Not Lucky, Blessed

Not Lucky, Blessed

Deacon Bill Buchta recalls accident 2 years ago and his amazing recovery

 When Deacon Bill Buchta retired after a 34-year career as a field representative with Knights of Columbus Insurance in June 2023, he had planned to spend more time with his wife, Nancy, maybe do some traveling, visit their children and grandchildren. 

But less than 3 weeks into his retirement, he found himself in a precarious situation.

It all began, he said, with a bump on his head from the back door on the couple’s SUV. While he said it hurt at the time, he didn’t think much about it until two weeks later. 

“We had a weekend trip planned with friends but I came down with what I thought was a sinus infection,” he said. “My head hurt, I had a runny nose, I was not sleeping well at night.”

“Then somebody,” he cleared his throat and looked lovingly at his wife, Nancy, “said, ‘maybe we should go to the doctor.’”

They went to a local walk-in emergency clinic but they found nothing. He had no fever, so they couldn’t give him a prescription.

Eight days later, still suffering from sinus-like symptoms and a pounding headache, he made an appointment to see a doctor.

“That was one of those times when they looked at you from half-way across the room and said ‘yep, you got something in there,’” he remembered. “I said, ‘We’ve got a trip planned, I need something.”

“Take Tylenol,” the doctor responded.

They thought about canceling their trip. Nancy said on that Saturday, she spent the day in Kearney watching her granddaughter play ball while Bill stayed home. When she came back, she said he looked awful.

“You could see the pain in his face,” and she suggested going to the emergency room. But her husband wanted to give it one more day. 

Tomorrow came and went. It was a Sunday and Nancy said he was feeling a little better but she went to Mass by herself anyway. By evening, his head was starting to throb again.

On Monday, July 31, they called the clinic and this time the nurse asked if they had checked his blood pressure. It was “185 over something,” he recalled.

Wasting no time, they went to the ER  and he was immediately sent for a CT scan. Parishioner and ER Nurse Ashley Ruble took him back to the room very quickly. It was Deacon Bill’s first God moment.

“When you’re a 65-year-old male with high blood pressure you get priority right away,” he said. 

He began vomiting profusely as he was wheeled back for the scan. They found out later that the technician who did the scan told the nurse that the doctor needed to see the scan right away. 

That was Deacon Bill’s second God moment. 

The doctor began asking questions: had he fallen recently? Had he hit his head recently?

“That one I remembered,” he said and then told the doctor a few weeks earlier, he hit his head so hard on the gate of his Sante Fe SUV, he remembered saying a few choice words that came to mind.

On the scan, the doctor explained, he had seen an older brain bleed that had stopped bleeding, but it began pushing on the brain. That doctor was Dr. Josh Anderson, a neurosurgeon in Grand Island, who just happened to be on call that day.

That was Deacon Bill’s third God moment.

“There were a lot of God moments,” Deacon smiled.

Surgery would need to be scheduled right away to relieve the pressure. Even then, Deacon Bill admitted he still hadn’t really grasped the seriousness of the situation yet.

They began calling their children who all thought their dad should go to Omaha for the surgery. They chose to stay in Grand Island.

Meanwhile, Nancy began calling everybody including Father Don Buhrman, pastor at St. Leo’s where Deacon Bill serves. She laughed when she recalled the conversation.

“It was his day off and I said ‘What are you doing?’” in a casual tone. “He said ‘Oh I’m just cleaning my grill’ ‘‘Well, Bill’s in the ER and he has to have emergency surgery, could you come?’

He anointed Bill, she said, and it was very calming. 

God moment number four.

While Nancy had been coping with the unknown, Deacon Bill said three words kept coming to him: “Come, Holy Spirit.”

“That’s my favorite 3-word prayer. This is yours. Then I got to thinking, ‘Oh, so and so had a brain bleed. Oh, yeah, she died … oh, this is serious.”

Not only that, but Deacon Bill’s oldest brother had hit his head and died of a brain bleed six years earlier. It was true—Deacon Bill’s prognosis looked grim. 

But prayer chains began and Nancy said after that, she became calm. She wasn’t crying and she was no longer nervous.

“I was just calm and peaceful,” she said. Inexplicably, even while she sat in the waiting room while her family was a “wreck,” she somehow remained calm.

“I attribute that to prayers, but I also attribute that to faith.”

God moment number five.

Meanwhile, Deacon Bill was facing his own mortality. 

“I might come through this, I might not, It’s your call, God,” he thought. “I could come out of this with stroke symptoms. You lose part of your cognitive skills or physical skills. It’s very common.”

Fortunately, the 45-minute surgery was a success. He was told later that people with this type of injury and brain bleed usually “were never the same.” 

Even the next day, when parishioner Tracy Keenportz, RN, was on duty, Deacon Bill said she was taken aback by his recovery. Most people who had the same surgery would be on a ventilator the next morning, she said. Keenportz later told them that when she saw the scan that morning, she thought to herself, “Bill will never be the same.”

Deacon Bill was out of ICU 48 hours later, and with about 20 staples on the top of his head, he returned to St. Leo’s. When people saw him and asked how he was doing, he’d answer with three simple words: blessed, amazed and humbled. 

Upon returning home, he was limited to physical activity and told to get as much sleep as he could. He laughed and said he slept “through a lot of August.” They also had to be careful when they cleaned the wound everyday with baby shampoo. He said that area is numb from where they cut through the nerves, but they also cut a good chunk of his hair.

“My brother, Bob, said I need to get a new barber,” he laughed again.

At his follow up appointment, both of his doctors said they were amazed with his speedy recovery and said he was very lucky. Deacon Bill quickly corrected them. 

“I had a wise old man tell me a long time ago another word for lucky is blessed. I was blessed,” he said. “I had people praying for me I knew nothing about …” He paused as tears welled in his eyes. 

“I’m very blessed. When people say ‘How are you? I can’t say good or okay. I’m amazed,” he said. “I’m amazed by God’s love.”

Joan Davis, wife of Deacon Michael Davis, dies

 

Joan Davis, 62, of North Platte, wife of Deacon Michael Davis, died April 14, 2023. 

Mass of Christian Burial was April 18 at Holy Spirit Church with Fr. Vidya Sagar presiding, assisted by Deacons Kevin Fuller and Mark Stadler. Burial was at Ogallala Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to P.E.O. Continuing Education for Women or Holy Spirit Church. 

Mrs. Davis was born on Oct. 12, 1957, to Joseph Toro and Lois Mae Toro at Andover, Mass. In her early years, the family lived in Plainfield, N.J., until 1968 when her father took an electrical engineering position with TRW Electronics in Ogallala. 

She earned an English teaching degree at the University of Lincoln in 1978 and later a master’s degree in administration. She taught in Riverton, Wyo., on the Wind River Reservation and then began a long tenure at North Platte Public High School, serving in various capacities: English Teacher, speech and debate coach, K-12 district English curriculum coordinator and finishing her career as the co-lead teacher of the life-changing alternative High School, TLC, The Learning Center, retiring in 2017. 

She was an excellent cook and baker, enjoyed traveling, murder mysteries, and attending musicals, especially ‘Les Miserables’ which was her first date with her ‘to be’ husband. She enjoyed family and friends and she was sought out for her kind and quiet conversations of substance or frivolity.

She is survived by her husband; daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Davis; brother, Gary Toro; sisters, Bev Toro and Annie Lopez.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In the hope 4/27/23

LeRoy Wadzinski, 94, of West Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Ravenna, died April 19. Funeral Mass April 29 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna with Fr. Rod Pruss officiating. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna. Survivors: wife, LaVera; children, Terry Wadzinski of Mesa, Ariz., Michael Wadzinski of Sioux City, Iowa, Judy McInroy of Round Rock, Texas, Deb Huber of Mesa, Ariz., and Lori  Polich of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Banke.

John Galvan, 76, of Grand Island died April 22. Funeral Mass April 26 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island with Fr. Jorge Canela will be the celebrant. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Kevin, Ritch, and John; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

Norma Cunningham, 96, of Grand Island died Dec. 10. Funeral Mass April 28 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Frs. Thomas Vijumon Choorackel and Joseph Broudou officiating. Survivors: children, John Cunningham of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Mark Cunningham of Jeffersonville, Penn., Ann Brondel of Grand Island and Jane Cunningham of St. Paul, Minn.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. 

Dacia Dzingle, 69, of Loup City, died April 19. Funeral Mass April 25 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City. Burial at the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: husband, James; son, Kevin Dzingle of Kearney; daughter, Dayna Phillips of Kearney; four grandchildren; brothers, Dennis Day, Daniel Day and Doug Day.

Kenneth Maschka, 88, of Ashton died April 18. Funeral Mass April 24 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Frs. Richard Piontkowski and Alex Borzych officiating. Burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ashton. Survivors: wife, Lois; daughter, Therese Hulinsky; sons, Jim and John Maschka; daughters, Lisa Harrington and Susie Kizer; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.

Leo Stenka, 85, of St. Paul, died April 19. Funeral Mass April 22 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Frs. Vince Parsons and Alex Borzych officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: wife, Virginia; children, Tami Stenka of St. Paul, Lisa Blessin of Sutherland, Robert Stenka of Lincoln; four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.

Jerome “Jay” Determan, 87, of Grand Island died April 18. Funeral Mass April 24 at Resurrection Church. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: daughters, Diann Manning of Kansas City, Kan., Nancy Tjaden-Nolan, Karen Terry and Lisa Sanders, all of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Simpson of Madison, S.D., and Donna Sommars of Mitchell, S.D.; brother, Joe Determan of Mead. 

Charles Pfaff, 79, of Omaha, formerly of Grand Island, died March 26. Funeral Mass April 22 at St. Leo’s Church in Grand Island with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating. Survivors: wife, Pat; daughters, Allison Harlow and Megan Durham, both of Omaha; six grandchildren; sisters, Frances Sleddens, Phyllis Watters and Sharon Davis.

Franklin Eurek, 78, of Kearney, died April 11. Funeral Mass April 18 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: wife, Maryann; daughter, Jennifer; son, Jeff; two grandchildren; brothers, Ernest Eurek of Lewisville, Texas, David Eurek of Howells.

Ronald Wortman, 76, of Wood River, died April 6. Funeral Mass April 13 at St. Mary’s Church in Wood River with Fr. Josh Brown officiating. Burial at Cedar View Cemetery in Doniphan. Survivors: sisters, Kathleen Wortman of Grand Island, Dorothy Wortman of Wood River, and Patricia Adam of Hildreth; stepdaughter, Stacie Taylor of Columbus; three stepgrandchildren.

