Date Posted: 2016-02-04

Dennis “Old Dude” Eugene Zimmerman, 74 of Sterling, passed away Thurs., Feb. 4, 2016 in Sterling. Memorial service to be held 11:00 am, Mon., Feb. 8, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Ed Bigler III officiating and services concluding at the church.

Dennis was born Oct. 22, 1941 in Lexington, NE to Louis and Hope Elaine Neal Zimmerman. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1960. He was inducted with his Lexington High School Football Team into the Nebraska High School Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

He married Carol Beyer in 1961 in Gothenburg, NE. In 1973 he married Betty Wilhelm in Brush, CO. Thru the years Dennis farmed, worked at the Sterling Beef Plant; drove truck for Mitchek, Nestor, Carter and Dugan Trucking Companies. He semi-retired and was caretaker for his brother-in-law Pete. Dennis also drove for County Express. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Dennis enjoyed anything about airplanes, boating, golfing and did woodworking and refinished furniture. He enjoyed his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife Betty J. Zimmerman of Sterling; daughter Lori Biesemeier and husband Brian of Haxtun; sons Jeff Zimmerman of Geneva, Ill and Shane Zimmerman and wife Whitney of Gunnison, CO; daughter-in-law Amanda Zimmerman of Castle Rock, CO; sister Sherilyn Crawford and husband Terry, of Lexington, NE; grandchildren Brandon Biesemeier and wife Julia, Regan Biesemeier and wife Kendra, Garrick Biesemeier and fiancé Natasha all of Haxtun, Logan Zimmerman of Portland, OR, Lane Zimmerman of Greeley, Jonathan Zimmerman, Jack Zimmerman and Jaran Zimmerman all of Gunnison and five great grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dan and Virginia Gibson of Lyman, NE, Dan Wilhelm and Jacque Armes of Cheyenne, WY and George and Jean Wilhelm of Torrington, WY and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, niece Anne Crawford Alexander, brothers-in-law Robert Orr, Peter Wilhelm and sister-in-law Pauline Orr.

Contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church Parking Lot Fund or the Wild Animal Sanctuary of Keenesburg, CO.

Date Posted: 2015-03-28

Gary Lee Hofferber, 72, of rural Cozad, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2015, at his home.

Gary was born May 3, 1942, to George and Ida (Hatfield) Hofferber in Lexington.

He grew up in rural Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1960. After graduation, he worked for Neil Farms, Walter T. Dunlap and Paulsen Building and Supply. In 2014, he retired after 23 years of service to the Dawson County Road Department.

On Nov. 17, 1960, he married Roberta Lockhart and to this union two sons were born, Scott and Brent. On Sept. 3, 1984, he married Janice K. Schutz.

Gary enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, tinkering in the Quonset and going on trips to Colorado. He found great companionship with the dogs he rescued.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Janice; sons, Scott (Mary) of Columbia, Missouri, and Brent (Carolyn) of Columbus; four stepchildren, Keven, Kris, Lisa and Jeffrey and their families; four grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; sister, Georgia Speak of Kearney; and brother, William B. (Fran) of Lexington.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Hofferber; and brother-in-law, Bill Speak.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Francis Larry Grayek, 76 of Lexington, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the Cozad Care And Rehabilitation Center.

He was born May 4, 1942 in Kearney, Nebraska. He lived on a farm by Oconto, Nebraska until the age of eight when his family moved to Lexington. He would often describe his youth in the 50’s as idyllic. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1960 then enlisted in the Army on July 12, 1960 and was honorable discharged on April 15, 1963. On his return home he met and married Nancy Flint on September 26, 1964 and settled down in Lexington were they raised three children. He worked for a few years at Harris Laboratories and then around 1971 became a mail carrier working at the Post Office for 28 years until around 1999.

One of his greatest joys was music and playing guitar. Larry was self-taught on guitar and played in several local bands including the Furys, the Underground Railway, the Backwoodsmen, Sidestreet and Special Edition. He loved to play for his children and grandchildren and became known as Papa Guitar to them.

In 1999 he retired from the post office. Then he and Nancy owned and operated Nancy Lee’s Flowers for five years. There he showcased another talent in woodworking and making shabby-chic furniture.

