January 2010 Obituaries
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 - 2:22 am
Peter King
Peter J. King, 50, of David City died Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, at his residence in David City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 240 N. 3rd Street in David City on Friday, Jan. 8, with an open house beginning at 10 a.m. His band will be playing in his memory. Please come and celebrate Pete's life with his family and friends.
Peter was born May 11, 1959, to Hollis A. and Arlene (Domingue) King in St. Albans, Vt.
He moved to David City 10 years ago from Stromsburg. He was employed in the Shipping and Receiving Department for Kawasaki Motors in Lincoln.
He is survived by his significant other, Patty Ibsgaard of David City; daughter, Samantha King of David City; granddaughter, Katelynn Randall; step-daughter, Kaylyn Ibsgaard of David City; sons, Patrick Curtis of Richford, Vt., and Austin King of Stromsburg; stepson, Colton Ibsgaard of David City; mother, Arlene King of Richford, Vt.; brother, Dale King of Richford, Vt.; sisters, Helen Hoose of South Burlington, Vt., Maggie (Robert) Monty of Hinesburg, Vt., Barbara (Glenn) Embury of Berkshire, Vt., Lori (Keith) Sampietro of Montgomery, Vt., and Holly (George) of Richford, Vt. In addition, he is survived by E.J. (Beth) Hlavac and their children, Hunter and Emma, who were Peter's godchildren.
He is also survived by members of the X-Factor Band, in which Peter sang, these include: E.J. Hlavac, Jim and Samantha Higgins and Nick Wertz.
Peter was preceded in death by his father, Hollis, and brother-in-law, Mathias Hoose.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.
Dorothy Raiter
WAHOO -- Dorothy Ann Raiter, 69, died unexpectedly Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, in Lincoln.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 10:30 a.m.; rosary at 10 a.m., Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, Valparasio, with celebrant the Rev. Msgr. Daniel Seiker. Interment: St. Vitus Cemetery, Touhy.
Mrs. Raiter was born Oct. 22, 1940, in rural Valparaiso to John G. and Anna J. (Moravec) Raiter. She grew up on a farm near Agnew before moving to rural Ceresco in 1953. She attended school in Agnew and District School 118 in rural Ceresco before graduating from Valparaiso High School in 1958. After high school Dorothy moved to Lincoln where she worked at Meadow Gold making cottage cheese for many years.
She enjoyed oil painting, reading, cooking, traveling, sending cards to family and friends for all occasions, monthly physical therapy trips to the casino, family gatherings, playing table games and watching Husker football games. She was a member of the North American Martyrs Catholic Church in Lincoln, where she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society and several prayer groups.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Patrick G. Raiter; nieces and nephew, twins Michael and Renee Raiter and Johanna Raiter; and aunt, Julia Prochaska.
She is survived by her son, Shawn Raiter; brothers and sister-in-law, John Lloyd and Carol Raiter and Ernest Joe Raiter, all of Ceresco, and George Raiter and special friend Jeanne Tlamka and Anton Raiter, all of Lincoln; sisters and brother-in-law, Margaret and John Buhr of Raymond and Susanne Raiter of Lincoln; nieces and nephews, Matt and Sheela Raiter of Lincoln, Andy and Mandy Raiter of Mead and Rebecca and Deborah Buhr of Lincoln; great-niece, Ashley Raiter of Lincoln; and aunt and uncle, Alice and Ernest Moravec of Ulysses.
Memorials: In care of family.
Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo.
Palma Fetty
COLUMBUS - Palma Fetty, 83, of Columbus, formerly of David City, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at Butler County Health Care Center in David City.
Services were Tuesday, Jan. 5, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, with Father Del Lape officiating. Burial was at All Saints Cemetery in Columbus.
Mrs. Fetty was born Nov. 4, 1926, in David City to Alfonse and Irma (Wallaert) Brockevelt. She grew up in David City and graduated from David City High School in 1944.
On June 7, 1947, she married Robert Fetty in David City. She lived in Columbus since the early 1960s where she worked at Becton Dickinson until her retirement in 1979.
She enjoyed quilting and fishing in her younger years. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus.
Survivors include sisters-in-law, Nellie Brockevelt and Virginia Brockevelt, both of David City; nephews, Roger Brockevelt of Denver, Rich Brockevelt of Polk and Bob Brockevelt of Vermilion, S.D.; and nieces, Brenda Deahn of Lincoln and Beth Jones of Omaha.
She is preceded in death by her husband and brothers Ernest, Morris, Hank and Raymond Brockevelt.
Memorials: Family wishes. Condolences: www.mckownfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by McKown Funeral Home, Columbus.
Charles Novacek
Charles R. Novacek, 85, of Lincoln, formerly of David City, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at BryanLGH Medical Center East in Lincoln.
