Richard L. “Dick” Pokorny, 86, of Burwell, passed away Fri., Jan. 21, 2022, at Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island after a battle with cancer.

   Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thurs., Jan. 27, 2022, at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Pastor Tom Burkholder will officiate. Burial will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ord Volunteer Fire and Rescue Unit or the Morrison Cancer Center of Grand Island and Hastings. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Richard was born Aug. 26, 1935, to Joe and Eileen (Liberski) Pokorny. Richard was the oldest of nine children and was born in a sod house north of Burwell. He attended country school through the eighth grade. Due to the large family, he did not go to high school. Richard went to work as a hired man to help support the family, in a few years he was a hired by Alfred Burson, of Ord.

   Alfred saw potential in Richard and said, “I’m going to help you go to college.” Because Richard never attended or graduated high school, he was required to take and pass the United States Armed Forces Exam to enter college. Richard started studying ministries at Westmar College in Le Mars, IA at age 23, working his way through college as a room monitor and at a local bakery. Richard was famous for his angel food cakes and kolaches. In 1962, while in college, he joined the Fraternal Order of Masons and was still a member 60 years later. In 1963, he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. He started teaching in Sheldon, IA pursuing his dream of teaching for 18 years; member of NEA-NSEA. While teaching in Oct. of 1966, Richard was united in marriage to Thelma Shipman. Richard proudly adopted Thelma‘s children, Stephen, Vicky, and Linette. Richard and Thelma added a little sister, Karen Jo, to the blended family. Richard‘s true dream was to be a farmer. In 1973, he purchased farm ground in Valley County, south of Burwell. Richard continued to teach for eight years at District #32, a one room school and farmed till operation grew, also selling DeKalb Seed. He served on the North Loup Public Power and Irrigation District Board.

   Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 55 years, Thelma; daughters, Karen Jo Bredthauer of Grand Island, Linette (Doug) Molczyk of Columbus, and Vicky (Bryan) Gudenrath, of Edmond, OK; a son, Stephen Pokorny of Burwell; grandchildren, Chelsy Shipman, Linsey Gudenrath, Jason (Aimee) Trotter, Caitlin (NJ Jayaramu) Molczyk, and Trenton Molczyk; great-grandchildren, Grayson and Catherine Shipman, and Annie, Ellie, and Jennie Trotter; his siblings, Herman Pokorny of Scotia, Dorothy Dexter of Chambers, Ralph and (Diana) Pokorny of Chapel Hill, TN, Foster Pokorny of Kiowa, CO., Elizabeth Little of Omaha, Linda (Randy) Homan of Louisville, Dennis (Karen) Pokorny of Bartlett, and Steve (Susan) Pokorny of Lander, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and his baby sister, Barbara.

Richard L. “Dick” Pokorny • Burwell, NE Resident, 86

   Galen R. Maresh, 62, of York, NE, passed away on Jan. 3, 2022, in Grand Island, NE.

   He was born on Nov. 12, 1959, in Ord, NE to Wilma (Sedlacek) and Eldon Maresh.

   One of six children, Galen grew up on the family farm in Valley County, graduating from Ord High School in 1978. His education continued at UNL, graduating in 1982 with degrees in ag education and finance. While at UNL he was a member of the Ag Men Fraternity, making life-long friendships while there.

   Galen met his future wife, Lee Ann Florea, while working at Farm Credit in Kearney, NE. The two were married on June 8, 1985 in Aurora, NE.

   Galen and Lee Ann lived in numerous Nebraska communities where Galen worked in agricultural lending and was active in rural economic development. He took great pride in his relationships with farmers and ranchers and loved visiting them on their own ground.

   Galen was passionate about his faith and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at the time of death.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and for many years had taught CCD.