Larry loved to collect stamps and coins and enjoyed metal detecting as a hobby and a business. He also enjoyed a good evening of bowling in the Lexington men’s bowling league for many years and pitched in slow pitch softball. He loved gardening, fishing and loved to cook, often serving up fish fry’s for family and friends. After he fully retired he spent much of his time selling antiques and collectibles on Ebay and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gertrude (Kalinowski) Grayek, his sister, Irene Knudson, and his wife, Nancy (Flint) Grayek.

Larry leaves behind three children, Monte Grayek of Lexington, Nebraska, Michelle (Brad) Brandenberg of Lexington, Nebraska and Danielle (Sterling) Huff of Gering, Nebraska; his much loved grandchildren, Heidi Walker of Brownsville, California, Craig Grayek of Lexington, Nebraska and Teyla and Bristol Huff of Gering, Nebraska; two great-grandchildren, Elias and Lucia of Brownsville, California; they and a host of family and friends will celebrate their life shared with Larry on Saturday, September 1, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Matt Koperski, officiating.

Interment with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 31, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with a wake service to follow at 7:00 p.m.

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 visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Braulio Barron Jr., 76, of Greeley, Colo., formerly of Lexington, died Sunday, June 17, 2018, surrounded by large gathering of his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Matt Koperski officiating.

Visitation will be Friday, June 22, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. all at the church.

Braulio was born Dec. 3, 1941, in Lexington to Braulio and Mary (Picon’) Barron.

In 1960 he married Glenda M. Wilcox and they had three children, Braulio (Bob) Glenn III., Stephen (Butch) Paul, and Mary Denise.

In the early-80s, Braulio moved to Greeley, Colo. While in Greeley, Braulio and his companion, Candy, enjoyed outdoor activities along with raising a small herd of cattle (all of whom were appropriately named) along with many cats, chicken, goats, geese, birds and other animals that would wander onto the land.

Braulio’s favorite things in his life involved family and friends. Foremost, he loved to tell stories and appreciated everyone who would listen, especially Tonya who often drove him to medical appointments and cared for him. He looked forward to the Barron Family Reunion so that he could reunite with all of his sisters and other family to reminisce, laugh, and dance to good Latin/mariachi music. He also enjoyed sports, especially fishing and hunting when he had the opportunity and watching baseball and football on TV.

Survivors include his children; Bob (Julie) Barron III, of Monument, Colo., Butch Barron of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandchildren, Christopher Braulio, Andrew Paul, Zoey Denise, India Pearl; two great-grandchildren: Braxon Braulio and Breken Dean; eight sisters; Ruby Ramirez of Arapahoe; Toni (Charles) Barron of North Platte; Mary Lou (Reyes) Robles of Lexington, Susie (Jesse) Duarte of Bertrand, Nellie Rodriguez of Kansas City, Kan., Patty Zamora of Kansas City, Mo., Veronica Perez of Arapahoe and, Jennie Blea of Atwood, Colo.; step-grandchildren: Sean (Jennifer) Bodin, Rachel Bodin, Jessie (Jackson) Chatterly, Britney Marvin, Tjasha Huffmaster, and Savannah (Blade) Hudgens; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Braulio was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Florentino and David; sisters, Andrea Gonzalez, and Ramona Barron; daughter Denise; brothers-in-law: Valentino Blea, Mike Rodriquez, Ralph Zamora, John Perez, Leo Gonzalez and Tom Ramirez; as well as many other relatives.

A memorial fund has been established at Pinnacle Bank in Lexington, NE. Honorary donations are suggested to TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado (Greeley) and St. Jude Children’s Research hospital.

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: 2018-02-28

Richard M. Jeffrey, 76, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at his home.

Rich was born September 4, 1941, in Perrysburg, Ohio, to Raymond and Sophia (Speck) Jeffrey. He moved at the age of 2 to Lexington where he graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1960. He married the love of his life, Sharon Miller on September 30, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this marriage; David, Dennis and Kristina.

The couple lived in Arizona for 18 years, where Rich graduated from Electronic Technical School in 1987. He worked on computers for a time, but his true love was woodworking, construction, and being able to do finish work on homes. The family returned to Lexington in 1993, where Rich continued to do construction.

He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington where he served as an Elder, Trustee, and chairman of several committees throughout the years. He was in the original cast of the production, “The Last Supper” put on by the church for many years.

Rich’s other loves were hunting, and fishing, mostly fishing! It was not only his hobby, but his one addiction. He also enjoyed his Nebraska Cornhuskers, and his beloved Green Bay Packers. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always attended the kids’ activities when they were in school.