Charles Walz, 94, of Grand Island, died April 6. Funeral Mass April 11 at Resurrection Church with Fr. Thomas Vijumon Choorackal officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery at a later date. Survivors: daughters, Pamela Moore of Galveston, Texas, and Angela Walz of Sioux Falls, S.D.; sons, Greg Walz of Seward, and Dennis Walz of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.

Antoinette Kowalski, 53, of St. Paul, died April 5. Funeral Mass April 14 at St. Libory’s Church in St. Libory with Frs. Sidney Bruggeman, Vince Parsons and Alex Borzych officiating. Survivors: son, Michael Kowalski of Bellevue; siblings, Mark Kowalski of Central City, Scott Kowalski of St. Paul, Amy Dinsdale of Alamogordo, N.M., and Tony Kowalski of Omaha.

Lynette Larchick, 53, of Loup City, died April 5. Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Paplin. Survivors: sons, Jonathan Larchick of Plano, Texas, Jakob Larchick of Kearney, Jared Larchick and Jayden Larchick, both of Loup City; two grandsons; mother, Sharon Jonak of Loup City; sisters, Kimberly Stelk of Grand Island, Rhonda Barker of Loup City, Vicky Bellows of Katy, Texas, and Stacie Dawkins of Williston, N.D.

Michael Nowak, 62, of Elba, died April 1. Funeral services April 7 at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Elba. Survivors: sister, Patricia Nowak of Florida. 

LeRoy Arends, 80, of Grand Island, died March 30. Funeral Mass April 4 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island with Frs. Marty Egging and Alex Borzych officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Survivors: wife, Catherine; sons, Kent Arends of San Antonio, Texas, and Todd Arends of Grand Island; daughters, Connie Johnson of Grand Island and Michelle Zurcher of Crofton, Md.; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale Arends of St. Libory and James Arends of Grand Island; sister, Rita Wichmann of St. Libory.

Susan Siemers, 86, of North Platte, died April 15. Funeral Mass April 24, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Fr. Vidya Sagar Arikotla officiating. Survivors: daughters, Jennifer Smith of North Platte, Jacque Stadler of Minden, and Janette Margritz of Hershey; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Bruns of Lodgepole. 

Rodney Karre, 82, of Westminster, Colo., died April 12. Survivors: wife, Mary Ann; daughters, Kimberly Siffring and Danielle Steiner; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Jack, Tom, Tim, Doug, Rich, and Fred Karre.

Donald Weskamp, 87, of North Platte, died April 10. Funeral Mass April 19, at St. Patrick’s Church with Fr. Jonathan Sorenson officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: daughter, Brenda Weskamp of Cave Creek, Ariz.; sons, Steve Weskamp of North Platte and Mark Weskamp of Cave Creek; sister, Mary Lou Harned of Tulsa, Okla.; his brother, Ted Weskamp of Canon City, Colo.  

Mary Hunt, 89, of North Platte died April 7. Funeral Mass April 13 at St. Patrick Church with Fr. Joseph Kadaprayil officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: daughters, Mary White and Geni Karre, both of North Platte; sons, Bill Hunt of North Platte, Tom Hunt, Scott Hunt, and Alan Hunt, all of Lincoln, David Hunt and Chad Hunt, both of North Platte; 37 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren. 

Paul Alonzo, 82, of Kearney, died April 4. Funeral Mass April 12 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Michael Pampara officiating. Burial at North Platte Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Margarita “Margie”; children, Denise Loeza of Tulsa, Okla., Diana Ortega of Rowlett, Texas, Dorothy Olvera of Cozad, Michael Alonzo of Clear Lake, Texas, and Consuelto “Lupe” Stevens of Kearney; 20 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.

“Betty” Chloupek, 85, of Kearney, died April 23. Funeral Mass April 28 at St. Gabriel Church in Hazard with Fr. Frantisek Chloupek C.F.R. and Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at the Litchfield Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Kevin and Randy Chloupek; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, William Ripp; sister, Brenda Garrelts.

John Morrissey, 98, of Kearney, died April 15. Funeral Mass April 25 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Joseph Hannappel officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: daughter Margie Paul; two grandsons; three great-grandchildren.

Jane Nelson, 68, of Kearney, died Feb. 24. Funeral Mass April 21 at St. James Church in Kearney. Survivors: husband, Dave; son Christopher; daughter, Andrea; two grandchildren; brother, Brian Falk of North Hollywood, Calif. 

Lupe Vega, 75, of Kearney, died April 9. Funeral Mass April 17 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Paul Colling officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Andrew Vega and RJ Vega; daughters, Oliva Vega and Malena Vega-Seely; eight grandchildren; brothers, Raymond and Cruz Quintana; and sisters, Margie and Lillian Quintana.

Franklin Eurek, 78, of Kearney, died April 11. Funeral Mass April 18 at St. Josaphat Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: wife, Maryann; daughter, Jennifer; son, Jeff; two grandchildren; brothers, Ernest Eurek of Lewisville, Texas, David Eurek of Howells.

Beverly Eickhoff, 88, of Kearney died April 6. Funeral Mass April 14 at St. James Church with Fr. Art Faesser officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Rollie; children, Mike Eickhoff, Kim Eickhoff, Kent Eickhoff, all of Kearney, Sherri Butters of Richmond, Texas, Connie Kenton of Gibbon, and Brad Eickhoff of Columbus; 19 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Janice Van Wyk. 

Michael Schwarz, 66, of Lexington died March 29. Funeral Mass April 6 at the St. Ann’s Church in Lexington with Fr. Jose Chavez, officiating. Burial at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Lexington. Survivors: wife, Susan; sons, Jason, Andrew and Michael; four grandchildren; father, Martin Schwarz; brothers, Dean Schwarz, Dennis Schwarz of Lexington.

Renee Lewandowski, 58, of Gering died April 23. Funeral Mass April 29 at Christ the King Church. Burial at Westlawn Cemetery in Gering. Survivors: husband, Rodney; daughter, Jamie Hutchison; daughter, Krissa Glaubius; three grandchildren; sister, Anita Grubbs.

In the Hope 3/26/23

Ronald Schwab, 63, of Grand Island, died March 21. Funeral Mass March 25 at St. Mary’s Church in Pleasanton with Fr.  Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Pleasanton. Survivors: wife, Susie Schwab of Grand Island; sons, Mark Schwab of Doniphan and Mitch Schwab of Kearney; five grandchildren; siblings, Pat Schwab, Wendy Urbanek, and Jeri Urbom; and his parents.

Sandra Hostler, 86, of Grand Island, died March 16. Funeral Mass March 21 at St. Leo's Church with Fr. Donald Buhrman officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: children, Sharon Hostler of Omaha, Kenneth Hostler of Des Moines, Wash., Donna Murphy of Omaha, Debra Gatto of Grand Island and their children, Anthony Hostler of Omaha, Alex Hostler, and Cypress Hostler of Norfolk, NE, Kayla Champ, Lucas, and Tyler of Kansas, Andrew Gatto of Kearney, Aniston Gatto of Grand Island, and Angel (Emma) Gatto of Hastings, Duane (Alice) Hostler and their children: Nicholas, Lydia, Charlotte of Grand Island;

Joann Houser, 94, of Grand Island, died March 7. Funeral Mass March 18 at Resurrection Church with Frs. Vijumon Choorackal and Don Buhrman officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: children, Craig Houser of Grand Island, Lisa Dozler of Albion and Sheila Houser-Zealand of Omaha; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Gary Cartano and sister, Linda Decker.

Leila Bauer, 90, of Spalding, died March 11. Funeral Mass March 17 at St. Michael's Church in Spalding with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: children, Jeannie Hitchler of Norfolk, Kathleen Otte of Winter Park, Fla., Dennis Bauer of Spalding, Patricia Jarboe of Allen, Texas, Janet Gierhan of Lincoln, Edward Bauer of Spalding; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

Larry Baker, 81, of Grand Island, died March 6. Funeral Mass March 13 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island with Fr. Jorge Canela officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Glenda; sons, Curt Baker and Colin Baker, both of Lincoln; daughter, Cassie Davis of Austin, Texas; six grandchildren; three great-grandsons; brother, Rick Baker of Anna, Texas.

Lila Mae Mertens, 84, of Grand Island, died March 7. Funeral Mass March 13 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial at the Nelson Cemetery. Survivors: children, Maria Pitfield-Perry of Morgan, Minn., Betty Holen of Grand Island, and Mary Albro of Ridgecrest, Calif; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Joseph Seefeld of Omaha.

Rita Venhaus, 93, of Grand Island, died March 3. Funeral Mass March 10 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Frs. David Rykwalder, Jorge Canela and Paul Colling officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: children, Don Venhaus of Sunnyvale, Calif., Marian Boehl of Ypsilanti, Mich., Barbara Beck of Grand Island, William Venhaus of Van Meter, Iowa, and Thomas Venhaus of Willow Springs, Ill.; 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

David Barnes, 83, of Ogallala, died March 2. Funeral Mass March 6 at St. Luke’s Church in Ogallala with Fr. Bryan Ernest officiating. Burial in Ogallala Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Mary; his children, Deborah Wieser of Big Springs, Denise Hoffman of Ogallala, Randy Barnes of Big Springs, Sharon Hatch of Lewellen, Michael Barnes of Ogallala; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Vona Koch, 72, of North Platte, died March 4. Funeral Mass March 7 at St. Patrick's Church with Fr. Jonathon Sorenson officiating. Survivors: husband, Kim of North Platte; daughter, Wendy Dodson of North Platte; three grandchildren; step-siblings, Carolynn Shimmin of Livingston, Montana, Elaine Cox of Gilbert, Iowa, Marcia Mittwede of Austin, Texas, and Bruce Crosby of McCook.

Daniel Speirs, 69, of Kearney, died March 20. Funeral Mass March 24 at Prince of Peace Church with Fr. Paul Colling officiating. Burial at a later date. Survivors: wife, Julie; sister, Valerie Worth of Parker, Colo., three grandchildren; brothers, Tim of Chappell, Mike of Howells. 

Ronald Smith, 91, of Elm Creek died March 10. Funeral Mass March 15 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elm Creek. Burial at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Elm Creek. Survivors: wife, Eileen; children, Barbara McClure of Kellogg, Iowa, Martin Smith of Lexington, Lynda Burman of Sumner, Virginia Klingelhoefer of Amherst, Susan Priest, Lincoln, Alan Smith of Eddyville, Jacquelyn Smith of Lincoln, Laura Martin of Elm Creek; 21 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren.

