U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Lela Snyder
Lela Mae (Wonderly) Snyder was born on Nov. 7, 1924, in Oberlin, Kan. to Ellsworth and Hazel (Ellis) Wonderly.
She grew up and attended school in Imperial, graduating from Chase County High in 1942. After her graduation she found employment in Sidney, Neb., where she met Peter Snyder, Sr.
The couple was married
on May 23, 1944, in Kimball, Neb. and settled in Imperial. To this union six children were born: John, Delores, Peter, Sharon, Carol and Gary Dean.
Lela was employed in Imperial at the Coordes Variety Store, taught country school, and managed the local Ben Franklin Store for 27 years. She was also an aid and Social Services Director for the Imperial Manor Nursing Home some 20 years.
Lela passed away Monday night, March 28, 2005, at her home in Imperial. She was 80 years of age.
She was a very loving and kind lady who loved gardening, making quilts, working puzzles and reading. Lela had traveled to all 50 states before her retirement and she enjoyed get togethers with family and friends.
Lela became a Christian at an early age, attending the Pilgrim Holiness Church and then the Crossroads Wesleyan Church of Imperial.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete Sr. in 1975; five brothers: Virgil, Edward, Rex, Jim and Donald Lee Wonderly.
Survivors include: son, John Snyder, Elwood, Neb.; daughter, Delores Richey, Imperial, Neb.; son, Peter Snyder and wife, Beverly, Imperial, Neb.; daughter, Sharon Orrell, McCook, Neb.; daughter, Carol Glassel and husband, Bob, Loysville, Pa.; son, Gary Dean Snyder, Imperial, Neb.; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Bedford and husband, Raymond, Moberly, Mo. and Lois Hember, Missouri Valley, Iowa; brothers, Red Wonderly, Bird City, Kan. and Lanny Wonderly, Elwood, Neb.; sister-in-law, Helen Coker, Sutherland, Neb.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, April 2 at 2 p.m. (MST) at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church, Imperial, with Daniel Marshall officiating.
Organist was Mrs. Colleen Mullanix and singers were Irvin and Garneta Bauerle.
Music selections were "Softly and Tenderly," "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace."
Casketbearers were Matt Snyder, Luke Snyder, Norman Snyder, Timothy Brewer, Philip Pankonin, Donald Pankonin, Jim Wonderly, Tony Wonderly, Jerry Wonderly and Bud Ruebesam.
Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
A memorial has been established to the Community Hospital Health Care and Hospice, McCook, Neb.
Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lottie Gengenbach
Lottie Gengenbach was born on Aug. 22, 1919, north of Imperial., Neb. She was the third of seven children born to Walter and Emma Greinke Lange. The family lived north of Imperial and later moved to the Champion, Neb. area.
After her father died the family moved to Imperial. Lottie attended country school and later graduated from Chase County High School in 1937.
After high school, Lottie furthered her education at Hastings Business College. She returned to Imperial and began her career with the Chase County A.S.C.S. Office. Lottie served in many different capacities while in the office and retired in the late 1960s after 37 years.
Lottie was married
to Harold Gengenbach on Oct. 3, 1963, at Imperial. They lived on the Gengenbach farm southeast of Grant, Neb. until 1975 when they moved into Imperial. They moved to the Imperial Heights retirement center in 2001.
Lottie fell and broke her hip on Wednesday and was transferred to the Chase County Community Hospital. She had surgery Thursday morning, March 31, 2005 and died during recovery at the hospital. She had reached the age of 85.
Lottie was baptized as an infant on Sept. 14, 1919.
As a teenager, she was confirmed at the Imperial Zion Lutheran Church in 1933. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
She enjoyed her bridge clubs and the many friends she established over the years playing cards. Harold and Lottie enjoyed traveling and were able to make many wonderful trips across the United States. She was active as a Red Cross volunteer for several years for the Imperial area. Although not having children of their own, Harold and Lottie were very supportive of their nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Luther, Ron and an infant, Arno; and one sister Lousetta Cook.
Lottie is survived by those she loved: her husband, Harold; one brother, Kermit and his wife Joceline Lange of Mesa Ariz.; one sister, Elsie Newman of Imperial; nieces and nephews from both the Gengenbach and Lange families; and other relatives and friends.
Services were held on Monday, April 4, 2005 at the Grant Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Krause officiating. Music was provided by organist Judy Kurkowski and soloist, Lori McCloskey and the congregation.
