Maiden Name: Straka

 

Marianne Margaret Straka, 80, of Grand Island, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Emerald Lakeview Nursing and Rehab in Grand Island.

She was born on April 4, 1943 in Lexington, Nebraska to Louis and Agnes (Benhauer) Straka. Marianne attended country school at District 56 and 7 in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1961.

Marianne gained employment with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in August of 1961. In 1964, when the Lexington offices closed, she transferred to the Grand Island location. Marianne worked for the telephone company for 35 years, retiring in 1999.

Shen enjoyed emailing, friendships and going out to eat. She always had a good sense of humor and a smile.

Thanks goes to her great neighbors, Hugo, Melisa, Max, Monica and Xavier Mendez, Linda Graybill and Ilene Ivers for their support during her cancer journey.

Marianne is survived by her brother, Tom Starka of Lexington, also relatives and friends.

Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Agnes Straka, and good friend, Monte Ronzzo.

Marianne donated her body to science.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the donor’s choice.

Maiden Name: Gulden

 

Carolyn J. Malzahn

September 30, 1943 – October 20, 2022

Carolyn J. Malzahn, 79yrs old, passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2022, in Omaha, NE. A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, October 27th at 2:00 pm at Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuary West Center Chapel in Omaha, NE, with Pastor Shawn Kitzing officiating. Friends and family are invited to join the family after the service for a small reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Staplehurst, NE. Carolyn enjoyed the online services of Pastor Shawn Kitzing for several years as her mobility became limited. To view a live broadcast of the Celebration of Life, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Carolyn Joyce Malzahn, daughter of Marion “Bud” and Edna (Wolfe) Gulden was born on September 30, 1943 in Kearney, NE. Carolyn had one brother, Darryn Gulden. On February 2, 1964 Carolyn was united in marriage to Leon Malzahn in Lexington, NE. They lived in the Lexington and Johnson Lake area for the majority of their lives, later moving to Omaha, NE.

Carolyn attended Clarkson College in Omaha before starting her career working for Tri County Hospital in Lexington, NE, specifically the HR department. Many lifelong friends were made while working there. After retirement, Carolyn enjoyed traveling across the country and spending several winters in Florida.

Carolyn’s greatest pride and joy were her kids, grandkids, and then great-grandkids. She celebrated all their successes and was their biggest prayer supporter. She enjoyed visiting with everyone and became a master of all social media. She shared her love of Johnson Lake with all the grandkids who learned to swim, ski, jet-ski, and fish there. Many memories were created in the kitchen with grandma cooking everyone’s favorites. She could be counted on to always keep frozen snickers in the freezer as a special treat.

Survivors include two children, Monte (Sarah) Malzahn and Lynnette (Paul) Taylor; seven grandchildren: Allyson (Matt) Benzel, Ethan (Lauren) Malzahn, Madison (Mitch) Wilkinson, Kaitlyn (Daniel) Droll, Amelia (Gerrit) Bernink, Isabella Taylor, and Alexandra Taylor; six great-grandchildren: Addyson, Jack, and Noah Benzel, Brooks Malzahn, Sophia Droll, and Baby Wilkinson due in May; nieces and nephews: Pam (Mike) Abbott, Kristy (Jerry) Acton, Robin (Rod) Ford, Penny (Shayne) Hite, Mike Bonine, Kristi Beers, Diane (Rich) Neal, and Mark (Dani) Bonine; many grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leon; her parents, Marion and Edna Gulden; brother and sister in law, Darryn and Jan Gulden; in-laws, Edward and Helen Malzahn; sister-in-law, Marlene Bonine; and niece, Heidi Bonine.

Special thanks to her caregiver Michelle, her extended family, and neighbors all who enabled her to stay in her home the last few years. Love and Hugs to all.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 2:00PM, at West Center Chapel. To view a live broadcast of the celebration of life, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Staplehurst. Carolyn enjoyed Pastor Kitzing’s online services for several years as her mobility became limited.

