First Name: Last Name:

Roger John Britten
Roger John Britten, 54, of Palisade, died Monday, April 17, 2006, at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 21, at 2 p.m. CT at the Palisade School gymnasium with Pastor Marshall Erickson officiating. Burial will be in the Palisade Cemetery. Memorials may be given in his name. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.

Onna Sandman
Onna F. Sandman, age 94, of Cambridge, died at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Sunday, April 23, 2006. She was born near Wauneta, Neb., on May 24, 1911. She was one of eight children born to Chester and Bessie (Ough) Stock. She graduated from Wauneta high School in 1931 and went to Greeley, Colo., where she received her teaching certificate. She taught school for six years. In 1937, Onna was united in marriage to Clarence Sandman who preceded her in death in 2003 after 65 years of marriage. For their honeymoon they worked the peach harvest in Colorado for a week. The couple moved to the Wauneta area and farmed. In 1943 Clarence and Onna purchased the old Dunham place north of Cambridge where they farmed until retirement in 1975. The couple purchased a home in Cambridge. Onna stayed in her home until 2004 when health required her to move to the Cambridge Manor. Onna was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the UMW, Prairie Bells, Aftan Club and Good Sam's Club. Clarence and Onna were snowbirds for over 25 years. Onna loved to garden and can her own produce. She had a garden until two years ago, before she moved to the manor. She was also an accomplished quilter, making many quilts for family and friends. She crotcheted baby caps for premature babies. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clarence; infant son Dwight and infant daughter Eulene; son Robert in 2005; one sister, Ellen Browning and two brothers: Byron and Harlan Stock. She is survived by her son, Roger, of Phoenix, Ariz., one daughter-in-law, Linda Sandman; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three sisters: Letha Colson of Cambridge, Edith Lawrence of Denver, Colo., and Lois Lane of Dix, Neb.; one brother. Bill Stock, and wife Ruby of McCook. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 28, 2006, at 1 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Cambridge with Rev. David Rowe officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta, Neb., at 4:30 p.m. CT. Memorials may be given in Onna's name to the Trinity United Methodist Church of Cambridge. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Reka (Duhm) Martin
Reka (Duhm) Martin was born Nov. 17, 1908 at Beatrice, Neb. She passed away March 24, 2006 at Van Nuys, Calif. Funeral services were held March 30, 2006, at Simi Valley, Calif.

Jeff Lasater Jr.
Jeff Davis Lasater Jr., 47, of McCook, died at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha Saturday, April 1, 2006. He was born on April 17, 1958, in San Angelo, Texas, to Jeff Davis and Dorothy LaVerne (Sprinkle) Lasater, Sr. He graduated from McCook High School in 1978. He worked at the Dayco Rubber Hose Plant for 17 years. He was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include: his mother, Dorothy Blume and step father, Arthur 'PeeWee' Blume; a son, Mitchell Rayan Lasater and a daughter, Bridgett Ray Lasater, both of Kearney; a brother, Terry Eugene Lasater and wife, Raina, of Wauneta and a sister, Kandy Jo, and husband, Greg D'Rozario, of Tampa, Fla. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT at the Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook with the Rev. Randy Wahl officiating. Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are being accepted in his name. Friends may send condolences on line at www.carpenterbre land.com Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Grabast
Shirley Ann Grabast, 72, of Palisade, died Sunday, March 19, 2006, at Cambridge Hospital as a result of a car accident. She was born on Aug. 1, 1933, at the family farm in Palisade, to Floyd F. and Ann (Dudek) Follett. She attended Palisade Public Schools. Shirley was united in marriage to Gary Grabast on July 29, 1971, in Trenton. He preceded her in death in 1992. She was employed as a secretary for Southwest Public Power for several years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #318, Palisade City Council, Children's Reading Program and Community Service Club. Preceding her in death were her parents, Floyd and Ann Follett; her husband, Gary Grabast; and two brothers, Don and Ralph Follett. Survivors include her three sons: Ronald Decker and wife, Barbara, of Garden City, Kan., Dennis L. Decker and wife, Becky, of McCook and Douglas Decker and wife, Janet, of Ringwood, N.J.; one daughter, Kathie and husband, Drew Connell, of Holt, Mo.; step-son, Dennis Grabast and wife, Hayley, of Lincoln; two sisters, Mary L. Post and Eva Pezza both of Palisade; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Memorials may be given in her name. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences. Funeral services were Saturday, March 25, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at the Palisade United Methodist Church with Rev. Judy Dye officiating. Burial was in the Palisade Cemetery. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of arrangements.

