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LaVaughn Lauby, 93 of Lexington passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
LaVaughn was born July 7, 1926 in Elm Creek, Nebraska to Paul and Belva (McMichael) Brodine. Her family moved to the Lexington area in 1937 and she graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1943.
On June 4, 1945 she was united in marriage to Michael E. Lauby in Lexington. To this union five children were born: Gerald, David, Mike, Lynda and Michele.
LaVaughn was very active in the St. Ann’s Catholic Church where she served on the altar society, St. Ann’s booster Club and was a Lay Minister. She was also a American Red Cross Volunteer, a 4H leader and fair Chairman and served as a precinct election captain. She also served in various positions in the Catholic Church in state and national offices.
LaVaughn enjoyed watching sports, especially tennis and did extensive traveling all over the world. She was also known for her custom draperies that she made and her many quilts.
She is survived by three sons, Gerald and wife Cindy of Lexington, David and wife Lisa of Scottsdale, Az., and Mike and wife Judy of Phoenix, Az.; two daughters, Lynda and husband Rich Grandgenett of Tekamah and Michele and husband Mark Ferguson of Columbia, South America; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-five great- grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
LaVaughn was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Michael in 2001, and two brothers, Paul and Gordon.
A memorial mass will be held Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Matt Koperski, officiating.
Inurnment will be in the St. Ann’s Cemetery prior to the memorial mass.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the St. Ann’s Cemetery.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

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Kathryn Ann “Katie” Bourn, 93, of Lexington, formerly of Overton, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.

Katie was born September 22, 1925 in Overton, Nebraska to John J. and Anna (Ripp) Kearney.

Katie graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1943. She was united in marriage to Burrell Bourn January 29, 1945 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton. Three children were blessed to this marriage, Patricia, Phyllis and Pamela. He preceded her in death on December 28, 1982.

The couple lived in Overton for many years as Katie served as assistant manager, certified purchasing manager and served on the board of directors for Plectron in Overton for over twenty-seven years.

Katie was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton and VFW Auxiliary.

Katie is survived by her three daughters: Patricia and husband Larry Marsh of Ord, Nebraska, Phyllis and husband Ed Klima of Topeka, Kansas and Pam Bourn and Dennis Fellers of Lexington, Nebraska, Five grandchildren: JoAnna Klima Johnson and her husband, Colby, Cynthia Klima Richardson and her husband Joe, Jake and his wife Kris Klima, Kathryn Ann Marsh Green and her husband Tom and Megan Marsh Gilkey and her husband Tyler, eight great-grandchildren: Blair Klima, Ben Klima, Brooks Klima, Cooper Johnson, Bo Burrell Johnson, Tom Richardson, Sydney Richardson and Addison Gilkey.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters: Phyllis, Mary and Peggy and two brothers: Jack and Mick.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 10:00 .am. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating.

A book singing will be held Friday, September 20, 2019 from 5-6 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Following the book signing there will a time of remembrance and sharing at 6:00 p.m.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visting:reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

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Date Posted: 2015-03-11

Chris Charles Heine, 90, of Cozad, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney.

Chris was born January 31, 1925, to Chris and Kathryn (Wieland) Heine on a farm 12 miles northwest of Lexington.

Chris attended rural District #59 school through the 8th grade and was a 1943 graduate of Lexington High School. During his high school years he farmed with his dad, and worked for a neighbor putting up hay. Chris registered for the draft in February of 1943, and was classified with a farm deferment. On December 29, 1948, he was called to serve in the United States Army during WWII. He served in Japan until his honorable discharge on July 14, 1949. Upon his return he farmed in partnership with his brother, Gilbert from 1953-1961. During this time he continued to run the corn-sheller that they had helped their dad run. They also did custom farming and fertilizer applications to help make ends meet.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Haugh on November 27, 1960, in Lexington, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Kristin Sue, Shelly Jo and Jeffrey Chris. Chris continued to farm with his son Jeff after he graduated from college in 1988. He so enjoyed the time spent farming with his son.

