OBITUARIES
Lyla M. Levander
Lyla M. Levander, 93, of Albion, NE, died Friday, January 8, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society, Albion, NE.
Lyla Margene Levander, daughter of Everett and Sylvia (Norman) Landgren, was born March 11, 1927 in Sutton, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Stockholm Lutheran Church near Shickley, NE. She received her elementary education in one room country schools near Sutton, Bruning and Shickley. She graduated from Shickley High School in 1944, and continued her education at Lincoln General Hospital School of Nursing where she became a registered nurse and joined the Nurse Cadet Corp.
Lyla was united in marriage to Melvin “Mel” Levander on September 30, 1948 at the First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE. They lived in Lincoln, NE, St. Louis, MO, Superior, NE, Pierre, SD and Scottsbluff, NE. In August of 1956, the family moved to Albion, NE, where they owned and operated Levander Funeral Home and Furniture. Lyla was a homemaker, raising her children and helping where needed at the furniture store and funeral home. She also kept her nursing license current and was a substitute nurse at Albion Public Schools. She lived a life of service, volunteering for hospice, bloodmobiles, the Albion Senior Center and the Mission Possible Store.
Lyla was a 60+ year member of the United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher for many years, was a member of Hope Circle and sang in the choir. She was a member of the Christian Women’s Club, PEO, craft club, Relay for Life (she herself was a cancer survivor) and was active in Bible Study. Over the years, Lyla and Mel enjoyed gathering with special friends from their Dinner/Dance Club. She was an excellent seamstress, making sure her girls learned to sew. She also created many beautiful china painted pieces with friends. She had a green thumb, growing beautiful roses which she loved to share.
She is survived by her five children: Kay (Chuck) Sallach of Charlotte, NC; Ron (Mary) Levander of Albion, NE Jane (Ray) Schulte of Omaha, NE; Tara (Bob) Tess of Bellevue, NE; Jenni (Mitch) Jones of Holdrege, NE; 14 grandchildren: Rory (Mike) Ruma of Missouri Valley, IA; Lindsay (JR) Young of Charlotte, NC; Megan (Travis) Stevenson of Gretna, NE; Brett Sallach of York, UK; Chris (Jaymee) Levander of Humphrey, NE; Tony (Nicole) Levander of Albion, NE; Scott (Samantha) Levander of Lincoln, NE; Lisa Levander of Missouri Valley, IA; Regan Schulte of Omaha, NE; Alaric (Christine) Schulte of Apopka, FL; Greer Schulte of Denver, CO; Eric (Kelly) Jones of Castle Rock, CO; Alex (Trenda) Jones of Newport News, VA; Reece Jones of Holdrege, NE; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law Eloise Landgren of Lincoln, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Lyla was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Sylvia Landgren; husband Mel in 2001; and brother Norm Landgren.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Albion, NE with Rev. Janet Burgel officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE. A recording of the service will be available later that day on Lyla’s page at www.levanderfuneralhome.com
Visitation, with no family present, will be 4 – 6 p.m. Thursday, at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE. It is requested that masks be worn by those in attendance. Social distancing and current Covid-19 DHM’s will be followed at both the visitation and funeral.
Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
Tom Allen Wherry
Tom Allen Wherry was born to Tom E. and Betty (Barr) Wherry on September 7, 1936 in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Tom grew up in Tecumseh and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1955. While in high school, Tom participated in football, basketball and track. He was proud to be a member of the Tecumseh High School state basketball team in 1954 along with his brother John.
After graduation Tom attended Tarkio College and Hastings College and later received his funeral director and embalming license. He served in the Army from 1960 to 1962 in Germany.
Tom joined his older brothers Art and John in the family funeral business along with their father Tom E. Wherry, faithfully serving families in their time of need with funeral homes in Tecumseh, Pawnee City and Humboldt. He was a 50 yr. member of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association. Tom was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was an Elder and assisted with music programs.
He was always interested in geology, astronomy, walking and photography. Tom was very musically inclined and enjoyed playing the piano and guitar and singing, especially singing and going to contests with the Homestead Harmonizers in Beatrice. Tom loved traveling and traveled all over the United States including Alaska and Hawaii as well as Canada, Germany, France, The Netherlands, the Orient and Australia.