   Galen is survived by his wife, Lee Ann, of York; and their three children, Justin (Nikki) of Palmdale, CA, Allison (Kelly) of Santa Fe, NM and Alex, also of Santa Fe, NM. Galen is also survived by his siblings, Linda Maresh of Ord, Judy Svatora of Lincoln, Karen (Gary) O'Neill of Grand Island, Gary (Lisa) Maresh of Central City and Fr. Mark Maresh of Loup City; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Valerie Florea of Lenexa, KS; a brother-in-law Mike Florea, of Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Galen was preceded in death by his father, Eldon; his mother, Wilma; infant brother, Duane; and Lee Ann's parents, Ronald and Leslie Florea.

   Services are to be determined and will be held at a later date in Ord. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the National MS Society. Condolences may be sent to Lee Ann Maresh 1104 East 12th Street, York, NE 68467.

Galen R. Maresh • York, NE Resident, 62

   Steven Lee Graves, Sr. 73, of Sargent passed away Mon., Jan. 17, 2022, at Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow, NE.

   Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 22, 2022, at the Church of Christ in Sargent. Pastor Marty Robbins will officiate. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell. Military Honors will be presented at the gravesite. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   Steven Lee was born July 29, 1948, at Burwell, NE to George and Lottie (Taylor) Graves. He was raised north of Burwell and graduated from Burwell High School in 1966.

   While growing up, Steve worked on the Cassidy Ranch. He served in the United States Army for two years and was stationed in Alaska.

   On Dec. 5, 1970, Steve was united in marriage to Karolyn Schroder. To this union six children were born. Steve worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment mechanic for the majority of his life. He worked for the State of Nebraska, Custer and Garfield counties and the Calamus Dam Project. He owned a mechanic shop, “Steve’s Repair and Welding” and also ranched. For the past 40 years he has made his home in Sargent.

   Steve was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and prairie dog hunting. He loved his family time and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

   Survivors include three sons, Butch of Blue Hill, Scott (Kerri) of Kearney and Sam (Laura) of Omaha; three daughters, Sonja Anderson of Sargent, Serena Gregorski (Robert) of Elyria and Susan Graves of Oconto; 26 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Elwin Graves (Debbie) of Burwell; two sisters, Lois Young (Duane) of Aurora and Kendelyn Malmstrom of Burwell; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karolyn who passed away in 2011; an infant sister, Linda Graves; two granddaughters, Kara Fernau and Jenna Trotter; a grandson, Jessie Cronk; and a nephew, Jonathan Standlea.

Steven L. Graves • U.S. Army Veteran • Sargent, NE Resident, 73

19

January



2022

MaryAnn Lange • Ord, NE Resident, 91

   MaryAnn Lange, 91, of Ord passed away on Thurs., Jan. 13, 2022, at CHI St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island.

   Funeral Services were held Mon., Jan. 17, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ord. Pastor Adam Archer officiated. Burial was in the Ord City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Ord Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

   MaryAnn was born on Nov. 21, 1930, at Burlington, CO to William and Scena (Nielsen) Lucke. She was raised in Iowa and graduated from high school at Minden, IA.

   MaryAnn was united in marriage to F. Vernon Veskerna on May 8, 1954, at Minden, IA. To this union three children were born: Rodney, Patty and David. The couple farmed in Douglas County, near Valley, NE. In 1960, they settled on a farm in the Davis Creek area of Valley County. Vernon passed away in April of 1967, as a result of a farm accident.

   In 1969, MaryAnn married David Lange and a daughter, Carrie, was born. They made their home southwest of Ord. After moving into Ord in 1988, MaryAnn began working as an instructor at Mid Nebraska Individual Services and retired after 25+ years of service.

   While on the farm MaryAnn drove the tractor, gardened and canned. She was also a cook at the Vinton Rural School.

   She was a very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was involved in LWML, Ladies Circle, Dorcas, choir and was a past secretary of the church. She belonged to WIFE, Valley County Extension Club, bowling league and bridge club. She was a Royals baseball fan and Nebraska Huskers sports fan. Her favorite pastimes were her family, grandkids’ activities and crocheting blankets for her grandkids.

   Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Stephanie Veskerna of Ord; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Rick Rauert of Grand Island and Carrie and Mark Siebke of Aurora; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a brother and sister-in-law, William and Babetta Lucke of Persia, IA.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon Veskerna; a son, David Veskerna; a brother Robert Lucke; and sister, Marcia Lucke.

Bernard Maxson • U.S. Air Force Veteran • Kearney, NE Resident, 85

   Bernard “Barney” Maxson of Kearney, formerly of Ord, went to his heavenly home Jan. 15, 2022. Barney was born on April 28, 1936 to Arlo and Erna (Fisher) Maxson in Burwell, NE. Barney grew up on a farm outside of Burwell and attended country school/high school and graduated in 1953 from Burwell High School. He worked at various jobs before joining the United States Air Force in 1954. He was stationed in Altus, OK where he was an airplane mechanic and graduated top of the class until his discharge in 1960 and returned back to Burwell.

   On June 22, 1958 he married Marilyn Keenan at the First Christian Church in Burwell and they had three children: Tammy, Kelsey and Kelly Joe.

   He worked at the Burwell Butter Factory and Burwell Coop until moving to Loup City in 1965 as owner of the Loup City Produce and Feed.

In 1966 Marilyn and Barney gave their life to the Lord and learned to be become faithful servants of Jesus Christ under the biblical teaching and nurturing of Pastor Doug DeNeui. Doug was a very good friend the remainder of Barney’s life.

   He and his family lived in Loup City until moving to Hartington in 1975 as he felt called into the ministry. He attended Pioneer Bible Institute and received his degree in Theology.

   In 1976 Barney and his family moved to Wayne to be a pastor of Independent Faith Baptist Church while working full time at the Wayne Auto Parts. They lived in Wayne until moving to Ord where he was the pastor at Independent Bible Church in Arcadia and continued to work other jobs. Barney couldn’t wait until summertime. He loved to garden, mow lawns, play around outside and fix anything with a small engine. He also loved to go fishing with family and friends. Barney had lots of good stories he told about his life and passed it on to the next generation.

   In 2014 he moved to Kearney to be closer to family.

   For 40 plus years he served in pastoral ministry care in various ways.

   He was committed to his Lord and Savior and encouraged family and friends not always just by words but through his works and commitment to the Lord. Barney loved his family endlessly, was very proud of his family and loved to share this with others.

   He is survived by Tammy Maxson Bossom of Kearney, NE; Kelsey (Laurie) Maxson of Galveston, TX; Kelly Joe (Rose) Maxson of Wayne, NE; five grandchildren: Shawn Bossom, Amanda (James) Miller, Rachel (Tyler) Hansen, Sarah Maxson, Daniel Maxson; five great-grandchildren: Averie, Bryson, Eden, Titus, Matthias and one on the way; his sister, Norma (Rudy) Janitscheck; brother, Eldon Maxson; many nieces and nephews and all the friends he has met along the way.

   He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, Marilyn, and sister, Darlene Swanson.

All memorials will go to Gideon’s International.

   Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Fri., Jan. 21, 2022 at the Burwell Baptist Church in Burwell. Burial will be in Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell. Pastor Joel Wentworth and Pastor Doug DeNeui will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Hitchcock Funeral Home in Burwell.

Ronald C. Edzards • U.S. Navy Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 80

   Ronald Charles Edzards was born on Oct. 27, 1941 in Los Angeles, CA to John Rinehart Edzards and Cleo Naomi (Bailey) Edzards, and passed away at home in Ord, NE on Jan. 10, 2022.

   He went to schools in Crete and Grand Island and graduated from Neligh High School. He spent several years working for the roads dept in Lincoln, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Kearney State College in 1970 working his way through school while serving in the reserves. He was married to Patty Jo Sears in December 1969. He worked at West Company in Kearney and later became the Assistant Administrator, and then Administrator of Valley County Hospital in Ord for 16 years. He spent one year as Administrator of Rock County Hospital and then a year as Chief Financial Officer back at the hospital in Ord. Later Ron opened up Video Knights and Embroidery until his health forced him to retire.