Maiden Name: Perkins

 

Darlene J. Bevard, 79 of Kearney passed away Sunday, June 12, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney.

Darlene was born November 19, 1942 in Lexington, Nebraska to Joe and Margaret (Sansom) Perkins. She was raised in Lexington and received her education from Lexington High School. Following her graduation, she worked for the FBI as a stenographer. Darlene continued her education at Kearney State College where she earned her bachelor's degree in education and later her master's degree in counseling.

On September 11, 1964, Darlene was united in marriage to Bobbie Bevard in Lexington. To this union two children were blessed. She worked at Richard Young Hospital for over 20 years. Darlene also was a LPN and worked as a traveling nurse and did home health for many years.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Michelle Bevard of Kearney; son, Scott Bevard and girlfriend, Jacqui Moore and her daughter, Vivi Beck of Kearney; grandson, Devyn Silvrants; brother, Larry Perkins and wife Marilyn of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; sister-in-law, Judy Whited and husband, Orville of Bayard; nieces, Holly Zeir and husband Mike of Bayard, Laurie Thompson and husband Jeff of Evansville, Ind., and Charlene Hoyle and husband Matt of Amelia, Ohio; grandnieces and grandnephews, Nikki LeDroit and husband and their children, Tanner and Aylee Viola; Bryan Thompson and Stephanie Raven and husband; Alex Hoyle and wife, and their daughter, Josie; and Nick Hoyle.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Bevard; and her great nephew, Alan Zeir.

Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com.

Services are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Date Posted: 2021-10-07
Maiden Name: Wilcox

 

Janice E. Lichtenwalter, 78, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, Nebraska.

She was born on November 7, 1942 in Lexington, Nebraska to Clifford and Laura (Voss) Wilcox. She attended public schools in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1961.

Janice was united in marriage to Wayne Lichtenwalter on November 23, 1963 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, this union was blessed with three sons: Mark, Michael and Matt.

Janice keeping busy was an understatement. She worked for Darr Fertilizer for over twenty years, she then worked at Fairbanks International before retiring. She didn’t stay retired for long, Janice worked at Jackson Hewitt doing income taxes for a few years before she started J & W Tax Service. She would own and operate her services until her health forced her to retire.

The Red Cross was very important to Janice and she was a faithful donor of blood. She donated many units of blood which brought a lifetime of many gallons.

Her hobbies included stained glass, miniature doll houses, reading books, flying with her husband Wayne, who was a pilot, going on road trips with her sisters and friends. Janice enjoyed attending the Balloon Festival in Arizona, and tending her flowers in her yard. She was multi-talented in sewing and doing upholstery on Antique Cars. She also enjoyed watching Star Trek, Doctor Who, and other Sci-Fi Television shows. In her younger years, the family would take many camping trips to the mountains in Colorado in their 1947 Buick and 1935 Indian Camper.

Janice is survived by her husband, Wayne of Lexington; her three sons, Mark (Tracy) Lichtenwalter of Elwood, Michael (Kim) Lichtenwalter of Murrieta, California and Matt (Kamie) Lichtenwalter of Minneapolis, Kansas; grandchildren, Linda Lichtenwalter of Omaha, Casey Johnson (fiancé Julia) of Parachute, Colorado, Danielle (Blake) Thompson of Roswell, New Mexico, Harley (Brandon) Martin of Alto, Georgia, Faith (Shaun) Montoya of Ruidoso, New Mexico, Damion Keyes of Plainville, Kansas and Claire and Lance Lichtenwalter of Minneapolis, Kansas; step-grandchildren, Sarah (Joey) Sivula of Oceanside, California, Rylee Cronin of Temecula, California and Ronni Cronin of Temecula, California; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Gil Wilcox of Holdrege; sisters, Irene Kenning of Elwood and Delores (Paul) Kenning-Plummer of Elwood; brother-in-law, Kent (Carolyn) Lichtenwalter of Grand Island and a sister-in-law, Peggy (LaVon) Sumption of Lincoln; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Laura Lichtenwalter; great-granddaughter, Cerenity; brothers-in-law, Brian and Denny Kenning and a sister-in-law, Ina Wilcox.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Tim Stoner, officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Interment will be in Cozad Cemetery at Cozad, Nebraska.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the American Cancer Society - Relay For Life of Dawson County or American Red Cross.