Tom passed away January 4, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 84 years.
Tom is survived by his siblings, Mary York and husband Tom of Kearney, Art Wherry and wife Edie of Humboldt, John Wherry and wife Bernie of Pawnee City and Jane Koll of Minneapolis, MN, nieces, nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Nancy and Ann.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 at the Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh with Rev. Ken Tubbesing officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page and radio broadcast on FM 88.7 for those choosing to stay in their vehicles. Masks and social distancing will be required.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, at the Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh.
Interment will be in the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska with military honors by the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.
Memorials may go to the family's choice.
Care and arrangements have been entrusted to the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh. Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.
Doug Allen
Doug Allen age 65 of Cedar Creek, NE passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born on February 26, 1955 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Jack L. and Loris F. (Pool) Allen.
After a brief stop in Houston, Texas, Doug's family moved back to Otoe in 1959. He attended grade school in Otoe, Nebraska. He graduated from Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School in 1973. Even before graduating from school, he worked summers for Nider-Jergensen Construction and farmers around Otoe. In 1982, he joined Constructor's, Inc. He became a paver operator and continued to travel with that company until 1990. In 1990, he decided he wanted to be home more and had helped John Fusselman, Syracuse Mortician, with several calls. After discussion, the Allen Family made a joint decision that Doug would start college to become a funeral director/embalmer. He did his undergraduate at Peru State College, then moved in 1993 to Kansas City to attend the Kansas City Kansas School of Mortuary. Doug traveled home as often as he could and when he had to work weekends, Linda and the kids went down and stayed in the one-bedroom student housing! During that same year, John Fusselman asked the Allen Family to move from Syracuse and live in the Louisville Funeral Home, which they did. Doug graduated from KCKCC in 1994. After 25 years of living in the Funeral Home and all the children on their own, Doug and Linda found and moved into a retirement house on a Cedar Creek Lake in May 2020. The kids said that Doug had never worn shorts, but at the lake you could find him relaxing in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts with SANDALS!
Doug enjoyed people. He was a helper and a fixer. He was proud to work with people dealing with loss. He was kind, caring and always had a listening ear. If there was something, he could do to fix a concern, he found a way to "git it done". In 2010, Doug and Linda joined business partners, Tina and Brian Harvey, in purchasing all the Fusselman Funeral Homes in Syracuse, Louisville, Plattsmouth, Elmwood, and Weeping Water. This purchase allowed Doug's positive traits to shine even more.
During his lifetime, he was part of several organizations. He was an usher in the Louisville United Methodist Church. He assisted Santa for over 40 years in multiple communities. He was an EMT for 25 years and Chief of the Syracuse Rescue Squad for numerous years. He was a CPR and EMT Instructor for Southeast Community College.
Most of all, he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Linda and Doug got married in the United Methodist Church in Syracuse on September 3, 1982. They were a team for 38 plus years. Linda enjoyed riding along with Doug wherever he was going and helping him with funerals. Doug in turn helped Linda, spending many nights cutting out game pieces for her students to have additional resources. Doug and Linda had a tradition that as soon as both got home, they took time and learned about each other's day. These traits made for a strong, loving marriage. Doug was so proud of his kids and would do anything or go anywhere for them. All of them completed at least one master’s degree, were active in their Church, assisted others through different outreaches, and were always available to help in funeral homework. The grandkids were really spoiled with love all the time. Each one of them had a special bond with Doug in their own way. He was a FUN grandpa.
Doug will be missed so much by family and friends. He leaves us a legacy to do what you say you'll do and do it with kindness without fanfare.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Allen of Cedar Creek, NE, children, Josh (Kate) Allen of Papillion, NE, Jackie (Jason) Heard of Louisville, NE, Jennie (Brendan) Carl of Lincoln, NE, grandchildren, Maddox, Laine, Reese & Avery Allen, Jacob & Joslyn Heard, brother, Don (Dana) Allen of Avoca, NE.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Allen, mother & step-father, Loris & Myron Roettger, sister Lori Allen.
