OBITUARIES
Oct
30
2024
Marjorie Ash, 94, formerly of Arcadia, NE passed away Oct. 24, 2024 at the Rose Lane Home in Loup City, NE.
Funeral services were held on Tues., Oct. 29, 2024 at the Methodist Church in Arcadia. Burial followed in the Somerford Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Arcadia Fire Department. Govier Brothers Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at govierbrothers.com.
Marjorie Minnette Ash was born June 18, 1930 in Sargent, NE to Clarence and Maleda (Brass) Buckbee.
On March 18, 1951, Marjorie married Raymond “Dean” Ash in Sargent. The couple lived in Illinois and Cheyenne while Raymond was in the service. To this union three children were born: Sandra Renee, Richard Bruce, and Melissa Sue. Moving back to Nebraska, the couple lived in Sargent, Mason City and settled in Arcadia in 1972. Marjorie moved to Rose Lane in 2020 until her time of death.
Marjorie enjoyed sewing, golfing, cooking, playing pinochle and watching her grandkids. In her recent years at Rose Lane, she enjoyed walking around eating Hershey’s chocolate.
Marjorie is survived by her husband, Dean of 73 years; children, Sandra Ash and Bruce (Cindy) Ash, all of Arcadia; five grandchildren, Kylie (Brian) Cheetsos, Kelsey (Matt) Dorsey, Chalee (Shane) Fernau, Aaron, and Bets; 11 great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Teagan and Mason Cheetsos, Neelie, Laiken and Kellen Dorsey, Cole, Kinley and Berklee Fernau, and Cooper and Dylan Drake.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Maleda; stepmom, Hattie; infant daughter, Melissa Sue Ash; brother and sister-in-law, Darryl and Eileen Buckbee; and many aunts and uncles.
Marjorie Ash Former • Arcadia, NE Resident, 94
Leonard Oscar “Lenny” Graham • Ord NE Resident, 65
Leonard Oscar “Lenny” Graham, 65, of Ord passed away Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord, NE. Inurnment will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross to be designated to Hurricane Relief. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Deborah S. “Deb” Fischer • Ord, NE Resident, 74
Oct
23
2024
Deborah Sue “Deb” Fischer, loving wife, mother and grandmother entered eternal life Sun., Oct. 20, 2024 at the age of 74.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 26, 2024 at the Christian Church in Ord, NE. Pastor Doug Durre will officiate. Private Interment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, from 4-7 p.m. at the Ord Christian Church. Deb spent much of her time as a volunteer. To honor her, dedication memorial gifts are suggested to the Ord Christian Church or the Ord Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com. Deborah Sue was born Sept. 5, 1950 in Ord, NE to Carol B. and Vivian J. (Zikmund) Williams. She was raised in Ord where she received her education and graduated from Ord High School in 1968.
On New Years Eve of 1967, Deb met the love of her life, Trevor D. Fischer at Oscar’s Palladium in Sargent, NE. They were united in marriage on Dec. 28, 1968 at the Presbyterian Church in Ord. Following their marriage they lived in Miami, OK while Trevor attended college. They returned to Nebraska and lived in Lincoln while Trevor attended UNL and Deb worked at Aide Insurance. In 1971, their first son, Todd, was born in Lincoln.
In the summer of 1971, they settled in Ord. They went into the car business with Trevor’s parents, Bud and Helen. In 1975, the couple was blessed with twins, Mia and Tye. Deb enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and was the bookkeeper for Bud’s Used Cars and Fischer Auto. In the early 80s, Deb designed and the family built their current home where they have made many memories. Deb loved decorating her home for the seasons and holidays, especially Christmas.
Deb expressed her artistic talents by baking and decorating cakes for many occasions. She dedicated her time volunteering in many capacities. When her kids were young, she helped with reading at the elementary school and currently she was involved at the Second Hand Rose and the Ord Food Pantry.