Charles Sandman
Charles 'Charlie' Lee Sandman, 80, died Thursday, March 23, 2006, at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. He was born April 20, 1925, to Ralph Gerhard and Gertrude May (Richards) Sandman at Beatrice, Neb., the last remaining of ten siblings. Moving from Harbine, Neb., Charlie grew up near Wauneta and graduated from Wauneta High School. He married Marilyn Elizabeth Behlke on Sept. 12, 1948. To this union three sons, Alan, Chuck and Ron, were born. Charlie farmed near Benkelman until a heart attack limited his active participation. He still loved to drive around the section, checking on the farm with either one of the grandkids or Vegas (Sandy's dog) riding along. Charlie took up golf late in life and really enjoyed playing regularly with his golfing buddies. He retold his hole-in-one story many times to anyone who hadn't already heard it or who would listen to it again. Always a Husker fan, he attended several bowl games over the years. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gertrude Sandman; his wife, Marilyn; brothers: Clarence, Virgil, Jack, Ralph Jr., Richard and Gary; sisters: Leah, Bernice and Irma. Those who survive him include his sons: Alan Sandman, Chuck Sandman and wife Andi and Ron Sandman; very special friend and companion, Sandra Brunkhorst; grandchildren: Kara, Tabatha, Shawn, Tracy, Bobby, Jami and Joni; great granddaughter, Kayla; sisters-in-law Edie, Verna, Ona and Bonnie Sandman and Verle Behlke; brother-in-law, Bill Neverve; many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Charlie will be missed by many of those he has left behind. Yet, we all can be comforted in the knowledge that Charlie has now been reunited with loved ones and friends, as he ventures forward in a "new beginning." Funeral services were held Monday, March 27, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong and Pastor Greg Sandman officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman, Kelly Hayward was vocalist. Selections chosen were "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." Casketbearers were Ron Ham, Ron Pursley, Denny Vrbas, Jim Mullanix, Tony Wonderly, Roger Howard, Robert Glasco and Jerry Kisela. Interment followed the service at the Benkelman Cemetery. Memorials may be given in his name. Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Elmer Alberts
Elmer A. Alberts, 84, of Palisade died Saturday, March 18, 2006, at the Community Hospital in McCook, Neb. He was born Aug. 4, 1921, at Culbertson to Harmon J. and Hinrika (Groothuis) Alberts. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Culbertson and attended District 75 and Lutheran Christian Day School and graduated from Culbertson High School in 1940. He married Leola H. Wittwer in Culbertson at St. John Lutheran Church on June 18, 1946. They farmed west of Culbertson until 1950 when they moved to a farm northeast of Palisade. In 1970 his son, Bryon, joined the farming operation. Elmer and Leola moved into Palisade in 1989. He always took an active part and interest in the farm. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palisade and served in many church offices and as elder. He also served on the School District 14 School Board and Hayes County Extension Board. He enjoyed his family, fishing, woodworking and gardening. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kirwin; six brothers: Andrew, Harm, John, Walter, Albert and an infant; five sisters: Dora, Ella, Etta and two infants and one infant grandson. Survivors include his wife, Leola, of Palisade; a son, Byron Alberts and wife, Debra, of Palisade; two daughters: Janice and husband Gary Sines of Jefferson, Mo., and Sherry and husband Wayne Larson of Lincoln; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren and many relatives and friends. Memorials will be given to Lutheran Hour Ministries. Public visitation was held Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and then on Thursday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friends and family may also leave condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com Funeral services will be Friday, March 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Palisade at 11 a.m. CT with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating. Burial will be in the Palisade Cemetery. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.

