nov. 16, 1918, at the Calahan farmhouse in Burr Oak. She married George Cosand Jr. on Sept. 5, 1937. She was the clerk of the court in Jewell County from 1954 until 1963. She was active in the Christian Church of Burr Oak and 4-H Club. She donated her time delivering meals for the elderly in the area and volunteering at the hospital. Her hobbies included painting, poetry and crafts. Iris owned and operated the Ye Old Craft Shop, Burr Oak, for almost 40 years. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Iris is survived by her children: Gary Cosand, Carol Cosand and Steve Cosand, all of Burr Oak; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise Korb, Burr Oak; and a special friend, Richard Canfield, Burr Oak. A memorial celebration of life was held Tuesday at the Christian Church, Burr Oak, with Richard Cox officiating. Inurnment was in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, was in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Echternach
Thelma Ilene Echternach, 87, the daughter of Samuel and Marie (Panzer) Killough, was born June 26, 1916, near Guide Rock. She died Thursday at Crete Area Medical Center, Crete, Neb. She attended school in Guide Rock and worked at the creamery in Superior, babysat for numerous families and cleaned the local doctor's office. She was a member of the Rebecca's and the Superior Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo and doing crossword puzzles and word searches. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Edward Russell and Raymond Echternach; step-son, Ray Echternach; five sisters, Mable Sibert, Esther Bowlin, Pauline Killough and Norma Stearley; and two brothers, Orvil and Kenneth Killough. She is survived by her son, Lathan Russell, Casa Grande, Ariz.; step-sons, Charles and Bob Echternach; step-daughters, Marlys Brown and Bonnie Wissler; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Services were held Monday at the Megrue-Price Funeral Home Chapel, Superior, with Pastor Leslie Warner officiating. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Joseph Kosmacek
Joseph F. Kosmacek, 81, the son of Frank and Mary (Lukas) Kosmacek was born April 15, 1922, at Spring Ranch. He died Wednesday, July 23, at the Rosebrook Care center, Edgar. He graduated from Antioch School in 1936. He was called into the United States Army in 1942, serving until 1946. While in the army, he attained the rank of technical sergeant. Joe had been stationed at Camp Polk, La., Camp Cooke, California and Fort Knox, Ky. He landed in England with the 11th Armored Division under the command of Gen. George Patton. They fought in France, Belgium and Germany with combat in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Returning to the States in January, 1946, he lived and farmed near Glenvil until 1991 when ill health changed his plans. Failing health took him to the Rosebrook Care Center for 3 1/2 years. He was a seed corn dealer, school and township board member and an antique tractor collector. He was a member of the Fairfield American Legion for more than 50 years and a member of the Deweese VFW. Survivors include his brothers, Frank, Jansen; Rudy, Marietta, Ga.; and sisters, Agnes Haba, Lawrence, Neb., Mary Witte, Hastings, and Dorothy Kosmacek, Glenvil. Services were held Saturday at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Deweese. Father Dennis Hunt officiated. Burial with military graveside services was in the Blue Hill Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home of Edgar, Neb. was in charge of arrangements.

Pauline Simmelink
Pauline Dorothy Simmelink, 83, Jewell, died July 27 at Beloit. She was born Feb. 12, 1910, at Ionia to Ed and Ida Brinkworth. Pauline married Maurice Simmelink Sept. 10, 1930. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1980. She lived all of her life in Jewell couty, mostly in the Ionia area. She was a member of Ionia United Methodist Church. She was active in church activities, quilting groups and Stitch and Chatter Club. Her hobbies included cooking, especially coconut cream pies, and homemade noodles. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; two brothers, Edgar and Vernon Brinkworth, and a great-grandson, Joshua. Services were yesterday (Wednesday) at Ionia United Methodist Church with Pastors Charles Reed and Jim Rice officiating. Burial was in Ionia Cemetery. Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, was in charge of arrangements.

Archie Tucker
Archie Burman Tucker was born on Aug. 31, 1919, in a farm home northwest of Ionia and departed this life July 24, 2003. He was the fourth of seven children born to Ed and Gladys Tucker. He grew to manhood in his teen years and worked for a number of farmers in the area. In the late 1930s Archie made four annual trips to the State of Washington to work at the J.M. Smucker apple processing plant. Archie was called to serve in the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was assigned to the Army Medical Corp and was stationed at the Kit Carson Army Post in Colorado Springs. Archie received his honorable discharge from the army in 1946. While serving in the army, Archie married Rosella "Rosie" Zadina on Dec. 24, 1942. This marriage was blessed with two sons. After Archie completed his military service, he and Rosie returned to Kansas and engaged in farming on a farm that they rented east of Esbon. In 1949 they purchased their farm home north of Ionia, which they continued to farm until Archie retired in 1984. One of Archie and Rosie's most memorable days was in December 1982 when they celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary at the Ionia School. Rosie passed away after a long illness in 1984. The two years following Rosie's death was a very difficult time for Archie. In 1986 Archie met Gertrude Toner of Wray, Colo., and they were married on Sept. 20. Archie and Gertrude continued to live on the farm for the next five years. They moved to Gertrude's home in Wray in 1991. Archie and Gertrude celebrated their 10th Wedding Anniversary in 1996 by having a reception and dance at the Elk's Lodge in Wray. This was a very special occasion for both of them. The marriages to Rose and Gertrude brought many years of great joy to Archie's life. He was very pleased with how the children from both of these families bonded together. Archie took great interest in the activities and careers of his children and grandchildren. He extended his love for family to include that of his nieces and nephews. His nieces and nephews often recount fond memories of camping trips, wedding dances and past Christmases. Archie enjoyed life to its fullest and tried to see that others around him also enjoyed themselves. During Archie's 83 years of life, he gave many special gifts to friends and family, but none was more special than the Christmas of 1996 when he gave his immediate family copies of a book he wrote titled "My Life's Journey." This book provided his family with many great stories about himself, family members and 75 years of family history. Archie attended the Methodist Churches in Wray and Ionia. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Wray. Those that are left to mourn his passing include his wife, Gertrude; two sons, Johnnie and wife, Sue; Tommie and wife, Geneva; one granddaughter, Carolyn Adams and husband, Eddie; one grandson, Eddie Tucker; and a great-granddaughter, Chailyn Cummings; step-children include Barbara Witte and husband, Dean; Dean Toner and wife, Diana; Judy Bates and husband, Ed; seven step-grandchildren and 10 step great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mayme Reinert, Mary Fiene and Ruby Hesting and one brother, Buford Tucker. Preceding Archie in death were his parents; his first wife, Rosie; a sister, Ruth Underwood; a brother, Walt Tucker; a stepson, Dick Toner; and a step-grandson Bill Witte. Funeral services were held at the Ionia United Methodist Church at 10 a.m., July 26, 2003, with the Rev. Thadd Hinkle officiating with burial in the Ionia Cemetery. Casket bearers were Eddie Hall, Burl Hall, Danny Simmelink, John Zadina, Matt Hesting and Eddie Tucker; honorary pallbearers were Bud Zadina, Leon Falk and Dewey Underwood. Music was furnished by Thadd Hinkle, accompanied by Ann Colson.