May 2009 Obituaries

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 - 2:24 pm

 

Donald Shreckengost

PAYSON, Ariz. -- Donald "Don" Shreckengost, 82, of Payson, Ariz., formerly of Rising City, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, in Payson.

A memorial service was Tuesday, June 2, at Shepherd of the Pines in Payson.

Mr. Shreckengost was born Sept. 23, 1926, at Rising City.He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-60, seeing action during the Korean conflict.He married Adele Homeier.He worked with US Steel in Gary, Ind., 30 years, Sunkist Corp. five years and U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Sedona Ranger Station nine years.

He also retired from Labours for Christ in 2002.He was a member of Shepherd of Pines Lutheran Church of Payson and served on several boards for Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He was also a member of U.S. Marine Corps League Rimrock Chapter and American Legion Post 69 in Payson.Survivors include a sister, Doris Kindler; and nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; five brothers; and two sisters.

Delphine Rejda

LUSK, Wyo. -- Delphine Mildred (Hlavac) Rejda, 88, of Lusk, Wyo., formerly of Bruno, died Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Lusk.

Services were at Pier Funeral Home in Lusk on Saturday, May 23, with burial at Lusk Cemetery.

Mrs. Rejda was born Nov. 29, 1920, at Bruno, to Adolph and Elsie (Fricke) Hlavac. She married Charles Frank Rejda in Lusk on July 15, 1939. He was the son of Charley and Emma Barbara (Bushek) Rejda of Jay Em, Wyo. They raised four children and ranched near Lusk, mostly on their ranch on 28 Road, for the first 35 years of their married life. In 1974, they sold the ranch and moved to Riverton, Wyo., near their daughter Darlene until 1979 when they moved back to Lusk. They operated Lusk Cold Storage with their sons Gene and Danny for seven years and became well known to local ranchers and out of state hunters for high quality meat processing.

She enjoyed cooking and entertaining for family and friends, was well known for her homemade breads and enjoyed doing crafts, crocheting and taking care of and providing a home for her family.

Survivors include children and spouses, Darlene and Jack Dole of Kirbyville, Mo., Steve of Collinsville, Okla., and Danny of Waco, Texas; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; siblings, Tom Hlavac of David City; Orletha (Hlavac) Dvorak of Brainard and Alvern Hlavac of David City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Gene Charles; and six brothers and sisters.

Memorials: Niobrara Health & Life Center or Niobrara County Ambulance Fund.

Arrangements by Pier Funeral Home.

 

Valerian Hlavac

Joseph Zegers

Joseph L. Zegers, 63, of David City died Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at his residence.

Services were Saturday, May 23, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, with Father Kenneth Hoesing and Monsignor Adrian Herbek concelebrating. Burial was at St. Francis Cemetery (Center), rural David City.

Mr. Zegers was born Oct. 12, 1945, in David City to Louis G. and Lillian M. (Novak) Zegers. He graduated from Aquinas High School in David City.

He married Virginia Kozisek June 26, 1965, at St. Francis Catholic Church,
Center. He was a longtime farmer and raised cattle. He also worked as a deputy sheriff for many years.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of St. Francis (Center) Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife; sons and daughter-in-law, Greg and Gae Zegers of New Bern, N.C., and Dan Zegers of David City; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Jim Thege of David City; grandchildren, Cody, Brooke, Kaitlin and Colten Thege and Greg Zegers Jr., Amber Zegers and Jessica Zegers; brothers and wives, Thomas and Judy Zegers of David City and William and Bev Zegers of Schuyler; and sisters and husbands, Margaret and Leroy Topil of Rising City, Alice Policky of Bee, Dolores and Kenneth Cast of Beaver Crossing and Louise and Roger Warnsholz of Seward.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials: American Cancer Society and St. Francis Catholics Church. 
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.

Lambert Nadrchal

SCHUYLER - Lambert C. Nadrchal, 92, of Schuyler died Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at his home.

Services were Friday, May 22, at First Presbyterian Church in Schuyler. Burial was at Schuyler Cemetery.

Mr. Nadrchal was born Dec. 27, 1916, at Clarkson to Charles and Emma (Holoubek) Nadrchal. He attended rural school in Colfax County, but had to stop after the sixth grade to help on the farm.

He married Marcelaine E. Bohac Aug. 27, 1940, at Bethlehem Chapel. They lived in Omaha for a short time and he worked at Wilson Beef Packing Plant and then at the B17 Bomber factory. They then moved to Colfax County and made their home on several farms south of Howells, south of Clarkson and north of Schuyler. He farmed until 1978, when they moved to Schuyler.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served on the Board of Elders and was active in Shipmate Mariners. He had served as president of Colfax County Rural School District 53 and had been a member of Colfax County Feeders Association. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, gardening, traveling on bus tours and doing carpentry work.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, LaVern and Pam Nadrchal of Pilger; grandchildren and spouses, Penny Peters of Humphrey, LaVern Jr. "Butch" and Deb Nadrchal of Bellwood, Karen and Rick Marxsen of Columbus and Michelle and Dan Tordoff of Omaha; stepgrandchildren and spouses, Frank III and Sarah Cummings of Norfolk and Kelli and Kevin Benger of Bruster, Mass.; 11 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Jan. 17, 1996; and brothers, Charles and Elden Nadrchal.