Deb was an active member of the Ord Christian Church and the women’s group. She served on the Ord Township Library Foundation and worked on the Valley County Election Board for 50 years.
Deb had a strong faith and a deep love for her family. She and Trevor became inseparable after retirement and enjoyed going out to eat and visiting with their Arby’s friends. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren, enjoying all their activities and family get-togethers. She enjoyed cooking, collecting cookbooks and shopping.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of nearly 56 years, Trevor of Ord; two sons and daughters-in-law, Todd and Kara of Ord and Tye and Amy of Seward; a daughter, Mia Fischer of Ord; her six grandchildren, Katie and Maggie Fischer, McKenna Soncksen and Ava, Nya and Jax Fischer; a brother, Daris Williams of Loup City and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Monty Philbrick of Ord.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother David Williams; and two uncles, LeRoy and Buck Zikmund.
Donna R. Vancura • Former Ord, NE Resident, 95
Donna Rae Vancura, 95, of Grand Island, formerly of Ord, passed away Wed., Oct. 16, 2024 at Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island, NE.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Ord. Reverend Spenser Johnson will officiate. Interment will be in the Ord Bohemian Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Ord Flag Fund or the Family’s Choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Donna Rae was born Nov. 11, 1928 to Howard B. and Julia A. (Fahey) Kamery. She was raised near Taylor where she attended country school and graduated from Taylor High School.
While in high school she received Normal Training and went on to teach country school from 1946-1947. Donna moved to Oregon then Denver, CO where she worked for the telephone company as an operator.
On May 22, 1951, Donna was united in marriage to Edwin E. “Ed” Vancura in Taylor. In 1952, Ed joined the United States Army and the couple’s first son, Loren joined them in Trieste, Italy. Upon returning from the Army on the ship, their second son, Dean was born in 1953.
Following the service, Ed and Donna lived on the family farm where they raised their family, Loren, Dean, Cindy, Debra and Tammy. In 1965, they moved to another farm 10 miles west of Ord, making this their home until 1978 when they moved into Ord and purchased the gas station on the west side of Ord. The couple operated the gas station until 1988.
Donna was a member of the Ord First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and American Legion Auxiliary. Donna and Ed were avid polka and square dancers. During Legion Baseball season, Donna operated the concession stand at the ballpark. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and playing pitch.
Survivors include a son, Loren Vancura of Elwood; three daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Jeff Green of Bennet, Debra and Steve Hanquist of Grand Island and Tammy and Mark Evetovich of Platteville, WI; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed; a son, Dean Vancura; three brothers, Bo, Paul and Milford Kamery; and two sisters, Neolia Holcomb and Agnes Howard.
Oct
16
2024
Dorothy M. “Dorie” Dulitz • Ord, NE Resident, 73
It is with profound sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt and friend.
Dorothy May “Dorie” Dulitz, 73, of Ord, NE, passed away Sun., Oct. 13, 2024, at Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, NE.
Dorie was born May 17, 1951, to Joseph and Victoria (Kosmicki) Radke at Grand Island, NE. She was one of seven siblings raised in Farwell, NE, until moving her senior year to St. Paul, NE, where she graduated in 1969.
In 1970, she married Eldon Ingraham and was married until 1984. To this union, a son, Shawn and a daughter, Misty, were born.
In 1985, she met the love of her life, Galen Dulitz, and 12 years later married him in the driveway of the home they built together with a heart she drew in the gravel driveway asking the neighboring preacher to “jump the fence” and marry them in front of their home. With Galen, she gained three amazing children, Bryan, Brandee, and Brenda.
In 1980, Dori began working for the Ord Public School System as a custodian and within four years she worked up to the Head of Building and Grounds. In 2012, she was forced to retire due to an injury. Following retirement, Dorie volunteered at the Second Hand Rose in Ord.
