U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Leif - Ella L. "Jo," 77, Exeter, wife of William, died Thursday (1/31/2002) in Geneva. Born, Plymouth (1/23/25) to Frank and Bessie (Soldat) Cerveny.
Survivors: husband, William; son, daughter-in-law, John and Karen, St. John's, Minn.; daughter, son-in-law, Patricia and Bruce Rocole, Exeter; sister, Mildred Casey, Appleton City, Mo.; grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Rocole, Monica and Karen Leif.
Services: 10 a.m. Monday, St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter. Father Kenneth Borowiak. Exeter Cemetery. Rosary: 7 p.m. Sunday, Farmer Funeral Home, Exeter. Visitation: beginning 1 p.m. Sunday, funeral home.
Lutz - Richard M., 70, Lincoln, died Wednesday (1/30/2002).
Memorial Services: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Private inurnment, Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials to the family.
Muhleisen - Ardene "Dean" and Patty, Milford, died Wednesday (1/30/2002) in a traffic accident west of Lincoln.
Memorial Services: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, St. John Lutheran Church, Seward. Visitation: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. today, Volzke Mortuary, Seward. Memorials to family's choice.
Murphy - James "Jim" E., 76, Lincoln, formerly North Platte, died Saturday (1/27/2002).
Memorial Mass: 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 735 S. 36th St., Lincoln. Memorials to the Senior's Foundation Elder Care Fund, P.O. Box 81904, Lincoln 68501. Carpenter Memorial Chapel, North Platte.
Nippe - Curtis N., 78, York, formerly Strasburg and Monticello, Ill., died Wednesday (1/30/2002). Born, Strasburg. Retired machinist, General Cable Corp. (now General Technologies Corp.), Monticello.
Survivors: wife, Ruth E.; daughters, Catherine Ochs, York, Ellen Thielen, Lakeland, Fla.; brothers, Noel, Charles, both of Strasburg.
Memorial Services: 10:30 a.m., Feb. 16, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sadorus, Ill. Interment of cremated remains: 3 p.m., Feb. 16, Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Strasburg. No visitation; family will gather to greet friends one hour before services, church. Memorials in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer's Association. Lewis Funeral Chapel, York.
O'Brien - A. Craig, 78, Destin, Fla., formerly Lincoln, died Wednesday (1/30/2002). Born, St. Paul, Minn. (4/1/23) to Christopher Dillon and Mary Foley O'Brien. Resident of Lincoln, 1946-91. Recently resided in Destin, Fla., LaPointe, Wis. Longtime president, Lincoln Drug Co. All-city quarterback, St. Paul, Minn. Attended Dartmouth College, University of Minnesota. Outstanding hockey, squash player. B-24 "Liberator" pilot, 8th Air Force, World War II. Member, VFW, Patriarchs of Lincoln, Lincoln University Club, Lincoln Country Club. Married to Nancy Raymond at Lincoln Air Corps Base, 1944.
Survivors: wife, Nancy; daughters, son-in-law, Dorrie and Gene G. Gage, Roca, Molly O'Brien, Los Angeles; grandsons, Patrick O'Brien Gage, Lincoln; Peter Gene Gage, Salinas, Calif.; granddaughter, grandson-in-law, Greta and Robert Glenn, Lincoln; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Thomas O'Brien, St. Peter, Minn., Michael O'Brien, St. Paul, Minn.; nieces; nephews. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Christopher O'Brien; sisters, Mary Louise Eldredge, Jesse O'Brien.
Memorial service at a later date in Madeline Island, Wis. McLaughlin Funeral Home, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Palmer - Roger Edward, 61, Sprague, died Wednesday (1/30/2002). Born, Lincoln (1/8/41) to Harold and Mae (Buettgenbach) Palmer. Graduated, Central Rural High School, Sprague-Martell, 1959. Worked at Gooch Mills, 40 years. Village clerk, Sprague, over 30 years. Water and sewer management, village of Sprague. Formerly employed, Duncan Aviation. Member, Sprague Community Church.
