Wesley W. Flohr
Wesley W. Flohr, 80, of Scottsbluff and formerly of Kimball, died Wed., May 26, 2004 at his home with family by his side. A Memorial Service was May 29, at the Jolliffe Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Hunzeker officiating. Military honors were conducted by Admiral Dewey Post V.F.W. #1681. A memorial has been established to The Elks Scholarship Fund or to Camp Cosmos. Condolences can be sent to sympathy@jolliffe
funeralhome.com.
Wesley was born on September 30, 1923 in Kimball to Henry L. and Katherine (Groh) Flohr. He received his early education in parochial school before attending and graduating from Kimball High School with the Class of 1941. He was confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church in Kimball. In 1948, he was enlisted in the Army and was a member of the occupation force in Japan before receiving his honorable discharge in February of 1950.
He then returned to the Scottsbluff/Gering area where he met and later married Doris Schaefer on September 27, 1952 in Scottsbluff. The couple lived in the house he and his father built for the past 52 years. Wesley and his father built houses in the area. He worked as a sheet metal worker for Gibb’s and later for Gray’s before working for Panhandle Coop until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of BPO Elks #1367. Wesley enjoyed fishing, boating, and tinkering in his garage.
He is survived by his wife Doris M. Flohr of Scottsbluff; daughters Cheryl K. Schaneman and her husband Rodney of Melbeta and Susan D. Flohr of Minatare; sons Lance D. Flohr and his wife Shelly of Minatare, Mark C. Flohr and his wife Karen of Scottsbluff, and Timothy W. Flohr and his wife Roberta of Morrill; 8 grandchildren, Katryna Elledge and her husband Matt, Warnar Schaneman, Allen Schaneman, Lance Flohr, Bradley Flohr, Jeffrey Flohr, Justin Westall, and Heather Flohr; step-grandchildren Brian Schultz and his wife Jami and Sara Schultz; step-great grandchildren Tara and Tori Schultz; sister Rosia Schandera and her husband Leo of Gering; brother Edward Flohr of Cheyenne; sister-in-law Pauline Flohr of Cheyenne; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His parents, three brothers, Henry, Alex, and Elmer, sister Mary, and grandson David Lee Flohr preceded Wesley in death.
Iva Bishop
V. Iva Higday Bishop, 90, of Kimball died on Sunday, May 30, 2004 at the Kimball County Manor. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be Fri., June 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluffs Baptist Church. Pastor Dan Debruyn will officiate. A private family inurnment will take place. Memorial gifts may be made to the Pine Bluffs Baptist Church Building Fund or to Prairie Haven Hospice. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting the family with arrangements.
Iva was born on April 24, 1914 to George and Orrie B. (Barton) Sisson, on the Sisson homestead south of Pine Bluffs, Wyo. She was the 6th of 13 children. She attended schools in the Pine Bluffs area and graduated 8th grade in Pine Bluffs. She was a life long resident of the Pine Bluffs area. On September 8, 1930 she married Bill Higday in Brush, Colo. He died on Sept. 24, 1986. She later married Earl Bishop on Oct. 6, 1989 in Pine Bluffs, he died in November of 1995.
Iva was a member of the Pine Bluffs Baptist Church. She was also a marvelous seamstress, wrote poetry, and did all kinds of handy work including quilts, in which she won awards at fairs. She taught herself to play the guitar, organ and piano, she was a timer at rodeos. She will be remembered as the Best Mom and Grandma for five generations.
She is survived by three daughters, Jean and husband Ed Petersen of Bushnell, Bunny and husband Allan Jones of Pine Bluffs, and Joann and husband Marlin Westerfield of Edmonds, WA; two brothers Calvin Sisson of Pine Bluffs and Marvin Sisson of Kimball; two sisters Verla Scott of Fairfield, CA and Mildred Decker of Mesa, AZ; and special friend Chet Moyer; 7 Grandchildren; 8 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Bill and Earl, three brothers and five sisters.
