In the Hope Archives

Gertrude “Gert” Kuszak, 95, of St. Paul, formerly of North Loup, died June 28, 2022, at Brookefield Park in St. Paul. Funeral Mass July 6 at St. Josaphat's Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: children, Jim Kuszak of Kokomo, Ind., Linda Brewer of Omaha and Rita Shoemaker of North Loup; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Pilakowski of Portland, Ore.

Robert Hoffa, 95, of Grand Island, died June 30, 2022. Funeral Mass July 6 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: children, Gary Hoffa and Robert Hoffa, both of Grand Island, Mark Hoffa and Barbara Zinn, both of Omaha; nine grandchildren and several great and great-great-grandchildren.

Donald Denesia, 98, of Broken Bow, died July 1, 2022. Funeral Mass July 6 at St. Joseph's Church in Broken Bow, with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Burial at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: children, Linda Carlson of St. Paul, Minn., Mary Sickler of Kearney, Susan McCrory of Lincoln, David of St. Joseph, Mo., Judy Denesia of St. Paul, and Pat of Lincoln, 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.

Doris Bay, 92, of North Platte, died June 30, 2022. Funeral Mass July 8 at St Patrick’s Church in North Platte. Survivors: children, Roy “Skip” Bay, Barbara Baker, Kathleen Beasley; 10 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard Weiss, 73, of Kearney, died June 28, 2022. Funeral Mass July 6 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Art Faesser officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Jake and Tiffany Weiss, Luke  Weiss and Nate Weiss; seven grandchildren; sisters, Linda Fox of Oberlin, Kan., and Debbie Conroy of Omaha. 

Robert "Jim" Overholt, 75, of Kearney, died June 30, 2022. Funeral Mass July 5 at Kearney Cemetery with Fr. Art Faesser celebrating. Survivors: wife, Vicki; siblings, Larry Overholt and Ronald Overhold, both of Ashland, Ohio, Sondra Garrison of Mansfield, Ohio.

Richard Mueting, 83, of Kearney died June 28, 2022. Memorial Mass July 8 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Neal Hock officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: wife Patricia; children, Timothy, Denise Falcon, Cynthia Volk, Steven, Angela Sundleaf, and Paul; sisters, Mary Kelley of Lincoln, Patricia Neumann of Lincoln, Ann Mueting of Raymond; brothers, Donald of Eagan, Minn., Robert of Denton, and Joseph of Spencer, Iowa; 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. 

Nicolas Gonzales, 65, of Lexington died June 30, 2022. Funeral Mass July 6 at St. Ann's Church in Lexington with Fr. Jose Chavez officiating. Burial at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Lexington. Survivors: wife, Maria de la luz Landeros de Miranda; sons, Alfredo Miranda Landeros and Eliseo Miranda Landeros; daughter, Abigail Miranda Landeros; four grandchildren; and one great- grandson.

Richard Chloupek, 87, of Kearney, formerly of Litchfield, died July 4, 2022. Funeral Mass July 8 at Saint Gabriel Catholic Church in Hazard with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at a later date. Survivors: wife, Betty; sons, Kevin  Chloupek and Randy Chloupek; five grandchildren; six great-granddaughters; sister, Sandy Wright.

Ryan Rezac, 30, of Gering, died June 30, 2022. Funeral Mass July 7 at Christ the King Church in Gering with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Burial at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Survivors: parents,  Paul and Patty (Ibach) of Gering; siblings, Kendall Rezac and Darci Crow; grandparents Roger and Marilyn Held and Theresa Rezac.

John “Shooter” Shotkoski, 77 of Lincoln, died Oct. 22, 2021. Funeral June 18 at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Survivors: son, Jon; one grandson; siblings, Pat Opp of Wood River, Janis Palu of Grand Island, Tom Shotkoski of Lincoln, Rosie Dooley of Wood River, Kathy Bydalek of Kearney, Joyce Rowley of Grand Island.

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Robert Melgoza, 77, of Grand Island, died July 8. Funeral Mass July 15 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Fr. Joseph Broudou officiating. Burial at Grand Island Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Sally; their children, Felicia Melgoza, Francesca Melgoza, Tina Melgoza and Robert John 'BJ' Melgoza; son, Mark Wortman; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Josie Scott, Teresa Fraire, Sylvia Sanchez and Louie Melgoza.