Services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, with
Father Bernard Kimminau as celebrant. Visitation is Friday from 5-7 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Kracl Funeral Chapel in David City. Visitation continues at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial is at David City Cemetery, with military honors.
Mr. Novacek was born April 19, 1924, in David City to Charles and Mary (Hadraba) Novacek. He graduated from David City High School.
He served in the United States Army, 90th Infantry Division from 1943-1946 and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5814 in David City.
On June 15, 1949, he married Genevieve Sanley at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City.
He had owned and operated a dry cleaning establishment in David City and was a member of the David City Volunteer Fire Department. They later moved to Santa Maria, Calif., where he worked in the maintenance department at Vandenburg Air Force Base until retiring in 1981. He has lived in Lincoln for the past 15 years.
Survivors include a daughter, Kathy (Mark) Quick of Raymond; daughter-in-law, Glenda Masek of Lincoln; and sister, Ella Muntz of Omaha.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son, Charles Masek; brother, Otto Novacek; and sister, Lillian Novacek.
Memorials: Family wishes. Condolences: www.revbluejeans.com
Arrangements by Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City.
Irene Dill
Irene J. Dill, 92, of David City died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at St. Joseph's Villa in David City.
Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, with Father Bernard Kimminau, celebrant. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. at Kracl Funeral Chapel in David City. Visitation is also at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial is at St. Mary's Cemetery. Lunch is at the Knights of Columbus Hall in David City.
Irene was born Sept. 18, 1917, in David City to Joseph and Ester (Litty) Kucera.
She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City. In her early years she worked at St. Mary's Elementary School as a cook. She spent the last 15 months at St. Joseph's Villa.
Irene is survived by her son, Kenneth (Dora) Dill, Lincoln; sister, Juanita Gates, Fremont; sister-in-law, Jackie Kucera, Fremont; grandchildren, Deborah (Dill) and her husband, Clint Frahm, Blair, Kevin and Stephanie Dill of Westminster, Colo., and Karen (Dill) and Russ Ronspies, Smithville, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Airman 1st Class Aaron, Tyler and Ryan Frahm, Elizabeth Dill and Brodie and Haleigh Ronspies; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar B. Dill; her parents; one sister; and four brothers.
Memorials: St. Mary's Catholic Church; St. Joseph's Villa. Condolences: www.revbluejeans.com
Arrangements by Kracl Funeral Chapel.
Sr. Thomas Patrick Dooley
Sister Thomas Patrick Dooley O.P., 82, of David City died Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at Butler County Health Care Center in David City.
Services were Friday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City.
Sister Thomas Patrick was born Eulalia M. Dooley in Greeley on Feb. 23, 1927, to Thomas and Rose (Dillon) Dooley.
Prior to entering religious life, she was the secretary to the credit manager at JL Brandeis Department Store in Omaha and then worked for the IRS in Idaho. She entered the Dominican Novitiate of the former St. Catharine of Siena congregation, St. Catharine, Ky., in 1950 and made her Profession of Vows in 1952, taking the religious name of Sister Thomas Patrick.
Sr. Thomas Patrick earned a bachelor of arts degree from Ursuline College (Louisville, Ky.) in biology with minors in secondary education, theology and philosophy. She also earned a masters of science degree in biology and ecology from St. Mary's College (Winona, Minn.).
Her ministry in education brought her to many schools: St. Patrick, Missouri Valley, Iowa, (1952-55); Our Lady of Peace, Chicago (1955-60); St. Bartholomew, Chicago (1960-61); St. Francis, Forrest City, Ark., (1961); St. Patrick, Missouri Valley, Iowa, (1961-62); Rosary Academy, Watertown, Mass. (1963-64); SS. Simon and Jude, Louisville, Ky., (1964-65); Kearney Catholic, Kearney (1965-68, 71-77); Sacred Heart High, Greeley (1968-70); Spalding Academy, Spalding (1977-80); and Aquinas High School, David City (1983-05), where she continued to substitute teach until her death. Sr. Thomas Patrick also ministered as the Assistant Treasurer for the Generalate in St. Catharine, Ky., (1980-83).
She is survived by her niece, nephew and cousins.
Sr. Thomas Patrick was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Ursula; and brothers, Raymond, Lawrence and Richard.
Condolences: www.chermokfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.
Charles Novacek
Charles R. Novacek, 85, of Lincoln, formerly of David City, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at BryanLGH Medical Center East in Lincoln.
Services were Saturday, Jan. 9, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, with Father Bernard Kimminau, celebrant. Burial was at David City Cemetery, with military honors.
Mr. Novacek was born April 19, 1924, in David City to Charles and Mary (Hadraba) Novacek. He graduated from David City High School.
