U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Robert 'Bob' Spuhler
Robert "Bob" Spuhler, 78, of Lexington, Neb. died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2005, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington, Neb.
He was born Nov. 22, 1926, in Perkins County, Neb. to Edward and Martha (Critchfield) Spuhler.
He grew up in Perkins County until 1943, when the family moved to Lexington. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1945. The day after graduation Bob was called to serve his country with the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1947.
Upon his return from the Army he went to work for the Telephone Company.
On Aug. 21, 1951, he married
Mildred Way in Lexington. The couple worked at the Tastee Treat Shop, that Bob's father owned and operated.
Bob then started Lexington Radiator Company and later went to work for the Nebraska Department of Roads where he retired.
Bob enjoyed gardening, woodworking, hunting and fishing.
He was a member of the "Gopher Smokers" black powder gun club. He was also an active member in the American Legion and VFW.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years Mildred of Lexington; son, Lewis and wife Vicky Spuhler of Lexington, Neb.; daughters: Cynthia and husband Andrew Tenis of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jayne Talbot of Imperial, Neb., Barbara "Bobbie" Spuhler of Cozad, Neb. and Sharon Spuhler of Cozad, Neb.; sister, Betty and husband Dean Hoffman of Albuquerque, N.M.; grandchildren: Chad and Brooke Spuhler of Lexington, Neb., Andy Tenis of Aspen, Colo., Joe Tenis of Atlanta, Ga., Jennifer and husband Eddie Lipham of Ada, Okla., Jessica and husband Todd Hydo of North Platte, Neb. and Sarah Dugger of Cozad, Neb.; great granddaughter: Cydney Spady of Imperial, Neb.; and special kitty: Wally.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy Banks, brother-in-law Bill Banks and grandson Michael Spuhler.
Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, with Rev. Todd Karges, officiating.
Burial with military honors were held at the Greenwood cemetery in Lexington, Neb.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the Spuhler Family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements.
Gerald Steggs
Gerald Edward (Jerry) Steggs was born at Alliance, Neb., on June 13, 1923, to Clarence Edward and Ruby Eulita (Fye) Steggs.
As a young man, Jerry, grew up in Alliance graduating from Alliance High School in 1942.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy soon after and became a Navy pilot, receiving his golden wings in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jerry was a flight instructor teaching landings and take offs on carriers the rest of his four years of service, receiving the rank of Lt. J.G. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946.
Jerry returned to Alliance and on Aug. 23, 1946, he and June Ellen Younkin eloped to Oberlin, Kan. to be married. To this union two children were born: son, Gerald Edward II (Jeff) and daughter, Jan Elynn.
Married life for Jerry and June began in Alliance, where Jerry had a G.I. flight school. They later moved to Kearney, Neb., then purchased a farm near Minden, Neb. The tractor had no wings, so Jerry became the (FBO) Fixed Base Operator at the Broken Bow Municipal airport for a number of years. This included flight instruction, charter service, ground school, weather observation, aerial spraying and applying fire retardant from the air. He built a Steen Skybolt Aerobatic Aircraft, which he flew and loved.
During 40 years of residing in Broken Bow, the family was involved in cattle and horse 4-H projects, participating at the Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben.
Jerry served on the school board eight years helping to influence the board to switch to a colorful high school bus to transport the Broken Bow Indians, and the building of a new High School. After retirement, he began a lawn service in Broken Bow and the nearby area.
Later for health and family reasons, Jerry and June moved to Kearney, where they resided for six years. The couple then moved in March of 2004, to Imperial, Neb. to be near family.
Shortly after moving, Jerry suffered a stroke which took his life after a year and a half. Jerry passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 24, 2005, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. He was 82 years of age.
Jerry was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Imperial, American Legion Post 120 of Broken Bow, Neb., B.P.O. Elks of Broken Bow, E.A.A. (Experimental Aviation Aircraft) and former member of NATA (Nebraska Aviation Trade Association), Jerry and June enjoyed traveling, fishing and football games, both Nebraska and Oklahoma State, (where his grandson Garret was a player). He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and survived by wife, June of Imperial, Neb.; son, Jeff Steggs and wife, Dianna, of Imperial, Neb.; daughter, Jan Leckway and husband, Chip of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; three grandchildren, Jerry Clifford and wife, Tracy of Holyoke, Colo., Garret Edward and wife, Nikki of Alva, Okla. and Eliza June of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; two great grandchildren, Jeffery Cole and Kye Edward; sister, Betty Moller and husband, Doc, of Omaha, Neb.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005, at 10 a.m. United Methodist Church, Imperial, Neb. with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
Pianist was Mrs. Marcia Bauerle and soloist was Mr. Patrick McNair.
Selections were "How Great Thou Art," "Lord's Prayer" and "On Eagles Wings." Congregational hymn was "The Old Rugged Cross."
