First Name: Last Name:

Charles "Red" Lowry
Charles E. "Red" Lowry, Sr. age 91 of Columbus, Nebraska died Saturday June 2, 2001 at Lincoln General Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 5, 2001 at the McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with Reverend Joseph A. Miksch officiating. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home. Charles E. "Red" Lowry, Sr. was born January 4, 1910 at Fort Crook, Nebraska to James W. and Mary (Sullivan) Lowry. He attended Omaha Tech High School. On June 24, 1931 he was united in marriage to June D. Robbins in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple lived in Omaha where he worked for the U.S. Engineer Department during WWII helping build the AL-CAN Highway. Following the war in 1946 the couple moved to Columbus, Nebraska where he owned and operated Columbus Insulation and Home Improvement Company until retiring. Following his retirement the couple owned and operated June's Antiques for nearly 15 years. He was a member of the Eagles Club & past member of the Elks Club and Lions Club.
He is Survived By:
June D. Lowry: Wife of Columbus, Nebraska
Charles E. (Lee) Lowry, Jr.: Son of Columbus, Nebraska
Fred R. (Judy) Lowry: Son of Sioux City, Iowa
Mike (Jan) Lowry : Son of Stuttgart, Germany
Eight Grandchildren
Nine Great Grandchildren
One Great Great Grandchild
He was Preceded By:
Parents: James W. & Mary (Sullivan) Lowry
Four Brothers
Six Sisters
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Fund or Donors Choice

Don R. Byers, Jr.
Don R. Byers, Jr. age 72 of David City formerly of Columbus, Nebraska died Sunday June 24, 2001 at the Butler County Hospital in David City, Nebraska. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday June 27, 2001 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus with Reverend Dan Keller officiating. Burial will be in the Osceola Cemetery in Osceola, Nebraska. Visitation is from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. A Vigil Service will be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m also at the funeral home. Don R. Byers, Jr. was born June 14, 1929 in Osceola, Nebraska to Don R. & Joyselan (Snider) Byers. He graduated from Osceola High School in 1947 and attended college in York, Nebraska. On December 30, 1948 he was united in marriage to Margaret R. Staroscik in Osceola, Nebraska. Don served in the U.S. Navy stationed in San Diego, California from 1948 - 1950. The couple lived in Columbus where he worked for Minnegasco for 40 years until retiring on July 1, 1991. He was a past member of St. Bonaventure Church, 45 year member of Knights of Columbus #938, 4th Degree Knight & served as Grand Knight for the 3rd Degree from 1974-1976.
He is survived by:
Wife: Margaret "Peg" Byers of David City, Nebraska
Daughter: Mary (Harry) Beller of Schuyler, Nebraska
Son: Steve (Barb) Byers of David City, Nebraska
Son: Don R. "Butch" (Joan) Byers III of Yankton, South Dakota
Daughter: Vicki (Rick) Husmann of Columbus, Nebraska
Daughter: Connie (Tim) Siemek of Osceola, Nebraska
Brother: Sam (Dorothy) Byers of David City, Nebraska
Eleven Grandchildren
He was preceded by:
Parents: Don R. & Joyselan (Snider) Byers
Grandson: Troy Beller
Memorials may be directed to Donors Choice

Edgar "Chief" Rankin
Edgar D. "Chief" Rankin, age 87, of Columbus, Nebraska died Monday June 11, 2001 at his home. The family will receive friends on Friday June 15, 2001 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home. There will be a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Friday also at McKown Funeral Home. Mr. Rankin's ashes will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Edgar D. "Chief" Rankin was born August 19, 1913 in Elk Rapids, Michigan to Darrell and Lara (Miller) Rankin. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1930 and then attended Creighton University in Omaha. He then embarked upon a career in professional basketball and baseball. Part Ojibway Indian, Mr. Rankin, or "Chief" as he was affectionatelly called, achieved recongnition as one of Nebraska's greatest Native American athletes, playing basketball with such teams as the Harlem Globetrotters for 2 seasons, the New York Shamrocks, and Jessie Owen's All Stars. During those same years, he also barnstormed with baseball teams, including Grover Cleveland Alexander's House of Wizards, and the Minneola, Texas Black Spiders. Mr. Rankin's athletic career was cut short by World War II. One of the first nine draftees from the Columbus area, Mr. Rankin spent five years in the infantry where he became a captain. He saw combat in the Italian and North African campaigns. In Italy, he led his platoon to safety from behind enemy lines against the Germans. For this, he recieved the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He also received two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. After the war, Mr. Rankin continued to be active in sports, playing golf and bowling. He was a past member of the V.F.W. #3704, Life member of the D.A.V. and a member of Hartman Post #84 American Legion.
He is survived by:
Vernell Rankin : Wife of Columbus, NE
Jim K Rankin : Son of Columbus, NE
Mike M Rankin: Son of Columbus, NE
Two Grandchildren and Five Great Grandchildren
He was preceded by:
Parents: Darrell and Lara (Miller) Rankin
Sister: Mildred LaGuardia
Memorials may be directed to Donors Choice