Betty Shaner, 100, of North Platte, died July 10. Funeral Mass July 18 at St. Patrick Church in North Platte with Fr. Rand Langhorst officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Survivors: daughters, Ann McCants of Lincoln, Sheila Feeney of North Platte, Sandy Kelly of Plattsmouth, Cheri Bodeman of North Platte, Beth Gray and Janice Mumm, both of Ceresco; four stepsons, Paul Shaner of Wellfleet, Roger Shaner of Lexington, Lyle Shaner of La Crosse, Wis., and Larry Shaner of Des Moines, Iowa; stepdaughters, Linda Fisher of Jefferson City, Mo., and Donna Meyers of Arnold; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

Jim Langford, 74, of Grand Island, originally of North Platte, died July 4. Funeral Mass July 11 at St. Patrick  Church with Fr. Vidya Sagar Arikotla officiating. Burial at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Survivors: wife, Mary; his children, Jason Langford of Grand Island, Travis Langford of Lincoln and Jacque Langford of Omaha; nine grandchildren.

Dolores Johns, 85, of Elm Creek, died July 5. Funeral Mass July 11 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elm Creek. Burial at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Elm Creek. Survivors: husband, Wayne; children, Joe  Johns of Aurora, Michelle Leeds of Riverdale, Pat Johns of Elm Creek and Carmen Pearse of Kearney; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Hubbard and brother, Mike Moles, both of Elm Creek.

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Joanne Winter, 91, of Omaha, formerly of Sumner, died July 9. Funeral Mass July 15 at St. Ann's Church in Lexington with Fr. Jose Chavez, officiating. Survivors: daughters, Louise Winter of Papillion and Kelsi Macdonald of San Tan Valley, Ariz.; son, Mark Winter of Pearland, Texas; five grandchildren.

Thomas Rainforth, 81, of Grand Island, died July 14. Funeral Mass July 19 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Martin Egging officiating. Burial at Rosedale Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Joyce; children, Mark, Mary Theiler, Chris and Pam Van Heufeln; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sister, Margaret Smith.

Lucille Delaney, 90, of Grand Island, died July 16. Funeral Mass July 20 at St. Leo’s Church with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating. Burial at Fullerton Catholic Cemetery in Fullerton. Survivors: daughters, Julie Cahoj of Atwood, Kan., Kris Hanson of Maple Grove, Minn., Lynda Pobar of Denver  and Terri Haselhorst of Randolph; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank Ramaekers Jr. of Virginia Beach, Va., Mark Ramaeker of Sarasota, Fla., and Dr. Joseph Ramaekers of Aptos, Calif.

Josephine Rodriguez, 77, of Kearney, died July 13. Funeral Mass July 20 at St. James Church with Fr. Art Faesser officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: daughters, Angie King of Grand Island, Josie Rodriguez of Lincoln; sons, Jesus Rodriguez Jr., and John Rodriguez, both of Kearney; seven grandchildren; great-granddaughter; sisters, Hilda Rodriguez, and Deloris Antillion, both of Kearney; brothers, John Carranza of Kearney, James Carranza of San Diego.

Leonard Dush, 91, of St. Libory died July 21. Funeral Mass July 27 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Duncan. Survivors: wife, Esther; sons, Victor Dush of Cotesfield, Clarence Dush of Hastings, Timothy Dush of Hawaii, Jerry Dush and Leonard Dush, both of St. Libory, Alan Dush of St. Paul, Thomas Dush of Elba; daughters, Cynthia Lassen and Christine Poss, both of Elba; sisters, Florence Schmidt of Columbus, Mary Ann Steiner of Fremont; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren

Raymond Michalski, 86, of Grand Island, died July 20. Funeral Mass Aug. 1 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Joseph Broudou officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Sharon; son, Richard Michalski of Great Falls, Mont., daughters, Kathleen Michalski of Hastings and Kristine Borland of Olathe, Kan.; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Hansen of Lincoln.