She was an extraordinary woman who could fix anything broken and create anything needed for her children, grandchildren, or a friend in need. Her remarkable abilities and passion were decorating for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Dorie was like a second mom to many students who walked the halls of Ord Public Schools. Dorie will be remembered for her impromptu dances in the kitchen, loving hugs, homemade mac-n-cheese, blanket forts, gift-giving, and so much more.
She was a member of Post #126 Broken Bow American Legion, Ord VFW Auxiliary, and Post #126 Central Sandhills American Legion Riders.
Dorie lived on her own terms right up until the end. Her favorite places to be were with her family, in the kitchen, cooking and dancing or riding in the wind on a motorcycle behind her husband. Dorie enjoyed being outdoors, working with her hands, and always being busy. This incredibly crafty woman could make art out of anything you gave her. She had an imagination that was endless. Dorie was a determined hard-working woman with a strong will and no quit in her.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of almost 40 years, Galen; children, Shawn Ingraham, Misty (John) Horn, Bryan (April) Dulitz, and Brandee (Tyler) ZumBrunnen; grandchildren, Stephan Johnston-Ingraham, Shade Ingraham, Justice (Gabby) Ingraham, Tearsa Ingraham, Irelynn Ingraham, Jada (Ethan) Broker, Kyler Horn, Bladen Dulitz, Brianna (Dylan) Brown and Kealey Zumbrunnen; great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Klaire Johnston, and Emmett and Lennon Ingraham; sisters, Gini Kuta, Jo (John) Horky, Rose (Rich) Ross, and Shirley (Jerry) Hanisch; and brothers, Larry (Vicky) Radke and Bob Radke; and many nieces and nephews.
Dorie was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Brenda Dulitz; a brother-in-law, Ray Kuta; a sister-in-Law, Peggy Radke; and parents-in-law, Herb and Thelma Dulitz.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 18, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Mark Maresh will be the Mass Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the General Ord Veterans Memorial Wall or Donor’s Choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online Condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held following the church service at the Ord Veterans Club.
Dorie specifically asked for a “happy” funeral, so her family will do the best they can to accomplish this for her. This includes her final wishes of a mandatory chicken dance and polka. Honor Dorie by being comfortable and wearing casual attire or your colors/vests.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Burwell Community Memorial Health Center for their care and compassion.
​
Bernadine A. Lange • Ord, NE Resident, 97
Bernadine Ann Lange, 97, passed away Sun., Oct. 13, 2024, at her home south of Ord, NE.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Fri., Oct. 18, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ord. Pastor Adam Archer will officiate. Interment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Bernadine was born March 13, 1927, to William and Auguste “Minnie” (Lade) Holtz at home in rural Shelton, NE. She was baptized on April 3, 1927, was confirmed and attended school at Zion Lutheran School north of Shelton. Bernadine graduated from Shelton High School in 1944.
She continued her education at Concordia College in Seward, then taught at a country school near Shelton and later in Mira Valley, south of Ord.
On June 20, 1948, Bernadine was united in marriage to Eldon Lange. The couple first resided on a farm near North Loup. In 1954, they purchased a farm south of Ord. This farm was the third drilled irrigation well in Valley County. The Langes made this their home where they farmed and raised their family.
Eldon passed away May 21, 1988, Bernadine continued to live on the farm where she enjoyed helping with farm work, gardening and being a homemaker. She was an excellent cook and will be remembered for her buns, bread and oatmeal cookies. Family gatherings and babysitting for her grandkids were very special times for her.
Bernadine was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was involved in LWML, taught Sunday School, attended Bible study and the W.I.F.E. choir. She enjoyed sewing for her family and quilting for LWML and the Orphan Grain Train and was a member of the Jolly Neighbors extension club.
Survivors include three sons, Duane (Kathy) Lange of Ord, LaVern “Ernie” Lange of Ord and Gordon “Gordy” (Robin) Lange of Angleton, TX; four daughters, Janet “Jan” (Nile) Hemmerling of Lincoln, Jeanette Lange (John Detwiller) of Scotia, Linda (Olaf) Lambracht of Grand Island and Cheryl Johnson (Doug Abbott) of Blair; 22 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eldon; and grandson, Steven Lange.
