U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Eva Ambrosek
Eva Emma Tepley Ambrosek died Oct. 14, 2003, in Imperial, Neb. at the age of 85.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Gerald A. Ambrosek; parents, Jack and Mary Vasabal Tepley; brothers, Wilbur and Leonard; sister Mae; and granddaughter Renee’.
She is survived by a brother, Jake Tepley; sister, Anna Cooper; sons Richard and wife Elva Ambrosek of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Robert and wife Tina Ambrosek, Leslie and wife Sonia Ambrosek, and Mark and wife Yolanda Ambrosek, all from Haigler; daughter Janet Ambrosek of Omaha; 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
She was born May 30, 1918, to Jack and Mary Vasabal Tepley in Wauneta, Neb. She attended grade school in a small country school, high school at Wauneta and graduated in 1936. She also took normal training in teaching.
She married Gerald Andrew Ambrosek on April 23, 1938 at Oberlin, Kan. For the first two years they lived on a farm north of Benkelman and then purchased a farm in Northwest Dundy County in 1940. Eva was very much engaged in transporting her children to the country schools and in community activities, especially participation in 4-H as a leader to support her children.
Many years were spent working in the fields to assist with the farming operation. Her husband, Gerald, died in May of 1985. Eva remained active and enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A memorial service for Eva was held Oct. 18, 2003, at the Community Church in Champion, Neb. with Pastor Francis Baker officiating.
Opening prayer was by Joseph Ambrosek (grandson), eulogy was by Christie Hunter (granddaughter), soloists were Tiffnee Hurst (granddaughter) and Ashi Hunter (great granddaughter), pianist was David Ambrosek (grandson) and closing prayer was by Greg Hunter (grandson).
Casketbearers were Gary Ambrosek, David Ambrosek, Chad Ambrosek, Wade Ambrosek, James Ambrosek, Joseph Ambrosek, Robbie Ambrosek, Ragan Ambrosek and Gerald Ambrosek.
Honorary casketbearers were grandchildren and their husbands and wives.
Interment was at the Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta, Neb.
Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial, Neb. was in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established in her memory.
Wilfred Mumford
Wilfred Mumford, 79, died at his home in Lakewood, Colo., Sunday morning, Sept. 21.
Wilfred "Bill" and Colleen Mumford of Imperial attended the Sept. 26 services in Wheat Ridge, Colo., as did their children, Ty Mumford of Lincoln and Laci Ganstrom of Fremont.
Burial was at Crown Hill Cemetery at Wheat Ridge, Colo., where Bill’s mother had previously been buried.
Among other immediate family at the service were Bill’s step mother, his three sisters and their families and a step brother and his family from Costa Rica.
Lannie Krutsinger
Lannie Dean Krutsinger was born Dec. 27, 1963 in Benkelman, NE. He was the sixth and youngest child of Louis and Doris (Wiggins) Krutsinger.
Lannie left this earth, and his beloved family and friends Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.
His love growing up was being around the equipment and concrete work that was a part of the business established by his father, Krutsinger Construction. Lannie and his brother Bobby worked side by side to carry the business into the second generation. He became an expert at running a backhoe and his creative talents were put to use by many people in the community. Being a perfectionist, he was always striving to please everyone.
Lannie graduated from Benkelman High School with the Class of 1982. He was involved in all athletics, reveling in the competition of the sport. His continued education took him to Northwest Kansas Vo-Tech in Goodland, KS. He graduated with an associate’s degree in auto body, his lifetime love. His painting skill was a true talent.
Ronda Jean Jones became his bride Jan. 22, 1994. Lannie loved his wife dearly. Together they shared many wonderful moments and memories. From this love, three beautiful children were born: Kameron Louis, 7; Adalene Elisabeth, 3; and Keegan Lee, 14 months. Every man who has children becomes a father, but not all are a loving Daddy.
He delighted hosting the annual Father’s Day fishing trip with his father-in-law, son, and this past year, niece, Lexis Jones.
