Esther L. Tuma • Cotesfield, NE Resident, 86

   Esther L. Tuma, 86, of Cotesfield, died Mon., July 20, 2020 at Valley View Senior Village in Ord.

   Funeral Services were held Sat., July 25, 2020 at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul. Carol and Tom Schroeder officiated. Interment was in the Cotesfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cotesfield Cemetery or the family’s choice. Online condolences may be directed to the family at 

   Esther was born on April 20, 1934 to John and Mary (Christensen) Burson in Burwell, NE. She attended District 54 in Garfield County. She was united in marriage to Richard Tuma on Aug. 20, 1952 in Ord, NE. She was a busy farm wife and homemaker. She was a member of the Cotesfield United Methodist Church. She served on the Howard County Extension Club/Board and was a Howard County Red Cross Chairman. She was a 4-H leader and FFA sponsor. She owned the ET Eatery Food Stand at the Howard County Fair. Esther was a wedding coordinator and caterer. She was a Home Interiors Consultant for 35 years. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, floral arranging, sewing, crafting and gardening. She was a caregiver for Diane and David and their children during a difficult time.

   Those left to cherish her memory include her son and daughter-in-law, David and Barbara Tuma, of Elba;

daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Don Gorecki, of Farwell, Peggy and Kevin Jorgensen, of Grand Island, and Melanie and David Weeks, of Hastings; foster child, Matt Fieldgrove, of Arizona; grandchildren and their spouses, Laura and T.J. Oltman, of Springhill, TN, Andrew Gorecki, of Farwell, Brandon and Tina Tuma, of Ashton, Kayann and David Skibinski, of Loup City, Denise and Ryan Kucera, of Ravenna, Stefanie Tuma, of Hastings, Markus Tuma, of Elba, Scott and Lindsey Jorgensen, of Paxton, Sarah Jorgensen, of Omaha, and Audrey Weeks, of Hastings; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Evan, Kaylee and Mallory Tuma, Raegan Skibinski, Allison and Caden Moderow, Willa Kucera, and Jacelyn and Natalie Jorgensen; step-great-grandchildren, Austin and Kaitlyn Skibinski, and Blake Moderow; and a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Leo Ulmer, of Grand Island.

   Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Patricia; daughter-in-law, Diane; brothers, Loyd, Herman, Evert and Russell; and sister, Hazel Dvoracek

Linda A. Trojan • Ord, NE Resident, 72

Linda Ann Trojan, 72, of Ord, passed away Thurs., July 23, 2020 at her home in Ord due to complications from COPD. Linda’s wishes were to be cremated. A graveside service will be held Mon., Aug. 17, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Douglas Grove Cemetery at Comstock, NE. Pastor Don Schauda will officiate. Fellowship will follow the services at the Wescott Baptist Church at Comstock. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the family to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Jodi Fisher, 11293 Pioneer Ave., Remsen, IA 51050.     Linda was born May 27, 1948 at Schuyler, NE to Edwin and Libbie (Cihacek) Gerrard. She grew up in Colfax County and Rogers, NE. Linda graduated from Schuyler High School in 1966. Linda was married to Gary Trojan on Sept. 19, 1970 at Schuyler, NE. The couple divorced in 1992. Linda spent most of her life in the Custer County area, Comstock and Ord. She had worked as a bartender and waitress at various places. She also had worked at The Ord Quiz. Linda was a past member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Comstock and the Ord Women’s Bowling League. Linda had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Linda’s hobbies included playing softball in her younger years, watching football, crossword puzzles and she enjoyed visits from her grandchildren. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Mike Fisher 

 of Remsen, IA; three grandchildren, Wade, Jace and Audrey of Remsen, IA; a sister and brother-in-law, Amy and Ron Acklie of Clearwater, NE.; four nieces and their families. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Jason (JT). 

Sharalyn Beckman • Ord, NE Resident, 80

Charlotte Schlender.

   A private service will be held at a later time. In lieu of usual remembrances, it is suggested that memorials be given in Sherry’s name to Grandview Assisted Living in Ord, NE. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Sharalyn “Sherry” Beckman, 80, of Ord, passed away Fri., July 24, 2020 at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

   Sharalyn “Sherry” Beckman was born in Norfolk, NE to Marvin and Evelyn (Flesner) James on Jan. 20, 1940, where she grew up and later graduated from Battle Creek High School. After graduating, Sherry was united in marriage to Vernon Ray Beckman on Dec. 13, 1959. She was employed by various businesses in the Norfolk area. Vern and Sherry farmed in Pilger for several years. In 1976, the family moved to Benkelman, NE. In 1979, she and her family opened and operated Circle “B” Restaurant and Lounge and later the Motor Lodge, until retiring in 1999. In 2014, Sherry relocated to Ord, NE to be closer to family.