Essie "Lee" Starostka
Essie "Lee" Starostka, age 80, of Columbus, Nebraska died Monday June 18, 2001 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m.Thursday June 21, 2001 at the McKown Funeral Home in Columbus, with the Rev. Timothy White officiating. Burial will be in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.Wednesday and from 8:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at McKown Funeral Home. There will be a 10:15 a.m. Family Prayer Service Thursday at McKown Funeral Home.
Essie "Lee" Starostka was born June 14, 1921 to Harry A and Essie Mable (Jones) Johnson in York, Nebraska. In 1932 she moved to Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1938. She taught school in Aurora for 1 year. She married Ray Conger and upon his death she married Arnold Hemmingsen on April 1, 1947 in Aurora. They lived in Aurora, Hastings and moved to Columbus in 1957. She later married Alfred A. Starostka May 4, 1963 in Madison. She worked for Nebraska Electric G & T Co-op Inc. for 17 years until her retirement.
Daughter: Connie (Ron) Falk of Columbus, NE
Son: Larry (Gayle) Conger of LeMars, IA
Brother: Harry L. Johnson of Otis, CO
Sister: Helen A. Youngs of Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren
Darin Falk
Bryan Falk
Bill Conger
Sheila Conger
She was preceded in death by:
1st Husband: Ray Conger
2nd Husband: Alfred A Starostka April 26, 2001
Father: Harry Albin Johnson
Mother: Essie Mable Johnson
1 Brother
Memorials Donors Choice

Harlan Krumland
Harlan L. "Rowdy" Krumland, age 81, of Columbus died Friday; June 8, 2001 at his home. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday; June 12, 2001 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. Visitation will be held Monday from 3-8 pm at the McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at the church from 9:30 am until service time. There will be a 10:15 am family prayer service held in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery with military honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Harlan was born November 4, 1919 in Platte County to William & Louise (Seefeld) Krumland. He received his education at rural Platte County schools. He lived in the Columbus area his entire life. He farmed before entering the US Marine Corps in July 21, 1945. Upon his discharge on August 25, 1946 he returned to the Columbus area. He married Patricia Ann Speicher on February 6, 1950 at the St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus. He worked for many years at Central Sand and Gravel. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
He is survived by:
Fred and his wife Debbie Krumland - Son, Columbus
Joe and his wife Sharon Krumland - Son, Columbus
Leola Mueller - Sister, Columbus
Frannie and her husband Ken Groff - Sister, California
7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren
He was preceded in death by:
Wife: Patricia Ann Krumland
Father: William Krumland
Mother: Louise Krumland
Brother: Elton Krumland
Brother: Willis Krumland

Jil Evans
Jil M. Evans of Richland died Friday June 8 in Columbus. Memorial services are 11:00 am Monday June 11 at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus with the Rev. Gary Main officiating. Jil's family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 am until service time on Monday. Jil was born April 3, 1957 in Schuyler to Ernest & Thelma (Cameron) Evans. She moved to Columbus at age 5. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1975. She worked with the Columbus Police Department for 21 years. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, and animals. Jil was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to Donors Choice.
Jeff Bauman - Fiance of Richland, NE
Thelma Evans - Mother of Columbus, NE
Jay (Georgia) Evans - Brother of Valley, NE
Jon Evans - Brother of Columbus, NE
Jef (Carol) Evans - Brother of Columbus, NE
Joy (Michael) Shanahan - Sister of Albuquerque, NM
Dylan Evans - Nephew
Joe Evans - Nephew
Patrick Shanahan - Nephew
Jayana Timm - Niece
Nic Evans - Nephew
Meghan Shanahan - Niece
Alison Shanahan - Niece
Paige Evans - Niece
Jil is preceded in death by her father Ernest