Lannie was an active Jaycee, working on many projects with his closest friends. Golfing, hunting, fishing with his son, and wrestling with his children gave him great joy in his free time. Watching Husker football was a favorite pastime in the fall, he loved the Big Red. Lannie also had a passion for classic rock music. He could name the title, artist, and album of most any song. "Krut’s Assorted Hits" cassettes were always playing.
Lannie could create or repair anything, which made him a treasure to many of the older generation. He was always ready and willing to help those in need and donated his time for family and friends generously. Lannie’s mark can be viewed throughout the community. He was a devoted husband, improving the homes in which his family lived. Adalene always said when anything was broken, "Daddy fix it."
Lannie’s death was a tragedy to the community and all who loved him. Rest in peace dear Lannie.
Services were conducted October 1 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church with the Rev. Norman Prather and Rev. Matt Price officiating.
Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery.
Lannie was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother-in-law Richard Jones, and great-nieces Grace and Emma Fields.
He is survived by his loving wife and adoring children; parents-in-law, Ron and Jean Marie Jones; brother and wife, Dennis and LaRue Krutsinger of Imperial; brother and wife, Kerry and Cindy Krutsinger of Stratton; sister and husband, Terril and Dan Conery of Tennessee; brother and wife, Bobby and Joan Krutsinger of Benkelman; sister and husband, Darlla and Rod Kerchal of Benkelman; 13 nieces and nephews: Deidra Fields and husband Kevin of Seward; Mike Knoles of Houston, TX; Kriss Krutsinger and wife Lisa of Kimball; Brad Krutsinger and wife Susan of Peyton, CO; Renae Rivera and husband Rudy of Houston, TX; Kassi Strawn and husband Matt of Hobbs, NM; Karra Meeske and husband Karl of Champion; Molly Horner and husband Trevor of Benkelman; Tyler Schneider and wife Megan of Denver, CO; Toby Schneider of Kearney; Katie Krutsinger and fiancée Randy Partch of McCook; Jesse Schneider and Jodi Parman of Benkelman; and Lexis Jones of McCook. Velma Jones is the surviving grandparent.
Funeral services was Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Norman Prather and Rev. Matthew Price officiating.
Interment followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in his name.
Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.
Irving Skelton
Irving John Skelton was born on the family farm in rural Hayes County, August 26, 1927 to Earl W. and Alice (Sanders) Skelton. His schooling was done in Wauneta area schools until the family moved to Lincoln while he was in high school. Irving graduated from Lincoln East High School in 1945. The following August he joined the Navy serving his country for 2 years. The fall of 1947 he entered the University of Nebraska at Lincoln making lifelong friendships there. One of these lifelong friendships was with Dakota Johnson, On July 27th of 1948 they married in Bloomfield, Neb. To this union three children were born, Susan Ruth, John Irving and James Deen.
Irving was a dedicated farmer and was honored as such, being chosen as one of Nebraska’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 1958. He put in long hours to achieve the couple’s goals. One of these goals was to build themselves a home. Irving spent many hours designing their dream home, even building a scale model of it. This home was completed in time to host daughter Susan’s 8th grade graduation reception.
When telephone service reached the North Divide, Irving helped with the maintenance of the switcher lines, also known as Farmer Lines. Irving was willing to share his time with others, from scouting to sledding parties, from square dances to being a member of the Elks Lodge in McCook. Irving was a dedicated volunteer.
For twenty years he served on the local school board and was a Director with the Nebraska State School Board Association in 1967 and ‘68. For 35 years he was a member of the Wauneta Rural Fire Board. He also served on the Nebraska Farm Business Association Board.
One of Irving’s favorite pastimes was spending time with grandchildren, fishing and picnicking along the banks of the Stinking Water Creek or the gravel pit, or maybe just curled up in his LazyBoy with a sleeping grandchild on his chest.
Irving passed away at the Heritage of Wauneta, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003 at the age of 76.
Survivors include daughter Susan Wright and husband Kevin of Golden, Colo., sons John Skelton and wife Becky of Mancos, Colo., James Skelton and wife Lana of Wauneta; seven grandchildren including Valarie McElhinney and husband Matt, Kathryn Wright, Heather Skelton, Erica Skelton, Joshua Skelton, Jesse Skelton and Kelsie Skelton.