   Ron and Patty are the proud parents of five children, and he always knew we were blessed beyond anything we could imagine. He was an easy-going guy with the best sense of humor and whenever anyone asked him how he was he always said, “Great!” He loved God, his family, and of course the Huskers.

   Ron leaves behind his wife Patty; sons, Eric (Michelle) of Columbus, Duane Ahlman (Crystal) of Omaha, Kevan of Ord, and Adam (Michelle) of Ord; daughter, Patty Ahlman (Tim Ward) of Omaha; grandsons, Blake, Kody, and Jeramiah Edzards; granddaughters, Caitlin Edzards and Gaby Walker; a great-grandson, Alex Walke; three brothers-in-law, Ron (Molly) Sears of Shelton, Galen Sears (Gene McIntosh) of Grand Island, and Brian (Delta) Sears of Arcadia.

   Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Dan Arganbright.

   Funeral services were held Fri., Jan.14, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Burwell, NE. Burial was in Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell.  Pastor Serene Samuel officiated. Memorials are suggested to the Valley County Hospital Foundation.

James D. Stewart • Nebraska National Guard Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 79

   James D. Stewart, 79, of Ord passed away Sun., Jan. 9, 2022, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE.

   Memorial Services are pending for a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice for future designation. Condolences may be sent to Mary Ann Stewart, PO Box 232, Ord, NE 68862. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

   James D. was born Oct. 24, 1942, at Broken Bow, NE to Donald and Anna (Adamek) Stewart. His family moved to Ord where they operated a dairy and bottling shop.

   Jim received his education in Ord and graduated from Ord High School in 1960. He then graduated from General Motors School as a certified GM mechanic. He studied Animal Science and Ag Education at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1970. Jim taught Ag Science to veterans upon their return from the service.

   Jim served in the Nebraska National Guard from 1966-1973. On June 10, 1967, Jim was united in marriage to Mary Ann Lech at St. Mary’s Church in Elyria, NE. In 1970, Jim returned to the farm at Ord, to raise and feed cattle, and crop farm. Jim and Mary Ann established Stewart Feed Yard, Inc. The couple fed cattle and farmed their entire married life.

   Jim was a vintage and classic car enthusiast. He enjoyed car restoration and was an active member of Valley Rods Unlimited, Goodguys Rod and Custom, NRCA and numerous car clubs.

   He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann of Ord; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Matt Lavicky of Germantown, WI; two grandchildren, Connor and Norah; and a sister, Judy Bridge of Kearney.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ryan Stewart; and brother-in-law, Jack Bridge.

Bryce A. Philbrick • Columbus, NE Resident, 46

12

January



2022

   With broken hearts, the family of Bryce Allen Philbrick, 46, of Columbus formerly of Ord, are saddened by his passing on Dec. 30, 2021.

   To honor Bryce’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends on Sat., Jan. 15, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. at the Ord Veterans Club. A luncheon will be provided.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to his two daughters, Raven and Alexa.

   Bryce Allen was born at Ord, NE to Larry Allen and Carol Lee (Freeman) Philbrick on July 17, 1975, one day before his great-grandmother, Julia Philbrick’s birthday. He was raised in Ord where he received his education and graduated from Ord High School in 1993.

   Bryce worked as a highly skilled machinist at the Columbus location of Camaco, a division of Ford Motor Company. During the COVID pandemic the business was forced to close and he moved to Grand Island, working at Standard Iron.

   Due to the pandemic and super cold blast, another adventure took him to Lawton, OK. This gave him a chance to see the Oklahoma Mountains and great fishing lakes. While with his dad, Larry and brother, Bryan he was on a mission to catch a trophy fish like his grandpa, Robert did in 1976.

   Bryce returned to Columbus in April of 2021, to carry on life alongside his brother, Bryan. His determined mindset will be greatly missed by all of us left to carry on his memory. Until we meet again…we all pray for peace an earth.