JoAnn Johnson
JoAnn Johnson, age 72, of Columbus, Nebraska died Sunday June 10, 2001 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday June 13, 2001 at the McKown Funeral Home Chapel in Columbus with Reverend Will Sanborn officiating. Burial will be in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until service time all at McKown Funeral Home. JoAnn Johnson was born May 9, 1929 in Milford, NE to Viola Wozny. She graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus in 1948. After her schooling she worked for Consumer Public Power. She married Loren Johnson on September 20, 1952 in Columbus. The couple lived in Omaha where she worked as a secretary for Westinghouse Electric from 1952-1958. She returned to Columbus where she was a secretary for Scheidegger Engineering until retiring. She was a life member of the P.T.A. and was active in Girl Scouts.
She is survived by:
Loren Johnson: Husband of Columbus, Nebraska
Natise (Richard) Vogt: Daughter of Newton, Kansas
Hannah Vogt: Granddaughter of Newton, Kansas
Sarah Vogt: Granddaughter of Newton, Kansas
She was preceded by:
Mother: Viola (Wozny) Matson
Step-Father: Willard Matson

Martin "Doc" Kresha
Martin "Doc" Kresha, 79, of 2503-8th St. Columbus died Monday June 25, 2001 in Columbus, Ne of natural causes. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday June 29, 2001 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Duncan, Ne., with Fr. David Korth and Fr. Bernard Berger officiating. Burial is at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Duncan, Ne. Visitation is from 3-5 p.m. Thursday at McKown Funeral Home and after 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Church. There will be a 7:00 p.m. Vigil service Thursday at St. Stanislaus Church in Duncan. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until service time Friday at St. Stanislaus Church in Duncan. Martin "Doc" Kresha was born April 9, 1922 in Polk County to Adolf & Eva (Karges) Kresha. He grew up and attended rural school in Polk County. Martin married Elaine Kneifel on June 14, 1960 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus. He was raised and lived on the family farm until 1987 when he moved to Columbus. He worked as a farmer and veterinarian assistant. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1834, the Polk County Pork Producers, St. Stanislaus Church where he served in the Holy Name Society and was an usher, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #938. He enjoyed Bowling.
Wife: Elaine Kresha of Columbus, NE
Son: Patrick Kresha of Henderson, NV
Son: Kenneth (Star) Kresha of Osceola, NE
Son: Bernard Kresha of Clarks, NE
Daughter : Jolene Kresha of Columbus, NE
Daughter : Colleen Kresha of Columbus, NE
Daughter : Lois (Bill) Rombach of Platte Center, NE
Brother : Charles (Lucille) Kresha of Columbus, NE
Brother : Wilfred (Ursula) Kresha of Columbus, NE
Sister : Rita Kresha of Oakland, CA
Sister : F. Mary Lukassen of Kimball, NE
Sister : Lillian (Harold) Witulski of Beatrice, NE
Sister-in-law : Irene Kresha of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law : Patricia Kresha of Brighton, CO
Brother-in-law : Eugene Thomas of Fruita, CO
Martin is preceded in Death by
Father: Adolf Kresha
Mother: Eva Kresha
6 Sisters
9 Brothers
Memorials maybe directed to St Stanislaus Church, St Isidore School or the Donors Choice

Marilyn Walker
Marilyn M. Walker, age 75, of Columbus died Sunday; June 24, 2001 at Morys Haven in Columbus. Memorial services are 10:00 am Tuesday; July 3, 2001 at the Federated Church in Columbus. Reverend Dorsie Ivy will officiate. Burial is in Columbus Cemetery. Marilyn was born June 11, 1926 in Syracuse, Nebraska to Merlin and Alice (Copenhaver) Balfour. She received her education in Nebraska City. She moved to Columbus in 1954. She was a long time cook in the Columbus area, working in many restaurants. She owned the F & M Cafe. Marilyn was a member of Federated Church. She was a past member of the American Legion Auxillary and the Eagles Auxillary.
Marilyn is survived by:
Son: Roger Newell, Oregon
Son: John Newell
Daughter: Betty (David) Jacobson, Platte Center, NE
Son: Larry (Christine) Walker, Colorado Springs, CO
Sister: Margaret Farris, Arizona
Sister: Barbara Esser, Nebraska City, NE
Brother: Robert Balfour, Sidney, NE
Sister: Helen Rankin, Nebraska City, NE
Sister: Corrine Bryant, Nebraska City, NE
9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by:
Father: Merlin Balfour
Mother: Alice Balfour
Sister: Shirley
Brother: Allison Balfour
In lieu of flowers memorial are suggested to the family.