Helen Moreno, 76, of Scottsbluff, died July 18. Funeral Mass July 28 at Christ the King Church with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Burial at West Lawn Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Gene Ramirez of Scottsbluff, and Frank Ramirez Sr. of Scottsbluff; brothers, Joe Garcia of Gering, Julian Garcia of Gering, Ralph Garcia of Scottsbluff, and David Garcia of Pine Ridge; sisters, Jenny Rodriguez of Denver, Connie Martinez of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lucy Martinez of Alaska; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.

Douglas Wegner, 70, of Palmer, died July 23. Funeral Mass July 28 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer. Survivors: wife, Kathy; his mother, LaNelle Wegner of St. Paul; children, Ashley Cornelius and Neil Wegner, both of Palmer; five grandchildren; brothers, Dallas Wegner of Kearney and Dave Wegner of Palmer.

Lois “LaFern” Mudloff, 93, of St. Paul, died July 24. Funeral Mass July 29 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in St. Paul with Frs. Vince Parsons and Alex Borzych officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: children, Connie Geiger and Tom Mudloff, both of St. Paul, Collen Stewart of Grand Island, John Mudloff of St. Paul; 14 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Dan Schenck of St. Paul, Earl Schenck of Central City, Harold Schenck of St. Paul, Gerald Schenck of Grand Island, Bob Schenck of St. Paul; sister, Bonnie Clayton of Doniphan.

Judy Whyte, 83, of North Platte, died July 23. Survivors: children, Joe Whyte of North Platte, Alfred Whyte of Emerald, Wis., Michelle Radcliffe and Kim Copper, both of North Platte; sister, Suzanne Trimble of California; brother, Ralph Granere of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren;

Maxine Griffin, 96, of North Platte died July 27. Funeral services Aug. 4 at Odean Colonial Chapel with Fr Vidya Sagar officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: children, Cindy Burton of North Platte, John Griffin, of Arkansas, Dave Griffin and James Griffin of Fort Collins, Colo., and Michael Griffin of New Port Richey, Fla.; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three step-great-grandchildren

Teresa “Teri” Shaw, 73, of Morrill, died July 12. Funeral Mass July 18  at St. Theresa Church in Mitchell with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill. Survivors: husband, David; brother, Gerald Seidl Jr.

Pete Marez, 74 of Scottsbluff, died July 25. Funeral Mass Aug. 1 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi officiating. Survivors: wife, Mercedes; children, Monique Marez and Aaliyah Marez, Mercedes Marquez, Desiree Moore, Anthony Marez, Barbara Monaghan, David Marez, all of Scottsbluff, Paula Evans of Albuquerque, N.M., Mickey Sr Marez of Las Vegas, Veronica O’Brien of Timnath, Colo.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John Scheef, 76 of Spalding, died July 25. Funeral Mass July 29  at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating and Deacon Ron Glaser assisting. Burial at parish cemetery. Survivors: wife Regina; children, Denise Keeshan of Lincoln, Kristin Sparr of Denton, Shannon Landauer of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, Robbie Scheef of Lincoln, Danielle Johnson of Pierce; seven grandchildren; one stepgrandchild.

June Mikoloyck, 92, of Oshkosh died July 25. Funeral services July 29 at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Oshkosh with Deacon Dixon Powers officiating. Burial at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: sisters, Alice Lee Patterson and DeeAnna Schmid, both of Oshkosh; sons, Larry Mikoloyck of North Platte, Richard Mikoloyck and Cathy of Oshkosh, Mike Mikoloyck of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughters, Jolene Matson of Aurora, Colo., Janie Reeves of Kennard, and Julianne Christensen of Seward; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

Ruth Duda, 87, of Ord, died Aug. 8. Funeral Mass Aug. 15 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ord with Frs. Scott Harter and Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Ord Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: son, Doug Duda of Kearney; daughter, Bonnie Horne; two grandchildren. 

Thomas Wieck, 83, of Grand Island, died Aug. 7. Funeral Mass Aug. 18 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial at Grand Island Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Joyce; children, Patsy Mettenbrink of Grand Island, Sharon Ginger of Papillion, Chuck Wieck of Dannebrog, and Lisa Mayer of Grand Island; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. 