Although a quiet man, he had a true teasing side to him, was a practical joker, and loved a good story. He is going to be so very missed.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years; Sharon of Lexington, Nebraska; two sons, David (Penny) Jeffrey of Oconto, Nebraska, and Dennis (Annette) Jeffrey of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; daughter, Kristina (Mike) Nass of Falcon, Colorado; brother, Pat (Joyce) Jeffrey of Falcon, Colorado; six grandchildren; Alyssa & Austin Jeffrey, Christopher (Missy) Zambeck, and Danielle Zambeck, and Nate Nass, and Alex Nass; two great-grandchildren, Izzy & Austin Zambeck; as well as extended family and friends.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 5, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 4, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa.

It was Rich’s wishes that his body be cremated following the service. Inurnment of his ashes will be held at a later date.

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.

Date Posted: 2012-09-30
Maiden Name: Flint

Nancy Lee Grayek, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away suddenly Sunday, September 30, 2012, at the Lexington Regional Health Center.

She was born August 2, 1947, near Eddyville, Nebraska on the family farm to James C. and Ada E. (Hopkins) Flint. Nancy attended school in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Francis “Larry” Grayek on September 26, 1964, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Monte, Michelle, and Danielle. She spent the first few years of their marriage as a stay-at-home wife and mother, but then ventured into the working world and spent nearly 40 years with John Barron, DDS as his dental assistant. She would also work part-time at 6th Street Food Store, as an Avon Representative, a flower designer at Lee’s Flowers and Petals Floral Shop and she would eventually own and operate her own flower shop, Nancy Lee’s Flowers & Gifts.

Nancy had a wonderful sense of humor and shared it often with her loving family whom she loved spending time with. She came from a large, close family and where one sister or brother was, you’d find another! She so adored her children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending all of their activities. The Cornhuskers was another of her enjoyments as well as gambling at the boats! She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the “Roundtable” coffee club.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years: Larry Grayek of Lexington, NE; children, Monte Grayek of Lexington, NE; Michelle (Brad) Brandenberg of Lexington, NE; and, Danielle (Sterling) Huff of Gering, NE; four grandchildren; Craig Grayek, Heidi Walker, Teyla & Bristol Huff; Four brothers, Ralph (Carol) Hopkins of Eddyville, NE; Walter Flint of Elwood, NE; Charles (Vicky) Flint of Overton, NE; Gary (Cindy) Flint of Lexington, NE; five sisters, Bonnie Flint of Kearney, NE; Peggy (Ed) Sarr of Elwood, NE; Betty (Jack) Hinds of Lexington, NE; Patsy Fisher & Rick Hendricks of Atkinson, NE; and, Dana (Marv) Thornburg of Lexington, NE. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, many, many friends and “The Roundtable coffee club”.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Donna and brother, Jim.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, October 4, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverend Neal Nollette officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home with Wake Service at 7 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, the Donor's Choice or a Memorial Trust Fund has been set up at the Lexington Community Foundation by the LHS class of 1960.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2007-12-20

Raymond Joseph Fagot, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Thursday, December 20, 2007, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha. Raymond was born June 2, 1942, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Joseph and Alene (Wilson) Fagot. Raymond graduated from Lexington High School in 1960. Following graduation, Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy; where he served his Country proudly for four years. Raymond served on the U.S.S. Delta as an Engine Runner. Raymond was Honorably Discharged in 1964.   

After serving his Country, Raymond resided in Gardena, California after which he returned to his hometown of Lexington. Raymond was employed at Paulsen's as a carpenter. Raymond worked for Paulsen's for over 20 plus years.     

Raymond enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping and traveling. Connie and Raymond were planning on retiring and traveling; using their camper to tour the country. Raymond liked to watch football and old movies. He also enjoyed dancing and "just enjoyed life". Raymond was loved and will be missed.     

Survivors include his wife: Connie Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska, Stepmother: Marianne Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska, Sister: LaDonna Biecker of Pahrump, Nevada Stepbrother: John (Mary Ellen) Jacobson of Gillette, Wyoming, Son: Kory (Amy) Schley of Grand Island, Nebraska, Stepchildren: Kelli (Chad) Smith of Lincoln, Nebraska Jim (Pam) Kracht, Jr. of Rockwall, Texas Teresa (Bob) Lange of Ord, Nebraska Amy (Jason) Hawk of Chadron, Nebraska Step-grandchildren; Amos Lange, John Lange, and Clayton Lange of Ord, Nebraska Hunter Hawk and Kourtney Hawk of Chadron, Nebraska, Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.     