Casketbearers were Randy Gengenbach, Donn Gengenbach, Danny Russell, Doug Lange, Casey Lange and Dylan Lange. Honorary escorts were Don Banks, Les Smith, Gene Smith, Stan Smith and Max Hoffmeister.
Interment was in the Grant Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
James Slack
James Barton Slack of Punta Garda, Fla. passed away Friday, Mar. 25, 2005. He was born Feb. 28, 1922 in Enders, Neb. to Earl and Erma (Adams) Slack.
James attended Pioneer School Dist 1. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II and the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War.
He worked for Eastern Air Lines in Atlanta, Ga. until he started Certified Pest Control with a partner.
He married
Marjorie (Bray) in Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 27, 1946.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Conyers, Ga. before moving to Punta Garda, Fla.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, visiting in Nebraska numerous times to go hunting with relatives.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Marjorie; daughter, Linda, son-in-law Bart Whitmire of Conyers, Ga.; grandson, James Whitmire and sister, Jane Grantham of Imperial.
He was preceded in death by son, Daniel Slack; brother, Earl Jr. and his parents.
A memorial service in celebration of James' life was held Friday, April 1 in Conyers, Ga.
Calvin Pierce
Calvin Marion Pierce was born on his parents farmstead six miles northwest of Lamar, Neb., on July 7, 1917.
He attended neareby School District #75 and later graduated from Chase County High Shcool with the class of 1936.
After attending a year at Barnes Business Colleg ein Denver, Colo., he returned to his parents' farm where his roots were deeply implanted in the soil.
While in high school, Calvin met Marcia Jenkins of Holdrege through their mutual interests in the music department. They were married
on June 4, 1939 at Holdrege, Neb. They made their home on the family farm an dto this union one daughter, Susan Kay, was born. In March of 1976 the farm was sold and they retired in Imperial, Neb.
Calvin was baptized into the Christian faith at an early age in the Lamar Christian Church. He held various church and Sunday School offices. After moving to Imperial, Calvin and wife, Marcia, placed their membership in the United Methodist Church.
Calvin served as Precinct Chairman of the Old Triple A Farm Program and later on the ASC Precinct Committee. Calvin also served many years on the local school board. After moving to Imperial, he was appointed to the hospital board. During his reign of some 15 years, he was elected president of the board and president of the hospital building committee. He spent many hours helping to plan and construct this medical facility which serves the entire area.
He also served on the Chase County Historical Museum Board for many years helping to locate a suitable building which was the abandoned high school building in Champion and later served on the board to build the new present structure.
Calvin is the third generation living continually in Chase County, as both sets of grandparents homesteaded in northwest Chase County in 1886.
When the new retirement home, Imperial Heights, was built Calvin and Marcia were the first to move into it, having sold their home. Calvin and Marcia both loved their various hobbies, including extensive traveling throughout all 50 states, from Alaska on the Berring Sea to the Panama Canal and from New York to Hawaii.
Calvin passed away Sunday evening, March 27, 2005, at the Heritage of Wauneta nursing home, Wauneta, Neb. He was 87 years of age.
Preceding Calvin in death were his parents, Frank and Florence (Rummell) Pierce; his loving wife, Marcia; and his daughter, Susan Kay (Pierce) Grothen.
Survivors include two granddaughters, Diane (Grothen) McLeod and husband, William; Karen (Grothen) Nienhueser and husband, Darrin, all of rural Hastings, Neb.; also five great granddaughters, Pamala, Cassandra and Karissa McLeod and Desirae and Melinda Neinhueser; and one great grandson, Joshua Nienhueser; many cousins and friends, including his very close friends, Skip and Kathe Martin and their daughters, Neile (Martin) Anderson and Holly (Martin) Schilke and their families.
Funeral services for Calvin will be Friday afternoon, April 1, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Imperial with Pastor Murray Schmechel and Rev. Francis Baker officiating.
Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial, Neb.
Visitation will be held today, Thursday afternoon, March 31, 2005 at 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home in Imperial.
A memorial has been established to Chase County High School to be presented to a student who wishes to further their education in nursing.
Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lela Snyder
Lela Mae (Wonderly) Snyder was born on Nov. 7, 1924, in Oberlin, Kan. to Ellsworth and Hazel (Ellis) Wonderly.
She grew up and attended school in Imperial, graduating from Chase County High in 1942. After her graduation she found employment in Sidney, Neb., where she met Peter Snyder, Sr.
The couple was married
on May 23, 1944, in Kimball, Neb. and settled in Imperial. To this union six children were born: John, Delores, Peter, Sharon, Carol and Gary Dean.
