OBITUARIES
FEB
04
2026
Russell M. Mach • Chapman, NE Resident, 65
Russell "Russ" Marvin Mach, 65, of Chapman, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 27, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He put up a tough fight for 15 months.
Russ was born on Sept. 2, 1960 in Ord, NE, to Marvin and Vera (Drawbridge) Mach. Russ grew up in Ord until 1976, when he moved to Grand Island and attended Northwest High School.
While working at the Veterans Home in Grand Island, Russ met the love of his life, Lori. The two were married on Nov. 19, 1983. Russ and Lori made their home in McCool Junction, where they welcomed their daughter, Amanda, in 1985. The family later returned to Grand Island before finally settling in Chapman, NE, which they have proudly called home since 1994.
Throughout his working years, Russ was employed by Wilson Concrete, Gerhold, and St. Paul Ready Mix. His career came to an early end due to a work-related injury, and he retired in 2006. He treasured the years that followed, spending time with his wife, Lori, and his loyal companion, Hank.
One of Russ’s proudest moments was walking his daughter down the aisle when she married Eric Wells in 2021.
Russ is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Samuel Drawbridge, Mildred and Norb Zulkowski; uncle, Don Drawbridge; and in-laws, Jack and Barbara Norquest.
He survived by his wife, Lori; daughter, Amanda (Eric) Wells; granddog, Bandit; sister, Malisa Dantzler of Salina, KS; sister-in-law, Vanee Holtmeier of McCool Junction, NE; brother-in-law, Scott Norquest of York, NE; and sister-in-law, Jennifer (Scott) Moran of Lincoln, NE.
He is also survived by his aunt, Mary (Gene) White of Grand Island, NE; uncle, Charles (Sarah) Drawbridge of Calvert, KY; and aunt, Juliana Drawbridge of Ord. Additional survivors include seven nephews; one niece; and many cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.
A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2026 at the Chapman Community Center in Chapman. Memorials are suggested to the family. Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family. Online condolences may be directed to the family at jacobsengreenway.com.
Lucy V. Last • Scotia, NE Resident, 86
Lucy V. Last of Scotia passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jan. 21, 2026, at Brookefield Park in St. Paul, NE at the age of 86.
Lucy was born on Oct. 12, 1939, in Newfoundland Canada to Robert and Beatrice (Flight) Penney. On May 6, 1959, Lucy and Howard Last were united in marriage in Buchans, Newfoundland Canada.
Lucy devoted her life to her family and built a loving home wherever life took her. In support of Howard’s career in mining that first began in Canada, they later moved to the United States; living in numerous states before settling in Nebraska.
The couple and their daughter and son-in-law, Val and Steven Goldfish, purchased the Happy Jack Z Bar in Scotia, NE. During that time Lucy became well known within the community and she formed many lasting friendships.
Lucy enjoyed crafting, quilting, crocheting, reading, camping and fishing. She treasured the time with her family the most. She will be remembered for her quiet strength and warmth; and as a caring woman whose presence touched all those she knew.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Kathy Last of Vancover, WA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie and Steven Goldfish of Van Buren, AR and Lori and Ben Edwards of Scotia; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and a sister and brother-in-law, Erma and Johnny Bullen of Newfoundland Canada.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Last; granddaughter, Amanda Lynn Goldfish and sister, Patsy Legg.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 7, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Scotia. Pastor Arsene Lumami and Pastor Bruce Phillips will officiate. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Joycelyn “Joy” B. Sperling • Colorado Springs, CO Resident, 93
Joycelyn “Joy” Barbara Sperling, age 93, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Colorado Springs, CO.
Joy was born on July 25, 1932, and raised in Nebraska. She graduated from high school in Ord, NE, and on July 25, 1955, married the love of her life, Dean Sperling. In 1962, Joy and Dean moved to Lake City, MN, where they built their life and raised their family.
Joy was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as an active community member and faithful parishioner. She proudly owned and operated My Ladies Clothing Store for 20 years, where she enjoyed helping women find clothing and accessories they loved. She also assisted her husband at the Echo Newspaper print shop. A talented seamstress, Joy loved crafting, needlepoint, gardening and golfing. She delighted in collecting apple-themed kitchenware, travel souvenirs, and frog garden figurines. One of her favorite weekly traditions was gathering with friends for coffee at the Blue Moon.
After retiring, Joy and Dean spent their winters in Phoenix, AZ, before moving to Colorado Springs in 2002. Joy became an active member of Holy Apostles Catholic Church, where she especially enjoyed volunteering in the nursery. This past July, she celebrated both her 93rd birthday and her 70th wedding anniversary.
Joy is survived by her husband of 70 years, Dean Sperling; her daughter, Kim Sperling-Almquist; her son, Curt (Sue) Sperling; her grandchildren, Brooke Sperling-Johnson, Michael Sperling, Aaron (Ashley) Sperling, and Logan (Ali) Almquist; and her great-grandchildren, Isabel Johnson, Willow Sperling and Haddie Sperling. She was preceded in death by her beloved eldest son, Spencer Sperling, who passed away in 1969.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Fri., March 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11 a.m. Burial and a luncheon reception will follow the Mass.
Memorials are preferred to, Life Network Colorado Springs and Mater Filius Home Colorado Springs
Please come join us as we gather to celebrate Joy’s beautiful life and the love she shared with all.
Donald L. Poss • Wolbach, NE Resident, 84
Donald Lee Poss, 84, of Wolbach, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thur., Jan. 29, 2026.
Memorial Services will be held Fri., Feb. 6, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Scotia, NE, at 10:30 a.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery in Scotia. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.
Donald was born Dec. 25, 1941, on a farm north of Cotesfield, the son of Fred M. and Grace F. (Gydesen) Poss. He grew up on the farm and attended country school. He graduated in the eighth grade and began working for several farmers in the area.
On June 6, 1964, Donald was united in marriage to Mary Soloman at the United Methodist Church in Scotia. To this union, four children were born: Sharon, Keith, Randy, and Kevin. The family lived on a farm outside of North Loup before moving to Grand Island. While living there, Donald worked for Chief Industries.
In 1979, the family moved to an acreage outside of Scotia, where Donald farmed and raised cattle and hogs. Donald later worked for the Greeley County Department of Roads.
After 20 years, Donald retired and moved to Wolbach, where he met many friends and became very close with his companion, Ruth McIntyre.
Donald faithfully listened to KNLV’s Polka Show and enjoyed watching wrestling on television, going gambling, and attending auctions. He loved going to Husker Harvest Days, Popcorn Days, parades, and any family gathering. Don especially enjoyed the holidays, particularly Halloween and Christmas. In his quieter moments, he liked chocolate cake and cupcakes, drawing horses, and going fishing.
Don is survived by his daughter, Sharon and Russell Timmons of North Loup; sons, Keith Poss and fiancée, Leah Cabrera of North Loup, and Kevin and Jodi Poss of St. Paul; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Erma Neel of North Loup; brother, Kenneth Poss and Linda Morrow of North Loup; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Poss of Scotia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy Poss; brothers, Darwin and Jean Poss, and Melvin Poss; infant brother, Richard Poss; and brother-in-law, Bill Neel.
Condolences and memories may be shared with Don’s family by visiting petersfuneralhome.net.
237 South 15th St., Ord, NE 68862
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