   She is survived by her loving family: daughters, Victoria Kozak (Larry) of Fort Collins, CO, Linda (Gary) of Benkelman, NE, Sandra Dugger (Troy) of Susanville, CA, Tracy Ries (Richard) of Ord, NE and Pamela Tyson of Fort Morgan, CO; her sister, Kathy (Jim) Wilkinson; brother, Bob (Diana) James, of Norfolk, NE; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many other family members and close friends.

   Preceding her in death were her loving husband of over 48 years, Vernon Beckman; her parents, Marvin and Evelyn James; in-laws, William and Emma Beckman; her sister, Beverly Norris; and sister-in-law,

Lorraine Verna (Zulkoski) Pfeifer • Omaha, NE Resident, 98

    Lorraine Verna (Zulkoski) Pfeifer entered into Eternal Peace on July 17, 2020 surrounded by her loving family at her home. Lorraine was the sixth of nine children born to John B. Zulkoski and Verna Kusek. All were born in their farmhouse in Elyria, NE. Polish was the language spoken in their home. She talked about walking to school for miles unless the weather was bad and then was taken to school by horse and wagon. She moved to Omaha at age 17 with her sister, Bernice. After moving to Omaha, she worked at the county hospital as nurse’s aide. When World War II broke out, she went to work at Fairmont making butter designs.     While at a sing-a-long she met her future husband, Larry Pfeifer. They liked to sing and dance, which led to marriage. Larry and Lorraine were married on Feb. 6, 1943. In 1945 they started their family of seven children. She lived in California from 1977-1987. She had many jobs throughout her life but one of her favorites was demoing food at grocery stores, which she did until she was 90. She loved talking to people!     Lorraine truly was the queen of crafts. She was known for her beautiful wedding, doll and birthday cakes, sugar Easter eggs, chocolate chip and sugar cookies, popcorn balls, potato salad, zucchini and banana bread, jelly, butterflies, scrubbers, afghans and so much more. She loved playing cards with Ron, Jan, Larry Joe, Rick and Marv (and sometimes Connie) every Monday night since the passing of Larry in 1999. She also enjoyed 

 Death Notice

Shirley Young

Ord, NE Resident, 77

   Shirley Young, 77, of Ord passed away Mon., July 27, 2020 at the CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Fri., July 31, 2020 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord.  Father Mark Maresh will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery.  

   Due to COVID-19 the family is requesting that the funeral attendees use social distancing and masks are required. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

 Marv (and sometimes Connie) every Monday night since the passing of Larry in 1999. She also enjoyed playing cards with the grandchildren. Lorraine continued to live on her own at her home and drive, up until a short time before she passed. Lorraine was so strong for so long.     She is survived by her three daughters, Connie (Dan) Dolan, Jan Redding and Cindy Andersen; her four sons, Ron (Linda), Larry Joe (Caryn), Rick (Phyllis) and Marv (Carl) Pfeifer; her brother, Edmund Zulkoski; a brother-in-law, Gene Novotny; 23 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends. Lorraine is preceded in death by husband Laurence Pfeifer; mother; father; three sisters; and four brothers. We’re sure going to miss our Butterfly Lady. Love you!     In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. James Catholic Church, 9025 Larimore Ave. Omaha, NE 68134 or the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department, 12919 Ponca Road, Omaha, NE 68112. Due to COVID-19, a private service was held on Tues., July 21. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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Lorene Meese • Ord, NE Resident, 85

   Lorene Marie (Petska) Meese, 85, of Ord, NE passed away Thurs., July 16, 2020, at Tabitha Journey House in Lincoln, NE. 

   Private family memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Fri., Aug. 7, 2020, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Scott Harter will be the Celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Condolences may be sent to Suzanne Farmer, 10033 Shorefront Drive, Lincoln, NE 68527.

   Lorene Marie was born Sept. 21, 1934, in rural Ord, NE to Stanley C. and Mary A. (Adamek) Petska. She lived on various farms around Valley County during her youth attending rural country school then graduating from Ord High School in 1951.

   On Dec. 28, 1953, she was united in marriage to J. Raymond Meese at Ord, NE. They made their home on a farm nine miles northeast of Ord. Lorene worked at the Co-op Elevator as a bookkeeper for 30+ years and then as a bookkeeper for the Alco Store until her 80th birthday when she retired. 

   Lorene loved reading books, crocheting and baking.  She baked amazing kolaches, rohliky and poppyseed rolls, which were purchased by many around the area.  She thoroughly enjoyed the family get-

togethers with her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, as well as her children.