Chris loved the farm. He enjoyed working the cattle, planting the fields, and being outdoors. His hobbies always included something that either needed fixing or repairing, jobs he thoroughly enjoyed. He also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, the Dawson County Fair, and going to the grandchildren’s activities. He was a kind, gentle man with an infectious smile who loved his wife, children and grandchildren very much.

Chris attended LexChristian Church, served two terms on the Lexington COOP Board and the Farm Bureau.

Chris gave his life to Christ at an early age while attending the Lutheran Church.

Waiting to join Chris in Heaven are his wife of 54 years, Shirley Heine of rural Cozad, Nebraska; his children, Jeff (Lauree) Heine of Lexington, Nebraska, Shelly (Dale) Henderson of Cozad, Nebraska, and Kristin Heine of Lexington, Nebraska; one sister, Twila Smith of Cozad, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Jacque Henderson of Kearney, Nebraska, Neil Henderson of Cozad, Nebraska, Amanda McCarter (Ben Jensen), and Samantha Shaw (Calvin “C.J.”); four great-grandchildren, Payton Pond, Lani Shaw, Dalton McCarter, and Hailey Jensen, as well as extended family members and friends.

Chris was greeted into Heaven by his parents, Chris & Katie, and one brother, Gilbert.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 16, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at LexChristian Church in Lexington with Pastor Daniel Sauer officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the Hillside Cemetery northwest of Lexington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

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Date Posted: 2018-03-30

Maiden Name: Michel

Phyllis Loree Mueller, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, Nebraska.

She was born June 22, 1925, on the farm outside of Arapahoe, Nebraska to John R. and Nellie Mae (Hayworth) Michel. Four daughters, and one son were blessed to this marriage. The family moved to Lexington after a house fire took their home. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1943. Phyllis was united in marriage to Roger Mueller on August 15, 1945, at the Presbyterian Church in Lexington. Two sons, Kent born August 2, 1952, and Blaine born May 12, 1958, were blessed to this marriage. Roger and Phyllis always enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Johnson Lake with family and friends.

Throughout the years Phyllis worked at the Ration Board during WWII, dipped ice cream at Jack & Jill on Saturday nights, sold Avon, and Stanley Products door to door, as well as working at Barmore Drug.

Phyllis enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and vegetables, cooking her wonderful fried chicken, delicious Macaroni & Cheese, homemade Beef & Noodles, and Lemon Meringue pie as well as her beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. She also loved being with the family, especially the grandchildren.

She was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church and the VFW Auxiliary.

Phyllis was a wonderful lady. She always had a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone, and will be very missed.

Survivors include her sons; Kent (Joni) Mueller of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, Blaine (Chris) Mueller of Lexington, Nebraska; three sisters, Lois Karr and Geraldine Jorn of Lexington, Nebraska; five grandchildren; Dave Kraft, Marc Mueller, Tonya Wiess, Amanda Zamudio, and Alaina Mueller as well as 6 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Peggy Michel of Kearney, Nebraska. Also surviving is a special local niece; LuAnn (Kurt) McBride of Lexington, Nebraska as well as other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, also all the family pets.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger who died 22 years ago the same day; brother, Eugene Michel; sister, Carol Lofscholt; and brothers-in-law, Bill Karr, Jerry Jorn, and Carl Lofshult.

It was Phyllis’s wishes there be no visitation.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Eddie Mariel officiating. The casket will be closed.

Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

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Date Posted: 2001-06-16

Funeral services for Willard L. Brandenberg, 78, of Lexington will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2001, at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington, with Rev. Bracken Sheldon officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery near Lexington. Visitation will be Friday, June 15, 2001, from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

He was born Nov. 22, 1922, at Lexington where he attended and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1943. He married Jean Root May 20, 1951, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington.

He spent his working years with his hands, building homes with Martin Hibberd and later working at Howell Lumber and with Neil Kugler.