He served in the United States Army, 90th Infantry Division from 1943-1946 and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5814 in David City.
On June 15, 1949, he married Genevieve Sanley at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City. He had owned and operated a dry cleaning establishment in David City and was a member of the David City Volunteer Fire Department. They later moved to Santa Maria, Calif., where he worked in the maintenance department at Vandenburg Air Force Base until retiring in 1981. He has lived in Lincoln for the past 15 years.
Survivors include a daughter, Kathy (Mark) Quick of Raymond; daughter-in-law, Glenda Masek of Lincoln; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Ella Muntz of Omaha.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; son, Charles Masek; brother, Otto Novacek; and sister, Lillian Novacek.
Memorials: Family wishes. Condolences: www.revbluejeans.com
Arrangements by Kracl Funeral Chapel, David City.
Romaine Pesicka
Romaine T. Pesicka, 82, of Shelby died Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln.
Services were Saturday, Jan. 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelby, with Father John Rooney officiating. Burial was at the parish cemetery, with Military Rites by Shelby Legion Post 296.
Mr. Pesicka was born Nov. 22, 1927, at Yankton, S.D., to Anton and Anna (Kreber) Pesicka. He graduated from Tabor, S.D., High School and the University of South Dakota at Springfield. He received a master's degree from Northern University at Aberdeen, S.D., and a specialist's degree from the University of Nebraska. He began his teaching career at Naper, Nebr., and continued at Niobrara and Tabor, S.D. He was superintendent of schools at Tabor, Hordville, and retired after 24 years at Shelby.
On May 28, 1953, he married Carmen Karolevitz.
He was serving on the Board of Education Service Unit 7 and substituted in area schools. He was active in the establishment of the library in Shelby.
He was a veteran of World War II and member of American Legion in Shelby.
Survivors include his wife; daughter, Lori Frasch of St. Joseph, Mo.; and grandson, Tyler.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, JoAnn Hlavac; and stepbrother, Kenneth Schneider.
Memorials: Shelby Public Library.
Arrangements by Dubas Funeral Home, Osceola.
Mildred Anderson
GRAND ISLAND -- Mildred M. Anderson, 96, of Grand Island died Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at Western Hall County Good Samaritan Center in Wood River.
Services were at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at Gollaher Chapel, Trinity United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jay Vetter officiating. Burial was at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
She was born March 29, 1913, in Garrison, the daughter of Jacob and Emma (Dallege) Heins.
She was united in marriage to Kenneth Dale Anderson, June 3, 1933. Mildred and Dale lived on various farms from Ulysses, Garrison, Dannebrog and Alda, moving to Grand Island in the 1960s and then buying the International Harvester business in Sargent. In 1975, they moved to Ainsworth and purchased the John Deere Dealership with two of their sons, Don and Ken. In 1985, Mildred and Dale both retired and moved to Grand Island. She was a faithful wife and mother and her family was of highest importance to her throughout her life.
She enjoyed so many hobbies, from sewing, crafts, bowling, baking, playing cards, dancing and playing the organ. Her favorite hobby was quilting and she accomplished making one for each one of her grandchildren. Her biggest accomplishment during her life was writing the book "Memories of Home, the Heins family history."
Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Norman and Sonya Anderson of Central City, Darrel and Connie Anderson of Grand Island, Donnie and Pat Anderson of Unionville, Mo., and Ken Anderson of North Platte; one daughter and son-in -law, Marlis and Tom Key of Casper, Wyo.; daughter-in-law, Carol Anderson of Sidney; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Harold Heins of David City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, (Jacob and Emma); her husband, Dale; three sons, Garry in 1961, Merle in 1972 and Lee in 2004.
Memorials: to the family to be designated at a later date.
Arrangements by Apfel Funeral Home.
Catherine Sedlak
Catherine M. Sedlak, 92, of Wahoo, formerly of Seward and Bee, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2010.Mass of Christian burial was at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church in Seward, with celebrant Father Rand Langhorst. Graveside services were at Bee Catholic Cemetery.
Catherine Marie (Krenk) Sedlak was born on Aug. 16, 1917, on a farm near Dwight to John F. and Katie (Shorney) Krenk. She attended school in Dwight.
On Nov. 14, 1939, Catherine was united in marriage to Ivan Simon Sedlak at Assumption Catholic Church in Dwight. Their marriage was blessed with two children, John and MaryAnn.
They farmed near Bee, where they raised livestock and had a dairy farm. In 1972, they moved to Seward and Catherine was then employed as an aide at Sundermann Homes. Ivan passed away in 1990 and Catherine continued to make her home in Seward until moving to Valparaiso and then to South Haven Living Center in Wahoo.