Char Lashley
Char Lashley, 46, of Scottsbluff and formerly of Potter, Neb., died May 23, 2004 when a private plane crashed near Lander, Wyo. Her husband, Rod, and a friend also died in the crash. A service was June 1 at the Mitchell High School gymnasium.
Her mother is Adella Oberndorfer of Potter. She grew up and attended school in Potter, graduating in 1976 as class valedictorian. She married Rod in 1977 at the church where she was baptized, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Potter. She and her husband operated auto sales businesses in Mitchell and Phoenix.
She is survived by two sisters, nieces and nephews. Her father and infant brother preceded her in death.
Vellma Knoedler
Velma Knoedler, 95, of Kimball, died Monday, May 31, 2004 at the Kimball County Manor. She is the mother of Kathy Van Pelt of Banner County. Funeral arrangements are pending at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff, Neb.
Carroll C. Farmer
Carroll Clyde Farmer, 76, of Bayard, formerly of Kimball, died on Thursday, May 20, 2004 at the Chimney Rock Villa in Bayard. A graveside service was held on Wednesday May 26, 2004 at the Kimball Cemetery with Pastor Dwayne Hunzeker officiating.
Carroll was born in Kimball on September 14, 1927 to Clyde and Florence (Peterson) Farmer and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Kimball County High School, and from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo., in 1950. He taught music in public schools in the Denver, Colo. area and was a band instructor in Castle Rock, Colo. He later returned to the Kimball area to manage the family farm. He was an excellent musician as he could play any instrument, especially the piano, which his mother taught him how to play.
Carroll is survived by a sister-in-law, Virginia Farmer of Mills, Wyo.; a cousin, Margaret VanPelt of Kimball; three nephews, Keith and wife Connie Farmer of Casper, Wyo., Richard and wife Jean Farmer of Flora Vista, N.M., and James and wife Aleta Farmer of Casper, Wyo.; and a niece, Suzanne and husband Danny Besich of Denver.
His parents, brothers David Farmer and Bernard Farmer preceded him in death.
Sue Fornstrom
Sue Ann Fornstrom, 61 of Kimball died on Saturday, May 22, 2004 at United Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyo. after a short illness. At her request cremation has taken place. A memorial service was to be at 10 a.m. Wed., May 26, at the Cantrell Funeral Home in Kimball with Pastor Roger Gillming officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Sue Fornstrom Memorial Fund in care of the family.
She was born June 5, 1942 in Kimball a daughter of Wilbur and Myrna (Schindler) Jackson. She was a lifelong resident of the area and grew up at the Circle Arrow Ranch. She attended public schools at District four and later at Kimball County High School.
For over 20 years she worked in the office at Eatmon Well Service. She was active in many community projects and had helped with preparations for Kimball High's All-School Reunions, volunteered with activities at the Kimball museum and was a member of the Farmers Day committee where she organized the lawn mower races and was a member of the Lawn Mower Racing Team.
She and Gene Fornstrom were married in Ft. Collins, Colo. on June 9, 1989. He survives along with two sons; Terry and his wife Shelly Lange of Vernal, UT, and Doug and his wife Karen Lange of Dickinson, N.D.; her mother Myrna Jackson of Scottsbluff; a brother James L Jackson of Kimball; a step daughter Marlene and her husband Charles Jones of New Raymer, CO; five grandchildren, Derick, Zachary, Brandon, Lindsay, and Macensie Lange; four step grandchildren: Nichole, Marshall, and Shauna Lanning and Mycala Jones.
She was preceded in death by her father, brother Robert and sister Audrey Jordan.
Leslie D. Elrod
Leslie D. “Les” Elrod, 93, of Kimball, died on Friday May 14, 2004 at the Kimball County Manor. Funeral services were Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, with Reverend Roger Gillming officiating. Burial was at the Kimball Cemetery. Visitation was Tuesday from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Memorial gifts may be made to the Senior Friendship Center; Kimball County Manor or the Prairie Haven Hospice. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting the family with arrangements.