A Public Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Cass County Fair Grounds Expo Building in Weeping Water, Nebraska.
A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Louisville, Nebraska. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook Page. Burial will be in the Glendale Cemetery in Louisville, Nebraska.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the family for future designation.
Condolences may be left at fusselmanallenharvey.com.
Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home in Louisville, Nebraska.
Betty J. Farmer
Betty Jean Farmer was born to Albert Benjamin Miller and Violet Ruth (Goodman) Miller on May 28, 1950 in Hebron, Nebraska. She passed away at Heritage Crossings on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at the age or 70 years, 5 months, 7 days. She was the youngest of three children in her family.
Betty grew up on the family farm south of the Bethel Church on the county line between Thayer & Fillmore. She was baptized in the Methodist Church and was a Member of the Geneva United Methodist Church. She graduated from Shickley High School as salutatorian with the class of 1968. Her nickname throughout high school was ‘Sunshine’ and it was easy to see why. She excelled at band in high school, playing the saxophone, accompanying vocal works on the piano, and serving as drum major. After high school, she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She was a proud member of Delta Gamma Sorority, following in her sister, Sharon’s, footsteps. While at UNL, she pursued classes in nursing, transferring to Lincoln General School of Nursing and obtaining her Registered Nursing degree. After her sophomore year, her dad gave her and Sharon the choice between a piano and car, and Sharon chose the piano. Betty ended up with canary yellow 1970 Chevelle to get her around Lincoln, and she loved telling stories about that car. During college, she met Paul Farmer. He was finishing up his undergrad at Nebraska Wesleyan and would be attending Mortuary School in San Francisco. They courted for a couple years and were married on August 20, 1971 at the First Congregation United Church Of Christ in Geneva. They made their first home at the Funeral Home in Geneva for 6 years, before purchasing a house on the east side of Geneva and making it a home, raising three children there: Nathan, Shaun & Paige.
Betty utilized her nursing degree and worked at several different places in her working years. She started at Dr. Lynn’s Medical Clinic, worked several years for Dr. Caroll Verhage, served as a home health nurse for a time, and finished up her nursing career as the school nurse for Fillmore Central Public Schools. She enjoyed this job most as it allowed her see her children while they were in school. She always regretted not going back to school to get her BSN, but she continued to further her nursing education through reading medical journals and continuing education required to keep her license. She truly loved caring for others.
As a child, her hard-working father didn’t want his little girls actively involved in the operation of the farm, but she found ways to enjoy the farm life. From her ponies Rapid Richard and Tony The Pony, to her dogs, pet skunks and raccoons, she made the best of farm life and had great memories of growing up on the farm. She absolutely loved her animals and instilled this in her kids as they all experienced having rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, cats, and dogs. Being the youngest of three, she also adored her brother DeRoy, and sister Sharon. As a child, she recalled being pulled around in one of DeRoy’s go-kart shop creations or cruising in his old Chevy’s. She was always the willing one who was designated to experiment with his new creations.
Betty was especially proud of her home. She was blessed with an extraordinary artistic ability, painting in her high school years and teaching herself calligraphy as an adult. She shared this beautiful scrip writing with many. She loved to decorate for the holidays, garden and plant flowers. She would tackle any cross word puzzle, loved the Soap Opera All My Children, and enjoyed participating in several different bridge groups. She also had a solid golf game. She’d never played the game until marrying a Farmer, and PR taught her all she knew about the game and they enjoyed many fun times out at Hidden Hills Country Club at the pool, 4th of July parties, playing couples league, and enjoying the Member Guest tournaments of old for many years with their good friends. Betty was also an especially great cook, with an extensive assortment of recipes. From desserts to four-course meals, she could do it all in the kitchen. One of her family’s favorite meals to prepare for her family was round steak, mashed potatoes, sweet corn and baked beans. She could never make enough of that meal.
She and PR loved to travel visiting many different destinations along the way with many good friends. Trips to Las Vegas, The Panama Canal, Boston (where she found she detested oysters on the half shell), Jamaica (where she developed a lifelong love affair with Escargot), Cazumel, St. Thomas, The Grand Caymans, Puerta Vallarta, St. Lucia, and Cabo San Lucas, just to name a few. She especially loved St. Lucia and The Grand Caymans, even sharing the love of The Grand Caymans with her family on a trip in 2011.