Raymond was preceded in death by his father and biological mother, Alene.     

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, December 27, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverend Paul Colling officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 26, 2007, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.

Date Posted: 2007-12-18
Maiden Name: Wehrli

Deloris "Dee" Stout, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at her home in Lexington following a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born June 30, 1942, at Fairbury, Nebraska, to Pearl and Helen (Trefethen) Wehrli. Deloris moved as a young girl with her family to Lexington in 1947. She attended elementary school in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1960. During high school and following graduation she worked for Lexington Laundry. She was united in marriage to Gary Stout in 1964, at Grand Island. The couple moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a time and when Gary was discharged from the Navy moved back to Nebraska. They both worked at the Grand Island Ordnance Plant. They returned to Lexington where Deloris worked for Schnacker's Tavern for 7 years and then The Den for 25 years, retiring following that.     

She enjoyed fishing, working crossword puzzles, watching game shows, especially, The Price is Right, gambling, but most especially, being with family.     Survivors include three sons: Robby & Susan Stout of Lexington, Nebraska Tracy & Amantha Stout of Eustis, Nebraska Gregory Stout of Okinawa, Japan. One daughter: Kelly & Paul Eicher of Decatur, Indiana. Two brothers: Don & Barbara Wehrli of Eldon, Missouri Harold & Betty Wehrli of Kingsman, Arizona. One sister: Janet & Dave Lowery of Eldon, Missouri. Eight grandchildren: Ashley, Layton James, Breanna, Deelayna, Damien, Kristina, Gary William and Mattisen. Four great-grandchildren: Layton, Dylan, Bryson and Preston. Her little dog: Simber.     

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary, in 1994; one brother, Leonard; one sister, Wilma "Dolly"; and one grandson, Joshua.     Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 22, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor Kyron C. BeDunnah, officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Friday, December 21, 2007, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation.      

Online condolences may be sent to www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2009-12-09

Richard Alvah White, 67, of Lexington, passed away on December 9, 2009 at his home at Lexington, NE.     

He was born on March 13, 1942 to Earl and Florence (Rhoadarmer) White at Lexington, NE.Richard grew up at Lexington and attended School District 17 thru 8th grade. He graduated from Lexington High. He lived in Lexington his entire life except for the 4 years he was in the service. Richard served his country in the Air Force in Germany on the 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron.      

On June 13, 1969 he married Lynette Maline at the Gothenburg E Free Church. They made their home at Lexington.He worked at Monroe's in Cozad for 13 years. He started farming in about 1975. He especially enjoyed farming, his grandkids and teaching ESL. He served as a treasurer at the Evangelical Free Church in Lexington and Camino de Vida.     

Richard is survived by his loving spouse of 40 years, Lynette, son - Tregg (Alicia) White of Cheyenne, WY, daughter - Lana Frazier of Omaha, NE; granddaughter - Alaree White; grandson - Maxwell White; mother - Florence White-Mohr of Elwood, NE; sisters - Phyllis Kracman of North Platte, NE, Mary Jane (Ray) Hinrichsen of Grand Island, NE; brothers - Bobby White of Saint Libory, NE, Jerry (Rebecca) White of Hornick, IA; brothers-in-law - Amen (Elise) Abood of Kearney, NE; Vernon and Gaylord Maline of Gothenburg, NE; daughter - Rochelle Zebell of MO; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.     

He was preceded in death by father - Earl R White; son - Chuck White; sister - Norma Abood; brother-in-law - Larry Kracman; father-in-law - Byron Maline; mother-in-law - Opal Maline; and sister-in-law - Joyce Maline.

Date Posted: 2010-01-04
Maiden Name: Crawford

Donna Fay Zogg (May 25, 1942 - January 4, 2010) 

Donna Fay Zogg, 67, of Eustis, Nebraska, formerly of Hastings, Nebraska, died Monday, January 4, 2010, at Cozad Community Hospital in Cozad, due to complications of cancer.     

Donna Fay was born in Lexington, Nebraska on May 25, 1942, to Merle and Loretta (Rimpley) Crawford. Donna attended and graduated from Lexington Senior High School with the class of 1960.     

