U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Ted Jaeger
Theodore (Ted) Jaeger was born at home on Oct. 8, 1911 to Adam and Mary Jaeger. He was third from the bottom of eight brothers and five sisters.
Woven through the long life of Ted was a thread of steadfast simplicity.
Guided by a tireless work ethic, a steely sense of integrity, an unwavering devotion to his God and a commitment to family values, Ted, 94, forged a life in construction and building and an equally flourishing family that included four children (one deceased), six grandsons and eight great grandchildren. His life ended on May 27, 2006.
Ted did not worry about things. He was more inclined to spend his time solving problems. And, more often than not, the solution was simple.
Failure wasn't an option to Ted. The way he saw it was if you worked long and hard enough, you'd make it-and he did. But making it wasn't enough. It was how you made it that counted. His word was everything.
The son of German immigrants, he had to quit school after the eighth grade to help his father on the family farm. Over the years he worked in the oil fields in Kansas and came back to Imperial where he worked for Bill Scheurich in construction. In October 1955, Ted moved the family to Ft. Morgan, Colo., where he worked for Harry Dorn's Woodpeckers until his retirement in 1976. He never missed a day's work. He just hunkered down and showed up every day.
Certain things in Ted's world were non-negotiable. Giving back to the Almighty for all the blessings he received was one of them.
Hobbies and vacations were diversions that Ted was just not good at, but a sense of continuity was. He and Edna enjoyed fishing and did manage vacations in their earlier years, but after Edna's death, he was inclined to stay home. He enjoyed reading and playing cards.
Ted and Edna married
in 1935 and spent 65 years together, until Edna passed away in 2000. Ted moved into Imperial Heights in 2004 and after falling and breaking his hip moved into the Imperial Manor.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife Edna, one child, eight brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his children, Joan and Gene Roth of Cottonwood, Ariz., Gary and Ruby Jaeger of Fountain, Colo., Sandra and Russ Roberts of Northglenn, Colo.; six grandsons, David (Kathy) Roth, Mark (Karen) Roth, Andrew Jaeger, Anthony Roberts (California), Douglas Roberts (Texas), Daniel Jaeger (Colorado); eight great grandchildren, Ahren and Abra Roth, Ashley and Emily Roth, Curran and Kelsey Jaeger, Robert and Collin Jaeger; two sisters, Velma (Les) Cooper of Akron, Colo. and Leota Cook of Meeker, Colo.; sister-in-law, Rachel Haarberg of Imperial; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning, May 31, 2006, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial with Pastor David Kahle officiating.
Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial and the American Heart Association.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Owen Jones
Owen Jones was born on Nov. 26, 1921, south of Madrid, Neb. He was the second of six children born to (Winnett) Pete and Vera Evans Jones.
Owen lived in several different communities while growing up but he attended high school in Grant, Neb., graduating from Perkins County High School in 1940.
After graduation he farmed with Lawrence Larsen for a brief time before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in September of 1942 during WW II. Owen served in communications as a radio operator on the Hawaiian Islands during the war. After his discharge he returned to the Grant area.
Owen was married
to Lillian Larsen on Nov. 21, 1945 at Oberlin, Kan. They lived northeast of Grant where Owen farmed and later worked for Orie Cook in his ready mix business. They moved into Grant in 1964 and Owen operated an electronics repair store for a brief period before going to work for Goodall's in Ogallala, Neb. Owen and Lillian moved to Madrid in 1984 where Owen continued farming and raising his cattle.
Lillian died in 2004 and because of failing health, Owen moved to the Imperial Manor in 2005. He had been moved to the Chase County Community Hospital where he died Wednesday afternoon, May 24, 2006. He had reached the age of 84.
Owen had been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In addition to his wife, Owen was preceded in death by one sister, Vera Scott; one brother, Karl Jones, who was killed in action during WW II; and one grandson, Josh Jones.
Owen is survived by one daughter, Anita and husband Jerry Allen of Alliance, Neb., two sons, Rick and wife Lola Jones of Enders, Neb., and Doug and wife Colonie Jones of Cambridge, Neb.; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Everett and wife Lois Jones of Grant; and two sisters, Lola Jean and husband Barney Leitner of McCook, Neb., and Karen and husband Don Hodson of Colby, Kan.; many other relatives and friends.
His body was cremated. A memorial service will be held later this summer with burial of cremains in the Grant Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Florence White
Florence Evelyn White, 94, of Bridgeport, Neb., died Saturday, May 20, 2006, at the Heritage Rest Home of Bridgeport.
Evelyn was born March 20, 1912, in Wauneta, Neb., the daughter of Harmon Charles and Mary Eveline (Collins) Ady.
Evelyn was united in marriage to Miles Alfred Brown, July 27, 1931 in Holyoke, Colo. To this union three children were born. She was later united in marriage to Ira Omer White on July 15, 1958, in Dalton, Neb.
