U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Betty Ogg
Betty L. Ogg, 68, of Madrid, Neb., died Wednesday, March 30, 2005 at Lexington, Neb., surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Feb. 13, 1937 in Lexington, to Perry and Annie (Hagadon) Smith. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1956.
In 1958, she married Charles F. Ogg, Jr. of Lexington. To this union five children were blessed.
She spent many years serving as a nurse in various communities.
Betty had a vibrant soul and a spirit full of love and adventure. She spent many hours and traveled many miles to spend time with all of her children and their families. Everywhere she went she shined like the north star.
The last few days of her life were spent with the people she loved most and those who loved her, her family and friends.
She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include sons, Robert and wife Jackie Ogg of Grant, Neb., Ronnie Ogg of North Platte, Neb.; daughters, Rebecca and husband Bruce Chambers of Lexington, Tina and husband Dennis Morrow of Chandler, Ariz., Anna and husband Larry Popham of Pepin, Wis.; brother, Irl Smith of Lexington; sisters, Phyllis Ogg of Madrid, Neb., Kay Tingelhoff of Eustis, Neb. ; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings, and a grandson.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 2, 2005 at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Inurnment was Tuesday, April 5, at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.
A memorial has been established to the Ogg family.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Joe Lawlor
A memorial service for Joe Lawlor, former Grant resident, will be held at the United Methodist Church in Grant, Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m.
Joe passed away at his home in Brush, Colo., on March 12, after a lengthy battle with complications from West Nile virus.
A pot luck will follow the service.
Leonard E. Sperry
Major Leonard E. Sperry (Ret.), 75, died March 21, 2005, at the Heart Hospital of Austin, Texas.
Leonard was born Sept. 6, 1929, in Grainton, Neb., the son of Mae and Shelby Sperry. He was blessed with three daughters Patricia, from his first marriage, to Gisela Keller, of West Germany; and Shelley and Teri, from his later marriage, to Jackie Houston, of Parsons, Tenn.
As a youth, Leonard attended Grainton Public School, graduating in a senior class of two in 1946. He entered the U.S. Army in 1948, serving in Germany, South Korea, Vietnam, and several posts throughout the United States, including Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Riley, Kan., and Fairbanks, Alaska. Severely wounded when a grenade was thrown into his jeep in Vietnam in 1966, he carried shrapnel in his lungs and chest for the rest of his life. Leonard retired with the rank of Major in 1968.
After retiring from the military, Leonard known to many friends and family by his nickname of "Tiger" earned a bachelor's degree from Memphis State University and worked as a high school ROTC instructor. He returned with his family to his homestead near Grainton in 1976, serving as principal, guidance counselor, and social studies teacher at the high school in Wallace, Neb.
After earning a master's degree at Kearney State College in Nebraska and working briefly as a counselor in Creston, Iowa, Leonard moved with Jackie to Parsons, Tenn., where he served as principal of Decatur County High School and Jackie took over her family business in Parsons.
Soon after Jackie's death in 1998, he moved to Austin, Texas, to live near his daughter Teri and her family.
Known for his passion for Nebraska football, simple food, and the Republican Party, Leonard was a generous father and grandfather. His grandchildren, Sam Hollon and Mari Frost, could always count on him for special treats and goofy grins. And his daughters could count on him for colorful stories about farm life, spirited political debates, and loving support in any situation.
Leonard is survived by Patricia Sperry of Heidelberg, Germany; Shelley Sperry, Mike Frost, and Mari Frost of Alexandria, Va.; and Teri Sperry, Matt Hollon, and Sam Hollon of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his siblings: Dorothy Naranjo of Panama; Carolyn Muirhead of Wallace, Neb.; and Glenn Sperry of South Haven, Mich. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Sperry will receive a hero's internment at Arlington National Cemetery on July 21, 2005, at 1 p.m., followed by a reception and tribute for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in Leonard's name to the American Red Cross.
Daniel C. Hudson
Daniel C. Hudson, age 84, longtime Ogallala resident, died on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at his home.