David Jensen Sr., 67, of Elba, died Aug. 6. Funeral Mass Aug. 11 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Elba Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Peggy; mother and stepfather, Lauriene and Floyd Dickerson of Grand Island; his children, David Jensen Jr. of Lincoln, Amber Carlson of Bon Aqua, Tenn., Timi Hess of Ord and Joshua Jensen of Elba; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Michael Jensen of Grand Island, Vicky Smith of Broken Bow, Cheryl Gregoski of Elba, Kevin Jensen of Grand Island and Doris Jensen of Scotia.

Eugene “PeeWee” Jorgensen, 87, of St. Paul, died Aug. 5. Funeral Mass Aug. 10 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating and Deacon Neil Baquet assisting. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: children, Mark Jorgensen of Johnston, Iowa, Brad Jorgensen of St. Paul, Denise Novak of Carlsbad, Calif., Chris Jorgensen of Parker, Colo., Lisa Jerabek of St. Paul and Melissa Trampe of Amherst; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sister, DeAnne O'Hara of Grand Island.

Kathy Slack, 83, of North Platte, died Aug. 6. Funeral Mass Aug. 10 at Holy Spirit Church with Fr. Vidya Sagar officiating. Survivors: siblings, Joanne Bollish and Don Piper both of North Platte.

Maxine Griffin, 96, of North Platte died July 27. Funeral service Aug. 4 at Odean Colonial Chapel with Fr. Sagar officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: children, Cindy Burton of North Platte, John Griffin of Arkansas, Dave Griffin and James Griffin, both of Fort Collins, Colo., and Michael Griffin of New Port Richey, Fla; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; three step-great-grandchildren.

Noe Longoria Jr., 54, of Scottsbluff, died Aug. 7. Funeral Mass Aug. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Survivors: parents, Maria and Noe Sr.; brothers, Lance and Patrick; four grandchildren.

Pat Vinton, 88, of Mullen died Aug. 11. Funeral Mass Aug. 17 at St. Mary’s Church in Mullen with Fr. Matthew Nash officiating. Burial at Cedarview Cemetery at Mullen. Survivors: sister, Rosalie Jarboe of Waco, Texas; brother, Bill Vinton of Mullen.

Hedy Doerr, 91, of Kearney died July 2. Funeral Mass Aug. 16 at St. James Church in Kearney. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Jeffrey, David Doerr, and daughter, Cynthia Doerr and five grandchildren.

Terri Waskowiak, 83, of Kearney, died Aug. 23. Funeral Mass Aug. 26 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Richard Piontkowski Jr. officiating. Burial in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Dave Waskowiak of Grand Island, Jim Waskowiak of Stanton; sisters, Lee Bosse of Omaha, Max Williams of Aurora, Pat Schnittgrund of Omaha; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren.

Loreen Czaplewski, 96, of Grand Island, died Aug. 26. Funeral Mass Sept. 3 at St Leo's Church with Fr. Richard L. Piontkowski Jr. officiating, assisted by Deacon William Buchta. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: sons, Kellen Czaplewski of Papillion, Mark Czaplewski of Grand Island, Dr. Nicholas Czaplewski of Norman, Okla., Dr. Rodney Czaplewski of Omaha; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

Kenneth Liess, 67, of Alda died Aug. 31. Funeral Mass Sept. 3 at St. Mary's Church in Wood River with Fr. Josh Brown officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Wood River. Survivors: brothers, Joseph Liess, Paul Liess, Charles Liess, Gary Liess; sisters, Mary Ellen Merithew, Linda Martin, Elaine Rauch, Judy Luehr, and Lois Knox. 

James J. Novakowski, 54, of Grand Island, died Sept. 1. Funeral Mass Sept. 5 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Survivors: brothers, Joseph Liess, Paul Liess, Charles Liess, Gary Liess; sisters, Mary Ellen Merithew, Linda Martin, Elaine Rauch, Judy Luehr, and Lois Knox.