Wilma L. John • Ord, NE Resident, 94
Wilma L. John, 94, of Ord passed away peacefully Fri., Oct. 4, 2024 at the Arbor Care Center in Ord, NE. Mrs. John’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Wilma Lou was born July 22, 1930 in Valley County, NE to Louis F. and Emma E. (Valasek) Zabloudil. She was raised in Valley County and attended a one room country school then graduated from Ord High School in 1948. On July 23, 1950, Wilma was united in marriage to Robert J. John in Ord. The couple was blessed with two children, David and Shirley.
Bob and Wilma lived their entire married life in Ord. They enjoyed camping and fishing on the weekends and daily drives together. They were inseparable; where you saw one of them, you would see the other.
Wilma was a well-known Avon Representative for 65 years. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Ord Elks Does and an extension club. Wilma enjoyed yard work, crocheting and crafts.
Survivors include her husband of 74 years, Robert “Bob” of Ord; a son, David John and a daughter, Shirely Smith, both of Ord; four grandchildren, Matt John, Jackie Krason, Jayme John and Joshua Treptow; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ernie Zabloudil; daughter-in-law, Tracie John; son-in-law, Don Smith; parents-in-law, Joe and Ida Mae John; and brother in-law and sister in-law, Thad and Roberta Meese.
Alvin J. "Jeep" Grooms • United States Army Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 85
Alvin J. “Jeep” Grooms, 85, of Ord passed away peacefully Sat., Oct. 12, 2024 at his home in Ord surrounded by his family.
A Graveside Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Fri., Oct. 18, 2024, at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine, NE. Military Honors will be presented at the graveside by the Cherry County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will greet friends on Fri., Oct. 18, 2024 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Senior Center in Ord. Memorials are suggested to the Valley County Big Give (to be designated by the family). Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Alvin Jerry “Jeep” Grooms was born in Valentine on Dec. 31, 1938 to Clarence and Ruby (Coon) Grooms. He attended Valentine Public Schools where he participated in football, track and basketball and graduated in 1958.
Jeep attended Chadron State College, then enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1959. He was stationed in Fort Leonard, MO, Fort Ord, CA and finally in Fort Knox, KY.
Jeep was united in marriage to Pauline Jordan on Dec. 21, 1960 at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. Following their union, the couple returned to Fort Knox where they lived for one year. After an honorable discharge from the Army in February of 1962, the couple returned to Broken Bow. Jeep and Pauline were blessed with three children, Jerry James (1962), Alan Jeffrey (1966) and Amy Christine (1972).
During their time in Broken Bow, Jeep was employed by the Nebraska Department of Roads for 14 years. He was a member of BPOE and held the title “Exalted Ruler” from 1975-1976. In 1976, the couple moved to Ord where he was employed by the State of Nebraska Department of Roads as a superintendent from 1976 to 2001.
Jeep enjoyed many hobbies to include hunting, fishing, camping, watching Husker athletics, attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities, and never missed an episode of “Gunsmoke.” He was early to bed and first to rise to make it to 5 a.m. coffee with friends. One of his greatest enjoyments, however, was the annual fishing and camping trip to Valentine he took with his brothers Ed, Bud, Harold and Donald, sons, and many other family members.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pauline of Ord; sons, Jerry “Jay” Grooms and Sheryl of York, and Jeff (Jennifer) Grooms of Ord; a daughter, Amy (Dave) Rose of Lincoln; grandchildren, Christopher (Karalie) Grooms of Ord, Zachary Rose of Lincoln, Jordan Grooms of Kearney, Jenessa (Kon) Manivong of Ord, Jianna Grooms of Ord, Zoe Rose of Lincoln, and Travis (Serra) Rose of Bennett; great-grandchildren, Britt, Brook and Brynlie Grooms, and Kolter Hornickel, all of Ord; brothers, Ed Grooms of Casper, WY, Harold (Wanda) Grooms of Lincoln, and Donald Grooms of Ord; a sister-in-law, Mildred Grooms of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bud Grooms; two sisters-in-law, Connie and Sal Grooms; and great-grandchild, baby Manivong.