Survivors: wife, Marilyn; son, daughter-in-law, Scott and Joyce Palmer, Waverly; daughter, son-in-law, Staci and Mike Hayden, Dallas; grandson, Andrew Palmer, Waverly; granddaughters, Megan Palmer, Waverly, Dani Hayden, Irving, Texas; sisters, brothers-in-law, Roberta and Jim Hoefar, Pasadena, Texas, Dorothy and Leland Pavel, Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Lurlynn Hickerson, Texarkana, Texas, Carol Bade, Roscoe, Texas; father-in-law, mother-in-law, Melvin and Geraldine Bade, Sprague; nieces and nephews.
Services: 1 p.m. Monday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. The Rev. Keith Morris. Lincoln Memorial Park. Visitation: 4-9 p.m. today, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. until services, funeral home. Memorials to the Sprague Community Church or Saint Elizabeth's Heartland Hospice in care of the family.
Pickett - Thomas E., 56, died Thursday (1/31/2002). Veteran, U.S. Army, Vietnam.
Survivors: mother, Arlene M.; children, Michelle Corrigan, Shawna Pickett, Tammi Gusler, Tarra "Gidget" Pickett; stepchildren, Patty Lederer, Terri Jewell, Jamie Taylor; sisters, Ann Gregg, Mary Sue Grossman; brother, Robert Pickett; 11 grandchildren; dear friend, Jean Szymanski.
Services: 11 a.m. Monday, Tomon & Sons Funeral Home, Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Eastlawn Cemetery, Brunswick, Ohio. Visitation: 3-5 p.m., 7-9 p.m., Sunday, funeral home. Tomon & Sons, Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
Spray - John M., 89, Lincoln, died Friday (2/1/2002). Born Henry County, Iowa, to Max and Myrtle (White). Graduated from Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough, Iowa. Iowa Wesleyan University and Business College of Des Moines. Group manager, Beatrice Foods.
Survivors: wife, Margaret A.; sons, daughter-in-law, John L. and Lizabeth Spray, Lincoln, Stephen T. Spray, Huntsville, Ala., Gregory J. Spray, Hamilton, Mont.; grandchildren, John, Emma, and Grace Spray, all Lincoln, Stephanie Spray, Huntsville, Ala.; brothers, sisters-in-law, Tom and Ruby Spray, Billings, Mont., Sam and Hope Spray, Henry County, Iowa, Max and Sandra Spray, Taylor Ridge, Ill.; sisters, brother-in-law, Margaret McCabe, Salem, Iowa, Donna Jean Ruhe, Fairfield Bay, Ark., Clarice and Kenneth Johnson, Stockport, Iowa; nieces; nephews.
No services or visitation. Private inurnment, Wyuka Cemetery, Nebraska City. Memorials to your favorite charity. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St.
Stephenson - Walter G. "Steve" Jr., 71, Lincoln, died Jan. 26, 2002.
Services: 11 a.m. today, First Presbyterian Church, 840 S. 17th St. Roper & Sons Mortuary, 4300 O St. Memorials to church, organ reconstruction fund. Condolences may be e-mailed to contact@roperandsons.com.
TenHulzen - John L., 91, Lincoln, died Thursday (1/31/2002). Born, Hickman.
Services pending, Metcalf Funeral Home.
Thiemann - Ardyce Orlene Frank, 64, Pawnee City, died Thursday (1/31/2002). Born, north of Table Rock.
Survivors: husband, Buck; sons, Eric, Meridian, Idaho, Mike, Halstead, Kan.; daughters, Deb Benson, Darla Percival Branch, both Pawnee City; foster daughter, Sandi Yeager, Lincoln; six grandchildren; nieces; nephews; friends.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Presbyterian Church, Pawnee City. Pawnee City Cemetery. Visitation: 2-8 p.m. Monday, Wherry Brothers Mortuary, with family from 6-8 p.m. Wherry Brothers Mortuary, Pawnee City.
Topliff - Loren Dale, 65, Plattsmouth, died Thursday (1/31/2002). Born, Mynard. Retired backhoe operator.