Lela was employed in Imperial at the Coordes Variety Store for 27 years. She was also an aid and Social Services Director for the Imperial Manor Nursing Home some 20 years.
Lela passed away Monday night, March 28, 2005, at her home in Imperial. She was 80 years of age.
Lela was a very loving and kind lady who loved gardening, making quilts, working puzzles and reading. Lela had traveled to all 50 states before her retirement. She enjoyed get togethers with family and friends.
Lela became a Christian at an early age, attending the Pilgrim Holiness Church and then the Crossroads Wesleyan Church of Imperial.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Pete Sr. in 1975, five brothers: Virgil, Edward, Rex, Jim and Donald Lee Wonderly.
Survivors include: son, John Snyder, Elwood, Neb.; daughter, Delores Richey, Imperial, Neb.; son, Peter Snyder and wife, Beverly, Imperial, Neb.; daughter, Sharon Orrell, McCook, Neb.; daughter, Carol Glassel and husband, Bob, Loysville, Pa.; son, Gary Dean Snyder, Imperial, Neb.; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Bedford and husband, Raymond, Moberly, Mo. and Lois Hember, Missouri Valley, Iowa; brothers, Red Wonderly, Bird City, Kan. and Lanny Wonderly, Elwood, Neb.; sister-in-law, Helen Coker, Sutherland, Neb.
Funeral services for Lela Snyder will be held Saturday afternoon, April 2 at 2 p.m. (MST) at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church, Imperial, with Daniel Marshall officiating.
Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
Visitation will be Friday afternoon, April 1 from 2-6 p.m. (MST) at the funeral home in Imperial.
A memorial has been established to the Chase County Hospice.
Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lorenz Bischoff
Lorenz William Bischoff was born on Jan. 23, 1926, near Wauneta, Neb., to Henry and Lydia (Beckmann) Bischoff.
Lorenz departed this life on Saturday, March 26, 2005, in Imperial, Neb.
He was baptized, attended grade school and was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Wauneta. Lorenz attended high school to the 10th grade at Wauneta High School.
Lorenz was a farmer for many years until his health did not permit him to continue farming.
He was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
He was a resident of Imperial Manor in Imperial, Neb., for the last 4 1/2 years of his life. Lorenz was 79 years, 2 months and 3 days old at the time of his death.
Lorenz was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lydia Bischoff; brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Leatha Bischoff; sister, Esther and brother-in-law, William Keiser; niece-in-law, Sharon Keiser; and great nephew, Joel Nordhausen.
Left to rejoice in Lorenz's salvation are his sister, Arlene and husband Vernon Shoemaker of Lincoln, Neb.; aunt, Helen Bischoff of Salem, Ore.; aunt, Ella Winkelmann of Imperial, Neb.; nephew, Everett Keiser and niece Laura Keiser of Denver, Colo.; nieces, Sandra Nordhausen and Linda Fanning of Austin, Texas; nephew, Dirk and wife Nancy Shoemaker of Lincoln, Neb.; great-nephew, Justin and wife Amy Nordhausen of Austin, Texas; great-nephew, Levi and wife Cherie Fanning of Round Rock, Texas; great-niece, Jonica and husband Samuel Taylor of Thrall, Texas; great-nephew, Andrew Shoemaker and great-niece, Kari Shoemaker of Lincoln, Neb.; and great-great nieces, Kathryn Fanning and Savana Taylor and great-great nephews, Jacob Taylor and Liam Fanning and extended family and friends.
Lorenz was a man of few words, but felt a deep and abiding faith in his Lord and Savior. It is with the assurance of our Lord's words, "Because I live you will live also" and further, "I am the resurrection and the life, he that liveth and believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live and he that liveth and believeth in me shall never die" that we are comforted today.
Funeral services were held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Tuesday, March 29 at 2 p.m., with Pastor Keith Wellman officiating.
Lorenz was interred at St. Paul's Cemetery. Pastor Wellman visited Lorenz faithfully over the years and his words were always so comforting to Lorenz.
His favorite hymns were sung by the church choir and the congregation accompanied by organist first cousin, Karen Christner.
Pallbearers were family and friends: Andrew Shoemaker, Charles Andrew, Bill Bischoff, Heath Nordhausen, Ray Murillo and Michael Andrew.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established to St. Paul's Lutheran Church of rural Wauneta, Neb.
The following poem was treasured by his sister, Esther and read at the funeral services of both siblings, Elmer and Esther.
When life fades away
I shall not know fear
For in the last hour
My God will be near.
Just think of the joy
When after all odds
I grope for a hand
And find it is God's.
Author Unknown