Bernard Loeffelholz, 87, of Kearney, died March 6. Funeral Mass March 10 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Fr. Jose Chavez officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Prairie Center. Survivors: wife, Alice; sons, Ronald Loeffelholz, Dan Loeffelholz and Larry Loeffelholz, all of Kearney; daughters, Rita Wyman of Papillion and Carol Weber of Kearney; sisters, Lorrine Hervert and Liz Lockhorn, both of Ravenna; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth Conner, 91, of Julesburg, Colo., and formerly of Arnold, died March 16. Funeral Mass March 25 at St. Agnes Church in Arnold. Burial at Arnold Cemetery. Survivors: husband, LV; daughter, Marcia Hill of Julesburg; son, Brad Conner of Clay Center, Kan.; three granddaughters.

Patrick Vostades Jr., 64, of Gering. Funeral Mass March 24 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with Fr. Joseph thambi officiating. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Survivors: brothers, Phil, Tim, and Paul; sisters, Pamela Altamirano and Patricia.

Virtuous Student winners at St. Agnes

The Knights of Columbus Scottsbluff, Council 2681 awarded the Rosaries and Medallion to the Virtuous Student winners Aden Munoz and Morgan Smith, students at St. Agnes School. Grand Knight Elect John Navarro presented the rosaries. (Photo courtesy, John Navarro)

Sister Regina McCarthy, O.P., dies at 86

Greeley native was founder and director of Hispanic Ministry 

     ST. CATHERINE, Ky. — Greeley native Sister Regina McCarthy, O.P., a longtime religious who served throughout the Diocese of Grand Island, died Feb. 26, 2023, at Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, Ky. She was 86.

      Funeral Mass will be March 7 at Sansbury Care Center Chapel at St. Catharine. Burial will be at St. Catharine Motherhouse Cemetery.

     Hale–Polin–Robinson Funeral Home in Springfield, Ky., is in charge of arrangements.

     Sister McCarthy was born Aug. 26, 1936, to Edward and Agnes Smyth McCarthy, the youngest of eight children.

     A 1954 graduate of Sacred Heart School, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish/English from Siena College in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968; a Master of Arts in Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln  in 1972; and a Master’s Degree in theological studies from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, in 1983. She taught in elementary, junior high and senior high schools in Mattoon, Ill., Jeffersonville, Ind., and Spalding Academy in Spalding.

     In 1978, Sister McCarthy was Director of Ministry for the Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine. She became a teacher and parish minister at St. Patrick in North Platte and while in North Platte, created the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Grand Island and became its first director in 1982. From 1994 to 1996, she was director of hispanic ministry at St. Mary’s Cathedral and was director of Small Christian Communities. In 1996, she was elected to the Leadership Team for the Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine.

     In 2002, she returned to Nebraska where she served in pastoral ministry at St. Ann’s in Lexington. In 2008, she returned to St. Catharine where she taught Spanish at St. Catharine College and also provided community service at the motherhouse. In 2014, she moved to Sansbury Care Center at St. Catharine.  

Survivors include brothers, Tom McCarthy of Norfolk, and Pat McCarthy of Fond Du Lac, Wis., and several nieces and nephews. 

     Memorials are suggested to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219-2098. 

In the Hope 3/6/23

Jean Golka, 54, of Honey Creek, Iowa, died Feb. 28. Funeral Mass March 6 at St. Leo’s Church with Frs. James Golka, Donald Buhrman and priests of the Diocese of Grand Island concelebrating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: parents, Robert and Patricia Golka of Grand Island; brothers, Ron Golka of Grand Island, John Golka and Greg Golka, both of Omaha, Bishop James R. Golka of Colorado Springs, Colo., Gary Golka of Waconia, Minn., Tim Golka of Grand Island; sisters, Barb Brokaw of Grand Island, Cindy Jussel of Shawnee, Kan., Sheri Genereux of Honey Creek, Iowa.

Dorothy Goc, 94, of Loup City, died Feb. 24. Funeral March 2 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: brother, Robert Hurt of Ashton; sisters, Margie Kuszak of Loup City and Lorraine Wahl of Tucson, Ariz. 

Elaine Rozmiarek, 92, of Farwell died Feb. 24. Funeral Mass March 1 at St. Anthony’s Church in Farwell. Burial at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery near Farwell with Frs.Vince Parsons and Mark Maresh officiating. Survivors, children: Linda Guenin, Carol Rasmussen, Alan Lewandowskl, and Denise Brauer; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, David Gorecki.

Alejo Mendez, 87, of Wood River, died Feb. 19. Funeral Mass Feb. 28 at St. Mary’s Church in Wood River with Fr. Josh Brown officiating. Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: son, Lino Mendez; two grandchildren; siblings, Ismael Mendez, Severino Mendez, Olivia Llanes Mendez, Rosa Mendez-Lopez , Ramiro Mendez, Maria “Helinda” Orozco.

Maribelle “Mary” Wiles, 79, of Grand Island, died Feb. 21. Funeral Mass Feb. 27 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Bishop Emeritus William Dendinger officiating and Fr. Jorge Canela concelebrating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors; brother, Alfred Wiles of Leavenworth, Kan., and sister, Kathleen Matthews of Harrisonville, Mo.

Nancy Badura, 71, of Ashton died Feb. 17. Funeral Mass Feb. 24 at St. James Church in Kearney. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Claude; son, Chris; sister, Diane Anderson; brother, Larry Schilousky.

Mary Ann Bonne, 80, of Ord, died Feb. 18. Funeral Mass Feb. 24 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ord with Frs. Scott Harter and Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Ord Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Richard; daughters, Michelle Bonne of Littleton, Colo., Marsha McCulloch of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Laura Montgomery of North Platte; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Rose Dixson, 69, of St. Paul, died Feb. 19. Funeral Mass Feb. 24 at the St. Libory Church with Fr. Sid Bruggeman officiating. Burial at the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Survivors: husband, William; daughter, Elizabeth Eggers of St. Libory; son, Brian Dixson of St. Paul.

Marie Eurek, 96, of Loup City died Feb. 14. Funeral Mass Feb. 18 at St. Josaphat’s Church with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: sons, Lawrence Eurek of Roseville, Calif., Allan Eurek of Lincoln, Mark Eurek and Gary Eurek, both of Loup City; daughters, Michelle Eurek and Kim McVey, both of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.

James Leonard, 95 of St. Paul, died on Feb. 8. Funeral Mass Feb. 14 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Betty; daughters, Linda Snyder, Janice Derner, both of St. Paul, Kathie Walker of Grand Island, and Debbie Nealon of Brownsville, Ore; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.

Veda Walz, 85, of Stapleton, died Feb. 22. Funeral Mass Feb. 27 at St. John’s Church with Fr. Thomas Gudipalli officiating. Burial at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: children, Jeana Hanna of Stapleton, Denise Smith of North Platte and Rex Walz of Stapleton; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Duane Deterding of North Platte, Myron Deterding of Omaha and Darrell Deterding of Springview.

Bruce Brinker, 62, of North Platte, died Feb. 18. Funeral services Feb. 25 at Odean Colonial Chapel with Fr. Sagar officiating. Survivors: wife, Vickie; son, James Brinker of Geneva; daughter, Stacy Brinker of Tulsa, Okla.; stepchildren, Cyrus Tilford and Tanille Keefer of North Platte; sister, Teresa Bach of Chadron; brothers, Gary Brinker and Bill Brinker of North Platte; 13 grandchildren.

Albert “Vern” Lenz, 89, of Sutherland died Feb. 10. Funeral services Feb. 18 at the Moorefield Cemetery with Deacon Michael Davis officiating. Survivors: children, Kent Lenz of Sutherland, Kim Lenz of North Platte, Rick Lenz of Broken Bow, Karen Neergaard of Sidney, Julie Gamble of Sutherland; Audrey Boggs of Prescott Valley, Ariz., and Sandra Rodgers of North Platte; brothers, Richard Lenz of Maywood and Larry Lenz of Curtis; sisters, Geraldine McGee of Curtis, Betty Smeltzer of Lincoln and Connie Poole of Encampment, Wyo.; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy Bowman, 95, of Kearney died March 1. Funeral Mass March 6 at Prince of Peace Church with Fr. Paul Colling officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: children, Brad Bowman and Tami Hellman; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Jane Nelson, 68 of Kearney died Feb. 24. Funeral Mass April 21 at St. James Church in Kearney. Survivors: husband, Dave; son, Christopher; daughter, Andrea; two granddaughters; brother, Brian Falk of North Hollywood, Calif.

Everett “Wayne” Johns, 92, of Elm Creek died Feb. 17. Funeral Mass Feb. 25 at Immaculate Conception  Church in Elm Creek. Burial at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Elm Creek. Survivors: children, Joe Johns of Aurora, Michelle Leeds of Riverdale, Pat Johns of Elm Creek and Carmen Pearse of Kearney; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Hizey of San Antonio, Texas.

Christine Barajas, 93, of Scottsbluff, died Feb. 15. Funeral Mass Feb. 24 at St. Agnes Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Rayappa Konka officiating. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Survivors: son, Gabriel; daughter, Ufemia; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter.

Margarita Cervantes, 84, of Scottsbluff, died Feb. 11. Funeral Mass Feb. 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe with Ft. Joseph Thambi officiating. Burial at Fairview Cemetery. Survivors: siblings, Adela “Jo” Serrano of Florida, Jesse Cervantes of Omaha, Helen Piña, Joe Cervantes, Irene Dominguez, and Daniel Cervantes. 

Gerardo Medina, 97, of Mitchell, died Feb. 12. Funeral Mass Feb. 17, at St. Theresa Church in Mitchell with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Survivors: children, Gloria Best of Lincoln, Sylvia Sims of Chiefland, Fla., Emilio Medina of Wildwood, Mo., Lucy Medina of Pipe Creek, Texas, Lupe Buckingham of Omaha, Toni Kerns of Los Angeles, Yolanda Medina of Lincoln, Danny Medina of Woodbridge, Va., Patty Marchitello of Cibolo, Texas; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

Margaret “Peggy” Bostron, 81, of Mullen died Feb. 14. Funeral Mass Feb. 20 at St. Mary’s Church in Mullen, with Fr. Matthew Nash officiating. Burial at Cedarview Cemetery. Survivors: daughters, Lyn Crisp and Brenda Shepherd; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Macke, and brother, Jim Macke.