Irving was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Alice; his wife Dakota; sisters Carolyn and Margaret; brothers Windfield, Marvin and Virgil, and granddaughter Tera.
Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with Pastor Michael Laing officiating. Mrs. Lucille McBride was organist.
Soloist was Mr. Otis Knotwell. Honorary casketbearers were Charles Teply, Jack Maddux, Leland DeHart, Donald Criswell, Paul Yost, Bill Mathews, Marvin Athey, Robert Trapp and Lowell Grimm.
Casketbearers were members of the Wauneta Volunteer Fire Department; Donn Allen, Kelly Doetker, Dave Hamilton, Heath Nordhausen, Bill Bischoff, Rick Einspahr, Joe Johnston, Lloyd Sinner, Dale Bischoff, Mike Gentry, Robert Jones, Stanley Steckman, Scott Boos, Bob Goings, Jeff Maris, Bryan Einspahr, Chad DeWester, Bob Hamilton, Tom Miller and Mike Gage.
Military rites were given by American Legion Post #304, Wauneta. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
William ‘Bill’ Sturtevant
William Leonard Sturtevant was born June 17, 1919, at the family farm, north of Wauneta, Neb., to Thomas L. and May (Miller) Sturtevant.
‘Bill’ rode his horse to country grade school and graduated with the class of 1937 from Wauneta District #31. He then went on to attend Agriculture College at Lincoln, Neb., for two years. He then returned to the Wauneta area to farm.
On Jan. 26, 1941, Bill married Norma Blanche Loveland in Benkel-man, Neb., and they enjoyed 62 years together.
In his early years, he enjoyed hunting pheasants, playing cards and square dancing. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Encampment, the Rural Fire Board, the Rural Telephone Company which he spent many volunteer hours keeping the North Divide lines in working order.
He was a fan of high school football, especially when his grandsons were on the team and did cheer for the Cornhuskers.
‘Uncle Bill’s’ love of animals and crops was apparent as he introduced visiting "city" nieces and nephews to farm life. He was always willing to lend a listening ear, a helping hand to neighbors and friends and also to strangers with car trouble on the nearby road.
Bill passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 25, 2003, at the Chase County Community Hospital. He was 84 years.
Survivors include: wife, Norma of rural Wauneta; daughter, Donna Taylor and companion, Robert Whiting, of Wauneta; three grandsons: Dan Taylor and wife, Kara, of Holdrege, Neb., Pat Taylor and Crystal Edson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Jeff Taylor of Kearney; great grand-daughters Kaitlin and Amanda Taylor of Holdrege; one great grandson, Brennan Taylor, of Idaho Falls; and a sister, Dorothy Booth, of Turlock, Calif.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Ruth, Alice and Savilla.
Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 29, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with Pastor Michael Laing officiating.
Mrs. Lucille McBride was organist. Soloist was Mrs. Sharon Walgren whose selections were "One Day At a Time" and "Peace in the Valley." The congregational hymn was "Hymn of Promise."
Casketbearers were Kenneth Smith, Jack Fanning, Tim Sutherland, Chuck Vette, Kelly Fanning and Ted Travis.
Interment was in Riverside Ceme-tery, Wauneta.
Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
James Power
James Lowell Power, 82, of Kearney, Neb. died Monday, Sept. 29, 2003, at his home in Kearney.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, Oct. 3, 2002 at 10 a.m. at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney with Father Mike McDonald officiating.
Vigil Wake services will be Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the church with visitation planned Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary or prior to services Friday at the church.
Burial with military rites provided by the Kearney V.F.W. Post #759 and the Kearney American Legion Post #52 will be at the Kearney Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
He was born Feb. 27, 1921 in Hooper, Colo. and grew up and attended school in Venango, Neb. area and then worked on the family farm.
He is a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945.
On Feb. 17, 1947 he married Berniece Zajic in St. Francis, Kan. They lived in Imperial, Neb. where he farmed and also worked as field mechanic for the State of Nebraska. They moved to Kearney in 1959 and he worked for Central Contracting then worked as a mason for Russ LeDroit until retiring.