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

Maiden Name: Lundgren

 

Services for Jean A. Wyant, 77, Newman Grove, will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the United Methodist Church in Newman Grove. The Rev. Alice Shomari will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Social distancing and COVID-19 guidelines will be followed at the visitation and service. Masks are requested.

She died Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, at her home in Newman Grove.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove is in charge of arrangements.

Maiden Name: Fuqua

 

Mary Ann Schnacker, 77 of Lexington passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Kearney Regional Medical Center.
Mary Ann was born November 23, 1942 in Trenton, Nebraska to Wesley I. and Edna L. (Frakes) Fuqua. As a child she moved with her family different places in central, Nebraska but ended up in Lexington in 1957. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1961.
On August 31, 1963 she was united in marriage to Richard Schnacker, to this union two sons were born: Rick and Rex. The couple would later divorce.
Mary Ann worked as bookkeeper at Joe’s Tavern, later known as Schnacker’s Country and then was employed by Tri-County Hospital in Lexington as the purchasing Agent for twenty-eight years.
Mary Ann was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington.
Mary Ann enjoyed growing plants and flowers, bowling, needle point, sewing, playing Bingo, and crossword puzzles. Her greatest joy was her family, attending the son’s sporting events and later spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons: Rick and wife Angie of Humboldt, Nebraska , Rex and wife Tammy of Lexington, one sister; Rosie Griess of Spokane, Washington, Six grandchildren: Stacia Schnacker, Kalyn Schnacker, Sonja (Kyle) Davis, Emily Schnacker, Kali (Blaken) Zamudio and Aric Schnacker, ten great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Harry and one sister Betty Wonderly.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastors Rob Kuefner and William Ohlmann, officiating.
Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church.
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

 

Wayne Daugherty, formerly of Johnson Lake, died Oct. 1, 2019 at his home in Hot Springs Village, Ark.
There are no services planned at this time.
Wayne was born Stuart Wayne Daugherty on Oct. 24, 1943 in Washington D.C., to Ivan Glen and Vivian Iola (Blevins) Daugherty. He graduated from Lexington High School and received his MBA from Kearney State College.

Wayne married Dolly DeMoss on June 8, 1967. Wayne was a salesman, English teacher, guidance counselor, businessman and retired person. He read more books than quite possibly any other living person. He loved to tinker with projects in his workshop and spending time with family.
Wayne is survived by his wife Dolly; daughter, Liz (Dave) Bushey of Bennington; son, Adam and fiancé Tracey Johnson of Elwood; grandson, Joseph Bushey; granddaughter, Lea Bushey; sisters, Linda (Bill) Behn and Cindy Daugherty; brother, Kenneth Daugherty; and many nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale Daugherty.

If you knew him, lucky you, or not. If you remember him, thank you. And when the last person who remembered him is gone, so then will he really be gone and forgotten. Until then get on with your lives. Please and thank you.
 Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com

Date Posted: 1998-05-17
Maiden Name: Sellers

Sharon (Sellers) Leslie, 55, of Wheatridge, Colorado, formally of Lexington, NE passed away May 17, 1998, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Sharon was born January 16, 1943, in Lexington, NE to Marion and Dorothy Sellers. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1961 and continued her education at Parks Business School in Denver, CO. Sharon’s career was with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation as an editor of operational manuals for dams and powerplants.

Sharon was preceded in death by her mother, father and grandparents. She is survived by her brother Ron Sellers, Denver, CO, sister, Anita (David) Kucera, Kearney, NE and nephew, John Kucera, Kearney, NE.