Anna Cooper
Anna Marie (Tepley) Cooper, 82, died Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. She was born Jan. 28, 1924, to Jack Frank and Mary Catherine (Volzaba) Tepley on the family farm northeast of Wauneta on the Stinking water Creek. She married James William (Bill) Cooper at St. John's Catholic Church in Wauneta on March 14, 1946. The couple spent their married life on a farm northwest of Hayes Center, Neb., until 1974 when they moved to Hamlet. She was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Palisade. She served as a leader of the Northwest 4-H Club for 25 years; on the Hamlet Village Board for eight years; and on the Meals on Wheels Senior Citizens Board for the Palisade area for a number of years. She was a Charter Member and also a Life Member of the Palisade V.F.W. Thompson/McClatchey/Barlow Post #7028 Auxiliary and served as the treasurer for many years. She and Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends and spent several winters in Apache Junction, Ariz. One highlight of their life was vacationing in Alaska with Bill's two sisters and their husbands with each couple traveling by pickup camper for three weeks. She spent the past four months at Heritage home of Wauneta and was crowned queen as part of Heritage's royalty on Valentine's Day. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on July 22, 1996; parents; brothers Wilbur and Leonard and sisters Mae Graham and Eva Ambrosek. Survivors include her children: Linda (Lynn) and husband Roger Kolbet of Culbertson and their children: daughter Camilia (Cami) Kolbet and her fiancé Gregg Baker of Mesa, Ariz., son Aaron Kolbet and wife, Tammy, and their son Coleton and daughter Kailee of Culbertson, and son Jeramey Kolbet of Culbertson; Carol and husband Robert (Bob) Stensvad of McCook and their children: son Michael (Mike) Schneider and his wife, Renee, and their sons, Trey and Travis, of Papillion, son Scott Schneider and his wife, Kathryn (Katie) and their sons, Zacharriah and Christopher of Anchorage, Alaska, son Jim Stensvad and his wife, Paula Missing, of McCook, son Mark Stensvad and his son, Eric, of Culbertson, son Brian Stensvad of McCook; and Monte Cooper and his wife, Karleen, of Palisade and their children: Joe (Rahmer) Gilbert and his wife, Georgia, and their daughter, Josie, of Grand Junction, Colo., daughter Petrina (Peanut) and her husband, Dana Gruhn, and their sons, Elliot and Kenny, and daughter Elizabeth of Grand Island and daughter Dawn and her husband, Jerry Samuel, and their son, D.J., and daughters Klarissa and Jeri Lynn of St. Joseph, Mo., for a total of 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; brother Jake Tepley and his wife, Lillian, of Elsie; brother-in-law Loren Draper of Imperial along with cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Rosary was recited on Friday, March 10, at St. John Catholic Church in Wauneta with funeral mass on Saturday, March 11 at 10 a.m. MT with the Rev. Greg Pawloski officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta. Memorials are being accepted in her name. Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta was in charge of arrangements.

Milo Smith
Milo O. Smith died Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at the El Dorado Manor Home in Trenton, Neb., at the age of 81. He was born Jan. 13, 1925, at Grant, Neb., the son of the late Frank and Hazel Marie (Cronk) Smith. He grew up at Grant where he graduated from Grant High School. On Aug. 4, 1948 married Ruthelma Ross at Haviland, Kan. They farmed in Colorado and Kansas before returning to the home place at Grant and also farmed west of Wauneta, Neb. In the 1960s Milo began restoring antique cars and distributed parts all over the world. He moved to McCook, Neb., in 1995 and has been at El Dorado Manor since December of 2005. He was a member of the Bethel Missionary Church at Culbertson, Neb. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wayne Smith; two sisters, Gail Smith and Jeanette Nation; and one granddaughter, Shauna Smith. Milo is survived by one son, Frank Smith and wife Pam of Wauneta; three daughters, Sylvia and husband Charles Huskey of Omaha, Neb., Joyce and husband Ron Bley of Wauneta; and Mildred "Millie" and husband John Cruetzberg of Central City, Neb.; 10 grandchildren, Joe Huskey and wife Lara, Angela Hartshorn, Curt Huskey and wife Deitra, Frank Smith, Jr., Matthew Smith, Mike Bley and wife Tiffany, Jeremy Bley and wife Kara, Becky and husband Richard Houghton, Shellie and husband Chad Stull and Mark Cruetzberg; 15 great grandchildren; one sister, Donna Smith and niece Karen Korelitz; relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, March 10, 2006, at the Bethel Missionary Church in Culbertson with Rev. Richard Karr officiating. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery in Grant. Memorials may be given in his name. Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook was in charge of arrangements.

