U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Haase - Laurene A., 97, Lincoln, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Visitation: after 3 p.m. Wednesday, until services, funeral home. Memorials to St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Heffner - Barbara Ann (Velazquez), 49, Vancouver, Wash., passed away Sunday (2/10/2002). Independent owner/operator truck driver with husband for 20 years. Attended East High School.
Survivors: husband, Dave J.; sons, daughter-in-law, Anthony and Melissa Showen, Andrew Showen, granddaughter, Riley, all Vancouver; mother, Lois Velazquez, Lincoln; brothers, sister-in-law, Michael, Oklahoma City, Okla., Frank and Barbara, Lafayette, La.; sister, Teresa Velazquez, Portland, Ore.; aunts, Jolene Rezac, Michelle Buresh, both Lincoln, Rosemary Kunkee, Seward; three nieces; three nephews. Preceded in death by father, Frank.
Private family graveside Services: 1 p.m. Thursday, Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 S.E. Mount Scott Blvd., Veteran's Crypt Wall, Portland, OR 97266. Cremation. Memorials in lieu of flowers to University of Iowa, Ovarian Cancer Research Lab, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244.
Heidemann - Dora M., 89, Tecumseh, died Sunday (2/10/2002). Born, Elk Creek. Homemaker.
Survivors: nieces, Leona Beethe, Elk Creek, Aloma Badertscher, Carolyn Kroll, both Tecumseh, Eunice Cole, Emmett, Idaho, Arlene Thomas, Lincoln; nephews, Leland Heidemann, Kenneth Heidemann, Leslie Othmer, Larry Othmer, all Tecumseh, Harlan Heidemann, Elk Creek, Ronald Baucke, of Emmett, Larry Heidemann, Bartelsville, Okla., Steve Heidemann, Omaha.
Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, St. John Lutheran Church, Tecumseh. Tecumseh Cemetery. Visitation: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. today, Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh; one hour before services, church. Memorials to church or Belle Terrace, Tecumseh.
Jeffers - Katherine A. (Kobza), 51, West Columbia, S.C., died Thursday (2/7/2002). Born, Columbus.
Survivors: son, daughter-in-law, Jody and Tiffany Pieters, Irmo, S.C.; daughter, son-in-law, Taya and David Jenks, Columbia; grandchildren, Jessica, Jami and Jodi Jenks, Columbia; mother, Ellen Hespen, Columbus; sisters, Theresa Divis, Clarkson, Angie Kobza, Lincoln. Preceded in death by father, Leo Kobza.
Services were held Monday, Caughman-Harman Funeral Homes, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel, Lexington, S.C. Burial, Bush River Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210
Johnson - Lucile, 85, Milford, died Saturday (2/9/2002) in Lincoln.
Services: 10 a.m. today, Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St. No visitation. Memorials to Sunrise County Manor, Milford.
Kastl - Ernest J. "Ernie," 87, Seward, formerly Bee, died Friday (2/8/2002).
Mass of Christian burial: 10 a.m. today, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Bee. Memorials to donor's choice in care of the Kastl family. Wood-Zabka Funeral Home, Seward.
Kostecka - Dennis Lee, 57, Table Rock, died Saturday (2/9/2002) in Lincoln. Born, Humboldt. Retired, Navy and Air Force.
Survivors: mother, Mary Olson, Table Rock; daughter, Kim Kostecka, Bellevue; one grandson; brothers, Rob, Ronald, both of Table Rock; sister, Judy Ruge, Humboldt.
Memorial service at a later date. Cremation. No visitation. Wherry Brothers Mortuary, Pawnee City. Memorials to family's choice.
Kriha - Jerry Lee, 64, Lincoln, died Sunday (2/10/2002) after a long battle with cancer. Born, Gibbon (9/23/37) to Joe and Mae (Zimmerman). Graduated, Gibbon High School, 1955. Married, Janice Donaldson, 9/2/56. Received, bachelor of science degree, Kearney State Teachers College, 1959; master of arts degree, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., 1964. Taught math in Holdrege school system, 1959-77. While at Holdrege, was selected as Young Educator of the Year in 1970 by Nebraska Jaycees. Same year, was elected president-elect, Nebraska State Education Association, and served as NSEA president, 1972. Also active in National Education Association, served on board of directors, 1975-77. In 1977 he became a Uni-Serv director for NSEA, working with many members across the state. In 1983 was named director of collective bargaining and research. Appointed as NSEA's associate director in 1991, served until retirement in 2000; this capped a 23-year career as an advocate for teachers. In 2000, received Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Nebraska at Kearney. Member, Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, served as elder and treasurer.
