Iona Grace Hodgson Bednar Shafer of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Sumner passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Yankee Hill Village in Lincoln.
Iona was born January 20, 1932 to Lovell and Grace (Yerg) Hodgson at Lexington, Nebraska.
She attend country school district South 17 for eight years, and graduated from Lexington High School in 1949. She attended Kearney State College one year, then worked one year as secretary for Dawson Public Power in Lexington.
On September 15, 1951 Iona was united in marriage to Robert Stanley Bednar at her parents’ home. They lived on a farm near Sumner, Nebraska. In 1965 they moved into the village of Sumner.
Robert and Iona were blessed with four children, Robert Arlan, Donald Eugene, Patricia Ann, and Thomas Daniel. On June 12, 1975 her husband Robert was killed in an automobile accident.
Iona worked as an administrative secretary for the Sumner Eddyville School from 1966-1989. She also worked as a postal clerk at the Sumner Post Office from 1966-1989. She became Post Master until she retired in 1998.
July 29, 1984 she married Donald J. Shafer and they resided in Sumner where she lived.
Iona accepted Christ and as baptized at the age of nine. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, then the United Church of Sumner after the churches merged.
Preceding her in death was one son, Donald Eugene, her husbands, Robert Bednar and Donald Shafer, her parents, Lovell and Grace Hodgson, one brother, Arbor and sister in law, Fern Hodgson, one great grandson, Zac Raymond Bednar, brother in law and sister in law, Manley and Ellen Robbins, father in law and mother in law Stanley and Christine Bednar.
Survivors are: sons, Bob and Sandy Bednar of Miller, Tom and Tami Bednar of Grand Island, and daughter, Patty and Roger Evans of Lincoln; grandchildren, Bruce and Amy Bednar; Brent and Mindy Bednar, Joel and Gabriel Bednar, McKenzie and Jordan Peters, Grant Bednar, Reid Bednar, Nathan Peters, Kerri and Rob Colón, and Dan Peters; step granddaughter, Katlyn Evans; seven great grandchildren, Mia Kay Bednar, Ty Robert Bednar, Embrie Grace Bednar, Lewis David Bednar, Beau David Bednar, Mack Hunter Bednar, and Jett Ray Bednar; one sister, Nola Hodgson; and nephews and nieces.
She is also survived by: step children: Ladonna and Ken Cartland, Linda Fredrick, Lee Shafter, Lou Jean Smith, Layne Shafter, step grandchildren, Shelly Cartland, Lindsay and Josh Shriber, Aaron and Adam Smith, Alex and Megan Smith, Dakota and Jenny Shafter, Brady and Natalie Shafter, Colt and Kati Shafter, Justin Frederick, Jodi and LeRoy Burks, Amy and Less Boroff, Angela Frederick, Jessica, Jared and Joel Shafter, Matthew and Paul Shafter, and eleven step great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Gymnasium in Sumner with Pastor Ken Hutson, officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at the United Church of Sumner - East Campus.
A private family interment will be prior to the service at Sumner Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
Nicholas "Nick" Casper, 88 of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Emerald Care in Columbus.
Nick was born October 10, 1931 in Josselyn, Nebraska to Esper & Mary (Shada) Casper. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1949. Later, he graduated from the Grand Island Law Enforcement Academy.
Nick served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was a Corporal in the Marines and was stationed in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
After coming back to Lexington, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Bee Darnall on September 16, 1954 in Lexington, and to this union two children were born; Debra & Craig.
They made their home in Lexington and Nick worked for the Union Pacific railroad. Then he went to work for Cornland Beef Packing Plant. And finally he was a jailor at the Dawson County Sheriff's Department before retiring.
Nick was a member of the V.F.W. and a lifetime member of the Eagles Club. He was also affiliated with the St. George Orthodox Church in Kearney, Nebraska.
Nick enjoyed playing cards with friends and his grandchildren.
Nick leaves to celebrate his life; his wife Bonnie; Daughter Deb (Chuck) Jensen of Columbus, grandchildren Alicia (Lee) Klein of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Tim (Ali) Jensen of Papillion, Curt Casper of Houston, Texas, Eric Casper (Melissa Wiederholt, fiancée) of Cozad, Nebraska and Blake Casper of Omaha, Nebraska. Great-Grandchildren; Kory Klein, Casey Klein, Charlie Jensen and Josephine Jensen. And daughter-in-law Terri Casper of Lexington, Nebraska. He has 3 sisters: Virginia Meyer of Lexington, Nebraska, Bobbie (Harry) Brunk of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Carol (Otto) Bihlmaier of Florida. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents, son Craig, sisters, Georgia Hermann, Sophia Brown, and brothers George, Mose, Paul and Jack Casper.
Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor Anne Gahn, officiating at 10:30 am.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 5 - 7pm at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Burial with Military Honors will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangement. Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
- Date Posted: 2007-08-29
John D. Racek, 75, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Wednesday, August 29, 2007, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.
He was born October 3, 1931, at Eddyville, Nebraska, to Fred and Mabel (McDermott) Racek.
John was a lifetime resident of the Custer/Dawson County area. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to E. Pat Schnakenberg on December 17, 1961, at Lexington. She preceded him in death on November 16, 2006.
John was a well-known farmer/rancher his entire life. He enjoyed being outdoors and working cattle; also, high school sports, Nebraska Cornhuskers and fishing. He worked for many years for Nebraska Alfalfa Farms, retiring in 1969.
He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church as well as the Nebraska Democratic Party.
Survivors include one son: Mike (Audrey) Racek of Lexington, Nebraska
Three daughters: Pam (Arlan) Ackerman of Lexington, Nebraska
LaRae Hammond of North Platte, Nebraska
Teresa (Scott) Tomasek of Omaha, Nebraska
One brother: Robert Racek of Lakeville, Connecticut
One sister: Dorothy Runyan of Fremont, Nebraska
Nine grandchildren: Leia (Mike) Underwood of Oconto, Nebraska; Jory Wood of Lexington, Nebraska; Christina (Brad) Wagener of Lexington, Nebraska; Angie Chaney of Haskell, Oklahoma; Schuyler Racek of Omaha, Nebraska; Betsy & Harrison Racek of Lexington, Nebraska; Tucker Tomasek of Seattle, Washington; Trista Tomasek of Kansas City.
Eight great-grandchildren, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death, in addition to his wife, by his parents; four brothers, Charles, Tom, Eugene, and Raymond; two sisters, Frances and Mary and one grandson, Jay Racek.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 31, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverend Paul Colling, officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 30, 2007, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Wake Service to follow at 7:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.
Burial will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or the Donor’s Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.
- Date Posted: 1995-07-16
- Maiden Name: Adams
Donna Lucille Adams Brandenberg, 64, of Lexington, died Sunday, July 16, 1995 following a brief illness.
Donna was born June 27, 1931 at Moline, KS, to James H. and Alice (Anderson) Adams.
She graduated from Lexington High School in 1949 and Married Kenneth A. Brandenberg on June 17, 1952 at Kearney, NE.
She was a member of the First Christian Church in Lexington, the Lexington Genealogy Club and the V.F.W. Auxilliary. She had just retired from working 20 years for the Lexington Public Library. Donna loved to bowl on her bowling team and had her best year prior to her cancer diagnosis. She loved spending time with her family and especially with her grandchildren. To say she like reading is an understatement as she devoured her romance novels like no one else. Her hands were never idle and her friends and family were recipients of embroidered pillow cases and tea towels. She and Kenny loved their time together, taking rides in the countryside to visit friends and family, parking near a sandpit or canal and throwing in a fishing line.
Survivors include her husband Kenneth of Lexington; her mother Alice Adams of Lexington; two daughters, Brenda L. Buchholz (John) of Overton and L. Corrine "Corky" (Scott) Anderson of Lexington; one son George "Bud" Brandenberg of Cozad; four brothers, Bill (Rita) Adams of Overton, Bud (Ellen) Adams of Winfield, KS, Harold (Carol) Adams of Lexington and Larry (Stacy) Adams of Virginia Beach, VA; one sister, Jan Dorner of Omaha; grandchildren Sara and Christopher Buchholz and Lindsey Anderson and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, one daughter, Debra Lynette and two sisters, Zeila and Marsha Lynn.
Services will be held Thursday, July 20, 1995, at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Lexington with the Rev. Kenneth Fairbrother officiating.
Burial will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to the Library Large Print Book Program at the public library or the American Cancer Society.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of the arrangements.
- Date Posted: 2008-05-22
O.N. Beck, husband of Janet Beck, 76, of Cozad died May 22, 2008, at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln.
He was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Lexington to Howard and Fannie Messersmith Beck. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1949.
On June 21, 1950, he married Janet Render at Cozad. The couple made their home at the Beck family farm at Lexington. In 1951, they moved to a site northeast of Cozad where they farmed and ranched. In 1979, the couple moved to town.