In the Hope 2/13/23

    John Spotanski, 82, of Grand Island, died Feb. 3. Funeral Mass Feb. 8, at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Joseph Broudou celebrating. Burial in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Delores; children: Jason Spotanski of Palmer and Christy Dubbs of Grand Island; one grandson, step-granddaughter; siblings Betty Aalborg of Giltner, Ron Spotanski of York, Pat Spotanski, Don Spotanski and Marge Schaffer, all of Loveland, Colo., Carol Mullen of Houston, Carl Spotanski of Loup City and David Spotanski of Indianapolis, Ind.; brothers, Norm Elstermeier, Delane Elstermeier, Gary Elstermeier, all of Grand Island, Geraldine Norskov of Humphrey, Marilyn Puppe of Coleridge, Aldene Stewart of St. Paul, Darlene Haight of Lakewood, Colo., and Renee Herman of Wood River.

    Helene Feehan, 104, of Grand Island, died Jan. 28. Funeral Mass Feb. 3 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Jorge Canela officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

    Frank Hostler Jr, 85, of Alamo, Texas, died Jan. 29. Funeral Mass Feb. 4 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Survivors: brother, Jerry Hostler; three children, Jennifer Hostler, James Hostler and Lisa Hostler; six grandchildren: one great-grandchild.

    Shirley Badura, 88, of Omaha, died Jan. 25. Funeral Mass Jan. 30 at St. Francis Church in Ashton with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at St. Francis Cemetery in Ashton. Survivors: son, Randy Badura of Shenandoah, Iowa; daughter, Kimberly Mostek of Omaha; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brother, Gary Brouillette of Leewood, Kan.

    Carolyn Gilroy, 79, of Grand Island, died Jan. 20. Funeral Mass Jan. 26 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Martin Egging, officiating. Survivors: husband, David; her children, Mark Gilroy of Overland Park, Kan., Jodi Heintz of San Antonio, Texas, Rick Gilroy of Chandler, Ariz., and Jill Ricono of Encinitas, Calif.; seven grandchildren.

    Jane Kucera, 90, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, died Jan. 31. Funeral Mass Feb. 8 at St. Patrick Church in North Platte with Fr. Jonathan Sorensen officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Survivors: husband, Wallace; children, Keith Kucera of Kearney, Bruce Kucera of Lincoln and Gina Garden of Kearney; four grandchildren; sister, Florence Swain of Sioux Falls, S.D. 

    David Carson, of North Platte, died Jan. 17. Funeral Mass Jan. 26 at St. Patrick Church in North Platte with Fr. Todd Philipsen officiating. Survivors: siblings, Sheryl Carson, Mary Hindman and Mike Carson; 

    Karen Main, 60, of Stapleton, died Jan. 22. Funeral Mass Jan. 28, at St. John Church in Stapleton with Fr. Thomas Gudipalli officiating. Survivors: husband, James; mother, Mary Ann Fox of Arnold;  children, Jamie Ascherl of Cairo, Kellie Vasa of Ashland, John Main of Stapleton, Kurtis Main of Omaha; five grandchildren; four siblings, Jim Fox of Stapleton, Marvin Fox of Arnold, Kathy Fox of North Platte, Kevin Fox of Stapleton. 

    Glenda Schmitz, 74, of Kearney, died Feb. 2. Funeral Mass Feb. 7 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Jerry; daughters, Tracy Hubbard of Elm Creek, Tina Topil of Lincoln; son, Jeffrey Schmitz of Lincoln; siblings, Gordon Fellows of Overland Park, Kan., Larry Wick of Omaha, Gaylene Else of Brighton, Colo., Geraldine Bamford II of Roca, Garth Fellows of Kearney and Gretchen Ryan of Waverly; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

    Susan Robbins, 62, of Minden, died Jan. 31. Funeral Mass Feb. 6 at Sacred Heart Church in Shelton with Fr. Joshua Brown officiating. Burial at Shelton Cemetery at a later date. Survivors: husband, Warren; son, Derek Walker of Kenesaw; four grandchildren; father, William "Bill" Spellman of Shelton; brothers, Steve Spellman of Kearney, and Jeff Spellman of Shelton; sister, Terri Webben of Grand Island.

    Leonard McCarville, 94, of Kearney, died Jan. 29. Funeral Mass Feb. 3 at Prince of Peace Church in Kearney with Fr. Paul Colling officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell. Survivors: sisters, JoAnn Kalkowski of Rockville, Louise Hartman of Kearney, Donette Danburg of Springfield, Mo., Betty Labs of Bennett, Colo.

    Jennifer Reed, 46, of Kearney, died Jan. 27. Funeral services Feb. 1 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. Survivors: daughter, Abigail of Kearney; son Logan of Grand Island; her mother Maria Guardiola of Georgia; sisters, Jaimi Miller of Kearney and Jaclyn Whitehead of Georgia; brothers, Brandon Guardiola of Texas and Bryan Guardiola of Omaha.

    Eileen Thompson, 85, of Sidney died Jan. 15. Funeral Mass Jan. 20 at St. Patrick’s Church Jan. 20 with Fr. Lou Nollette officiating. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Neal; children, John Thompson of Sidney, Jacqueline Wieser of Sidney, Julie Thompson of Mesa, Ariz., and Jolene Deer, of Sidney; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

    Eugene Radke, 96, of rural Big Springs died Dec. 13, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 19 at St. Joseph’s Church in Chappell with Father Bryan Ernest officiating and Deacon Dixon Powers assisting. Burial at a later date at Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen. Survivors: daughters, Nancy Clark of Lincoln, Patricia Dambrava of Aurora, Colo., Susan Armstrong of Lincoln, and Wanda Meredith of Havre, Mont.; sons, Jerry Radke of Big Springs, Dan Radke of Eldridge, Iowa, and John Radke of Cedar Falls, Iowa; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

    James Leonard, 95 of St. Paul, died Feb. 8. Funeral Mass Feb. 14 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating. Burial at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Betty; daughters, Linda Snyder of St. Paul, Kathie Walker of Grand Island, Janice Derner of St. Paul, and Debbie Nealon of Brownsville, Ore; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.

    Margaret “Margie” Kelly, 60, of Scotia, died Feb. 3. Funeral Mass Feb. 10 at the Sacred Heart Church in Greeley with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery at Greeley. Survivors: mother, Lorraine; daughters, Annaleese, Gabrielle and Cierra; five grandchildren; brother, Jim Kelly of St. Paul.

    Mary Carrizales, 51, of Hershey, died Feb. 3. Funeral Mass Feb. 11 at St. Patrick Church with Fr. Jonathon Sorenson officiating. Survivors: parents, Juan and Maria “Esther” Carrizales; children, Juan Martinez, Pedro   Carrizales, Bonifacia Carrizales, Juan Carrizales, Jr., Katherine Lopez, Domingo Carrizales, Laura Carrizales, Clemente Carrizales, Veronica Carrizales and Michelle Carrizales.

    Eileen Bauer, 99 of Spalding, died Feb. 11. Funeral Mass Feb. 17 at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating. Burial at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: children, Tom of Highland Village, Texas, Tim of Minden, Peg Kahl of Bartlett, Bill of Columbus, Diane Dvorak of St. Paul; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In the Hope 1/23/23

Barb Anderson, 63, of Ericson, died Jan. 16. Funeral Mass Jan. 23 at St. Theresa’s Church in Ericson with Fr. Scott Harter officiating and Deacon Paul Nordhues assisting. Survivors: husband, Bryan; daughters, Rebecca Anderson and Angie Anderson, both of Cedar Bluffs; three granddaughters; sisters, Sharon Swett of Ericson, Lois Peterson of Rapid City, S.D.

Larry Palacz, 72, of Grand Island, died Jan. 16. Funeral Mass Jan. 21 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Tom Ryan officiating. Survivors: wife, Jacque; daughter, Katie Cordes of Kewaskum, Wis; two grandchildren; brother, Edward Palacz of Kansas; sisters, Loretta Fries of Cairo and Lori Gutierrez of Texas.

Genevieve Rose, 101, of Grand Island, died Jan. 16. Funeral Mass Jan. 23 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Fr. Joseph Broudou officiating assisted by Deacon John Farlee. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Harold Swanson, 81, of St. Paul, died Jan. 17. Funeral Mass Jan. 21 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating, assisted by Deacon Neil Baquet. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: wife, Leona; sons, Martin Swanson of Lincoln and Marv Swanson of Exeter; three grandchildren; siblings, Ronald Swanson, Bill Swanson, and Linda Fuller, all of St. Paul.

Joyce Borgmann, 82, of Kearney died Jan. 11. Funeral Mass Jan. 20 at Resurrection Church, with Fr. David Rykwalder officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: daughters, Lisa Borgmann of Fort Collins, Colo., Tami Novotne of Kearney; son, Jay Borgmann of Wylie, Texas; sisters, Carol Dingwall of Spokane, Wash., Patricia Schneeweis of Savage, Minn., and Mary Jacobsen of Glenwood, Minn.

Alice Hall, 56, of Greeley died Jan. 14. Funeral Mass Jan. 19 at Sacred Heart Church in Greeley with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery at Greeley. Survivors: mother, Margaret Gray; daughters, Heather Olney and Halley Gray; sons, Peter Gray and Dusty Hall; two grandchildren; brother, Edward Gray.

June Ziola, 86, of Grand Island, died Jan. 12. Funeral services Jan. 16 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Al Ziola and David Ziola, both of Grand Island; daughters, Deb Ziola and Judy Ziola, both of Grand Island; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Donna Doehling and Joan Hansen, both of Grand Island.

Blake Fruchtl, 29, of Omaha, died Jan. 9. Funeral Mass  Jan. 16 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating. Survivors: daughter, Harper; parents, Dennis and Rosie; brother, AJ Fruchtl; grandparents, James and Fran Arends

Dennis Krolikowski, 92, of Loup City, died Jan. 10. Funeral Mass Jan. 16 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: wife, Donna; daughters, Debbra Krolikowski and Pam Krolikowski, both of Lincoln, Diane Krolikowski-Johnson and Marcy Krolikowski, both of Omaha, Peggy Krolikowski of Loup City; son, John Krolikowski of Albuquerque, N.M.; 16 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Diane Ford, 81, of St. Paul, died  Jan. 8. Funeral Mass Jan. 13 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Richard L. Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Survivors: children, Tom Skinner of Wichita, Kan., Kim Faulk of North Loup, Wesley Ford and Daniel Ford, both of St. Paul; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.