Catherine was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church and PCCW in Seward and was also a member of Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso and Catholic Workman. She was formerly a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and PCCW in Bee. Catherine loved to make kolaches and her "homemade from scratch brownies" were famous with her family; she also enjoyed embroidery, gardening, canning her vegetables that she raised and she was an avid reader.
Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, John and Katie Krenk; her husband, Ivan Sedlak; grandchildren, Connie Johnson and Ben Masek; siblings and spouses, Emil and Lilly Krenk, Fred and Helen Krenk, Helen and Melvin Brammer, Tillie and Paul Fisher and John Krenk; an infant brother; one niece; one nephew; and parents-in-law, Rudolph A. and Josephine (Blazek) Sedlak.
Catherine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Betty Sedlak, Lincoln; daughter and son-in-law, MaryAnn and Eugene Masek, Ceresco; eight grandchildren, Dale and Nancy Sedlak, David and Monica Sedlak, Ken and Sue Sedlak, Jim and Mandi Sedlak, Marie and Dan Gruenes, Rebecca and Ron Gruenes, Jerome and Carisa Masek and Andrew and Jill Masek; 17 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Rudolph F. "Junior" Sedlak, Denver; five nephews and a host of friends.
Memorials: Donor's choice in care of Zabka Funeral Home, Seward. Condolences: www.zabkafuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home.
Daniel Spatz
GRAND ISLAND -- Grand Island resident Daniel A. Spatz, 84, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at All Faiths Chapel in the
Nebraska Veterans Home. Rosary will take place prior to Mass. Viewing will be one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Burkett Cemetery.
Daniel was born March 18, 1925, in Brainard, the son of Anton and Lyudmila (Kracman) Spatz. He attended county schools and graduated from Brainard High School. Following school, he went to work on the family farm before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
When he returned, Daniel continued to work on the family farm. After the death of his parents,
he chose to move to Grand Island and resided at the Nebraska Veterans Home.
Daniel is survived by brothers, Adolph and wife, Margaret, of Bee and Emil and wife, Caroline, of Brainard; sister, Marge Ratkovec of Mead; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Louis, William and Ray; sisters, Gladys Ustahol and Irene Spatz; and two brothers-in-law, Alvin Ustahol and Leonard Ratkovec.
Arrangements by Kleine Funeral Home, 3213 W North Front Street, Grand Island, NE 68802.
Rebecca Hastings
SEWARD -- Rebecca "Becky" S. Hastings, 41, of Brainard died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, in Lincoln. Services are at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church in Seward, with Celebrant Father Rand Langhorst and Homilist Father Matthew Eickhoff. Visitation is 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Thursday at Zabka Funeral Home in Seward, one hour prior to the 7 p.m. rosary on Thursday at the church and one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Seward Cemetery.
Mrs. Hastings was born Nov. 3, 1968, in Omaha to Richard and Toni Bohac.
She married Gary Hastings.
She served in the Nebraska Air National Guard.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard, where she was the PCCW president. She was a past president of the UNOPA and NeOPA.
Survivors include her husband of Brainard; daughters, Jamie Hastings and special friend Donnie Grose of Glen Rock, Wyo., and Kimberley O'Conner and husband, Thomas, of Centreville, Va.; sons, Garry Hastings of Fremont and Barry Hastings and wife, Rebecca, of Alliance; nine grandchildren; parents of Garland; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tammy and Alan Tejral of Brainard and Julie and Trevor Klimm of Garland; brother, Joe Bohac of David City; many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Wilma and Virgil Kleensang of Hay Springs; brothers-in-law, Gene and Jeanne Hastings of Scottsbluff and Larry and Cori Hastings of Cheyenne, Wyo.; grandmother, Stacie Bohac of Wahoo; and dogs, Mattie and Elly.
She was preceded in death by grandparents, Anthony and Mary Catherine Valenti, Tonie and Leon Fiddler and Joseph Bohac; uncle, Gene Dostal; aunt, Jean Kovar, father-in-law, Lloyd Hastings; and sister-in-law, Judy Gonzales.
Memorials: To the family. Condolences: www.zabkafuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home.
Agnes Prucha
COLUMBUS -- Agnes Prucha, 91, of Columbus died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at Golden Living Center in Columbus.
Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Jan. 16, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus, with the Rev. Tom Weisbecker officiating. Interment was at St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Columbus.
Agnes Mary Prucha was born April 13, 1918, at Humphrey to Frank and Walburga (Hoffman) Zach. She grew up in Humphrey and attended St. Mary's Grade School. Agnes moved to Chicago, where she married James Prucha on July 18, 1942, at St. Leonard Catholic Church in Berwyn, Ill. The couple had a daughter, Christine, born July 8, 1948. She died that same day. Agnes and James became foster parents for three girls and a boy.
Agnes did factory work while living in Chicago. In 1975, the couple moved to Tennessee and then moved to Columbus in 1997. Agnes was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church.