Mr. Beck was a Past Master of the Masonic Meridian Lodge 188 of Cozad. He was a member of the Cozad Elks Lodge 2250.
He loved his work and everything that it entailed, especially his cattle. He enjoyed flying, dancing, riding horses and watching Westerns. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, always making time for their activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and four sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Janet Beck of Cozad; three daughters, Sherry Lynn (Paul) Stoll of Yutan, Peggy Sue (Don) Butler of Cozad and Pamela Jo Smith and friend, Eugene Schneider, of Valley; seven grandchildren, Tiffany Stoll and friend, Jennifer, of Yutan, Paulette (Ivan) Tarkin of Pittsburgh and Brianne (Clint) Snider and Morgan Beck Butler, all Lincoln, Janelle Smith of Omaha, Justin Smith and friend, Nicki Jackson, of Elkhorn, and Catherine Schneider of Omaha; eight great-grandchildren, Jadyn Stuart, Lily O.N. Tarkin, Ashtyn Quinn Snider, Bryson Eugene Snider, Braiton Wayne Snider, Jonathan Lee Wojcinski, Tyler James Williams and Ava Mackenzie Jackson-Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in his memory.
Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.
- Date Posted: 2009-01-23
- Maiden Name: Daiss
Bonnie Marie Porter, 77, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, January 23, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.
She was born on July 4, 1931, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Frank and Marie (Hess) Daiss. Bonnie was confirmed and baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington.
Bonnie graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1949 and then went on to graduate from Kearney State College. She was married to William H. Williams on March 12, 1950, and lived in Eddyville, Nebraska. Five children were blessed to this union; Terry, Garry, Lindsey, Bill and Scott. The family then moved to Oregon. William preceded her in death in 1960. In 1963, Bonnie married James H. Cummins. Two children were blessed to this union; Jim and Rod. James also preceded Bonnie in death.
In 1985, Bonnie married Lloyd Porter and moved to Sumner, Nebraska. Following their time in Sumner they moved to Lexington, Nebraska. Living in Lexington Bonnie worked many years at Wal-Mart where she made many friends.
Bonnie enjoyed collecting lots of things; including spoons, angels and ceramic chickens. She liked quilting, singing, and cooking. She even enjoyed a good marble game. But most importantly she loved spending time with her family.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Bonnie was very active in the church and Jesus had always been a very important part of her life.
Survivors include her loving husband: Lloyd Porter of Lexington, Nebraska. Six sons: Terry and wife Susan Williams of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Garry and wife Rayana Williams of Tampa, Florida; Bill Williams of Springfield, Oregon; Scott and wife Miyuki Williams of Beijing, China; Jim and wife Karen Cummins of Eugene, Oregon; Rod and wife Jeannine Cummins of Eugene, Oregon; One daughter: Lindsey Johnson of Eugene, Oregon.
Four brothers: Howard and wife Betty Daiss of Lexington, Nebraska; Thurman and wife Jean Williams of Eddyville, Nebraska; Marion and wife LaVonne Williams of Roseburg, Oregon; Johnny and wife Dorothy Williams of Coquille, Oregon; Six sisters: Shirley Bonser of Bertrand, Nebraska; Frances Matera of Palm Springs, California; Naomi and husband Jacob Hothem of Sumner, Nebraska; Audrey and husband Norman Naef of Roseburg, Oregon; Hope Williams of Overton, Nebraska; Doris White of Woodland, California.
Lloyd's Six Children: Jerry Porter of Sumner, Nebraska; Richard and wife Gwen Porter of Ceresco, Nebraska; JoAnn and husband David Currie of Lincoln, Nebraska; Dianne and husband Ryan Roberts of Plano, Texas; Deb Jones of Lexington, Nebraska; Judy and husband Tim Schroeder of Omaha, Nebraska; Thirty-eight grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husbands William and James; two brothers Daniel and Marion Daiss; three grandchildren, Brandon, John and Gracie Williams.
Memorials Services will be held Monday, January 26, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Dean Hanson, officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Oregon. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy or guest book signatures may be directed to: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
- Date Posted: 2008-09-12
Dea Lee Smith, 77, of Las Vegas, died Sept. 12, 2008. She was a retired gaming bookkeeper. She is survived by her daughters, Debora Noack of Reno, Terri Miller of Mountain View, Ariz., Kathleen Kerfoot of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Connie Hovey of Portola, Calif.; and son, Al E. of Las Vegas. Services will be private. Donations can be made to the Heights of Summerlin.
Graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1949.