On February 14, 1962, she married Raymond Sorge who later passed away in January of 1978. To this union five children were born; Larelda, Raymond, Mark, Mike and Randall. Donna married Ronald Dixon in 1980. To this union a son, Jeffrey was born. The couple later divorced. In the summer of 1989 she met and later married Jesse "Walter" Zogg who passed away in April of 2006.     

Donna worked at Monroe's in Cozad, Nebraska for 26 years and kept her family as a priority. She enjoyed hunting, playing cards, including many tournaments. Donna and Jesse enjoyed going to the car races all over the country. They especially loved attending the one's her sons, Randall and Jeff participated in. Donna loved gardening, tending to her fish pond and cooking for her family when she wasn't spoiling her grandchildren. She was a very kind and loving person.     

Donna is survived by her children: Larelda Valle of Hastings, Nebraska; Raymond Sorge of Kearney, Nebraska; Mark Sorge of Harvard, Nebraska; Mike (Crystal) Sorge of Lexington, Nebraska; Randall (Jessica) Sorge of Hastings, Nebraska; Jeffrey (Lisa) Dixon of Clay Center, Nebraska; Two sisters: Carolyn (Terry) Cunningham of Columbus, Nebraska; Janice (Dean) Henricks of South Dakota; Half-Sister: Marilin Crawford of Lincoln, Nebraska; One brother: Jerry Crawford of Kansas; Two half-brothers: Marvin (Becky) Crawford and John (Julie) Crawford all of Arapahoe, NE; Seven grandchildren: Nicholas, Landon, Kristen, & Gavin Valle; Christopher and Samantha Sorge; and Jett Dixon.     

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands; one sister, Phyllis; and two brothers, Larry and Dennis and one nephew, Tom. The family honored Donna's wishes her that her body be cremated. There will be no visitation.     

A Memorial Service Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Cozad, Nebraska with Pastor Irwin Edwards officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Family.

Date Posted: 2010-07-21
Maiden Name: Large

Valerie Jo (Large) O'Brien, age 68, passed away July 21, 2010, in her home in Wahoo, Neb. Born to Herbert and 

 

Madelyn (Kimberly) Large on December 14, 1941 in Lexington, Neb. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1960 and attended Kearney State University. Her career included employment at Security Mutual Insurance Company, Southeast Psychiatric Clinic in Lincoln, Wahoo High School, McGill and Martin Dental Office, and Christensen Drug. In 1962 she married Terrence A. O'Brien of Randolph, Neb. and they resided in Lincoln until they moved to Wahoo in 1971. Val battled ovarian cancer for two and a half years and she was a child polio survivor. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Saunders County Hospital Auxiliary and the Women's Bridge Club.     

Survivors include her husband, son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Diane O'Brien of Wahoo; daughter, Marnie O'Brien of Lincoln; granddaughter, Katelyn O'Brien of Wahoo; sisters, Sharon "Sue" Pritzker of Ormand Beach, Fla., Colleen Bowers of DeKalb, Ill., Holly and Gene Comer of Newton, Iowa; brother-in-law, Dan and Bonnie O'Brien of Hayden Lake, Idaho; sister-in-law, Edie O'Brien of Orange Park, Fla.;, nieces; nephews; and granddogs.     

Memorial Mass Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wahoo; interment will be private. A gathering of family and friends will be Monday, 5-8 p.m. with a rosary/scripture service at 7 p.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home. The family requests memorials be sent to them with a recipient to be determined. Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE, 402-443-3624

Date Posted: 2010-09-25
Maiden Name: Gries

Elsie Louise (Gries) Brown, 68, of Bertrand died Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at Elwood Care Center.     

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege with the Rev. Mike Szekely officiating. Private family burial of cremains will be later. There will be no visitation. The body was cremated. Sandstrom Funeral Home of Bertrand is in charge of arrangements.     

She was born Dec. 11, 1941, in Onawa, Iowa, to Melvin and Clara (Martz) Gries.     

Survivors include her son, Scott of Lexington; daughters, Teola Campbell of Holdrege and Carrie McHarness of Axtell; brothers, Larry Gries of Omaha and Frank Strong of Eustis; sisters, Catherine Hoselton of Eustis and Linda Jones of Cozad; three grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.Published in the Kearney Hub on 9/28/2010

Date Posted: 2012-10-08

Howard A. "J.R." Hanson, Jr., 70, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, October 8, 2012, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.     