Willard was a member of the United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and building things.

He is survived by two sons, Brad Brandenberg of Lexington and Dr. Greg (Cara) Brandenberg of Columbia, Mo., one brother, Ken Brandenberg of Lexington; five sisters, Lydia McKee of Lakewood, Calif., Gladys Phillips of Glendale, Ariz., Leota Schledewitz of Kearney, Leona Frey of Red Cloud and Eunice Gerken of Lexington; three grandchildren, Kyla, Trev and Jace Brandenberg of Columbia, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives.

He was prececed in death by his parents, his wife, Jean, in 1998, two sisters Goldie McKee and Lucille Gerken, and one infant brother, Clarence. Memorial are suggested to the Plum Creek Care Center or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington Is in charge of arrangements.

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Date Posted: 2005-12-14

H. Grant Beck, 82, of Lexington, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005, at Bryan/LGH East Hospital in Lincoln. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Todd Karges officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Visitation was Friday, Dec. 16, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, which is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Beck of Lexington; a son, Lee (Carolyn) Beck of Hastings; two daughters, Roxie (Gary) Jasper of Columbus, and Marcia (Drew) Lepinski of Lincoln; three grandsons, Gary (Jennifer) Higbee of Parker, Colo., Kevin (Kammi) Beck of Parker, Colo., and Will Lepinski of Lincoln; two granddaughters, Shelly (Dustin) Everitt of Fremont, and Becky Lepinski of Lincoln; three great-granddaughters, Taylor, Madison and Emily; and one great-grandson, Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.

Grant was born Sep. 30, 1923, at Lexington to Howard and Fanny (Messersmith) Beck. He was raised on their farm northeast of Lexington and attended Lexington Public Schools. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1943.

On Oct. 15, 1944, he married Doris Holthus in Kansas. This fall marked their 61st wedding anniversary. Grant and Doris raised three children, Lee, Roxie and Marcia. They farmed north of Lexington until they retired in 1986.

Grant sold seed corn for over 25 years. They also raised livestock and did custom harvesting.

Grant may have been best known for his love of Shetland ponies. He used to drive teams of ponies with his stagecoach or covered wagon in various parades. Grant also raised peacocks and exotic animals. Friends and family were always welcome to come out and play with the ponies and stay for supper.

They also belonged to various card and supper clubs and enjoyed time visiting with friends. Grant and Doris also traveled extensively and had many fond memories of their trips.

Grant was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lexington. He belonged to the Plum Creekers and the Dawson County Cattlemen's Association.

Memorials are kindly suggested to First United Methodist Church or to the Beck family for later designation.

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Date Posted: 2008-07-28

Leonard V. Hilton, 82, of Kearney, formerly of Gothenburg, died July 28, 2008 at Kearney.

Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 1, with the family present at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2:00 pm at the Zion Lutheran Church, Gothenburg, with Pastor Bill Terry officiating.

Burial will take place in the Gothenburg Cemetery.Survivors include two daughters; Peggy Ronnekamp of Indiana and Penny (Ron) Meyer of Shelton; five grandchildren, Andy (Tabbatha) Ronnekamp, Stephanie Ronnekamp and Travis, Jessica and Tracy Meyer; two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Kaia Ronnekamp; two brothers, Orville Hilton and Marvin (Carol) Hilton and two sisters, Doris (George) Hergenrader and June (Jerry) Walker. Leonard was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, a daughter Patty Jo and a son Doug.

Leonard Vern was born May 10, 1926, at Gothenburg to Elmer and Eva (Keiper) Hilton. He attended School District #51 north of Farnam and Farnam High School. When he was in the tenth grade, his family moved to Lexington, and Leonard finished the tenth grade at the South 17 school. He graduated from Lexington High School in May 1943, where he lettered in track. Leonard was baptized and confirmed April 2, 1942, in the First Presbyterian Church at Lexington.