Dan was born on Dec. 18, 1920 in Grant, Neb., the son of Harry and Hazel Fisher Hudson. He attended Grant schools and graduated from Grant High School in 1938.
On March 6, 1943 Dan married Vitula Cooney at North Platte, Neb. He was inducted into the Navy on June 14, 1944 and the couple moved to California. After his discharge on Feb. 6, 1946 the couple returned to Ogallala where Dan worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and later Farmers Co-op. He then owned and operated Dan's Well Service for several years until going to work for the City of Ogallala water department. Hudson was superintendent of the water department for many years before retiring after 33 years of service.
Hudson was a member of VFW Post 3755 and the American Legion Post 135.
Preceding him in death was infant son Teddy Hudson, two sisters Charlotte Hudson and Betty Liggett, and two brothers Donny and Robert Hudson.
Survivors include his wife Vitula "Babe" Hudson of Ogallala; four sons Timmy and his wife Khuyen Hudson of Ogallala; Darrell and wife Dorothy Hudson of Dale City, Va., Kurt and wife Helen Hudson of Alliance, Neb., Todd and his wife Linda Hudson of Ogallala. One sister Marjorie Kosmicki of Grand View, Wash., and brother-in-law Harold Liggett of Ogallala. Also 15 grandchildren Scott Hudson and wife Tina of Thornton, Colo., Jeanne Herman and husband James of Ogallala, Brenda Schmer and husband Wesley of Ogallala, Tammy and husband William Reutzel of Oakland, Neb., Mary Keller and husband Chad of Kearney, Neb., Terry Hudson and wife Megan of Kingland, Fla., Laurie Hudson of Lincoln, Neb., Andrew Hudson of Kearney, Joseph Hudson of Ogallala, Travis Hudson of Dale City, Va., Shelby Kammerer of Grant, Neb., Heather Jensen and Samantha Hudson of Alliance, Neb., Tonya Bassett and husband Eddy of Ogallala; and Charlotte Hudson of Lincoln, and 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 19, at Draucker Funeral Home. Father John Schlaf officiated. Interment was in the Ogallala Cemetery with military honors by the Ogallala Veterans Organization. A memorial has been established to St. Lukes Catholic School.
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala was in charge of arrangements.
William J. "Bill" Block
William J. "Bill" Block, former resident of Perkins and Phillips County passed away Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colo., after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
Bill was born Aug. 18, 1924 to William F. Block and Ellen Lage Block at Ulysses, Neb. The family moved to Amherst, Colo., in 1937. He graduated from Holyoke High School in 1942.
Bill was united in marriage with Berdeen Eberhardt on Sept. 16, 1951. Three daughters were born to this union.
After living in Limon and Montrose, Colo., he retired to Grand Junction in 1988 with his wife. He was able to enjoy his hobbies of wood working and gardening.
Bill was a life long member of the Lutheran Church, being baptized at Garrison, Neb., and confirmed in Amherst, Colo. He served as elder and trustee at St Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst. He served on the Co-op Exchange Oil Board for many years. He was a charter member of the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department and attended the 50th year anniversary in August 2003.
Survivors include his wife, Berdeen, Grand Junction, Colo., daughters, Beverly and husband Charles Kruse, Parker, Colo., Anita Block, Grand Junction, Colo., Julie and husband Steve Harper, Laurel, Miss.; step-grandson Eric Kruse, Fairbanks, Alaska; sisters, Laura Knapp, Cortez, Colo., Jessie Shields, Port Charlotte, Fla., and brother, Harold of La Junta, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
A memorial service was held Saturday March 5, 2005 at Lutheran Church of Messiah in Grand Junction, Colo.
Richard Bastian
Richard Bastian was born on Oct. 12, 1916 at Shattuck, Okla. He was the 12th of 13 children born to German-Russian immigrants, John and Mary Kisson Bastian. Dick was christened in the German Luther-an Church on Dec. 17, 1916.
Dick attended elementary school and later worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Woodward, Okla., area from 1935 until 1937. He then worked at a variety of jobs across the country before moving to the west coast where he worked in the timber business with his brother.