   Bryce was married to Alma Rodriguez and to this union two daughters were born, Raven Leigh and Alexa Rae. Bryce was very proud of his girls and their accomplishments.

   Bryce inherited the Philbrick traits; the love of fishing and hunting. The family enjoyed hunting deer, antelope, grouse and pheasants with the grandpa, Robert. He was an avid baseball fan and followed the Chicago Cubs and also the Baltimore Ravens football team. He attended many rock concerts with his girls. He was a collector of wolves and eagles, enjoyed his coffee, and highly respected the American flag.

   Survivors include his two daughters, Raven (Keelan) of Lincoln and Alexa (Alexander) of Omaha; his parents; Larry and Carol Philbirck of Ord; a brother, Bryan Philbrick of Columbus; nephews, Devin and Penny, Keeleigh, Alannah and Adryan, and Breon and Hailey, all of Lincoln; and his dog, Lily Jones.

   He is pain free and welcomed home by his great-grandparents; and grandparents, Robert and Norma Philbrick and Delbert and Wilma Freeman.

Jonathan H. Standlea • Burwell, NE Resident, 39

   Jonathan Hale Standlea, 39, of Burwell, NE, passed away on Dec. 12, 2021, after a short illness.

   A private celebration of life will be held.

   Jon was born on March 13, 1982, at the St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, NE to Robert and Kendelyn (Graves) Standlea. He grew up in the Taylor, O’Neill, Butte and Sargent areas where he also received his education.

   Upon graduation he continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and received a Bachelor Degree in social services. Jon worked in Lincoln for several years in the social service field and in 2011, moved to Scotia. In 2017, he made his home in Burwell and worked as a clerk at the Pump & Pantry.

   Jon was a quiet person who enjoyed reading and watching movies.

   Survivors include his mother, Kendelyn Malmstrom; brother, Wayne; niece, Rozalynne; nephews, Robert and Gabrial Standlea; and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his father, Robert in 1996; step-father, William Malmstrom; grandparents, Alvin and Mary Lea Standlea, George and Lottie Graves; and step-grandparents, Lyle and Maxine Malmstrom.

Diana F. Linke • North Loup, NE Resident, 72

   Diana F. Linke, 72, of North Loup passed away Fri., Dec. 31, 2021, at Bryan LGH East Medical Center in Lincoln, NE.

   Funeral Services were held Sat., Jan. 8, 2022, at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Pastor Murray Johnston officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Scotia. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice to be determined at a later date. Ord Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

   Diana Faye was born on Aug. 31, 1949, at Loup City, NE to Herbert C. and Laurel J. (VanHoosen) Linke. She was raised in Grand Island where she received her education and graduated from Grand Island High School.

   Diana continued her education at Wayne State and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

   While living in Kearney, Lincoln, Valley and North Loup, Diana worked in various capacities. During her working years she was as a telephone operator, substitute teacher, art teacher, and also worked for the Department of Roads. Diana retired from the Omaha Department of Corrections where she was an administrative assistant. In 2016, she settled in North Loup.

   Diana’s passion was art. She was an accomplished portrait artist and won many awards. While in North Loup she enjoyed sharing her expertise while volunteering at Main Street Gallery. Later she took on the hobby of cooking. Diana was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

   Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Chris Nevius of Bellevue; two grandchildren, Trevor and Lauren; a brother, Dennis Linke of North Loup; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Kathryn Kennedy of Divide, CO and Kristine and Jerry Marshall of North Loup; and many loved nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother-in-law, Tom Kennedy.

   Dale D. Krueger, 91, of Grand Island, passed away Tues., Dec. 28, 2021 at The Villa at Crown Pointe in Omaha.

