Maiden Name: Young

 

Patricia Kay Linn, 79, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln.

She was born on December 26, 1943, in Lexington, Nebraska to Roger D. and Dorothy (Curtice) Young. Pat attended public schools in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1962. While in high school, Pat taught dance and swimming.

Pat was united in marriage to Paul Linn on September 16, 1962 in Lexington, Nebraska. Two children were blessed to this union: Greg and Kelly. They made their home in Lexington, where Pat focused her efforts on caring for the home and their children. She also did the bookkeeping for Paul Linn Builder’s.

Pat loved bowling and spending time with her teammates, playing the piano and being outdoors. She enjoyed tending her rose bushes, was a great cook and like her husband, Paul, she was a prankster.

Pat enjoyed traveling with Paul and their friends from the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Jaycee’s. Most of all, Pat was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her son, Greg (Joyce) Linn of Kearney; son-in-law, Mike Stoppkotte of Chapman; sister, Linda Goa of Temperance, Michigan; six grandchildren, Kaylee Stopkotte of Grand Island, Kamryn Stopkotte of Lincoln, Mikyna Stopkotte of Grand Island, Lacey (Erick) Nickel of Kearney, Tyson (Eva) Linn of Kearney and Ryan (fiancé Kendra Musil) Linn of Riverdale; eight great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Alex, Taylor, Jaxson, Declan, Kinleigh, Adelinn, and Mack; one great-great-grandson, Oliver; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; daughter, Kelly; granddaughter, Klaire; sister, Judy Rogers; brothers-in-law, Larry Rogers, Ollie Goa and David Muirhead.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor Jeff Nielsen, officiating. The Service will be live-streamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to Lexington Youth Bowling Association, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department or Countryside Christian Church in Kearney.

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

Maiden Name: Mazanec

 

Sandra K. “Sandy” Meyer, 78 of Lexington passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the Lexington Regional Health Center.

Sandy was born February 27, 1944 in Lexington, Nebraska to George and Sophia (Burr) Mazanec. She graduated from Lexington High school and then attended and graduated from the Kearney State Teachers College.

Sandy was united I marriage to Merle “Mike” Meyer on June 1, 1971 in Denver, Colorado. The couple moved to Ames, Iowa and later to Sacramento, California before returning to Lexington in 1976. Sandy had always wanted to be a teacher in Lexington and worked for the Lexington Public School system for over forty years. She also worked at Orschelins for many years.

Sandy loved teaching and raising her horses.

Survivors include one sister: Georgialee Rodgers, one brother: Terry Mazanec as well as nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister: Dea Boersen and a brother: Larry Mazanec.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Inurnment will take place in the Robb Cemetery, south of Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the Sandra K. Meyer Teaching Scholarship through the Lexington Community Foundation.

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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Eulogy by Audrey Downey, friend and co-worker at LHS

Thoughts about Sandy Meyer …
 
What can I say about Sandy without thinking of horses, dogs, Orscheln’s, fluorescent colored clothes with matching flashy tennis shoes and of course her love for teaching and the students she dedicated her life to for over 50 years .
 
Sandy started teaching at Lexington High School in the early 80’s. She was tough, she had a soft spot for her students, but she darn sure wanted them to learn and be able to do math. In her early years she served on every math committee here at LHS as well as at the educational service unit and received National Board Certification in 2000. Quite an accomplishment!
 
In the words of some of her students:
“She was the smartest math teacher we ever had”
“She once told us that she has forgotten more math than we will ever learn!”
“ She was so loyal to Lexington High School and had a balance of firmness and love.”
“She went hunting with a couple of us and even taught us how to gut a deer!”
“This is a secret but … If you got her talking about something else, the math assignment went away!”
The many students that she tutored, before and after school. She wanted students to do the work on their own and NOT rely on electronics to teach them. She wanted them to LOVE math!
At Christmas time her 2nd period class would decorate her classroom so festive and every student had a stocking hung in her classroom that Sandy would fill! Oh, and her handwriting … it was beautiful!!
 
Sandy lived in her classroom … … she would never go home … and it was obvious at times … There wasn’t a weekend you didn’t drive by and her pickup was not there. Speaking of pickups, she was pretty proud of her last new pickup the “black rebel” … in her own words “ just like me, a rebel!”
 
She loved to go to Kirk’s. She had her favorite food and crowd to visit with while there. Ana Gonzales would always be there to make her liver and onions! She also loved Red Lobster. On her last birthday, four students and myself took her to dinner at Red Lobster and she was in hog heaven!! The leftovers she brought home … Her refrigerator in her classroom was never empty, although at times, it needed to be.
 
