U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Barbara J. Dickey
Barbara J. Dickey, 65, of Anselmo, Neb., died Jan. 12, 2004, at Jennie Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow, Neb.
She was born Oct. 10, 1938 at Merna, Neb. to Leo and Opal Fiske Shultz.
She grew up in the Anselmo area, graduating from Anselmo High School in 1956.
On Oct. 28, 1956, she married Howard Dickey at Anselmo.
Mrs. Dickey was a member of the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church and a member of the St. Anselm’s Altar Society.
Survivors include her husband, Howard of Anselmo; daughters Kimberly and her husband Ed Winters of Weatherford, Texas; and Diane and her husband Tom Downey of Grant, Neb.; a son, Greg and his wife Angie of Imperial, Neb.; eight grandchildren, Atasia and Zach Winters, Chris, Brent and Ryan Downey, Nichole, Adam and Jeffrey Dickey; a brother, Richard and his wife Leilla Shultz of Tok, Alaska; and a sister, Karen and her husband Gerald Hunt of Grand Island, Neb.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials are suggested to the Anselmo Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Technicians or the Merna Rescue Squad.
Services were held Thursday, Jan. 15 at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo with the Rev. Todd Philipsen officiating. Burial was in the St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery in Anselmo.
Diana Doetker
Diana Dell Anderson Doetker was born Aug. 30, 1944, at McCook, Neb., the only daughter of Andy and Verna (Samuelson) Anderson. She departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center, North Platte, Neb.
Diana began her grade school education in the small, high mountain town of Guffy, Colo. In 1951, the Anderson family moved back to Nebraska and lived north of Wauneta. She finished her grade school education at the morning star, District #13 rural school. She attended Wauneta High School, graduating with the class of 1962.
On May 22, 1966, Diana was united in marriage to Gary Edward Doetker in Wauneta and to this union one daughter, Mindy Ann, was born.
Diana was a familiar face in the business activities of Wauneta. She was employed at the Co-op grocery store, Dart’s Hardware, Wauneta Falls Bank, Frenchman Valley Co-op and the Kugler Company.
She was a great lover of nature and all God’s creatures. Each animal on their farm meant so much to her. She was a typical farm wife and always assisted in the farming activities and loved it all.
Preceding her in death was her father, Andy Anderson; a nephew, Andrew Robert Anderson; and her beloved in-laws, John and Lena Doetker.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her devoted husband, Gary; daughter, Mindy and husband, Kerwin Propp, of Culbertson; two beloved grandchildren, Taylor and Dylan; her mother, Verna Anderson, of Wauneta; two brothers: Ted Anderson and wife, Carolyn, of Wauneta; Harold (Peco) Anderson and wife, Doretta; brother-in-law, Virgil Doetker and wife, Judy, of Palisade and sister-law, Norma, and husband, Marlin Fortkamp.
Funeral services for Diana were held Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. MT at the First United Methodist Church of Wauneta with Pastors Michael Laing and Daniel Spearow officiating.
Music was provided by Mrs. Lucille McBride, organist and Mrs. Melanie Miller, soloist.
Casketbearers were Jim Long, Mike Nelson, Cleve Anderson, Vern Maris, Jed Doetker and Hugh Anderson.
A memorial has been established in her memory.
Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.
Melinda (Hansen) Struckmeyer
Melinda Kaye (Hansen) Struckmeyer, 28, was born Dec. 20, 1975 in Akron, Colo. to Donald and Twila Hansen.
She died Monday, Jan. 26, 2004 due to a one-vehicle accident.
Melinda attended grade school in Bird City, Kan. In 1990 she moved to Imperial, Neb. and started her freshman year of high school. She graduated with the class of 1994.
She attended Colby Community College in Colby, Kan. for one year. Melinda then worked for a couple of years before finishing her education at North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays, Kan., earning an associates degree in accounting.
On Feb. 15, 2002, she met the love of her life, Kipp Struckmeyer. They were married Feb. 15, 2003 at the Imperial Bible Church in Imperial, Neb.
Melinda received Christ into her heart. She was reading the Prayer of Jabez and attended Pleasant Valley Methodist Church.
Melinda worked at Dragon’s Wagon Preschool in Holyoke and loved all the little children she worked with; all of them were very precious to her. She was "Aunt" Melinda to many of her friends’ children, and she enjoyed and loved them all very much. She was a loving and caring wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt.
