First Name: Last Name:

Martha Omel
Martha Omel, 84, of Aurora, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007 at Hamilton Manor in Aurora. Funeral services were held Monday morning, Jan. 29 in the First Christian Church in Aurora with Rev. Sam Fox officiating. Burial was in the Aurora Cemetery. Martha May Omel, daughter of Carl and Sophia (Nelson) Lindstrom, was born April 2, 1922 in Lompoc, Calif. She was raised in Huntington Beach and Long Beach, Calif. She graduated from Poly High School in Long Beach and then attended business school. She worked for the board of education and a local bank. She was part of a dedicated group of young people in the Long Beach Christian Church where she met and married Myron Omel on April 18, 1942. Martha worked while Myron served in World War II. They moved to their Nebraska farm near Aurora in 1948, living on that same farm the rest of their married life. Martha, that California city girl, soon learned to be a county wife, helping Myron on the farm and raising three children. She loved sewing, reading, growing flowers, especially gladiolus and iris, gardening and putting up "grannie's good corn" every summer. She was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Giltner and Aurora, was an officer and member of CWF, worked on church boards, provided flowers and helped whenever the need arose. She was famous for her lemon pies at church. She served proudly on the county election board for years. She and Myron traveled extensively in the United States, Europe and Australia, enjoying tours and meeting new friends everywhere. Mail time, sending and receiving cards and letters, was a highlight each day. She loved holidays with family and friends, cooking those big farm meals. Survivors include her husband, Myron of Aurora; three children, Gary (Katie) Omel of Readyville, Tenn., Jim (Pat) Omel of Grand Island and Janalee (Fred) Petsch of Milford; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Jerry and Lucille Omel of Aurora, Marion and Delores Omel of Grand Island, Bud and Pat Omel of Las Vegas and Howard Hurley of Everett, Wash.; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Clara, Thelma and Evelyn; an infant son, Kevin Carl. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

Mary Snow
Mary Lucile Snow, 87, of Denver, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007 at Heritage Club in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 29 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. Burial will be Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Giltner. She was born Dec. 12, 1919 in Wisner to Michael Dennis and Elizabeth (Murphy) McGuire. She graduated from Wisner High School in 1938 and Creighton University School of Nursing in 1942. She worked as a surgical nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha from 1942 to 1952. She married Dr. Frank W. Wanek on June 14, 1952 and they made their home in Gordon. Following his death in 1972 she married John W. Snow on March 16, 1976. They made their home in Darien, Conn. but moved to Denver in retirement. She was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed quilting, gardening and exercise. She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. Survivors include her husband, John; two sons, John (Jane) Wanek of Ft. Collins, Colo. and James (Julie) Wanek of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; three daughters, Elizabeth Wanek of Greensboro, N.C., Mary Wanek (Craig) Morroni of Denver and Theresa Wanek of McCook; three stepsons, Thomas (Christy) Snow of Grand Junction, Colo., Michael (Katherine) Snow of Greenwood Village, Colo. and James (Kathy) Snow of Littleton, Colo.; two stepdaughters, Mary Snow (James) Shonsey of Centennial, Colo. and Margaret Snow (Peter) Tobin of Centennial, Colo.; three sisters, Eileen, Margaret and Myrtle Mae; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; one brother, Gerald; two sisters, Elizabeth and Suzanne. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

Arlene Hahn
Arleen Hahn, 80, of Hampton, died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007 at Memorial Community Care in Aurora. Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. in St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hampton. Rev. Randall Smith will officiate. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora. Arleen Hahn, daughter of Otto and Bertha (Podolski) Zierott, was born March 2, 1926 on a farmstead east of Hampton. She grew up on a farm near Hampton, attended Zion Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Hampton High School. She moved to Grand Island for several years where she worked as a telephone operator and worked at the Ordnance Plant. She moved to Lincoln and worked for a cleaning company. She married Howard Hahn April 16, 1950 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton. They lived in Marquette before moving to Hampton. While raising her family, she worked as a CSM at Hamilton Manor. She retired after 27 years of service. She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hampton. She loved being a grandmother, mother and wife. Her favorite thing was to worry about everyone else before herself. Before health prohibited her, she did as much with her grandchildren as possible. Survivors include her husband, Howard of Hampton; one son, David (Kim) Hahn of Fremont; one daughter, Mary (Jerry) Owens of Harvard; one daughter-in-law, Karen Hahn of Ferndale, Wash.; nine grandchildren, Amanda Owens, Michael Hahn, Mitchell Hahn, Matthew Hahn, Sarah Hahn, Rachel Hahn, Leah Hahn, Hanna Hahn and Micah Hahn; one brother, Ardeen Zierott; six sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, James Hahn; four brothers-in-law. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