Sharon was a very kind, gentle person and will be missed by those that knew and loved her. It was Sharon’s wish was to be cremated and her interment was at Bainbridge Cemetery, Huntley, NE.

Date Posted: 2017-03-05
Maiden Name: Pittenger

Diana K. McCartney, age 73 of Chappell, NE passed away at Sloan Estates in Sidney, Sunday morning, March 5, 2017.
Cremation has been held. No funeral services are planned at this time. Celebration of Life Services will be in Chappell at a later date. Graveside inurnment will be held in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington, NE at a later date. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC in Sidney is in charge of Diana’s care and funeral arrangements.
Diana Kay McCartney, the daughter of Gordon R. and Verna May (Beyl) Pittenger, was born on August 11, 1943 in Elwood, NE. On September 7, 1961 she was united in marriage to Richard G. McCartney in Lexington, NE. Diana was employed for many years at the Farm Service Agency in Chappell, retiring in 2010. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, was an avid sports fan and followed her favorite teams throughout the year. Diana enjoyed going to Colorado Rockies games with her husband and playing with her beloved dog Mac. In her later years she loved spending summers at Lake McConaughy with her family.
Survivors include her children: Lisa Culp and husband Mike and Tonya Sporrer and husband Brad all of Des Moines, IA and Shannon McCartney and wife Ann of Sidney; grandchildren: Ben, Sam, Ray, Noah, Patrick and Megan; brothers-in-law: Dan Nelson of Lincoln, NE and John Kugler of Sargent; sisters-in-law: Patty Jestes of Minden, NE and Joann Kugler of Sargent.
Diana was preceded in death by her husband: Richard in 2004; her parents: Verna and Gordon; a brother: Gordon D. Pittenger; a sister: Linda M. Nelson; mother-in-law: Venice Kugler and father-in-law: Andrew Kugler.

Date Posted: 2007-11-30

Harold Fecht, 64, of Brady, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 at St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village in Kearney. There will be no visitation. The body was cremated. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Axtell with the Rev. Elvin Crosby officiating. Interment will be in the Axtell cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village. Online condolences or personal reflections can be submitted at www.osafh.com. O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home of Kearney is in charge of arrangements.     

Survivors include his sons, Daniel Fecht and Stacey Fecht, both of Haxtun, Colo., and Jim Fecht of Littleton, Colo.; brothers, Gary (Jeanie) Fecht of Axtell, Leland (Retha) Fecht of Berwin, Stephen Fecht and friend Doug of Columbus; sisters, Linda Chandler of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Clara (Erman) Case Cozad, Patricia Hird of Litchfield, Mary Hicken of Grand Island, and Martha (Jim) Downs of Carthage, Mo.; several grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.     

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. He was born Dec. 25, 1942 in Overton, to Rudolph and Maggie (Shaffer) Fecht. He grew up in Dawson County and graduated from Lexington High School in 1961. He married Glynnis Jeanne VanCleave in Lexington in 1963. They were later divorced. He also lived in Haxtun, Colo. He enjoyed fishing and being a truck driver.--Obituary obtained from the Lexington Clipper-Herald

Date Posted: 2008-06-25
Maiden Name: Young

Phyllis Marie Aitken, age 65, of Lincoln, died Friday, April 25, 2008. A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 at First-Plymouth Congregational UCC Chapel in Lincoln with the Rev. Dr. James Keck officiating. There will be a private interment prior to the service. There will be no visitation.   

Survivors include her husband, James; two daughters, Lara (Eric) Brown of Lincoln, Jill (Jim) Drake of Phoenix, Ariz.; one grandson, Alex Brown; parents, Wayne and Helen Young, of Lexington; sister, Roslyn (Gary) Cole of Nashville, Tenn., and two brothers, David Young, Dallas, Texas and Kent (Cathy) Young of Overton.      

Phyllis was born in March 14, 1943 in Lexington to Wayne and Helen M. (Wickwire) Young. She graduated from LHS in 1961. She graduated Kearney State College with a bachelor of science degree in education. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority (House Corp Board) and Patriarchs Club. She was a private computer programmer and worked as computer programmer for Centel for 17 years before starting her own business.     

Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.roperandsons.com

Date Posted: 2010-04-06

Darrell E. Nelson, 66, died April 6, 2010 at the age of 66 in Orange, Calif. A private family memorial service will be held in Bertrand at a later date.      

Darrell was born July 13, 1943 to Gerald and Mabel (Anderson) Nelson. He graduated with the class of '61 at Lexington High School. He retired after 40 years with the Orange, Calif., US Post Office.      

He is survived by wife Melinda; sons William and Marte; his brother Richard (Alice) Anderson of San Diego, Calif.; sisters, Geraldine (Nelson) Vinzant of Bertrand and Gloria Way of Lexington and 11 nieces and nephews.     

Darrell was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel (Anderson) Nelson; father, Gerald Nelson; sister and brother-in-law Ardith and Tom Tomes of South Bend, Ind.; brothers-in-law, George Vinzant of Bertrand and Raymond Way of Lexington and nephews Joel Tomes of South Bend Ind., and Kevin Way of Lexington.    

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Diabetes Association.     

Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, Calif., was in charge of arrangements.

Date Posted: 2013-09-02
Maiden Name: Neff

Patricia "Pat" Ellen Stevenson, 70, of Fort Worth, Texas, died peacefully Monday afternoon, Sept. 2, 2013.     

Pat was born Nov. 3, 1942 in Lexington, the daughter of Raymond and Lillian Neff. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1961 before attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.     

Pat married Larry Stevenson on Aug. 25, 1963 and they celebrated their 50 wedding anniversary together this year in Fort Worth, where they had moved in 1978.     

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a "giver" and always took care of others before herself.   

Pat is survied by her husband, Larry; her daughter-in-law, Karre; grandchildren, Zac and Molly; her daughter, Trish and her husband, Koby, along with their children, Karaline, Kassidy and Devon; her daughter Tiffany and her husband, Nathan, along with their children, Preston, Preslee and Paisley. She is also survived by her brother, Gary and nephews, Mike and Don.     

She was preceded in death by her son, Dave, in 2009.

Date Posted: 2014-10-24

Chubbuck, Gordon Ray, passed away, Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the age of 70.      

Loving husband of Marianne "Mickey" nee Antal. Dear son of Dorris Chubbuck and the late Floyd Chubbuck. Dear brother of Sondra (Don) Schmitt, Virginia (David) Connor and William (Gail) Chubbuck. Beloved brother-in-law of Barbara (Larry) Koprivica. Dear uncle, great uncle, cousin, and friend to many.      Mr. Chubbuck served his country honorably during the Vietnam War in the Navy. He was retired from Chrysler where he was a systems analyst. Mr. Chubbuck was a model railroad collector.      

Services: Funeral Service on Friday November 1, 2013 at 11:30 am at the Schrader Chapel, at Holloway and Manchester. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be given to Missouri Botanical Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 31, 2013 from 3-8 pm.   

(Thank you to Donald and Sondra (Chubbuck) Schmitt for sending the information of Gordon's passing.)

Date Posted: 1998-07-17
Maiden Name: Sellers

Sharon (Sellers) Leslie, 55, of Wheatridge, Colorado, formally of Lexington, NE passed away May 17, 1998, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Sharon was born January 16, 1943, in Lexington, NE to Marion and Dorothy Sellers. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1961 and continued her education at Parks Business School in Denver, CO. Sharon's career was with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation as an editor of operational manuals for dams and power plants.    

Sharon was preceded in death by her mother, father and grandparents. She is survived by her brother Ron Sellers, Denver, CO, sister, Anita (David) Kucera, Kearney, NE and nephew, John Kucera, Kearney, NE.     

Sharon was a very kind, gentle person and will be missed by those that knew and loved her. It was Sharon's wish was to be cremated and her interment was at Bainbridge Cemetery, Huntley, NE(Thank you to Sharon's sister for sending the obituary)