Survivors: wife, Minnie Etta; daughter, Christina Lipps, Lincoln; granddaughter; sister, Bonnie Younker, Noel, Mo.; nieces; nephews.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Roby Funeral Home Chapel, Plattsmouth. Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Visitation: 1-9 p.m. Sunday, with family from 6-8 p.m., funeral home. Memorials to First Christian Church of Plattsmouth, donor's choice. Roby Funeral Home, Plattsmouth.
Varone - Anthony James, Lincoln, 33, died Sunday (1/27/2002).
Services: 11 a.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Cremation following services. Viewing: 9 a.m. until services today, funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Dialysis Center of Lincoln, 7910 O St., Lincoln 68510; or National Kidney Foundation.
Wright - Thelma V., 88, Rice Lake, Wis., formerly Chapel, widow of Merwin, died Sunday (1/27/2002). Born, Tecumseh. Homemaker.
Survivors: son, Bill, Heartville, Ohio; daughter, Nancy Rooney, Rice Lake; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Services: 10:30 a.m. today, St. Luke's United Methodist Church. David City Cemetery. Knott Funeral Home, David City. Memorials to Diabetes Foundation.
Anderson - Dwight L., 68, Lincoln, died unexpectedly Monday (2/11/2002) in Midland, Texas. Born, Montgomery County, Iowa (2/12/33) to Arthur and Niema Anderson. Devoted and long-standing member, First Evangelical Covenant Church of Lincoln, Gateway Sertoma Club. Dwight retired as a regional insurance manager for Farmland Industries in 1995. Since retirement Dwight had focused on community service, driving the parking lot shuttle at BryanLGH Medical Center East, and as a volunteer engineer driving the train at the Lincoln Children's Zoo.
Survivors: wife, Donna, Lincoln; daughter, Nancy Wotruba, Sara Moshman, both Lincoln, Debra Kunst, St. Peter, Minn.; son, Randall, Midland, Texas; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Darwin, Coralville, Iowa; nieces; nephews.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, First Evangelical Covenant Church, 6024 L St. Memorials to church memorial organ fund or to the family.
Baugher - H. Louise "Lou," 83, lovingly known as "Toots," died Monday (2/11/2002) at home of her granddaughter, Kim, in La Luz, N.M., surrounded by family. Born, Chandler, Okla., (2/14/18) to Joseph Edwin and Mattie Lee (Bullock) Barker. Her father was a printer for the newspaper in Chandler, later Oklahoma City. Graduated, Oklahoma City College, B.A. in music. Loved music, was outstanding pianist. Married John Raymond Utter in 1940 following graduation and moved to San Diego, where she had daughter, Joana. Moved to Washington, D.C., where she lived with parents during World War II and worked as ticket seller, Union Station. In 1947 she married Lloyd Raymond Baugher in Kilgore, Texas, and continued to live in Washington, D.C., where he was stationed with military. While in D.C., graduated, Wilson Teacher's College, B.A. in elementary education. Taught at Kimball Elementary School where her daughter was a student. Also taught piano lessons to local area children.