Clayton Snider
Former Aurora resident Clayton Snider, 80, of Fullerton, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at Golden Living in Fullerton. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 at Kearney Cemetery with Rev. Larry Michael-Rush officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Clayton LeRoy Snider, son of Ivan and Violet (Russell) Snider, was born April 4, 1926 in Kearney. He grew up in the Lisco area. He attended school at School District 33 in Garden County through the eighth grade. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Germany in the 6th Armored Division under Gen. Patton. He settled in the Bertrand and Lexington area. He had a custom harvest crew along with his farming duties. He owned and operated a tree service for many years. He was a carpenter and was able to build several houses and do remodeling for others. He loved horses and raised them on his farm. He speculated on horses, cattle and hogs. He moved to Aurora in 2000 to be closer to his son and family. He moved to Fullerton in 2004 due to his health. Survivors include his son, C. Scott (Monica) Snider of Aurora; two granddaughters, Vicki Snider of Lincoln and Rebecca Snider of Aurora; one brother, Ivan (Phyllis) Snider of Beaver City and one sister-in-law, Betty Snider of Kearney. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Betty Jean (Snider) Atterberry; one brother, Marion Titus Snider and one niece. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com. Memorials are directed to the family.

Floramae Gaard
Floramae Gaard, 63, of Aurora, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Funeral services were Saturday morning, March 31 at the Evangelical Covenant Church with Pastor Karl Larson officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Nevada, Iowa. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com. Floramae Gaard, daughter of William Everett and Flora Mae (Wise) Post, was born May 5, 1943 in Nevada, Iowa where she grew up and graduated from Nevada High School. She attended St. Luke's Nursing School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for one year. She married Kay Royden Gaard Feb. 9, 1963 in Vermillion, S.D. She worked for Davis Donnellan Lumber Yard in Nevada, Wilson Lumber Yard in Ames and the Armstrong Company. Her husband died March 1, 2005 and she moved to Aurora in September of that year and worked at Schneider's Hardware. She enjoyed her grandchildren, knitting and camping. She had been a member of the United Methodist Church in Nevada. Survivors include her two children, Kate (Steve) Metzger of Grand Island and Jim (Debi) Gaard of Dibold, Texas; four grandchildren, Jordan Kay and Kaleigh Lynn Metzger and Alex and Braydon Gaard; one brother, Claude William (Bev) Post. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Darlene Holloway
Former Aurora resident Darlene Holloway, 89, of Lincoln died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Funeral services wre Monday, April 2 at the United Methodist Church in Aurroa with Pastor Eddie Masters and Rev. Jim Corson officiating. Survivors include her son, Jerry (Ruth) Wurtz of Lincoln; granddaughter, Vanessa Wurtz of Lincoln; one brother, Roland (Doris)Christenson; sister-in-law, Bette Christensen; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Virgil Wurtz; a grandson, Paul; four brother and three sisters. Memorials are directed to the family. Condolences may be e-mailed to www.bmlfh.com.

Eldon O. Hutchison, Sr.
Eldon O. Hutchison, Sr., 73, of Aurora, died March 30, 2007 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Funeral services were Tuesday, April 3 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek with Rev. Tamara Holtz and Pastor Sam Fox officiating. Burial was in the Silver Creek Cemetery. Eldon Outten Hutchison was born Dec. 10, 1933 to Theodore and Emma (Wilcox) Hutchison at Osceola, . He attended high school in Monroe and attended the Lincoln School of Business. On May 9th, 1953 he was united in marriage to Patsy E. Jacobs at the Methodist Church in Silver Creek. He served in the army during the Korean War. Following his return from the military the family lived in Grand Island and Columbus before settling in Aurora. He worked as an accountant for several firms before acquiring his own accounting business. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Aurora. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, bowling, birds and taking care of his lawn and garden. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife Patsy of Aurora; three daughters, Diana Hutchison of Papillion, Julie (Bill) Schlueter of St. Paul and Shari Hutchison of Lincoln; one son Eldon Hutchison, Jr. of Fairbury; his beloved puppy Pixie; sister Nancy (Walt) Shanks of Silver Creek, brother Donald (Diana) Hutchison of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren Lacey Hammond, Amanda Miner, Christian Ramon, Shelby and Sheridan Hutchison, Jasmine Lewis, Severyn Foster; great-grandchild Gracie Renae Ackles; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Emma Hutchison; one son Barry Hutchison and one brother Terrance Hutchison.

