Joel Lee (Harshman) Embree, son of Lynn Harshman and Jeanette (Garska) Emery died June 14, 2008 at Loveland, Colo., of injuries sustained in a car accident.
     Joel was born Jan 28,1982 in Greeley, Colo., and lived there for five years. After his parents divorced in 1987 he moved to Eaton, Colo., with his mother and in 1989 was adopted by his step-father John Embree. He received his education in Eaton and then moved to Berthoud, Colo.
        Joel worked in the Loveland, Aurora, and Denver areas. He loved music for which he had a particular gift of perfect pitch. He composed and produced his own music and played in several bands. Joel had a quick wit and was extremely intelligent. He was especially good with technology and had at one point attended Computer Technology School.
     On Jan. 15, 2005 Joel married April DeBellis at the LDS Church in Loveland, Colo. To this union Caden Benjamin was born June 4, 2006. Caden was Joel's pride and joy.   
        Joel was preceded in death by an infant sister Amanda Marie Harshman in 1981 and his grandfather, Virgil E. Harshman.
     He is survived by his wife, April and son, Caden Embree and another son, Daylan born 2002; his father Lynn Harshman and wife, Barb of Aurora, Colo.; mother, Jannette Emery and step-father Bernell Emery; adoptive father, John Embree; brothers, Jesse (Harshman) Embree and Jonnie Embree of Loveland, Colo., Joshua Harshman and step-brother Jacob Struble of Aurora, Colo.; niece, Jade Alana Embree. In-laws, Benjamin and Jerri DeBellis of Yuma, Colo.; grandmother, Elsie Loreen Harshman of Wray, Colo., and grandparents, Howard and Jane Garska of Ogallala, Neb.; uncle, Jack Harshman and wife, Sherry of Denver, Aunt Vickie Love and husband, Lurie of Wray, Colo., Aunt Sheila Hageman and husband, Marty of Fremont, Neb.; cousins, Roger Harshman and wife, Lisa, Ann (Harshman) Messiner, Sarah Love, Darcy (Love) Beauchamp and husband, Daniel, Curston and Sean Hageman, Michael, John, Dillon, Kaylie and Kyle Harshman, Mindy and Toby Messiner, Isabella Messiner, Elizabeth Moeller and many other friends and family.
        Services were held Wednesday, June 18 at Allnutt Funeral Service in Loveland, Colo. Another service followed on Thursday, June 19, 2008 in Ogallala at Draucker's Funeral Chapel with interment at Ogallala Cemetery.

    Donald Eugene Larsen of Cascabel, Ariz., passed away Feb. 4, 2008, after a short battle with cancer. He was born April 14, 1942, in Omaha and raised in Grant, Neb.
     Don moved to Tucson, Ariz., to attend the University of Arizona, where he met his wife and married in 1970.
     As a Navy veteran, Don served in Vietnam 1967-1968. He was the manager of Tucson Fuel Company in Tucson for 20 years before retiring and moving to the Benson area, where he owned and operated San
    Pedro Tool Company.
     He retired again and moved to the Cascabel area and was enjoying country life, fishing, hunting and traveling in his RV.
     Don had many friends in the Tucson and Benson area and will be missed by all who knew him.
     He isreceded in death by his son Michael.
     Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Linda Larsen; daughter, Amanda and husband Richard Stevens; granddaughter, Hannah Stevens; grandson, Sean Stevens of Corona de Tucson, Ariz.; brother, Ronald and wife Marion Larsen; nephew, Scott and wife Ruth Larsen; niece, Lori and husband Gary Raikes; and niece, Lisa and husband Allen Hornaday of Indianapolis, Ind.
     A memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 9, at Richardson's Remembrance Center, Benson, Ariz.

    Thomas Cartwright Brown, blacksmith and farmer, was born Dec. 14, 1912 to Peter and Mary Roxanna Monroe Brown on a farm near Shelton, Neb.
     In January, his family moved by train to a ranch northeast of Julesburg, Colo. In 1921, the family moved to a farm near Central City, Neb., and in 1922 to a farm near St. Paul. The family moved to Grant, Neb., in 1925 where Tom graduated from Perkins County High School in 1931.
     Tom married Mildred Wilkinson on Sept. 27, 1938 and to this union four children were born: Stanley Wayne, Larry Dean, Marvin Thomas, and Evelyn Ann.
     Tom and Mildred moved to California during the war where Tom worked in shipyards and an airplane factory.
     They moved back to Grant in 1943 where Tom ran a welding shop, teaching his sons welding as well as farming.
     In 1952 they moved to Mildred's family farm near Grant where they farmed until 1963.
     Tom and Mildred joined the Peace Corps in 1967 and served two years in India where Tom taught new methods to farmers and invented new implements to be pulled behind their bullocks. They returned and in 1970, moved to Texas to help their son Stan and his family. Stan had learned he had multiple sclerosis while his parents were in India.
     Tom had a shop in Austin working with builders doing ornamental ironwork for 20 years. After Stan's passing in 1999, Tom and Mildred moved to North Platte, Neb., to be near family.
     He is survived by his wife, Mildred; three children: Larry and wife Karolyn, Marvin and wife Erdmut, and Evelyn, and daughter-in-law Carolyn; six grandchildren: Jeff, Lori, Mark, Kirsten, Lisa, and Lara; nine great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Katheryn and Phyllis and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Stan, sisters Doris, Ruth, Rosa, Roxa, Mary and Florence; and brothers Albert, Eldon, Oliver, Howard, Walter, and Hugh. He was known as a loving father and grandfather and a member of the Methodist Church.
     Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Cremation was chosen.
     Friends wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9am to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.
    
     Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.
     Memorial services will be at a later date.

    Mary Ruth Mahnken was born on May 30, 1922 at Oxford, Neb. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Daniel and Mary Isabelle (Meyers) Bauer. She was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford on June 22, 1922.
     Mary Ruth was confirmed at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Neb., and later graduated from Mascot High School in 1939. After high school she helped take care of her mother. After her mother died in 1942, Mary Ruth moved to Ogallala, Neb.
     Mary Ruth was married to Martin Mahnken on Aug. 18, 1946 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala. They moved to their farm home northeast of Grant where they lived for 34 years. She continued to maintain her home on the farm after Martin died in 1982 until she moved to the Sunset Haven in Grant. After a short stay at Sunset Haven she moved to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in 1994 where she died early Sunday morning, June 15, 2008. She had reached the age of 86.
     Mary Ruth appreciated her life as a farm wife. She enjoyed cooking for her family and loved the precious times with her grandchildren. She had been a member for over 60 years at the Trinity Lutheran Church south of Ogallala where she sang in the choir.
     In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister Caroline Geisert and two great-grandchildren.
     Mary Ruth is survived by her daughter Marlea and husband Tom Kosmicki of Rural Grant; two grandchildren Ryan Kosmicki of Chicago and Jennifer and husband John Shipp of Brule; two great-granddaughters Lydian and Kylie Shipp; one sister Eloise Mahnken of St. Louls; two sisters-in-law Dorothy Mahnken of Grant and Joan Mahnken of Ogallala; brother-in-law Loraine Geisert of McMinnville, Ore.; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Wayne Pick officiating. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Dale Wieland of Lakewood, Colo., lost his battle with cancer at his home, June 8, 2008.
     There will be a memorial service for him at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venango at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22.

    Alta Leatherman was born on March 19, 1937 at Kendell, Kan. She was the second of three children born to Edward and Gertrude Gamble Dyck. The family moved from Kendell to Syracuse, Kan. and then to Lamar, Colo., where Alta received her elementary education. The family moved to Casper, Wyo. in the early 1950s and Alta graduated from Casper High School in 1955.
     She then began working for the hospital in Casper where she met a fellow employee, Sam Leatherman.
     Alta and Sam were married on April 14, 1956 in Casper where they made their home until 1982 when they moved to El Paso, Texas where Sam was employed by Texaco Oil. In their retirement, they moved to Wallace, Neb., where she made her home until her death. Alta had been transferred to the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Neb., the first week in May and had been moved to the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala, Neb., on May 21. She died early Saturday morning, May 24, 2008 at Indian Hills. She had reached the age of 71.
     Alta had a good sense of humor and enjoyed jokes with her family and friends. She had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She had a special relationship and enjoyment with her Shar Pei dog, Lady.
     Alta is survived by her husband of 52 years, Sam; four sons, Stanley of Denver, Steven of Casper, Scott of Wallace, and Spencer of Breckenridge, Colo.; six grandchildren; one sister, Edna Dyck and one brother, Marvin Dyck, both of Antioch, Calif.; other relatives and friends.
     Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 28 at the Wallace Morningview Cemetery with John Long officiating. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Donald Buchanan was born on Feb. 26, 1932 at Madrid, Neb. He was the second of four children born to Chester and Mary Stevens Buchanan.
     Don grew up in the Madrid area where he attended school, graduating from Madrid High School in 1954. He joined the U.S. Army in September of 1955. He served his basic training at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas and then served in Germany until his discharge in 1957.
     Don returned to the Madrid Community and began working in Ogallala, Neb. He worked for Good-All Electric, OEMI, and Arnold Engineering for 25 years. He later was a material controller for NPPD in Sutherland for 17 years before his retirement in 1997.
     Don had a malignancy in his lungs and had been failing in health. He had been moved to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant where he died on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. He had reached the age of 72.
     Don was a longtime member of the Madrid United Methodist Church and had served on various church boards. Don had a great talent for art. He enjoyed drawing from an early age and was responsible for the different area team mascots in the Madrid gymnasium when he was in high school. He loved raising flowers, working different craft projects and enjoyed collecting vehicles over the years.
     In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Bill.
     He is survived by one sister, Mary Jane and her husband Larry Harger of Madrid; one brother, John and wife Carol Buchanan of Lemoyne, Neb.; three nephews, Chester and wife Mary Harger of Madrid; Morgan and special friend Robin of Ogallala; and Bill and wife Carla of Earlham, Iowa; four nieces, Tonya Buchanan and Tammy Buchanan of Denver; Sarah and husband Bill Harder of Crab Orchard, Neb. and Donna Sandberg and her fiancé Todd Glunz of Madrid; other relatives and friends.
     His body was cremated. Memorial services were Tuesday, May 27 at the Madrid United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Haden officiating.
     Music was by Carol Robertson and Bob Cummings. Burial of cremains was in the Madrid Cemetery.
     A memorial has been established to the church.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Marlin Nutt was born on Jan. 20, 1938 at the family farm southeast of Elsie, Neb. He was the fourth of nine children born to Marion and Freda Linnemeyer Nutt.
     Marlin grew up on the family farm and attended Elsie schools. Marlin was a good athlete in high school and participated in all sports. He played on several championship teams at Elsie and created a lifelong friendship with his teammates.
     After his graduation in 1956 he farmed in the area until 1961 when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Germany with a field artillery unit until his honorable discharge in 1963. He was part of the Army Reserve program until 1967.
     After his discharge Marlin returned to Elsie where he helped his father and area farmers. He also took a job with the Elsie Coop for several years. Eventually he operated his family farm which has been in the Nutt family for over 100 years. His greatest concern was for his brother Glenn who lived on the farm with him.
     Marlin still enjoyed sports and outdoor activities and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Marlin's health began to fail a few years ago and he had been moved to the Grand Island Veteran's Home in 2006 where he died early Saturday morning, May 24, 2008. He had reached the age of 70.
     In addition to his parents, Marlin was preceded in death by two brothers, Morse and Dwight; two sisters, Bertha Harvey and Norma Nutt; sister-in-law, Orveta Nutt.
     He is survived by one sister, Arlene and husband Ray Pace of Lake Maloney; three brothers, Wayne and wife Freda of Dickens, Neb., Tom and wife Sharon of Holdrege, Neb., and Glenn who lived on the farm southeast of Elsie; his brother-in-law, Jack Harvey of Lincoln, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
     Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the Curtis Cemetery with John Longofficiating. Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant was in charge of arrangements.