   Services will be 11 a.m. Fri., Jan. 7, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill. The Rev. Jeffrey Kuddes will officiate. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Blue Hill, with graveside military honors by A.L. Shipley American Legion Post 176 of Blue Hill and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

   Visitation will be one hour before time of services at the church. Memorials are suggested to Concordia College in Seward, Christ Lutheran Church in St. Paul or Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

   Dale was born in Adams County, NE to Hugo and Johanna (Van Boening) Krueger on Nov. 14, 1930. He was baptized, confirmed and received into membership at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill. He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1948. In Dec. of 1950 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. His last year of service was spent aboard the USS Epping Forest in the South Pacific and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged Oct. 29, 1954.

   In 1956, he enrolled in the University of Nebraska and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Science in January of 1960. He then worked for the Soil Conservation Service for two years.

   After his parents retired, he and LaVelle returned to Blue Hill to tend the family farm while raising their four children. In 1985, he moved to Ord and worked for Farmers National Company. In Aug. of 1985 he married Charlene. He “retired” from Farmers National Company and began his new career in real estate until retirement in 2003. They moved to St. Paul where he really enjoyed tinkering on his antique tractors and Model T cars, coffee with his “crew” at his shop and cruising the lake on the pontoon boat. Because of health reasons they moved to Grand Island where they resided until 2020, when he moved into an assisted living in Omaha.

   Over the years, he served on the Blue Hill School Board, Farmers Co-op Board, various church offices, a longtime member of the American Legion, VFW and was a director and stockholder of the Commercial Bank of Blue Hill.

   He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Charlene Krueger of Grand Island; daughter, Lynette and Rick LaFond of Chandler, AZ and their daughters, Mackenzie LaFond and Minette and Brian Boyd; son, David and Amy Krueger of Omaha and their children, Samuel Krueger and Zachary Knot; son, Mitchell and Anne Krueger of Omaha and their children, Katherine, Jane and John Krueger; daughter, Crissa and Tom Snider of Omaha and their children, Vance and Paige Snider; two stepdaughters, Jamie and John Eberly of Auburn and their children, Milana and Paxton Eberly and Shari Kriz and family of Glenvil; step-granddaughter, Ashlee and Lance Duester of Grand Island and their children, Paislee, Lilly and Noah; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vernon and wife, Marcylene Krueger; sister, Mildred Classen and husband, William; niece, Julia (Classen) Prochaska; sister, Wilma Baeder and husband, Aloys; and nieces, Debra, Rebecca and Millicent Baeder.

   Condolences and memories may be shared with Dale’s family by visiting www.petersfuneralhome.net.

Dale D. Krueger • U.S. Navy Veteran • Grand Island, NE Resident, 91

05

January



2022

George A. Hagen, Jr. • U.S. Army Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 88

   George A. Hagen, Jr., 88 of Ord, formerly of Lincoln, passed away Dec. 18, 2021 at Arbor Care Center in Ord.

   Mr. Hagen’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Fri., Jan. 7, 2022; at the Ord Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Doug Olson officiating. Inurnment will be held at 3 p.m. at College View Cemetery in Lincoln, NE.

   Memorials are suggested to Arbor Care Center or the Ord Evangelical Free Church. Condolences can be sent to Andrea Welch, 1805 O Street, Ord, NE 68862.

   George was born April 24, 1933, at Grand Forks, ND to George and Clara (Carlson) Hagen. He spent his childhood in Devils Lake, ND and Seattle, WA.

   At the age of 17 he began working for the Boeing Company. He was drafted into the United States Army and served until 1954. He returned to work at Boeing which led to a lifetime career. He worked for Boeing throughout the United States in Quality Assurance; retiring in 1994.

   Upon retirement he moved to the Lincoln area then spent a couple of years in Arizona. He has made his home in Ord with his daughter since June of 2020.

   George married Betty Jo Crandall and to this union five children were born. He later married Josephine Dahlberg in 1967. He welcomed her five children and the couple was blessed with a daughter. Josephine passed away in July of 1997.

   George was fanatic about airplanes and World War II. He obtained a private pilot license and had the opportunity to fly a B-17. He was known as an electrical genius who enjoyed re-wiring and circuit projects.