Jacob Regier
Jacob Regier age 88 of Henderson, died Friday, March 30, 2007 at Henderson. Graveside services were Monday, April 2 at the Bethesda Cemetery near Henderson with a Memorial Service following at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Mr. Regier was born Jan. 16, 1919 in rural Henderson to Cornelius and Anna (Penner) Regier. He was formerly a farmer and then was a mechanic at Tri-County Automotive for many years. He was a member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church, enjoyed gardening, repairing lawn mowers, visiting in the coffee shop and was a volunteer firefighter. On June 2, 1941 he married Wilma G. Friesen in Hamilton County. Survivors include his son Calvin (Lela) Regier of Henderson; two grandchildren; Joel (Jennifer) Regier of Lincoln and Andrew (Valerie) Regier of Henderson; two brothers Art (MaryAnn) Regier and Richard (Ardith) Regier all of Henderson; sister-in-law, Dorene Regier of North Newton, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and a sister in law. Memorials may be directed to the Henderson Care Center. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.metzmortuary.com.

Jerroll 'Jack' Bergen
Jerroll Lee (Jack) Bergen, 56, of Sutton, died Monday, March 26, 2007 at his home north of Sutton. Funeral services were Monday, April 2 at Monroe Evangelical Free Church northwest of Aurora. Rev. Mark Dunham officiated. Burial was in the Sutton Cemetery. He was a graduate of Sutton High School and attended Kearney State College before graduating from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He was a track athlete in high school, holding the record for the two mile run for over 30 years. He also ran cross country for Kearney State College. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and lived in Lincoln many years before moving to Sutton to help care for his mother. He'd been employed the last 12-1/2 years at The Iams Company in Aurora. Survivors include his mother, Virginia Bergen of Sutton; brothers, Carroll and Mac Bergen of Sutton and Lynn Bergen of Lincoln; his former wife, Sherri of Orleans; three sons, Clint (Michelle) Bergen of Lincoln, Chance Bergen of Lincoln and Cole Bergen of Orleans; one grandson, Atticus; former wife, Heidi and daughters Cheyenne and Cierra of Aurora. He was preceded in death by his father, Ike Bergen.

John J. Sullivan
John J. "Jay" Sullivan, 71, of Clay Center, died Saturday March 31, 2007 at Memorial Hospital in Aurora. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Harvard. Burial will in the Clay Center Cemetery. Mr. Sullivan was born Feb. 22, 1936 in Sutton to John E. and Margaret "Peg" (Burke) Sullivan. He graduated from Clay Center High School in 1954 and the University of Nebraska College of Law with a juris doctorate with distinction. He married Marcele M. Bachman May 16, 1956 in Shenandoah, Iowa. He was a member of Allen Moot Court Competition Board, Nebraska Bar Association, Tenth Judicial Bar Association, Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity and served as Clay County attorney eight years. He was a juvenile law specialist. He also was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Harvard where he was a lector and parish attorney, chairman of the Diocesan Development Program, lector, sponsor of CYO and CCD, member of the building committee and parish council. His civic involvement included membership in the Clay Center Community Club, chairman of Clay Center Health Committee, serving as emergency medical technician 30 years, active in Vietnamese doctor relocation and representative to the Medical Education for Doctors in Communities (MEDIC), Clay County representative and past president of Central Nebraska Comprehensive Health Planning Council, secretary and director of Clay Center Development Corporation, assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 182, member of Clay Center Community Theater Organizational Committee, school attorney and serving as announcer, umpire and coach in the Clay Center youth baseball program. He was named Community Booster of the Year in 1972, received the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award in 1976, received the 2001 Award of Special Merit from the Nebraska Bar Association and was awarded the Silver Beaver Boy Scout of America Leadership Award. Survivors include his wife, Marcele "Cele" of Clay Center; five sons, Michael (Carolyn) Sullivan of Aurora, Patrick Sullivan of Clay Center, Joseph (Zoe) Sullivan of Mt. Sterling, Ill.; Timothy (Lisa) Sullivan of Aurora, and Thomas (Angela) of Lincoln; three daughters, Peggy (Leslie) Botchwey of Willard, Mo., Kelly (Danny) Morrow of Omaha, Susanna (Jim) Kamler of Geneva; 19 grandchildren, two step grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy (Avery) Bennett of Lincoln and Joan (David) Bouse of Tecumseh. In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the Shriners' Hospital of Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460 or Boy Scouts Troop 182, Clay Center, NE 68933.