Stephen Roberts
Stephen D. Roberts, age 54 of Columbus, Nebraska died Saturday June 16, 2001 at the V.A. Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 19, 2001 at the McKown Funeral Home Chapel in Columbus with Reverend Paul L. Rowoldt officiating. Burial will be in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus with military honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday at McKown Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until service time also at the funeral home. Stephen D. Roberts was born January 14, 1947 in Nebraska City, Nebraska to Don & Ruth (Steine) Roberts. He attended school in Nehawka and Nebraska City. He attended Hastings Technical School where he received his refrigeration and coolant certificate. Stephen served in the US Army during Vietnam from 1965-1972 where he received the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was united in marriage to Linda Adamy on January 26, 1972 in Yankton, SD. He was a cross country truck driver for many years and later drove sanitation truck for Better Disposal in Columbus. He was a past member of Hartman Post #84 American Legion.
He is survived by:
Linda Roberts : Wife of Columbus, Nebraska
Edward (Sonia) Roberts : Son of Columbus, Nebraska
Jeff (Donna) Ruby: Brother of Union, Nebraska
Iday Roberts: Grandchild of Columbus, Nebraska
Jaydn Roberts : Grandchild of Columbus, Nebraska
He was preceded by:
Mother: Ruth (Steine) Ruby
Step-Father: Edward Ruby

Violinda Ebner
Violinda M. Ebner, age 96, of Columbus died Sunday; June 17, 2001 at David Place in David City, Nebraska. Funeral services are 10:30 am Wednesday, June 20, 2001 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. The Rev. Joseph Miksch will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday 3-5 pm at the McKown Funeral Home and after 6:00 pm at the church. a vigil will be held at 7:00 pm also at the church. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning from 8:00-10:00 am at the funeral home. Violinda was born July 19, 1904 in Platte County to Adolph & Mary (Schumacher) Liebig. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Platte Center in 1923. She then graduated from Kearney State Teachers College. She taught school in rural Platte County Schools. She married William C. Ebner September 2, 1925 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Platte Center. She was an active mermber of St. Isidore Catholic Church. She was a member of Christian Mothers, taught CCD for 12 years active in the quilting and sewing circles.
She is survived by:
Regina Egger, Daughter, Columbus, NE
Carroll (Arlene) Ebner, Son, Columbus, NE
Francis Shanle, Son-In-Law, Columbus, NE
Vicky Ebner, Daughter-In-Law, Duncan, NE
Elizabeth Egger, Sister, Columbus, NE
Lillian (Joe) Cucarola, Sister, Sterling, CO
Ferd (Germaine) Liebig, Brother, Platte Center, NE
Marcel "Sport" (Viola) Liebig, Brother, Platte Center, NE
Dan (Joanne) Liebig, Brother, Wauneta, NE
Valeria Liebig, Sister-in-law, Platte Center, NE
17 grandchildren
42 great grandchildren
2 step great great grandchildren
She was preceded by:
Husband: William C. Ebner
Father: Adolph Liebig
Mother: Mary Liebig
Daughter: Norma Jane Ebner
Son: William J. Ebner
Daughter: Marylee Shanle
Son-In-Law: Herb Egger
Daughter-In-Law: Colleen Ebner
Sister: Margaret Langan
Brother: Adolph Liebig
Sister: Evelyn Dollerschell
Brother: Fr. Carroll Liebig
Granddaughter: Mary Jane Egger
Granddaughter: Donna Solc
1 Great Grandson in Infancy
Memorial are suggested to donors choice