    Gerald Wayne Phillips was born on Oct. 5, 1920 near Wallace, Neb. He was the fifth of five children born to Grant and Mae Dyer Phillips. He attended school in Wallace, graduating from Wallace High School in 1937. Gerald then attended the Kansas City School of Auctioneering in Denver and joined his father in the auction business.
     Gerald married Virginia Price at the Price family home in Madrid, Neb. on April 28, 1940, and they relocated to Roseburg, Ore., where they lived until Gerald entered the U.S. Army in1943. He served as a combat infantryman in the Third Army; and upon being discharged, he and Virginia made their home in Wallace. Gerald obtained his realtor's license and, after his father's retirement from the auction business, Gerald partnered with Blaine Farrar in the Phillips & Farrar Auction business until his retirement in 1984.
     Wallace was Gerald's home for most of his 87 years, and he was an active contributor and supporter of the community and its many activities. He served on the Wallace School Board for 21 years, was active in the building of the present United Methodist Church and the Wallace Public School where the football field is named in his honor, was a member of Wallace Masonic Lodge 279, York Rite Shrine, American Legion Post 213, and the United Methodist Church. Gerald was past president of the Nebraska Auctioneer Association, was named Auctioneer of the Year in 1981, and was inducted into the Nebraska Auctioneer Hall of Fame in 2006.
     Gerald was preceded in death by his wife of more than 67 years, Virginia; his parents; two brothers, Keith and Grant, Jr.; two sisters, Nellie and Madelyn; and one granddaughter, Madelynne.
     He is survived by three daughters, Judy and husband Bob Morian of Lake Lotawana, Mo; Joleen and husband Dennis Corell of Ashland, Neb.; Marsha and husband John Ray of Superior, Neb; one son, Joel and wife Mickey of Wallace; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchilden; and two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Jessie Allen of Sutherland, Lela Tjaden of Grant, and Myrna and husband Robert Lee of Hay Springs, Neb.; many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
     Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 27 at 2 o'clock at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Anne Gatobu officiating. Music was provided by Bill Arnett and Donna Hahn. Burialwas in the Wallace Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the Wallace Community Foundation. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    LaRetta Gay Brewer was born Sept. 26, 1956, in Grant, Neb., the daughter of Milo and Margie (Clark) Rowley. She passed away Friday, May 16, 2008, at her home in Oberlin, Kan., at the age of 51.
     LaRetta grew up in Grant, along with three brothers and two sisters. She attended Grant Elementary School and Perkins County High School.
     On Nov. 22, 1972, LaRetta was united in marriage to Lonny Brewer in Imperial, Neb., where they made their home.
     Two sons were born to their union, and they were also blessed with five grandchildren.
     In 1996, LaRetta and Lonny moved to Bridgeport, Neb., for a year then to Imperial, California for a year before moving to Oberlin, Kan. in 1998.
     While in Oberlin, LaRetta and Lonny both worked for Southwest Implement.
     Her family and grandchildren were LaRetta's pride and joy, and she treasured the times they were able to get together. She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard during her free time.
     Survivors include her husband Lonny of the home; two sons, Jeremy Brewer and wife D'arcy of North Platte, and their children, Chelsie, Traiber and Brynn, and Jeff Brewer of Bellingham, Wash., and his children, Tryston and Tre; her mother, Margie Rowley of Grant; three brothers, Leon Rowley of Grant, Les Rowley of Denver, Colo. and Larry Rowley and wife, Susan, of Hot Springs, Ark.; two sisters and their husbands, Linda and Nate Skeels of Grant and Lisa and Jeff White of Ridgecrest, Calif.; many nieces, nephews and other friends.
     Her father, Milo, preceded her in death.
     Inurnment graveside services were held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, Neb. Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Memorials may be given to the LaRetta Brewer Memorial Fund.
     Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial, Neb. and Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin-Selden, Kan. were in charge of arrangements.

    Eunice Hasenauer was born Aug. 25, 1919 at Romance, Mo. She was the oldest of 10 children born to Charles and Beulah Welch Pace.
     The family moved to the Wallace, Neb., community by covered wagon in 1926. Eunice attended school at Wallace and eventually received her G.E.D. from Mid Plains Community College when she was 63 years old.
     Eunice was married to Herbert Hasenauer on Nov. 28, 1935 at the Hasenauer farm at Somerset. Four children, Verlaine, Clinton, Jeanette and Leonard were born to this union.
     Herb and Eunice farmed southeast of Wallace for 52 years. They stayed on the farm after retirement. Eunice continued to live at home after Herb died in 2002.
     Because of failing health she moved to Linden Court in North Platte in August of 2007. She was transferred to Great Plains Regional Medical Center on Thursday afternoon, May 15, 2008 where she died surrounded by a prayer circle of her loved ones. She had reached the age of 88.
     At the age of 12, Eunice dedicated her life to Christ at an Epworth League service. She was a longtime member of the Wallace United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and served in various offices of the United Methodist Women and the church board. She had previously been a member of the Rebekah Lodge, served on the County Extension Board and was a volunteer at the North Platte Canteen during World War II.
     Eunice and Herb enjoyed travelling and took their family on a vacation every year. They visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. They were able to spend 34 winters in the Phoenix area.
     Eunice loved her family, the farm, her garden and flowers, cooking and baking, and always enjoyed a good card game.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Eunice was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Don Hunziker; one sister, Vina Hasenauer; two infant siblings; two grandsons, Billy Lee Dawson and Kurt Fhuere and two great-grandsons Willy McMurray and Matthew Pella.
     She is survived by two daughters, Vee and husband Ed Weir and Jeanette and husband John Kilgore, all of Wallace; two sons, Clinton and wife Mary of Wallace and Leonard and wife Joan of Amarillo, Texas; her foster daughter, Lee Hunziker of Davenport, Iowa; three brothers, Cecil and wife Myrt Pace of Amherst, Neb., Walter and wife Maxine and Ray and wife Arlene, all of North Platte, Neb.; three sisters, Mabel Hasenauer, Mary Smith and Bonnie and husband Paul Broeder, all of North Platte; 33 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Monday, May 19, 2008 at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Anne Gatobu officiating.
     Music was by Bill Arnett, Dixie Colson and Donna Hahn.
     Casket bearers were Eunice's grandchildren.
     Interment was in Wallace Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Nancy June (Smith) Chittenden, resident of Cedar Park, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2008 at the age of 76.
     Nancy was born in Lincoln, Neb., on June 11, 1931 to John and Nellie Smith. She graduated from Hickman High School in 1946, then majored in voice and piano at UNL in Nebraska.
     Nancy met Leonard in college and they were married in Tecumseh, Neb., in 1950. They were married for 45 years until Leonard's death in 1996.
     Nancy is preceded in death by her first child Linda Ann Kilibarda on April 3, 2008.
     She is survived by her children Debra Chittenden of Council Bluffs ,Iowa, Jill and husband Clark Young of Council Bluffs, John and wife Sheri Chittenden of Paxton, Neb., James Chittenden of Nixa, Mo., William of Colorado Springs, Colo., Jane and husband Stephen Young of Leander, Texas, Thomas and wife Ione Chittenden of Pahoa, Hawaii; one brother, Robert and wife Helen Smith of Tulsa, Okla.; one sister, Shirley and husband Erven Boettner of Silver Spring, Md.; one sister-in-law, Betty Chittenden of Lincoln, Neb.; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
     Nancy was a 50-plus year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a 55-year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
     In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Luke's on the Lake Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas or the Cedar Park Friends of the Library.
    
     A visitation was held May 5, 2008 at Beck Funeral Home Cedar Park. Graveside services were held at Ft. McPherson Cemetery in Maxwell, Neb.

    A memorial service for Carolee Olds who died on Sunday, May 4 2008 in Grant, Neb., will be held on Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home. Burial of cremains will be in the Grant Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the nurses station at the hospital. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Roma Daigger was born on Dec. 21, 1912 at Venango, Neb. She was the sixth of seven children born to John and Clara Watkins Morton. Roma grew up in the Venango community where she attended school, graduating from Venango High School in 1931. She worked with her parents in operating the Venango movie theater.
     Roma was married to Ralph Daigger on Nov. 21, 1936. They made their home in Venango until 1938 when they moved to Madrid, Neb., where they lived the rest of their married life.
     Ralph eventually became the owner-operator of the Madrid Blacksmith Shop. He died in 1996 and Roma continued to maintain her home in Madrid until 2003 when she moved to Park Ridge Assisted Living in Grant, Neb. Because of failing health she transferred to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in 2006. She died at Golden Ours Thursday afternoon, May 8, 2008. She had reached the age of 95.
     Roma was a past member of the Madrid Rebekah Lodge.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Roma was preceded in death by two brothers, Eddie and Maurice Morton; and four sisters, Verna Sanders, Eunice Russell, Ilva Nowak and Arlene Morton.
     She is survived by two daughters, Karen Berkowitz of Daytona Beach, Fla., and Vicki and husband Gary Baumgartner of Madrid; four grandchildren, Anthony and Bruce Berkowitz, Tye Baumgartner and Leah Holmes; four great-granddaughters; other relatives and friends.
     Graveside services were held Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Madrid Cemetery with John Long officiating.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    The committal of the cremains of Gordon Tegnell (Theone Kent's brother-in-law) will be held on Sunday, May 18 at 11 a.m. at the Grant Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