Bernard Lee Christenson
Bernard Lee Christenson, 61, of Aurora died Monday, April 2, 2007 at Memorial Hospital in Aurora. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 5 at Aurora United Methodist Church, Rev. Jim Corson officiating. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at higbymortuary.com. Bernard Christenson, the son of Fredolph and Evelyn (Bird) Christenson, was born in Aurora on Dec. 20, 1945. He grew up and attended school in Aurora. He was united in marriage to Judy Murray (Riblett) in 1967. To this union were born five children, Chris, Lisa, Carmen, Ricky and Kevin. Bernard worked for Campbell's in Fremont for three years, the Cargill Plant in Aurora for several years and the City of Aurora for a total of 21 years. He went to work for the Central Waste Company when the City of Aurora no longer handled these services. He only worked there a short time before having to quit due to his health. Bernard liked to fish, tell jokes and collect antiques and guns. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Ricky, daughter Chris Straatmann, granddaughter Jessica Logue and a sister, Ramona Harms. Survivors include his three children, Lisa (Mike) Zegar of Marquette, Carmen (Darren) Logue of Aurora and Kevin (Dee) Christenson of Aurora; nine grandchildren, Jana, Brady, Victoria, Miriah, Erin, Allie, Ryllie, Derek and Cameron and a future great-grandchild. He is also survived by son-in-law, Bob Straatmann of Hastings and a sister, Lois Christenson.

Thomas J. Haarmann
Former Aurora resident, Thomas J. Haarmann, 40, of Omaha, died at his home on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Survivors include his parents, Fred and Jean Haarmann of Omaha; four brothers, Fred Haarmann III of Green Bay, Wisc., Dan (Cande) Haarmann of Omaha, Bill Haarmann of La Junta, Colo. and Phillip Haarmann of Omaha; three sisters, Cathy (Fred) Oden of Omaha, Peggy Haarmann of Phoenix, Ariz. and Rita Frey of Omaha; nine nieces and nephews and a great niece and nephew. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at criebschlager@cox.net

John B. Buller
John B. Buller, 82, of Henderson, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007 in Life Care Hospital, McAllen, Texas, following heart valve replacement and bypass surgery. Funeral services were Monday, May 14 at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Burial followed in the Southeast Mennonite Cemetery. He was born on Oct. 10, 1924 at home in rural York County to Benjamin P. and Anna (Regier) Buller. He was a lifelong resident of York County, growing up farming with his father. He graduated from McCool Junction High School in 1943. He married Susie R Janzen on March 17, 1946 at Springfield Church in Lehigh, Kan. They wintered in Donna, Texas for the last 27 years. He enjoying shuffleboard, pool and the activity there in the Rio Grande Valley. He loved to travel and they visited 50 states, including driving to all 49 continental states). He was active in church in Henderson and Texas. He had ushered, participated in men's choir, in Brotherhood and the canner. He enjoyed working with MDS, working in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Colorado and Grand Island. He and his wife did volunteer work in Wichita, Kan., Akron, Penn. and at an orphanage in south Texas. He most recently volunteered serving lunches at Heartland School in Henderson and serving meals on wheels. He enjoyed helping and serving others. He is survived by his children Paul (Linda) Buller of Wichita, John Larry Buller of Lincoln, Lois (Larry) Roberts of Aurora, Rachel (John) Crumly of Hartington and Nancy ( Jay) Wren of Grand Island; 11 grandchildren, Marci (Todd) Ochsner of Kearney, Tim (Rachel) Buller of Newton, Kan., Tom (Jennifer) Buller of Lawrence, Kan., Lindsey (Chris) Blevins of Westfield, Ind., Dennis Roberts of Hastings, Elizabeth (Bob) Bradley of Bellevue, Preston Crumly of Hartington, David Roberts of Aurora, Jared Crumly of Hartington, Robert John (RJ) Wren of Grand Island and Susanna Joy Wren of Grand Island; six great-grandchildren; sisters: Elsie Block of York, Olga Kliewer of Henderson, Frieda Noel of Boise, Idaho, Irene (Abe) Block of Henderson; one brother, Abe (Alice) Buller of Henderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin P and Anna (Regier) Buller; one brother, Benjamin (Benny) Buller; brothers-in-law, Ben Kliewer, John Block and Duane Noel.