Military rites were by the VFW Post #4688, Imperial, Neb.
Inurnment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial, Neb.
A memorial has been established to the Heritage of Wauneta Nursing Home, the United Methodist Church of Imperial or donor's choice.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ruth Goddard
Ruth Irene Skewes Goddard was born on April 5, 1914, to Roy E. and Minnie E. (Cannon) Skewes on a farm near Holdrege, Neb. She was greeted by a brother, Glenn Harding Skewes. Later Willis Roy, Clair Arthur, Shirley Ann, and Patty Jean joined the family.
She departed this life on Aug. 19, 2005, at the Imperial Manor in Imperial, Neb.
At an early age the Skewes family moved from Holdrege and homesteaded at Stoneham, Colo. After the requirements to have ownership of the homestead were completed, the Skewes family moved to Loveland, Colo. They lived there until Ruth finished the ninth grade then transferred to Chase County High School in Imperial, Neb.
She was very interested in sports and music as she played girl's sports at Loveland High School and played her violin in the orchestra. She was the first to organize the CCHS Pep Club; they wore uniforms to the game and moved along the wire fence around the football field as the team gained and/or lost yardage.
Ruth also joined numerous organizations in high school. Ruth continued to love observing sporting events all her life.
Upon her graduation from CCHS in 1932, she worked around three years for J.C. Penney Company, Inc., in Imperial.
She married
Russell Jefferson Goddard on Oct. 27, 1935. To this union a daughter, Jean, and son, Jerry, joined their family.
Russell and Ruth began their married
life in Lamar, Neb. They later moved to Imperial before moving to the Frank and Sylvia Goddard farm five miles west of Champion.
Ruth was very active in many organizations. She belonged to and was the president of the County Extension Clubs, the Champion Women's Club, plus several other women's groups.
For several years, Ruth played softball with the Champion Women's Softball League playing third base.
As a band/choir parent she sponsored many bus trips to numerous contests for 10 years. She was known to carry a large purse that supplied students with all the unexpected necessities. She even continued this service after Jean and Jerry had graduated from CCHS.
She decorated wedding cakes for several weddings in the community and created numerous wedding ensembles for bridal parties.
Ruth was also active in the Community of Christ Church. For several years, she was the women's leader of her congregation, plus the District Women's leader. She represented her church at several World Conferences in which she was a voting delegate; she loved being part of formal business meetings.
Ruth was well known for her cooking and sewing skills. She was always willing to prepare a meal for anyone that was in the area and won several county awards for her cooking.
Ruth was first recognized as an excellent seamstress, constructing beautiful garments for many to wear and enjoy. She was especially known for her outstanding appliqué quilts, making over 50 that she shared with family and friends. She used her superb skills to teach others the art of sewing. Several feel fortunate to have a "Ruth Goddard Garment or Quilt."
After their retirement, Ruth and Russell had more time to travel. They took many trips with their family and dear friends, Irvin and Garneta Bauerle. They traveled from Hawaii to the east coast. They visited 43 states in the U.S. and traveled to Canada and Mexico.
After living on the Goddard family farm for over 55 years, Russell and Ruth moved to The Imperial Heights in 1997. Ruth continued to enjoy her cooking and sewing. She shared her talents with the residents at the Heights.
Preceding her in death is her loving husband, Russell, of 68 years; he died on Jan. 31, 2004. Others include her parents, Roy and Minnie Skewes; her parents-in-law Frank and Sylvia Goddard; her brothers, Glenn and Clair Skewes; her sisters-in-law, Iola Greim Skewes, Pearl Goddard Fitzwater; brothers-in-law, Henry Koppel, Ross Goddard, Frank Silvester and Harold Fitzwater.
Surviving family members are: daughter, Jean Newman and (husband) Jan; son, Jerry Goddard and (wife) Carol; four grandchildren: Caren Renee Goddard Haining and (husband) David; John Goddard, Carrie Newman and Rusty Newman and (wife) Kelli; great grandchildren: Joshua and Nicole Goddard; Scott and Amy Haining; Avery and Aidan Newman Dicke; and Henry Newman. Other family members: brother, Willis Skewes; sisters, Shirley Skewes Holder and (husband) Richard; and sister Patty Skewes Koppel; sister-in-law, Arlene Goddard Fitzwater; brother-in-law, Roland Goddard and (wife) Virginia; and sister-in-law, Helen Madden; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
Funeral services were Aug. 24, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with Karen Trumper officiating. Others assisting will be Rev. Kay Alnor, Eva Fitzwater, Larry Kilborn.
Music was provided by Mary Lynn Horst, Caren Renee Haining, Jill Bauerle, Marci Lindau and Margaret Nelson. During the "Celebration of Life" service, all attendees were given an opportunity to express tribute to Ruth's life.