John Graff, 69, of Greeley, died Jan. 8. Funeral Mass Jan. 14 at the Sacred Heart Church in Greeley with Fr. Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Greeley Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Susie; daughter, Kimberly Graff; son, Edward Graff; sister, Peggy Happ and brother, Jay Graff.

Judith Konkoleski, 75, of Ord, died Jan. 1. Funeral Mass Jan. 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church with Fr. Scott Harter officiating. Burial at Ord Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: daughters, Pam Zulkoski of Ord and Lori Brennick of Scotia; four grandchildren; brothers, Garry Vanek of Albuquerque, N.M., and Danny Vanek of Ord.

“Tim” Bartlett, 72, of Grand Island, died Jan. 2. Funeral Mass Jan. 12 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Survivors: wife, Cathy; children, Heather Bartlett of York, Rebecca Bartlett of Grand Island, Natashia Packard of Lincoln, Andrew Bartlett and Alexander Bartlett, both of Grand Island; five grandchildren; a brother, Daryl Bartlett; stepmother, Alice Bartlett of Grand Island; stepsister, Marilyn Sox; stepbrother, Gerald Beck.

Joseph Skibinski, 76, of Ashton, died Jan. 4. Funeral Mass Jan. 9 at St. Francis Church in Ashton with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at a later date in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ashton. Survivors: wife, Julieann; children, Kirk Skibinski of Ashton, Jayme Skibinski of Ord, Cary Skibinski and Jessica Jasnoch, Kimberly and Melissa Pella, all of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Dan Skibinski of Loup City; sisters, Cher Upton of Oklahoma City, Sandi Wilson of Hastings, Sharon Goff of Beebe, Ark., and Shelley Freeman of Lincoln.

Leo Machmuller Jr., 77, of Grand Island, died Dec. 29. Funeral Mass Jan. 5, at St. Leo’s Church with Fr. Donald Buhrman officiating. Burial at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Dodge. Survivors: wife, Kathy; sister, Cheryl Coffelt.

Bob Stillwell, 71, of Brady, died Jan. 7. Funeral Mass Jan. 12 at St. Nicholas Church in Valentine. Survivors: wife, Lynell; daughters, Amanda Vinton, Megan McGown; son, Michael; sisters, Sherry Kunz, Jean Ormsby, Jane Sandoval and Joan Parsons; seven grandchildren.

Mary James, 98, of North Platte died Dec. 31. Funeral services Jan. 14 at Odean Colonial Chapel with Fr. Jonathan Sorensen officiating. Burial at a later date. Survivors: sisters, Margaret Mora and Thelma Ehlers of North Platte; children, Shirl James and Laurence James, both of Lincoln, Randall James of Hickman, LaVerne  James and Raymond James, both of North Platte and LeRoy James of Deer Park, Wash.; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Marion Keith, 93, of North Platte, died Dec. 30. Funeral Mass  Jan. 4 at Holy Spirit Church with Fr. Joe Kadaprayil officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Survivors: son, Doug Keith of Brady; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.

Mary Thornburg, 84, of North Platte, died Dec. 29. Funeral Mass Jan. 3 at Holy Spirit Church with Fr. Jon Sorenson officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: children, Debra Meter of Lincoln, John Smith of Omaha, Jim Smith of Texas and Jerry Smith of Oregon; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.

Robert Walz, 94, of Kearney died Jan. 16. Funeral Mass Jan. 21 at St. James Church with Fr. Art Faesser officiating. Burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Survivors: daughter, Brenda Kahle of Kearney; son, Mark Walz of Lincoln; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. 

Donald Oberg, 72, of Kearney died Jan. 15. Funeral Mass Jan. 18 at Prince of Peace Church in Kearney. Survivors: wife, Barb; children, Jeff Oberg of Shelton, Kris Simon of Cairo and Brad Oberg of Waverly; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; siblings, Ed Oberg, Roger Oberg, Jeff Oberg, all of Farnam, Louise Jones of Colorado Springs, Colo., Dick Oberg of Axtell.

Ila Gibbons, 80, of Riverdale, died Jan. 9. Funeral Mass Jan. 14 at Prince of Peace Church in Kearney. Survivors: daughter, Krystal Standage of Colby, Kan., son, Mark Gibbons of Riverdale; four grandchildren; eight-great-grandchildren. 

Anthony Hempleman, 62, of Shelton, died Jan. 9. Funeral Mass Jan. 13 at St. Mary’s Church in Wood River. Burial at Shelton Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Terri; daughters, Tiffany Schrunk of Grand Island, Megan Lowe of Wood River, Brooke Bowen of Grand Island, and Alie  Kropp of Shelton; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; mother, Anna Lou Hempleman; sister, Candace Johnson.

Velma Fox, 89, formerly of Bertrand, died Dec. 21. Funeral services Jan. 5 at the Old Lady of Guadalupe  Church in Hershey with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell. Survivors: daughter, Linda Drews of Paxton; two grandsons; a sister, Donna Henry; and brother, Donnie Schulz, both of Kearney.  

Harold “Ike” Haney, 73, of Oconto, died Dec. 27. Funeral Mass Dec. 30 at St. Joseph’s Church in Broken Bow with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Tresa; sons, Joseph of Kearney and Thomas of Oconto; 10 grandchildren: daughters, Christine of Dwight and Michelle of Valparaiso; sister, Bonnie Porath.

Eva Ditsch, 94, of Hemingford died Jan. 9. Funeral Mass Jan. 16 at Holy Rosary Church. Burial at Calvary Cemetery. Survivors: children, Kathy Rau of Jacksonville, Fla., MarySherlock of Ogallala, Pete Ditsch, Barbara Rau and Elizabeth Krebs, all of Alliance; 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Gary Winchester, 90, of Anselmo, died Jan. 16. Funeral Mass Jan. 23 at St. Anselm’s Church in Anselmo with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Burial at St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Patty; children, Scott of Anselmo, Gail Keech of Denton and Ron of Merna; four grandchildren; stepgrand children and great-grandchildren.

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his talk during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 20, 2011. Pope Benedict died Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95 in his residence at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope Benedict: Eight years as pope capped long ministry as teacher of faith