Donald Leymaster
Former Aurora resident Donald Leymaster died recently at the age of 95 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Before leaving the state in 1938, Leymaster apprenticed in watchmaking at the Haworth Jewelry Store in Aurora. After moving to Idaho, Leymaster opened Leymaster Jewelry in downtown Idaho Falls in 1944. He worked at the business constantly and had only left his job at the store in February, 2007. Leymaster and his wife Elna were active in the community. They were strong supporters of a downtown revitalization project and donated space they owned for creation of a parking lot. Leymaster's health had been failing and his death was not unexpected.

Harold Andreasen
Harold Andreasen, 85, of Bradshaw, died Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at Bryan/LGH East Hospital in Lincoln after battling congestive heart failure. Funeral services were Saturday, May 12 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kronborg with Rev. Sam Ciulla officiating. Harold Eugene Andreasen, son of Einar and Violet (Wrasse) Andreasen, was born March 11, 1922 in Berwyn. He grew up in Marquette and graduated from Marquette High School in 1939. He served in the Air Force during World War II from the fall of 1942 until he was honorably discharged in February of 1946. He returned from the service to farm in Montana. He married Ruby Gobbs in 1948. He moved back to Hordville in 1970 and was involved in working with custom haying equipment. He raised livestock and liked pigs best of all. He married Beth (Bowlby) Nielsen on Sept. 3, 1974 and they moved to Bradshaw in 1979. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he served three terms on the church council. He loved raising a garden and in the last few years enjoyed water aerobics classes. Survivors include his wife, Beth Andreasen of Bradshaw; two children, Randall (Penny) Andreasen of Round Up, Mont. and Leah (Dick) White of Brenham, Texas; three stepchildren, Rosanna (Roger) Schreiner of Seward, Christine (Tim) Lamprecht of Saratoga, Wyo. and Jeff (Marti) Nielsen of Aurora; one granddaughter, Jasmine Andreasen of Tyler, Texas; 15 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great grandchildren; one brother, Bernard (Agnes) Andreasen of Grand Island. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, Leon Andreasen; a step-grandson, Joe Lamprecht.

Tena Regier
Tena Regier, 95, of Aurora, died Monday, May 14, 2007 at Hamilton Manor in Aurora. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 17 at Pleasant View Bible Church in Aurora with Rev. Rick Prettyman officiating. Burial will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora. Tena Regier, daughter of Frrank J. and Agnes (Kornelson) Martens, was born June 15, 1911 in Henderson. She grew up in Henderson and Collinsville, Okla. She attended school through the eighth grade. As a young girl, she helped on the farm. She married Jacob H.l Reiger Feb. 21, 1932 at the Mennonite Brethren Church in Henderson. They lived and farmed in york and Hamilton counties at various times during their marriage. In 1940, due to the drought in the 1930s, they sold out their farming operation and moved to California. They returned to Nebraska several years later and returned to farming. Her husband died Sept. 20, 2002. She was a member of Pleasant View Bible Church in Aurora. Survivors include three sons, ken (LaVera) Regier of Aurora, Dr. Eugene (Carol) Regier of Canton, S.D. and Dale (Theresa) Regier of Hampton; one daughter, Gladys (Al) Ediger of Aurora; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and one brother, John F. Martens of Henderson. she was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters, Helen Quiring and Mary Warkentin.