Survivors: wife, Janice; son, daughter-in-law, Jeff and Peg, Omaha; grandchildren, Meganne and Justin Kriha, Omaha; sister, brother-in-law, Marlene and Tom Wilson, Brighton, Colo.; brothers, sisters-in-law, Joe and Marlene, Gibbon, John and Willa, Carl Junction, Mo., Mike and Sandi, Eagle, Ron and Nancy, Lincoln; mother-in-law, Olive Donaldson, Gibbon; many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, 5750 S. 40th St. Lincoln Memorial Park. Visitation: 3-9 p.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St.; one hour before services. Memorials to the church or NSEA Children's Fund.
Loesch - Marie J., 94, Lincoln, died Friday (2/8/2002). Born (11/9/07), Lawrence, Kan. Retired buyer and sales clerk, Ben Simons, Miller and Paine and Dillards. Member, St. Paul United Methodist Church, D.O.E.S. She was a big sports fan, a strong supporter of the Humane Society and liked watching dog shows.
Preceded in death by husband, Truman; parents; sister, Edith; brother, Bill.
Services: 1:30 p.m. today, Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St. The Rev. Armin Vogt. Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials to the Humane Society.
Louzek - Anna Virginia, 81, Lincoln, died Sunday (2/10/2002). Born, Havelock, to Anton and Anna (Franson) Nelson. Avid gardener and loving wife.
Survivors: sisters, brother-in-law, Agnes M. Erickson, Mildred E. and W.J. "Jack" Calfee, all of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Keller, Pleasant Dale, June Nelson, Tempe, Ariz.; brother-in-law, George Louzek, New York; numerous nieces, nephews. Preceded in death by husbands, Frank G. Louzek, Harry Steinmiller; parents; brothers, Ed and Eldon Nelson; sister, Alfreda Geistlinger.
Services: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. The Rev. Dr. Otis Young. Lincoln Memorial Park. Pallbearers: Randy, Todd, Jack, and Troy Calfee, Terry Geistlinger, Bob Thurston. Visitation: begins noon today, funeral home. Memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Maahs - Frieda H., 94, Lincoln, died Friday (2/8/2002).
Services: 2 p.m. today, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton. Visitation: today until 11 a.m., Roper & Sons Mortuary, 4300 O St., and one hour before services, church. Memorials to church or church Cemetery, Route 1, Box 22, Walton 68461.
Mager - Edward H., 76, Wilber, died Sunday (2/10/2002).
Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Zajicek Funeral Home, Wilber. Visitation: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. today, funeral home. Memorials to family with funeral home in charge.
Mitchell - James L., 63, Phoenix, formerly Lincoln, died Jan. 29, 2002, at home.
Services were Feb. 2 at Hansen's Desert Hills Mortuary in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Morris - Rollo G., 95, Lincoln, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Graveside Services: 1 p.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Park. Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St.
Mowrey - Bill R., 78, Lincoln, died Thursday (2/7/2002).
Services: 1 p.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. Memorials to family in lieu of flowers.
Niday - Dorothea S. "Teo," 85, Plattsmouth, formerly Lincoln, died Sunday (2/10/2002). Bakery supervisor, Miller & Paine, 25 years. Member, Eastern Star 181, Elmwood; Eastern Star Chapter 8; State Historical Society, Lincoln General Auxiliary, Senior Companion Program.
Survivors: sons, daughters-in-law, Jerry and Darlene, Ceresco, Lanny, Dunbar, Michael and Jane, Overland Park, Kan.; daughters, son-in-law, Beth Zarin, Fairfax, Va., Martha and Jerry Komma, Urbandale, Iowa; sister, Jean Bouse-Gee, Lincoln; brother, sister-in-law, Randal "Pete" and Mary Seyfer, Kearney; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Glen; son, Dick; daughter-in-law, Cecilia Niday; sister, Margaret Sackley; brother-in-law, Charles Bouse.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St. The Rev. Mark Nikont. Burial: 3 p.m. Wednesday, East Union Cemetery, Union. Pallbearers: grandsons. Visitation: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today, family will greet friends, 6-8 p.m., funeral home. Memorials to Masonic Children's Home, Fremont; or Masonic Home, Plattsmouth.
Obbink - Wilbur, 85, Firth, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Services: 1:30 p.m. today, Pella Reformed Church. Pella Cemetery. Memorials to Pella Reformed Church or Lakeview Rest Home. Metcalf Funeral Home, Firth.
Ottis - Eric L., 22, Fremont, died Sunday (2/10/2002) in Grand Island. Born, Fremont. Former police officer, Bennington Police Department; loss prevention officer, Bakers Supermarkets, Omaha.
Survivors: son, Austin, North Bend; father, Daniel, Fremont; mother, Pamela Sisley, Lincoln; sisters, Ann Kucera, Shellie Ottis, both of Lincoln; grandparents, Anthony and Johanna Ottis, Wahoo, Neva Sisley, Omaha.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Fremont. Calvary Cemetery, Fremont. Rosary: 7 p.m. today, Moser Memorial Chapel, Fremont. Visitation: 3-9 p.m. today, funeral home; one hour before services, church. Memorials may be given for a trust fund for his son.