   Lorene is survived by her five children and their spouses; two daughters, Suzanne Farmer (Darrell) and Carol Konkoleski (Daryl) all of Lincoln, three sons, Michael Meese (Joan) of Lincoln, Darrell Meese (Dena) of Seward and Charles Meese of Ord; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren and spouses; five step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Mary Petska; her husband, J. Raymond Meese; two sisters, Mary Ann (Henry) Larsen and Betty (Floyd) Kusek; and four brothers, Richard (Lois) Petska, Lavern (Mary) Petska, Stanley (Mary Ann) Petska and Paul (Geneva) Petska.

Alberta Maly • Ord, NE Resident, 40

   Alberta Maly, 40, of rural Ord passed away Tues., July 14, 2020, at the CHI Good Samaritan Health System in Kearney, due to a battle with kidney disease.

   Alberta’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the American Kidney Foundation. Condolences can be sent to Randy Maly, 48440 814th Road, Ord, NE 68862. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Alberta June was born June 15, 1980, at Grand Junction, CO to Albert L. and Mary (McConnaughey) Pilcher. She spent her childhood in Grand Junction and St. Joseph, MO. She then moved to Kenesaw, NE where she received her high school education.

   On July 11, 1998, Alberta was united in marriage to Randy Maly at Ord, NE. The couple settled on a farm in the Springdale area of Valley County, NE, where they raised their two daughters. Alberta loved the country life and raising cows. Alberta enjoyed attending livestock sales, shopping and going to concerts.

   Survivors include her husband, Randy of rural Ord; two daughters, Jasmine Maly of Grand Island and Lorri Maly of Chambers; a granddaughter, Koehler Friedrichsen; her mother, Mary Pilcher, of St. Joseph, MO; two brothers, Jr. and Paul Donaldson, both of St. Joseph; four sisters, Arlene Zabel, Debbie Pace, Shirley Jones and

Karen Donaldson, all of St. Joseph; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

   She was preceded in death by her father, Albert; grandmother, Alice McConnaughey; a niece, Mindy Johnson; nephew, James Porterfield; two uncles, Terry and Larry Pilcher; and a cousin, Laura Pilcher.

Josephine Felker • Loup City, NE Resident

   Josephine (Jo) Felker went home to her heavenly Father June 27, 2020 at Rose Lane Home in Loup City, NE. A special thanks to the administration and staff at Rose Lane Home for the care they provided to Jo while residing there.

   While she lived in Oregon, California and Nebraska, she had an interesting and productive life as a wife, mother and business woman. She was a role model and mentor to many, a stranger to no one. Her smile and kindness were contagious and she had a sense of ‘ease’ throughout her business career. This impact upon the lives of others is her legacy. She was fortunate to travel much in her later years, from Norway to Australia and many places in between. Towards the end of her life she enjoyed living in Ord, NE, where many knew her as “The Quilting Lady”. She was a gifted and talented lady who could turn a scrap of material into a wonderful piece of art. Those fortunate enough to have her ‘gift’ them with a quilt piece will forever have a piece of her love.

   Preceded in death by her sister, Judy Hendrix of Wheaton, MO, she is survived by her sister Virginia Glinsmann of Loup City, NE; daughter Constance (Lyn) Wright of Kansas; and son Albert (Elizabeth) Felker of Vermont. She also left her legacy with her two granddaughters and three grandsons.

   Cremation has been held and inurnment shall be at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery near Morrill, NE.

   Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Kenny Martin

North Loup, NE Resident, 68

   Kenneth C. “Kenny” Martin, 68, of North Loup passed away unexpectedly at his home in North Loup on Thurs., June 11, 2020.

   Mr. Martin’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., July 25, 2020, at the North Loup Community Building. Military honors will be provided by the Ralph R. Rich American Legion Post #285.

Bonnie Cox

Former Ord, NE Resident, 91

   Bonnie Cox, 91, of Grand Island, formerly of Ord, passed away on Fri., March 20, 2020, at the Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island.

   A Celebration of Life and Inurnment will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sat., July 25, 2020, at the Ord City Cemetery. Pastor Spenser Johnson will officiate. Memorials are suggested to the Ord First United Methodist Church, Ord American Legion Auxiliary or Ord Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

   Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Rose (Hosek) Sapp

Hickman, NE Resident, 63

   Sandra Rose (Hosek) Sapp of Hickman passed away at the age of 63, May 5, 2020 after a courageous cancer battle.  Funeral service and celebration of life will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Cortland on Fri., July 31 at 1 pm.  Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home will direct services.

Esther Tuma

Elba, NE Resident, 86

   Esther Tuma, 86 of Elba, NE, passed away Mon., July 20. Visitation will be held Fri., July 24, contact the funeral home for details. Funeral services will be held Sat., July 25, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul. Memorials are suggested to the family. A full obituary will be published at a later date.

