U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Mary Mercedes Zikmund
Mary Mercedes Zikmund, the daughter Tony and Agnes (Magee) Henriksen, was born on July 24, 1925, at Oak, Neb. She died on Jan. 24, 2017, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, Neb., at the age of 91 years and six months.
Mercedes attended country grade school in Nuckolls County and graduated from Nelson High School with the Class of 1943. She was united in marriage to Floyd D. Zikmund on Nov. 20, 1944, at Mankato Kan. This union was blessed with one son, Timothy. The family resided in Nelson until moving to Grand Island in 1965, where Mercedes managed and taught at the Beauty School of Expertise for several years.
She was baptized and joined the Nelson Christian Church at the age of 14 and was also a member of the first Christian Church in Grand Island. Other organizations Mercedes had been associated with were the State Danish Brotherhood, Prairie Pioneer Genealogy Society, the Knit Wits Machine Knitting Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Hobbies also included sewing and painting.
Preceding her in death were her parents and husband, Floyd, on July 28, 1999; sisters, Wanda Samuelson and her husband, Sam, and Donna Saylor and her husband, Bill.
Left to cherish her memory is son, Timothy, of Nelson, two grandchildren, Zachary Zikmund and wife, Cheyanne, of Edgar, Neb., and Ashley and husband, Michael Merrill, of Johnson City, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Devyn, Gabriel, Aidan, Ian and Charlie Zikmund of Edgar, Neb., and Brooks Merrill of Johnson City, Tenn.; nieces and families, Kristy and husband, David Ficke, of Pleasant Dale Neb., Cathy and husband, Gary Heidtbrink, of Malcolm, Jean Samuleson of Salida, Colo., Amy Wooley of Colorado, nephews; Greg Saylor and Ty Samuleson of Salida, Colo.
Her funeral was held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at 10 a.m. from the First Christian Church in Grand Island, Neb., with Robert Kipper officiating.
Music was "Mansion on the Hilltop", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Wind Beneath My Wings," with Linda Ficke as the pianist.
Visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Zach Zikmund, Mike Merrill, Greg Saylor, Troy Ficke, Dustin Ficke and Anthony Heidtbrink.
Honorary pallbearers were Ron Adams and Gerry Hanson.
Interment was at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in the Nelson cemetery at Nelson, Neb.
Memorials are suggested to go to the family or the church.
Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Neb..
Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson, Neb., was in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
Charles A. Runyan Sr.
Charles Arthur Runyan Sr., the son of Vernon and June (Van Nuffell) Runyan, was born on June 14, 1947, in Concordia, Kan. He died on Jan. 23, 2017, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital at Superior, Neb., at the age of 69 years, seven months and nine days.
Charley attended many schools in the north central Kansas area growing up and after graduating from high school went on to attend Fairbury Junior College in Fairbury, Neb. On Dec. 4, 1990, he was united in marriage to Glenda (Young) Simmons in Fairbury, Neb. During his life, he lived in Concordia and Belleville, Kan., Superior and Hardy, Neb., and San Bernardino, Calif. He worked road and railroad construction for many years and later on as a security guard for many companies. On Aug. 26, 2001, Charley was baptized at the Living Faith Fellowship Church by Pastor Jon Albrecht. Some of his favorite pastimes were metal detecting, mechanics, playing his Facebook games, fishing and camping with the Jerry Massey family, and most of all spending time with his family and his grandchildren.
Charley is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and June Runyan; son, Vernon Dogget; brother, Vernon Runyan; sisters, Lucille Hancock, Nancy Lewellyn and husband, Lee, and Jeanne Kussman and husband, Bill; twin granddaughters, Adrianna June and Isabella Hope Runyan; step-grandsons, Zachary Young and Adam Young; twin step great-grandchildren, Kase and Keaton Leisinger; and nieces, Bille Jo Stiles and Sherry Lynn Fayle.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Runyan of Hardy, Neb.; three sons, Charles Jr. of Lincoln, Neb., Vernon of Washington state and Colin and wife, Tammy, of Allen, Neb.; step-children, Wilbur Young and wife, Michelle, of Fairbury, Neb. Ivan Young and wife, Peggy, of Mankato, Kan., Calvin Young and wife, Katie, of Hardy, Neb., and Rodney Young of Fremont, Neb.; grandchildren, Colin Runyan Jr., Journey Blue and Noah Runyan, Jarred Dogget and Emily Sole and husband, Justin; step-grandchildren, Justin Stewart and wife, Helen, Kristi Niederklein and husband, Derrick, Steven Stearns, Stephanie Leisinger and husband, Brian, Stacey Young, Nathan Young, Wilbur Young and wife, Jamie, Trevor Young, Dalton Young, Chase Young, Blake Young, Aydin Young, Amber Stiles and Shawn Wagoner and fiance, Sara Coufal, Shayna Evert and husband, Andrew, Jessica Dahl and husband Kevin; step great-grandchildren, Kyle, Lakota, Wilbur, Kaleb, Avery, Zach, Cindy, Wyatt, Berkley, Linden, Karly, Carlos, Vincent, Nickolos, Nevaeh, Nash, Braylen, Ava, Carter, Baby Boy Wagoner due in March, Kyra, Waylan, Montana, Quentin, Brydon and Clayton. He is also survived by his sisters, Edith Marquart and husband, Jerry, of Byron, Neb., Charlotte Miron and husband, Barry, of Connecticut and brother, Billy Runyan, and wife, Angie of Hardy, Neb.; along with many other relatives and a host of friends.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at 2 p.m. from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Neb., with pastors Jon Albrecht and Pasty Busey officiating.