Leonard was inducted into the Army on May 19, 1945, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and completed basic training at Camp Walters, Texas. He was on the way to Japan when the Peace Treaty was signed, and was re-stationed in Hawaii where he served for 13 months. He obtained the rank of Corporal of the Twenty-third Quartermaster Group. Leonard was discharged from the Army on Nov. 1, 1946, at Camp Beale, Calif. He returned to Nebraska to start farming for himself.

Leonard and Virginia June Buesing were married Aug. 9, 1953, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Leonard and Virginia had four children - Peggy Jo, Douglas Detlef, Patty Jo and Penny Jo, all born at the Cozad Community Hospital.

Growing up music and baseball were an intricate part of his life. He enjoyed many instruments such as the piano, guitar and especially the accordion. He played his accordion with a local group known as the Hay Valley Boys. Leonard spent his time with his children as they participated in 4-H. Thus he became a member of the Dawson County Fair Board, where he was active for 25 years. As recently as this past week he still took time to enjoy the Dawson County Fair and in helping Scott Wolf park cars. He was a member of the Plum Creekers of Lexington.  Because of their love of horses, Leonard and Virginia were active members of the National Pony Express Association-Nebraska Division (NPEA). He was a dedicated 30-year member of the NPEA-Nebraska Division. One of his most memorable times was the Olympic Torch Run of 1996. He was the President of the Nebraska Division of the National Pony Express Association and organized the riders who would be carrying the torch as it made it's way across Nebraska.  Leonard and Virginia took part in the annual re-rides for the Pony Express. In June, he was able to follow the route for one more time.

Memorials are suggested to the National Pony Express Association - Nebraska Division. Online condolences can be given at www.blase-strauser.com.

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Byron Glenn Myers was born to Charles Benjamin Myers, of Benedict, Nebraska, and wife, Myrtle Edna (Byron) Myers, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in their farmhouse near Lexington, Nebraska. He was nine years younger than his brother, Robert Byron Myers. His father was a member of the school board and the entire family was active in the community. Byron was a member of Future Farmers of America and 4-H. He was a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.   

He graduated from Lexington High School in the top third of his class of 1943. He had earned all of his credits one year early, but decided to remain one more year in school to graduate with his classmates. United Pacific Railroad awarded him a scholarship in agriculture. With his brother serving in the Army, Byron received a farm waiver to stay home and tend to his father's farm. He worked hard supporting the war effort on the home front, volunteering at the North Platte Canteen and pitching in on the work that needed to be done on the neighboring farms. By the time the War ended, the scholarship offer had expired.   

During this time he fell in love with the youngest daughter of the Lexington mail man, Norma Jean Bellew.   

They were married May 30, 1948 in Lincoln. The union was blessed with two daughters and two sons. Although they separated in 1975, they continued to love each other in warm friendship and never divorced.

He loved working with his hands, from farming, dehydrator mills, truck driving, building the Oahe Dam to handling explosives for a seismograph company. Through all of this, he provided well for his family, from a trailer to a house filled with comfortable furnishings and delicious food.

In 1965, he moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona for better job opportunities. He built a swimming pool in the backyard and grew beautiful roses in the front yard of his house. This love of gardening continued throughout his life.

The children have fond memories of a loving Daddy, who read bedtime stories followed by bear hugs during the week and sang a rumbling bass during church hymns on Sundays.

He was a Christian who taught his children to be thankful for each day. A big, strong man, he demonstrated that it's okay to cry at the sound of a children's choir, when reading classic poetry or any other time. And that dancing is good for you. At the supper table, he often read a newspaper article to his family and encouraged discussion. He enjoyed teaching math, literature, English, philosophy, penmanship and history. He encouraged creativity from science fairs to shop class projects. He also helped home school his grandson, Justin. Because he loved to travel, the children recall many camping trips filled with exciting discoveries and learning outdoor survival skills. He rode a bicycle most of his life and brought his family along, encouraging them to be as active as possible. Byron's greatest gift to his children and grandchildren was to instill in their hearts a love and pride in their family history and heritage.

