Date Posted: 2018-07-14

John (Dwight) Edwards, 79 years of age, of Holdrege, died Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Homes Chapel in Holdrege, with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Offutt Air Force Base Funeral Honors Team at the Chapel. To honor Dwight, the family requests casual dress or sports attire. Following the traditional visitation, cremation will take place and inurnment will be held at the Moses Hill Cemetery in Phelps County Nebraska.

Visitation will be Monday, July 9, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

Dwight was born Nov. 5, 1938 at Cozad, the youngest of four children born to John G. and Donna M. (Linsley) Edwards. He received his primary education from rural school District No. 18 at Lexington, Nebraska, through the eighth grade and completed his education at Lexington High School. Dwight was then inducted into the United States Air Force, and served his country until his honorable discharge on Sept. 3, 1958.

In 1963, Dwight was united in marriage to Ellen Beavers in Carlton and to this union three children were born, Becky, Clint, and Mike. The family made their home in Oregon, where Dwight was employed by Southern Pacific Railroad building railroad cars. The family then returned to Lexington, where Dwight managed the Husky Service Station, and later worked as a mechanic at the Chrysler garage. Dwight then began his career in swine confinement operation in Elwood, Sutton and Loomis. He also worked at Casey’s General Store in Holdrege until his retirement in 2001, where he enjoyed making the donuts and rolls every morning. Following retirement, Dwight was employed by Agri CO-OP in Loomis.

Dwight enjoyed fishing, loved cooking and baking, and building model cars.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen on Oct. 31, 1998. Dwight then met Betty A. (Deselms) Schriner, and the couple was united in marriage on Aug. 4, 2000. Dwight and Betty loved spending time together, whether it was attending an auction, a shopping spree, or watching TV; they treasured the moments. He also loved the time spent with their family. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his dog, Barney.

Dwight leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Betty Edwards of Holdrege; four children, Becky (Alan) Forster of Smithfield, Clint (Shelly) Edwards of Loomis; Mike (Logan)Edwards of Mt. Holly, N. C.; and Sylvia Edwards of Richland Hills, Texas; three step-children, Tim (Jan) McCracken of Edison; Terry (Vonda) McCracken of Fairmont; and Tracy (Whitney) Haack of Fairmont; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie Allison of Lexington; sister-in-law, Delta Mae Johnson of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his wife, Ellen, and his parents; Dwight was preceded in death by one son, Jessie Edwards; one step-grandson, Stephen Haack; step-granddaughter, Patricia McCracken; two brothers, Jack Edwards, and Gayle Edwards; four brothers-in-law, Floyd Allison, Keith Johnson, Jim Deselms, and Harold Beavers; and one sister-in-law, Muriel Gebers.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dwight’s honor, and kindly suggested to cancer research.

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.

Date Posted: 2018-06-27

William R. “Bill” France, age 86, formerly of Lexington, Nebraska, died Monday, June 25, 2018.

Bill was born January 6, 1932, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Donald and Mattie (Wight) France.

He attended District 25 and Lexington High School. Bill served his country in the United States Army field artillery during the Korean Conflict. He drove an M-5 thirteen-ton high-speed tractor. Bill was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged as a corporal.

On June 11, 1952, he was united in marriage to Patricia A. Fellows. They were married 66 years.

Bill farmed, raised livestock, worked for alfalfa dehydration plants, Dawson Public Power District, Monroe Shock Absorbers, and Sperry New Holland. He built a house on the family farm where he and Patricia raised their family and lived for 63 years until declining health prompted their move to Kearney, Nebraska, where Patricia still resides.

Bill liked hunting, especially pheasants, and was a crack shot. He also enjoyed fishing the Platte River and Johnson Lake. In his youth, he often rode his horse to country school and he taught all of his children to ride. He and Patricia enjoyed dancing. He followed Husker football.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia of Kearney; daughters, Victoria (Robert) Lipovsky of Fairfield and Kristie France of Kearney; sister-in-law Arlene France of Arizona City, Arizona; nine grandchildren, Toni (Nick) Bloch, Adam Lipovsky, Will Lipovsky, Melissa France, Pamela (Tylor) Higgins, Tucker (Heather) Gruntorad, Trevor Meyer (fiancé Tisha Powell), Allison Gruntorad (fiancé Kyle Harms), and Tanner Gruntorad; nine great-grandchildren, Harrison Bloch, Raleigh Bloch, Cienna Wagoner, Trey Wagoner, Logan Wagoner, Tara Higgins, Danny Higgins, Hadley Gruntorad, and Easton Meyer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Danny; and brothers, Wayne, Donnie, and Gary; and great-granddaughter Tshura France-Wagoner.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2018, at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Pastor William Ohlmann, officiating. There will be no visitation, but the casket will be open prior to the funeral service.

Interment with military honors will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences, please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2018-02-12
Maiden Name: Stanford

Jeanne E. Gibson, 90, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Jeanne was born on November 22, 1927, the 7th child of Horace & Maggie (Jones) Stanford. At the age of 4, she made her home with Terry and Ruth Bell, attending School District 38 and graduated from Lexington High School.

She was united in marriage to Grant Reddick in 1945 and two children were blessed to this union: Terry and Vicky. In the early 1950’s, she sold Stanley Home Products. In 1957, she went to work for Sixth Street Food Store until 1960. Later, she and her family moved to Colorado, where she continued working for grocery chains. She and Grant would later divorce in 1963.

In 1968, she married Carl Nicks and inherited three step-children, Vern, Norman & Carla.

They would divorce in 1980 and Jeanne moved back to Lexington and married Eldred Gibson. He passed away in 1989.

She was a member of Rebekah’s and Ladies Auxiliary 2551 for twenty seven years.

