February
01
2023
Richard Bruce Dunbar • Eustis, NE Resident, 74
Richard (Rick) Bruce Dunbar passed away on Sat., Jan. 21, 2023 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 74 years. Rick was born on Feb. 19, 1948 to Allen and Hazel (Nicks) Dunbar in Hay Springs, NE. He attended school in Ord, graduating with the class of 1966 and continued his education at the University of Nebraska, achieving his degree in Agricultural Economics in 1970. Upon college graduation, Rick began his career with the Farmers Home Administration.
On May 19, 1973, Rick was united in marriage to Christine (Chris) Sue Rieker at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis, NE. They then began farming and ranching northwest of Eustis and were blessed with two children, Bradley and Janine. Together, their shared love of growing and tending to their family’s farming operation would continue for nearly 50 years.
Rick was a kind, loyal, and witty man. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather he took great joy in spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He took interest in the special gifts and talents each held and served as their biggest fan in their pursuits. Rick was a proud resident of the Eustis community, enjoying many years of service to St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Lions Club, 4-H, and the local school board. He was blessed with many friends, loved music, and when asked about his hobbies, he would respond that he most enjoyed growing and distributing seed wheat.
Rick’s passion for agriculture and interest in the industry allowed him opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association, Nebraska Wheat Board, National Wheat Marketing Center and NU Pride Genetics. He was a lifelong learner who never tired of trying new things.
Rick was a humble, faith-filled husband, dad, grandpa, friend and farmer who loved and lived well. He will be missed immensely.
He is survived by his wife, Christine, son, Bradley (Courtney) Dunbar of Omaha, and daughter, Janine (Jeff) Williams of Grand Island, as well as four grandchildren: Addison Dunbar and Owen, Bo, and Brooklyn Williams; sisters, Bev (Gene) Cook of Lincoln, Janice (Clayton) Kooiker of Le Mars, IA, JoAnne Dunbar of Lincoln, NE, and Nick (Malena) Aquino of Cockeysville, MD; sisters-in-law, Karen (Rich) Miller of The Dalles, OR and Deb (Pat) Hecox of Gothenburg, and Shirley Collins of Kearney; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Hazel Dunbar; sister, Linda Dunbar; and brother, Dick Collins; and mother and father-in-law, Leonard and Betty Rieker.
Memorials are suggested to the family for the development of a scholarship fund in Rick’s memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Sat., Feb. 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Kathy Gundell officiating. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Fri., Feb. 3, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, family will be present. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.
Marlin R. Wegner • Burwell, NE Resident, 61
Marlin R. Wegner, 61, of Burwell passed away unexpectedly on Sun., Jan. 29, 2023 at the Valley County Health System.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 4, 2023 at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Scotia. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Marlin Randall was born Feb. 9, 1961 at St. Paul, NE to Donald and Lyla (Castor) Wegner. He spent his childhood on the family farm east of Scotia. Marlin received his education at North Loup-Scotia Schools and graduated in 1979.
Marlin spent his working years in the produce department of local grocery stores. He worked at Cetak’s Market in Ord for many years and also at Herb’s and Mr. J’s in Burwell.
On Oct. 16, 1996, Marlin was united in marriage to Peggy Fischer at Burwell. The couple enjoyed 26 years together while making their home in Burwell.
In his younger days, Marlin was an active member of the Ord Jaycees. He was an outdoorsman that enjoyed camping, hunting and gardening. He spent time tinkering in the yard and with his guns. Marlin was an avid pet lover, enjoying his dogs and cats.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy of Burwell; his father, Don Wegner and Bonnie Wilson of Scotia; children, Michael Wegner and Matthew Learned of Phoenix, Lindsay and Bobby Cunningham of Columbus, Bryton Wegner of Columbus, Kyle Meyer of Washington, Kaleb and Liz Meyer of Kearney, Kelsey and Trevor Tackman of Wash-ington, Kodi Meyer of Holdrege and Brianna Meyer of Wood River; 11 grandchildren; one expectant grandchild; a sister and brother-in-law, Kristi and Ryan Eschliman of Lincoln; and mother-in-law, Donna “Beth” Fischer of Ord.
He was preceded in death by his mom, Lyla Bennett.
Phillip Jacob Quinn • U.S. Navy Veteran • Lincoln, NE Resident, 92
Phillip Jacob Quinn (“Jake”), 92, died Jan 25, 2023, at the Tabitha Rehab Center in Lincoln.
