U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
John J. Kuntz
February 19, 1953 - March 23, 2009
John J. Kuntz, age 56, of Alliance, passed away on March 23, 2009, at his home, winning a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born on February 19, 1953 in Glendive, Montana, the son of John G. and Violet (Preston) Kuntz. He was raised south of Glendive graduating with the DCHS Class of 1971. After graduation John attended Billings Automotive Technology School. He worked for Kuntz Plumbing and Heating in Glendive, from the age of 13 until joining BNSF as a Pipe fitter in 1978. He transferred to Alliance, Nebraska, where he continued to work for BN until the last 8 months.
John, a devout believer in God and His Golden Rule, would tell you his day didn't start until he had put a smile on some ones' face. He set the bar very high by example in many areas of his life, but especially in his friendships and in his battle with cancer.
John loved his job at Burlington Northern, but was never more in his element than when he was tinkering with an engine, or converting an old Volkswagen into a dune buggy or putting together a trike from various motorcycle parts. He especially enjoyed his trips to Sturgis during "Rally Week" and camping at Intake while visiting family and friends in Glendive.
He was an active member of ABATE, the Eagles, Eagle Riders and Brothers of the Third Wheel in Alliance. Being a part of the Festival of Hope was important to him also.
John was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents Innocenz and Eva Kuntz, Vernon and Ida Preston, uncles Don Preston, Ray Sailer, and Joe Kuntz, and Aunt Shirley Kuntz.
John is survived by the "loves of his life" and according to him, the proudest achievements in his life, his three daughters, Sara, Tracee and Jillian, and grandchildren Nyah and Sylas of Missoula, Montana. Other survivors include his dad, John G. Kuntz, brothers, Duane Kuntz and Pat (Val) Kuntz of Glendive, Kenneth (Wilma) Kuntz of Tacoma, Washington, Darrell Kuntz of Ridgecrest, California, Gerald Kuntz of Collinsville, Oklahoma, and Darren (Hiroe) Kuntz of Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan; sisters Kathy (Rick) Wegmann and Kris(Carl) Harpster of Glendive and Krystal(Rich) Hook of Laramie, Wyoming. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will also be greatly missed by his special companion Patty Tracey, and his God sent brothers and sisters, Millie (Rodger) Clark, Sharon Rice all of Alliance, and Lyle Bair of Antioch.
Janet Winifred Shepherd
July 27, 1921 - December 12, 2008
Janet Winifred Shepherd passed away on December 12, of 2008 in her residence at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska. She was truly loved by her family and friends.
She was born in Norfolk, NE on July 27, 1921 to Edson and Winifred Shaw. Janet was raised in Omaha, NE and spent her summers with her grandparents Robert “Bud” and Ellen Moran in Hyannis, NE. Janet attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and obtained a Bachelors Degrees in Psychology and English.
She was married
to M.D. “Shep” Shepherd on May 4, 1944. She was a house wife and a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Hyannis. Janet was also very active in her church, United Church of Christ and was choir director for many years. She was a member of King’s daughter and enjoyed a few other clubs in the community. Her hobbies were knitting, reading and raising her family. Janet was such a loving mother and person and will greatly be missed by all.
She is survived by her husband “Shep” of Alliance, NE, her son Mike and wife Joyce of Chadron, NE, son Terry and wife Judy of LaVista, NE, daughter Pamela Spitzer and husband Derek of Eagle Mountain, UT, Daughter Debra Harris and husband Dan of Belvidere, SD, Daughter Jill Kaufman and husband Mark, of Wheatland, WY. She had 13 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by daughter, Lori Hinton who lived in Evanston, WY with her husband Dennis.
Memorial services will be held December 30th, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Hyannis, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, 1236 Ginger Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA, 23453.
Harold M. Warthen
June 26, 1926 - December 20, 2008
Harold M. Warthen, 82, died Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.
He was born June 26, 1926 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Ira H. and Marguerite V. (Morse) Warthen.
Harold served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. On September 2, 1951 he married
Gwen C. Peck at the First Christian Church in Alliance, Nebraska.