Robert Frame
Robert E. Frame, 59, Lincoln, died Monday, May 28, 2007. Services were Saturday, June 2 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home He was born Dec. 23, 1947, to Edmund D. and Dorothy H. (Parris) Frame, Lincoln. U.S. Marines Veteran, Vietnam Veteran. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; daughters, Michelle Frame, Lincoln, Abigail Archer, Lincoln; son, Derek, Lincoln; granddaughter, Ava Sams, Lincoln; mother, Dorothy Frame, a native of Aurora, Lincoln. Preceded in death by: father. Also surviving are Norm and JoAnn Luthy of Aurora, aunt and uncle. Memorials are directed to VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare, 600 S. 70th St. Condolences may be left at www.lincolnfh.com.

Darlene M. Young
Darlene M. Young, 80, of Aurora, died Saturday, May 26, 2007 at Hamilton Manor in Aurora. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 31 at the Evangelical Free Church in Aurora with Rev. Vance Christie officiating. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery. Darlene Marie was born July 27, 1926 in Syracuse, New York to Edwin and Evelyn (Rolls) Earl. She attended Hawthorne Grade School and Irving Junior High, both in Lincoln. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. She furthered her education when she received her training as a certified dental assistant. She worked in Aurora as a dental assistant for about 25 years. She also worked as a telephone operator and at the Goodyear Tire Plant. She married Dale Roy Young on Oct. 8, 1945 in Belleville, Kan. They began their life together in Camp Crowder, Mo., then went to Cuba, Kan., Lincoln and Phillips before permanently making their home in Hampton in 1958. She was a member of Evangelical Free Church in Aurora. She taught Bible School, Sunday School, Awana, Joy Club, daily vacation Bible School. Collecting soft stuffed animals, making felt banners and craftwork were some of her interests. She volunteered at Memorial Community Care for over 30 years. She taught Bible study, wrote letters and ran errands. She also volunteered for Tabitha Hospice, was an avid Hampton Hawks fan and an honorary member of the Pep Club. She wrote poetry, loved music and to cook and bake pies; but her greatest love was always her family. She is survived by her husband, Dale, of Hampton; two daughters, Pam (John) Janzen of Aurora, Jamie (Mark) Muramoto of West Valley City, Utah; one son Dale (Sandy) Young Jr. of Friend; seven grandchildren, Tammy Janzen, Johnnie Janzen, Dawn Martens, Karen and Shawn Hanneman, Laura and Kirk Steffensen, Susan and Matt Kathol, and Christy and Aaron Svehla; eight great-grandchildren and they were awaiting the arrival of two more. Memorials are directed to Tabitha Hospice, the Evangelical Free Church, or the staff of Memorial Community Care. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltfh.com.

Mervin Saatmann
Mervin Saatmann, 65, of Aurora, died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Funeral services were Monday morning, June 18 at the Assembly of God Church in Aurora with Rev. James Garfield officiating. Burial was in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Mervin Christian Saatmann, son of Christian and Irene (Krisl) Saatmann, was born Jan. 1, 1942 in Strang. He attended school in Ohiowa and went on to obtain his G.E.D. He married Linda Kay Roberts on May 19, 1989 in Grand Island. He farmed and then went on to become a dairy farmer. When they moved to Belvidere he worked on a combine crew that traveled from state to state. He was a truck driver and worked at Wal-Mart in Grand Island. He was a jack of all trades. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Aurora and was one of the original members who started having coffee at the church on Saturday mornings. He liked to fish, camp and attend family reunions. He also enjoyed yard work and helping his neighbors whenever he could. Survivors include his wife, Linda Saatmann of Aurora; one daughter, Jerry Kay Hergenreder of Greeley, Colo.; two stepsons, Mark E. Simons of Grand Island and Gary Bradshaw of Arizona; two stepdaughters, Terry Span of Colorado and Sherry Bradshaw of Arizona; two granddaughters, Casey Lynn Hergenreder and Randi Jo Span; two grandsons, Brain Hergenreder and Josh Span; two sisters, Christine Diekhoff and Darlene (Art) Schumacher; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Maryann Clark and Louisa Braden; three brothers-in-law, David Diekhoff, Clarence Clark and Ted Clark. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com