He was born Oct. 12, 1930 at the family farmhouse near Valley, NE to Joseph Martin and Grace Magdalena (Rush). He grew up near Valley and Albion on farms. He graduated from Albion High School in 1948. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean Conflict as an Engineman 1st Class, followed by six years in the reserves. His parents had moved to Stanton, NE and after his discharge he returned to Stanton where he met the love of his life, Lou Ann Kingston. They were married on Nov. 23, 1953 at the Congregational Church in Stanton. While they lived in Pilger, they had their first child, Jacquelyn (1954). Shortly after, Phil was accepted in the Nebraska State Patrol and they moved to Hasting in 1955 for his first assignment. After his six months with the Patrol, he was assigned to Ord where their daughter, Pamela (1956), and son, Jeffrey (1958), were born. Phil continued his career with the Patrol in Ord until 1981 when he was assigned to Lincoln, where he worked until his retirement in 1986.
Phil was a huge sports fan. He loved baseball and the Atlanta Braves or any other baseball game he could find on television. Above all else, he was an avid Cornhusker football fan and a great joy was traveling to games with friends. When his son, Jeff, became a Husker quarterback, it brought him much pride and joy. They never missed one of his games and the memories were forever cherished. His job was very important to him and he dedicated his career to keeping the people in his area safe. Most people who met him as a patrolman have great stories about their experience. He was a voracious reader and shared that love with all of his children. This love of reading led him to write two books, one about his mother, Amazing Grace, and the other about his years in the Nebraska State Patrol. Education was important to him and he was proud that all three of his children graduated from college. He was also a skilled woodworker and made many beautiful oak pieces for all his family. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, strong faith, kind heart, lively wit, and intelligence.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lou Ann; two daughters, Jackie (Martin) Nielsen of Loveland, CO, and Pam (Floyd) Slagle of Sargent, and a son Jeff (Susan) Quinn of Colleyville, TX; nine grandchildren, Nick (Christie) Nielsen of Erie, CO, Monica (John) Doherty of Windsor, CO, Erica (Robert) DiRocco of Humble, TX, Jake (Coleen) Slagle of Marquette, Jinger (Chandler) Larsen of Sargent, Michael Lloyd of Houston, TX, Scott Lloyd of Houston, TX, Grace (Forrest) Frank of Waco, TX, and Maggie Quinn of Colleyville, TX; 12 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); brother, Wayne of Omaha; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings: Dorathy Kohel, Martin Quinn, John Quinn (infant), Margaret Schweigart, Vida McWhirt, Delbert (Bill) Quinn, Velda Wellman, and Joseph Quinn.
Stanley R. Urbanovsky • Ord, NE Resident, 81
Stanley R. Urbanovsky, 81, of Ord formerly of St. Paul, passed away on Sun., Jan. 29, 2023, at Arbor Care Center in Ord.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Fri., Feb. 3, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. The Mass Celebrants will be Father Scott Harter and Father Vincent L. Parsons. Burial will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Ord Memorial Chapel on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon Neil Baquet. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Stanley Richard was born March 6, 1941, on the family farm in Garfield County, NE to Joseph W. and Mary (Bruha) Urbanovsky. As a young boy the family moved to farms south of Burwell. This is where Stanley grew and attended rural schools, District #49 and District #32, and then graduated from Burwell High School in 1960.
Following high school Stanley farmed and ranched with his father. In 1965, Stanley was united in marriage to Marlene Koncel at Elyria. The couple made their home on the family farm south of Burwell where they farmed, ranched and raised their family of three boys and two girls.
While on the farm, Stanley was most proud of his Hereford cattle. He belonged to the American Hereford Association and was recognized for Superior Performance Herefords. Stanley was an accomplished accordion player and had his own band from 1973 to 1979. He continued to entertain residents in local nursing homes for many years.
Marlene passed away on July 2, 1990. Stanley then lived in the Sargent, Ord, Greeley and St. Paul areas.
Stanley was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Burwell, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church of St. Paul, Knights of Columbus and had served on the country school board. Stanley enjoyed target shooting and also was an avid horseman and horse trainer.
Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Stanley Joe and Cindy of Arnold, Johnny and Angie of Burwell and Jimmy and JoAnn of Elyria; two daughters and a son-in-law, Janeane Spilinek and her friend, Jeffrey Shaul, both of Lincoln, and Janet and Allen Vavra of Elyria; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law, Larry Koncel, Eugene Michalski and Paul Wadas; and his special friend, Marie O'Gorman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene; a son, Eddie; two sisters, Olga Michalski and Blanche Wadas; and family friend, Carol Bilka.