After a heart attack brought retirement in 1988, he built a bicycle with 144 gears and rode it across the nation.

He visited his cousin Dean Myers in Missouri, saw his niece and her family in Tennessee, rode through Lexington and Gothenburg a few times to visit friends and family, and had many adventures he loved to share. In 1997, he rode his bicycle from Texas to Phoenix to visit his daughter.

In recent years, Byron lived in his own apartment home in Phoenix. He decided that nursing homes weren't for him and his daughter accepted the tremendous task of being his caregiver. But of course, she couldn't have done this without the help of every loving member of his family. In his final days, Byron smiled and slipped away peacefully in the cradle of his family's love.

Like his parents, brother and his dog, Mickey, Byron coped with heart disease. He believed in cardiac research and treatment for humans and canines. He participated in fund raisers for this cause. His pacemaker will be donated to a veterinary hospital to save a waiting dog's life. He was also a donor to save human lives.

Survivors include his son Dennis Myers, his daughter, Sharon Myers Taylor and her husband, Karl; his grandsons, Justin Taylor and Dwaine Myers; his grand daughter Denina Myers Geistlinger and her husband, Marlow; and his great grand children Kaylah, Brandon and Brittany Geistlinger; niece Margot Myers Spore and her family; nephew R. Michael Myers; sister in law Marjorie Bellew Block and her family, and his shih tzu, Shortcake.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1960, his mother in 1980, his brother in 2003, his sister in law Gertrude Koolen Myers in 1998, his wife in 1996, his daughter Linda Carole Myers in 1951, his son Steven Douglas Myers in 1970, and by his special friend, Nancy Geho.

Memorial Service to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local humane society or animal shelter and inform the family of your donation online at the link below. Online condolences may also be sent.  For an online tribute created by Byron's grand daughter, go to:http://www.youtube.com/user/dgeistlinger

Date Posted: 2008-10-14

Maiden Name: Banks

Patricia J. Ruppe, 83, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. She was born June 16, 1925, at Lexington, Nebraska to Harold and Clare (Rosenberg) Banks. Pat attended school in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1943. She went on to further her education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.   

Pat was united in marriage to Eldon Ruppe on October 1, 1944, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. To this union one daughter, Cherie was born.   

Don and Pat enjoyed their extensive travels. After Don's death in 2004, Pat would still spend time in Mexico at their home in Puerto Vallarta. She also loved spending time at their cabin at Johnson Lake and entertaining family and friends.   

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Methodist Women. Pat was active in the church and sand for many years in the church choir. She was an active member of Chapter GR P.E.O. and Studio 25. She was also a Charter member of the Lexington Community Foundation.   

Survivors are her daughter and son-in-law: Cherie & Steve Loudon of Lexington, NE. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don in 2004; and brother, Bob Banks.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverends John Craig and Todd Karges officiating. P.E.O. Rites by Chapter GR, Lexington.   

Visitation will be held Monday, October 20, 2008, from 4-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, who was her Spiritual salvation or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, which was her Temporal salvation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of Sympathy may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Date Posted: 2010-02-11

William Hanna Bowen, 84, Lincoln, died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 18, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 'O' Street in Lincoln. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Robb Memorial Cemetery, Lexington. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

William was born July 4, 1925 to Charles Hassell and Ella (Hanna) Bowen in Lexington. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1943. He immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps, earned his wings and was shipped to the 15th Air Force in 1945.

After the war, William stayed in Italy to transport troops home and was discharged in January 1946. He graduated from the University of  Nebraska in 1950 with a degree in civil engineering. He was elected Dawson County Surveyor and was later appointed city surveyor of Lexington. He married Beverly Jean Bates in Lexington in 1955. His career took them to Omaha and then to Lincoln where he worked for Constructors, Inc.

William is survived by his children, David (Sherel) Bowen of Tucson, Ariz., Kelley (Orlando) Leyba of Albuquerque, N.M., Kathie (Greg) Titus of Leawood, Kan.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and many friends.     He is preceded in death by wife, Beverly (Bates).