Ann Clara Braun
Ann Clara Braun, age 87, of Columbus died Friday, March 9, 2001 at the Columbus Manor. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2001 at the St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus with Fr. Tom Weisbecker officiating. Burial will be at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation will be after 3:00 p.m Monday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Monday and a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Ann Clara Braun was born October 21 1913 in Lindsay, Nebraska to Henry and Anna (Boesch) Luetkenhaus. She attended Holy Family School in Lindsay. On June 4, 1935 she was united in marriage to Cyril Braun at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay. The couple moved to Columbus from Rock Island Illinois in 1952. Ann worked for St. Mary's Hospital for 15 years. Following that she did babysitting for many years. Ann enjoyed playing cards. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Francisican Missionary Union, St. Bonaventure Guild, Perpetual Adoration, Mission Club,and Behlen Credit Union Auxiliary. Ann also spent many hours doing volunteer work for the church.
Ann is survived by:
Ron (Evelyn) Braun: Son of Columbus, NE
Marge (Maynard) Kurtenbach: Sister of Blair, NE
Sr. Teresa Luetkenhaus: Sister of Rhinelander, WI
Frank (Nora) Luetkenhaus: Brother of Columbus, NE
Agnes Luetkenhaus: Sister-in-law of Lindsay, NE
Norbert Van Dyke: Brother-in-law of Glidden, IA
Brenda Braun: Granddaughter
Debbie Braun: Granddaughter
Rhonda Braun: Granddaughter
Jennifer Stanczyk: Granddaughter
Carston Stanczyk: Great Grandson
Jordan Stanczyk: Great Granddaughter
Jeannette Braun: Great Granddaughter
She is preceded by:
Husband: Cyril Braun
Parents: Henry and Anna (Boesch) Luetkenhaus
Grandson: James Braun
Five Brothers
Three Sisters

Dorothy Jeffryes
Dorothy Jeffryes, 48, of Columbus died Monday March 5, 2001 at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Funeral services are 10:00 am Thursday, March 8 at the First Baptist Church in Columbus with Rev. Denison Conner officiating. Visitation is Wednesday from 5-9 pm at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation continues Thursday at the church from 9 am until service time. The burial will be at 1:00 pm Thursday at Palestine Baptist Cemetery in rural Genoa. Dorothy was born August 7, 1952 in Front Royal, Virginia to Hugh Robert "Sugar" & Mabel (Jenkins) Deal. She received her education at Ann Arundle High School in Maryland. She married Danny Jeffryes at the Severn Baptist Church in Severn, Maryland. Following her marriage she moved to the Columbus, Nebraska area. They lived a short time in Oklahoma and Colorado before returning to Columbus where they have lived since. Dorothy owned and operated Jeffryes Day Care for over 20 years. She enjoyed ceramics, crafts and cross stitching. She enjoyed spending time with her family at the cabin and watching their bowling events.
Dorothy is survived by:
Danny R. Jeffryes, Husband, Columbus, NE
Mike (Trina) Jeffryes, Son, Columbus, NE
Cassandra Jeffryes, Daughter, Columbus, NE
Amanda Jeffryes, Daughter, Columbus, NE
Hugh Robert "Dickie" (Becky) Deal, Brother, Manassas, VA
James D. (Gail) Deal, Brother, Sperryville, VA
Jeffrey Deal, Brother, Rochelle, VA
Ivan (Cindy) Deal, Brother, Culpepper, VA
Dorothy was preceded in death by:
Father: Hugh Robert "Sugar" Deal
Mother: Mabel Deal
Brother: Clarence Henry "C.H." Deal
Infant Sister: Joyce Faye Deal

Charles S. Dush, Sr.
Charles S. Dush Sr. died Wednesday March 7, 2001 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha. Funeral services are 10:30 AM Monday March 12, 2001 at St Stanislaus Church in Duncan, with Fr. Dave Korth officiating. Visitation is after 4:00 PM Sunday at St Stanislaus Church. There will be a Vigil at 7:00 PM Sunday at Church. Visitation will continue for 9:30 AM until service time Monday at Church. Burial is at the St Stanislaus Cemetery in Duncan with Military Honors.