Elizabeth A. “Betty” Dworak • Ord, NE Resident, 90
Elizabeth A. “Betty” Dworak, 90, of Ord passed away Wed., Oct. 9, 2024 at Arbor Care Center in Ord.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Father Mark Maresh will be the Mass Celebrant. Interment will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Elizabeth was born May 21, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to Leopold and Elizabeth (Malaby) Larkins, the second of seven children. Betty was raised in Philadelphia where she graduated from high school. During her senior year, trade school was offered, and she chose the beautician classes. After graduation, she worked for an Irishman in a beauty shop.
Betty was united in marriage Robert “Bob” J. Dworak on Aug. 11, 1956 at St. Veronica’s Church in Philadelphia. They resided in Arizona for a short time and moved to Nebraska and settled on the family farm north of Ord where they raised their seven children, Barbara, Bobby, Nancy, Joe, John, Diane and Susan.
Bob and Betty purchased the Ord Locker in 1964 where Betty worked until 1978. She then took a job at Wheelers/Country General where she helped many people over the years.
Betty was a member of Our Lady Perpetual Help Church, Altar Society, VFW Auxiliary and served on the Valley County Election Board. She enjoyed quilting with her friends and putting puzzles together. She loved watching her daughter coach volleyball, and watching Nebraska volleyball, basketball and football. She had a competitive spirit and hated to lose.
Betty leaves behind three sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby of Kearney, Joe and Deb of Ord and John and Pat of Houston, TX; four daughters and sons-in-law, Barb and Larry Freouf of Ord, Nancy and Jim Swett of Burwell, Diane and Brad Kasselder of Ericson and Sue and Bryant Duray of Billings, MT; 20 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly; and two brothers, Lee and Eddie Larkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob; a sister, Christina; two brothers, Billy and Dave; and a daughter-in-law, Donna Dworak.
Colin G. Baker • Former Ord, NE Resident, 27
Colin Gilbert Baker, 27, of Omaha, formerly of Ord, passed away Wed., Oct. 9, 2024.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 19, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Ord, NE. Reverend Spenser Johnson and the Baker family will officiate. Colin will be laid to rest in the Ord City Cemetery following a private committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Suicide Prevention. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Colin Gilbert was born March 18, 1997 at the Valley County Hospital in Ord to Steffan and Julie (Wiener) Baker.
From a very young age, Colin was a talented and versatile musician, learning to play the upright bass at the age of five. Because the bass was much bigger, you could see Colin standing on an old silver box to reach the fret board. He had a beautiful singing voice and for the next 10 to 15 years he played bass for the Baker Family. Bluegrass and Gospel were his forte but he branched out far beyond those genres into modern and pop music, playing with several groups during his college years and later years.
Following graduation from Dane Creek Christian Academy, Colin attended Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO. He received a bachelor’s degree in theology with concentration in youth ministry, finishing near the top of his class.
On June 4, 2016, Colin married Leah Poe; to this union two boys were born, Tobias and Benedict. In 2018, the family moved to Ramsey, IL where Colin was a youth pastor until 2020 when they returned to Nebraska.
After coming home, Colin found employment with Subconn, Orscheln and the Valley County Sheriff’s Department. Colin moved to Omaha and worked as a para-educator with the Omaha Public School System. He specialized in non-verbal special needs children and was loved by his students and faculty.
Those left to cherish his memory are his two boys, Toby (seven) and Bene’ (six); his parents, Steffan and Julie; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Erinn and Derek Akers and Amanda and Bradley Hallock; and a brother and sister-in-law, Evan and Missy Baker, and their daughter, Rielly; and maternal grandparents, Darrell and Janet Wiener.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Lillian Baker; and his best friend, Seth Lueck.