As time moved on we watched Betty struggle with the pressures of life. As a nurse, she always felt like she knew the answer to her problems, but the depression was real and the choices she made to cope were hard on her and her family, but we never let that define her. She was more than that to us. She was a wife, mother of 3, and grandmother of 7 who loved with her whole heart and we knew that she still had that love inside of her, even in the last days of her life. Though difficult to let her go, we were blessed to have her in our lives and take comfort knowing that she is no longer suffering.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Vi; and brother DeRoy Miller.
She is survived by her husband P.R. of Geneva; children Nathan Farmer & wife Liz of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Shaun Farmer & wife Heidi of Geneva, Nebraska, and Paige Weedin and husband Drew of Aurora, Nebraska; grandchildren Liam Farmer, Ashlyn, Leah, & Dane Farmer, and Delaney, Henley, and Albert Weedin; sister Sharon McDonald and husband Tom of Lincoln, Nebraska; nephews Dan Miller and wife Sarah and their children Hannah & Hailey of Carleton, Nebraska, Ryan Miller & wife Lesley and their children Regan & Beau of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Tyler Miller & wife Megan and their children Mason & Milo of Lincoln, Nebraska; cousins and many friends.
A Funeral Service for Betty will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva. A Graveside Committal will take place in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Public Visitation will take place on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva.
Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Geneva or the Fillmore County Hospital Foundation.
JoAnn Tostenson Augustine
JoAnn Tostenson Augustine was born on September 6, 1933 to Floyd and Beatrice (Luksik) Gustafson. She went to Estherville, Iowa schools and graduated from Estherville High School in 1951. It is here that she met her first husband, Allan Tostenson. They were married on September 3, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The couple briefly moved to Rapid City, South Dakota but returned to Estherville to be closer to family. Jo and Al raised 4 children. Jo was a stay at home mom until the kids were in school. She then held various jobs in the Estherville area which included the Dr. Boise’s Dental Office, Superior Coop Elevator and Forest Ridge Youth Shelter. After retiring from the Forest Ridge Shelter, she worked part-time at the Edward Jones office in Estherville for a few years.
Jo and Al enjoyed playing golf together, playing cards, especially bridge, and square dancing. They both loved being with their family and being involved in all of their children’s activities. Al passed away on June 5, 1988.
Jo met Bill Augustine on the golf course. They were married on March 27, 1999. They continued to play bridge and travel. The most memorable trip was to Sweden. During the trip, Jo visited the birthplace of her grandparents which was very special to her. Bill passed away on March 21, 2014.
Jo was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She was an avid bridge player and was a member of several different bridge clubs in Estherville.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, a sister and brother-in-law Nadine and Don Gudgell and an infant daughter, Mary Patricia Tostenson.
Surviving are her four children – Laura (Steve) Zabel of Casa Grande, Arizona; Cindy (Bill) Wuller of Swansea, Illinois, Chuck (Sue) Tostenson of Estherville, Iowa and Gary (Sherri) Tostenson of Spring Hill, Kansas. Her grandchildren – Tracy (Molly Schock) Tostenson, Amy (Greg) Deim, Beth Tostenson and Carissa (Phil) Melvin. Great grandchildren include Seiver Tostenson, Aiden and Cooper Deim, Kaylee and Bailey Melvin. Step children surviving are Scott Augustine, Michael Augustine, Charles (Staci) Augustine and Vicki (Ozzie) Sotelo. Step-grandchildren -Jeremy Augustine, Amber (Scott) Flanagan, Payton and Nick Augustine, Rachel, Teirnan and Taivin Augustine, Cassie and Baylee Sotelo plus two great grandchildren. Also surviving are a nephew, nieces, and many friends.
Funeral arrangements were made through Henry Olson Funeral Home in Estherville. Family suggest that memorials be sent to St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville, Iowa; Respite Angels of Estherville, Iowa; or Mt Carmel Senior Living in St. Charles, Missouri.