Music will be congregational hymns, "Little Brown Church in the Wild Wood" and the "Old Rugged Cross," solo of "Amazing Grace" sung by Pasty Busey with Kathy Wiest as organist. A recording of "Rise Again" was performed by Marsha Cline.
A book signing will be held on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
Inurnment will be in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery north of Courtland Kan.
Memorials are suggested to go to Living Faith Fellowship Church, Superior, Neb.
Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N. Commercial, Superior, Neb., 68978.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Neb., is in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
Sherry Ann Brown
Sherry Ann Brown, 71, died Thursday at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Nampa, Idaho. She was born in Superior on Dec. 20, 1945. She moved to Nampa to attend beauty college in 1964 after graduating from Superior High School. She met her future husband, Ken, and she worked at the Nampa Simplot potato processing plant until she retired in 2010, after 35 years.
Sherry enjoyed summer camping and fishing in the Idaho mountains; bowling in leagues and tournaments across the country and time with her grandchildren, encouraging their hobbies. For many years she was involved in the Moose Lodge.
Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Olive Morris; sister, Linda Kay Morris; brother, Terry Morris; son, Steven Brown; and daughter, Sharla Kay Brown.
She is survived by her husband, Ken, who she married
in Nampa on April 23,1965; daughter, Mrs. Dale Smith (Angela) of Nampa; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her younger twin sisters, Lillian Johns of Nampa and Mrs. Don Shellhase (Lillie) of Geneva; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Her funeral will be tomorrow (Friday) at Alsip and Persons Funeral Chapel with Jerry Christensen officiating. Interment will follow at Kohler Lawn Cemetery.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
Craig Redeker
Craig James Redeker, 58, died Jan. 19 at his home in Red Coud. The son of Mabel E. (Rickard) and Arnulf C. Redeker, he was born June 10, 1958, in Red Cloud.
Craig grew up in Red Cloud and received his education at Red Cloud schools and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He remained in Lincoln where he was employed by Valentino's. He moved to Des Moines, Iowa, for a time before returning to Lincoln. In 2000, Craig returned to Red Cloud to live and was employed by Goodwill Industries in Hastings.
In his leisure time, Craig was an excellent cook and in his younger years enjoyed playing tennis. He had a large collection of tea cups and liked anything that was "retro" in nature.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister, Trudie Tuengel; and two brothers, Ronnie and Richie Redeker.
Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Ray Hines (Zona) of Lindsborg; Mrs. Billie Dougherty (Diannia) of Hickman; and Shellie Cornwell of Lincoln, Neb.; four brothers, Rollie and Rickie, both of Red Cloud, Gregory of Fairmont, W.Va., and Roddie of Battle Creek, Mich.; other relatives and friends.
His funeral was held Jan. 21 at the Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Red Cloud with Pastor Steve Wilson officiating.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
Danny Wescoat
Danny L. Wescoat, 58, died Sunday at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud. The son of Dorothy (Sweet) and Raymond Wescoat, he was born July 29, 1958, in Red Cloud.
A lifelong resident of Red Cloud, he received his education attending the Red Cloud schools and graduated with the Class of 1976. At the age of 16, he began working in the family grocery store, the Food Mart, where he developed his skill as a butcher and meat cutter. Danny was united in marriage with Laura Krull on May 18, 1990, in Red Cloud. They make their home and raised their family here. After closing the store in 1998, Danny began his employment with the CPI grocery store in Red Cloud.