BY CINDY WOODEN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Retired Pope Benedict XVI, who had an impressive record as a teacher and defender of the basics of Catholic faith, is likely to go down in history books as the first pope in almost 600 years to resign.
He died Dec. 31 at the age of 95, nearly 10 years after leaving the papacy to retire to what he said would be a life of prayer and study.
Pope Francis was scheduled to celebrate his predecessor's funeral Mass Jan. 5 in St. Peter's Square. Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, said the funeral rites would be simple in keeping with the wishes of the late pope.
As the retired pope neared death, he was given the anointing of the sick Dec. 28 in his residence, Bruni said.
His body was to lie in St. Peter's Basilica beginning Jan. 2 so that people could pay their respects and offer their prayers, he said.
A close collaborator of St. John Paul II and the theological expert behind many of his major teachings and gestures, Pope Benedict came to the papacy after 24 years heading the doctrinal congregation's work of safeguarding Catholic teaching on faith and morals, correcting the work of some Catholic theologians and ensuring the theological solidity of the documents issued by other Vatican offices.
As pope, he continued writing as a theologian, but also made historically important gestures to Catholics who had difficulty accepting all of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly about the liturgy. In 2007, he widened permission to use the "extraordinary" or pre-Vatican II form of the Mass and, a short time later, extended a hand to the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X. Besides lifting the excommunications of four of the society's bishops who were ordained illicitly in 1988, he launched a long and intense dialogue with the group. In the end, though, the talks broke down.
His papacy, which began when he was 78, was extremely busy for a man who already had a pacemaker and who had wanted to retire to study, write and pray when he turned 75. He used virtually every medium at his disposal -- books and Twitter, sermons and encyclicals -- to catechize the faithful on the foundational beliefs and practices of Christianity, ranging from the sermons of St. Augustine to the sign of the cross.
Pope Benedict was the first pope to meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse. He clarified church laws to expedite cases and mandated that bishops' conferences put in place stringent norms against abuse.
Although he did not expect to travel much, he ended up making 24 trips to six continents and three times presided over World Youth Day mega-gatherings: in Germany in 2005, Australia in 2008, and Spain in 2011.
On a historic visit to the United States in 2008, the pope brought his own identity into clearer focus for Americans. He set forth a moral challenge on issues ranging from economic justice to abortion. He also took church recognition of the priestly sex-abuse scandal to a new level, expressing his personal shame at what happened and personally praying with victims.
While still in his 30s, he served as an influential adviser during the Second Vatican Council, 1962-65, and as pope, he made it a priority to correct what he saw as overly expansive interpretations of Vatican II in favor of readings that stressed the council's continuity with the church's millennial traditions.
Under his oversight, the Vatican continued to highlight the church's moral boundaries on issues such as end-of-life medical care, marriage and homosexuality. But the pope's message to society at large focused less on single issues and more on the risk of losing the basic relationship between the human being and the Creator.
Surprising those who had expected a by-the-book pontificate from a man who had spent so many years as the Vatican's chief doctrinal official, Pope Benedict emphasized that Christianity was a religion of love and not a religion of rules.
The German-born pontiff did not try to match the popularity of St. John Paul, but the millions of people who came to see him in Rome and abroad came to appreciate his smile, his frequent ad-libs and his ability to speak from the heart.
Some of Pope Benedict's most memorable statements came when he applied simple Gospel values to social issues such as the protection of human life, the environment and economics. When the global financial crisis worsened in 2008, for example, the pope insisted that financial institutions must put people before profits. He also reminded people that money and worldly success are passing realities, saying: "Whoever builds his life on these things -- on material things, on success, on appearances -- is building on sand."
He consistently warned the West that unless its secularized society rediscovered religious values, it could not hope to engage in real dialogue with Muslims and members of other religious traditions.
In his encyclicals and in his books on "Jesus of Nazareth," the pope honed that message, asking readers to discover the essential connections between sacrificial love, works of charity, a dedication to the truth and the Gospel of Christ.
The retired pope looked in-depth at his papacy and resignation, his relationships with St. John Paul and Pope Francis and a host of other issues in "Last Testament," a book-length interview with journalist Peter Seewald published in 2016.
In the book, Pope Benedict insisted once again that he was not pressured by anyone or any event to resign and he did not feel he was running away from any problem. However, he acknowledged "practical governance was not my forte, and this certainly was a weakness."
Insisting "my hour had passed, and I had given all I could," Pope Benedict said he never regretted resigning, but he did regret hurting friends and faithful who were "really distressed and felt forsaken" by his stepping down.
Less than a month after resigning, he already looked frailer and walked with noticeably more difficulty than he did when he left office. The video images released by the Vatican March 23, 2013, when his successor, Pope Francis, visited him at Castel Gandolfo underscored the "diminishing energy" Pope Benedict had said led to his resignation.
Pope Benedict moved to the papal summer villa at Castel Gandolfo Feb. 28, 2013, the day his resignation took effect. He remained at the villa south of Rome for two months -- a period that included the conclave that elected Pope Francis as his successor and the first month of the new pope's pontificate. The retired pope moved back to the Vatican May 2, 2013, living in a monastery remodeled as a residence for him, his secretary and the consecrated women who cared for his household before and after his resignation.
On his only post-retirement trip outside of Italy, he flew to Germany in June 2020 for a five-day visit with his ailing 96-year-old brother.
Answering questions from reporters on a flight back from Brazil in July 2013, Pope Francis spoke with admiration of the retired pope's humility, intelligence and prayerfulness. The unusual situation of having a pope and a retired pope both living at the Vatican was working out very well, Pope Francis said. Having the retired pope nearby to consult with, or ask questions of, Pope Francis said, was "like having a grandfather at home -- a very wise grandfather."
By the time Pope Benedict had been retired for a year, his daily routine was set. Archbishop Georg Ganswein, his personal secretary, said his days began with Mass, morning prayer and breakfast. Although mostly hidden from public view, he was not cloistered, but continued welcoming old friends and colleagues, engaging in dialogue or offering spiritual counsel. He spent hours reading and dealing with correspondence before a 4 p.m. stroll in the garden and recitation of the rosary.
In the early days of his retirement, to the delight and surprise of pilgrims and cardinals, Pope Benedict appeared at major events with Pope Francis, including the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 8, 2015.
At a June 2016 celebration in the Apostolic Palace, where Pope Benedict once lived and worked, Pope Francis, top officials of the Roman Curia and a few friends gathered with him to mark the 65th anniversary of the retired pontiff's priestly ordination.
Pope Francis told Pope Benedict that with him in residence, the monastery in the Vatican Gardens "emanates tranquility, peace, strength, faithfulness, maturity, faith, dedication and loyalty, which does so much good for me and gives strength to me and to the whole church."
Pope Benedict replied to Pope Francis, "More than the beauty found in the Vatican Gardens, your goodness is the place where I live; I feel protected."
He prayed that Pope Francis would continue to "lead us all on this path of divine mercy that shows the path of Jesus, to Jesus and to God."
Mercy was a prominent topic in an interview Pope Benedict gave in 2015. The Catholic focus on mercy really began with St. John Paul, the retired pope told Belgian Jesuit Father Jacques Servais in the written interview, which was not released until March 2016.
From his experience as a youth during World War II and his ministry under communism in Poland, St. John Paul "affirmed that mercy is the only true and ultimately effective reaction against the power of evil. Only where there is mercy does cruelty end, only there do evil and violence stop," said Pope Benedict, who worked closely with the Polish pope for decades.
"Pope Francis," he said, "is in complete agreement with this line. His pastoral practice is expressed precisely in the fact that he speaks continuously of God's mercy."
Pope Benedict had said he planned to live a "hidden life" in retirement -- and to a large extent he did. But when he did make contributions to public discussions, they became headline news. In April 2019, for instance, what he described as "notes" on the clerical sexual abuse crisis were published; and, in January 2020, an essay he wrote on priestly celibacy was published in a book by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
In the text on abuse, which the retired pope said was motivated by the February 2019 Vatican summit on the crisis, Pope Benedict traced the abuse crisis to a loss of certainty about faith and morals, especially beginning in the late 1960s. To address the crisis, he wrote, "what is required first and foremost is the renewal of the faith in the reality of Jesus Christ given to us in the Blessed Sacrament."
The 2020 text on celibacy became the center of a media storm, not only because of its content, but also because Catholics were awaiting Pope Francis' official response to the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon and suggestions made there that in remote areas the church could consider ordaining some married men to take the sacraments to Catholics who usually go months without.
Since marriage and priesthood both demand the total devotion and self-giving of a man to his vocation, "it does not seem possible to realize both vocations simultaneously," Pope Benedict wrote in his essay.
The retired pope's contribution to the discussion became even more controversial when Archbishop Ganswein informed media and the original publisher that while Pope Benedict contributed an essay to Cardinal Sarah's book, he did not want to be listed as co-author of the volume.
As inevitable as his election seemed after St. John Paul died in 2005, Pope Benedict's path to the papacy was long and indirect.
Joseph Ratzinger was born April 16, 1927, in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, the third and youngest child of a police officer, Joseph Sr., and his wife, Maria. Young Joseph joined his brother, Georg, at a minor seminary in 1939.
Like other young students in Germany at the time, he was automatically enrolled in the Hitler Youth program, but soon stopped going to meetings. During World War II, he was conscripted into the army, and in the spring of 1945, he deserted his unit and returned home, spending a few months in an Allied prisoner-of-war camp. He returned to the seminary late in 1945 and was ordained six years later, along with his brother.
In a meeting with young people in 2006, the pope said witnessing the brutality of the Nazi regime helped persuade him to become a priest. But he also had to overcome some doubts, he said. For one thing, he asked himself whether he "could faithfully live celibacy" his entire life. He also recognized that his real leanings were toward theology and wondered whether he had the qualities of a good pastor and the ability "to be simple with the simple people."
After a short stint as a parish priest, the future pope began a teaching career and built a reputation as one of the church's foremost theologians. At Vatican II, he made important contributions as a theological expert and embraced the council's early work. But he began to have misgivings about an emerging anti-Roman bias, the idea of a "church from below" run on a parliamentary model, and the direction of theological research in the church -- criticism that would become even sharper in later years.
In a 2005 speech that served as a kind of manifesto for his young papacy, Pope Benedict rejected what he called a "hermeneutic of discontinuity and rupture" in interpreting Vatican II as a radical break with the past. The pope called instead for reading the council through a "hermeneutic of reform" in continuity with Catholic tradition.
In 1977, St. Paul VI named him archbishop of Munich and Freising and, four years later, Pope John Paul called him to head the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he wielded great influence on issues such as liberation theology, dissent from church teachings and pressure for women's ordination. Serving in this role for nearly a quarter century, then-Cardinal Ratzinger earned a reputation in some quarters as a sort of grand inquisitor, seeking to stamp out independent thinking, an image belied by his passion for debate with thinkers inside and outside the church.
As the newly elected pope in 2005, he explained that he took the name Benedict to evoke the memory of Pope Benedict XV, a "courageous prophet of peace" during World War I, and said he wanted to place his ministry at the service of reconciliation and harmony among peoples.
Like his namesake and his predecessors, he was untiring in his appeals for an end to violence in world trouble spots and for dialogue as the only true and lasting solution to conflict. Another key to building a better world, he said repeatedly, is to respect the right of each person to seek and to worship God.
A direct appeal to China's communist government to respect the religious freedom of its people was a central part of Pope Benedict's 2007 Letter to Chinese Catholics. The letter also pleaded with the faithful on the mainland to work toward reconciliation between communities that had accepted some government control in order to minister openly and those that continued to practice their faith more clandestinely.
In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States and amid reports of rising religious-inspired violence in various parts of the world, Pope Benedict also repeatedly and clearly condemned all violence committed in the name of God.
One of the biggest tests of his papacy came after a lecture at Germany's University of Regensburg, in 2006, when he quoted a Christian medieval emperor who said the prophet Muhammad had brought "things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
Protests in the Muslim world followed, and Pope Benedict apologized that his words had offended Muslims, distancing himself from the text he had quoted. Soon after, he accepted the invitation of an international group of Muslim scholars and leaders to launch a new dialogue initiative, "The Common Word," looking at teachings that Christians and Muslims share.
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Follow Wooden on Twitter: @Cindy_Wooden

In the Hope 12/24/22

Arlene Knopik, 88, of Grand Island, died Dec. 18, 2022, at Brookefield Park in St. Paul. Funeral Mass Dec. 22 at Resurrection Church in Grand Island with Fr. Vijumon Choorackal officiating. Burial at the St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Fullerton. Survivors: children, Gwen Zaruba of Lincoln, Rex Knopik of Monroe, Mark Knopik of Adams, Roxanne Umstead of Marquette, and Karla Stutzman of Cairo; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Maxine Micek of Omaha, and Rita Knopik of Omaha.

Charles Aguilar, 77, of Grand Island, died Dec. 17, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 22 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Jorge Canela. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: daughter, Lisa Ortiz of Grand Island and grandson; brother, Tom Aguilar of Grand Island and sister, Helen Morrow of Lincoln.

Norma Cunningham, 96, of Grand Island died Dec. 10, 2022. Funeral Mass at a later date. Survivors: children, John Cunningham of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Mark Cunningham of Jeffersonville, Pa., Ann Brondel of Grand Island and Jane Cunningham of St. Paul, Minn; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. 

Rose Cyboron, 88, of Grand Island, died Dec. 9, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 16 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island with Frs. Martin Egging and Mark Maresh officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: daughters, Diane McCready of Fayetteville, Ark., Judi Mierau, and Pam Tew, both of Grand Island; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

Robert Rosso, 85, of Grand Island, died Dec. 11, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 15 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Vijumon Choorackal officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: wife, LaVonne; daughters, Rebecca Pipka, Reta Anderson, Lorri Kaelin; son, Thomas Rosso of Grand Island; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Clarence Cunningham, 78, of Grand Island, died Dec. 7, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 12 at Resurrection  Church. Survivors: sisters, Helen Welty and Phyllis Tuzicka; son, Brandon Cunningham; one granddaughter, and one great-grandson.

Cari Cobler, 48, of Grand Island, died Dec. 1, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 10 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Fr. Martin Egging officiating. Survivors: husband, Tom; daughters, Sydney, Mariah, and Avery of Grand Island; mother, Diann of Lincoln; brothers, Curt Lyons of Ankeny, Iowa, Chad Lyons of Lincoln, and Cory Lyons of Lincoln. 

Timothy Biggs, 59, formerly of Ravenna died Nov. 6, 2022. Memorial services Dec. 3 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna. Burial at Ravenna Highland Park Cemetery. Survivors: mother, Beverly; son, Kody; sisters, Traci and Tamara; and two granddaughters.

Eleanor Glesinger, 92, of Spalding, died Nov. 3, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 1 at St Leo's Church in Grand Island. Burial at Spalding. Survivors: daughters, Jane Heany of Richmond, Texas, Julie Klahn and Jill Foltz, both of Grand Island, and Jeri Zoucha of Albion.