    Wilma Phillips was born on Jan. 29, 1916 at Elsie, Neb. She was the fourth of six children born to Roy and Hattie Miller Witt.
     Wilma attended elementary school at Elsie and graduated from Perkins County High School in Grant, Neb., in 1933. After high school Wilma attended beauty school in Omaha.
     Wilma was married to Aaron Royse in June of 1937 in North Platte, Neb. They made their home in Paxton, Neb., and two children were born into the family. Aaron died in 1941 and Wilma moved back to Elsie. She worked various jobs including clerking at the post office.
     Wilma married Gus Nelson in 1948 and they continued to live in Elsie. Gus died in 1963 and Wilma was married to Dean Phillips in 1968. They moved to Oklahoma where they made their home until 1986 when they moved to Colorado Springs.
     Due to failing health they moved to Kearney, Neb. in 2007 to be closer to her son. Wilma died at the Wel-Life Assisted Living in Kearney early Wednesday morning, April 30, 2008. She had reached the age of 92.
     In addition to her parents and two husbands, Wilma was preceded in death by three sisters, Winifred Ourada, Grace Peugh and Lu Nelson; one brother, Leslie Witt; one stepson, Allen Phillips and one stepsister, Marjorie Brinkley.
     She is survived by her husband Dean of Kearney; one son, Frank and wife Betty Royse of Kearney; one daughter, Sharon Newton of Barrington, R.I.; two stepdaughters, Dorothy Magers of Greeley, Colo., and Barbara and husband Glen Houtz of Lincoln; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister Helen Dougherty of Nehalem, Ore.; her brother, Leland Witt of Eugene, Ore.; many other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Ogallala Church of Christ with Steve Tucker officiating.
     Burial was in the Paxton Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Carolee Olds was born on April 29, 1933 at Corning, Iowa. She was the youngest of three children born to Lloyd and Ruby Hickman Duncan.
     She grew up in the Corning community where she attended school, and graduated from Corning High School in 1950. While in Corning, she was baptized at the Mercer Center Methodist Church in 1945.
     Carolee moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 1953 where she worked for the Stanolind Oil Company and Pan American Petroleum.
     Carolee was married to Joe Olds on Jan. 11, 1959 in Corning. They moved to Oklahoma City and Carolee worked for Kerr McGee and the State of Oklahoma treasurer's office. Joe's job required extensive travel in the western and midwest United States. He was involved with a consulting firm that served Midwest Electric in Grant, Neb. Carolee and Joe moved to Grant in 1975 and this is where she lived the rest of her life.
     Carolee had developed a malignancy and had been moved to the Perkins County Community Hospital the first part of April. She died at the hospital Sunday morning, May 4, 2008. She had reached the age of 75.
     Carolee was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edwin.
     She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Joe; two nieces, Jolene and husband Jerry Meyers of Hiawatha, Kan., and Janice Swartz of Monett, Mo.
     Her body was cremated. Committal of cremains will occur at a later date.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Chase Michael Jones, six-day-old son of Russ and Stephanie (Long) Jones died April 28, 2008 at his home in Commerce City, Colo., from complications of brain development during the pregnancy.
     In addition to his parents, Chase is survived by one brother, Noah; maternal grandparents, Mike and Rita Long of Grant, Neb.; paternal grandparents Gary and Billie Jones of Montgomery, Ala.; uncles Tanner Long of Lincoln and Gary Jones of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; aunts Michelle Long of Ogallala, Neb., and Karen Taylor of Montgomeray, Ala.; other relatives and friends.
     Committal services were held on Friday, May 2, 2008 at the Grant Cemetery with Pastor Sally Ruggia-Haden officiating.
    
    `Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Darrell J. Stark, 79, of Bellevue, Neb., died May 1, 2008, due to medical complications resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was born on May 1, 1929, as the youngest son of Elizabeth and Hans Stark near Brandon, Neb.
     Stark graduated from Creighton University School of Law. He was a member of the Nebraska Bar Association and former County Attorney of Logan and McPherson counties and Village Attorney of Stapleton.
     He served as real estate counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Land Bank of Omaha, and the U.S. National Park Service.
     He served 13 years as Chief of the Real Estate Division of the Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, retiring from federal service in 1987.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lowell Stark, and sister Virginia Stoughton.
     He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Agnes L. Stark, seven children, John and wife Lynne Stark of Overland Park, Kan., Mary husband Leo Dobrovolny of Scottsbluff, Neb., Anne and husband Richard Walker of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Christopher and wife Billie Jo Stark of Blair, Neb., Sally and husband Jeff Jones of Papillion, Neb., Paul and wife Carol Stark of Kildeer, Ill., Thomas and wife Anne Ayres Stark of Chicago, Ill.; 19 grandchildren; brother Gerald and sister-in-law Irene Stark, Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister-in-law Betty Stark, Ravenna, Neb.; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends.
     He enjoyed gardening, traveling, music, reading, College World Series games, Creighton basketball, and visiting with family and friends.
     Funeral services were held Monday May 5, 2008 at the Assumption Church in Omaha.
     Interment was also in Omaha at Calvary Cemetery.

    Betty Jean Fuller was born on July 27, 1927 at Sutherland, Neb. She was the only child born to Charlie and Ellen Pelton Cunningham.
     Betty Jean grew up north of Elsie, Neb., and attended rural school. She attended high school in Grant, Neb., and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1945.
     Betty Jean was married to Oress Fuller on March 30, 1946 at Oberlin, Kan. They lived in the Grainton and Wallace, Neb. ,communities where Oress was involved in the lumber and construction business. They moved to Denver in 1965 and Betty Jean supported Oress as they traveled extensively across the western United States where he built specialized cabinets. In 1987 they retired and moved to Fort Collins, Colo.
     Betty Jean and Oress moved to Westview Retirement Center in Grant in July of 2007. Oress died shortly after the move and Betty Jean continued to live at Westview until the end of March when she moved to Golden Ours Convalescent Home. She died at Golden Ours Saturday afternoon, April 26, 2008. She had reached the age of 80.
     Betty Jean is survived by one daughter, Carolyn and husband Bob Salinas of Arvada, Colo., and one son, Grant and wife Karen Fuller of Madrid, Neb., one grandson, Mike and wife Beth Wright of Denver; four granddaughters, Michelle and husband Steve Snyder of Grant; Becky Fuller of Elsie; Tonia and husband Jason Franklin of Wallace; and Kendra Fuller of Madrid; six great-grandchildren, Gavin, Michael, Alex, Hailey, Erik and Paige; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Anne Gatobu officiating. Music was by Bill Arnett and Donna Hahn.
     Burial was in the Wallace Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Shirley Taylor was born on June 22, 1928 at Ogallah, Kan. She was the youngest of three daughters born to John and Grace Tawney Rhoades. She grew up in the WaKeeney, Kan., community and graduated from WaKeeney High School in 1946.
     Shirley was married to Kenneth Taylor on Oct. 18, 1947. Four children were born to this union. Ken was a meat cutter and they lived in several communities in Kansas before they moved to Nebraska. Ken cut meat for different grocery stores in North Platte and Ogallala, Neb., before moving the family to Grant, Neb., in 1963 where Ken was employed at Hatch's.
     After Ken's death in 2003, Shirley continued to live at home until 2006 when she moved to Sunset Haven. She moved to Park Ridge Assisted Living in Grant in 2007.
     Shirley had been in failing health and was moved to Golden Ours Convalescent Home on Tuesday. She died at Golden Ours on Wednesday morning, April 23, 2008. She had reached the age of 79.
     Shirley was a member of the Grant Evangelical Free Church. She enjoyed working crafts, especially ceramics.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Lynette Baker, and one sister, Viola Shiers.
     She is survived by three sons, Tim and wife Lynn of Grant, Paul and wife Kathy of Ogallala and Mac and wife Deb of Sterling, Colo.; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; her sister Margaret Shelton of Phillipsburg, Kan.; other relatives and friends.
     A family memorial service was held Saturday, April 26 at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant with Pastor Russ Gaar of the Evangelical Free Church officiating.
     Burial of cremains were in the Grant Cemetery A memorial has been established.
    
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Agnes Lagler was born on Feb. 27, 1911 at Platte Center, Neb. She was the fifth of nine children born to Theodore and Tena Rosendahl Berends.
     Agnes grew up and attended parochial school at Platte Center through the eighth grade. She eventually moved to Denver where she found work.
     Agnes made a trip to Grant, Neb. with one of her friends and she met Faldean Lagler, who she married on Feb. 11, 1940 at Platte Center.
     Faldean and Agnes returned to the Grant area where they made their farm home northwest of Grant their entire married life. Faldean died in 1994 and Agnes continued to maintain her home until December 1996 when she moved to Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant.
     She died at Golden Ours Monday morning, April 21, 2008. She had reached the age of 97.
     Agnes was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Grant and was active in Ladies Aid. She also belonged to the Grant View Extension Club.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Agnes was preceded in death by four brothers, four sisters, and a granddaughter, Lori Lagler.
     She is survived by three daughters, Connie and husband Larry Foss of Sutter, Calif., JoAnn and husband Bob Griffin of Johnson City, Texas, and Margie and husband Tony Mueller of Milaca, Minn.; one son, Dean and wife Janet Lagler of Grant; eight grandchildren, Bradford and wife Tracey and Darian Foss, Mark and wife Becca Lagler, Becky and husband Aaron Uehling, Katie Arndt, Scott Griffin, Sean and Nathan Mueller; seven great-grandchildren, Spencer and Rebecca Foss, Miles and Caleb Lagler, Alison Arndt, Casey and Colson Uehling; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Friday, April 25 at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant with Pastor Ron Krause officiating.
     Burial was in the Grant Cemetery.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Death Notice
     Agnes Lagler, 97, of Grant, Neb., died Monday morning at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant.
     Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Grant Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Krause officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
     A complete obituary will appear in next week's paper.

    Mildred Clough was born on Oct. 2, 1930 at Ogallala, Neb. She was the third of five children born to Arthur and Emma Engel Boehmer.
     Mildred grew up in the Lutheran faith where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended Trinity Lutheran School through the eighth grade. She attended high school in Grant, Neb., graduating from Perkins County High School in 1948. After graduation, she worked for Midwest Electric until 1952.
     Mildred was married to Ward Clough of Wallace on Feb. 18, 1951. They moved to a farm north of Otis, Colo., where they lived their entire married life, raising six children.
     Mildred and Ward always worked together, raising wheat and running a dairy for 26 years. To help support the family, Ward took on a job of road construction which left Mildred to run the farm as well as raise the children for extended periods of time.
     Family was always Mildred's high priority and she was blessed to see three generations grow up around her. She was an avid Otis Bulldog fan and was supportive of all the children and grandchildren's school activities. Mildred was gentle in nature, but also had a strong competitive spirit. She always enjoyed a good card game with family and friends.
     She was an active member of the Red Hat ladies and enjoyed her position with the Otis Telegraph newspaper. Ward and Mildred enjoyed their yearly garden and canning the produce.
     Mildred made numerous quilts and spent many hours crocheting and embroidering.
     She was an active and devoted member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Otis. She served in many different positions in her church service and was well known for chairing the dinner service at the church.
     Mildred had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February but was able to stay at home. She was taken to the hospital in Yuma, Colo., on Monday afternoon and died early Tuesday morning, April 15, 2008. She had reached the age of 77.
     Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Rebecca Alexander; two granddaughters, Heidi Clough and C. Marie Goble, two sisters, Lorna Schrotberger and Pauline Poppe; two nephews, Mark Sparks and Jeremy Eichner.
     She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ward; three daughters, Randalin and husband Gene Thomas, Cheryl and husband Jerry Patterson, and Michelle and husband Darin Corman, all of Otis; two sons, Craig and wife Patty Clough of Grant, and Mike and wife Beth of Littleton, Colo.; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ardis and husband Roy Sparks of Brule, Neb.; many other relatives and friends.
     Services were held Saturday, April 19, 2008 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Otis, with Pastor Phillip Hofinga officiating.
     Music was by Wanda Thompson and Beth Clough.
     Escorts were Dan Smith, Curt Goble, Jerry Weber, Kyle Largent, Ryan Thomas, Parker Clough, Derek Corman, Shane Reynolds, Collin Patterson, Dillon Patterson, Trent Alexander, Mitchell Clough.
     Interment was in the Otis Cemetery.
     Baucke Funeral Home of Yuma was in charge of arrangements.