She began her working career as a reporter for the Big Springs newspaper. She was later a nurse for 10 years at the Dalton Hospital.
Evelyn was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She was an accomplished poet, artist and musician. She was very active in the Historical Society for 30 years, and helped to organize and build the Dalton Museum. She was an active member of the Dalton Senior Citizens and the Dalton Garden Club.
Survivors include her children, Joan Garrison of Eugene, Ore., Harold "Hal" Brown and wife Jacquie of Dalton, Shirley Gillespie and husband Bud of Broadwater; stepchildren, Gary White and wife Alice of Boca Raton, Fla., James White and wife Carole of Brown Deer, Wisc., Jack White and wife Judy of Kennewick, Wash. and Ron White of Northport; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, three sisters and granddaughter, Cara Lea Simon.
At her request, her remains were cremated at the Jolliffe Funeral Home Crematory at Scottsbluff.
Her Memorial Service was Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church at Dalton with the Reverand Ron Nuss-Warren officiating.
Inurnment was in the Dalton Cemetery.
Memorials in Evelyn's name may be made to the church or the Dalton Museum.
Thelma Greer
Thelma Ruth Greer of Enders, Neb., daughter of Archie Blevins and Mary Ellen (Webber) Cooper was born in Neodesha, Kan. on Nov. 29, 1918 and suddenly departed this life May 8, 2006 at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 9 days of Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Neb.
The Cooper family lived in southeastern Kansas where Thelma's father served as a minister. As a young child, she traveled with him to the nearby churches. No doubt, these experiences planted seeds in Thelma's heart for the love of ministry, to which she later dedicated her life.
At the age of six, Thelma lost her beloved Papa and baby brother, Johnny, to typhoid fever.
She graduated high school at LaHarpe, Kan. in 1936. She taught school at Mt. Zion Bible School in Ava, Mo. where she met the love of her life, Harold Wayne Greer. Thelma and Harold married
June 9, 1940 at the home of her mother and stepfather, Mary and Albert Holeman in LaHarpe, Kan. To this union were born three daughters, Evelyn Ruth, Juanita Arlene and Gloria Jean.
Thelma and Harold lived in Iola, Kan. for a short time before moving to California.
In 1946 they moved their family to Tulsa, Okla. There they attended the Church of God (Holiness). While living in Tulsa, Harold felt God's call to His service. Thelma became her husband's biggest supporter. Harold stated many times that Thelma was essential to the success of his ministry. She was extremely talented and used these gifts in God's service. Hundreds of children's lives were touched by her unique and loving way of presenting God's Word. She was known for her chalk talk presentations, which she did during numerous revival and camp meeting services. She was also known for her dioramas, portraying the life of Christ in miniature. She designed and constructed various marionette and puppet characters, which she used to teach the gospel to all ages.
She had exceptional skills as a seamstress. She had the ability to look at a garment, toy or decorative item, go to her sewing machine and replicate it, usually improving the original design. Crafting was second nature to her. She had the knack to create something artistic out of nothing. She seldom threw anything away without first considering its usefulness. Many of the things considered trash by others she turned into a treasure. Thelma's children and grandchildren were the recipient of many of her handicrafts.
Thelma and Harold loved to travel. God granted them His protection as they drove countless miles to camp meetings and revival services. In 1972 they realized their lifelong dream when they walked the paths of Biblical history across the Mediterranean. Several years later they traveled to the Grand Cayman Islands to visit and assist missionary friends. For their 60th wedding anniversary, they traveled over 8000 miles through Canada and Alaska with their daughter and son-in-law, Juanita and Donny.
After approximately 30 years of pastoring churches in four different states, they settled in Wauneta, Neb.
In August of 2003, they moved to Imperial. One year later she lost her sweetheart of 64 years. Life for Thelma was never quite the same. She continued to live in her home until October of last year. She then moved to Enders to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Daniel, who lovingly took care of her until her home going.
In early March, Thelma, her daughters and sons-in-law attended a special birthday event for her sister, Betty. This was the last time they were all together. The last few days of her life she visited with her eldest daughter and husband, Evelyn and Ardean in Lincoln. Saturday was spent fellowshipping, shopping and dining. Sunday morning they attended church. That afternoon Grandma Greer spent time with her step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. She enjoyed holding a new step great grandchild, marveling at this new life that was just beginning.
Monday morning, May 8, she suddenly became ill and slipped away to be with her Lord at 5:02 p.m. On Wednesday evening, a viewing and prayer service was held at the Roper and Sons Funeral Home in her honor.
Her parents, husband Harold, two brothers Carroll and John Cooper, two sisters Viola Croy and Cordelia Williams, a brother-in-law Wilbur George and a sister-in-law Maude Cooper preceded her in death.