He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney, Knights of Columbus Prince of Peace Council #10923, V.F.W. Post #759 of Kearney, Kearney American Legion Post #52, Kearney Eagles Lodge #2722 and the Citizens Advocacy in Kearney.
Surviving relatives: wife Berniece Power of Kearney; daughters Gloria (George) Ourada-Simonson of Elm Creek, Neb., Jannette (Amer) Arram of Kearney, Neb.; sons Al Power of Houston, Texas, Joe (Melanie) Power of Lincoln, Neb., Jeffery (Heather) Power of San Francisco, Calif.; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brothers Garry Power of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Eugene Power of Denver, Colo.
He was preceded in death by his son James Power, Jr.; son-in-law Nickolas Dean Ourada; two sisters and three brothers.
Judith May Miller
Judith May Miller, 53, died at the Norton County Hospital on Sept. 14, 2003.
Mrs. Miller was born July 19, 1950, in Holyoke, Colo., the daughter of Jesse Lee and Opal May (Artman) Ritchey.
She attended Holyoke schools and Colby Community College, before moving to Denver.
On March 31, 1973, she and Delvis Miller were married in Hill City. They made their home in Norton where, together, they owned and operated Miller Aviation.
She was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church where she served as the treasurer for the Bishop’s committee.
Preceding her in death were her parents and one son, Dake Ryan Miller.
Survivors include her husband, Delvis; a daughter, Amy Mulder; a sister, Joan and Gerald Radcliff, Clovis, N.M.; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Norton, Kan. with Rev. Dennis Gilhousen officiating.
Music was provided by Donna Henderson, soloist, and Melissa Nelson, accompanist.
Casketbearers were Jim Miller, Jeff Terrell, Ivan Kingham, Mark Griffin, Wayne Raney and Dennis Kasson.
Bill Alexander was an honorary casketbearer.
Interment was at Norton Cemetery, Norton, Kan. with Enfield Funeral Home of Norton, Kan. in charge of arrangements.
A Judy Miller Memorial Fund has been established. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home at 215 W. Main, Norton, Kan. 67654.
Doris Johnson
Doris Marie Johnson was born at Imperial, Neb. on July 6, 1933. She was the youngest of two children born to Eldredge and Ethel Meyer Baker.
Her mother died when Doris was a young girl and her father married Corrine Hawkinson.
Doris grew up in the Enders area, attending rural school and later graduating from Chase County High School at Imperial in 1950. She taught in Districts 16, 48 and 37 in rural Chase County for a few years before she attended Kearney State Teachers College where she received her degree.
Doris moved to California where she met Charles L. Johnson. They were married in Reno, Nev. on Dec. 17, 1960. Three children were born to this union.
Doris taught school in Santa Ana while she raised her family. Charles died in 1975. She worked for a brief period at Goodyear in Santa Ana before moving back to Imperial in 1978.
She taught school at District #66 in Chase County and later established the Bluejay Pre-School.
She later moved to Grant to be closer to her children and lived at Sunset Haven.
She had developed a malignancy and had been transferred to the Perkins County Community Hospital in Grant last week where she died on Saturday morning, Sept. 20, 2003. She had reached the age of 70.
Doris always had a smile and a positive attitude towards life. She taught her children that God will always provide for them and see them through.
In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was preceded in death by one grandson Jonathan Wagner.
She is survived by two daughters Cynthia (Tim) Wagner of Beatrice, Lisa (Randy) Schmitt of Grant; one son Tim (Lori) Johnson of rural Grant; 11 grandchildren; one sister Arlene Bischoff of Imperial; one half-brother, Gene Baker of Sutherland and two half sisters, Joyce Christensen of Allen and Shirley Armbruster of Taylor; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Grant Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Krause, officiating.
Organist was Judy Kurkowski.
Casketbearers were Pete and Norman Snyder, Dave and Randy Schmitt and Ben and Tim Wagner Jr.
Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, Neb.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