    Gordon Edward Tegnell, husband of Evelyn Faye (Adams) Tegnell, formerly of Grant, Neb., and brother-in-law of Theone Kent died Thursday, April 10, 2008. Gordon passed away at Croasdale Village retirement home, Durham, N.C., at the age of 88.
     Gordon was born July 13, 1919 in Longmont, Colo. He grew up in Fort Lupton and Greeley, Colo., and graduated from Colorado College.
     He began his career as a schoolteacher in 1941 in Morrill, Neb., where he met his future wife, Evelyn Adams, also a teacher.
     Gordon and Evelyn married in April 1943 in Blackstone, Va., just before Gordon shipped overseas during World War II. He served as Sergeant of a communications unit in Italy, France, and Germany. Upon discharge in 1945, Gordon completed a masters degree in American history at Colorado College, and then resumed his teaching career. He taught for 12 years in Loveland, Colo., and 19 years in Garden City, N.Y.
     In 1979, Gordon and Evelyn retired to Scottsdale, Ariz., where he realized his life-long dream of raising Arabian horses.
     From 1990-1998, the couple resided in Chapel Hill, N. C., and from 1999-2004, they lived in Sun City, Hilton Head, S. C. They returned to North Carolina in 2004.
     As a teacher and student of history, Gordon took a keen interest in the American political scene. He also pursued a number of hobbies, from photography to travel to tending roses.
     He cared deeply for his family and worked hard to afford them many opportunities. He was particularly devoted to his wife, Evelyn, whom he described in a letter to a friend, shortly after their marriage, as "the cutest blue-eyed blonde you ever saw."
     Gordon is survived by his wife, Evelyn; two sons, David, of Chapel Hill, N. C., and Michael, of New York; a brother, John Carl Tegnell, Jr., of Philadelphia; and a grandson, Jonathan Carl Tegnell, of Saitama, Japan.
     Gordon's life was commemorated in a service at Croasdale Village Chapel, April 13, 2008. His ashes will be buried in Fairview Cemetery, Grant, Neb.

    Rosella Froschheiser, 55, longtime Keith County resident, died April 8, 2008 at the Perkins County Hospital.
     Rosella was born June 25, 1952 in Los Angeles, Calif., the daughter of Calvin and Betty Ann Luckow Mellish. As a young child Rosella moved with her family to Puyallup, Wash.
     She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1970. Rosella moved to Ogallala, Neb., where she worked at Indian Hills Manor.
     In 1978 Rosella married John Froschheiser at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The couple made their home on a farm south of Roscoe, Neb.
     She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers.
     Survivors include her husband John Froschheiser of Ogallala, her mother Betty Ann and her husband Joe Lastufka of Puyallup; two sisters-in-law, Marie Sibal of Ogallala and Ruth Bushkovski of Denver; special friends Pat and Kris Aerni of Madrid, Neb.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, April 12, at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. David Dobbertien officiating.
     Interment was in the Ogallala Cemetery. A memorial has been established to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
     Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala was in charge of arrangements.

    Reinhold LaVern "Mike" Gloy was born to William Edward Gloy and Elizabeth (Boehmer) Gloy on the family farm north of Grant Dec. 14, 1911, the second of five children. He passed away at the Chase County Community Hospital early Sunday, March 30, 2008 at the age of 96 after a brief illness.
     Reinhold was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on Jan. 1, 1912 and was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on March 28, 1926. Trinity Lutheran is located between Grant and Ogallala, and was just one mile from the family farmstead.
     He attended country school through the ninth grade and then worked on the family farm with his father. On Sept. 6, 1938, he was united in marriage with Edith Margaret Pankonin at Trinity Lutheran, a union of 69 years.
     To this union, four children were born-Julana Jean, Trudy LaVonne, Naomi Ann and Ronald Emil.
     In 1944, Reinhold followed his desire to ranch and the family moved to a ranch along the Stinking Water Creek 15 miles north of Wauneta. Over the years, the ranch grew to 1,800 acres along with 120 acres of farm ground. Reinhold was among the first ranchers to introduce the Black Angus breed to the area and fed cattle for himself and others.
     He and Edith continued to live on the ranch until 1972 when they purchased a home on the North Divide six miles north of Wauneta. In 1976, Reinhold retired and sold his cattle herd and machinery, focusing on his new hobbies-woodworking and gardening.
     Reinhold was involved in numerous activities during his life.
     His parents instilled in him a strong Christian foundation, a foundation that was passed on to his children and led to his strong involvement in the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. His relationship with Christ and the church proved to be an important and rewarding aspect of his life. He taught Sunday School for many years, served on numerous boards and committees within the church and helped build the Redeemer Church in Wauneta.
     He started the first Wauneta school bus route after the Blanche school merged with Wauneta, hauling kids to school with his own vehicle. The school later purchased a school bus and he drove it for another three years, with Edith succeeding him for another 17 years. He also drove the school activity bus for nearly 20 years.
     He and Edith started the Blanche Community 4-H Club and worked with many young people over the years
     They enjoyed square dancing and held weekly dances in the haymow of their ranch barn for many years and included the children of the parents in dancing activities.
     Reinhold served on the Chase County Fair Board, the Coop board, was a long-time member and past president of the Chase County Farm Bureau, and was a winner of the Soil Conservation Family Farm Award.
     He especially enjoyed singing and was known for his deep bass voice. He sang bass as a long-time member of the Prairie Statesmen Barbershop Chorus in McCook.
     Reinhold was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Julana, who died in 1958 at the age of 15, and his son, Ronald, who died in 2006 from cancer; brothers Harold Gloy, Leonard Gloy and sister Eleanor Hodde.
     Survivors include wife Edith, daughter Trudy Skelton and husband, Jerry, of Surprise, Ariz.; daughter Naomi Brown and husband, Jim, of Escondido, Calif.; daughter-in-law Pam Gloy of Ogallala, Neb., sister Hulda Pankonin of Grant, and sisters-in-law Marian Hodde of Grant and Betty Gloy of Ogallala.
     Grandchildren include Lucas Skelton and wife, Susan, of Scottsdale, Ariz., Todd Skelton and wife, Kim, of Wittmann, Ariz., Troy Skelton and wife, Evelyn, of Wauneta, Monty Skelton and wife, Wendy, of Glendale, Ariz., Melissa Ard and husband, Robert, of Twentynine Palms, Calif., Benjamin Brown and wife, Tori, of Livermore, Colo., Gretchen
     Nowak and husband, John, of Ogallala, and Rachel Ervin and husband, Brian, of Ogallala.
     Great grandchildren include Macayla, Kinsley and Lacie Skelton, Colby and Emma Skelton, Gage, Caleb and Brenna Skelton, Isabella Ard, Marlee Ervin, and Landon Nowak.
     Other survivors include numerous nephews and nieces, neighbors and friends.
     Funeral services for Reinhold Gloy will be held Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery.
     Memorials in memory of Reinhold can be made to to the Redeemer Lutheran Church or a memorial of choice.

    Leonard Jablonski was born on June 10, 1926 in Valley County near Ord, Neb. He was the second of six children born to James and Helen Silver Jablonski. He grew up in the Elyria community where he attended rural school.
     Leonard moved to Perkins County, Neb., as a young man, and found farm work with the Knebel and Nodlinski families.
     Leonard joined the United States Army in 1950 during the Korean War and served in the Corps of Engineers. After his discharge in 1952 he returned to Perkins County.
     Leonard was married to Joyce Russell on Dec. 27, 1952 in Ogallala, Neb. They made their home west of Grant, Neb. and three children were born to this union.
     In 1955 the family moved to the Blanche community in Chase County where Leonard continued to farm. Joyce died in 1961 and Leonard continued to raise his three young children.
     The family moved to Grant in 1966 and Leonard worked for Brown Chemical and later for the Grant Coop fertilizer division. Leonard bought the Grant Conoco service station from Gary Cockerill and operated it until 1984. After he left the service station he served as the Pioneer seed corn distributor in the Grant area.
     Leonard suffered a stroke in the middle of February and died early Saturday morning, March 29, 2008 at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. He had reached the age of 81.
     Leonard was civic minded and had been an active member of the Grant American Legion Post. He had served on the Grant Volunteer Fire Department for several years and served on the Planning Commission for the City of Grant. In his retirement, Leonard spent many hours researching and had a keen interest in genealogy of the Jablonski family.
     In addition to his parents and his wife, Leonard was preceded in death by one brother, Ray, and one sister, Lorraine.
     He is survived by two sons, Randy and his wife Hiedi of Champion, Neb.; and Rick of rural Elsie, Neb.; one daughter, Kristi Musick of Cozad, Neb.; nine granchildren and five great-grandchildren; one brother, Ernie in New Hampshire; two sisters, Pat Robbins of Ogallala and Irene Harris of Loup City, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
     Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at the Grant Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Pfeiffer officiating.
     Burial was in the Paxton Cemetery with a military tribute.
     A memorial has been established to the Grant American Legion Post. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Leola Jones was born on March 31, 1920 at Beverly, Neb. She was one of nine children born to James and Grace Skelton Bowen. She attended Trenton High School where she was very active in the drama department. Shortly after her graduation, Leola's mother died and Leola aided her father in raising her twin brothers, Keith and Ken.
     Leola was married to Walter Jones of Ragan, Neb., on June 14, 1941. Two daughters, Linda and Diane were born to this union. Walt established a construction business and they made their home in Grant and Ogallala, Neb. Lee later moved to Longmont, Colo.
     Lee had been in failing health and moved to the Good Samaritan Skilled Nursing facility in Loveland, Colo., where she died Nov. 11, 2007. She had reached the age of 87.
     Leola was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She was an avid gardener and well known for her generosity to others. While in Grant, Lee was a member of the Grant First Congregational Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.
     In addition to her parents, Lee was preceded in death by five brothers, Lyle, John, Dean, Keith and Ken Bowen and two sisters, Melba and Maxine; her husband Walter who died in January of 2007, her infant daughter Linda Jones, and her son-in-law, Johnny Weissmuller, Jr.
     She is survived by her daughter, Dianne Weissmuller of San Francisco; two grandsons, Blake and Chad; two great-grandchildren, Drew and Grace; one sister, Julia Amos of Arvada, Colo., other relatives and friends.
     Memorial services will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Grant First Congregational Church with Pastor Keener officiating. Burial of cremains will be in the Grant Cemetery. A memorial to the church has been established. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

    Merlene Kay Tagge, 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008 at Rose View Center, Williamsport, Pa.
     Born Aug. 9, 1935 in Fairbury, Neb., Merlene was the daughter of Maxine M. Erickson, formerly of Grant, Neb., and Delmer C. Erickson, formerly of Fairbury, Neb.
     Merlene's husband of 53 years, Eddie Tagge of Grant, preceded her in death Aug. 28, 2007 in Williamsport.
     Surviving are her five children, JoEllen Soreno, Julie Fredrickson, Robert Tagge, John Tagge, all of Williamsport, and Cheryl Barnhizer of Franklin, Ind.; 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Linda Robinson and Janice Brockmeyer, both of Lincoln, Neb.
     A memorial service was held Feb. 15, 2008 at the Newberry Church of Christ in Williamsport.