Pacula - Anna, 80, Wahoo, formerly Weston, widow of Ladislav, died Friday (2/8/2002) in Omaha.
Mass of Christian burial: 10 a.m. today, St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Weston. Visitation: one hour before Mass, church. Memorials to St. John Elementary School. Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo.
Ramer - Elaine P., 64, Falls City, widow of Eugene, died Monday (2/11/2002). Born, Falls City. Schoolteacher; special-education paraprofessional, Hiawatha, Kan.
Survivors: Eugene D. Jr., Falls City; daughter, Peggy Vaughn, Seneca, Kan.; mother, Evelyn Barker; brother, Frederick Liebsch, Laremore, N.D.; sisters, Marian Vernon, Falls City, Joan Palyas, Scenery Hill, Pa.; four grandchildren.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Rulo. Rosary: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dorr and Clark Funeral Home, Falls City.
Rogers - Wayne, 80, Ashland, died Monday (2/11/2002) in Lincoln.
Services pending. Marcy Mortuary, Ashland.
Rudge - Mildred E., 92, Lincoln, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Memorial service: 11 a.m. today, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. No visitation, cremation. Memorials to Hospice of Tabitha.
Springer - Hobart H. "Hobby," 73, Exeter, died Saturday (2/9/2002) in Lincoln. Born, Exeter.
Survivors: son, Steve Carrigan, Exeter; brother, Milo, Niland, Calif.; sisters, Emma Jean Dickey, York, Carol Goering, Platte Center; four grandchildren; nieces; nephews.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, United Church of Christ, Exeter. Exeter Cemetery. Visitation: beginning 1 p.m. Wednesday, Farmer Funeral Home, Exeter. Memorials in care of family.
Studnicka - Thomas J., 66, Lincoln, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 3128 S St. Rosary: 6 p.m. today, Roper & Sons Mortuary, 4300 O St. Visitation: today until 9 p.m., mortuary. Memorials to Hospice Care of Nebraska, Suite 201, 1600 S. 70th St., Lincoln 68506; or the church, Lincoln 68503.
Swanson - Lavina L., 95, Osceola, widow of Mauritz A., died Sunday (2/10/2002). Born, Swede Home. Registered nurse.
Survivors: sons, Mauritz "Duane," Silver Spring, Md., Dwight, Hickman, Daryl, Lincoln; daughter, Carolyn Scheer, Elkhorn; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Osceola. Osceola Cemetery. Visitation: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Kepner-Roberts Funeral Home, Osceola.
Sweaney - Hazel B., 83, Hebron, widow of Keith, died Saturday (2/9/2002).
Services: 10 a.m. today, Price Funeral Home, Hebron. Memorials are established.
Zech - Viola Ruth, 75, Lincoln, died Friday (2/8/2002).
Service: 10 a.m. today, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6126 Morrill Ave. Memorials to the family. Roper & Sons Mortuary, 4300 O St.
Zehr - Thelma G. (Hunt), 96, Hastings, formerly Chappell, Fremont, widow of Nicholas C., died Friday (2/8/2002). Born near Juniata. Former clerk, several stores in Fremont, including J.C. Penney.
Survivors: daughter, Barbara E. Yost, Hastings; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Waunetta Hosch, Ackley, Iowa; nieces; nephews.
Services: 10:30 a.m. today, Grace United Methodist Church, Hastings. Burial: 1 p.m. Wednesday (MST), Chappell Cemetery, Chappell. Visitation: one hour before services, church. Memorials to the church or donor's choice. Butler-Volland Funeral Home, Hastings.
Aksamit - Millie E., 89, Wilber, died Friday (2/15/2002).
Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Zajicek Funeral Home, Wilber. Visitation: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. today, funeral home. Memorials to family with funeral home in charge.
Becker - John, 84, Lincoln, died Friday (2/15/2002). Member, Ebenezer United Church of Christ, Elks Lodge 80, Welfare Society, UTU.
Survivors: son, daughter-in-law, John J. and Nancy, Lincoln; daughters, son-in-law, Pat Ernisse, Flower Mound, Texas, Susan and Roy Brunz, Garland, Texas; grandchildren, Jennifer Ernisse, Ashley Ernisse, Merritt Brunz, Morgan Brunz, Rachelle Humiston, Lissa Renn; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Marie Willis, Louise Zadina, both of Lincoln; brother, sister-in-law, Phil and Elvina Becker, Lincoln. Preceded in death by wife, Minnie; parents, Phillip and Amelia; sister, Amelia Maloney.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St. The Rev. Loran Forbes. Wyuka Cemetery. Visitation: noon-9 p.m. today; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, with family 7-8 p.m., all at the funeral home. Memorials to the family for future consideration.