She is survived by her husband Kipp Struckmeyer of Holyoke, Colo.; parents Don and Twila Hansen of Imperial, Neb.; brother Brian Hansen of Denver, Colo.; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lee and Bev Struckmeyer of Holyoke, Colo.; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Doug and Cindy Stewart of Sterling, Colo. and their children Darren and Shannon, Damon and Pam Struckmeyer of Holyoke, Colo. and their children Mariah, Sidney and Baylor and Del and Jennifer Struckmeyer of Haxtun, Colo. and their children Brandon and Austin; grandparents Eunice Hansen of Akron, Colo., Joe and Betty Hendrich of Akron, Colo., Margie Cranwell of Holyoke, Colo. and Doris Ferguson of Holyoke, Colo.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral services for Melinda were held Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Holyoke with Reverend Keith Hudiburgh, Pastor Joyce Hudiburgh and Pastor John Enbrecht officiating.
Interment followed at the Holyoke Memorial Park.
Roberts-Baucke Funeral Service, Inc. of Holyoke was in charge of arrangements.
Alvina Buffington
Alvina Elizabeth Buffington, daughter of Mary Elizabeth (Grose) and William McBride, was born on Jan. 10, 1912. She departed this life on Feb. 6, 2004.
Her childhood was spent on her parents’ homestead, south of Wauneta on the South Divide. Being the ninth child of 10 children, she learned at an early age the meaning of love, respect and trust.
She graduated from Wauneta High School and although did not have a formal teaching degree, she has been a teacher all of her life. She loved teaching Sunday School and Bible classes. Some of her most treasured time of teaching was when she was teaching the love of sewing to her granddaughters. Her expectations were always high and instilled in those she taught to do their best.
On Dec. 12, 1935, she married William Thomas Buffington and celebrated the love they shared for each other for 64 years. To this union, one daughter and two sons were born.
She was baptized at an early age and grew in her faith throughout the years and through the word of God, finding peace of mind and comfort for her soul. Her inheritance to her family was her love of God’s word and instilling the strength and courage that could be attained through the Word.
Her faithfulness to Christ’s teachings could always be seen through her gentleness, her graciousness, her hospitality, and love that she shared with her family, friends and others. Throughout all of her life there was also that little spice of mischievousness, humor and loving to laugh and have fun. She remained "young at heart" all her life.
Those who believe in the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus Christ and celebrate her life include daughter, Janice, and husband, Donald Hewitt, of Holyoke, Colo.; son, Kent Buffington and wife, Sharon, of Wauneta; daughter-in-law, Sylvia Buffington of Lincoln; 14 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Lucille McBride of Wauneta; sister-in-law, Betty Eaton of Tulsa, Okla.; brother-in-law, Kenneth Buffington of Fort Collins, Colo.; sister-in-law, Helen Dixson of McCook, Neb.; and a host of family and friends.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Bill; youngest son, Keith Wayne; her parents and her nine siblings: Lula Martin, Charles McBride, William McBride, Beulah Heye, John McBride, George McBride, Viola Gardner, Lillian McBride and Vearl McBride.
Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the Christian Faith Outreach Church, Imperial, Neb., with grandson, Pastor Barry Emerson, and Pastor Glen Kline in charge of the service.
Providing music for the service were grandson, Matt Buffington and sister-in-law, Mrs. Lucille McBride. Pastor Jerry Stark was soloist.
Casketbearers were Rob Helden-brand, Tod Heldenbrand, Bob Heldenbrand, Steve Crocker, Michael Fox, Garry Kramer, James Cahoj, Jeff Scow, Barry Emerson, TJ Weimers, Dirk Buffington, Matt Buffington, Robert Wittwer, Troy Vlasin.
A memorial has been established to the Mission of Belize, Missionary Relief, in care of Dirk Buffington.
Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Russell Goddard
Russell Jefferson Goddard was born on July 22, 1911 to Frank E. and Sylvia E. (Sale) Goddard west of Champion, Neb. in the farm house that his father built. He joined his sister, Arie Pearl, and brother, Frank Ross.
He departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004 at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb.
Russell’s early life was spent on his parent’s farm; he attended Crete elementary school (District 25), two years at Champion High School, and graduated from Chase County High School with the class of 1929.
While attending high school in Imperial, he worked part-time at the Farmers and Merchants Bank.
During the 30’s he was manager of the Lamar (Neb.) Coop filling station for about seven years, and then he returned to work at the Farmers and Merchants Bank.
In 1942 he moved to his parent’s family farm where he lived, farmed and raised livestock for 60 years.
After a four-year courtship, he married Ruth Irene Skewes on Oct. 27, 1935 in Holyoke, Colo. To this union, Jean and Jerry joined their family.
With Russell’s support, his family was given many opportunities to grow, nurture and become contributing citizens. He made it possible for both Jean and Jerry to receive college degrees and to become teachers.
Russell was part of the well-known Bumble Bee softball team from Champion, Neb. Their team played in western Nebraska, north-eastern Colorado, and north-western Kansas carrying a near perfect winning record.