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 5733 South 34th, Suite 500, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516 or Cedars Youth Services, 620 North 48th, Lincoln, NE  68504. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.roperandsons.com

Date Posted: 2012-07-06

Kenneth "Arnold" Kirwan, 88, of Kearney died Friday, July 06, 2012 at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney.

Funeral services were Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. The Rev. Karla Gunn officiated. Burial was at the Kearney Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by the Kearney American Legion Post #52, Kearney V.F.W. Post #759 and the United States Navy Military Honors Team.

Visitation was Monday at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney, with the family greeting friends.

He was born Sept. 13, 1923 in Elwood, to George and Alvera (Youngquist) Kirwan.

He graduated from Lexington High School in 1943. On Aug, 6, 1944 he married Dorothy Nelson in Bertrand.

He is a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944 – 1946. After the Navy, Arnold worked around Loomis as a well driller for a year. Then he farmed near Lexington until they moved south of Kearney in 1948 where they farmed until 1966. In 1967 Arnold started selling John Deere farm equipment. He owned and operated Kirwan Implement in Holdrege from 1974 until 1981. He then worked as a custodian at the Kearney Clinic and First United Methodist Church. Later he worked at Mirror Image car wash. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kearney, V.F.W. Post #759, Kearney American Legion Post # 52, Kearney Eagles Lodge #2722 and the Kearney Elks Lodge #984.

Arnold didn't know a stranger, and he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, gardening, and taking care of his lawn.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy of Kearney; daughters, Pat (Dennis) Swearingen of Holdrege, Kris (Dave) Noetzelman of Kearney, daughter-in-law, Teresa (Ken) Erickson of Atlanta, Neb.; sisters, LaRae Drew of Mississippi, Maribell Irwin of Odessa, Neb.; brothers, Raymond (Donna) Kirwan of Littleton, Colo., LaRoue Kirwan of Saratoga, Calif., Myron (Jean) Kirwan of Imperial, Emil (Virginia) Kirwan of Kansas City, Kan., David Kirwan of Stockton, Calif.; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons Jim and Robert Kirwan, and one daughter Kathryn.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or Asera Care Hospice.

Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence, tribute or memory. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

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Date Posted: 2014-04-09

Maiden Name: Dodge

Marjorie Ester (Dodge) Hatting, 89, was born in Darr, Nebraska on March 23, 1925 and died on April 9, 2014 at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington. She was the third of five children of Esther (Mosher) Dodge and Hugh Alonzo Dodge. Marjorie married William Hatting, Jr. on September 17, 1945 in Garden City, Kansas. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1943.

With husband, Bill, Marjorie owned and operated a farm south of Lexington raising Aberdeen Angus cattle for 29 years from 1945-1974 and subsequently farmed in South Dakota and Iowa in the late 1970s. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Marjorie served as a member and officer of the Dawson County District #31 School Board and as a Democratic Party poll inspector for local, state, and national elections. When Marjorie wasn't engaged in farming she was employed by Dawson County Feed Products, Platte Valley Products, Automated Systems, Overland National Bank, Grand Island, and Quitmeyer Tax Service. She worked for the Lexington Public Schools as a receptionist, payroll coordinator, and school bus driver until she retired in 1987.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Virginia Cumpston and Normalee Uhler and brother LeRoy Dodge.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, by brother Roger (Bernita) Dodge of Penn Valley, California, son Steven (Maurine) Hatting of St. Paul, Minnesota, three grandchildren (Michael, Sarah, Eloise), four great-grandchildren (Samuel, Abigail, Charlotte, Maxine), five nieces and eight nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials for Marjorie be made to the Dawson County Extension Service, 4-H Division.

Visitation will be from 3:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 13 at Reynolds-Love Funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington on Monday, April 14 at 10:00 am with Dr. Dyton Owen officiating. Burial will follow at Robb Hill Cemetery south of Lexington.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com