Jerome E. Wadas, 79, of Ord passed away Fri., July 16, 2021, at the Valley County Health System Hospital in Ord.

   Mass of Christian Burial was held Tues., July 20, 2021; at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Richard Piontkowski was the Celebrant. Burial was in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School. Ord Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

   Jerome Emanuel Wadas was born Oct. 15, 1941, at Ord, NE to Benedict and Bernice (Golus) Wadas. He was raised on the family farm northeast of Ord and received his early education at District #55 Country School and graduated from Ord High School in 1961.

   Following high school, Jerome worked for S&M Implement Dealership in Ord. On Jan. 11, 1964, Jerome was united in marriage to Joyce Parkos at Ord, NE. In 1969, they purchased a farm northeast of Ord and raised their family of six children. Jerome proudly farmed their family’s land until his passing.

   He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Valley Rods and Loup Valley Old Iron Club. Jerome was an avid collector of tractors and farm equipment, and his passion was Oliver Tractors. He loved participating in and attending tractor pulls and parades.

   Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Joyce of Ord; four sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Pat of Seward; Kyle and Nicole of Ord, Korbe and Sarah of Cheyenne, WY and Kody and Veronica of Lincoln; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Norman Jensen of St. Paul and Kellie and Dwayne Knight of Kansas City, MO; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Eva and Dean Nelson of Ord and Elaine and David Tongish of Centennial, CO; and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Voss of Grand Island and Linda Wadas of Ord.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Benedict Jr. and Karl Wadas.

Jerome E. Wadas • Ord, NE Resident, 79

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2021

Darren D. Dockhorn • U.S. Marine Veteran • Commerce City, CO Resident, 66

   Darren D. Dockhorn, 66, of Commerce City, CO, formerly of Nebraska, passed away peacefully Sun., July 4, 2021, at the Ridgeview Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center in Commerce City, CO.

   Mr. Dockhorn’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thurs., July 15, 2021, at the Wescott Baptist Church in Comstock. Pastor Don Schauda will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Arcadia City Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the family for future designation. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Darren Dell was born May 24, 1955, at Loup City, NE to Russell Glenn and Gail Irene (Shepperd) Dockhorn. His early years were spent growing up in the Comstock area where he attended Comstock Grade School. Later the family moved to Ord and Darren graduated from Ord High School in 1974.

    Darren was recruited by the United States Marine Corps. Following the Marines he lived in Grand Island. On June 15, 1979, Darren married Deborah Kay Engle at Grand Island. He happily gained a step-daughter, Mary Beth and later the couple was blessed with a son, Russell Dean.

   While in Grand Island, Darren worked at various jobs until disability caused him to retire. In 2012, he made his home at Off-Broadway in Broken Bow then in 2020, he moved to an assisted living center in Denver to be closer to his wife.

   Darren accepted Jesus as his Savior early in life. He was a member of the VFW. He enjoyed embroidering, playing cards, gardening, bowling and fishing with his son.

   Survivors include his wife, Deborah of Brush, CO; a son, Russell D. Dockhorn of Grand Island; two sisters, Janice Sutton of Hoyt, KS and Charlene (Victor) Green of Laurel; one brother, Glenn (Marilou) Dockhorn of Ord; a step-granddaughter, Emily; a step-great-granddaughter, Rosie; and many nieces, nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter, Mary Beth; and parents-in-law, Hattie and Donald Engle.  

   James Paul Layher, Sr. 84, of Fairfax Station, VA, went home to our Lord in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family on June 11, 2021.

   Memorial Services will be held July 16 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA, with funeral services following immediately after at Fairfax Memorial Park (same location). Following the funeral services, there will be a Celebration of Life reception for all in attendance.

   Jim loved hunting, target shooting, traveling and spending time outdoors with his family. After graduating college, James went to work for the Naval Research Laboratory where he proudly served his country as a physicist for over 48 years. Jim loved tinkering and fixing things and was always there to help family and friends when things were not working the way they were supposed to.

   James is survived by his loving wife, Marianna, of 56 years; daughter, Karen Sawyer; son, Michael; daughter, Janet Pence and her husband, Ron; son, James Paul Jr. and his wife, Ligia; his sister, Irma; along with 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many other nieces and nephews.

   James was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to everyone he met.

   If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Mercy Ships Charity www.mercyships.org.

James P. Layher, Sr. • Fairfax Station, VA Resident, 84

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2021

Leonard M. Urbanski • U.S. Navy Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 73

   Leonard M. Urbanski, 73, of Ord passed away Fri., July 2, 2021, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thurs., July 8, 2021, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Scott Harter will celebrate the Mass. The Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Lincoln Memorial Park in Lincoln, NE. Military Honors will be presented at the church by the Ord VFW Post #7029 and American Legion Post #38. Memorials are suggested to the Ord Flag Fund at Auble’s Pond. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Leonard Martin was born Oct. 9, 1947, at Ord, NE to Martin and Adeline M. (McCarville) Urbanski. He was raised in Ord and graduated from Ord High School in 1965.