A private funeral mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Estherville. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Richard Francis Brouillette
Richard Francis Brouillette MD, age 83 of York, NE, died Sunday, July 5, 2020 at Lincoln, NE. He was born August 31, 1936 to Oscar O. and Frances (Jurgensmeier) Brouillette in Hastings, NE. Dick graduated from Ravenna High School in 1954 and then enlisted and served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Upon completion of his military duties he attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and was then accepted into the University of Nebraska Medical Center where he graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine. He became a partner at York Medical Clinic and was a family physician there for 37 years until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of the Nebraska Medical Association and had served on the University of Nebraska Medical Centers College of Medicine Admission Board for many years.
Dick was united in marriage to Gwen G. Chab on June 5, 1958. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in York, a member of York Country Club, and had previously served on the York City Council. He loved woodworking, enjoyed his time out at the cabin, and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Gwen of York, children: Mark (LaVonne) Brouillette of Gilbert, AZ, Jon (Misty) Brouillette of McCool Junction, NE, Margon (Patrick) O’Neill of Overland Park, KS, and Betsy Brouillette of Prairie Village, KS; and grandchildren: Justin (Erin) Brouillette of Portland, OR, Eric (Haleigh) Brouillette of Lincoln and their son Benjamin and Baby Brouillette on the way, Adam Brouillette of Overland Park, KS, Elizabeth Brouillette of Lincoln, NE, Maren (Dalton Clark) Brouillette of York, Connor O’Neill and Kelsey O’Neill of Overland Park, KS.
He is also survived by his sister Shirley Badura of Omaha, NE and brother Gary (Connie) Brouillette of Leawood, KS, sister-in-law Ann Chab of La Plata, Maryland, nieces and nephews, and many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, brothers-in-law Jerry Badura and Robert J. Chab Jr, and nephew Steve Badura.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, York. Dick will be cremated following services and private family inurnment will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, York. COVID 19 Funeral Guidelines will be implemented with limited spaced seating and masks encouraged. Dick’s service will also be webcasted live on Metz Mortuary’s Facebook page. Visitation will be held from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday at the mortuary, masks encouraged. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm Wednesday evening at St Joseph Catholic Church, masks encouraged. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Church or to York Community Foundation.
Condolences may be emailed to Metz Mortuary. Messages will be given to the family.
Wendell W. Lauber
Long-time agriculturalist and seedsman, Wendell W. Lauber, of Lincoln, formerly of Geneva, passed away on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, at the Monarch in Lincoln at the age of 88. He was born in Fairmont, Nebraska on July 21, 1931, the youngest child of Herbert E. and Elva L. (Fogel) Lauber. Wendell was a 1949 graduate of Geneva High School, later receiving a degree in business administration at the University of NE-Lincoln. While attending, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
Wendell's father, Herbert, had raised the first hybrid seed corn in Fillmore County in 1938, establishing Lauber Blue Valley Hybrids. Wendell later joined him and expanded the operation by selling corn, wheat and sorghum seed throughout Nebraska and Kansas. In 1958, Wendell joined other Nebraska seed growers to form NC+, a Hybrid Seed Company, where he served as president and board member for several years. During the 1960's and 70's, Wendell helped manage a growing seed operation. Wendell's eye for innovation, new technology and communication advances he incorporated into the farm's enterprise caught the attention of the seed industry.
Besides his history in the seed business, Wendell was also instrumental in forming the Natural Resource Districts in the state and later was appointed by Governor Tiemann to serve on its commission for a year. Wendell played active roles and received distinguished awards in the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association, where he served as president in 1988, along with participating with the Nebraska Seed Trade Association, Western Seed Association and the American Seed Trade Association, among others.
Survivors include his wife, Louise, Lincoln; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Sharon Lauber, Brad Lauber, all of Geneva, Bryan Lauber, Grafton and William and Christine Lauber of Milford; step-sons, Paul and Linda Barnard, Aliso Viejo, CA, Chris Barnard and companion, Sally Petr, both of Lincoln; nine grandchildren and four step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, other relatives. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Claiton Lauber and a great-granddaughter, Karoline Lauber.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2020 at the 1st Congregational United Church of Christ, Geneva, with Pastor Stuart Davis officiating. Visitation is two hours prior to the service, with a private family gathering the night before. Burial will be in the Geneva Public Cemetery.