Colleen Brouillette, 77, of St. Paul, died Nov. 22, 2022. Funeral Mass Nov. 28 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in St. Paul with Fr. Vince Parsons officiating and Deacon Neil Baquet assisting. Survivors: husband, Monte; daughter, Suzy Peters of St. Paul; son, Travis Brouillette of St. Paul; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Maria Espinoza, 59, of Grand Island died Nov. 19, 2022. Funeral Mass Nov. 26 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island with Fr Joseph Broudou officiating. Survivors: daughters, Elsa Ramirez and Maria Rosa Vazquez; three grandchildren; siblings, Felix Ramirez and Jackilyn Mittelstadt;

Charles Steele, 73, of Grand Island died Nov. 18, 2022. Funeral Mass Nov. 26 at St. Mary's Cathedral with Fr. Jorge Canela officiating. Survivors: wife, Mary; children, Angela Steele, Michael Steele, Matthew Steele, Crystal Steele; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann Powers.

Eileen Lauby, 98, of Lexington, died Dec. 11, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 16 at St. Ann's Church with Fr. Jose Chavez officiating. Survivors: children, Gerald Lauby, of Genoa, Ronald Lauby, of Oconto, Thomas Lauby and  E. Nick Lauby, both of Lexington, Richard Lauby of Kingston, Utah, John Lauby of Las Vegas, Mary Lou Hueftle of Lincoln, Elizabeth "Liz" Cooney of Overton, Patrick Lauby of Lexington, and William Lauby of Lee's Summit, Mo.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren,

Barbara Nansel, 88, of Kearney died Nov. 29, 2022. Memorial services Dec. 3 at St. James Church in Kearney with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial at Alliance. Survivors: husband, Lane; son, Daniel Dietrich of Alliance; daughter, Tami McNamee of Kingman, Ariz.; stepchildren, Vickie Macafee of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Debbie Dobesh of Kearney and Michael Nansel of Littleton, Colo.; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

Fernando Vecchio, 37, of Bertrand, died Dec. 8, 2022. Memorial services Dec. 14 at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home with Fr. Jose Chavez officiating. Survivors: son, Brenden Davis of Brownsville, Texas; brothers, Luis Vecchio and Mario Vecchio, both of Lexington; sisters, Ashley Luna of Lexington, Stephanie Luna of Edinburg, Texas, and Rebecca Rodriguez of El Paso, Texas.

Wilma Kirchner, 96, of Scottsbluff, died Dec. 14, 2022. Funeral Mass Jan. 7 at St. Agnes Church in Scottsbluff. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Alliance. Survivors: children: sons, Joseph Kirchner of Twin Falls, Idaho, David Kirchner of Chandler, Ariz., and Robert Kirchner of Omaha; daughters, Constance Kirchner and Sandra Butcher, both of Scottsbluff, Sally Brittan of Omaha, Jill Manchester of Chicago; and sister, Darlyne Pape of Boise, Idaho; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren. 

Gloria Heeg, 86, of Kimball died Dec. 12, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 18 at St. Joseph's Church in Kimball. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Survivors: children, Nora Robinson of Kimball, Julie Schnell of Johnson Lake, Vince Heeg of Hermosa Beach Calif., Ginny Stafford of Parker, Colo., Henry Lani Heeg of Kimball; 12 grandchildren: six great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia "Ginny" Cass,

Rodney Brooks, 91, of Gering, died Dec. 9, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 16 at St Agnes Church in Scottsbluff, with Fr. Rayappa Konka officiating. Burial at Wheat Ridge, Colo. Survivors: wife, Delores; children, Norm Johnson of Highlands Ranch, Chris Brooks of Denver, Lori Henderson of Grand Junction, Dawne Wolfe of Gering, and Rhonda McPherson of Byers; 22 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.  

Teddy Crittenden, 73, of Scottsbluff, died Dec. 3, 2022. Memorial services Dec. 10, 2022, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff with Fr. Rayappa Konka officiating. Survivors: son, Ted Crittenden; daughters, Stephanie Lewis and Britny Crittenden; eight grandchildren; sisters, Barb Hoffman and Vicky Podobensky. 

Concepcion "Conchita" Perez, 88, of Lakewood, Colo., died Nov. 18, 2022. Funeral Mass Nov. 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi officiating. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Scottsbluff. Survivors: daughters, Cynthia Perez, Sherri Running Shield, Judy Hernandez and Jackie Whatley; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Vicki Pino, Bobby Morales and Eddie Morales.

Ramon  Lucius, 74, of Scottsbluff, died Nov. 19, 2022. Funeral Mass Nov. 26 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi officiating. Survivors: daughters, Ramona Lucius-Gonzalis and Martina Lucius; stepmother, Eloisa Lucius; siblings, Stella Ysac, Sophie Martinez, Hank Lucius, Joann Rowland, Danny Delgado, Yolanda Carter, David Lucius, Fred Lucius, Anthony Quijas, Sarah Henderson, Jamie Lucius, Frank Lucius, Arthur Lucius, and Joey Lucius; six grandchildren.

Percy Herrera, 91, of Sidney, died Nov. 16, 2022. Funeral Mass Nov. 22 at St. Patrick's Church in Sidney with Fr. C.P. Varghese officiating. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Survivors: daughter, Abby Kennedy; five grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; eight great-grandchildren.

Laurence “Butch” Esch Jr., 80, of Hastings, died Dec. 17, 2022. Funeral Mass Dec. 27 at St. Michael's Church in Spalding, with Fr. Joseph Hannappel officiating. Burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Survivors: children: James Esch of Hastings, David Esch of Carmichael, Calif. Kristy Frauendorfer of Lindsay Vincent Esch of Aurora, Colo., Lisa Wyman, of Silver Creek, Charles Esch of Wellington, Colo., Megan Kassing of Columbus, Cassandra Wiseman of Mukilteo, Wash.; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings: David Esch of Broomfield, Colo., Dennis Esch of Omaha, Pat Esch of Springfield, Regina Worthington of Omaha, Paul Esch of Fair Oaks, Calif., Ray Esch of Platteville, Colo., Tim Esch of Spalding, Judy Brown of Heber Springs, Ark., Don Esch of Syracuse

Scottsbluff K of C hosts Toys for Tots event

More than 100 people brave snowy weather for Toys for Tots

More than 100 people showed up Dec. 15 to help gift wrap toys and clothes for the Toys for Tots program of the Knights of Columbus Council 2681 in Scottsbluff. The snow did not keep the people of western Nebraska from showing up to help. Students from St. Agnes School also helped gift wrap toys and clothes on Dec. 16.

 

Lawrence Egging, father of Father Marty Egging, dies Oct. 26

Gurley native Lawrence Egging, father of Father Marty, dies Oct. 26

GURLEY—Lawrence Egging, 89, of Gurley, father of Father Marty Egging, pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church, died Oct. 26, 2022, at his home. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 3 at St. Patrick’s Church in Sidney with Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt officiating, and Fr. C.P. Varghese, Fr. Egging and priests of the diocese concelebrating. Burial was at the Greenwood Cemetery with military honors provided by United States Army Honor Guard, V.F.W. Post #610, DAV Chapter #40, and the American Legion Post #17. 

A memorial has been established to St. Patrick’s Church. Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh and Chappell is in charge of arrangements. 

Mr. Egging was born Jan. 16, 1933, to Gerhard and Nellie (Rieken) Egging, immigrants from the Netherlands. He attended St. Patrick's Academy and graduated in 1952. Following graduation, he joined the military on June 9, 1954. When his father died, he was honorably discharged to come home and run the family farm with his mother. 

He married Carolee Janicek of Kimball on May 14, 1960, and they had three children: Martin, Carmen, and Kent. He spent more than 40 years farming for the Goodwin family before retiring at 81. During this time, he invented the "Soft Hammer", a lead-filled hammer, and sold it to local farmers. He was a member of the Gurley School Board for 8 1/2 years and was part of the Gurley and Dalton consolidation in 1978. 

He enjoyed telling stories, dancing, farming, fishing, hunting, sketching and reading. He would take the family to Lake McConaughy every Sunday where they would catch their limit, then water ski.

Survivors include his children, Father Egging of Grand Island, Carmen (Mrs. Steve) Draper of Dalton and son, Kent Egging; and one granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolee, parents, 4 brothers, 5 sisters, and other family members.

In the Hope 11/22/22

 In the Hope 11/22/22

Pedro Vazquez Moreno, 64, of Grand Island, died Oct. 20. Funeral Mass Oct. 26, at St. Mary's Cathedral with Father Jorge Canela officiating. Burial in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

John Janulewicz, 72, of Loup City, died Oct. 13. Funeral Mass Oct. 29 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: wife, Cindy; children, Seann Julian of Grand Island, Devon Janulewicz of Cheyenne, Darnell Janulewicz of Loup City; five grandchildren; brother, Jerry Janulewicz of Grand Island.

Shirley Moraczewski, 87, of Loup City, died Oct. 22. Funeral Mass Oct. 27 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard L. Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City.  Survivors: daughter, Sharon Mostek of Ashton; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Emil Kowalewski, 93, of Kearney, died Oct. 21. Funeral Mass Oct. 26 at St. Josaphat’s Church in Loup City with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Survivors: wife, Delores; sons, Dennis Kowalewski of Mesquite, Nev., Jim Kowalewski of West Richland, Wash., Ron Kowalewski of Madison, and Gary Kowalewski of Gothenburg; daughter, Cami Watson of Lincoln; stepchildren, Gary West of Kearney and Lori Ade of Concordia, Kan.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Virginia Iwanski of Stockton, Kan., and Geraldine Fletcher of Grand Island.

Virginia Hickey, 80, of Alda, died Oct. 16. Funeral Mass Oct. 24  at Resurrection Church of Grand Island. Burial at St. Anselm's Cemetery at Anselmo. Survivors: sons, Michael Hickey of Comstock and Mitch Hickey of Scotia; daughter, Kelli Plihal of Shelton; brother, Ed Kinish of Brady; sisters, Barbara Dunn of Rushford, Minn., Angela Booton of Marshall, Mich., Lois Hickey of Cozad and Karen Joebgen of Rapid City, S.D.; four grandchildren; step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Robert Wiese, 76, of Grand Island, died Oct. 12. Funeral Mass Oct. 21 at the Resurrection Church with Fr. Thomas Vijumon and Fr. David Rywalder officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Joan; children, R. Todd Wiese of Grand Island, Steven Wiese of Adams, and Scott Wiese of Grand Island; seven grandchildren.