Dick joined the United States Navy in 1942 in San Francisco and was transferred to the Merchant Marines. The Merchant Marines were responsible for transporting supplies to the Pacific Theater on cargo ships. Dick held various jobs on the ship and sailed around the world before his discharge in September 1945.
Dick was working for the Santa Fe Railroad in the Richmond, Calif., area when he met and later married Lucille Miles at her parents' home in Richmond on Jan. 12, 1947. They made the decision to return to Nebraska in 1948 to farm, and Dick moved back by himself while Lucille stayed in Richmond to deliver their first child.
After the birth of their son, Larry, the family was reunited on the farm east of Madrid. Four more children were born to the union.
In addition to farming, Dick received his electrician's license while working with his friend and neighbor, Don Mickels. Dick enjoyed his community and one year was awarded the Good Neighbor Award. Dick and Lucille sold the farm in 1999 and moved to Benkelman. Dick continued to maintain his home in Benkelman after Lucille died in December 2004 until August of last year when he moved to the Hestor Home because of declining health. He had developed pneumonia and was transferred to Dundy County Hospital where he died Tuesday night, March 15, 2005. He had reached the age of 88.
Dick enjoyed his family and friends and always appreciated the fishing expeditions he made with them. Coffee and cards with his friends in Madrid and Elsie were part of his daily routine. When they moved to Benkelman, they quickly made new friends and Dick was active at the Senior Center, specializing in making noodles. Dick was a longtime member of the Madrid United Methodist Church and in his earlier years he wrote a lot of poetry.
In addition to his parents and wife, Dick was preceded in death by his 12 brothers and sisters; one son, Tom and one grandson, Christopher.
He is survived by two sons, Larry and wife Gloria of Benkelman, and Bill and wife Linda of Bellevue, Neb.; three daughters, Donna and husband Wayne Ogg of Madrid, Laveta and husband Lloyd Wit of Byron, and Jean and husband Ray Ross of Woodward, Okla.; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; other relatives and friends.
Services were held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at the Madrid United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Haden officiating.
Music was by Carol Robertson and Sylvia Regier.
Casket bearers were Jerry Benge, Dale Burge, Butch Burge, George Kucera, Tim McQueen and Larry Keller.
Interment was in the Madrid Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Brandenn Everett Bremmer
Brandenn Everett Bremmer, known as the child prodigy and pianist/composer from Western Nebraska, was born Dec. 8, 1990 at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Neb. He passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the age of 14.
This curly haired, blue-eyed boy touched the lives of thousands of people around the world and awed them with his gifts.
Brandenn was no ordinary boy. He began reading at 18 months. He whizzed through elementary school and began high school course work at age six. Brandenn had an intense thirst for knowledge, making it difficult for his parents to keep up at his pace. Brandenn graduated high school and attended Colorado State University at age 10. He studied music and took private improvisational lessons from Professor David Wohl. He planned to transfer to UNL in the fall of 2006 for pre-med studies and hoped to become an anesthesiologist.
Brandenn had a passion for music and began playing the piano at age three. He composed music and released his first CD at 13. He composed music for weddings and played concerts across Nebraska and Colorado.
His music is being used as healing therapy for cancer patients, meditation for nuns in New York, and is being enjoyed worldwide in countries such as Japan, Australia and Italy.
In May of 2004, Brandenn donated his CD sales to a children's charity. Brandenn completed his second CD the day he died. His music can be found on his website at www.windcallenterprises.com
Even following his death Brandenn touched the lives of many. An 11-year-old boy received his heart, a 22-month-old baby received his liver, two others received his kidneys, while as many as 50 people can be helped with his tissue.
Brandenn, a deeply spiritual person, lived on a level incomprehensible by most, with a mind too powerful for the limitations of the physical world.
Brandenn felt he could do his best work from the other side. In death, as in life, he will be a powerful force for the betterment of mankind.
A natural way of the world is to release a child to his own path. However, because of the unique nature of the work Brandenn has to do, most of it invisible to the eye. But it will be real, true, and profound.
If you can believe in angels you will understand his work. His contributions are already being felt around the world. He will move on to experience relaxation, play, and peace beyond our imagining.