Les was born on February 2, 1911 in Ashland to John and Florence (Mays) Elrod. He attended country school in Seward County, graduating from Ashland High School. Les and Irma Petsch were married May 19, 1937 in Marysville, Kan. and lived in various communities in Nebraska until moving to Kimball County in 1941. He farmed and resided on the South Divide, moving into Kimball in 1959.
Les was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He was highly involved in the community: a member of the Rural Fire Board; ASCS Committee; instrumental in starting the Senior Friendship Center and starting the Kimball Coop Food Store. Les was very active in the Farm Bureau. He took a great interest in the activities of his neighbors and friends and enjoyed being a resident of the South Divide Community. He enjoyed bowling, and was on the grandparents league, playing pool, and was an avid card player.
Les is survived by his son Delwyn L. and wife Patty Elrod of Long Beach, Calif.; brothers Herbert Elrod of Lincoln, Neb.; Bernard Elrod of Crete, Neb.; and George Elrod of Stanfield, Ariz.; a sister Sadie Juricek of Denton, Neb.; sister-in-law June Elrod of Crete; grandchildren Sandy and husband Doug Lukassen of Kimball; DeLynn and wife Mitzi Elrod of Escondido, Calif.; Sheila and husband Scott Hillius of Cambridge; Vernon and wife Carolyn Elrod with the U.S. Navy; Jennifer and husband David James of Thornton, Colo.; Brandon and wife Jessica Elrod of Hinkley, Ariz.; great grandchildren Ashley; Amanda and Ryan Lukassen; Sean; Shayli; Shane; J.D.; Danica and Bailey Elrod. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Irma on May 26, 1987, son Douglas, a brother Joe, and a grandson Darin.
Robert E. (Ed) Robinson
Robert E. (Ed) Robinson, 77 of Kimball, died May 16, 2004 at Heritage Health Care Center in Gering, Neb. A celebration of his life will be Thursday, May 20, 2004 at 10: a.m. at the Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball. Pastor Al Foutz will officiate. Burial will take place in the Kimball Cemetery.
Visitation was at the funeral home Wednesday, May 19, 2004. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, the Presbyterian Church of Kimball or in care of the family in care of Wes Robinson, 1605 “P” Street, Gering, NE 69341.
Ed was born March 6, 1927 in Kimball, Neb. to Robertus Sidney and Alice E. (Bickel) Robinson. He was raised in Kimball and attended Kimball schools. He moved to Greeley, Colo. with his family in 1942 and to Layton, Utah in 1943. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1945 to 1947. He returned to Kimball in 1947 and worked with his father at Kimball Radio and Electric. He received his Honorary High School Diploma in May 2000 from the Kimball High School as part of the United States Department of Education’s Veteran’s Honorary Degree Program.
He married Bettyann L. Vavra in Kimball on August 9, 1948. Ed was a member of the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department and the V.F.W. Post 2243. He was a past member of the Session for the Presbyterian Church of Kimball. He served on the Kimball County School Board, the F.K.I. Board or Directors and the City of Kimball Planning Commission from 1963-1977 and was a past president of the Kimball Rotary Club. He volunteered with his wife Bettyann for Meals-on-Wheels for a number of years.
Ed was a rare mix of determined work ethic and devoted husband and father. He built a successful family-owned electrical contracting and appliance business working hard to provide for his family. His devotion to his wife and family was seen in his ability to juggle his business responsibilities with volunteering his talents for school activities and attending school performances, recitals, scouting events and other activities his family was involved in. His legacy to his family is his hard work ethic, his belief in education, and his devotion to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ed enjoyed working in his park behind his home and planting trees. He also enjoyed racing go-carts in his younger days and flying model airplanes with friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his love for laughter and friendship.