    Jeremy LaVern Eichner, age 21, of Ogallala, Neb., passed away Sunday evening, Feb. 24, 2008 at the Ogallala Community Hospital as the result of injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident near Ogallala.
     He was born April 14, 1986 in Ogallala, the son of Kim and Maria (Poppe) Eichner. Jeremy was baptized on June 22, 1986 and confirmed on May 6, 2001 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
     He graduated from Ogallala High School in 2005 and attended the Job Corp in Chadron, Neb. He was currently employed at Sun Mart in Ogallala.
     Jeremy had a love for sports, statistics, family and friends. He enjoyed following the progress of the Huskers, Rockies, Nuggets and the Dallas Stars. He truly got involved with watching his sisters play volleyball and basketball throughout his many years of being an Ogallala Indian fan. He also got to extend his enthusiasm for volleyball when his sisters played for Fort Hays State and Kearney State, and especially when the two teams played each other.
     Jeremy had a passion for water sports born from the experience he gained in the family business, Eichner's Sales and Service. He enjoyed fishing with his grandpas and his buddy Tom. He loved to bowl and was a member of three bowling leagues. Jeremy had great times with his cousins that were very special to him on both sides of the family. He played many video games with the cousins and always brought much life to the room.
     Survivors include his parents, Kim and Maria Eichner of Ogallala; three sisters, Leslie and husband Joel List of Denver, Jayme Eichner of Dallas, Sara Eichner of Ogallala; grandparents LaVern and Connie Eichner of Ogallala and LaVern and Wanda Poppe of Grant, Neb.; and a close knit group of aunts, uncles and cousins commonly known as the "Hansmeiers and Poppes."
     He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pauline Poppe.
     Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 28 at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall with Pastor David Dobbertien officiating. Burial was in the Ogallala Cemetery.
     A memorial has been established in his memory to benefit Ogallala High School Athletics. Gubser Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Elsie Dahlkoetter was born on Aug. 26, 1912 in Perkins County, northwest of Grant, Neb. She was the second of eight children born to Charles and Helena Kurkowski Kuskie. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on Sept. 22, 1912. She was later confirmed at Zion Lutheran on Aug. 12, 1928.
     Elsie grew up on the Kuskie farm northwest of Grant and attended rural school through the eighth grade.
     Elsie was married to Clarence Dahlkoetter on Feb. 26, 1938 at the Kuskie home. They spent their entire married life on their farm north of Grant. Clarence died in 1987 and Elsie moved into Grant. She maintained a house until 1997 when she moved to Westview Retirement Community. Because of failing health, Elsie moved to Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant in 1998. She died at Golden Ours on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. She had reached the age of 95.
     Elsie had been a longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church south of Ogallala and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She also volunteered for many years at Golden Ours, helping with their physical therapy program.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Elsie was preceded in death by two brothers, infant Walter and Ralph; one sister, Lucille Bauer.
     She is survived by three daughters, Jeanette Laitner of Omaha, Gladys Griffith of Selma, Calif., Twila and husband Andy Bailye of Stockton, Ill.; two sons, Glen and wife Deanna of Omaha and Lloyd and wife Becky of rural Grant; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; two brothers, George Kuskie of Bennett, Colo. and Virgil and wife Erna of Altus, Okla.; two sisters, Marge Bauer of Wheatridge, Colo., and Mildred Schuchman and husband Larry Pratt of West-minster, Colo.; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Wayne Pick officiating. Music was by Sandy Glenn and congregation. Casket bearers were Kirk Dugger, Randy Dugger, Scott Dugger, Doug Griffith, Josh Dahlkoetter, Andy Bailye and Lorin Dugger.
     Burial was in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.
     A memorial has been established.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Ella Bush was born on Aug. 15, 1901 at Idalia, Colo. She was the sixth of 10 children born to Herman and Elizabeth Peetz Teichert. She grew up on the family homestead southeast of Wray, Colo., and attended rural school through the seventh grade.
     Ella moved to Perkins County, Neb., in 1918 where her brother Carl lived. She found work with Dr. Bell, taking care of housekeeping duties. Ella was married to Orville Bush on July 8, 1923 in Ogallala, Neb. They made their home in Grant, Neb.
     Orville died in 1950 and Ella continued to maintain her home by taking in students and teachers as boarders. She also cleaned the Grant Hospital at this time.
     Ella moved to her house on main street in 1962 and started babysitting for many area families and established lifetime friendships. She also cleaned houses during this period. Ella maintained a beautiful garden and an immaculate lawn. Many times she could be seen on her hands and knees, picking weeds from not only her lawn, but the rest of the neighborhood as well. She became a well-known figure for walking wherever she had to go.
     Her son Ron moved back to live with her in 1990. After his death in 2002, Ella moved to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home where she died on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 12, 2008. She had reached the remarkable age of 106.
     Ella was a longtime member of the Grant United Methodist Church and the U.M.W.
     In addition to her parents, husband and son, Ella was preceded in death by her four brothers and five sisters.
     She is survived by two granddaughters, Kathy Miller of Denver and Nancy Estes of Littleton, Colo., two grandsons, Bob Bush of Lakewood, Colo., and Tom Bush of Aurora, Colo.; four great-grandchildren, Crystal, Alex, Chelsea and Brody; many other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Sally Ruggia-Haden officiating.
     Music was by Janelle Uehling and Kathy and Crystal Miller.
     Casket bearers were Bob Bush, Tom Bush, Dennis Hutt, Jerry Eastin, Clifton Eastin and Jim Eastin.
     Interment was in the Grant Cemetery.
    
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Elsie Dahlkoetter, 95, of Grant, Neb., died Sunday night at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home. A complete obituary will appear in next week's paper. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Duane A. Schroder died on Feb. 3, 2008 following a long illness.
     Duane was born Aug. 1, 1922 at the farm in Grant, Neb.
     Duane is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia. Together they shared a full and happy life filled with family, work, and travel.
     They began their perfect union together in Chase County, Neb., on "The Ranch" where they started their family before moving to Colorado in 1952.
     Duane is remembered and celebrated by his children, Connie and husband Don Haiar and Jerry and wife Charlene Schroder; his grandchildren, Barbara Smith, Douglas and wife DeDe Haiar, Tricia and husband James Curtis, Stephanie Haiar, Jessica Schroder, and David and wife Anna Haiar, and five great-grandchildren, sister Vera Martin, and many more family and friends.
     Duane was preceded in death by grandson John Smith, brothers Clark and Lowell Schroder, and sister Elaine Koolhof.
     As superintendant of Hyland Hills Parks and Recreations, owner and operator of Superior Turf Farms, and as a life-long member of the Elks, Duane will be remembered and missed by many.
     Services were held Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton, Colo. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the memorial at Zion Lutheran Church or a charity of choice.

    Lloyd Rogers Wendell, known to all as Roger, was born March 26, 1921 to Albert, the son of one of the country's original land grant homestead settler families.
     Roger's grandfather, Peter, came from Sweden to participate in the great American land rush. Roger's mother was Jennie Swain.
     Roger was born, raised and lived for many years as an adult in Wilcox, Neb., where he spent much of his life tilling the soil.
     Roger attended Wheaton Bible College in Chicago but he missed his country home and after two years he transferred to the University of Nebraska Agriculture College in Lincoln, Neb., from which he graduated with a BS in 1942.
     Roger loved to dance and met Maxine Smith whom he married in August 1942.
     In 1942 Roger became part of the great American war campaign. The Army stationed him in Europe in a truck unit until the end of the war, when he was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He was awarded the EAME Service Medal, the America Theater Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
     Once back home, he started farming with his father in the spring of 1946.
     Through the years on the Wilcox farm he added irrigation capabilities and equipment and raised many different crops. At one point he had a Grade A dairy herd of 40 Holstein cows and a hog operation on the same farm as well as a fat cattle finishing operation on a different farm.
     Within 10 years Roger and Maxine had five children: Mark, Terry, Ann, Jack, and Candy.
     Roger was a very involved father, following his children to their various athletic and other school events, FFA and 4-H cattle showing and activities and horse shows.
     Over the years, he served 17 years as president of the Wilcox School board, as a deacon in the Wilcox Community Church, president of the Lions Club, Masons, county conservation board, and the Wilcox Co-op board.
     In 1968 Roger moved his family to Grant and went to work selling irrigation equipment and agriculture chemicals.
     By 1970 he started his own business selling equipment and chemicals.
     Activities he joined included serving on the city council board, membership in the Lions, church activities including lay minister's education programs, among others.
     In 1980 he sold his irrigation and agriculture chemicals businesses to his sons, Mark and Terry and helped his youngest son, Jack, get a farming business going.
     In the mid 1970s, after moving to Grant he took up flying single engine aircraft.
     Through the years Roger and Maxine traveled to many foreign countries, Mexico a favorite. They also took many driving trips. They also participated in several bicycling excursion vacations including trips to France, Yellowstone National Park, Utah to name a few.
     An avid reader, Roger had books around him all his life. He particularly enjoyed books related to the Bible and its history.
     Shortly after moving to Grant, Roger developed a 40-acre plot of land located on the edge of town into a small subdivision, where they built their family home. They lived there for 25 years until 2004, then sold it and made the big move to Texas, Sun City in Georgetown and became active in that community.
     Roger passed away on Jan. 28, 2008 at age 86. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maxine, his five children, 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and his sister, Ellen Wendell.
     A memorial service will be held Feb. 10, at the Congregational Church in Grant, at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at Fort McPherson Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.

    Dewaine R. Gahan of Oakland, Neb., died on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 at the age of 58 of melanoma (skin cancer) a disease he had been battling for almost four years.
     Dewaine was born on June 23, 1949 in San Francisco to Ann (Blaser) and Bob Gahan. He was the second of their nine children. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1967 and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1971 with a journalism degree.
     Gahan's professional journalism career included three years as a sports editor of the Holdrege Citizen, six years as sports editor of the Fremont Tribune and 27 years as co-owner of the Oakland Independent and Lyons Mirror-Sun.
     He was well known as a columnist, authoring over 4,000 in his career. He was especially recognized in the realm of sports, winning 12 national and 24 state awards for sports-column writing.
     Gahan married Uehling-area native Bobbie Engdahl on June 17, 1971. They are the parents of three grown children, Rev. Gregg Gahan, Betsy Bitker and Joe Gahan.
     Gahan was state newspaper association president in 1994-95 and honorary state president in 2007-08. He was president of the Interstate Editorial Association and the Northeast Nebraska Press Association. He was co-chairman of the state association's convention committee for 15 years.
     Dewaine initiated numerous events or projects and was active in many organizations around Oakland. Gahan, an Oakland athlete, was particularly well known for his sports involvement and leadership, organizing, directing and coaching many sports leagues.
     Gahan was a physical fitness buff and played competitive men's basketball until age 50 and town-team baseball until age 36.
     He has been awarded several honors over his lifetime. In 2008, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Nebraska Schools Activities Association. He was the first inductee into the Oakland Hall of Fame, inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, was named Nebraska Coaches Association "Media Person of the Year," received the ath-
    letic director's association (NSIAAA) "Outstanding Media Award," among other state and national recognitions.
     He was also an officer in the Oakland Lions Club, the Oakland Optimist Club and involved in activities in his church.
     Gahan often was a workshop presenter at newspaper conventions. During his and wife Bobbie's 27-year tenure with the Oakland and Lyons newspapers, they won over 160 state and 30 national newspaper-contest awards.
     Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Bobbie of Oakland; sons Rev. Gregg and wife Jennifer Gahan of Langford, S.D. and Joe Gahan of Jackson, Tenn., daughter Betsy and husband Chuck Bitker (formerly of Grant) of Kearney, Neb., grandson Elijah Gahan of Langford; mother Ann Gahan of Oakland; brothers Mike Gahan of Scribner, Neb., Chris and wife Annette Gahan of Lincoln, Neb., Glen and wife Melanie Gahan of Omaha, Paul and wife Eileen Gahan of Seward, Neb., sisters Dr. Karen and husband Bob Tarnow of Kansas City, Nora and husband Rick Eriksen of rural Tekamah, Neb., Rita and husband Roger Houdersheldt of rural Shelby, Neb., and Dr. Janice and husband Ron Rech of Blair, Neb.; mother-in-law Lois Engdahl of Fremont, Neb.; sister-in-law Nancy and husband Gary Beard of Uehling, Neb.; and brother-in-law Karl and wife Kim Engdahl of Fremont, Neb.
     Gahan was preceded in death by infant son Scott, infant daughter Sara and father Bob Gahan.
     The funeral services were held Feb. 3, 2008 at the Oakland-Craig Public School elementary gymnasium with the Rev. Mark Eldal and Gahan's son, Rev. Gregg Gahan officiating. Members of the Nebraska Press Association were Honorary Casketbearers. Burial was in the Swaburg Cemetery, southeast of Uehling.