Victor William Haarberg
Victor William Haarberg was born July 15, 1924, in Wauneta, Neb., to Henry Haarberg and Elise Nordhausen Haarberg. He died Feb. 22, 2006, in Dallas, Texas, from complications of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Vic farmed and was active in the Wauneta community for many years, and moved to Dallas in 1999. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Harry, Eldon and Harlan, and sister, Marlies. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Kathleen; daughter Cathy and husband Jack Kelcher of Dallas, Texas, daughter Brenda and husband Ron Pfeiffer of Memphis, Tenn., and son Jon Haarberg and wife Reita of Wauneta; 12 grandchildren: Eric Kelcher and wife Tiffiney, Dirk Kelcher and wife Angela, and Mark Kelcher, all of Dallas, Texas, Aaron Pfeiffer, Gretchen Pfeiffer and husband John Seleen of Portland, Ore., Jennifer and husband Wes Hust of Mitchell, Neb., Sarah Bird of McCook, Neb., Emily Haarberg of Philadelphia, Pa., John Horky, Brenda and husband John Kettleborough, Terry Horky and wife Chandra, all of Sargent, Neb., and Micheal Horky and wife Crystal of Kearney, Neb.; 11 great grandchildren; two sisters, Erma and husband Ed Suelflowof Mequon, Wisc.; Dorinda and husband Kenneth Polly of McCook, Neb. Memorial services were held Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006, at 3 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1801 West Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas. A memorial service will also be held Saturday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m. MST at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta, Neb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Paul Edgar Ham
Paul Edgar Ham was born Oct. 23, 1921, on his family's farm in Dundy County, Neb., to Roy A. and Jennie M. (Roberts) Ham. He passed away peacefully at his home in Benkelman on Feb. 13, 2006, at the age of 84. Paul graduated from Dundy County High School in 1939 and then taught country school north of Haigler, Neb. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Paul decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 29, 1942. He earned his wings on Dec. 27, 1944. He received his Honorable Discharge on Nov. 19, 1945. On Aug. 21, 1954, Paul was united in marriage to Kathleen L. Ostdiek and to this union, six children, Ellen, Mary, Rich, Donna, Jenny and Vera, were born. Paul spent most of his life farming south of Benkelman. He enjoyed life on the farm and always looked forward to harvest time. He was very proud of his livestock. In 1958, his hogs topped the world market at the Denver Stockyards. Paul never met a stranger. He was a good neighbor and was loved by many. He will be truly missed by all who have come to know him, especially his Katz and Jammer Kids. Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Jennie Ham; brothers: Lyle, Donald, Byron, Clifford and Stanley Ham; sisters: Vernell Mann and Ernestine Ham; grandsons: Wyley Hall and Theron Kitt. Survivors include his loving wife of more than 51 years, Kathleen Ham of Benkelman; his children: Ellen and husband, Kirk Potthoff, of Benkelman, Mary and husband, Kirby Kitt, of Wauneta, Rich Ham and wife, Keri, of Benkelman, Donna and husband, Bill Hall, of Benkelman, Jenny Brandt of Windham, N.Y., Vera Robinson of Longmont, Colo.; 17 grandchildren: Ben Blecha, Char and husband, Curtis Sohm, Dee and husband, Abraham Baldeh, Nathan Rauch and wife, Nikki, Meghan Rauch, Tiffany Prososki, Kristi and husband, Alex McNair, Kallan Kitt, Beth Kitt, Adrienne and husband, Jason Mathews, Jonathan Ham, Wyatt Hall, Abbie Hall, Mackensie Hall, Taylor Brandt, Kathleen Brandt and Charley Robinson; three great grandchildren: Jacob Sohm, Josh Sohm and Christopher Prososki. Other family mourning his passing include: his brother, Lawrence Ham; sisters-in-law: Fern Ham, Ruby Ham, Eula Ham, Joy Stevens, Agnes Ostdiek, Irma Johnson, Yvonne and husband, Johny Eggers; brothers-in-law: Louis Ostdiek and wife, Darlene, Bunt Reining, J.D. Ostdiek and wife, Marilyn and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors. Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Music was provided by Diana Ham, organist and Tony Ham, vocalist. Selections chosen were: "How Great Thou Art," "On Eagles Wings" and "Red Sails in the Sunset." Casketbearers were Benjamin Blecha, Jonathan Ham, Wyatt Hall, Charles Robinson, Nathan Rauch and Taylor Brandt. Honorary bearers were Charlene Sohm, Deidre Baldeh, Tiffany Prososki, Adrienne Mathews, Mackensie Hall, Abbie Hall, Meghan Rauch, Kathleen Brandt. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post No. 65, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4178, Sons of the American Legion, Benkelman. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis Marie Wineinger
Phyllis Marie Wineinger of Palisade died Friday, Feb. 17, 2006, at St. Joseph, Mo., after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 61 years old. Phyllis was born on Oct. 27, 1944, in Benkelman to Harold and Margaret (Hanes) Merklin. She was a homemaker and was very active in all of her children and grandchildren's lives. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Margaret Merklin; one brother, Warren Merklin; an infant sister, Dorothy and one daughter-in-law, Alberta Nolan. Survivors include her three sons: Jimmy Nolan, Ervin Nolan, Jr., and Daniel Nolan, all of St. Joseph, Mo.; special friends, Ervin Nolan Sr., and Warren Wineinger of St. Joseph; ten grandchildren: Crystal and husband, Bobby Vette, of McCook, Jim Nolan II and wife, Dianne, of McCook, Nina Nolan of Wauneta, Katrina and husband, Sean Baker, of McCook, Derek Nolan and Cain Nolan of St. Joseph, Joey, Joby and Lacey Nolan of St. Joseph, and Ervin Nolan III of Kansas City, Mo.; great grandchildren, Lane and Kelcie Vette, Brittanie Nolan, Branden Lucas and Hailea Baker; one sister, Hattie, and husband, Jim Shreve, of Hastings and one brother, Wilber Merklin and wife, Joyce, of Bird City, Kan. Memorials may be given in her name. Funeral services were Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial was in the Palisade Cemetery following the service. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Evan Wach
Evan Harold Wach, 19, of Farnam, Neb., died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2006, in an automobile accident near Overton, Neb. He was born July 15, 1986, to Gary and Ricky Sue (Barnes) Wach at Osage, Iowa. He graduated from Eustis-Farnam High School in 2005 where he participated in cross country, football, basketball, track, art, music, and FFA. Evan was very pleased to be on the All-Star Basketball Team in 2005. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Farnam. In 2004, he represented Eustis-Farnam in agronomy at the State and National FFA contests. In 2005, he was district FFA welding champion and received his state FFA degree. Evan was a freshman at Southeast Community College, Milford Campus, studying farm diesel mechanics. He was on the Dean's List both quarters. He spent weekends working on the family vineyard. He liked hunting, fishing, boating and taking walks with family and friends. He also enjoyed overhauling and working on his car. Survivors include: parents Gary and Ricky Sue Wach of Farnam; two sisters: Shawna and husband Phil Silvius of Nebraska City and Lindsay Wach of Farnam; a nephew, Sheridan Silvius of Nebraska City; a niece, Alison Silvius of Nebraska City; very special friend, Jayle Jensen of Gothenburg; numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Anna Mae Wach and Drs. Kenneth and Elizabeth (Betty) Barnes. Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Farnam Gymnasium, Farnam, Neb., with Rev. Tess Hufford officiating. Burial will be in the Farnam Cemetery. Memorials may be given in his name.