   Survivors include two sons, Mark and Mary Hagen of Vancouver, WA and Joel Patrick Hagen of Deer Park, WA; eight daughters, Violet and Randy Crosby, Phyllis and John Furstenau, Karen and Keith Brocksmith and Teresa Duff, all of Lincoln; Lynn Mackey, Tracey Wilson and Kelly and Doug Nelson, all of Vancouver, WA, and Andrea and Jay Welch of Ord; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Josephine; a step-son, Richard Duff; a great-granddaughter, Emerson Davis; three brothers; and three sisters.

Edna Battiato • Fremont, NE Resident, 92

   Edna Battiato passed away Sun., Dec. 26, 2021 at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE after suffering a heart attack.

   She was born Edna Mae Ruzowski on Thurs., Aug. 1, 1929 to Aloysius (Louie) Ruzowski and Angelina (Angie) Golka in Elyria, NE.  She graduated from Ord High School, Ord, NE in 1947.  She moved to Lincoln, NE and lived with her best friend, Virginia Goff.  She worked for Gold’s Department Store as a cashier on 10th and O Street in downtown Lincoln.  She met Charles (Charley) Battiato in Lincoln and they were married in Fremont, NE on Aug. 29, 1949.  They lived in Lincoln between 1949-1964.  In the summer of 1964 they moved to Fremont, to take over the shoe shop operated by Charley’s father, John Battiato.  Charley operated the shoe shop on Main Street in Fremont until 1987, whereby he passed on the business to his son, John Battiato, who still currently operates the business.

   Edna had many talents but dedicated her life to being a wife and mother.  She was an excellent cook and kept her house spotless, so much so that she went to work, cleaning other people’s houses in Fremont for over 40 years.  She was also a master seamstress.  She enjoyed watching sports, mainly Nebraska football and the Kansas City Royals.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Charley Battiato; parents, Louie and Angie Ruzowski; brothers, Ernest and Everett Ruzowski; sisters, Irene Watson Moravec, Bernice Coble, Louise Philbrick, and Marie Neufeld; and special companion, Elton Bray.

   Edna is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Lou and Geoff Shilton of Kansas City, MO along with sons, Tom Battiato and wife, Odette of St. Cloud, FL, Dean Battiato of Omaha, and John Battiato of Fremont; grandson, Nick Staroski and wife, Allison of Fairway, KS; granddaughters, Lolita Miranda, Chiaryn Miranda and husband, Andrew Ziegler, and Tomasita (Tommy) Miranda; great-granddaughters, Ava Staroski, Lana Staroski, and Adeline Ziegler; a brother, Leonard Ruzowski of Ord and sister-in-law, Shirley Ruzowski and brother-in-law, Father Ronald Battiato.

   Funeral Mass was held Mon., Jan. 3, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fremont. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Fremont.

   Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital. Moser Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Byron D. Wildauer • Grand Island, NE Resident, 69

   Byron Duane Wildauer, 69, of Grand Island went to his heavenly home at 6:20 a.m. Wed., Dec. 29, 2021, surrounded by his family after a short battle with lung cancer.

   Celebration of Life services will be held Thurs., Jan. 6, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (Worms) with Pastor Craig Niemeier officiating. Luncheon will follow in the gymnasium. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery at 3 p.m. Visitation will be at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island on Wed., Jan. 5 from 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Orphan Grain Train, The Lutheran Hour, or Heartland Lutheran High School.

   Byron Duane Wildauer was born Nov. 5, 1952, in Detroit, MI to August and Elvira (Sonntag) Wildauer; the youngest of their four boys. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith on Nov. 30, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, MI. 

   Byron attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School in Farmington Hills. He celebrated his confirmation on April 3, 1966. His Bible verse came from John 8:31-32. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Byron lived out his confirmation verse as a lifelong Lutheran Church member, supporter, travel mission volunteer, usher, Sunday school and Bible study teacher, while ensuring his children had a strong Christian foundation.