Survivors include a sister, Margaret Karr of Parkville, Mo.; brothers and wives, Denis (Dolores) Zach of Lincoln, Edward (Elaine) Zach of Hastings and Ferd (Adela) Zach of Humphrey; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Prucha; father, Frank Zach; mother, Walburga Zach; and sister, Gertrude (Mrs. Henry) Wiehn.
Condolences may be sent to www.mckownfuneralhome.com
Arrangments by McKown Funeral Home, Columbus.
James Kelly
OMAHA -- It is with a great sigh of sadness that we announce the passing of James Frederick Kelly, 96, of Omaha, formerly of Surprise, on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.
He was born on a farmstead near Surprise on Aug. 23, 1913, to Hugh and Julia (Ficke) Kelly. Jim's childhood of hard work on the family's farm included driving a four-horse propelled single row plow starting at the age of 10.
In 1935, he moved to Omaha. He lived with his maternal grandparents, the Fickes, in North Omaha. Jim would walk five miles to downtown in search of jobs in order to save the nickel carfare. He found his "calling" in the restaurant business and, with the exception of four years service in the U.S. Army during World War II, he was an Omaha restaurateur for over 40 years.
Jimmy's Cafe and Kelly's Cafe served home cooked meals based on his mother's recipes. He told tales of truckers, Omaha policemen and cab drivers, in 1950's Omaha, lined up out the door and down the sidewalk just to have a lunch of his famous Hot Beef Sandwich or Navy Bean Soup.
In 1945, Jim, as a staff sergeant in the U. S. Army, along with his Company, met the Russians on the Elbe River in the final days of World War II.
Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife and business partner, Louise Ann; his firstborn daughter, Sheila Ann; brothers, Leo and John; and sister, Lucille.
He is survived by daughters, Diana Couture and Chris Nickerson of Washington State; sister, Mary Jones; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His many nieces and nephews, who frequently visited and called, will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace dad, brother, grandfather, great-granddad, uncle and friend.
Vigil service was Friday, Jan. 15, at West Center Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Jan. 16, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 South 86 Street, Omaha. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery, Omaha.
Memorials: Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, S.D., or Christ the King Catholic Church.
Arrangements by Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, Omaha.
Robert Workman
SEWARD -- Robert "Jack" L. Workman, 83, of Seward, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010.
Visitation is 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., both at Zabka Funeral Home in Seward, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Services are at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, at the United Methodist Church, Seward, with officiant the Rev. Lee Johnson. Graveside services will be at the Ulysses Township Cemetery, with full military honors.
Mr. Workman was born July 28, 1926. He was a 1944 graduate of Ulysses High School.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He was retired from Hughes Brothers in Seward.
He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4755 in Seward and member of Seward United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Maryanne Hubbard-Workman of Seward; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Larry Urbanek of Dwight, Laura Workman Eells and Michael Eells of McPherson, Kan.; grandchildren, Kristen and Aaron Finley and Daniel Robert Eells; great-grandchildren, Morgan and Logan Finley; stepchildren, David and Lori Sanders of Dwight and Diane and Dan Post of Lincoln; step-grandchildren, Nicholas Sanders, Melissa and Jason Smith and Gloria and Adam Olson.
Memorials: Donor's choice in care of the Workman family. Condolences: www.zabkafuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home.
Everette Hough
COLUMBUS -- Everette Hough, 83, of Bellwood died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at Butler County Health Care Center in David City.
Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Bellwood, with a vigil at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Visitation was Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus and at the church.
Visitation continues from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment is at
St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery at Bellwood.
Everette F. Hough was born June 13, 1926, at Bellwood to William and Margaret (Klein) Hough. Everette was born on the family farm and remained there his entire life. He went to rural District 7 grade school and graduated from Bellwood High School in 1943.
Everette married Helen Rerucha on Jan. 19, 1949, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Bellwood. Everette farmed near Bellwood and had a great love for raising cattle his entire life. He was a resident at David Place from October 2002 to January 2010. Everette was a Dekalb dealer with his brother Ray from 1966 to 2000. In his later part of his life, he enjoyed watching his boys farm.
He was a member of the Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years. He served many years on District 7 rural school board and Bellwood 3R school board. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, David City Council. Everette enjoyed fishing on the Platte River, farming, gardening, playing cards, bowling and socializing. He also loved playing and refereeing basketball and enjoyed watching his grandchildren's activities.
Everette is survived by his wife, Helen Hough of Bellwood; sons, Thomas (Maxine) and David (Mary), all of Bellwood, and Michael (Jane) of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Pamela Hough of Kansas, Andy Hough of Omaha, Jeffrey (Raven) Hough of Bellwood, Thomas Hough Jr. of David City, Brooke Hough of Bellwood, Ryan Hough of Omaha and Kelly (Todd) Hanson of Bellwood; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Francis and Raymond Hough; and two grandchildren, Christopher Hough and Tammy Jo Hough.