    Ruby Longmore was born on July 22, 1920 at Elsie, Neb. She was the oldest of three children born to Clarence and Nellie Coppersmith Matson.
     Ruby grew up in the Elsie community and graduated from Elsie High School in 1938. She attended Kearney State Teachers College for two years before returning to Elsie where she taught school. Ruby later earned her education degree by attending summer school and special sessions.
     Ruby was married to Clarence Longmore on May 29, 1946 at Elsie. They lived on a farm north of Elsie before they retired and moved into town. In addition to substitute teaching, Ruby helped in the cafeteria and later operated a child care service from her home. Clarence died in 1989 and Ruby continued to live in Elsie until 2005 when she was moved to the Sutherland Care Center. Ruby had been in failing health and died on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. She had reached the age of 87.
     Ruby was an active member of the Elsie United Methodist Church and the U.M.W. She had been a previous member of the Elsie Rebekah Lodge. She always supported her children and grandchildren in their activities while they were growing up.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Ruby was preceded in death by her daughter Wanda Ballenger and sister Irene Webster.
     She is survived by her son Rod and wife Dorothy Longmore of Cozad, Neb., son-in-law, Dave Ballenger of Elsie; six grandchildren, April Dinges, Tony Long-more and Donna Biemering all of Cozad; Scott Ballenger of Lincoln, Neb., Mindy Rosentrater of rural Elsie, and Kenny Ballenger of Thedford, Neb.; 15 great-grandchildren; her brother Kermit Matson of Tacoma, Wash.; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008 at the Elsie United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Hagen officiating. Burial was in the Elsie Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Richard George Styskal of Drake, Colo., formerly of Boulder, Colo., passed away Jan. 26, 2008 at the age of 73.
     Styskal was born and raised on a farm in Grant, Neb., and always spoke fondly of his childhood. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and went on to have a successful career in the Aerospace Industry. He enjoyed animals, particularly his dog Hilda, poker, skiing, golf, and camping, but most of all, time spent with his family.
     He is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Emma Styskal, and his brother, Myron Styskal.
     He is survived by his ex-wife and life long companion, Patricia Styskal of Loveland, Colo., his three children, Mike Styskal of Mead, Colo., Tammy Sansouci of Lakewood, Wash., and Deborah Langer of Golden, Colo., his granddaughter, Brandi Puga and his great-grandson, Machaon Puga of Louisville, Colo.
     A private memorial was planned.

    Lily Stephenson was born on Feb. 19, 1912 at Grant, Neb. She was the youngest of five children born to Lee and Jessie Franks Huffman. Lily grew up in Grant where she attended school, graduating from Perkins County High School in 1931.
     Lily was married to Glen Stephenson on July 30, 1933. They made their home southwest of Grant before moving to a farm southeast of Grant in 1942. In 1963 they moved into Grant. While in Grant Lily worked for different clothing department stores.
     Glen died in 1994 and Lily moved to Sunset Haven in 2000. She lived in Westview Retirement for a year before moving to the Homestead Assisted Living in Kearney, Neb. in 2005.
     Lily suffered a stroke earlier this month and had been moved to the Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney where she died on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2008. She had reached the age of 95.
     Lily was a longtime member of the Grant United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the TWC extension club.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Lily was preceded in death by one son, Leroy; one daughter, Glenda Kenfield; two grandchildren, Scott Ross and Melinda Beckler; one brother and three sisters.
     She is survived by her son, Melvin and wife Jean Stephenson of Kearney; her son-in-law, Harvey Kenfield of Ogallala, Neb.; two grandchildren, Russell and wife Carol Stephenson of Wichita, Kan.; and Monica and her husband Jerry Hoelting of Omaha; three great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Haden officiating. Burial was in the Grant Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant was in charge of the arrangements.

    James Morelli was born on March 30, 1947 at Youngstown, Ohio. He was the youngest of two sons born to Stephen and Philomena LaGamba Morelli. He grew up in Youngstown where he attended school through the 11th grade.
     James married Dianna Trimbur on Oct. 7, 1967 in Niles, Ohio. He entered the United States Army in November of 1967 and served in Korea until his discharge in December of 1968 when he returned to Cleveland.
     The family moved to California in 1970 and he was later married to Thelma Joyce Lynne.
     James lived in different places throughout the United States and moved to Grant, Neb., in 2002 to be closer to his daughter. He lived for a brief time at Sunset Haven before his health forced him to move to Golden Ours Convalescent Home in December 2003. He died at Golden Ours on Sunday night, Jan. 27, 2008. He had reached the age of 60.
     He is survived by one daughter, Stephanie and husband Pat Harms of Fort Collins, Colo., one son, Michael and wife Paula Morelli of Oklahoma; three stepchildren including David and wife Deb Rosenblume of Grant, Leighann Phillhart, and Steven Phillhart; four grandchildren; his brother Micky Morelli of Florida; other relatives and friends.
     His body was cremated and the cremains will be buried at a later date in the Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver.
    
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.

    Douglas Groteluschen, 69, of Lincoln, Neb., (formerly of Ogallala and Columbus), died Wednesday, Jan.16, 2008, at his home in Lincoln after a lengthy battle with cancer.
     Doug was born Feb. 9, 1938, in Columbus, Neb., to Douglas and Alvina (Muhle) Groteluschen. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1956. He entered the United States Navy on May 28, 1956 and was honorably discharged on May 19, 1960. Doug then continued his education by going to an engineering college.
     Doug married Yvonne Weber on May 6, 1961, in Monroe, Neb. He worked for Behlen Manufacturing, Goodall in Ogallala, Neb., Ogallala Electric, and in 1990 moved to Lincoln, where he owned Magnetic Consulting, Inc.
     Doug was an avid trap shooter, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horse racing. While he lived in Ogallala he was a member of the Ogallala Dive Team, Jaycees, Elks, and VFW.
     Survivors include daughters, Barbara and husband Marlon Prottsman of Venango, Neb., Jean Groteluschen of Arvada, Colo., Sheri and husband Kevin Laudenklos of Monroe, Neb.; grandchildren, Alex Laudenklos of Chadron, Neb., Danielle Lauden-klos of Omaha, Neb., Jason Jensen of North Platte, Neb., and Jonathan Jensen of Ogallala, Neb.; brother, Marion Groteluschen of St. Paul, Neb.; sister-in-law, Helen Grote-luschen of Omaha, Neb.; one niece; two nephews and special friend, Sheri Lehr of Lincoln, Neb.
     He was preceded in death by parents Douglas and Alvina Groteluschen, his brother, Earl Groteluschen and one infant son.
     Funeral service were held Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at Monroe United Methodist Church in Monroe, Neb., with Rev. Tamara Holtz officiating. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery, rural Columbus, with military honors by the American Legion Swanson Post #322 Honor Guard.
     Gass Haney Funeral Home of Columbus was in charge of arrangements.

    Karen Kaye Smith was born in Wallace, Neb., to Norris and Madelyn Smith. She attended school in Wallace and Madrid, Neb., and graduated from Nebraska Christian College in Norfolk, Neb., with a bachelor's degree in theology. She also attended seminary in Johnson City, Tenn.
     Miss Smith was a woman of many interests and talents and was a businesswoman, having both managed and owned businesses in Colorado and Utah. Her greatest love was people-her family, friends and even strangers. She was a friend to everyone she met and was best characterized by her faith, her generosity, and her encouraging and compassionate heart.
     Miss Smith died Nov. 17, 2007 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo.
     Survivors include her sister, Sharen husband Richard Mast of Greeley; her brother Michael and wife Joan Smith of Loveland, Colo.; nieces and nephews Cindy Bragdon, Gary Bragdon, Josh Mast, Peg Mast, Daniel Smith, Amy Hart, BJ Hart, Jeremy Riddle, Jamie Riddle, Heather Mast, Jordan Mast and Zoey Hart.
     She was preceded in death by her parents.
     Memorial services were held Dec. 7, 2007 at Greeley Wesleyan Church.
     Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado, Inc., 2726 W. 11th St. Road, Greeley, CO 80634. Northern Colorado Crematory, Greeley, was in charge of arrangements.

    Myrtle Leigh (Bohlen) Hahlweg, 92, of Julesburg, Colo., was called to her eternal rest on Jan. 3, 2008 at her home, north of Venango, Neb.
     Myrtle was born to Henry and Anna (Van Boening) Bohlen on June 17, 1915 in Adams County, near Glen-vil, Neb., on a farm. She lived there for only three short years, as their family home and farm were destroyed by a railroad fire. Her family then moved to Wallace, Neb., where they farmed for three years before moving to the Venango area in 1921.
     Myrtle graduated from Venango high school in 1935 and proceeded to attend Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney, Neb., where she received her teaching degree. She came back to the Venango area where she taught for three years.
     On June 23, 1940 Myrtle married Lawrence Hahlweg, and to that union four children were born. Myrtle and Lawrence lived south of Julesburg and north of Venango where they farmed together for over 51 years. Myrtle remained on the family farm until her death. She spent her time running the family farm with her son, Paul, gardening in her garden, and was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she has been a member for 70 years. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and has served as a past President. Myrtle was an active member of the community of Venango. Myrtle was the Grand Marshal of the Venango Day Parade in 2006 at the age of 91.
     Myrtle took pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always had a warm pot of tea available for when the family stopped by. Myrtle loved to keep updated on the various activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren no matter how close or far they lived.
     Survivors include one son, Paul Hahlweg and wife Dianne of Julesburg, two daughters, Judy Reichman and husband Dayton of Venango, and Janice Kincaid and husband Jim of Ft. Collins, Colo. She had eight grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
     She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Anna Bohlen, her sister, Arleen, her husband, Lawrence Hahlweg, her son, Melvin Hahlweg and her granddaughter, Julie Hahlweg.
     Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 7, 2008 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venango, with Rev. Alan Borcher officiating. Burial was at the Venango Cemetery.
     Memorials can be made in her name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
     Austin-Tennant Funeral Home of Julesburg was in charge of arrangements.