Memorials have been established to the Geneva Congregational Church or towards Alzheimer's Research @curealz.com.
Lauber Funeral Home, Milford, is entrusted with the care and arrangements.
Angela (Silos) Braman
Worked at Douglas County Health Department for 38 years.
Survived by husband, Boyd Braman; daughters, Raquel Regnier and Bridget (John) West; grandchildren, Darius (Kristina) Regnier, Nathan Corona, Ethan West, Aurora West and Cassius West; siblings, Alec (Sharon) Silos of Denver, Colorado and Patty (Joe) Thompson of North Platte, Nebraska; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Preceded in death by parents, three sisters, and three brothers.
Visitation is open to the public and will be held at Crosby Colonial Chapel, 11902 West Center Road, Omaha, NE on Friday, May 29 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Memorials can be sent directly to the family.
Scott Russell Leisy
Scott Russell Leisy was born on October 28, 1985 in Sidney Nebraska to Lisa (Sterling) Lamb. He was adopted by Darrel and Wilda Leisy at four months old, and he always felt the utmost gratitude to his birth mother for placing him with forever parents who loved and supported him unconditionally.
Scott attended Atkinson Elementary and graduated from West Holt High School in 2004. He attended Dana College in Blair, where he majored in K-12 Physical Education and minored in broadcasting. For three years he played for the Dana Vikings basketball team, and spent one year as a student assistant coach. He was forever grateful to coach Chris Fear for stating his coaching career. He graduated from Dana in 2008.
In July of the same year, Scott was married to Mary Hendricks. They started their life in Dorchester, NE where Scott taught and coached while Mary finished school. They then moved to Thedford, NE and spent the next five years there. He was honored and proud to qualify teams to the NSAA Girls State Basketball tournament twice during his time coaching the Sandhills-Thedford Lady Knights. Scott's greatest joy during the time in Thedford, however, was the birth of two children Hayden Russell (2012) and Baylor Marie (2014).
Over the next few years, the family moved from Thedford to O’Neill, & then to McCook, and encountered many joys in their schools, churches, and community; qualifying girls golf teams for state titles, and welcoming their youngest daughter, Jordyn Lee (2016) into the world. In 2017, the family landed back home, sharing their life between Clearwater, O’Neill, and the ranch. Scott renewed involvement in broadcasting for KBRX and officiating while teaching in Clearwater, where Mary also presently teaches. The couple has said many times since that
move, that God knew they would need to be home for the challenges that were ahead.
In February 2018, Scott was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. His infectious positivity,
solid faith in the Lord, & love for his family & friends were his source of strength throughout his cancer battle. His mantra became "win the day," & he considered every day a winning day. Scott won his battle against cancer on April 6, 2020.
He is survived by his wife Mary, children Hayden age 8, Baylor age 6, & Jordyn age 3. His parents & dearly loved in-laws, Darrell & Wilda Leisy and Rick & Nancy Hendricks all of Atkinson, his sister Jenny Leisy of Atkinson, brother-in-law Tim (Kim) Hendricks of Wahoo, Grandmother’s Rita Muhm of Alliance, NE and Della Schwindt of Salina, KS; and 5 nieces and nephews, and countless students, players, & friends.
Celebration of Life services for Scott Leisy age 34 of Atkinson will be held on Thursday April 9, 2020 at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson. Visitation will be on Wednesday April 8, 2020 from 10 am until 6 pm at Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.
Frank M. Naranjo
Frank M. Naranjo, 92, of North Platte went to his Heavenly home on Monday, March 30, 2020 at the Great Plains Medical Center, with his beautiful wife of 72 years holding his hand.
Private family services will be at 2 PM (CDT) on Sunday, April 12th at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island. The service will be live-streamed on All Faiths Funeral Home, Grand Island, NE Facebook page. His son, Daniel will officiate.
Private family burial will be the following day in the North Platte Cemetery. Father Vidya Sagar Arikotla will offer the blessings at the graveside.