The couple later moved to Lincoln in 1954 when Lloyd was assigned to Lincoln Air Force Base. They joined Christ United Methodist Church where they were sponsors for Methodist Youth Fellowship several years. They continued their love for camping by joining one of local camping and travel trailer groups in Lincoln. They shared interest in mineral collecting as members of Lincoln Gem and Mineral Association. She continued her education at University of Nebraska, earning a master's in educational psychology. Following graduation, taught at Lincoln High School. Returned to NU to earn doctorate in educational psychology. While pursuing degrees, worked as graduate assistant at NU and was teacher at Lincoln High, where she taught psychology classes, was a guidance counselor and chess club sponsor until retirement. Following Lloyd's death in 1971, continued to teach and became host parent for Wai Chung Che, a first-year medical student from Hong Kong. She sponsored Wai Chung until his graduation from medical school and visited his family several times in Hong Kong. Served, state president, Nebraska State Educational Psychologists Association. Selected to Who's Who in American Education. Member, past officer, Phi Beta Kappa honorary sorority. Retired from teaching, 1982, and began enjoying her many hobbies and talents. Was avid photographer and winner of many photographic awards at Nebraska State Fair and Lincoln Camera Club. Her creative photographic essays set to music and commentary entertained many different organization members throughout Lincoln area. Her photography was enhanced by variety of subjects collected on frequent overseas trips. Her photograph of an autumn Nebraska farm scene was featured on cover of Nebraska Bicentennial Book published in 1975. Joined Saint Paul United Methodist Church family, most active in church circles, tours and activities. Although she and granddaughter Kim became active in Grace United Methodist Church in Alamogordo, N.M., she maintained membership in home church in Lincoln. Continued her love for arts, taking painting lessons in Arizona and Nebraska, where she learned to paint with a knife and create many beautiful scenic oil paintings. Her love of nature was not only shown in her photography but also paintings. These paintings are very prized by their owners. A gifted poet who could create a poem for any special occasion. Was once referred to as "Comic Valentine" because she brought such joy and laughter to those she touched with her whimsical verses and twinkle in her eye.
Survived by family who will miss her very much: daughter, son-in-law, Joana "Jo" and Larry Pope, Alamogordo, N.M.; grandchildren, spouses, Larry Jr. and Sena Pope, Alamogordo, Kimberly Pope, devoted daytime caregiver for last two years, La Luz, N.M., Melissa and Shea Zerm, Auburn, Ga., Jennifer and Eugene Varbel, La Luz; great-grandchildren, Kassandra Dominguez, Alexa Dominguez, Taylor Varbel, Devyn Varbel, Emily Pope; Preceded in death by husband, Lloyd (5/11/71); parents; brother, Joseph "Joe" Barker Jr.
Memorial services were Tuesday, Hamilton-O'Dell Chapel, 1334 N. Scenic Drive, Alamogordo. Dr. Willie E. "Buff" Hearn, officiating. Graveside service on her birthday, 2 p.m. Thursday, Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City. Visitation: today and Thursday, Hahn-Cook-Street-Draper Funeral Home, Oklahoma City. Memorials in her name to Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Lincoln. Her family will miss their loving "Comic Valentine."
Boquist - Wilbur E., 85, Ceresco, died Monday (2/11/2002). Born, Greenwood (12/7/16). Retired candy maker, Russell Stover, 1979. Farmed in Ceresco area. Army veteran, World War II. Member, Ceresco United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 244.
Survivors: daughters, Jackie Boquist, Wahoo, Waunita Boquist, Ceresco; sister, Willette Farlow, Ceresco; brothers-in-law, spouse, Don Cameron, Ceresco, Warren and Betty Jo Hughes, Lancaster, Calif.; nieces; nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Pauline; son, Willard; parents, Wilbur and Olga (Gustafson); sister, Wilma Cameron; brother-in-law, Ralph Farlow.
Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Ceresco United Methodist Church. The Rev. Mark Nikont. Mount Zion Cemetery, Ceresco. Military honors by American Legion Post 244. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Friday, family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Nelson Funeral Home, Ceresco. Memorials to the church or Ceresco Rescue Squad.
DeBoer - Shirley M., 79, Lincoln, died Thursday (2/7/2002). Born, Lushton, to Floyd and Lois (Bellows) Gross. Member, Lincoln Berean Church. Volunteer, Back to the Bible.
Survivors: sons, Leslie, Cozad, Warren, Louis, Ronald, all Lincoln, Steven, Hastings; brother, Roger Gross, York; sisters, Vesta Cotner, Twila Friesen, both Wichita; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Preceded in death by husband, Delbert; parents.
Memorial service: 1 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Berean Church, 70th Street and Nebraska 2. No visitation. Anatomical donation. Memorials to the church, Christian Heritage Foundation or Back to the Bible. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St.
Dick - Dr. William G., 92, Lincoln, died Sunday (2/10/2002).
Memorial Services: 11 a.m. today, Faith Bible Church, 6201 S. 84th St. Memorials to the church or Eastmont Towers. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St.