Colin was a kind a gentle soul. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
Phyllis L. Clement • Ord, NE Resident, 95
Oct
9
2024
Deloris “Del” A. Christensen • Ord, NE Resident, 97
Deloris Ann “Del” Christensen, 97, of Ord passed away peacefully Thur., Sept. 26, 2024 at the Arbor Care Center in Ord, NE.
A visitation will be held on Fri., Oct. 11, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. in the Ord City Cemetery. Reverend Spenser Johnson will officiate. Memorials are suggested to the Ord First United Methodist Church. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Deloris Ann was born in Geneva, NE on Nov. 14, 1926 to William and Anna (Paulson) Bumgarner. She was raised on a farm owned by her mother’s parents, (Paulsons) near Strang, NE. Del went to first grade at a country school near Geneva when she was four years old. During her high school years, she lived with her sister, Norma and husband, Virgil Eppler in Geneva and graduated in 1943 at the age of 16.
During her high school years, she sang in the choir, liked to dance, and learned how to play the piano from her sister, Dorothy. Del took business related subjects and worked for the school superintendent.
World War II had previously started, and a week after graduation she was hired at the Fairmont Air Base as a secretary at the base hospital. During that time, at a dance at the air base, Del met her future husband, Harold Christensen, the son of Raymond and Antonia Christensen from Ord. Harold then asked her on a date! Due to crucial military needs, Harold was quickly transferred to the U.S. Army to serve as a military policeman in the Pacific Theater in Leyte, Philippines. Harold wanted to become engaged to Del as soon as possible upon his return from overseas, so he had his father, Raymond purchase the engagement ring. Upon Harold’s return, the couple was formally engaged and united in marriage on Sun., May 19, 1946. As a joke, Harold handcuffed himself to Del at the wedding reception to avoid kidnapping by Del’s brother, Homer Bumgarner and brother-in-law, Virgil Eppler!
After Harold’s discharge from the military in 1946, the couple moved to Grand Island, NE where Harold worked as a bookkeeper at Consolidate Mills. Later, in November of 1946, they settled in Ord. Harold worked at Nebraska State Bank for 38 years until June 1984 when he retired as executive vice president. Del worked at various secretary jobs in Ord, including working for Jay and Glen Auble.
Harold and Del were blessed with two sons, Larry and Lyle. The family enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends at numerous lakes across Nebraska and Minnesota. Harold and Del were devoted members of the Ord First United Methodist Church. Del was active in her church circle, as well as PEO Chapter BB, of which she became a 50-year member.
Survivors include her son, Larry of Chisago City, MN and his girlfriend, Vicki Selep of St. Paul, MN; son, Lyle and daughter-in-law, Joyce of Omaha; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Scott and Andrea Christensen of South St. Paul, MN, Erika and Josh Wight and their children, Olivia, Jameson and Sawyer all of Lindstrom, MN, Brian and Nicole Christensen of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Jamie and Ryan Jensen and their son, Xavier, all of Chatham, IL.
Harold passed away at the age of 83 on Feb. 10, 2007. Also, preceding Del in death, are her parents; and her five siblings and their spouses, Leona and Joe Deprez, Norma and Virgil Eppler, Homer and Gloria Bumgarner, Dorothy and Bob Hanson, and Darlene and Louis Schropfer.
Phyllis L. (Babcock) Clement, 95, of Ord passed away peacefully Oct. 2, 2024 at her home in Ord, NE.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Mon., Oct. 14, 2024 at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in North Loup, NE. Pastor D. Scott Smith will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the North Loup Community Building. Phyllis will be laid to rest in the Hillside Cemetery in North Loup following a private committal service. Memorials are suggested to the North Loup Fire and Rescue Department or Valley County Creative District. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Phyllis Lane was born at home in North Loup on July 18, 1929 to Ted and Ruth (Lane) Babcock. She attended grade school and high school at North Loup Public School. Upon graduation in 1947, she attended the UNL College of Home Economics from 1947-1948.