Danny was a lifelong sports fan, especially following the Green Bay Packers and the Nebraska Huskers football program. In his leisure time, he enjoyed weightlifting. His greatest love and enthusiasm was for his family. He proudly supported and encouraged his children in all of their endeavors. He will be fondly remembered for his outgoing and courteous personality.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Randy Wescoat, in 2005. Survivors include his wife, Laura, of Red Cloud; sons, Aaron Wescoat of Columbus, Neb., and Kody Schnase of Hastings; a daughter, Kabrina, of Grand Island; his parents, Dorothy and Raymond Wescoat of Red Cloud; two nephews; other relatives and many friends.
His funeral was held yesterday (Wednesday) at the Congregational Bible Church in Red Cloud with The Rev. Gary Bennett officiating. Interment was in the Red Cloud Cemetery.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
John Brandt
John Burton Brandt, 98, died Sunday in York. He was born March 5, 1918, in Oberlin to James Arthur and Anna (Gustafson) Brandt.
A World War II veteran, he earned a Good Conduct medal, a Marksmanship pin and an expert Rifleman pin. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Superior and was an avid bird watcher. He liked building bird houses and enjoyed working in his 1/4 acre garden in his early years. On Jan. 31, 1942, he was married
to Laverna Hageman in Oberlin.
He is survived by his wife, Laverna; son, John Brandt of Ogallala, daughter, Jodi Deaver of Denver, Colo., son, Jonathan Brandt of Kearney, daughter, Mrs. David Samson (Joyce) of York, daughter, Mrs. Randy Shaw (Jill) of Crete, daughter, Mrs. Clay Bittinger (Jackie) of Henderson, Neb., son, Jim Brandt of Colorado Springs, Colo.; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Carl Brant and Morris Brant; sisters, Mrs. Don Bridgmon (Ruth) and Mrs. Curtis Ely (Marge).
His funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Metz Chapel in York with The Rev. Mary Scott officiating. Burial will be in York's Greenwood Cemetery. Metz Mortuary in York is handling arrangements.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
Stephen Elliott
Stephen L. Elliott, 68, died Ssaturday. He was a devoted father, builder and life-long supporter of the Boy Scouts. He was born in Oklahoma, grew up in Nebraska then settled in Birmingham, Ala., where he raised his family. He was the son of Cecil and Lloyda Jean Elliott and the ward of Bob and Dorothy Jensby.
He is survived by his three children, Bob Elliott, Tom Elliott and Laura Carlson. Funeral is 3 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) at McCalla Funeral Home.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
Dean Nicholson
Dean Nicholson, a retired school teacher, coach, WW II veteran and Superior High School graduate, died Oct. 18 at Sanger, Calif. His funeral was held in the school gymnasium.
A native of Superior, he was 19-years-old when he joined the U.S. Army in 1943. He had enrolled in the Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney with the goal of becoming a school teacher but with the war underway, he put his education on hold and enlisted.
Basic training was a Camp Robers in Paso Robles. He served as an infantryman in France and Germany followed by six months of occupation duty in Vienna, Austria. After leaving the military, he obtained his college degree and became a teacher. His first teaching job was in Aberdeen, S.D. He moved to Sanger in 1951 and taught there for more than 30 years. Now a school gym will be named in his honor.
As the school's head basketball coach he had championship teams in 1960, '63, '65, '66 and '68. He produced championship golf teams in 1962 and '63 and as an assistant helped coach the football team to its first valley championship in 1951, its second valley champion in '56 and league championships in 1952, '55, '60, '61 and '63.
He was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader for more than 20 years and a member of Sanger Presbyterian Church.
In October of 2013 downtown Sanger came to life as hundreds of friends, family, former students and acquainteances gathered to celebrate his life and raise money to establish a scholarship in the name of Dean and Jean Nicholson. Streets were blocked off for what has been described as one of the largest events ever held in the community's downtown.
Dean was a man of many names - Coach, Mr. Dean, Donald, Skeeter, Popa, but was the epitome of a competitor, educator, Lord's servant and selfless community leader. Dean battled through numerous health issues including in the year before his death the loss of his daughter, Cindy. He was born on Feb. 13, 1924, in Superior, to Howard and Maude (Amberson) Nicholson. He graduated from Superior High School in 1941, excelling in academics, sports and music.
Dean worked at the college library where he first set his sights on his future wife Jean Taylor and said, "This is the most beautiful woman in the world. I'm gonna marry that gal." And he did in 1948. He received a master's degree in 1952 from Colorado State University. His career at Sanger High School from 1951 to 1989, was in addition to teaching at Fresno City College, 1960-2000.
Survivors include his wife, Jean Taylor Nicholson; and two sons, Robert and Tom.
(Notice dated Feb. 2, 2017)