A celebration Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be announced at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Holy Spirit Food Pantry, the North Platte Salvation Army, or the Naranjo Family Scholarship Fund through the North Platte Public Schools Foundation in care of All Faiths Funeral Home, 2929 South Locust, Grand Island, NE 68801.
Francisco, known as “grandpa Frank” to many, was born July 14, 1927 on a family ranch near Trujillo, New Mexico, the son of Leopoldo and Juanita (Trujillo) Naranjo. He was one of 17 brothers and sisters. Frank left home at the age of 14 on his journey of hard work and becoming the man God had planned for him. This journey included working on ranches; breaking-horses, herding sheep and making numerous friendships along the way. He ended up in Cheyenne, Wyoming where he married the love of his life, Bersabe “Bertha” Abeyta on August 18, 1947. This union was blessed with children, Johnny, Betty, Ernie, Larry, Tony, Daniel and Michelle.
Frank and Bertha moved to North Platte, NE in 1949. Frank worked for Union Pacific Railroad for a total of 43 years until his retirement. He was a lift-truck operator at the freight house until its closing and then as a crew driver for the yard office. During this time, he also managed the stockyards for U.P. when cattle was still being hauled by rail.
Together, Frank and Bertha shared their love with everyone. They loved unconditionally, from their family to all their adopted family as well. Their walk with “Baby Jesus” was evident by the passion they had of feeding and blessing the many homeless along the way.
Some of Frank’s enjoyments included his love of horses, the slot machines (always bet the max), making friends with everyone he encountered and his many years with the Nebraskaland Days Shootout Gang. Many along the way called him “Dad and grandpa”. He was truly loved by all. He is a charter member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 72 years, Bertha; their children, Betty Pinkerton of Ft. Collins, CO; Larry (Jo) Naranjo of North Platte, Tony (Sharon) Naranjo of Lincoln, Daniel (Korinna) Naranjo of Grand Island, Michelle Naranjo of Scottsdale, Arizona and Herman (Rosa) Naranjo of Greeley, CO; daughter-in-law, Carrie Naranjo; adopted children, Donna Solie, Vicky and John Smith and Bill and Pam Green; grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, John and Kristi Naranjo (children Tawneesha, Justin and Abbey-Ari and Iiam and Samantha), Beki and Ed Pettigrew (child Raquel-her children Ryder and Raegan), Deanna and Shane McDade (children, Tyson, Bryce and Kobe), Tony Solie (children Ashlee, Drew, Cash and Adysson), Richard Solie, Joseph Solie (children Sean, Megan and Russell), Michal and Jackie Pinkerton (children Miranda and Rick Furlong, Quintin, Alexis and Hayden), Melissa and Rob Gardner (children Sierra-child AnaBelle and Logan), Mindy and Bruce Kennie (children Zac-child Ava, Amelia and Emily), Nikki and Randy Barker (children, Tyler and Erika, Jace, Treyce and Jernie), Johnny and Shawna Naranjo (children Kendal and Levi), Eric Naranjo (child Julianna), Luke and Theresa Naranjo (children Caje and Tydus), Tammy and Barry Wheeler (child Gavin), Dan Anderson, TJ Naranjo (children Dawn Marie and Eric Fey-children, Sophia, Zayden and Jackson and Anthony and Alex), Brandi and Tom Roper, Jason Naranjo (children Nathanial and Kadin), Luke and Leona Bailey (children London and Lyla), Nikki and Brandon Wright (children Vanessa, Isaac, Julianna and Brandon, Jr.), Kaytlyn and Joel Henson (children Thomas and Myla) and Dylan Naranjo and Frank’s little buddy, Hudson McCoy; brothers, Nasario and Bernie Naranjo; sisters, Delores Trujillo, Bessie Duran, Pauline Duran and Eva Yara and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom all were greatly loved.
Frank is preceded in death by two sons, Johnny and Ernie; great grandkids, Alexis Wheeler, TJ Barker, Aiden Naranjo, Tiara and Nathaniel Solie; his parents; his siblings, Selso Naranjo, Alfonso Naranjo, Manuel Naranjo, Joseph “Gabe” Naranjo, Beatrice Trujillo, Leo Jr. Naranjo, Adolfo Naranjo, Mary Trujillo, Cecilio Naranjo and Stella Trujillo.