Victor Goerl, 95, of Grand Island, died Sept. 1. Funeral Mass Sept. 6 at St. Libory's Church in St. Libory with Fr. Sidney Bruggeman officiating. Burial will be at  Calvary Cemetery in Clarks. Survivors: children, Barb Sack of St. Paul, Pat Epp, Mike Goerl, Kevin Goerl and Lisa Asche, all of Grand Island, Linda Goettsche of St. Paul, Dan Goerl of Gainesville, Va., Keith Goerl of Valparaiso, Ind.; 28 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ronald Buettner, 82, of Lincoln, died Aug. 16. Funeral Mass Sept. 10 at St. Ann's in Lexington with Fr. Jose' Chavez officiating. Survivors: sons, Joe of Holdrege, John of San Antonio, Texas, and Bill of Lincoln; and four brothers, Bob of Omaha, Richard of Virginia, Jack and David, both of Arizona; 17 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Donald Reyes, 81, of Hershey, died Aug. 21. Funeral services Aug. 26, at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Survivors: children, Debbie Lindsay of Topeka, Kan., Donna Fuentes of Hastings, Derek Reyes of Memphis, Delores  Chadwick of Sutherland and Victor Reyes of Lincoln; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his siblings Belinda Potter of Colorado Springs, Colo., Vicky Martinez and Genevieve Reyes Young, both of North Platte and Mary Udell of Plainview.

Colleen Jochum, 91, formerly of Sutherland, died Aug. 26. Funeral Mass Sept. 2 at Sacred Heart Church, Sutherland. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Survivors: children, Mike Jochum of Beatrice, Tom  Jochum of Axtell, Nancy James of Severance, Colo., Katherine Kipp of Haxtun, Colo., and Scott  Jochum of Kearney; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. 

Frances Vieyra, 101, of North Platte died Aug. 26. Funeral Mass Sept. 3, at St. Patrick Church with Fr. Jonathan Sorensen officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Survivors: children, Fred Vieyra, Jerome Vieyra and Victoria "Vicky" Valdivia, all of North Platte and Angelina Brown of Corpus Christi, Texas; adopted children, Stephanie Neemann of Fort Worth, Texas, and Stephen Horn of Corpus Christi; her sister, Carman Serrano of Littleton, Colo.; her brother, Louis Ortega of Wichita, Kan.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Gertrude Betzold, 78, of Kearney died Aug. 24. Funeral Mass Sept.1 at St. James Church with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: children, Thomas Betzold, Jr., Marvin "Teddy" Betzold, Tamara Lawter, Robert Betzold, and Richard Betzold; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers; and three sisters.

Andrea Orozco, 28, of Kearney died Aug. 26. Funeral Mass Sept. 2 at St. James Church with Father Joseph Hannappel officiating.

Deborah Moore, 66, died Aug. 18. Funeral Mass Aug. 23 at St Agnes Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Survivors: mother, Marjorie Benzel; brother Stephen Benzel; her sisters, Danna Keisel and Cindy Hansen; children, Jaime Moore of Colorado Springs, Matthew Moore of Redding, Calif., Amanda Clayton of Colorado Springs; six grandchildren. 

Dennis Parks, 71 of Gering, died Aug. 27. Funeral mass Sept. 1 at Christ the King  Church with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Burial at West Lawn Cemetery. Survivors: children, Amy Dishman of Blair, and Jason Parks of Firth; sister, Linda Hergenrader of Mitchell, and his mother, Rhoda Morgan of Gering; four grandchildren.

Jim Sevier, 71, of Scottsbluff, died Aug. 31. Funeral services Sept. 4 with Fr. Rayappa Konka officiating. include his wife, Maggie; siblings, Bob and Janice; and children, Robert and Stacy and step-children.

Clara Smith, 90 of Bartlett, died September 3  at Boone County Health Center, Albion. Funeral mass Sept. 7 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Burial at Bartlett Cemetery. Survivors: children, 10 children,  Dan of Hominy, Okla.; David of Bartlett; Dennis of Red Cloud; Jeff of Shallowater, Texas; Gary of Ericson; Scott of Brodhead, Wash.; Deb Eschliman of Ericson; Nancy Pankaskie of Republic, Kan.; Ann Bernt of Spalding; Lynn Smith of Akron, Colo.; 31 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; sister, Teresa Kruse of Harlan, Iowa.