Condolences: www.mckownfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by McKown Funeral Home.
Frank Ostdiek
Frank Ostdiek, 54, of David City, died Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, in Omaha.
Funeral Mass was 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City. Burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery in David City.
Frank was born Aug. 25, 1955, to Herman and Irene (Schroer) Ostdiek in Superior. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974.
On Nov. 24, 1979, he married Helen Tillemans at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hastings. Frank was a maintenance mechanic at Cargill Meat Solution in Schuyler.
Frank moved to David City in 1996 from Mankato, Kan.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and 4th Degree member of The Knights of Columbus. He was a master gardener and loved his granddaughter.
Frank is survived by his wife, Helen, of David City, sons, John R. Ostdiek and his fiancŽe, Jennifer Krueger of Omaha, and Corey M. (Sara) Ostdiek of Hastings; daughter, Chanda M.
Ostdiek and her fiancŽ, Chris Nelsen of Yankton, S.D.; granddaughter, Addison Ostdeik of Yankton; brothers, John Ostdiek, Ed Ostdiek and Ray Ostdiek, all of Lawrence; sisters, Marge Buescher of South Bend and Marie Herbek of Deweese; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Vern Ostdiek.
The family has requested memorials to the Guardian Angel Fund at Aquinas High School or to Family's Choice.
On-line messages of condolence may be sent to www.chermokfuneralhome.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.
Gary Fiala
SEWARD -- Gary Lee Fiala, 48, of Ulysses died Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, with Celebrant Father Raymond Jansen. Graveside service and interment was at Ulysses Catholic Cemetery at Ulysses.
Mr. Fiala was born Aug. 13, 1961, in David City to Leroy Michael and MaryAnn Katherine (Semin) Fiala. Gary was a 1979 graduate of East Butler High School in Brainard. He attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney for two years.
Gary was a 23-year employee of Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Lincoln and was currently self-employed in the family construction business.
Preceding Gary in death were his mother, MaryAnn Fiala, in 1990, and his brother-in-law, Dewayne Bohac.
Gary is survived by his sons, Austin Fiala of Lincoln, Aaron and his wife Faith Fiala of Lincoln, Garret Fiala and his friend Mindy Bykerk of David City and Adam Fiala of Lincoln; his father, Leroy Fiala of Seward; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Mary Fiala of Seward, Roy and Nita Fiala of Houston; sisters, Kathy Bohac of Valparaiso and MaryLee Callender of Aurora, Colo.; his lifelong friend, Gary Ebeler; his significant other, Lori LaFour, and her son, Robbie LaFour; nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home, Seward.
Elmer Haba
Elmer Haba, 84, of Prague died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at his home south of Prague.
Services were Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Kracl Funeral Chapel in David City, with Jerry L. Kracl, speaker. Committal was at Prague National Cemetery.
William Elmer Haba was born March 30, 1925, in Rescue, Neb., to Joseph D. and
Rosalie (Kliment) Haba.
He was a farmer in the Prague area and loved raising hogs. He was an excellent dancer and was well known throughout the area for his tireless dancing. Elmer was a member of Eagle's Aerie 200 in Fremont.
He is survived by his special friend, Margaret Hladky of Prague, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Rosie Tomek, Christina Haba, Agnes Kucera and Bessie Dauel; and three brothers-in-law; Emil Tomek, Ed Kucera and William C. Dauel.
Memorials: Prague National Cemetery. Condolences: www.revbluejeans.com
Arrangements by Kracl Funeral Chapel.
Alice Chromy
NORTH BEND - Alice A. Chromy, 95, died suddenly Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at Crowell Memorial Home in Blair.
Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Bend, with Father Ronald Battiato officiating. Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday with a rosary service at 7 p.m. at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery at Cedar Hill.
Alice was born Feb. 15, 1914, to Frank and Anna (Beranek) Nesladek near Morse Bluff.
She married Joseph F. Chromy Nov. 22, 1938, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Cedar Hill, near Morse Bluff. They were married for 57 years until he died Jan. 7, 1996. They lived for a short time near Linwood, Valley and Colon before moving to North Bend. In her later years she lived at Arlington, then at the Crowell Memorial Home in Blair.
Alice was a simple lady and homemaker. As a farmer's wife, she enjoyed raising ducks and geese. She knitted numerous bedroom slippers for her family and crocheted afghans. She sewed most of her own clothing until her eyesight made that impossible. She enjoyed the produce from their vegetable garden and fruit trees. She liked to cook and baked crescent rolls, kolaches and cinnamon rolls weekly for many years. She is also remembered for all the dill pickles she made and sauerkraut and potato dumplings. In her later years, she spent many hours at the senior citizen centers in North Bend and Arlington playing cards.