Three daughters and their spouses, Evelyn and Ardean Ott of Lincoln; Juanita and Donny Whittecar of Chadron; Gloria and Daniel Marshall of Enders survive Thelma. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; five step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren; two sisters, Sylvia George of Winner, S.D. and Betty Croy and husband John of Wheatridge, Colo.; one brother, Kenneth Marion Holeman and wife Doris of Tulsa, Okla.; two brothers-in-law, C.F. Croy of Dallas, Texas, Daniel Williams of Ava, Mo. and a host of nieces and nephews.
As the family reflects upon her life and the influence she had on each of us, we are reminded of the passage found in Proverbs 31:10-31. Verse 28: We, her children rise up and call her blessed.
Services were held Friday, May 12, 2006, at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Neb. with Pastor Todd Burpo officiating.
Mrs. Tammy May was at the keyboard with Katrina and Kendrick Marshall as vocalists.
Casketbearers were Robert Salmons, Kendrick Marshall, Scott Kanode, Wendell Gruber, Dean Backes and Derek Kanode.
Honorary casketbearers were Haleigh Bernius, Hunter Bernius, Wesley Bernius, Dalton Cole, Dillon Cole, Abbie Doerhoff, Amanda Doerhoff, Brynna Gruber, Trevor Gruber, Cade Kanode, Chance Kanode, Rashae Kanode, Eric Salmons, Patrick Salmons, Myron James Tipton and Robby Tipton.
Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Neb.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Roberta Frosh
Isabel Roberta (Welsh) Frosh was born on Dec. 11, 1925 at her home in Keith County, Neb.
She was the oldest of four children born to George James Welsh and Ethel Maude (Pearson) Welsh.
She and her family moved to a farm five miles west of Brule during the 1930's depression.
She faithfully attended the Congregational Church in Brule.
Roberta attended all eight grades of grade school at District 31, which was located four miles west of Brule on Highway 30.
Notes taken from her journal reflected using a hand pump for water, having a water cooler in the schoolhouse and walking 1 1/4 miles to school every day. When the weather was very cold or roads were blocked due to a blizzard her father would take her to and from school on the horse.
The family moved northeast of Brule in the spring of 1939.
Roberta attended Ogallala High School, rooming with the families of Ted Teillmans, Romaine Nelson and Grandma Pearson. Roberta took normal training her junior and senior year qualifying her to teach grade school. She taught grade school for two years.
On Jan. 4, 1950 Roberta eloped with Elmo John Frosh. To this union five daughters were born: Rhonda, Linda, Julie, Cheryl and Jan.
During the first year of their marriage, they lived with Roberta's father to care for younger siblings after the death of her mother in 1949.
In 1951, Elmo was called back into the service and they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo.
In 1955, Elmo and Roberta purchased a farm 1/4 mile east of Wagon Wheel ballpark and moved to Chase County, Neb.
Roberta provided a loving environment while fulfilling her duties as a homemaker on the farm. In 1971 they moved to Imperial. Roberta began working outside the home, being employed at Chase County Hospital, Sweden Creme and Trinidad Bean & Elevator.
In 1977 they moved to a farm seven miles west of Imperial and in 1994 Roberta and Elmo purchased a home in Imperial.
While visiting doctors in Arizona, Elmo passed away on Feb. 10, 1998.
In March 2002, due to declining health Roberta moved to the Imperial Heights Retirement Home. On May 9, 2006, Roberta passed away at the Imperial Manor due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.
Family was of prime importance to Roberta. She was always willing to babysit with grandchildren and loved fixing meals for her large family. Roberta was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on Dec. 18, 1949 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for over 50 years, where she was active in Lutheran Willing Workers and Lutheran Women's Missionary League.
Family that mourn her passing are her daughters, Rhonda and husband, Lloyd Smith, of Champion, Linda and husband, William Moser, of Imperial, Julie Way and fiancee, Bill Brophy, of Imperial, Cheryl and husband, John Burke, of Imperial, Jan and husband, Richard Elliott, of Imperial; 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Howard Welsh of Imperial; sister, Marlene and husband, Dwaine Hinkle of Conifer, Colo.; stepsister, Carl Borowski of Grant; sister-in-law, Sylvia Welsh of Hay Springs; step brother-in-law, Don Muhr of Gering; brother-in-law, LaVern Frosh and wife Evelyn of Roscoe; sister-in-law, Geraldine Maynard and husband Walter of Central City; many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband Elmo, brother Dean Welsh, sister-in-law Jeanne Welsh, step sister-in-law Verna Mae Muhr.
Pallbearers were Nick Smith, Matt Moser, Jason Burke, Brent Smith, Robbie Bell, Kevin Way and Brian Bell.
Honorary pallbearers were Christine Moser, Katie Moser, Jenny Moser, Jennifer Burke, Breanne Hust, Carrie Moser, Jenny Moser, Shawnna Bigham, Jessica Siegel and Madison Elliott.
Funeral services were held Monday morning, May 15, 2006, 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial with Pastor David Kahle officiating.
Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