Galen “Gus” Meyer, 69, of Grand Island, died Oct. 9. Funeral Mass Oct. 13 at St. Leo’s Church with Fr. Donald Buhrman officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: children, Annaliese Leiser, Allison Bendt, Wade Meyer, and Grant Meyer, all of Grand Island; four grandchildren; parents, Gaylord and Joan Meyer of Kearney; siblings, brother, Kevin Meyer and sisters, Diane Bombeck of Shelton, Jan Spellman of Kearney and Linda Hansen of Lincoln. 

“Gary” Nichelson, 68, of North Platte died Oct. 19. Funeral Mass Oct. 28 at St. Patrick Church with Fr. Jon Sorenson officiating. Burial at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Survivors: wife, ; sister, Linda, of North Platte; brother, Mark of North Platte; one grandson.

Paul Jochum, 64, of Sutherland, died Oct. 20. Funeral Mass Oct. 24 at Holy Spirit Church. Survivors: wife, Dixie; daughters, Candy Sailor of Maywood and Dawn Small of Sutherland; four grandchildren; brothers, William Jochum and Lawrence Jochum, both of Lincoln, and Robert Jochum of Sutherland.

Agnes  Farrell, 95, of North Platte, died Oct. 16. Funeral Mass Oct. 21 at Holy Spirit Church with Fr. Vidya Sagar Arikotla officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: children, Michael Kevin of Robbinsdale, Minn., Dennis Farrell of Kansas City, Mo., Thomas Farrell of Papillion, Diane Lyngdal of Plymouth, Minn., Mary Pat Haywood of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Peggy Farrell of Hastings; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. 

Charles Steele, 73, of Grand Island, died Nov. 18. Funeral Mass Nov. 26, at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Fr. Jorge Canela officiating.

Marilyn Jonak, 84, of Loup City, formerly of Loup City, died Nov. 17.  Funeral Mass Nov. 23 at Resurrection Church in Grand Island with Frs. Vijumon Choorackal and Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Isy of Loup City; children, Tim Jonak of Rockville, Pam Treffer of Ravenna, Yvonne Palu of Loup City, and Jim Jonak of Grand Island; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sharon Michalski of Grand Island.

Darlene Pfeifer, 93, of Spalding, died Nov. 9. Funeral Mass Nov. 19 at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding with Fr. Antony Thekkekara, officiating, assisted by Deacon Ron Glaser and Deacon Paul Nordhues. Burial at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Dan Pfeifer of Gretna and Ed Pfeifer of Spalding; daughter, Connie Elsenpeter of Dickinson, N.D.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Stephen Grysiewicz, 52, of Grand Island, died Nov. 7. Funeral Mass Nov. 15 at St. Leo’s Church with Fr. Don Buhrman officiating.

Lawrence Miigerl, 82, of Ravenna, died Nov. 9. Funeral Mass Nov. 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ravenna with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at St. Mary’s Prairie Center Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Adarene; children, Mark Miigerl, Shelly White, Myron Miigerl, Mike Miigerl, Matthew Miigerl; Penny and Violet Miigerl; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Stittle.

Josephine Scripture, 91, of Lincoln, formerly of Grand Island, died Oct. 30. Funeral Mass Nov. 7 at St. Leo’s Church with Frs. Donald Buhrman, Charles Torpey, Richard Piontkowski Jr., James Hunt, and Raymond Kosmicki, officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors; children, Margi Ross of Sabetha, Kan., Maureen Schultz of Auburn, Jerry Scripture of Alberta, Canada, Patricia King of Ashland; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

David Jakob, 70, of Grand Island, died Oct. 29. Funeral Mass Nov. 4 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Fr. Joseph G. Broudou officiating. Burial at Grand Island City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Dee; stepchildren, Terri Kopy of Lawrence, Kan., Jodi Hayward of Parkville, Mo., Emily Martinez and Josie Young of Grand Island, Sonny Hinojos of Yuma, Ariz., Kathy Servin of Round Rock Austin, Texas; brother, Dennis Jakob of Grand Island; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Francisco  Rosas, 87, of Grand Island, died Oct. 29. Funeral Mass Nov. 3 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Frs. Jorge Canela officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: sons, Fidencio Rosas of Grand Island, Augustine Rosas of Hastings, Raymond Rosas of Aurora, Ricardo Rosas of Rushville, Simon Rosas of Grand Island; daughters, Dolores Harders of Grand Island, Susana Steele of Lincoln, Rosa Fletcher of Grand Island, Andrea Rosas of Grand Island; sister, Catalina Aldana of Grand Island; 27 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren.

June Zimmer, 94, of Kearney, formerly Pleasanton, died Oct. 29. Funeral Mass Nov. 2 at St. Mary’s Church in Pleasanton with Fr. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton. Survivors: daughters, Sharon  Nickel of Meadowlakes, Texas, Margaret Tyler of Gilmer, Texas, and Linda Madsen of Litchfield; sister, Marilyn Bock of Pleasanton; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

Petronilo  “Pete” Luna, 95, of North Platte, died Nov. 2. Funeral Mass Nov. 9, at St. Patrick Church Fr. Jon Sorenson officiating. Burial at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Survivors: children, Erlinda Scovill of North Platte, Stephen Luna and Alfred Luna, both of Omaha and Gloria Hernandez and Phillip Luna of North Platte; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.

Randy Burbach, 71, of Omaha, died Oct. 29. Funeral Mass Nov. 3 at Holy Spirit Church with Fr. Vidya Sager officiating. Burial at Holy Spirit Columbarium. Survivors: wife, Denise; daughters, Kay Burbach of Lincoln, Ann Grunewaldt of Vermillion, S.D.; three grandchildren; father, Reiny Burbach; siblings, Bill Burbach, Rosemary Jones, Kevin Burbach and Karlene Hoedel.

Zachary Mooberry, 29, of Hastings died Oct. 25. Funeral Mass Nov. 18 at the St. Ann’s Church in Lexington with Fr. Jose Chavez, officiating. Burial at Grant Fairview Cemetery in Grant at a later date. Survivors: dad, Don Mooberry; sister, Caitlin Svoboda; and grandmother, Deloris Svoboda.

Leonard Mackley, 96, of Arnold, died on Oct. 30. Funeral Mass Nov. 3 at St. Agnes Church in Arnold. Burial at Arnold Cemetery. Survivors: children, Barbara Eshelman of Lemoyne, Karen Moran of Amherst, George Mackley of Hershey, Phyllis Mackley of North Platte, James Mackley of Portland, Ore., Dale Mackley and Gary Mackley both of Arnold, Elaine Anderson of North Platte, Eleanor Arens of Kearney; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Arline Buchholz of Thornton, Colo.

Gail Perdue, 77, of Kearney died Oct. 27. Funeral services Nov. 4 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial at Kearney Cemetery. 

Donald Day, 90, of Kearney, died Oct. 27. Funeral Mass Nov. 1 at St. James Church in Kearney. Buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brookpark, Ohio. Survivors: children, Krista Zoladz of Chesterton, Ind., David Day of Niceville, Fla., Dan Day of Cleveland, and Damon Day of Kearney; eight grandchildren.

Emalu Gunther, 82, of Broken Bow died Oct. 25. Funeral Mass  Oct. 31 at the St. Joseph’s Church in Broken Bow with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Burial at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Dwain; son, Randell of Chandler, Ariz., and Bradley of Lincoln; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sisters, Cleo  Jacobsen of Broken Bow and Karen Thompson of Atkinson.

Brandon Morse, 32, of Sargent died Oct. 16. Funeral Mass Oct. 20 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Church in Sargent with Fr. Jim Hunt officiating. Survivors: wife, Nhung; daughter, Emily Morse of Sargent; his parents, Bruce and Kate Morse of Sargent; siblings, Laura Kipp and Ben Morse, both of Sargent, Suzie Timbers of Rochester, Minn., Anne Wilke of Loup City, Barry Morse of Ord, Shannon Morse of South Carolina; three brothers, Dam Than, Dam Bang, Dam Minh; and a sister, Dam Thin of Vietnam.

Susie Engel, 76, of Grand Island died Oct. 21. Funeral Mass 26 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island with Fr. Marty Egging officiating. Burial at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Charles; sons, Craig Engel, Alfred Engel, Rusty Engel, all of Grand Island; seven grandchildren. 

Salvador Huerta, Sr., 93, of Scottsbluff, died Nov. 14. Funeral Mass Nov. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi officiating. Burial at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Helen; daughters, Beatrice Reyes of Scottsbluff, Gloria Torres of Gillette, Wyo.; son, Salvador Huerta Jr. of Las Vegas; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Margaret McCabe, 92, of Dalton, died Nov. 3. Funeral Mass Nov. 9 at St. Mary’s Church in Dalton with Frs. Tim Stoner and Bryan Ernest officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Dalton. 

Lorene Newton, 89, of Scottsbluff died Nov. 1. Funeral Mass Nov. 8 at Christ the King Church in Gering with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Burial at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Survivors: sons, Robert of Gering, and James of Chesapeake, Va; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Leo Maschmeier, 87, of Gering, died Nov. 1. Funeral Mass Nov. 7 at Gering Memorial Chapel with Fr. Mike McDonald officiating. Burial at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Survivors: wife, Frances “Cookie;” children, Pam Murbach of Gering, Toni Andreasen of Kearney, Mike Maschmeier of San Diego, and Jeff Maschmeier of Gering; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. 

Mark Bishop, 69, of Gering, died Oct. 29. Funeral Mass Nov. 3 at Christ the King Church. Survivors: daughter Nicole Hanke; six grandchildren; brother, John Bishop, and sister Karan Dillahay, 

Raymond Piña, 77 of Scottsbluff, died Oct. 27. Funeral Mass Nov. 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with Fr. Joseph Thambi officiating. Burial at the Mitchell City Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Helen; son, Vincent Piña; daughter, Julie Lopez; stepson, Carlos Maldonado; brothers, Felix Piña of Redding, Calif., and Cipriano Piña of Hayward, Calif.; sister, Tommie Zamora of Boise, Idah,; seven grandchildren. 

Richard Hilzer, 71, of Scottsbluff, died Oct. 22. Funeral Mass Oct. 27 at St. Agnes with Frs. Dan Gilbert and Rayappa Konka officiating. Survivors: wife, Deb; daughters, Kimberlee Reitz and Amy Hilzer; sisters, Pam Schaneman and Joan Suhr; brother, Dick Lager; three grandchildren.