He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Linda and Tom Rutz of Lincoln, Neb., Kathy and Ken Waite of Woodbine, Iowa, and Nyla Jean and Thomas Bailey of Laramie, Wyo.; two sons and daughters-in-law; Gary and Linda Robinson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Wes and Johnna Robinson of Gering, Neb; 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother and his wife, Jim and Karen Robinson of Kimball; two sisters-in-law and their husbands; Irene and Leland Nelson of Bushnell, Neb. and Ioan and LeRoy Childers of Sidney, Neb., and one brother-in-law and his wife; Larry and Tony Vavra of Kimball, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, his parents and one brother Max Wesley Robinson.
Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Colleen Blackman
Colleen L. Blackman, 76 of Kimball died on Monday, May 10, 2004 at Kimball County Manor. At her request, cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, May 21, 2004 at the Kimball Presbyterian Church with Pastor Alan Foutz officiating.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Senior Friendship Center or Prairie Haven Hospice. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting with arrangements.
Colleen was born Sept 12, 1927 in Dix, Neb., the only child of Mervin P. and Pearl (Morton) Gunderson.
She attended Dix schools and graduated in 1945. She attended Kearney State College during 1945 and 1946
She worked for the Kimball County Agent, the Boeing Company, and Pan American Oil Company.
She married Robert B. Blackman on Nov 28, 1946 in Goodland, Kan. and they had four children.
Colleen was a member of the Kimball Presbyterian Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Senior Friendship Center.
She is survived by a son Randy Blackman and his wife Susan of Wheatland, Wyo. and a daughter Corlis Blackman of Kimball; 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert on January 17, 1982 and by two sons, Jerry and Gary.
Della Mae Elenberger
Della Mae Elenberger 75, of Kimball died on Monday, May 17, 2004 at Kimball Health Services. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at the Kimball Presbyterian Church with Pastor Alan Foutz officiating. Burial will be in the Kimball Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wed. May 19 from 1 to 8 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Della Elenberger Memorial Fund in care of the family. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting with arrangements.
Della was born on May 11, 1929 in Valentine, Neb. to William and Alice (Naginfin) Roe. She graduated from high school in Valentine. She married Albert Elenberger on October 17, 1948 in Nesland, S.D. After living in various places while Al worked for a phone company, they made their home in Kimball in July of 1969.
Della was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed gambling, garage sales, gardening, fishing and camping, and traveling with Al. Della enjoyed attending all of her grandchildren’s events.
She is survived by her husband Albert of Kimball, daughters Diana and husband Ken Meng of Arvada, CO; Sharon and husband Doyle Westby; Alice and husband Jim Ryschon all of Kimball; Pam and Rick Lumpkins of Rawlins, WY; son Dwain and wife Lynette Elenberger of Milnor, ND; sisters Lois and husband Rich Sokol; Mary Pier; Dorothy Hazen, all of Valentine; Betty and husband Warner Storm of Ellensberger, WA; brothers Carl Abercrombie of Emmett, ID and Wally and wife Betty Roe of Geneva; sister-in-law Bonnie Roe of North Platte; 19 Grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bill Roe Jr. and John (Bud) Ambercrombie.
James Buckius
James Lee Buckius, 62, of Bushnell died on Thursday evening, May 6, 2004 at Kimball Health Services. Cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting the family with arrangements.
James was born November 22, 1941 in Beach City, Ohio, a son of Harry S. and Edna (Dexter) Buckius. He and Verna Davidson were married on May 18, 1961 in Canton, Ohio. They moved to Bushnell in 1994. He was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad for nine years and retired in 1985 due to ill health. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Verna of Bushnell; three sons, Chris, Rick, and Matt Buckius, all of Bushnell; and two daughters, Teresa Neurauter of Westminster, Colo. and July Jakabosky of Bellville, Kan.; eleven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.