Finigan - Helen M., 88, widow of Donald A., Mexico, Mo., died Tuesday (2/12/2002).
Survivors: daughter, Donna Lee Mills, Centralia, Mo.; granddaughter, Mary Ellen Hall, Jefferson City, Mo.; grandson, James D. Odom, Centralia, Mo.; great-grandsons, Patrick and Michael Hall, Jefferson City, Mo.; five stepgrandchildren; 21 stepgreat-grandchildren; five stepgreat-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband; brother, Marion Kempkes; grandson, Donald Paul Odom.
Services: 1:30 p.m. Friday, Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St. Lincoln Memorial Park. Visitation: one hour before services, funeral home. Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home.
Foster - Ruby F., 99, Lincoln, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Services: 3 p.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Visitation: today, 9 a.m. until services, funeral home. Memorials to Heritage Presbyterian Church, 880 S. 35th St., Lincoln 68510.
Haase - Laurene A., 97, Lincoln, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Visitation: after 3 p.m. today, until services, funeral home. Memorials to Saint Paul United Methodist Church Foundation.
Heffner - Barbara Ann (Velazquez), 49, Vancouver, Wash., passed away Sunday (2/10/2002).
Private family graveside Services: 1 p.m. Thursday, Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 S.E. Mount Scott Blvd., Veteran's Crypt Wall, Portland, OR 97266. Memorials in lieu of flowers to University of Iowa, Ovarian Cancer Research Lab, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244.
Hense - Wilma M. "Billie," 84, Beatrice, widow of Francis, died Monday (2/11/2002). Born, Farmersburg, Iowa. Homemaker. Formerly employed, Dubuque (Iowa) Packing Co.
Survivors: daughter, Brenda Jurgens, Beatrice; two grandchildren; sisters, Marie Wilke, Elkader, Iowa, Nora Artus, Dubuque; nieces; nephews.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, St. John Lutheran Church, Beatrice. Burial: 1:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Pickrell. Visitation: today until 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Fox Funeral Home, Beatrice; one hour before services, church. Memorial established to family's choice with Albert and Hilda Schuster in charge.
Holman - Ethel Elizabeth, 84, Lincoln, died Monday (2/11/2002). Born, rural Panama (7/9/17) to George and Elizabeth (Gana) Remmenga. Member, East Lincoln Christian Church. Graduated, Adams High School, 1936. Went on to teach rural school near Douglas and Adams. Married, raised her family and worked hard as farmer's wife; later a single mother, day-care provider for countless children, nurses' assistant at the old Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Orthopedic Hospital, Providence Hospital, Lincoln General Hospital; Fillmore County Hospital, Geneva; Lancaster Manor Nursing Home, and did private duty live-in with elderly. Devoted mother and grandmother to her family.
Survivors: former husband, Clarence W. Holman; children, spouses, Larry Dean and Debora Holman, Philadelphia, Dennis Ray and Debra Holman, Judy Francis and Robert Farber, Rex Arnold Holman, all Lincoln; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, George P. Remmenga, Clay Center; sister, Bessie Henrietta Holman-Bontrager, Lincoln. Preceded in death by sons, Rodney Clarence Holman, Gerald Lee Holman.
Memorial Services: 7 p.m. Thursday, Lancaster Manor Chapel, 1001 South St. Memorials to family in care of Dennis Holman, 8400 Norval Road, Lincoln 68520.
Jeffers - Katherine A. (Kobza), 51, West Columbia, S.C., died Thursday (2/7/2002).
Services were held Monday, Caughman-Harman Funeral Homes, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel, Lexington, S.C. Memorials to American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210
Kriha - Jerry Lee, 64, Lincoln, died Sunday (2/10/2002) after a long battle with cancer. Services: 10:30 a.m. today, Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, 5750 S. 40th St. Visitation: one hour before services, church. Memorials to the church or NSEA Children's Fund. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St.
Louzek - Anna Virginia, 81, Lincoln, died Sunday (2/10/2002).
Services: 1 p.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Visitation: until services, funeral home. Memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