Ella Winkelmann
Ella Wilhelmina Bertha (Bischoff) Winkelmann, age 96, passed away on Jan. 25, 2006, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home. Ella was born on Nov. 26, 1909, the youngest of nine children of John H. and Minnie (Kastens) Bischoff, who emigrated from Germany to America in 1893. They settled south of Enders on the South Divide where Ella was born. She was baptized on Dec. 25, 1909, and confirmed on May 25, 1923, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. As a child, Ella first attended the German school affiliated with St. Paul's Lutheran Church, but because her father wanted her to learn English, she transferred to Lincoln School, located on the South Divide where she graduated from the eighth grade. After her father's retirement from farming in 1927, Ella moved with her parents to Culbertson where she became reacquainted with Alfred Winkelmann. They were married at the Culbertson Lutheran Church on Sept. 2, 1930. She loved flowers and was delighted to have a large basket adorning the church for their wedding. Wink was a Ford dealer and the couple lived in Culbertson, Palisade and Benkelman before finally settling in Imperial in 1941. Wink and Ella had four children: Don, Jean, Jim and David. From the time their oldest son was born until the youngest son left for college 42 years had elapsed. Ella was a homemaker who, along with her love of flowers, enjoyed changing the decor of their home. She was an avid reader. A great listener, she took joy in spending time with her family and encouraging them in their endeavors. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could easily laugh at herself. After her family was grown she worked as a clerk in several stores in Imperial. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wink, in 1994; and her brothers and sisters, Henry Bischoff, Minnie Denker, Bill Bischoff, Fred Bischoff, John Bischoff, Bertha Denker, Carl Bischoff and Sophia Nordhausen. Ella is survived by her children, Don of Santa Fe, N.M., Jean and her husband, Bob Hardy, of McCook, Jim and his wife, Sara, of Waukesha, Wisc. and David and his wife, Katherine, of Athens, Ohio. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Jan. 28 at the Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. David Kahle officiating. Music was provided by the Senior Choral Choir. Pallbearers were Don Winkelmann, Jim Winkelmann, David Winkelmann, Bob Hardy, Steven Hardy and Steve Vrana. Interment followed the services at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Fanning
Jerry W. Fanning was born July 31, 1930, to Clarence E. and Della Marie (Hanna) Fanning on the family farm north of Wauneta. Neb. He attended grade schools and high school in the Wauneta area and graduated with the class of 1948 from Wauneta High School. Jerry was a popular athlete in football, basketball and baseball. On Dec. 30, 1950, Jerry married Iris Large. They farmed and ranched in the Blanche Community. To this union, three daughters, Terri, Sherrie and Ginger, were born. In 1974, Jerry and Iris moved to Hayes County where they continued ranching. Jerry married Gloria (Anderson) Lambert on Sept. 28, 1998. They resided in Hamlet, Neb. He was an avid sports fan throughout his life and was a respected cattleman. He especially enjoyed watching baseball and was a devoted Cleveland Indians fan. He loved to joke and had a great sense of humor. Jerry peacefully passed away Jan. 14, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Della; brothers Virgil, Fay, Ed and Jim. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Gloria; sisters, Eunice Bodeman of Wauneta, Neb., Donna and husband Paul Applegarth of Palisade, Neb., brother Russell Fanning and wife Viola of Wauneta, Neb.; daughters, Terri and husband Arnold Bernatchy of Ogallala, Neb., Sherrie and husband Cedric McDaniel of Imperial, Neb., Ginger and husband Winston Moore of San Juan Bautista, Calif.; stepchildren: Kevin Lambert and wife Tracy of Oxford, Neb. and Kimberly and husband David Martin of Lyons, Colo. Also mourning his passing are his grandchildren: Angela and husband Joe Buchanan of Brighton, Colo., Alecia and husband Jon Gottlob of Soldotna, Ark., Traci Bernatchy of Minneapolis, Minn., Eric McDaniel and wife Marilyn of Imperial, Neb., Carrie and husband Matt Terryberry of Imperial, Neb., Jake McDaniel of Imperial, Neb., Staci Sanchez of San Juan Bautista, Calif., Kyle, Cody and Jessica Lambert of Oxford, Neb., Joshua, Caleb, Eli and Jamin Martin of Lyons, Colo.; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Graveside inurnment services were held Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Neb., with Rev. Marshall Erickson officiating. Ms. Dawn Applegarth was soloist. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Patrick S. Sheets