Gerald Lee Dilley
Gerald Lee Dilley, 75, of Oshkosh, died Thursday, May 6, 2004 at the Garden County Hospital in Oshkosh. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2004 at Grace Lutheran Church in Lewellen with Ann Bairn P.M.A and Dallas Walker, P.M.A. co-officiating and Military Honors will follow the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen. A memorial has been established to the church or the American Heart Association. Holechek Funeral Home in Oshkosh is in charge of arrangements.
Gerald was born on September 7, 1928 in Keith County to Hiram and Mabel (Armstrong) Dilley. He grew up and received his education in rural schools in Lewellen and finished his education in Garden County. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 14, 1949 and served during the Korean Conflict. On January 30, 1951, he was injured during active duty in Hyonbang-ni, Korea while his company was attacked; he managed to lead the company aggressively on and was wounded a second time before reaching safety. The selfless devotion to duty and extra-ordinary heroism of Corporal Dilley were an inspiration to all members of the United States Army and he was awarded the Distinguished-Service Cross Award. He also received two Purple Heart Awards for the injuries he received and many other awards for his service. After recovering for more than a year, he was honorably discharged on June 2, 1952.
Gerald went to work in the field of mining in Leadville, Colo. On May 10, 1953, he married Peggy O’Neill, and to this union three children were born, Becky, Randy and Gary. They later moved to Arizona in 1956 and to Moab, Utah while continuing his work in the mines. In 1959, the family moved to Lewellen and he worked at the elevator, missile silos in Kimball and farmed. He began working as a clerk for the Post office in Oshkosh and became Postmaster later. After 27 years in the Post Office, he retired in 1988. After his retirement, he enjoyed a continuation of farming. Gerald and Peggy moved from the farm to Oshkosh on February 1, 2004.
He enjoyed training and raising his horses, traveling the country, and playing with children, especially his grandchildren. Gerald had nieces and nephews that would come to stay with him in Lewellen during the summer month, and he enjoyed having them around and watching them learn many things.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, VFW Post #5379 in Oshkosh, past member of the Elk’s Lodge and Postmaster’s Association.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy of Oshkosh; daughter, Becky and husband Bill Hines of Seattle, Wash.; son, Randy Dilley of Lebanon, Mo.; brother and sister-in-law, Merlin and Penny Dilley of Alliance; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce and Merle Mick of Chappell, Sharon and Darrell Hood of Ogallala, Nadine and Kenny Peterson of Mexico, Mo., Donna and Bob Swanson of Bridgeport, and Shirley Saunders of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, Heather and husband Lloyd Weaver, Levi and wife Shannon Dilley, Tiffany Dilley all of Lebanon, Mo., Jennifer and husband Mike Clow, Brad Hines, Tony Hines and Maddy Hines all of Seattle, Wash.; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gary; sister Faye Briggs, and brothers, Dale and James Dilley.
Bud Gaston
Bud Gaston, 79, of Potter, Neb. died Saturday evening, May 8, 2004 at Beverly Health Care in Sidney, Neb.
Funeral Services were scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 13, 2004 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sidney, Neb. with Pastor Bradley Heinecke officiating. Interment
was scheduled to be in the Potter Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Potter American Legion Post #291.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church building fund, the Potter Rescue Unit, or the Memorial Health Center Hospice.
Visitation was Wednesday from 9:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M. at the Holechek Funeral Home in Sidney.
Francis A. “Bud” Gaston was born October 30, 1924 in Mahaska, Kan. to Milford and Anna (Bonawitz) Gaston. When he was three years old, he moved with his family to a farm near Lindberg, Wyo. where he grew up. He attended the Golden Prairie School, west of Lindberg. He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II where he served from 1944 until 1946. In 1948 he moved to Potter, Neb. and worked for Frontier Refinery Company for three months before he purchased the Texaco Station and Motel in Potter.
He was united in marriage to Leona Jung on December 30, 1951 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Potter. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sidney on April 6, 1952.