Survivors include a son, Ken, and wife Kathy Chromy of Ohiowa; daughters, Janice Boyd and husband Scott of David City, Bernice "Bing" Blatny of Lincoln and Margaret Nelson of Blair; 11 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; infant son, Joseph Jr.; brothers, Joseph, Adolph and Edward Nesladek; sister, Emma Heinemann; and sons-in-law, Hilbert "Hip" Stieren and Donald Nelson.
Memorials: Sacred Heart Cemetery or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences: www.mosermemorialchapels.com
Arrangements by Moser Memorial Chapel.
Fr. John Glaves
LINCOLN - Father John Glaves, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, where he had been a resident for three years.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, Jan. 21, by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz and priests of the Diocese at St. Peter Catholic Church in Lincoln. Burial was at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.
Born in Lewiston, Mo., Father Glaves attended seminaries in Illinois, Texas, Ohio and Colorado. He was ordained to the priesthood March 19, 1956, by Bishop Louis Kucera.
He served parishes at Fairbury, Wallace, Wellfleet, Lawrence, Cambridge, Bellwood, David City, Curtis, Farnam, Paul, Dunbar, Lincoln, Palmyra, Douglas, Brainard, Valparaiso, Davey, Prague, Plasi, Alexandria, Gilead, Morse Bluff, Cedar Hill and Exeter.
He taught at Aquinas High School in David City, Lourdes Central Catholic Schools in Nebraska City and Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo. He also was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus.
Arrangements by Butherus-Maser and Love Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Sr. Dominic Coufal
OMAHA - Sister Dominic Coufal, 87, a Notre Dame Sister for nearly 58 years, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, at Immanuel Fontenelle Home in Omaha.
Funeral Mass was Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Notre Dame Convent. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery.
She was born Helen Lucille Coufal at Dwight on Nov. 5, 1922. Before entering the convent, she helped her father in their home and then assisted her grandmother.
For 44 years, she was a housekeeper and cook for the sisters. She served in Prague, Dodge, Brainard, Dwight and Omaha. For 26 of the years, she worked with Sister Lucille Jelinek in the Notre Dame Motherhouse kitchen in Omaha.
Survivors include Notre Dame Sisters; sister and brother-in-law, Marcy and Julius Meduna of Weston; brother and sister-in-law, Alois and Phyllis Coufal of Bishop, Calif.; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; and three sisters.
Memorials: Notre Dame Sisters.
Arrangements by Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann Dworak-Cutler, Omaha.
Margaret "Peg" Byers
COLUMBUS - Margaret "Peg" R. Byers, 81, of David City, formerly of Columbus, died Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at David Place in David City.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Feb. 2, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus, with Father Tom Weisbecker officiating. Burial was at Osceola Cemetery.
Margaret "Peg" R. Byers was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Osceola to John M. and Victoria (Micek) Staroscik. She graduated from Osceola High School in 1947.
On Dec. 30, 1948, Peg was united in marriage to Don R. Byers Jr. in Osceola. They moved to Columbus, where Peg raised their five children. Peg went to work at the City Water Office for five years, at Bircker Office Supply and worked in Dr. Conrad's office for six years.
Peg was a woman of devotion to God, her husband and to her family. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, gardening and spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, 3rd Order of St. Francis and Catholic Daughters.
She is survived by daughters and husbands, Mary (Harry) Beller of North Bend, Connie (Tim) Siemek of Osceola and Vicki Husmann of Columbus; sons and wives, Don R. "Butch" (Joan) Byers III of Yankton, S.D., and Steve (Barb) Byers of David City; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose Gabriel of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Mary Ann Kinder of Virginia Beach, Va.; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Byers of David City.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Don R. Byers Jr., father, John M. Staroscik; mother, Victoria Staroscik; sister, Suzanne Staroscik; and grandson, Troy Beller.
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association. Condolences: www.mckownfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by McKown Funeral Home, Columbus.
Ernest Fish
Ernest Lovell Fish, 91, of David City, formerly of Rising City, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at St. Joseph's Villa in David City. He donated his body to science and there will be no services.
Mr. Fish, son of Charles and Maude (Chase) Fish, was born on a farm near Rising City on March 25, 1919. He attended Union Hill Grade School and Rising City High School, graduating in 1936.
He married Frances Ingleright on March 22, 1938. He worked for Roberts Construction at Mead and Hastings.
He was then inducted into the U.S. Army, serving from 1943-46. After his discharge, he managed laundry and dry cleaning services in Virginia Beach and Salem, Virginia, retiring in 1981.