Harold was a lifelong Alliance resident where he owned and operated the Bel-Air Stylist Barber Shop for almost 40 years. He was a member of the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the American Legion, and the Good Sam Camping Club where he served as the State Director while Gwen served as the Secretary. He also served on the Planning Commission for the City of Alliance.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen C. Warthen of Alliance; sisters, Helen (Keith) Cameron of Alliance, and Shirley (Larry) Osterman of Largo, Florida; and his sister-in-law, Judy Paulsen of Des Moines, Iowa. He is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond L. Warthen, and his step-father, Carey Emerson.
Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, December 26, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Father Don Huber will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the church or the Good Samaritan Society.
Harold E. Schmitt
December 4, 1923 - January 6, 2009
Harold Edwin “Smitty” Schmitt, age 85, of Hemingford, died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Hemingford Community Care Center.
Harold was born on December 4, 1923 in Kearney, Nebraska to Edwin and Verda (Hucke) Schmitt. He attended District #14 and then graduated from Hemingford High School in 1942. In World War II, he served in the Merchant Marines, after the War he returned home to enter into the dairy business with his father. He farmed until his retirement. Smitty and Irma Jean “Jeanne” Bignell met in Alliance and were married
at the Presbyterian Church on October 27, 1949. Their family was blessed with two sons, Philip and Charles.
He was an active member of the Cattle Capitol Shrine Club where he frequently could be found participating as a clown. He was also involved with the Masons. Harold & Jeanne were avid supporters of Bobcat athletics where they never missed an event.
Many people from Hemingford will have fond memories of Smitty as a true friend and good hearted, kind man that had a smile for everyone and a story for every occasion. He was a devoted husband, excellent Dad, and the best Grandfather a kid could have. His Mickey Mouse pancakes for the grandkids are legend. He was also enjoying being a great Grandfather. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.
Smitty is survived by his wife, Jeanne of Hemingford; sons; Philip and wife Vicki of Gering, and their children Sarah and Chris Wilson, Lisa and Clint Taylor of Gering, Kimberly and Travis Clause of Loveland, Colorado and Tyler Roland of Ogallala, son, Charles “Chuck” and wife Susie of Casper, Wyoming and their children, David of Laramie, Wyoming, Robert and Julie of Casper, Wyoming and three great grandchildren, Addison and Mattea Clause, and Joseph Taylor. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 9, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford. Pastor Jeri Soens will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.
Memorials have been designated to the Cattle Capitol Shrine Club Children’s Transportation Fund in care of Bob Hall, 1214 Yellowstone Ave., Alliance, Nebraska, 69301 or to the donor’s choice.
Edwin T. Haefele
October 5, 1925 - March 16, 2008
Edwin T. Haefele age 82 dies suddenly Sunday March 16th 2008.
Ed was born on October 5th 1925 in Burnt Prairie, IL.
His parents were Monroe Edwin and Lola Amanda (Coles).
Ed served in the U.S. Army from 1943-46. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation during his service.
On December 23rd he married
Ruth Anne Woods in Bloomington, IL. Ed and Ruth's children are Ann Katherine Haefele (John Day, OR), Douglas Monroe (Eileen) Haefele (Johnston, IA), John Joseph (Dawn) Haefele (Putnam, CT), and Dorothy (Paul) Odgren (Princeton, MA).
Ed was a professor, a writer, historian and researcher. His pre-retirement life was spent in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. He was a Professor Emeritus and former Chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Ed remained involved with former students and continued his love of writing through out his life.
Ed was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Alliance Public Library.
Donald D. Adamson
May 23, 1947 - December 24, 2008
Donald D. Adamson, 61, died Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at his home in Alliance.
He was born May 23, 1947 in Alliance to Stanley and Agnes (Keane) Adamson.
He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and worked for many years as a meat cutter for Panhandle Packing and Alliance Cold Storage.
He is survived by his brother Charles Adamson of Alliance and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Leonard, Stanley “Hap” and Winnie, and his sister Gladys Serl.
Memorial services will be Monday, January 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father James Heithoff officiating. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family at, 131 Missouri, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