Bud has been a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sidney. He has done community service for many years in Potter and Cheyenne County, including the followng: board member for the Village of Potter for 16 years; Mayor of Potter for five years; past member of the Potter Volunteer Fire Department; member of the Potter American Legion and firing squad; representative committee member of the Salvation Army in the Potter area; member of the Potter American Legion Boy’s State committee; member of the Cheyenne County Visitor’s committee, and most recently he received a Sidney and Cheyenne County Business Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
Survivors include his wife Leona, of Potter; two sons, Wendall Gaston and his wife Deanna of Sidney, Neb., and Robert Gaston and his wife Shirley of Potter; one daughter, Arlene Heilbrun and her husband Douglas of Holyoke, Colo.; one sister, Bonnie Bastin and her husband Ben of Burns, Wyo.; seven grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Leona Woolington.
Colleen Blackman
Colleen Blackman, 76 of Kimball died on Monday, May 10, 2004 at Kimball County Manor. At her request cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. A full obituary will appear in a future edition of the Observer. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is assisting the family with arrangements.
Edwin Zorn Jr., 80, of Pine Bluffs, Wyo., died May 2. Memorial services were May 6 at Pine Bluffs United Methodist Church. Memorials are to United Medical Center Hospice, 214 E. 23 St., Cheyenne, WY 82001.
He was born March 29, 1924 in Dalton. He married Shirley Beebe Oct. 21, 1950 in Los Alamos, NM.
Survivors include his wife Shirley of Pine Bluffs; son Zachary; daughters Cynthia and Jacqueline; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Lilly, brother Glenn, and sister Thelma Mintkin.
Dorothy Cleays
Funeral services for Dorothy Irene Cleays, 67, of Scottsbluff, who died Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at Regional West Medical Center, were April 23 at the Jolliffe Funeral Home in Scottsbluff. Pastor Jason Schmidt officiated.
She was born April 4, 1937 in Bridgeport to Fred and Anna (Dobrinski) Sterkel. She attended school in Bridgeport and Torrington and had married Eddie Cleays on March 29, 1955 in Harrisburg. She lived in the area her entire life.
Survivors are mainly from the Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, and Torrington areas.
Interment
was at the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport.
Aldon L. Sobieszczyk
Al “Sobie” Sobieszczyk, 81 of Kimball, died on Thursday, April 22, 2004 at the Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff. Mass of Christian Burial was on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kimball with the Rev. Robert Karnish as celebrant. Burial will be at the Kimball Cemetery. Recitation of the Rosary was on Tuesday at the funeral home where friends visited. Memorial gifts may be made to Alzehiemers Association or the St. Josephs Church. The Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball assisted the family with arrangements.
Al was born July 26, 1922 in Loup City, a son of Joseph and Salamae (Larchick) Sobieszczyk. He attended country schools and graduated from Loup City High School in 1940. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1945 when he was honorably discharged. In 1946, he began attending college in Kearney. After graduation, he taught school in Bayard and then in Kimball for 5 years. In 1955, he took a position with American National Bank and worked for them for 36 years attaining the titles of cashier and vice president.
He and Maryann Gallagher were married August 5, 1947 in Kearney and moved to Kimball in 1950. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He had served with the Jaycees for 22 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1950 and had served as the treasurer for 16 years and secretary for 30 years. He had been a member of the Kimball School Board and had served as treasurer, secretary and president. Al enjoyed youth baseball and had coached his sons in the sport. He loved attending all his children’s events and activities and was a scorekeeper for football and basketball for many years. Later in his life he kept a keen interest in the activities of his grandchildren. He was known in Kimball as an avid golfer.