Eula Gray
Eula Gray, age 64, of Columbus, Nebraska died Sunday March 11, 2001 while on vacation in Cairns, Australia. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2001 at the First United Methodist Church located at 2710 14th Street in Columbus, Nebraska. The Rev. Gary Main and Pastor Adrian Atkins will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home. Eula was born September 10, 1936 in Shelton, Nebraska to Charles & Adina (Stearley) Sealing. She received her early education at rural schools in the Shelton area. She attended Hastings College and later graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in education in 1988. Eula married Charles Gray on August 31, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois at the Chapel in The Sky. She began her career as an elementary teacher until she retired to raise her family. Presently she worked as a substitute teacher at Columbus High School and had also been an ESL instructor at the Columbus Public Library. She was active in Community service as a member of the Columbus Lions Club, was past president of the Alpha Rho Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Christian Women's Club, Garden Club, Columbus Women's Club, Columbus Recreational Trails, former member of the USTA Tennis League and served as secretary of the Columbus Family Y where she remained a frequent presence. She is survived by her husband Charles, her children Richard (Colorado Springs, CO), Alan (Auburn, NE), and Linda (Denver, CO), sisters Margaret Triplett (Gibbon, NE), Charlene (Paul) Johrde (Bedford, NH), Helen Curtis (Clermont, FL), brothers Raymond (Debbie) Sealing (Camp Verde, AZ), and Gaylord (Helga) Sealing (Shelton, NE). 5 Grandchildren She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Arnold. Eula was an amazing person and touched many lives. Whether she was traveling, scuba diving, trekking across Colorado, or riding her bike across Nebraska she always enjoyed life to the fullest. Because of Eula's love for the Sandhill Cranes, the Nebraska wildlife and all of nature, memorials are suggested to the Rowe Crane Sanctuary, 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, NE 68840.

Eugene Lanc
Eugene Lanc, age 58, of Bellwood, Nebraska died Friday March 9, 2001 at the Butler County Health Care Center in David City, Nebraska. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday March 13, 2001 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church rural Bellwood, Nebraska with Fr. Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery rural Bellwood, Nebraska. Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. A rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Monday also at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until servicetime at St. Joseph Church. Gene was married to Geraldine Divis on May 15, 1965 in Schuyler, Nebraska. He graduated from David City High School in 1959. He served in the National Guard. He farmed in the Rising City area. He aslo worked as a mechanic at D.D. Davis and worked as a fabricator at Nebraska Irrigation. He enjoyed auto racing, hunting and fishing. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in rural Bellwood and the American Legion.
Geraldine "Geri" Lanc Wife Rising City, NE
Brenda (Kevin) Kaufman Daughter Lincoln, NE
Greg Lanc Son Rising City, NE
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Eleanor Thomas
Eleanor Anna Thomas, 88, of Fremont died Tuesday March 13, 2001 at Merrick Manor in Fremont, NE. Funeral Services are 10:00 am Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Platte Center with Fr. Rod Kneifl and Fr. Joseph Miksch officiating. Visitation is after 4 pm Thursday at St. Joseph Church with a 7:00 pm Vigil. Visitation continues after 9:00 am Friday at the Church. Burial is at Ss. Patrick/Joseph Cemetery in rural Platte Center. Eleanor was born February 19, 1913 in Pierce, NE to Ignats & Johanna (Hoffmann) Zach. She grew up in Pierce and attended schools at St. Joseph School in Pierce. Following her education she helped out her folks at home and worked as a maid in Omaha. On November 7, 1939 she married Joseph Thomas at St. Joseph's Church in Pierce. Following her marriage she lived in the Columbus area for 6 years before moving to Platte Center where she lived until 1985. In 1986 she moved to the Columbus Place Apartments where she lived until 1996 when she moved to the Merrick Manor in Fremont. She worked at Dale Electronics for 15 years and did clothing alterations. She had been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Platte Center and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus. She was involved in St. Ann's Sodality, St. Joseph's Mission Group, Mission Sewing Group, and also St. Theresa's Sodality.
Eleanor is survived by:
JoAnn (Lewis) Morgan, Daughter, of Fremont, NE
Gerald Thomas, Son, of Fremont, NE
Alfred (Judy) Thomas, Son, of York, NE
Leona (David) Feiner, Daughter, of Rocky Mount, NC
William (Rose Marie) Thomas, Son, of Macomb, MI
Edward (Connie Brewster) Thomas, Son, of Columbus, NE
David (Connie) Thomas, Son, of Columbus, NE
Carolyn (Erwin Sr.) Lichtenfeld, Daughter, of Platte Center, NE
Joseph (Tracy) Thomas, Son, of Columbus, NE
Daniel Thomas, Son, of Columbus, NE
Richard (Kathy) Thomas, Son, of Columbus, NE
Lucy Heller, Sister, of Lincoln, NE
Ann (Wally) Schnoor, Sister, of Norfolk, NE
Bernard (Jeanne) Zach, Brother, of Omaha, NE
Florents (Josephine) Zach, Brother, of Jamestown, NY
Joseph (Kathryn) Zach, Brother, of Salem, OR
Gerald (Lucerne) Zach, Brother, of Omaha, NE
Hilda Zach, Sister-in-law, of Pierce, NE
Gertrude Zach, Sister-in-law, of Genoa, NE
Preceded in death by:
Husband: Joseph Thomas
Father: Ignats Zach
Mother: Johanna Zach
Brother: Henry Zach
Brother: Mark Zach
Brother: Raymond Zach
Brother: Wilbert Zach