Diana E. Felzien
Diana Elizabeth Felzien (Layton), a voracious reader, who couldn’t keep her nose out of a good book, died Sunday, March 22 at her home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She was 72. Mrs. Felzien read works of every genre, including multiple sets of encyclopedias, and each book of the Bible. As a result, she was a vicious opponent during a heated game of Trivial Pursuit. She had a natural desire to learn.
Diana was a graduate of Minden High School in 1965 and attended the University of Kansas and Kearney State College. She was a member of many organizations including P.E.O., Eastern Star, and the Minden Garden Club. Along with her husband Kent, she was a co-owner of Layton Funeral Home. Diana raised her family and resided in Minden until retiring to Hot Springs Village. Her talents and interests were many; she was an avid gardener, enthusiastic cook, consistent golfer, dedicated community volunteer and fundraiser, and a beloved wife, mother, grammy, sister, and devoted friend who loved to entertain. Throughout the years, and with Kent by her side, Diana visited several Caribbean islands. Most recently, she traveled with friends, to begin exploring various European regions.
Preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Kent, and her parents LaVada Piester and Dean Layton. She is survived by daughter Megan Nelson; son Christopher Felzien; daughter Paige Brewer and her husband, David; 2 granddaughters, Elizabeth Nelson and Piper Brewer; 4 grandsons Graham Nelson, Layton Brewer, Peter Brewer, and Samuel Brewer; sisters Marcy Cochran, Deborah Schwenka, and Candace Kimple; and numerous friends.
A private burial will be held at Minden Cemetery. As Spring approaches, and in honor of Diana’s love for seasonal blooms and gardens, the family kindly asks to remember her with a graveside visit. A celebration of life will be conducted at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Jensen Memorial Library, in care of the Kearney County Community Foundation.
Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.
JOHN C. WOOD
John C. Wood was born in Seward, Nebraska on Sunday, March 11, 1934, and passed away in Seward on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at the age of 85 years, 10 months, 11 days.
John was the son of Wilber J. and Mary B. (Stahly) Wood and had two brothers, WJ (“Dub”) and Frank. He attended Seward public schools and graduated in 1952. He married his sweetheart, Darlene D. Daehling, in December of 1953. He joined the U.S. Army Reserve, and trained in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, he finished his professional training at the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. John and Darlene returned to Seward where John worked as a Funeral Director and Mortician alongside his father Wilber and his uncle Faye at Wood Brothers Chapel and Funeral Home. He and Darlene became the owners where they continued to serve countless families, and for a time ran the only ambulance service in the County, until John’s retirement in 1998.
For 50 years, John was an active member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department and was a foreman of the Seward Rescue Squad. He was a member of the Seward Kiwanis Club and served as Vice President of the Seward Chamber of Commerce. John was on the Board of Directors of the Seward Housing Authority from its inception, and for 30 years helped oversee the funding, design and construction of the Seward Manor buildings and facilities serving the County’s low-income elderly.
John was a self-taught master craftsman and used his skills for many projects, including the design and construction of Seward’s delightful “Santa House” which made its debut in the 1970’s and is still in use each year on the Seward Courthouse Square.
John was rarely idle. When not working at the Chapel or in his woodshop, he enjoyed hunting upland game birds, participating in trap meets, fishing, gardening, canoeing, studying architecture, restoring antique automobiles, Nebraska Football and all things Disney.
He is survived by his wife Darlene, their three daughters Dr. Kelly Wood of Colorado Springs, Susan Wood-Ellis and her husband Dr. Michael Onstad of Colorado Springs, Beth Wood and Traver DeMaranville of Doniphan, and five grandchildren, John Ellis, Madeline Ellis, Michael Ellis, Kristopher Stading and Maridith Stading.
The family wishes to acknowledge the very special friendships he had with long time friends, many of whom continued to visit, call and support him through his final days. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of life shared with John.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 31, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Burial in Seward Cemetery in Seward. Pastor Scott Bruick, Officiating
Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, January 30 at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Wood family for future designation.
Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.