Joan Zimmer, 79, of Mason City died Aug. 19. Funeral Mass Aug. 23 at St. Joseph’s Church in Broken Bow with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Burial at Black Hill Creek Cemetery, south of Mason City. Survivors: husband, Jim; children, Mark Zimmer and David Zimmer, both of Mason City, and Lonnie Zimmer of Pleasanton;  brothers Arnold Siegel and David Siegel, both of Litchfield, sister, Linda Eberle of Hastings; nine grandchildren. 

Sandra Hettle, 84, of Grand Island died Sept. 5. Funeral Mass Sept. 9 at St. Leo's Church with Frs. Don Burhman and Mark Maresh officiating. Survivors: husband, Martin; children, Michael Hettle, Chuck Hettle, Doug Hettle and Ann Hettle; siblings, Dale Keller, Terry Keller, Marc Keller; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Linda Payne, 60, of St. Paul, died Sept. 6. Funeral services Sept. 12 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Survivors: daughter, Donna Payne of Grand Island, son, Michael Payne and Andrea Thompson of Chapman; one granddaughter; father and stepmother, Bill and Edith Payne of St. Paul; brother, Donald Payne and Rhonda White, both of St. Paul; stepsisters, Sharilyn Nagorski, Sheila Gawrych and Jenine Owens; and stepbrothers, Kevin Gawrych and Steve Gawrych.

Richard Wright, 84, of Sutherland, died Sept. 7. Funeral services Sept. 10 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Rev. Sager officiating. Survivors: wife, Charlotte; brothers, Don Wright of Ewing, Ron Wright of Chambers; sister, Betty Borsh of Isle, Fla.; daughters, Debra O’Malley and Patricia O’Malley, both of North Platte. five grandchildren; one great-grandson.

Laurene Dempewolf, 75, of North Platte, died Sept. 11. Funeral Mass Sept. 17 at St. Patrick Church with Fr. Joseph Kadaprayil officiating. Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Colby, Kan. Survivors: son, Larry Dempewolf of Central City; daughters, Donna Juenemann of Kansas City, Kan., and Jennifer Krajewski of North Platte; brothers, Jim Olson and Bernard Olson, both of McCook; sister, Georgene Carstenson of Newton, Kan.; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. 

Brett Bridge, 51, of Kearney, died Sept. 1. Funeral Mass Sept. 8 at Prince of Peace Church with Fr. Paul Colling officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Jen; children, Noah Bridge; mother, Judy Bridge of Kearney; brother, Greg Bridge of Kearney. 

Naomi Fagot, 94, formerly of Lexington, died Sept. 1. Funeral Mass Sept. 8 at St. Ann's Church in Lexington with Fr. Jose Chavez officiating. Survivors: children, Randy Fagot of Lexington, Pam Brown of Gilbert, Ariz., Scott Fagot of Waterloo and Shane Fagot of McCook; sister, Yolanda Martin of Elwood; 18 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Robert Farquhar, 90, of Kearney died Sept. 2. Funeral services Sept. 7 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home with Fr. Paul Colling officiating. Survivors: wife, Betty; children, John Luther of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Gary Luther of Grand Island, Mitch Farquhar of Elm Creek, Rob Farquhar of Springfield, Miss., Richard Farquhar of Kearney, Beth Hogan of Standish, Maine, and Greg Farquhar of Springfield, Mo., numerous grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Alexander Lopez, 90, of Bridgeport died Sept. 9. Funeral Mass Sept. 20 at All Soul's Church in Bridgeport with Fr. Tim Stoner officiating. Burial at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport. Survivors: son, Arnold Lopez of North Platte; daughter, Jackie Kirchhoff of Bozeman, Mont.; sisters Alice Herrera of Kansas City, Mo., Angie Navarro of Phoenix, Lucille Vera of Bayard, Juanita Stark of Bristow, Okla., Carmen Arsiaga, Mary Auman, and Lori Mathiessen, all of Lincoln; brothers Tony, and Joe Jr., both of Lincoln, Louie of Madison, Henry of Wilber and Frank of Waverly; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren

Robert Leslie, 78 of Spalding, died Sept. 17. Funeral Mass Sept. 22 at St. Michael's Church in Spalding with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Burial at the parish cemetery. Survivors: wife, Marilyn; children: Shannon Thome, Joseph Leslie, Paul Leslie, Joshua Leslie, Amy McKay and Peter Leslie, all of Spalding, Rebecca Leslie of Rapid City, S.D., Sonja Murphy of Norfolk, Nicole Pritchard of Fremont; Tara Smydra of Norfolk; 31 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister, Harriet Steenson of Wolbach.

Agnes Monroe, 93, of Sargent, died Sept. 10. Funeral services Sept.15 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sargent with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. 

John Shoemaker, 95, of St. Paul, died Sept. 20. Funeral Mass Sept. 28 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul,

Nadean Hoelck, 96, of Grand Island, died Sept. 14. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: children, Greg Hoelck of Hastings, John Hoelck of Giltner, Annabet Foster of Grand Island and Kathy White of Tulsa, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren 

Cleetis Meyer, 90, of Grand Island, died Sept. 16. Funeral Mass Sept. 23 at St. Leo's Church with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: children, Mary Berry of Boise, Idaho, Christine Golka of Grand Island and Julie Skeen of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

Darlene Christensen, 95, of Grand Island, died Sept. 17. Funeral Mass Sept. 21 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Survivors: children, Sandra Meinecke, Debbie Christensen, Cindy Payne, Pam Christensen; 12 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; sisters, Buzz Welch and Tiny Chiodo. 

Carolyn Naab, 83, of Grand Island, died Sept. 15. Funeral Mass Sept. 21 at St. Leo's Church with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jane Chramosta, 82, of Ravenna, died Sept. 15. Funeral Mass Sept. 20 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna. Survivors: husband, Charles; sons, William Chramosta and John Chramosta, and daughter, Cathy VanWinkle, all of Ravenna; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Darlene Fagan, 95, of Grand Island, died Sept. 14. Funeral Mass Sept. 17 at St. Leo's Church with Fr. Donald Buhrman officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park. Survivors: children, Don Fagan of Omaha, Tim Fagan of Rio Rico, Ariz., and Kathy Frank of Helena, Mont.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Barbara McTavish, 69, of Wood River, died Sept. 11. Survivors: husband, Chuck; daughters, Tracy Mlady of Bennington, Julie Lindenschmidt of Golden, Colo., Dayna McTavish of Denver, and Jacki Fissette of Piedmont, S.C.; brothers, Tom Mazour of the Villages, Fla., Gary Mazour of Bennington, Mike Mazour of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Scott Mazour of Grand Island; eight grandchildren.

Bonnita Goodwin, 97, of Cairo, died Sept. 5. Funeral Mass Sept. 15 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: children, Albert Jr., Susan, and Larry; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren.

Archie Ambrose, 87, of St. Libory, died Sept. 9. Funeral Mass Sept. 14 at St. Libory's Church with Frs. Sidney B. Bruggeman and Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at parish cemetery. Survivors: wife, Betty; children, Jan Ortega of Grand Island, Gary Ambrose of Palmer, Greg Ambrose of St. Paul, and Janelle Kunze of Grand Island; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Irene Meyer of St. Libory, and Joan Ziegler of Colby, Kan.

Mary Killinger, 82, of St. Paul, died Sept. 26. Funeral Mass Oct. 3 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: children, Mary Kathleen Quinn of Omaha, Joseph Killinger of Santa Monica, Calif., and Rosemary Wichmann of Hastings; four grandchildren; brothers, Dan McIntyre of St. Paul and Tim McIntyre of Greeley and, Sandra McIntyre of St. Paul. 