He is survived by his wife Maryann of Kimball; three sons: James of Denver, Colo., and Joe and John, both of Phoenix, Ariz., and three daughters: Cindy and husband Steve Olson of Sidney, Neb., Jean and husband Dave Berreckman of Holdrege, Neb., and Patty and husband Jim Gravo of Henderson, Nev. Other survivors include: brother The Rev. David Sobieszczyk of Denver and eight sisters: Harriet Modrich of Franklin Park, Ill., Blanche Hayes of Loveland, Colo., Evelyn Sobieszczyk of Denver, Barbara Peters of Evergreen, Colo., Eloise Ciepiela of Henderson, Nev., Betty Fowler of Lake Havasu, Ariz., Margie Sances of Westhills, Calif., Mary Jean Bedard of Evergreen, Colo., and sister-in-law Sally Sobieszczyk of Fort Collins, Colo. Nine grandchildren also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ray and two sisters, Delores Proctor and JoAnn Byers.
Janet Strasheim
Janet M. Strasheim passed away April 19, 2004 in Yuma, Ariz.
She was born November 30, 1936 to Leonard and Pat O’Hare.
She and her husband, Jerry Strasheim, who she married on November 6, 1953, grew up in Kimball.
She is survived by her husband; brother Mike O’Hare of Fort Myers, Fla.; five children, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren who live in Oregon.
Wayne Roger Bauerkemper
Wayne Roger Bauerkemper, 83 of Sidney, Neb. died April 20, 2004 at the Memorial Health Center in Sidney. His wife, Thurma (Adams) Bauerkemper was born and raised in Kimball.
Memorial services were April 23 in the Holechek Funeral Home with Brother Dennis Barrack of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses officiating. Cremation has taken place. Holechek Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He was born Jan. 6, 1921 to George and Myrtle (McNelly) Bauerkemper at Council Bluffs, Iowa and grew up in Omaha, Neb. He served in the military from 1942 to 1946 when he moved to Sidney.
On March 27, 1948 he married Thurma Adams at Gering, Neb.
He worked at the Sioux Ordinance Army Depot from 1948 until 1953, then worked for Ohio Oil Company. In 1956 he started Bauerkemper Motor Clinic, which he owned until retiring in 1983. After retirement he and his wife spent the winter months in Arizona.
Survivors include his wife of Sidney; three sons: Robert and wife Pat Bauerkemper of Chadron, Neb., Ronald and wife Sharon Bauerkemper of Denver, Colo. and Roger and wife Georgia Bauerkemper of Ogallala, Neb.; daughter, Patricia Schilz of Sidney; 9 Grandchildren and 16 Great-grandchildren.
His parents, a brother, Irwin and a sister, Margaret, preceded him in death.
Lester K. Rathman
Lester K. Rathman 96, of Scottsbluff, Neb. and formerly of Banner County, died Saturday April 17, 2004 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. His Funeral Services will be Fri., April 23 at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Gering with Pastor Linda Battello officiating. Interment
will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Friends may call at Gering Memorial Chapel Thurs. April 22 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. A memorial has been established to the Banner County Scholarship fund. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.geringchapel.com
Lester was born November 17, 1907, in Doniphan Neb., the son of John and Minnie (Khremke) Rathman. The family moved to the Banner County area when he was seven. Lester, his mother and two brothers came on a train to Kimball to meet his father who had come ahead with the livestock. In a wagon they traveled over fences on snow drifts to their home west of Harrisburg, to find the door had blown open and the house was full of snow.
On December 24, 1929 he married Regina (Jean) Brown, who was a schoolteacher in Banner County. They resided there and farmed and ranched until his retirement in 1980 when he spent many hours in his wood shop making things for his kids and grandkids. They moved to the Residency in Scottsbluff in 1992 and he resided there until his death, but he never gave up his love of the farm.
Lester is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Marjorie and Charles Smith of Gering, Phyllis and Glenn Wendt of Goodyear Ariz., and Judy and Jim Stauffer of Banner County; nine grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and four great, great grandchildren; sister Agnes Wynne of Banner County and his extended family at the Residency.
He was preceded in death by his wife in April of 1993, two brothers, Elmer & John and one sister, Ada Nighswonger.