   Leonard attended Kearney State College then joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and recuperated for three years following his disability. He returned to college and graduated from Central Community College in Hastings.

   On Sept. 14, 1979, Leonard marred Betty Krumm at Lincoln, NE. He spent most of his adult life in Lincoln and worked at the Veterans Regional Office. Following his wife’s passing in 1998, Leonard spent time in Kentucky before returning to his hometown of Ord in 2003.

   Since September of 2020, Leonard has made his home at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell where he enjoyed living and was appreciative of the good care he received.

   Leonard was an avid Nebraska sports fan, especially football and also was a KC Chiefs fan. He collected ducks and liked to watch birds. His pride and joy were his grandkids and being involved in his family’s lives. He was a member of the VFW.

   Survivors include a son, Rodney (Renee) Krumm of Lincoln; two daughters, Ronda (Joel) Owen and Renee Shipley (Allen Hayford) all of Valentine; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Thomas Urbanski (Theresa) of Grand Island; a sister, Marlene Vasicek of Ord; a special niece, Rhonni (Matt) Benson of Scotia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and parents-in-law, Glenn and Leona Couch.

   Russ Barnes, 60, of Ord passed away Thurs., July 1, 2021, at his home in Ord surrounded by his family following a battle with cancer.

   Mr. Barnes’ wishes were to be cremated. The family will honor his life by greeting family and friends from 5-7 p.m. on Fri., July 9, 2021, at the Ord Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Loup Popcorn Days Committee. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Russell Jon was born Oct. 30, 1960, at Ord, NE to Verlon W. and Rita A. (Sevenker) Barnes. He was raised in Ord where he received his education and graduated from Ord High School in 1979. Russ continued his education at CCC in Hastings where he studied Auto Mechanics.

   On May 16, 1981, Russ was united in marriage to Jill Hamer at Ord, NE. To this union four children were born. For the past 20 years the family has made their home in Ord. Russ owned and operated Husker Sales and Service. His job was his passion and greatest joy. He took pride in his work and cherished the long lasting friendships made with his customers and farmers.

   Russ was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying all activities especially his yard. His family was his pride and joy and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

   Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Jill of Ord; his mother, Rita Tolen of Ord; two daughters and sons-in-law, Blayne and Nick Haag of Lincoln and Brynn and Caleb Barnett of Doniphan; two sons, Jackson Barnes and Jaden Barnes and his fiancé’, Haley Dunbar all of Ord; six grandchildren, Peyton, Logan, Wylloh, Cameron, Maddox, and Vivienne; an expectant grandchild; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Marty Barnes of Maryland and Verlon and Cindy Barnes of Bellevue; and two sisters and a brother-in-law, Deb and Scott Osler of Elsie and Roxann Bredthauer of Aurora.

   He was preceded in death by his father, Verlon Barnes.

Russ Barnes • Ord, NE Resident, 60

Margery M. Zulkoski • Elyria, NE Resident, 88

   Margery M. Zulkoski, 88, formerly of Elyria passed away on Sun., June 20, 2021, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wed., July 14, 2021; at the St. Mary’s Cemetery at Elyria, NE. Father Scott Harter will officiate. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church or St. Mary’s School. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 

   Margery Mae was born Feb. 11, 1933, at Burwell, NE to Jesse C. and Laura L. (Conner) Freeman. She was raised in Burwell and received her education at Riverdale Country School.

On June 10, 1950, Margery was united in marriage to Ralph J. Zulkoski at Elyria, NE. The couple resided in Tulsa, OK and their first two sons, Tim and Paul, were born. In late 1953, the family relocated to the Churn Ranch in Cherry County near Merriman, NE. Blaine, Angela, Sharon and Lynn were born while living there.

   They moved to the JHL Ranch near Ashby, NE in 1961. Margery cooked and cleaned the bunkhouse, raised a garden, and did the laundry for ranch hands and her family on both ranches as well as raising her six children.

   In 1965, they moved back to the Burwell area and purchased a farm east of Burwell. They began a dairy and started selling milk to the neighbors and sold cream to the Butter Factory in Burwell. Later they sold to MidAmerican Dairy until their retirement in 2003.

   In 2004, the couple moved to Elyria, NE and settled on Ralph’s parent’s homestead. Their children and grandchildren built on an addition and remodeled the home, which included a quilting room for Margery. She enjoyed her home and beautiful yard until moving to Grandview Assisted Living Center in Ord and later to the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

   While living in Burwell, Margery was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Altar Society. She was active during the Burwell Rodeo making meals in the Catholic Church building. She belonged to Garfield County Extension Clubs and a bowling league with her friends. When she moved to Elyria, she attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord.