Ruth Vetter
Ruth Vetter, 92, of Aurora, died Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Hamilton Manor in Aurora. Funeral services were Saturday morning, June 16 at the United Methodist Church in Aurora with Rev. Richard Karohl officiating. Burial was in the Aurora Cemetery. Ruth Lucille Vetter, daughter of Harry and Sarah (McKern) Toof, was born May 15, 1915 in Aurora. She grew up in Aurora and Hamilton County and graduated from Aurora High School in 1933. She worked in Lincoln at the State Capitol for several years. When she returned to Aurora she worked at various jobs, including working for her father at Toof Brothers. She married Ray S. Vetter Aug. 27, 1939. After they married they moved to the farm there she lived until 1980. When her husband retired they moved to Aurora. He died in 1981. She was a lifetime member of the Aurora United Methodist Church. She was a member of Chapter AC P.E.O. and had earned her 50-year pin from the Eastern Star Chapter 93. She raised two sons and was active in the Aurora community through their activities, volunteering to help in their activities. She supported the Aurora United Methodist Church and its programs. She was an important part of her sons' lives and contributed to their families' happiness. She cared for Dan's family many times in Omaha and was an ardent supporter of athletics in Aurora during her sons' and grandsons' school years. Following her husband's death, she loved playing bridge and socializing with her many friends. She read the newspaper diligently, was current on all news and completed the Word Jumble in the newspaper every day. She loved her family and never failed to tell people how proud she was of them. Survivors include her two sons, Daniel J. (Linda) Vetter of Omaha and Stephen A. (Doris) Vetter of Aurora; five grandchildren, Brett Vetter of Omaha, Amy Vetter of Omaha, Ben (Leanne) Vetter of Kansas City, Kan., Sam Vetter of Omaha and Curran Vetter of Omaha; two great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; two brothers, Vernon and Robert Toof; two sisters, Emily Wright and Alyda Zehr. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com

Ben Ediger
Former Hampton resident Ben Ediger, 83, of Aurora, died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 as a result of a car accident. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, June 18 at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson with Revs. George Kaufman and Weldon Martens officiating. Burial was in the Hampton Cemetery. Our father, Ben R. Ediger, the son of John J. and Elizabeth (Quiring) Ediger, was born in Hamilton County on Nov. 16, 1923. Upon his confession of faith in Christ as his personal Savior, Ben was baptized on Sept. 11, 1936 at the Mennonite Brethren Church in Henderson. Ben attended country school and graduated from Hampton High School in 1942. While in school he was a starter for the Hampton High School state basketball champs. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged on July 17, 1946. On Sept. 14, 1917 Ben was united in marriage to Mary Bergen and they established their first home in Hampton. Ben joined Bethesda Mennonite Church on May 28, 1950. In 1949 they moved to their farm near Hampton where they lived until 1992. They had 55 years and 8 months of wonderful years together. God blessed Ben and Mary with two children through adoption. Glenda of Bellevue and Lowell of Hampton. We couldn't have hand picked a better father. God has truly blessed us and we will miss him greatly. Ben and Mary farmed south of Hampton for 43 years. Over the decades, Ben taught many area young men how to work hard and learn the farming business. He was known to tell his hired hands that the only radio station that came in was Columbus, the area's AM Christian station. It took one man, over a year, to figure out that dad was fibbing. Ben was very active as a leader in the 4-H and was awarded an Honorary FFA Chapter Award from the Hampton High School FFA. He was on the Hamilton County Fair Board and was honored for 25 years of service to the Hamilton County Agricultural Society Board. Ben was a pillar of faith to his children, his grandchildren, extended family and the community. Dad set a wonderful example of daily devotions and prayer twice a day for his family. Ben was passionate with his love for the Lord and would witness to anyone he could. He was concerned that the county fair was on Sundays and he was responsible for initiating the Sunday morning pancake breakfast and worship service. Ben had a true heart for compassion and forgiveness and was loved by all who knew him. If troubles arouse between family or friends, he was the first one to bring everyone together to work things out. In 1992 Ben and Mary moved from their farm to their home in Aurora. The Lord called Mary home in 2003. As Ben's health began to deteriorate, he moved to East Park Villa where he had many good friends. Through the years he loved to see his grandchildren come over and was proud of their many accomplishments. Those who remain to cherish his memory are his daughter, Glenda Epperson; one son, Lowell (Jennifer) Ediger; five grandchildren, Kimberly of Grand Island, Karissa (Nicholas) Williams of Bellevue, Benjamin and Brandon Epperson and Kaliegh Schlender; two great-grandchildren, Jaden and Sara Williams; one sister-in-law, Esther Ediger of Hampton; three brothers, John (Joan) Ediger of Aurora, Larry (Joyce) Ediger of Aurora and Don (Lois) Ediger of Lincoln; two sisters, Mary Ann (Art) Regier of Henderson and Janice (Bob) Simonson of Omaha and a host of family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife; one sister, Lillian Winter and brother-in-law Floyd and one brother, Ed Ediger. Memorials are directed to the Hampton FFA Chapter. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