Casketbearers were John Goddard, Rusty Newman, David Haining, Bart Stromberger, Michael Bauerle and William Bauerle.
Honorary casketbearers were Garneta Bauerle, Lucille Bauerle, Theone Draper, Marla Kay Hill, Gladys Hoff, Norma Fitzpatrick, Opal Teply, Wilma Stromberger, and Lana Tyerman.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are to be made to a charity of their choice.
Naomi Nelson
Naomi Elsa Nelson was born March 11, 1913, to William Frederick and Emilie (Schultz) Wach in Hayes County, Neb.
As a young girl she grew up in western Hayes County and graduated from Hamlet High School in 1931. Naomi continued her education at Hastings College one year and attended summer school at Kearney Teachers College where she received her lifetime teaching certificate.
Naomi was united in marriage to Leonard F. Nelson on May 1, 1941, in Curtis, Neb. The couple settled on a farm five miles west of Hayes Center where she assisted in the farming operations and taught school along with substitute teaching for 25 years.
She was a homemaker and mother and loved and enjoyed her family.
She attended and enjoyed school functions. She was a 4-H leader, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. Naomi liked to do crafts, sew, read, play cards and quilt with the women of her church.
In later years Naomi maintained a positive attitude with her declining health and loss of her eye sight.
Naomi passed away Friday afternoon, Aug. 19, 2005, at the Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial, Neb. She was 92 years of age.
Naomi is survived by her children and spouses: Judith and Gary Raymond, St. James, Mo., Linda and Rodney Duffey, Minden, Neb., and Craig and Elaine Nelson, Hayes Center, Neb.; three grandchildren: Matthew and Nancy Holsten, LeAnn and Jeff Calvin and Emilie Raymond; one great grandson, Ross Holsten; two sisters: Helena Hubbard, Wauneta and Dorean and husband A.H. (Bud) Carey, Clearfield, Utah; two brothers: Vernon Wach and wife Granta, Hayes Center, Neb., and Ralph Wach, Albany, Ore., and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard in 1985; a sister, Coletta Hahn and a brother, Harold Wach.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ, Hayes Center, Neb., with Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock officiating.
Music was provided by organist Mrs. Myra Large with selections, "In the Garden" by soloist Mr. Johnny Scott and "One Day at a Time" by soloist Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock.
Casketbearers were LeAnn Calvin, Matt Holsten, Gary Wach, Emilie Raymond, Jeff Calvin, Nancy Holsten and Ricky Wach.
Interment was at the Hayes Center cemetery at Hayes Center with Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.
Robert Bechdolt, Jr.
Robert L. Bechdolt, Jr. was born on March 6, 1931 at Portland, Ind. and entered into rest on July 21, 2005 at Omaha, Neb.
Funeral services were held July 25 at the Roeder Mortuary in Omaha, Neb. with Rev. John Hansen officiating. Interment was held at Evergreen Memorial Park in Omaha.
Pallbearers were Aric Bechdolt, Alex Bechdolt, Andrew Bechdolt, Bob Nord and Rayburn Bischoff.
Survivors include his mother, Letha Bechdolt of Imperial; sister, Kathy Percifield of Imperial; niece, Diane Bischoff of Imperial and nephew, Dan Percifield of Champion.
A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
Vernace Groff
Vernace Ellen Groff was born Aug. 11, 1918, in Saline County, Neb. near Dorchester, Neb., to Andrew and Fern (Blakley) Leach.
As a young girl she attended grade school in Lyman and graduated from Lyman High School in 1935.
On Sept. 6, 1936, Vernace married
Elwood Groff, in Henry, Neb., and to this union four children were born.
Two months later, Vernace and Elwood moved from Lyman to south of Imperial where Elwood worked seven years for George Bernard.
Vernace and Elwood farmed independently south of Imperial until retiring and moving to town in 1978.
Vernace passed away Friday morning, July 29, 2005, at the Heritage of Wauneta Nursing Home. She was 86 years of age.
She was a former member of the local Ladies Extension Club, Methodist Ladies Circle and was an avid reader and student of the Bible. As a child, Vernace was baptized in the Methodist Church.
She had many hobbies including crocheting, knitting and embroidering. She loved to cook and raise a garden.
Vernace was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood in 1984; daughter, Ardith Fern in 1982; son, Larry in 1987; brothers, Leland, Charlie and Byron; and sister Mabel Bernard.
Survivors include daughter, DeMarys Cooper and husband, Jack of Imperial; son, Jerry and wife, Teresa, Imperial; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue Jackson, Cheyenne, Wyo. and Maxine Matson and husband, Carl, Cheyenne, Wyo. and sister-in-law, Johnny Leach, Imperial.
Graveside services were held Aug. 2 at Mount Hope cemetery with Bill Lewis officiating.
Music was by Pam and David Murphy.
A memorial has been established in Vernace's memory.
Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