You never had to wonder what Sandy had to say. If you didn’t ask she would tell you anyway! Was there ever a person she didn’t like … oh yeah, but hey at least she was honest!
 
Sporting events … You never walked up to an event at Lexington High School where she wasn’t taking the money. She knew who you were, how many kids you had, and why were some of your kids in trouble! She was always so genuinely excited for her students to succeed both in her classroom and outside of it. She would travel to sporting events to cheer them on or celebrate their successes in class!
 
State Soccer – Jr. Casillas wanted her there … his mom Maria, made sure Sandy made it to Omaha and oh my, could she cheer on those Minutemen! She was so proud of those boys. That is an understatement! She loved those boys!
 
Sandy received the Booster Club Award in 2020. She was so proud and she got quite the standing ovation that evening!
 
Sandy didn’t have any children but every student she came in contact with was considered one of her own. Even the tough ones, she loved them all.
 
Now speaking of Orschelns, You would talk to people and they would drive by to see if she was working as she knew where everything in that store was. If she wasn’t working they would wait and come back. Kids would go there to ask for help with homework! I never worked there, but it appeared to me when I would go and ask her for help that there wasn’t a customer she didn’t know by name.
 
Sandy was an animal lover. Horses and dogs. She loved them and was so proud to talk about them and show you pictures. When she had a mare that was going to deliver … she would let you know and she would sit up all night to make sure everything was ok and then come straight to work.
 
I stated that she loved animals, but not all of them … I remember the story about the opossum getting into the house one night and she decided she better take care of it, so she got her gun out and shot it!
 
Kenny Seberger. Thank you … She depended on you so much and you did so much for her. When she was sick, you helped to care for her and her animals and you even did her shopping! She could not have done it without You!
 
Ann Young, thank you for your dedicated care for Sandy up until her last day.
 
To the many people that helped her in her last year, with food, transportation, housing, conversations and her trips for Chemo. I remember her trips back to Lex following chemo, first stop was Wendys. A cheeseburger with no mustard and fries! She loved it!
 
I can remember during her last days, Kelly Buck and myself had each been to see her. Although, she could barely talk, she squeezed our hands … she knew we were there and she knew she was loved.
 
Sandy Meyer was a one of a kind. This reminds me of her …
Work like you don’t need the money, love like you have never been hurt and dance like no one is watching. That was Sandy …
 
Audrey Downey
Maiden Name: Elliott

 

Marilyn A. Burkhalter, 78, of Gothenburg, formerly of Elwood, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg.

She was born on December 19, 1943, in Kearney, Nebraska to Gerald and A. Doris (Marshall) Elliott. The family made their home on a farm near Riverdale and in 1956 they moved to Lexington. She attended public schools in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1962. She then went onto further education for a year at Kearney State College. Following her time at Kearney State, Marilyn worked at Dawson Public Power in Lexington.

In May of 1965, Marilyn met the love of her life at a District 15 School picnic and was united in marriage to Dale A. Burkhalter on June 5, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this union: Phillip, David, Andrew and Sarah.

Marilyn focused her efforts on caring for the home and raising her children. In 1974, Dale and Marilyn bought a farm south of Elwood where they farmed and would reside until 2019 when they moved to Gothenburg. Marilyn also spent twenty-three years working at Elwood Care Center as a Dietary Cook. She retired in 2015 and Dale preceded her in death in 2019.

Marilyn was a faithful member of the Elwood United Methodist Church, where she was involved in many church activities and was one of the church pianist for many years. She was an active volunteer with the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed attending Nebraska Women and Ag. She had many hobbies which included her love for music, gardening, reading, puzzles, baking pies and watching old westerns. Marilyn was an animal lover, especially her chickens. She was meticulous when it came to her appearance and was always dressed to the nines.

Survivors include her children, Phillip (Sharilyn) Burkhalter of Johnson Lake, David (Fabienne) Burkhalter of Elsie, Andrew (Frances) Burkhalter of Scottsbluff and Sarah (Michael) Anderson of Gothenburg; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson; one brother, Gale (Sharon) Elliott of Vail, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Lela Burkhalter of Creston, Iowa, Mary Louise Edwards of Greenwood, Arkansas, Phyllis Burkhalter of Creston, Iowa and Lucinda Burkhalter of Chariton, Iowa; brother-in-law, Harold Burkhalter of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; in-laws, Arthur (Merle) Burkhalter; brothers-in-law, Loren Burkhalter, Earl Burkhalter and Paul Edwards.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elwood Methodist Church with Pastor Sarah Neben, officiating.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the Elwood Methodist Church.

Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

 

Morris Lee Morris, 76, of Elkhorn, formerly of Lexington, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, at home.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with the Rev. Nathan Rhea officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Reynolds-Love Facebook page. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Morris was born July 31, 1944, in Pawnee City to Woodrow Wilson and Sadie Marie (Rowe) Morris.

He married Janet Lee Moore on Dec. 27, 1963, in Lexington. Janet passed away on July 13, 1984. Morris then married Sandra “Sandy” Carol Zink on Aug. 9, 1985, in Las Vegas. Sandy passed away March 26, 2014.

Survivors include his sons, Jammie Morris of Omaha and Jim Morris of Aurora; brothers, Leo Morris of Minden, Galen Morris of Lexington and Terry Morris of Elwood; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Date Posted: 2018-04-24

Jim S. Wells, 73, of Lexington died Saturday, April 21, 2018, at his home near Lexington with his family by his side.

Jim was born July 27, 1944, in Lexington, Nebraska to Charles Stanley and Virginia Lee (Walbridge) Wells. Jim attended country school, and then graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1962.

Jim was united in marriage to Jeanette (Marousek) Hardesty on May 28, 1987 in Lexington. She preceded him in death on November 3, 2004.

Jim drove truck his whole working life, first for a local hay mill, and then with Bud Small, Crete Carriers, Fellers Trucking, Sunflower Trucking, and Justa Trucking. He was a hard worker his entire life. His life centered around getting the load to where it needed to go, and get it there on time. He was also a farmer in the spring, summer, and fall months during his younger years. One can never forget his love for John Wayne, his hero.

He was a man of great integrity, who loved to tease, tell a good story, be with his family and friends, and would never let you down. There was a kindness to Jim that many people never saw. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. Heaven certainly gained a wonderful man who will never be forgotten. Rest in peace dear friend.

Jim leaves to mourn; his children, one son Dennis (Kimberly) Wells of Cairo, Nebraska; two daughters, Debra (Mike) Bossung of Mesa, Arizona & Dionne (Steven) Pugh of Queen Creek, Arizona; one step-son Dereik (Jessie) Hardesty of Kearney, Nebraska; eleven grandchildren, Rachel Wells, Emily Wells, Matthew Wells, Jacob Bossung, Zackary Bossung, Jennifer Wells, Aaron Pugh, Christopher Pugh, Jason Pugh, Garrett Hardesty and Asher Hardesty; one sister, Carol (Gary) Thinnes of Idaho Falls, Idaho; one aunt, Lois Anthony of Lexington, Nebraska, and one uncle, Addison Walbridge of Arapahoe, Nebraska; his companion, Penny Carpenter of Kearney, Nebraska; as well as extended family and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and step-son David Hardesty.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 27, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Anne Gahn officiating.

Interment will follow at the Hewitt Cemetery in rural Lexington.

Memorial 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.

Date Posted: 2015-06-06

Rodney David Burkey, 71, of rural Lexington, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska.

Rod was born January 27, 1944, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Floyd and Lucille (Hughbanks) Burkey. He was a 1962 graduate of Lexington High School. Following high school Rod worked at Cornland Dressed Beef and Dawson County Motors.

He was united in marriage to Georgia Boggs in 1966, in Lexington. He went on to further his education at Airplane Tech School in Oklahoma. He loved flying and anything to do with airplanes. Rod owned and operated his own construction company and helped build Darr Packing Plant. He spent time at NebraskaLand Tire and drove semi over-the-road. Rod was always busy, he enjoyed working on cars, playing cards and fishing. His family was very important to him.

Survivors include two sons, Scott Burkey of Kansas City, Kansas, Troy (Gayle) Ogg of Lincoln, Nebraska; two daughters, Tonia (Todd) Wade of Exeter, Nebraska, and Michelle Burkey of Waco, Nebraska; one brother, Richard Burkey of Edgerton, Wyoming; five grandchildren, James Dean of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jacob Dean of Peru, Nebraska, Victoria Ramirez of Lexington, Nebraska, Joe (Kayla) Burkey of Lexington, Nebraska, and Taneesha Strackbein of Waco, Nebraska; four great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents. It was Rod’s wishes his body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, July 18, 2015, starting at 4:30 p.m. at Rod’s home – 43690 Rd. 757 – Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Date Posted: 2017-02-17

Albert Ernest West, Jr. died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2017 at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, Calif., of complications from diabetes. Cremation was chosen, burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. He was born July 23, 1943 in Lexington to Lydia and Ernest West. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1962. He is survived by his brother Carl West of Lexington and sister, Kathryn Holmoka of Geneva.

Date Posted: 2016-10-04
Maiden Name: Wineland

Kay Wiley, 72, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington.

She was born December 2, 1943, in Greeley, Colorado. Kay was raised by her grandparents, Alvin and Gussie Wineland.