Russell loved sports and participated in football in high school, rodeo events, softball, hunting, fishing and card games. Russell clerked sales at sale barns, plus many private sales for numerous auctioneers.
As a priest in the Community of Christ Church, Russell served the Lord with faith and dedication. His life was a reflection of his faith.
There wasn’t a person who didn’t like Russell, and he valued people and their friendship. He will be remembered for his love of life and especially for his love of his family, friends and neighbors. His friends varied in age from three years to over 93. He always had time for children. His nieces, nephews, grandchildren, plus his "adopted grandchild," Bart Stromberger, thought he was the "best"!
After his retirement, Russell took more time to travel. He took many trips with his dear friends, Irvin and Garneta Bauerle, and his children. He traveled from Hawaii to the east coast. He visited over half of the states in the U.S. He also visited Canada and Mexico.
After living on the Goddard farm nearly all his life, Russell and Ruth retired to the Imperial Heights Retirement Center in 1997. They really enjoyed their home there.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Frank and Sylvia Goddard, his older sister Pearl Fitzwater and brothers Ralph and Ross Goddard, his brothers-in-law Frank Silvester and Harold Fitzwater; his parents-in-law Roy and Minnie Skewes, brothers-in-law Glenn and Clair Skewes, Henry C. Koppel, and sister-in-law Iola Grimes Skewes.
Russell is survived by his wife, Ruth of 68 years; daughter Jean Newman (husband Jan); son Jerry (wife Carol); four grandchildren: Caren Renee Goddard Haining (husband David), John Russell Goddard, Carrie Jean Newman, and Russell (Rusty) Dean Newman (wife Kelli); great grandchildren: Joshua Russell Goddard, Nicole Raquel Goddard, David Scott Haining II, Amy Renee Haining, Avery James Newman Dicke, Aidan Russell Newman Dicke and Henry Russell Newman; brother Roland Goddard (wife Virginia); sister Helen Madden; sister-in-law Arlene Goddard Fitzwater; brother-in-law Willis Skewes; sisters-in-law Shirley Skewes Holder (husband Richard) and Patty Skewes Koppel; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
Funeral services will be today (Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004) at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Imperial with Elder Mitch Korf officiating. Others assisting were Jim Smith, Earnie Garner, Margaret Shupe and Rev. Norm Prather. During the "Celebration of Life" service, all will be given an opportunity to express tribute to Russell’s life.
Casketbearers are John Goddard, Rusty Newman, David Haining, Bart Stromberger, William Bauerle and Michael Bauerle.
Honorary casketbearers are Irvin Bauerle, Charles Browning, Wilber Davis, Lorin Draper, Walt Einspahr, Seth Fitzpatrick, Jess Goddard, Howard Kubie, Bert Masterson, Pat McNair, Henry Meeske, Larry Raile, Stanley S. Smith and Ty Vetter.
Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, Neb. with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Imperial Community Center or a charity of your choice.
Emil Fortkamp
Emil Henry Fortkamp, son of Henry C. and Sophia L. (Haarberg) Fortkamp, was born on July 31, 1918, south of Wauneta, Neb. He was one of 12 children.
He was baptized Aug. 18, 1818 by Rev. Victor Hoffman and confirmed in March of 1932 by Rev. W. H. Wendling at St. Paul’s (South Divide) Lutheran Church, Wauneta.
Emil received his education at District 40 and at the parochial school at St. Paul’s.
On Dec. 17, 1939, Emil married Opal C. Gestring at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Six children were born to this union.
Emil and Opal first lived on a farm south of Wauneta. They soon bought a farm in the Champion Valley and lived there until their recent move to Imperial Heights.
Emil farmed in the Champion Valley until he retired in 1984. After retirement, he remained active around the farm helping his son Lynn with harvest, feeding the cattle and other chores.
As a young man, Emil enjoyed playing softball and spending time with his three sons. He also spent many hours at family gatherings playing cards, especially a game called "Solo." Later Emil was a regular at the bowling alley on Tuesday night. Emil loved music. He enjoyed singing and playing the harmonica. He often entertained his children with his favorite songs and hymns.
Throughout his life, Emil was active in the Lutheran Church. Emil was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Champion Valley and later at Zion Lutheran in Imperial. He worshipped faithfully with his family and was involved in numerous leadership positions.
Emil was also active in Chase County agricultural associations. He served on the ASCS County Committee for a number of years and also served on other farm related organizations.
Emil passed away at the Chase County Hospital on Jan. 30, 2004, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons (one stillborn and infant Leon); daughter Marla; six brothers William, John, Fred, Ervin, Albert, LaVern and sister Velma.