Funeral Notices

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Carroll Leroy Barnes • Ord, NE Resident, 78

   Carroll Leroy Barnes, 78, of Ord passed away Thurs., July 9, 2020, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha after a courageous battle with cancer.  

   Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tues., July 14, 2020, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord, NE Father Scott Harter was the Celebrant. Burial was in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. The family will not be present.

   Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. The Mass can be viewed on

   Carroll was born Sept. 12, 1941, in rural Cotesfield, NE to Carl and Anna (Hayes) Barnes. He lived in and around Cotesfield during his youth and attended schools in and near Cotesfield and later Scotia High School, graduating in 1959.

   On Aug. 11, 1962, Carroll was united in marriage to Joan Rajewich at Ord, NE. Carroll attended Kearney State College and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1963 and his Masters Degree in Counseling in 1982. He worked as a teacher, principal and coach in Shickley, NE for several years and sold seed in Wayne,

NE for several years before returning to Shickley to purchase a small business. From 1982 until his retirement, Carroll spent the rest of his career as a substance abuse counselor/director, living in O’Neill, Central City and Ord, where he retired.  

   Carroll was an outdoorsman from an early age growing up along the North Loup River.  He loved the outdoors and loved to hunt, fish and trap.  In his opinion there wasn’t any better way to spend a day than sitting in a duck blind with friends and family.  He was always of the opinion that “you can never have too many decoys” and he would spend hours setting them out, picking them up and adjusting them throughout the day.  He also spent many Saturdays attending gun shows across the state where he connected with old friends as they looked for “hot deals.” His years of hunting made him one of the best shots around­ – he seldom missed his target.

   During their retirement years, Carroll and Joan loved to go for drives around the Ord countryside. They spent their summers camping near Gunnison, CO, where they met many lifelong friends from all over the United States. 

   Carroll is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Barnes of Ord; three children and their spouses, a daughter, Laurie Thiltges (Fred) of Rulo, NE; a son, Greg Barnes (Pam) of Holdrege, NE; and a daughter, Deb Anders (Dave) of Ankeny, IA; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.  

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Anna Barnes; and Joan’s parents, Ed and Georgia Rajewich.

Larry R. Barta • Elyria, NE Resident, 80

   Larry Ray Barta, 80, of Elyria, passed away Sun., July 12, 2020, at the Valley County Health System Hospital in Ord. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Fri., July 17, 2020, at the Ord First United Methodist Church. Pastor Spenser Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-5 p.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel. The family will not be present. Due to the COVID-19 funeral attendees need to use social distancing and facial masks are required. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Larry Ray Barta was born Oct. 7, 1939, in Garfield County, NE to Ludvik and Leona (Fox) Barta. He graduated from Burwell High School in 1958.

   On April 30, 1961, Larry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Deanna Jean Johnson of Scotia, NE. The couple began their lives together in Amelia, NE and later settled in Elyria, NE where they raised their two daughters.

   Larry was employed by the Valley County Roads Department for 40 years.

   Larry was a leader for the Fort Hartsuff 4-H Club and served as the Mayor of Elyria for several years. Larry

was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time with his family and watching his five grandchildren grow up.

   Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Deanna; two daughters, Roberta Barta (Marvin Kinney) and Raylene and Jerry Crow; grandchildren, Brandi (Brandon), Justina (Bobbey), Tiffany (Gavon), Levi, Lindsey (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Alex, Ryker, Ayden and Quinn; and a brother and two sisters-in-law, Dale and Sherrill Barta and Shirley Barta.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and Cliff McBride, Lola and Vern McBride and Zonna Barta; and two brothers and a sister-in-law, Dewane Barta and Melvin and Rita Barta.

Joe Partridge • Ord, NE Resident, 65

   Martin Joe Partridge, 65, or rural Ord passed away Tues., July 7, 2020, at his home.

   Mr. Partridge was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family.

   Martin Joe Partridge was born Dec. 31, 1954, at O’Neill, NE to Lowell and Donnah (Elshire) Partridge. He attended Dannebrog Elementary School and Centura High School.

   Joe spent his life as a carpenter; he was very skilled and could build anything.  On Sept. 4, 2008, Joe was united in marriage to Vicky Lynn Gydesen at Ord, NE.

   Joe was a member of Royal Coachman Car Club of St. Paul. He enjoyed classic cars (Mopar, Dodge and Plymouth), restoring them and attending car shows. He was able to tell the make, model and year from the headlights or taillights.

   Survivors include his wife, Vicky; his father, Lowell; a son, Austin Partridge; a daughter, Cami Partridge and family; three brothers, Blaine, Phillipp and Luke Partridge; and a sister, Peg Peterson.

   He was preceded in death by his mother, Donnah Plugge.