   He then attended Detroit Lutheran High School West, graduating in June 1970. Following his high school graduation, he received an Associates of Arts Degree in December 1971 from Concordia, Ann Arbor, MI and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Concordia University, Seward in December 1973.

   On July 7, 1974, Byron was united in marriage to Beverly Bremer at St. John Lutheran Church in Ord, NE. Their union was blessed with five children: Kirsten, Nathan, Sondra, Megan and Brant.

   In 1977, Byron brought his family to Nebraska, where he was first employed at Diamond Plastics, and later, at Chief Industries. He completed 25 years with Chief in February 2021.

   Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Beverly; children, Kirsten Wildauer, Nathan and Sue-Lynn Wildauer Chu, Benjamin and Sondra (Wildauer) Brakenhoff and Brant Wildauer; grandchildren, Josiah, Gideon, Caleb, Esther, Thomas and Abigail Brakenhoff; brothers and spouses, Charles and Cheryl Wildauer, Rev. Leonard and Kateri Wildauer, and Norman and Leslie Wildauer; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Darrell and Rhonda Bremer and numerous nephews and nieces.

   Preceding him in death were his parents, August and Elvira (Sonntag) Wildauer; in-laws, William and Esther (Arnold) Bremer; daughter, Megan Rachel Wildauer; sister-in-law, Judith Wildauer; niece, Gretchen Wildauer and nephews, Benjamin and Timothy Wildauer.

Tim Glendening • U.S. Navy Veteran • Lindsborg, KS Resident, 71

   A funeral service for Tim Glendening was held Mon., Jan. 3, 2022, at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, NE. Pastor Keith Menter officiated. Following the funeral, the family honored his wish for cremation. Military Honors were provided by the Navy Funeral Honors Team.

   Timothy Doyle Glendening, 71 years of age, of Lindsborg, KS, formerly of rural Smithfield, NE and Ord, NE, passed away on Sat., Dec. 25, 2021, at his home in Lindsborg. Tim was born in Lindsborg on Dec. 2, 1950, the younger of two children, born to Doyle and Pauline (Nelson) Glendening. He received his education and graduated from high school in Lindsborg, KS, with the class of 1968.

   Tim pursued higher education from Bethany College in Lindsborg for his freshman year, and was later inducted into the United States Navy and served with the intelligence unit. He served aboard the U.S.S Meredith, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Tim was honorably discharged on Dec. 17, 1971.

   On Nov. 5, 1972, Tim was united in marriage to Janice Nadine Zapp. God blessed this union with two children: Derek and Nicolle. The family made their home in Ord, NE, where Tim began touring with “Out of the Darkness” ministry; a ministry on depression, throughout the lower 48 United States and Mexico, touring over 4,300 different churches.

   In 2007, Tim received is Pastoral Certification from Beyond the Rivers Academy. On Dec. 3, 2011, Tim was ordained at the Hope Lutheran Church in rural Smithfield, during a blizzard.

   He was active with the Bertrand Veterans Group and VFW, helping provide military honors to local veterans, was a proud Eagle Scout, and was a walking book of knowledge. He was active announcing the local sporting events and sang at many weddings and funerals in the Ord area for over 20 years. Tim loved the Christmas season, spending time with his family, and sharing the Word of our Lord. In his free time, Tim enjoyed fishing, golfing, and counted cross-stitch.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jan (Zapp) Glendening on Nov. 23, 2018; and his sister, Kathleen Glendening.

   Tim leaves to mourn his passing but celebrate his life: his two children: Derek Glendening and Nicolle Glendening and her fiancé, Christian Jensen, all of Lindsborg; three granddaughters: Keisha Wehtje and her husband, Stephan and Grace and Meredith Blake; one great-grandson, Jackson, plus one on the way; one aunt, Ellen Lee of Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother-in-law, Doug Zapp and his wife, Donna of Kansas City; along with many friends.

   A memorial has been established in Tim’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

   Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

   The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.