Frank Holmstedt
Frank M. Holmstedt, age 72, of Columbus died Tuesday March 13, 2001 at the Columbus Community Hospital. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday March 19, 2001 at McKown Funeral Chapel in Columbus with Reverend Dorsie Ivy officiating. There will be no visitation. Frank M. Holmstedt was born November 26, 1928 in Fullerton, Nebraska to Maurice and Ruth (Whitaker) Holmstedt. He attended school in Genoa. Frank was a Sergeant for the U.S. Army during the Korean War from May 1951 - May 1953. On April 9, 1954 he was united in marriage to Jayne Oehlrich in Lincoln, Nebraska. The couple lived in Columbus where he retired from Bee Line Motor Freight after 27 years. He also was a plant manager for a bottling company in Columbus and worked as a mechanic for Westring's in Genoa. Frank was a member of the V.F.W. #3704, Hartman Post #84 American Legion, and the Eagles Club.
He is survived by:
Jayne Holmstedt: Wife, of Columbus, NE
Jim Holmstedt: Son, of Norfolk, NE
Bill (Norene) Holmstedt: Brother, of Genoa, NE
Jean (Lloyd) Johnson: Sister, of Genoa, NE
Jessica Holmstedt: Granddaughter, of Norfolk, NE
Ivy Daye: Great Granddaughter, of Norfolk, NE
He was preceded by:
Parents: Maurice and Ruth (Whitaker) Holmstedt
Memorials may be directed to the family

Harvey R. Leith
Harvey R. Leith, 83, of Silver Creek died Saturday March 17, 2001 at the Columbus Manor. Services are 10:00 am Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek with Rev. Bev Minor officiating. Visitation is from 5-8 pm Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home in Silver Creek and Wednesday from 9:00 am until service time at the Church. Harvey was born on February 21, 1918 to William & Ever (Dickson) Leith. He grew up and attended schools in Silver Creek. He served on the Civilian Conservation Corp in Nebraska, Idaho, and Washington. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and served as a farmhand in the Silver Creek area. He is survived by 3 sisters, Adeline Lamb of Silver Creek, Dorothy (William) Whitaker of Sacramento, CA, and Mildred Richardson of Omaha. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, a Brother Martin George Leith, and an infant Brother Lester Leith. Memorials may be given to the donors choice.

Irene Schwantje
Irene E. Schwantje, age 91, of Columbus died Thursday, March 15, 2001 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with the Rev. Don Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday. Burial is in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. A lunch will be served at the Eagles Club in Columbus following the graveside service. Irene was born April 15, 1909 in Madison, NE to Clinton and Esther (Axmann) Smith. She grew up in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1927. After high school she attended the Des Moines University of Commerce. Irene married Albert E. Schwantje on September 8, 1932 in Omaha. After her marriage she worked at various places and worked many years for the Columbus Music Store. Irene was a member of the Federated Church, involved in the Ladies Aid Group, DAR, and loved to play bridge in her bridge clubs.
Irene is survived by:
Daughter: Sally (Dwight) Dreyer of Council Bluffs, IA
Son: Robert (Anna) Schwantje of Alta Loma, CA
Eight Grandchildren, Numerous Great-Grandchildren, Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Irene is preceded in death by:
Her Husband, Parents, Three Brothers, and Two Sisters
Memorials may be made to the Federated Church or to the Donors Choice