She moved to Lexington with her grandparents in 1961. She graduated in 1962, the first class to graduate from the new Lexington high school, at its present location.

Kay worked for a time after high school as a nurses’ aide. She was united in marriage to Wes Wiley on February 1, 1964, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Jamie, David, and Jean.

Kay babysat for 35 years, plus babysitting all of her grandchildren until they went to school. She enjoyed attending her children, and grandchildren’s school activities, and sporting events. Family was the most important part of her life, as well as her many fur babies throughout the years. She enjoyed cross stitching, and even received several purple ribbons at the county fair, as well as Best of Show. She would often comment on the beautiful scenery, yards, trees, plants, lawns, flowers, and birds. She loved nature.

If you could sum up Kay’s life in one sentence it would be, “She lived life to the fullest, fought until her last breath, and entered Heaven with a smile on her face”.

Kay was a 50+ year member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. Kay is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wes Wiley of Lexington; children; Jamie and husband Kenny Gruntorad of Lexington, David Wiley of Lexington, Jean and husband Travis Leger of Lexington; five grandchildren; Riley and wife Jessica Gruntorad of Lexington, Ryan and wife Brittany Gruntorad of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Tyler and wife MaChaela Gruntorad of Lexington, Aly Leger and Jake Leger both of Lexington; twin great-grandchildren, Carter and Baylor Gruntorad of Lexington; also surviving are aunts, uncles nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her grandparents. Funeral Services will be Monday, October 10, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Anne Gahn officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 9, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Kearney Humane Society or Lexington Regional Health Center. 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: 2004-10-20

Lance Lockhart, 60, of Omaha, Nebraska, died Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, following a brief illness.

He was born January 10, 1944, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Theodore Arthur and Flora W. (Chester) Lockhart. Lance graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1962. He then went on to college at Doane College, graduating with his degree in Mathematics. He taught and coached for two years at Millard High School in Millard. Following his teaching, he worked as a contractor in the Omaha area.

In 1973, he and good friend, Jerry Dannehl, went into business together, forming L&D Home Builders in Omaha. The pair built many homes in the Omaha area for approximately 10 years. He then went into business on his own. Lance was an innovator in his building techniques and admired by many area contractors for his building skills. He worked up until his death.

He was united in marriage to Kathleen Arthur in York, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with two children, James and Jennifer. He was then united in marriage to Earlene Hilgen on April 13, 2002, at Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lance loved to exercise and jogged six miles a day. His dedication to running carried over to his daughter, as she excelled at track, even receiving a track scholarship. He loved music, which carried over to his son, James, who to this day has his own band in the Omaha area. He enjoyed entertaining friends, cooking and reading. He was still very close to many of his high school friends and met every year for skiing trips. Lance was fun-loving, quite a jokester and never knew an enemy. He will be so missed by his loving family and many friends.

Survivors include his wife, Earlene Lockhart of Omaha; son, James Lockhart of Omaha; daughter, Jennifer and Scott Ashmore of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; two sisters, Teresa and Glenn Lanman of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, and Roberta Reynolds of Desert Hot Springs, California; and two grandchildren, Katelynn and Connor Ashmore of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Flora. Services were held Monday, October 25, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. at the Berean Bible Church in Lexington with Pastor Glenn Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lexington. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lockhart family for designation later. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements.

Date Posted: 2009-03-20

Jon Allen Shaw, 64, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, March 20, 2009, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.   

He was born May 9, 1944, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Leo H. and Dorothy (Temple) Shaw. He grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School. Jon was active in Boy Scouts during his school years, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jon then continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln earning his Bachelor of Science Degree.   

Jon worked as an Engineer most of his life and spent several years at Plectron in Overton as their Chief Engineer.   

He was united in marriage to Mary Elaine Theising on October 5, 1970, at Minneapolis, Minnesota. She preceded Jon in death on July 28, 1998.   

Jon lived in several communities prior to returning to his roots in Lexington. He lived in Lincoln, Palmyra and Overton. While in Overton, he served as the Fire Chief for the Overton Fire Department for 15 years and was past president of the Central Nebraska Volunteer Fireman's Association. Jon was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.   

Survivors include his two sons: Tyrone Douglas Shaw of Brady, Nebraska, Garret Temple Shaw, M.D. of Blair, Nebraska, Five grandchildren.   

Jon was preceded in death, besides by his wife, by his parents and one brother, Richard Herbert Shaw. The family honored Jon's wishes that his body be cremated.   

A Memorial Service was held Monday, March 23, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating.  There was no visitation. Memorials are may be directed to the family for later designation.  Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was in charge of arrangements.