The most important thing to Jeanne, in her own words was “Remember me for loving my family”.

Survivors include her son, Terry (Bonnie) Reddick of Hillrose, Colorado; Five grandsons, Wes (Spring) Reddick of Longmont, Colorado, Stacey (Shonna) Reddick of Broomfield, Colorado, Craig (Marcy) Stephens of Pleasanton, Nebraska, William (Kristi) Stephens of Gunnison, Colorado & Jason (Alecia) Stephens of Bertrand, Nebraska; One granddaughter: Amanda Thompson of Colorado; Fourteen great-grandchildren; Morgan Reddick, Jacenta Irlanda, Kalond Irlanda, Jasmyn Thompson, Steven Reddick Lacome, Cassie Stephens, Terry Stephens, Brandon Stephens, Brooklyn Stephens, Josh Stephens, Aaron Stephens, and Andy Stephens; one great-great granddaughter; Victoria Marie Hoffman, step-children, Vern (Diane) Carrigan, Norman Nicks, Carla (Lynn) Lapp, Ben (Karen) Gibson & Max (Vivian) Gibson; special nephew, Lonnie Bliven and many nieces and nephews; special friend, Loraine Haller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Vicky Stephens, four brothers, Dean, Lonnie, Joe & Harlan; three sisters, Betty Nelson, Helen Lobdell & Mary Bliven; brother-in-law, George Hughbanks; two nephews, Dallas Hughbanks & Mick Bliven.

Memorial Service will be Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Ohlmann, officiating.

Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

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

Date Posted: 2017-09-11
Maiden Name: Schneider

Lori Lin Walker, 56, of Grand Island died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017.

Memorial service was held at Monday, Sept. 11, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island. Father Scott Harder officiated.

Lori was born April 22, 1961 in Lexington, the daughter of Jim “Duke” and Phyllis (Rice) Schneider. She grew up on a farm east of Lexington and graduated from Lexington Senior High School.

Lori married Dallas Walker and they spent most of their married life raising their family in Nebraska and Alaska.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Ryan (Hanna) Walker of Alaska, Aimee (Steve) Owen of Alaska, Teresa Jones (Chris Sims) of Florida, Melissa (Allen) White of Alaska, Jessica Walker and Emily (Cody) VanSickle of Grand Island; her parents, Phyllis and Steve Douglas of Little Rock, Ark.; Duke (Sally) Schneider of Omaha; sister, Jami Anson (Gary Kampschneider) of Columbus; stepbrother, John (Pat) Hays of Omaha; stepsisters, Jodi (J.D.) Alonso of Omaha and Kathryn (Jerry) Linch of League City, Texas; 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas and her grandparents.

Lori’s beloved family was her life. She was a fulltime mother, grandmother and homemaker. Loving and compassionate, she was as beautiful as the gardens she cultivated.

Online remembrances may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.

Date Posted: 2017-09-23

Richard L. Beans of Cozad died Sept. 14, 2017 at the Cozad Community Hospital at the age of 89.

Services were Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial was at the Cozad Cemetery.

Visitation was Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.

Richard was born May 24, 1928 at Denver, to Guy and Cora (Fouts) Beans.

Richard graduated from Lexington High School. He married LaVon Beckley on Nov. 25, 1951. The couple moved to the family homestead east of Cozad where they farmed for many years. Richard also worked at Monroe Auto for 31 years until his retirement.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved playing pranks on family and friends. Richard was quite handy and kept busy fixing things around the house and for family. He and LaVon enjoyed traveling, square dancing and were active with the American Red Cross. Richard was a longtime member of the Cozad United Methodist Church and a Mason for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVon; brother, Guy, Jr. and sister, Wilma May and her husband Leonard.

Survivors include his three children, Terry (Sara) Beans of Lexington, Sheri Beans of Temple, Texas, and Steve (Dawn) Beans of Cozad; two grandchildren, Travis Beans of Fremont and Morgan Smock of Cozad; great-grandson, Jacob Beans of Fremont; brothers, Floyd (Pat) Beans of Chandler, Ariz., and Norm (Marilyn) Beans of Cozad; sister-in-law, Arlene Beans of Mesa, Ariz.; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Lexington or Cozad Grand Generation Centers.

Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Date Posted: 2017-08-01
Maiden Name: Zimmerman

Charlene Louise Zimmerman, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.Charlene Louise Zimmerman, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.
She was born November 3, 1951, in Overton, Nebraska, to Harold and Ruth (Anderson) Zimmerman.
Charlene attended school at Lexington, and then went onto further her education at Beauty School. Through the years she also took many college courses which helped advance her through Monroe Auto.
She spent more than 35 years working at Monroe Auto in Cozad, Nebraska. She first worked in production, and worked her way up in the company to where she finished her career in the office. When Monroe’s closed, she went to work for Home Federal Savings & Loan, and then Walmart in Lexington. 
Charlene loved her granddaughters so very much, she loved taking pictures of them as well as her great nieces. She attended her great nieces’ basketball and volleyball games, and their high school rodeo activities.
She also enjoyed being outdoors and working in her flowers.
Charlene is survived by one son, Christopher Zimmerman of Grand Island, Nebraska; three granddaughters, Skylar Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska, Avry Cummins of Omaha, Nebraska, Chandra Cummins-Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska; one brother, Dean (Kay) Zimmerman of Mesquite, Texas; two sisters, Sharon (Bob) Forrester of Arnold, Nebraska, and Doris (Kim) Simmons of Bellevue, Nebraska; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Duane.
It was Charlene’s wishes for cremation. That family has honored those wishes. There will be no visitation.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Daniel Sauer officiating.
Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery east of Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to Dawson County CASA or the Donor’s Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.