Dick Nelson
Dick J. Nelson, 83, of Aurora, died Sunday, June 17, 2007, at Memorial Community Hospital in Aurora. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 20 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Todd Karges, officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. He was born Nov. 24, 1923, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Albert and Elsie (Stanford) Nelson. He attended school at Lexington, graduating from Lexington High School. He then went on to further his education for two years of post-graduate school. He entered the United States Coast Guard in 1943, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Iryl Tomasek on Jan. 2, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. He farmed the majority of his life, which was his passion. He especially enjoyed the fall and running the combine. He also owned a gas station, salvage yard, managed the CO-OP and was a policeman. He lived in Lexington, Aurora, Edison and Elsie. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church as well as the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Iryl Nelson of Aurora; two sons: Russ (Linda) Nelson of Woodbury, Minn. and Al (Sandra) Nelson of LaVista; one daughter, Cindy (Valta) Ross of Aurora; one brother, Bill (Meg) Nelson of Omaha; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; older sister, LaVere and his infant son, Terry Dick Nelson. Memorials are directed to the American Heart Association, the Grand Generation Center or the First United Methodist Church.

Howard Holland
Howard Holland, 55, of Aurora, died Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Memorial Hospital in Aurora. Funeral services were Tuesday morning June 17 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Aurora with Rev. Sheryl Kester Beye officiating. Burial was in the Aurora Cemetery. Mr. Holland was born Dec. 18, 1951 in West Point to Bill D. and Marjorie J. (Stewart) Holland. He grew up in Wisner, where he was baptized and confimed at the United Methodist Church. He graduated from Wisner-Pilger High School in 1970. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and went onto graduate from physical therapy school at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. On May 14, 1977 he married Cheryl S. Wege in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was a physical therapist at Aurora Memorial Hospital for 26 years. He was president of the Husker Beef Club, vice president of the Husker Athletic Fund and a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Holland of Aurora; two daughters, Karla Holland of Phoenix and Jenna Holland of Omaha; his parents of Wisner; two brothers, Martin (Christine) Holland of Albuquerque and Bradley Holland of Tucson, Ariz.; three nieces. The family suggests memorials be made to the Aurora High School Scholarship Fund in Howard's memory. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the Higby-McQuiston Mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

Edna Miller
Former Hampton and Stockham resident Edna Miller, 96, of York, died Friday, June 15 2007 at Hearthstone in York. Funeral services were Tuesday, June 19 at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary chapel in Aurora with Rev. Royce Rexilius officiating. Burial was in the Aurora Cemetery. Edna Genevieve Miller, daughter of Gus and Effie (Collinson) George, was born Feb. 5, 1911 on a farm near Stockham. She lived in the Stockham and Hampton areas through her high school years and graduated from Hampton High School in 1928. She married Maurice Miller April 12, 1931. They had two daughters, Shirley and Maurine, in addition to raising their granddaughter, Valerie Omel. She lived in the Aurora vicinity with her granddaughter until the summer of 1965 when they moved to Lincoln. She was employed by Prison Industries until her retirement in 1968. She moved to Hearthstone in July of 1993. Survivors include her two daughters, Shirley Meier of Norfolk and Maurine Mumma of Lincoln; one granddaughter, Valerie (Ron) Peery of Denton; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Harold and Emery; one sister, Sadie Smirch.