    Darlean Moreland, age 87, passed away early Monday morning, Dec. 31, 2007 at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, Lincoln, Neb.
     Survivors include daughters, Janice Tetherow and husband Richard of Valentine, Neb., Diane Schumacher and Terry of Wilson, Wis., and Nancy Messersmith and husband Tom of Laramie, Wyo.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church of Imperial, Neb., with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating.
     Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial.
     A memorial has been established to the Chase County Historical Museum in Champion, Neb.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Wayne Jack Smith was born May 25, 1922 at home in the Blanche community north of Wauneta, Neb., to Calvin Leland and Valetta (Hill) Smith.
     As a young man he attended the Prairie Schooner School District 16 and 61 through the sixth grade.
     He began working at an early age driving teams of horses for his dad and neighbors to help support the family at 25 cents a day.
     In 1939 he bought his first truck along with farm equipment and started in the custom business around the Blanche area, thus beginning his life long career as a custom farmer and trucking business owner and operator. His trucks started at 13 feet and gradually grew to semi-trailers.
     Over the years, Wayne operated a corn binder, picked corn, shelled corn, baled hay, worked for several different farming families including Ellsworth Widger and Bernard O'Neil. He was also an active partner in custom farming with Worth Kanost. Wayne continued his business operations until the age of 82.
     Wayne married Marie Jane Vlasin on Oct. 18, 1941 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wallace, Neb., and to this union four children were born: Vesta, Kenny, Dotty and Stan. The couple made the Wauneta area their home for many years, moving to their present location in 1961.
     Wayne passed away Friday afternoon, Dec. 28, 2007 at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. He was 85 years of age.
     He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church of Wauneta and a 4-H leader for the Range Riders for two years. Wayne had many hobbies, including playing pitch and canasta.
     In his younger years he enjoyed dancing, fishing, breaking horses and rodeoing with good friends, Bob Fye and Tom Maddux. He especially loved team penning with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
     Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Manning, Veva Jean Shores and Geraldine Browning and stepbrother, Roy Smith.
     Survivors include: wife, Marie, of Wauneta, Neb.; daughter, Vesta Dack and husband, Dean, of McCook, Neb.; son, Kenny and wife, Barb, of Wauneta, Neb.; daughter, Dotty Bartels and husband, Gene, of Wauneta, Neb.; son, Stan and wife, Vicky, of Hickman, Neb.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Lela Washburn of Rock Hills, S.C.
     A rosary was recited Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008 at St. John's Catholic Church in Wauneta. The Funeral Mass was heldThursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at St. John's Catholic Church of Wauneta with Fr. Val Bartek officiating.
     Organist was Diana Ham and soloist was Roger McGooden.
     Casket bearers were grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Maressa Smith, Jodi Smith, Cindy Nichols, Del Dack, Sid Bartels, Jay Bartels, Trish Dorn, Katrinka Smith, Garrett Smith, Preston Smith, Spencer Smith, Chase Nichols, Cody Nichols, Josh Dack, Michelle Dack, Taylor Dack, Jesse Callahan, Makala Bartels, Hunter Bartels, Shaylee Dorn, Blaine Dorn, Jillian Smith, Jaelyn Smith, Jaxson Smith, Kaelee Smith, Tessa Mae Smith.
     Honorary casket bearers were Jack Maddux, Dean Shackelford, Harlow Hill, Tom Collins, Darrell Howard, Joe Maddux, Les Houser, Seth Fitzpatrick and Dwight Kline.
     Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta.
     A memorial has been established in Wayne's memory.
     Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta was in charge of arrangements.

    Phil Langin, long time resident of Imperial, Neb., passed away Sunday evening, Dec. 16, 2007 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Neb. Phil was 88 years of age.
     Survivors include his wife Phyllis of Imperial; son, Joe Langin and wife Martha of Imperial; grandchildren, Josh, Sean and Bridget of Imperial; sisters-in-law, Karlee Langin of Kearney, Neb.; Patricia Langin of Lamar, Colo.; Fern Malcolm of Waverly, Neb.; and Jan McMahon and husband Stan of Hastings, Neb.
     A Rosary was recited Wednesday evening, Dec. 19, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Imperial with the Funeral Mass to follow Thursday morning, Dec. 20, with Father Bernard Lorenz officiating. Interment was at Mount Hope Cementary, Imperial.
     A memorial has been established to the Chase County Community Center.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

    Roberta Lee was born on June 18, 1929 at Madrid, Neb.
     She was the oldest of two daughters born to Roy and Nona Royalty Rohrbacker. She grew up in the Madrid community where she attended school and helped her parents with the telephone company.
     The Rohrbacker family moved to Denver after Roberta's sophomore year and she graduated from Denver North High School in 1947. After graduation she worked for a telephone company in Denver and the Denver May D&F.
     Roberta was married to Francis Lee on Jan. 24, 1950 in Englewood, Colo.
     They made their home on a farm southeast of Madrid until 1965 when they moved northeast of Madrid.
     The couple moved to Grant, Neb. in 1994.
     Roberta worked for Wheatland Schools as a cook and custodian for 10 years.
     She began her job in housekeeping at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant in 1986 and received her plaque for 20 years of service last year.
     Roberta never retired but last May was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia and had been undergoing treatment since that time.
     She had been transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha the end of November where she died on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2007. She had reached the age of 78.
     Roberta was a member of the Madrid United Methodist Women. Her greatest joy was her family. She was proud of her children and grandchildren and enjoyed being able to follow their activities while they were growing up.
     Roberta is survived by her husband, Francis of Grant, three daughters, Deborah and husband John Barker of Gurnee, Ill., Cynthia and husband Bob Johnson of Ogallala, Neb., and Shelly and husband Greg Pollard of Grant; five sons, Thomas and wife Deb of North Platte, Neb., Mark and wife Maggie of rural Elsie, Neb., Russell and wife Denise of rural Madrid, Joel and wife Deb of Doniphan, Neb., and Steven and wife Gina of Sutherland, Neb.; 20 grandchildren: Crystal, Marsha, Meghan, Machelle, Brooke, Darcey, Kelsey, Tara, Tausha, Cody, Tyler, Adam, Nicholas and Austin Lee; Megan and John Barker, Brandon and Colby Johnson, Shalee and Garret Pollard; one great-granddaughter Haylee; a sister Delores and husband Charles Engelke of Froid, Mont.; one cousin from the Rohrbacker side Barbara Layne of Boulder City, Nev.; many other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 17, 2007 at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Haden officiating.
     Music was by Gina Lee and Carol Robertson.
     Casket bearers were her grandsons.
     Burial was in the Grant Cemetery.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Adeline Styskal was born on Sept. 3, 1915 at Appleton in Butler County, Neb. She was the seventh of nine children born to Joseph and Anne Svoboda Kovar.
     Adeline had started school at Appleton, but her mother died when Adeline was a young girl, so she quit school to take over household chores for her father and her older brothers.
     Adeline was married to George Styskal at the Appleton Catholic Church on Jan. 21, 1936. Three children were born to this union. George and Adeline moved to Perkins County in 1945 and lived on a farm northeast of Grant. In 1955 they moved into town and in 1963 they built their home on the north edge of Grant. Adeline worked as a waitress and cleaned different homes and businesses.
     George died in 1996 and Adeline continued to maintain her home until October of 2006 when her health forced her to move to the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant. She died at Golden Ours early Tuesday morning, Dec. 4, 2007. She had reached the age of 92.
     Adeline was a member of the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking. She was an avid bowler in her younger years.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Adeline was preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters, one daughter and son-in-law, Corrine and Fuzz Harris; one granddaughter and one great-grandson.
     She is survived by her daughter Bernice Lewis of Kearney, and her son, Dale and wife Connie Styskal of Grant; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her sister Mary Shandra of Crete, Neb.; other relatives and friends.
     Rosary was recited on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Grant Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.
     Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, Dec. 7 at the Mother of Sorrows Church with the Reverend Mark Pfeiffer and Reverend Val Bartek officiating.
     Burial was in the Grant Cemetery.
     A memorial has been established.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Ernest Fosbinder, age 89, of Ogallala, Neb., died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.
     Ernest Edgar Fosbinder was born March 18, 1918 in Perkins County, Neb., the son of Fred and Hazel Peak Fosbinder. He received his education in Perkins County.
     On Dec. 4, 1937 Ernie was united in marriage to Hazel Irene Willard. The couple resided on the farm northwest of Ogallala where he was a self employed farmer. Later he also worked at TRW and was a bus driver for Wade Bus Line.
     Ernest was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
     Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Irene, two sons Richard and Robert, brothers Burt and Orville, a sister Berniece and her husband Raymond Teply, two sons-in-law Lawrence Poppe and Larry Schmitt, a daughter-in-law Sharon Morrell Fosbinder, and one grandson Mark Poppe.
     Survivors include two daughters Joyce Schmitt of Grant, Neb., and Carol and husband Bill Boernke of Lincoln, Neb.; one son Ted and wife Shirley Fosbinder of Elma, Wash., daughter-in-law Candy Fosbinder of Slaton, Texas, brother Kermit and wife Maxine Fosbinder of Grant; two sisters Yvonne Jackson of Great Bend, Kan., and Genevieve Jackie and husband Max Garska of Ogallal; 19 grandchildren, Kevin and wife Monica Poppe of Grant, Craig and wife Evonne Poppe of Imperial, Neb., Kyle and wife Lori Poppe of Ogallala, Steve and wife Paula Poppe of Doniphan, Neb., Joel and wife Sol Poppe of Grand Island, Neb., Justin and wife Dawn Schmitt of North Platte, Neb., Shelly Izzo of Lincoln, Troy and wife Dana Pankonin of Evans, Colo., Jeremy and wife Tricia Pankonin of Grand Island, Neb., Cynamon Eshleman of North Platte, David and wife Shawn Fosbinder of Lincoln, Kristine and husband Sergio Guzman of Okinawa, Japan, Sheila and husband Matt Hale of Snohomish, Wash., Darin and wife Sandra Fosbinder of Elma, Wash., Shad Smyth of Eagle, Colo., Sean and wife Jennifer Smyth of Parker, Colo., Beau Fosbinder of Lubbock, Texas, Jennifer Dixie Fosbinder of Slaton, Texas, Geoffrey and wife Jenee Datus of St. Louis, Mo.; and 42 great-grandchildren.
     Funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007 at the Draucker Funeral Chapel in Ogallala with Rev. Phil Ewert officiating.
     Memorials have been established to the Perkins and the Keith County Foundations. Interment was in the Ogallala Cemetery.
     Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala was in charge of arrangements.

    Virginia Phillips was born on July 22, 1921 near Madrid, Neb. She was the fifth of six children born to Edgar and Pearl Mickels Price.
     She attended school in Madrid, graduating from Madrid High School in 1937. Virginia then attended the North Platte Beauty Academy and became a licensed beautician.
     Virginia was married to Gerald Phillips on April 28, 1940 at the Price family home in Madrid. They made their home in Wallace where Virginia supported her husband in the Phillips Auctioneering and real estate business. She enjoyed living in Wallace and following the activities of her children and grandchildren as they grew up.
     Because of failing health, Virginia moved to the Sutherland Care Center in October of 2006 where she died late Thursday afternoon, Dec. 6, 2007. She had reached the age of 86.
     Virginia had been a member of the Wallace United Methodist Church and the U.M.W. where she had served as a past president. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star. She served on the Wallace School Board and belonged to the Wallace Legion Auxiliary. Virginia was a past member of the Nebraska Auctioneers Auxiliary where she had served as a past president.
     In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Price and one sister, Alice Allen.
     She is survived by her husband of over 67 years, Gerald; three daughters, Judy and husband Bob Morlan of Lake Lotawanna, Mo., Joleen and husband Dennis Correll of Ashland, and Marsha and husband John Ray of Superior; her son, Joel and wife Mickey Phillips of Wallace; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jessie Allen of Sutherland, Lela Tjaden of Grant and Myrna and husband Robert Lee of Hay Springs; other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 10 at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Anne Gatobu officiating.
     Music was by Bill Arnett and Donna Hahn.
     Casket bearers were Darin Tjaden, Casey Tjaden, Bob Cummings, Jim Trusty, Jim Smith and Lynn Swanson.
     Burial was in the Wallace Cemetery.
     A memorial has been established to the Wallace Community Foundation.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Adeline Styskal, 92, of Grant, Neb., died early Tuesday morning, Dec. 4, 2007 at Golden Ours Convalescent Home.
     Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.
     Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
     A complete obituary will appear in next week's issue.