He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Salem. He always raised a big garden, sharing vegetables with other tenants in the condominium where he and his wife lived. Because of ill health, they moved back to Nebraska in 2005, residing in St. Joseph's Court and Villa in David City until his death.
Survivors include his wife; brother, Donald, and wife, Luella; sister-in-law, Edith Jackson; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Willard.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.
Marion Hain
SEWARD -- Marion Edmund Hain, 65, of Bee died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in Lincoln.
Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, Feb. 4, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Bee, with Celebrant Father Sean Timmerman. Interment was at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, Dwight, with Military Honors provided by Dwight American Legion Post 110.
Mr. Hain was born June 14, 1944, in Seward to Charles F. Hain Jr. and Martha M. (Soukup) Hain. He was a 1962 graduate of East Butler High School in Brainard. Before his graduation, Marion enlisted in the National Guard.
Marion was united in marriage to Mary Lee Egr on Aug. 11, 1973, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Gretna. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Bee and Dwight American Legion Post 110.
Preceding Marion in death were his mother, Martha M. Hain; his father, Charles F. Hain Jr.; and aunts and uncles, Majorie Spragg, Ed Soukup and Ed and Marie Greguras.
Marion is survived by his wife, Mary Lee (Egr) Hain of Bee; brother and sister-in-law, Allen E. and Beverly Hain of Seward; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Clarence and Char Greguras of Brainard and David and Linda Egr of Lincoln; uncle and aunt, Anthony and Frances Hottovy of Dwight; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home, Seward.
Rita Houdek
CENTRAL CITY - Rita D. Houdek, 80, of Grand Island, formerly of Central City and Dwight, died at Lakeview Golden Living Center in Grand Island.
Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, with Monsignor Nelson Newman officiating and visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. to service time at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Central City. Interment will be at Central City Cemetery.
Rita Dorothy was born May 3, 1929, at Dwight to Charles J. and Mary A. (Ruzicka) Houdek. She grew up in the Dwight area and received her education at Butler County schools. In the mid-1960s, Rita moved with her parents to Central City. In the early 1980s, she went to live in Grand Island.
Rita was baptized at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Loma and was a member of St. Luke's until moving to Central City. She then was a faithful attendee at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Central City. Rita enjoyed listening to music, especially polka, and she loved birds. Rita will be remembered for always being happy.
Those left to cherish Rita's memory are her sister and brothers, Regina and Leonard Fiala of Geneva, Raymond and Adeline Houdek of Chapman, Edmund and Marilyn Houdek of Sedalia, Mo., Marvin and Ann Houdek of Mesquite, Texas, and Tom and Ann Houdek of Bedford, Texas; sister-in-law, Elsie Houdek of Chapman; many nieces and nephews and their families; and many cousins.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Joseph, Jerome and Charles Houdek; and two sisters, Charlotte Houdek and Margaret Hotovy.
Memorials suggested to Mass offerings or donor's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltfh.com
Arrangements by Solt Funeral Home, Central City.
Anna Searles
Anna M. Searles, 81, of David City died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at St. Joseph's Villa in David City. Inurnment in the Oakwood Cemetery in Weeping Water took place on Feb. 12.
Anna was born in Venago on July 20, 1928, to Julius and Anna Nellie (Bates) Van Overbeck. Anna graduated from Louisville Public High School. She was a seamstress.
Anna is survived by two sons, Doug (Kim) Searles of Ulysses and Jeff Searles of Centerville, S.D.; daughter, Dianna Cunningham of Alpharetta, Ga.; sister, Haellene (Joseph) Searles of St. Paul, Minn.; and eight grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Billy Van Overbeck.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.
Raymond Houdesheldt
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Raymond E. Houdesheldt, 70, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of David City and Columbus, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers. A
memorial is planned in the future in Colorado.
Ray was born Sept. 22, 1939, in David City to Marion and Dorothy (Stevenson) Houdesheldt. He attended David City Public Schools and joined the U.S. Air Force during his senior year, serving from 1957 to 1961.
He was an automobile body repairman, working in several body shops in the area until opening his own shop in Columbus and later in Florida.
He enjoyed being with his family and friends, street rods and watching NASCAR races.
He is survived by his sons, Gary (Tonia) of Wellington, Colo., Dean (Sandy) of Loveland, Colo., Neil (Linda) of Frederick, Colo., ex-wife Jacki of Loveland, Ruth Houdesheldt of Fort Myers; brother, Leon (Cindy) of Columbus; step-sister, Donna Deavers of David City; niece, Kate Deavers of David City; and nephews, John Deavers of St Louis, Greg Houdesheldt of Lincoln and Allen (Tonya) Houdesheldt and Brian Houdesheldt, both of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and nephew, Mike Houdesheldt.