Howard was born January 28, 1942, in Tooele, Utah to Howard A., Sr. and Marie W. (Galbraith) Hanson. He was the 2nd of four children. As a young child his family returned to Lexington where he was raised. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1960. After high school, Howard attended Kearney State College graduating in 1964, with a degree in Industrial Arts education. While attending college he was a member of the Loper football team where he served as a team captain his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Ann Braithwait, on July 20, 1963 at the Presbyterian Church in Lexington.     

Howard and Ann moved to Broken Bow, Nebraska where they were blessed with three children; Tom in 1968, Jennifer in 1969, and Elizabeth in 1975. He taught and coached football and wrestling, managed the Cash & Carry Lumberyard and ran his own construction business. In 1975, they moved to Kearney where Howard taught at Kearney Jr. High and then again owned his own construction business.     

In 1982, they moved to North Platte where he taught Building Construction at Mid-Plains Community College and earned his Specialist Degree from Kearney State College in Administration. Howard then went into public school administration and was superintendent at Hall School in rural North Platte, Greeley, Winnebago, and Table Rock. He then retired from school administration and returned to Lexington where he and Ann made their home at Johnson Lake.   

In 2005, Howard returned to the classroom and taught Industrial Technology in Ogallala and Paxton during the week and maintained their home at Johnson Lake until his death.     

Throughout much of his life Howard was very active in Boy Scouting. As a youth he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and continued his involvement as an adult serving in various roles; including, taking two different groups to National Scout Jamboree in 1977 and 1981. In the early 1980's, Howard was awarded the highest distinction in scouting, the Silver Beaver Award, for his distinguished service to the Boy Scouts of America.   

Howard was an active and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Lexington and was a past member of many service and professional organizations in each of the towns that he lived. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities and working in his woodshop.     

Howard is survived by his children; Thomas (Janni) Hanson of Seward, NE; Jennifer Piatt of Bloomington, IN; and Elizabeth (Chris) Ericson of York, NE. Eight Grandchildren; Abigail, Ashlyn, Alec and Amelia Hanson of Seward, NE; Betsy Piatt of Bloomington, IN; and Kaitlyn, Logan, and Maelynn Ericson of York, NE; sister, Sherry (Otis) Ward of Lexington, NE; brother, Jim Hanson of Plattsmouth, NE; and brother-in-law, John Caldwell of Rifle, CO. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.     

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ann Hanson in April of 2012; in-laws, Maurice V. and Virginia E. Braithwait; sister, Colleen Caldwell, and an infant son, David Bruce Hanson.     

Memorial Services will be held Friday, October 12, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating. Burial will be held prior, for relatives and close friends, at Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Visitation will be Thursday, October 11, 2012, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Date Posted: 2013-08-25
Maiden Name: Dolan

Janet E. Struempler, age 71, died Aug. 25, 2013, at home in Mullen. Cremation was chosen and a memorial service and inurnment will be at a later date in the Elwood Cemetery in Elwood.     

Janet was born in Ogallala to Earl and Genevieve (Willits) Dolan on April 26, 1942. She attended Lexington High School, graduated in Class of 1960. She married the love of her life, Clayton W. Struempler, Nov. 5, 1961.     

They made their home north of Lexington for a few years, where Clay worked on a feedlot. The couple moved frequently between eastern and central Nebraska, where Clay also worked at Vernon Nelson and Sons Feedlot of Loomis before settling in Thedford where Clay owned and operated CJ & D Trucking for the better part of a decade. She stayed at home and raised her son. In 2006 the couple settled in the Loomis area where Clay was employed with Overton Sand and Gravel and T & F Sand and Gravel.     

Through the years she raised chickens and pigs, always enjoying having them. She enjoyed her jobs at Plectron and Superior companies but her love was the bookwork she did for their trucking business.     

Janet had a zest for life and always had a smile. She was a great and loving person to everyone she met. She was always willing to give the shirt off of her back. She also was very involved in genealogy. She always made sure all the family got together and had a great time every holiday. She had a passion for God. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, playing games with family and going on the truck with Clay.     

Janet is survived by her son, David (Debby) Struempler of Kearney; five grandchildren, Dakota, Cody, Trisha, Daniel, Janet (Janie); brother, Bob (Colly) Dolan of Gibbon; sister, Georgia Peden of Missouri and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, family and friends.     

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clayton; her parents; brother, Donald (Buzzy) Dolan; sister, Earline Dewey; brother-in-law, Harold Peden; nephew, Rick and great-nephew, Dakota.     

Mullen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.