A few years later, Phyllis married her sweetheart, Donald Guy Clement on June 11, 1950 at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in North Loup. In 1951, they moved to the family farm in Mira Valley where God blessed them with four children. During that time, Phyllis stayed home helping with the farm, raising children and teaching piano part time.
In 1967, Don and Phyllis moved to Kearney where she started back to college at Kearney State College (now UNK) and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1971 at 42 years old.
For four years, she taught music in the public school system but later changed careers and began selling insurance in Buffalo and Valley counties for the next 30 years. Beginning in 2005, she became active in teaching music again (and was still teaching piano and voice until just a few weeks before her passing!). In 1980, Phyllis and Don moved from Kearney back to the Mira Valley farm and then moved to Ord in 2008. They were married for 71 years.
Since childhood, Phyllis was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church in North Loup where she directed the choir for many years. Being an excellent pianist, she often accompanied soloists and choirs in the area including playing weekly for the Ord First United Methodist Church. Her other activities included being a long-time member of Korner Kutters Extension Club of Mira Valley, an original member of Valley County Health System Auxiliary and one of the key people in starting up the Second Hand Rose shop in Ord. Around 2006, Phyllis received lifetime membership to the Ord Chamber of Commerce for her long-term participation.
Up until her last few weeks, Phyllis loved her weekly coffee times with her friends and her continued friendship with her music students and their families.
Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Edwin and Dianne of Eads, TN, Victor of Ord and Rex and Julie of Lafayette, TN; son-in-law, David Heider of Amarillo, TX; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Carol Babcock of Franklin, TN.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; and a daughter, Theresa Heider.
Oct
2
2024
Michael J. Stevens • United States Army Veteran • Burwell, NE Resident, 76
Michael J. Stevens, 76, of Burwell passed away Tues., Sept. 17, 2024 at Valley County Health System in Ord, NE.
Mr. Stevens’ wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, at the Christian Church in Ord. Memorials are suggested to the Valley County Jail Ministries. Still Waters Funeral Parlor is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at stillwatersfuneralparlor.com.
Michael Jack was born Feb. 28, 1948 in Fort Benning, GA to Roy “Jack” and Josephine (Craichy) Stevens. Mike’s earliest years were those of an Army brat; beginning at Fort Benning, followed by Fort Richmond, VA and lastly, Fort Riley, KS. While his father completed his tour of duty in Germany, the family rented an apartment in Burwell and later moved to a farm north of Burwell. Mike received his education at Rose Hill District #25 Country School and graduated from Burwell High School in 1966.
Mike attended Wayne State College for two years, majoring in music education before entering the military. From July of 1969 to July of 1971, Mike served in the United States Army. During his early military days, he married his first wife and to this union a daughter, Michelle, was born.
While living in Colorado, Mike and Marianne Stroup were married on April 30, 1989. The couple made their home in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Wilmington, NC before settling in Nebraska.
Through the years, Mike continued his education at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, CO and Freedom Bible College and Seminary, receiving a bachelor’s degree in theology in 2022 and a master’s degree in divinity in 2024. Mike spent most of his working years in IT and as a software teacher. He had great aspirations of teaching the Bible.
Mike was a devoted member of the Ord Christian Church. He spent much of his time reading, studying and learning. He loved music and played the guitar and piano. During his many travels he enjoyed the culinary delights and became a “foodie.”
Mike is survived by his wife, Marianne of Burwell; a daughter and son-in-law, Michelle Marie and Brian Palko; grandsons, Austin, Joshua, Chase and Chance; a stepdaughter, Shandee (Lonny) Young; step-grandson, Trevor Schuckmann; and a brother and sister-in-law, Kelly Clay and Alice Stevens.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
​
​