    John Gerald McGahan, 60, of North Platte, Neb., passed away Nov. 28, 2007 at his home. He was born Nov. 3, 1947 in Elsie, Neb., to William and Mildred Nelson McGahan.
     John was autistic and loved and cared for by his family all his life and was blessed with the excellent care of All About Caring and a number of doctors and nurses in North Platte.
     Survivors include his mother, Mildred of North Platte; sisters, Elizabeth McGahan and Theresa McGahan both of North Platte; brothers, William and wife Marilyn McGahan of North Platte, James and wife Martha McGahan of Grand Island, Neb., and Bryan "Curt" and wife Cindy McGahan of North Platte; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, Charles and Clara Nelson and Bryan and Minnie McGahan.
     Graveside services were held Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 at the Elsie Cemetery with the Reverend Jim Golka officiating.
    
     Adams and Swanson Funeral Home of North Platte was in charge of arrangements.

    Warren D. Smith, 86, of Wallace, Neb., passed away Nov. 19, 2007 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Neb.
     Warren was born Dec. 10, 1920 to C.V. and Berneice Smith from Wellfleet, Neb. He graduated from Wallace High School in 1938.
     Warren was united in marriage for 66 years to Mary Cecilia (Cohen) Smith; they were blessed with eight children, 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
     Warren served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during WWII in Europe. Being a humble member of what is referred to as the "Greatest Generation,"he never spoke about the war. He was a charter member of the American Legion Post 213. After the war he became a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He carried mail proudly for 42 years. He was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association and was given the "Million Mile Club" award by the National Safety Council for not having a vehicle accident for all 42 years.
     Warren was very active in the community of Wallace and was referred to by many as "Mr. Wallace." He said many times that one of his many goals for Wallace was to see to it that every street was paved. By age 75 his goal was accomplished. On that final day of paving Warren could be seen helping out with sheet-rock on the new Legion Post building. One of h
     is proudest times of retirement was the construction of the new Legion Post building in 1993 and the Wallace Community Hall refurbishing project in 1996.
     He was the recipient of the "AK-SAR-BEN Good Neighbor Award." Warren served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Morning View Cemetery for 38 years and served on numerous community boards including the Wallace School Board, Wallace Town Board, Wallace Rural Fire Department, American Legion, Wallace Lion's Club and was the Grand Marshal for the Wallace Fall Festival. He was also the recipient of the Good Neighbor Old Scout award. Warren served as Commander and Treasurer of the Legion Post several times. He was very involved and proud of what he referred to as the second largest Theatre in Lincoln County, of which there were only two. Warren served on the Lincoln County Draft Board during the Vietnam War and many will always remember the numerous letters that he sent to servicemen.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Teresa Ellen, son Duane William Smith, and sister Audrey Burdette.
     He is survived by his wife Mary Smith, a sister Virginia Mc Connell of Wallace, two daughters Kathleen and husband Red Miller of Aurora, Colo., and Jane and husband Wade Jessen of Norfolk, Neb. His sons Jim and wife Cathy of Wallace, Neb; Larry Smith of Wallace, John and wife Vicky Smith and Darrel and wife Frances of North Platte, Neb. He has 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
     Rosary was held Friday, Nov. 23 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte and Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wallace.
     Burial was in the Morning View Cemetery in Wallace.
     A memorial has been established to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wallace.
    
     Carpenter Memorial Chapel and Bullock-Long Funeral Home were in charge of arrangements.

    Bernarr McFadden Ptacek, affectionately known as "Pat" passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. After having lived in the Rancho Bernardo area for over 40 years, Pat had been residing in the Westlake Village area since May. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Valerie Dodge Ptacek; his son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Paula Ptacek; and his four grandchildren, Sean, Caitlin, Tessa and Dylan.
     Bernarr was born in Kearney, Neb., in 1910, and was the last of four children. He was educated at Kearney State Teacher's College, (aka University of Nebraska,) and the University of Southern California. Following his life long interest in music and singing, Pat eventually taught music in both Nebraska and California, becoming the head of the Music Department of the Coronado School system, as well as directing one of the first marching high school bands in California.
     In 1943, with the outbreak of Word War II, Pat joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was stationed in the Chicago, New Haven and Los Angeles Field Offices and was instrumental in battling the rise of Communism in the Los Angeles area. The information Pat compiled was instrumental in passing "The Loyalty of Government Employees Act," which helped to eliminate Communists in the United States Government. From 1945 to 1947 Pat was active investigating Communism within the motion picture industry, which was extremely helpful in jailing "The Hollywood Ten." Finally, in 1949, Pat handled 'Neutrality Case,' investigating the sending of arms to the new state of Israel, which was unlawful at that time.
     Resigning from the F.B.I. in 1954, Pat became the Security Supervisor of the Southern California Edison Company in Los Angeles. While there he developed an entirely new concept for plant security and was integral in setting up security at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Plant.
     Pat retired from the South California Edison in 1974 and lived in Pasadena, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo and Westlake Village, California. During his retirement Pat continued to enjoy his music, electronics, physical fitness, and cars; as well as becoming and avid gardener. He was fond of following football at Stanford, where his son and grandson graduated, as well as USC, where his two granddaughters currently attend. Pat will be remembered by all as the honest and respected gentleman, as well as a loving and proud husband, father and grandfather.
     Inurnment will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, Calif.

    Mark Sparks was born on Dec. 15, 1954 at North Platte, Neb. He was the oldest of two children born to Leroy and Ardis Boehmer Sparks.
     He grew up in Perkins County northwest of Grant, Neb., where he attended District #3 country school through the sixth grade. He then attended school in Grant, graduating from Perkins County High School in 1973.
     After high school, Mark worked with Don Kuhlman in his plumbing business. Mark was married to Alice Widtfelt in 1976 at the Trinity Lutheran Church south of Ogal-lala, Neb. One son, Eli, was born to this union.
     Mark was employed by O.E.M.I. in Ogallala before he established his own business, Hanson, Sparks and Sparks (H.S.S.) in Brule, Neb., in 1984, where he manufactured permanent magnets.
     Mark was married to Lonna Bailey on Dec. 19, 1989 in Julesburg, Colo. They made their home on the Sparks farm where Mark was involved in farming along with his business in Brule.
     Mark suffered a ruptured aortic aneurism on Thanksgiving and was taken to the Perkins County Hospital in Grant, then flown to the Aurora Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. He underwent surgery at the medical center early Friday and died from complications following surgery on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 24, 2007. He had reached the age of 52.
     Mark was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed trapshooting and hunting, which he picked up from Grandpa Boehmer. He also enjoyed bowling.
     Mark was preceded in death by his infant sister, Debra Faye Sparks.
     He is survived by his wife Lonna; one son, Eli and his wife Rochelle Sparks of Kansas City, Kan.; stepdaughter, Diane and husband Pat Jones of North Platte and stepson Anthony Dixon of Ogallala; five grandchildren: China Dixon, Shayne Jones, Brianna, Zakaria and Sidney Sparks; his parents Roy and Ardis Sparks of Brule; many other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Wayne Pick officiating.
     Music was by Mike and Beth Clough.
     Casket bearers were Craig Clough, Greg and Craig Sparks, Tim Diaz, Mark Armstrong and Marty Bolton. Burial was in the Trinity Lutheran Church cemetery.
     A memorial has been established.
    
    Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Mildred Franklin was born on Oct. 19, 1923 at Lankershim, Calif. She was the youngest of five children born to Melva and Emma Josephine Ring Carter. When Mildred was an infant the family moved to Palisade, Neb., and then to a Hayes County, Neb., farm. When Mildred was five years old the family moved into Grainton, Neb., where they operated the General Merchandise Store.
     Mildred began her schooling in Grainton, but when she was in the third grade the family moved to a farm in Hayes County south of Grainton. Mildred attended Deerfield country school through the eighth grade. She attended high school in Hayes Center, graduating in 1941.
     Mildred was married to Lauren Franklin on Dec. 29, 1941 at Oberlin, Kan. Lauren served in World War II and they lived at various bases in Oklahoma, Texas and California until he was sent overseas. Their daughter Judy was born in 1944. After Lauren was discharged from the service, they returned to the Franklin farm south of Wallace. Their son Dean was born in 1949. Lauren and Mildred had lived on the Franklin family farm for 47 years when Lauren died in 1989. Mildred stayed on the farm until 1995 when she moved to Washington to be with her daughter. Mildred and Judy returned to Wallace, Neb., in 2001.
     Because of failing health, Mildred moved to the Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Neb., where she died on Friday afternoon, Nov. 16, 2007. She had reached the age of 84.
     Mildred was a member of the Wallace United Methodist Church and the Jolly Farmerettes. She enjoyed decorating cakes and started a "Round Robin" letter club with her classmates from 1941. The letters kept circulating for over 60 years.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Mildred was preceded in death by her sister Leola Seerley and her two brothers Everett and Donald Carter.
     She is survived by her daughter Judy Franklin of Wallace, her son Dean and wife Karen Franklin of rural Wallace; four granddaughters Kendra Franklin, Tina and husband Jarod Karre, Kari and husband Ryan Finley, and Emma Franklin; seven great-grandchildren; one sister Arlene and husband Wayne Leffier of Longview Wash., other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007 at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Anne Gatobu, officiating. Music was by Bill Arnett and Donna Hahn.
     Burial was in the Wallace Cemetery. A memorial has been established.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Bill Daiss, 60, of rural Grant, Neb., died Nov. 16, 2007 at his home.
     He was born March 31, 1947 in Grant at the Colglazier Maternity Hospital. He was the third child born to Obert and Margaret Stout Daiss.
     Bill attended elementary school at District 66 south of Grant. He attended junior high school in Grant and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1965.
     He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Nebraska.
     Both his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree were earned in the field of Agricultural Economics, and he worked as a research associate at the university for three years before returning to Grant.
     Bill married Jeanie Long on June 3, 1969. They lived in Beatrice, Neb., before Bill was offered the opportunity to return to Perkins County and form a farm corporation with his parents.
     He very much enjoyed the farm/ranch enterprise, but in 1999 had to retire due to health reasons.
     Real estate was another of Bill's interests, and after obtaining his broker's license, he worked with Dean Fitzgerald Realty, LES Realty, and Agri Affiliates before opening his own business, Daiss Real Estate in Grant.
     Bill and Jeanie were blessed with two daughters, Jill and Jennifer, who were raised at their family farm.
     In March of 2007, Bill was diagnosed with pancreatic canter. Always a fighter, he continued weekly chemotherapy treatments at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center in Denver until two weeks ago when he was admitted to the Perkins County Hospital. He returned to his home a week ago.
     Bill always felt that people should give back to the community and he was actively involved in the many service opportunities.
     He had served on the High Plains Cooperative Board, as a county representative for the ASCS office, and as a member of the Regional Farm Credit Services of America Board.
     He belonged to Rot