Ray Chelewski, 100, of Deming, N.M., formerly of Farwell, died Aug. 10. Funeral Mass Oct. 4 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Survivors: sisters, Jean Munroe of Grand Island, Sally Munsinger of Cairo, and Angie Wilson of Blanding, Utah; daughter, Carolyn Karner of St. Libory; sons, Steve Chelewski of San Antonio, Texas, and Lynn Chelewski of Beatrice; five grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

Dolores “Dee” Rodgers, 88, of Grand Island, died Sept. 29. Funeral Mass Oct. 10 at Resurrection Church with Fr. Thomas Vijumon officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Columbarium. Survivors: children, Dayna Kirkpatrick of Grand Island, Deidre Smith of Fredericksburg, Va., Deanna Van Briesen of Lead, S.D., and Dan Spencer of Denver; eight grandchildren; two great-grandsons; brothers, Joe Gatto and Vince Carag.

Sylvia Yanda, 89, of Grand Island, died Sept. 30. Funeral Mass Oct. 6 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna. Survivors: son, Roy Yanda of Grand Island; two grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann Homan of Grand Island; and brothers, Eugene Chramosta of Gibbon and Charles Chramosta of Ravenna.

James Ryan, Jr., 77, of Grand Island, formerly of Greeley, died Sept. 30. Funeral Mass Oct. 7 at the Sacred Heart Church in Greeley with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery at Greeley. Survivors: wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Jaci Menyweather; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Thober; brothers, Frank Ryan and Dan Ryan.

Robb Aguirre, 48, of Lincoln, died Sept. 29. Funeral Mass Oct. 7 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island. Survivors: mother, Mary Bono; sister, Cristina Phillips.

Agnes Lewandowski, 87, of Grand Island, died Sept. 30. Funeral Mass Oct. 10 at St. Leo's Church with her nephew, Fr. Matt Koperski, and Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Ron; children, Cindy Thiemann of Las Vegas, Larry Lewandowski of Central City, Janet Knight of Omaha, Carol Johnson of Glendale, Ariz., Barb Abernethy of Floral City, Fla., Dr. Jim Lewandowski of Grand Island; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Pete Koperski of Kansas City, Kan., John Koperski of Ogallala, Ben Koperski of Cody, Wyo., Muggs Koperski of Lincoln; sisters, JoAnn Kuszak of Ashton, Marie Platek of St. Paul, Sally Mudloff of St. Paul, Maurice Fletcher of Olathe, Kan.

Josephine 'Josie' Romero, 90, of Grand Island, died Oct. 2. Funeral Mass Oct. 11 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Jorge Canela officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Randall Miller, 67, of Hastings, formerly of Grand Island, died Oct. 4. Funeral services Oct. 8 at Curran Funeral Chapel with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: siblings, Marilyn Fairbairn of St. Paul, Lori McGinnis of Cozad, Lyle Miller of Doniphan.

Dr. Andrew Martinsen, 74, of St. Paul, died Oct. 4. Services Oct. 10 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: wife, Teresa; children, Erik Martinsen, Justin Martinsen and Andrea Martinsen of Atlanta, Ga; six grandchildren; stepchildren, Neal Martinsen of Hickman, Bradley Martinsen of St. Paul; four stepgrandchildren; brothers, Roy Martinsen of Taylor and William Martinsen of Primrose; sister, Joy Smith of Richardson, Texas.

Jerry Manning, 85, of Holdrege, formerly of Hershey, died Sept. 30. Funeral services Oct. 7 at St. Andrews Cemetery near Merna. Survivors: daughters, Cindy Odean of Hershey, Pam Englert of Kearney, Joni Carter of Loomis and Jeri Goodman of Scottsbluff; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Debbi Rahe, 68, of Kearney died Sept. 21. Funeral Mass Oct. 15 at Prince of Peace Church in Kearney. Survivors: children, Alex Rahe of Omaha and Tori Hatcher of Severn, Md.; brother, David Ault of Omaha and two grandchildren.

Rose Goodman, 97, of Broken Bow died Sept. 28. Funeral Mass Oct. 3 at St. Joseph's Church in Broken Bow with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Burial at Broken Bow Cemetery. Survivors: daughter, Sharon Tonsing of Kerrville, Texas; son, Dick Behrends of Broken Bow; stepson, Gordon Goodman of Broken Bow; 10 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Wayne Blazey, 61, of Central City, formerly of Loup City, died Oct. 4. Funeral Mass Oct. 7 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City.