   Margery was a hard worker and kept very busy. She was an excellent cook and baker as everyone ate like kings and queens at her table. She was a member of a quilting club and made many keepsake quilts for family. Her seamstress skills were top notch. Margery received numerous awards at the county fairs with her quilts, baking, vegetables and crafts.

   Survivors include three sons and three daughters-in-law, Timothy and Rita of Caldwell, KS, Blaine and Mary Lou of Rhome, TX, Ralph Lynn of Morris, IL and Christine Zulkoski Fitch (widow of “Zeke”) of Caldwell, KS; two daughters and a son-in-law, Angela and Jim Lola of Douglas, WY and Sharon Shetterly of Burwell, NE; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandchild; and one brother, Dale Freeman of Wahoo.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph who passed away on March 7, 2010; a son, Paul “Zeke”; a son-in-law, Clinton Shetterly; six sisters, Florence, Ilene, Betty, Lola, Norma and Lila; and four brothers, Robert “Bud”, Gerald “Ora”, Delbert and Marvin.

James Lowery • Burwell, NE Resident, 86

   James “Jim” Lowery died June 30, 2021 at his home north of Burwell. Funeral services were held Tues., July 6, 2021 at the 83 Grand Event Center in Burwell, NE.  Burial was in Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell.  Pastors JB Sikes, Tim Wyrick and Doug Olson officiated. Memorials are suggested to Grace Family Fellowship.

   Jim was born to Vernon and Belva (Cass) Lowery on Oct. 10, 1934 in Burwell, NE at his Grandma Cass’s home and grew up on the Lowery Homestead north of Burwell on the Cedar River Road.  He attended the Erina Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Burwell High School in 1952. Following graduation, he made a large sweep through the Southwestern states even down to the southern tip of Texas on a trip with his brother, Mel.

   Jim returned home to the ranch and met the sweet Aleta Rose Nelson. They were married on June 20, 1954 at the old Methodist Church in Burwell to which three children were born, Debra Kay, Cynthia Jean, and James Allen.  They lived on the homesteaded Lowery Ranch on the Cedar River Road until 1970. They then moved to their ranch north of Burwell where they have lived since.

   Dad was the kind of man who loved his wife tenderly and his children with patience and gentleness. His favorite horse was Blackie and his “best friend” dog was Major. He always had a knack with training horses and dogs. He didn’t use much for treats but the animals just seemed to want to please him, and with mutual respect, together, they got the job done. This same quality was also displayed as he related to his family and friends.

Jim had a great interest in raising fine Quarter horses and good Angus cattle, a rancher who loved and cared for the land.

   Some of the various positions he held were Erina School Board, School Reorganization Board, Burwell High School Board, District 70 Board, Sunday School Superintendent, 4-H Leader and Nebraska’s Big Rodeo Board.

   He accepted Jesus as his Saviour and was baptized in the Calamus Lake. He walked quietly with Jesus, but he lived it loud.

   Those left to honor his memory are his children Deb, (Rex) Kelley of Ord, Cindy (John) Seidel of Ainsworth, and James (Cassie) Lowery of Burwell; grandchildren Jennifer (Robert) Cook, Christine (Barry) Hemminger, Benjamin (Anne) Kelley, Dean (Ashley Peters) Kelley; Jonathan (Emily) Seidel, David (Heather) Seidel, Thomas (Joy) Seidel; Abigail (Kamron) Mowrey, Emma, Josiah, Elijah, and Alyssa Lowery; great-grandchildren, Micheal, Cassie, Jacob, and Kelley Kaspar, Lucie and Emily Hemminger, Micheala and Bryant Kelley, Sutton and Shane Kelley, Raven (Corey) King, Sage, and Mazie Dasher, Kaden, Cyrus, Claire, and Cooper Seidel, Drew, Eli, and Samuel Seidel, Josie, Andrew, Tad, Daniel, Eden, Evy, Evan, Ephraim, Emsley, and Paisley Seidel, Hazel, Arabella, and baby Mowrey; brother, Mel (Shirley) Lowery; sisters-in-law, Sandy Lowery, Joy Guggenmos, Louese Nelson, and Darlene Tetschner.

   Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 66 years, Aleta, his parents, Vernon and Belva Lowery, brother, Vernon “Zeke” Lowery brothers-in-law, Ray Guggenmos, Decklyn Nelson, Elwood “Woody” (Irene) Nelson, Blaine Nelson, sisters-in-law, Zenn (Lowell) Thompson, Rene (Edwin) Fitzgibbons and Joyce Helmkamp.

   His example and wisdom will continue to guide our lives.