Those left to mourn his passing are wife Opal of Imperial; sons Neil and wife Jo of Omaha, Lynn and wife Joyce of Champion, Stan and wife Susan of Lincoln; grandchildren Brian Barjenbruch of Omaha, Scott Fortkamp of Chicago, Ill., Mark Fortkamp of Vail, Colo., Jerel Fortkamp and wife Elizabeth of Frankenmuth, Mich., Deven Fortkamp of Salina, Kan., Kelen Fortkamp of Champion, Allison Fortkamp of Lincoln, Michael Fortkamp of Lincoln; brothers Martin and wife Erma of Wauneta, Art and wife Nina of Wauneta; sisters Hilda Roschewski of Wauneta, Violet Long of Wauneta; brother-in-law Victor Gestring of Imperial; and many relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial with Pastor Robert Frank officiating.
Organist was Mr. J. Gordon Christensen.
Casketbearers were Jim Long, Rolland Fortkamp, Marlin Fortkamp, Duane Fortkamp, Dan Roschewski and Dennis Fortkamp.
Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Vernon Edward Johnson
Vernon Edward Johnson, the son of Pennick Siegfried and Ellen Matilda (Pearson) Johnson was born Nov. 24, 1911 at Rosedale, Kan.
He departed this life on Sunday, Jan, 18, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Center in Nelson, Neb. at the age of 92 years.
Vernon’s early life was spent at the family home in Kansas City, Kan. which is remembered for his father’s shop and his mother’s flower garden.
In 1929 Vernon graduated from Rosedale High School and spent the next two years working at his Uncle Arthur Johnson’s hardware store. In 1931 Vernon furthered his education by attending Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. and graduated with the class of 1935. On Aug. 21, 1939 Vernon was united in marriage to Cornelia Ruth "Carrie" Furry at the home of her father in Superior, Neb.
In 1943 Vernon was inducted into the United States Army and served with the 87th Infantry Division, 87th Quarter Master Corp, attaining the rank of Sargeant.
Vernon served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II until his discharge in 1945. Vernon and Carrie lived at this time in Lindsborg, Kan. where Vernon was associated with Bethany College.
Upon his discharge from the Army he returned to Lindsborg and Bethany College where he was Treasurer at Bethany from 1948 to 1952.
On May 2, 1951 Vernon and Carrie adopted a son Thomas Robert Johnson.
From 1952 to 1960 Vernon owned and operated Johnson Hardware in Lindsborg. In 1960 Vernon became Executive Assistant to the President of Bethany College, in which capacity he served until July of 1966 when he resigned to enter private business with the Blue Cross Serum Company of Superior, Neb.
Vernon lived with his family in Lindsborg, Kan. for 27 years where he was very active in the community.
While in Lindsborg he was President of the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Education, member of the Rotary Club and Past Chairman of the Hyllnings Fest Committee. Vernon was also a board member of the Messiah Lutheran Church and Bethany Home of the Aged; past treasurer of the west central conference of the former Augustana Lutheran Church and on the Social Ministry Committee of the Central States Synod of the Lutheran Church in America.
On moving to Superior, NE and assuming his duties at the Blue Cross Serum Company he became active in the community including: the Superior School board serving as President for one term, the Chamber of Commerce, Good Samaritan Advisory Board, Superior Medical Development Board and an active member of First Presbyterian Church serving as trustee and elder. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #2197, the American Legion and past president and member of the Superior Kiwanis Club.
On April 7, 1983 Vernon’s wife of 44 years Cornelia "Carrie" Johnson passed away after a lengthy illness.
On Jan. 28, 1984 Vernon married Barbara (Black) Schroeder at the First United Presbyterian Church in Superior.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carrie and a brother Robert Wilfield Johnson.
Vernon is survived by his wife Barbara of Superior, Neb.; son Thomas Johnson and wife Ann of Superior, Neb.; two grandchildren Kelsey and Marcus Johnson; four stepchildren Linda Rohr and husband Ben of Salina, Kan., Mary Ellen Siegler of Boulder, Colo., Sue Lang and husband Dr. Terry of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Kersten Schroeder of Calif.; seven step-grandchildren; nieces Margie Pond and husband David of Loveland, Colo. and Roberta Jones and husband Earle, other relatives and a host of friends.
Vernon will be remembered for his love of life and especially for his love for his family. Vernon will also be remembered for his gentle smile and his willingness to help and give of himself. In whatever pursuit Vernon never asked, "How much will it take?" His standard reply was, "How can I help?" A faithful follower of his Lord, his life was a reflection of his faith.
Funeral services are today (Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004) at 3 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church in Superior with Rev. Mark Diehl officiating.
Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Superior.
Memorials may be directed to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. or First United Presbyterian Church in Superior.
Williams Funeral Home of Superior is in charge of the arrangements.