His family will miss him, but will forever feel Brandenn's presence and connect with him on a spiritual level knowing loss in the physical world is only an illusion.
He will forever touch people and change lives. His heart will beat on and so will his legacy through his music. We love you Brandenn!!
Brandenn lived with his parents in Venango, Neb. His parents, Martin and Patti Bremmer, sisters Jennifer Pelletier and Dawn Rivas, grandparents Mark and Peggy Bremmer, and Rose Grace as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins survive him.
There will be services in Denver Saturday, April 2, 2005 and in Omaha (the date is undetermined.) Memorial donations may be sent to two gifted children's organizations:
Gifted Development Center, 1452 Marion St., Denver, CO 80218
Joseph J. Lawlor, Jr.
Joseph J. Lawlor, Jr., 72, former-ly of Grant, Neb., and Castle Rock, Colo., passed away Saturday night, March 12, 2005 at his home in Brush, Colo., of complications from West Nile virus.
He was born June 9, 1932, in Jersey City, N.J., to Joseph and Isabel Lawlor.
Prior to retirement, he worked for the Douglas County Building Maintenance Department. He married Barbara Eyl McWilliams on May 28, 1988 in Parker, Colo.
Joe was a member of the United Methodist Church, and the Grant Lions Club. He had served on the Planning and Zoning Board for the Town of Grant, and the Perkins County Library Board in Grant.
Joe enjoyed being with his dogs, camping with his fifth wheel camper with the "Good Friends Camping Group," and working with wood. He had a passion for playing golf.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of Brush, Colo.; four children, Cherie Collier of Anaheim, Calif., Denise Grimaldi of Keyport, N.J., Lisa Fanning of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Joseph Lawlor III of Denver; four stepchildren, Alan Mc-Williams of Kentucky, Jeff McWil-liams of Castle Rock, Marilee McWilliams of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Jill McWilliams of Aurora, Colo.; one sister, Betty Bossa of Brick, N.J.; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family will be scheduling memorial services at a later date. The Heer Mortuary and Crematory in Brush were in charge of the arrangements.
Vernon Rezac
Vernon Rezac was born on Oct. 19, 1929 in Seward, Neb. He was the oldest of three children born to Joseph and Anna Juranek Rezac. The family moved to Perkins County when he was a young boy and they lived on a farm north of Venango, Neb. He attended high school in Grant, Neb., and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1947. He then attended Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colo., where he graduated in 1951.
Vern served with the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953 in Germany during the Korean War. After his discharge he worked as a county agent in Burlington, Colo. He was married to Jackie Charles on Aug. 17, 1957 at Stratton, Colo. They lived for a brief time in Julesburg, Colo., and Holyoke, Colo., before moving to Grant in 1959 where they spent their entire married life. She preceded him in death in 2000.
Vern had farmed, trucked, managed a custom wheat harvest crew which made an annual run from Oklahoma to North Dakota, and auctioneered. He had owned the Country Insurance Office in Grant for the past 20 years, specializing in crop insurance. He also took photographs at area sporting events for many years. Vern had spent an active weekend and died suddenly of an apparent heart attack at his home Sunday evening, March 6, 2005. He had reached the age of 75.
Vern was an active member of the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church where he was affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Grant V.F.W. and the Ogallala Elks Club. He served as a Boy Scout leader and advisor for the Grant scouting program for many years.
He is survived by three sons, Scott and wife Traci of Grand Island, Neb., Jeff and wife Lisa of Running Springs, Calif., and Doug and wife Nicki of Kearney, Neb.; nine grandchildren; one brother, Darlan and wife Jeannie of Ogallala, Neb.; and one sister, Annette Ruddy of Amarillo, Texas.
A Vigil Service was held Wednesday, March 9, at the Grant Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, March 10, at the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church with Rev. Bill Grant officiating. Music was provided by Victoria Kumor, Connie Cohen and the congregation. Casket bearers were Jim Lampmann, Mike Ruddy, Darlan Rezac, Bob Lampmann, Joe Ruddy and Jim Rezac.
Burial was in the Grant Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