Patrick S. Sheets died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, near Hayes Center as a result of an automobile accident. He was 15 years old. Patrick was born June 1, 1990, in Imperial, Neb., to Ernie S. Sheets and Teresa D. James. He was a freshman at Hayes Center High School where he played football and basketball. He was a member of the Union Congregational Church Youth Group. He enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycles and 4-wheeling. He was well liked by his peers, especially the girls. Survivors include his father, Ernie Sheets of Hayes Center and step-mother Tammy Watkins of Palisade; two brothers: Preston Sheets of Hayes Center and Devin Watkins of Palisade; two sisters: Taylr Trisdale and Isabell Sheets, both of Palisade; grandparents: Henry and Kitty Sramek of Palisade and Geanne Kimball of Harlingen, Texas; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 27, 2006, at 9:30 MT/10:30 a.m. MT in the Hayes Center High School gym with Rev. Fay Ann Blaylock officiating. Music was provided by organist Jan Williams and soloists Preston Sheets and Fay Ann Blaylock. Selections chosen were "All My Trials" and "Our Maker." Pallbearers were Preston Sheets, Devin Watkins, Shane Blayton, Owen Karre, Henry Sramek III, Ernie Sheets. Honorary Pallbearers were the Hayes Center football team. Interment was in the Hayes Center Cemetery, Hayes Center, Neb. Carpenter Breland Service was in charge of arrangements.

Garrett Looney
Garrett Connor Looney, 5-month-old son of Julie and Jason Looney of Castle Rock, Colo., succumbed to S.I.D. Syndrome at their home on Jan. 13, 2006. Grandparents include Richard and Dorothy Anderson of Parker, Colo., and Ruby Anderson of Wauneta is the great grandmother. He had one sister, four-year-old Anneka. Services were held at the Castle Rock Church of Christ on Jan. 19, 2006, with burial at the Cedar Hill Cemetery at Castle Rock.

Jerry Fanning
Jerry Fanning, long time resident of the Wauneta-Hamlet area, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney, Neb. He was 75 years of age. Survivors include: wife, Gloria; daughters: Terri and husband, Arnold Bernatchy, of Ogallala, Neb.; Sherrie and husband, Cedric McDaniel, of Imperial, Neb.; Ginger and husband, Winston Moore, of San Juan Bautista, Calif.; step-daughter Kimberly and husband, David Martin, of Lyons, Colo.; step-son Kevin Lambert and wife Tracy of Oxford, Neb.; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters: Eunice Bodeman of Wauneta and Donna and husband, Paul Applegarth, of Palisade, Neb.; brother, Russell Fanning and wife, Viola, of Wauneta. Graveside inurnment services for Jerry Fanning was Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery with Rev. Marshall Erickson officiating. A memorial has been established in Jerry's memory. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Stransky
Margaret (Johnson) Stransky was born on July 21, 1916, in Perkins County south of Elsie, Neb. She was the second of 11 children born to August and Anna Cisar Vlasin. She attended country school and later graduated from Grainton High School in 1934. Margaret was married to Virgil Johnson on Sept. 19, 1935 in Elsie. They made their home south of Elsie and lived in different locations until 1957 when they moved into Madrid, Neb. Virgil died in 1958 and Margaret later married Bill Stransky on Nov. 23, 1961, in Grant. Margaret served as a cook at the Madrid School for several years and in 1974 she and Bill established Stransky's Drive Inn, a successful diner she owned and operated until 1982 when they sold it. Bill died in 1994 and Margaret continued to maintain her home in Madrid. She suffered a stroke in 2001 and had moved to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant where she died early Friday morning, Jan. 6, 2006. She had reached the age of 89. Margaret was a member of the Grant Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She had been a member of the Madrid American Legion Auxiliary. She always enjoyed family activities and the many fishing and camping trips they took. She had a longtime appreciation of polka music. In addition to her two husbands, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, Edith Vlasin; five brothers: Stan, Joe, Otis, Francis and Charles Vlasin; one grandson, Garrett; two great-grandchildren, Amanda and Matthew; her stepdaughter, Barbara Cotter. She is survived by five daughters: Marlene Mohr of Madrid, LaDonna and husband Larry Perlinger of North Platte, Shirley and husband Robert McCormick, Linda and husband Dale McCollam of Fort Lupton, Colo., and Noni and husband Don Thiesen of Ogallala, Neb.; 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; four sisters: Genie Johnson of Ogallala, Betty Stubblefield of Aurora, Colo., Anna-Belle Vapenik and Marie Smith, both of Wauneta, Neb; other relatives and friends. A vigil service was held Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Grant Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Jan. 9 at Mother of Sorrows with Rev. Bill Grant officiating. Music was provided by Connie Cohen, Verna Grabowski and Mary Ellis. Casket bearers were Mark McCormick, Vincent Perlinger, Brett Thiesen, Seth Thiesen, Michael Cotter, Bryan Lee, Matt Yeagle and Matt Fox. Honorary escorts were Margaret's granddaughters. Interment was in the Madrid Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Charles Kerchal
Virgil Charles Kerchal was born on Oct. 9, 1924, on the family farm in rural Hayes County, Nebraska, to Joseph I. and Olga (Opal) C. (Vlasin) Kerchal. He was the third oldest of six children and attended grades one through eight at District. No. 34 in rural Hayes County. He graduated from Wauneta High School with the class of 1942, and following his high school graduation, Virgil started farming with his father. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Frances Lucille Kennedy, on March 16, 1945. To this loving union, three sons, Kenneth Wayne, Duane Dale and Rex Edward, were born. He served in the Army of the United States from 1946-47. The farm was Virgil's life work, and together with his beloved Frances, they raised their sons on the same farm where he was born 15 miles northeast of Wauneta. He lived on that farm until he had a debilitating stroke during the first week of May, 2005. Following his stroke, he was a patient at Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, Neb., for a brief time, and then became a resident of the Belle Terrace Care Facility in Tecumseh, Neb., until his death on Dec. 25, 2005. Virgil reached the age of 81 years, 2 months and 16 days. Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances; his parents; his sisters, Eva Polly and Ramona Nordhausen and his brothers-in-law, Russell Polly and Vernon Nordhausen. Those left to mourn his passing are his sons: Ken and his wife, Loretta, of rural Steinauer, Neb., Duane of Tamarac, Fla., and Rex and his wife, Deborah, of rural Wauneta; his brothers: Leonard and his wife, Frona, of Benkelman, Neb., Keith and his wife, Nona, of rural Wauneta; and his sister, Jo Ann and her husband, Rob Vicary, of Lincoln, Neb.; his grandsons, Monte Kerchal and his wife, April, and Matt Kerchal and his wife, Jody, all of Lincoln; his granddaughter, Marcy Kerchal of Denver, Colo.; his great grandchildren: Bridger Kerchal, Adison Kerchal and Zoe Kerchal, all of Lincoln; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a multitude of friends. Virgil will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his infectious, friendly smile, his love of talking with anyone who would visit, his appreciation of the wonders of God's creation - and, oh, how he loved to eat! He was a loving, gentleman who gave all who knew him a wonderful example of kindness, hard work and dedication to his family and friends. He was an honest man with principals and purpose, respected by all, and will certainly be missed by all who were privileged to know him. Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta with Rev. Keith Wellman officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Berneta Steinert. Congregational hymns chosen were "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." Casketbearers were Kevin Kerchal, Jeff Lamphere, Rodney Kerchal, Monte Kerchal, Dennis Kennedy and Matthew Kerchal. Honorary Casketbearers were Marcy Kerchal, Kerri (Pfeiffer) Mees, Linda (Terry) Miller, Bridger Kerchal, Patricia (Polly) Wallin, Adison Kerchal, Lloyd Kerchal, Zoe Kerchal, Julie Lamphere, Larry Kennedy and Danny Kennedy. Military rites were performed by American Legion Post #404 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7996 of Wauneta. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta. Liewer Funeral home of Wauneta was in charge of arrangements.