Memorials: Schuyler Senior Center. Condolences: www.svobodafuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Schuyler.

Donald Novotny  with photo

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Donald S. Novotny, Ph.D., 67, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, after battling Multiple Myeloma for the past three years.

Viewing will be at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road, 2:30-5:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29.

Funeral services will be arranged in Nebraska by Miller Funeral Home in Clarkson, with services at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson, on Tuesday, June 2, at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Edholm Cemetery in Butler County. 

Mr. Novotny was born April 11, 1942, in Columbus to Mildred and Steve Novotny. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in rural Nebraska and graduated from Clarkson High School in 1960. He received a BAE in mathematics and chemistry from Wayne State College in 1964 and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1970. 

Following two years of teaching and coaching in Northeast Nebraska, he spent the next 32 years in the engineered rubber products industry. During his career, he was Vice President of Development for General Tire, Wabash, Ind., and Development Manager of the Goodyear Plant in St. Mary's, Ohio. He was recognized with two patent awards. The first was for concluding the microwave of de-vulcanization of rubber while working at Goodyear and the second was for the heat resistant engine mount while at Cooper. He retired in 2004 from Cooper Standard Products in Auburn, Ind., after serving as chief engineer for much of the 18 years working there.

In addition to his dedication to work, he served as a United Way Campaign Coordinator in the St. Mary's, Ohio, Region, Junior Achievement Advisor in Lincoln, member of the Board of School Trustees in N. Manchester, Ind., coached little league baseball for years and most recently served on the board of the Twin Eagles Neighborhood Association in Huntertown, Ind.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Dr. Kay Novotny; daughter, Jill Novotny of Carmel, Ind.; sons and daughter-in-law, Brent Novotny of Huntertown and Curt and Stacy Novotny of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Paige and Lucas Lloyd of Carmel, Nicholas, Brandon and Katelyn Novotny of Huntertown; and Lance, Logan and Landon Novotny of Fort Wayne; his mother of Clarkson; and sister, Darlene Machacek of Wisner.

He was preceded in death by his father.
Memorials: Multiple Myeloma Foundation for Cancer Research. Condolences: www.mccombandsons.com
Arrangements by D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home and Miller Funeral Home.

Bernice Crook

OSCEOLA - Bernice W. Crook, 95, of Osceola died Saturday, May 23, 2009, at Osceola Good Samaritan Society.
Services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Dubas Funeral Home in Osceola. Graveside services are at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Benkelman Cemetery.

Mrs. Crook was born Aug. 28, 1913, at North Bend to Lewis Elmo and Katherine Edna (Boyd) Humphreys.
She married Basil Crook. In 1951, the family moved to McCook, where she worked at Hinky Dinky for 25 years, retiring at the age of 65.
Survivors include sons, Keith Crook of Minneapolis and Larry Crook of West Palm Beach, Fla.; daughters, Janet O'Brien of Shelby and Betty Thomson of Kent, Wash.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Arrangements by Dubas Funeral Home.

Mary Adamy

Mary M. Adamy, 85, of Bellwood died Thursday, May 14, 2009, in David City.

Services were Tuesday, May 19, at Presentation Catholic Church, rural Bellwood. Burial was at Sts. Peter & Mary Cemetery, east of Bellwood.
Mrs. Adamy was born Dec. 8, 1923, at Bruno to Edward and Mary (Coufal) Pelan. She graduated from David City High School in 1942 and later received her teaching degree from Concordia College in Seward. She was a schoolteacher for 43 years beginning in the Bellwood Country School District 7 in the early 1940s.

She married Leo R. Adamy Jan. 28, 1946, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus. They lived in the Bellwood area as a farm family. She taught at Marietta School at Presentation Parish, rural Bellwood, until the school closed. She was transferred to St. Mary School in David City as a third grade teacher.

In 1975, she became the special education teacher at the David City Elementary School, where she retired in 1988.

She served on the board of the Butler County Health Care Center from 1977-2001. She was co-owner of Adamy Chevrolet and Oldsmobile in David City from 1983-96. She worked at David City Manufacturing for 14 years after retiring from teaching.

She enjoyed crocheting during her retirement years and received several first place ribbons at the Butler County Fair. She also enjoyed polka music and preparing big meals for family and friends. She was a member of Presentation Parish and Altar Society. She was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and member of the community.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick Adamy and special friend Debra Berchtold of Columbus, Carroll and Deb Adamy and Gerald Adamy, all of Bellwood, and John and Amy Adamy of Columbus; grandchildren, Dana, Doug, Darrin, Christy, LeAnn, Clayton, Elizabeth and Chase; great-grandchildren, Konner and Delayne; brother-in-law, Robert F. Adamy of David City; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Adamy of David City.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Memorials: Masses. Condolences: chermokfh@yahoo.com.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.

Duayne Muhle Sr.

COLUMBUS -- Duayne K. Muhle Sr., 81, of Columbus died Monday, May 11, 2009, at Columbus Community Hospital.

Services were Saturday, May 16, at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Columbus, with the Rev. John E. Nelson Jr. officiating. Burial was at the parish cemetery, with military honors by American Legion, Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard.

Mr. Muhle was born Feb. 6, 1928, in rural Leigh to Edward and Magdalena (Heibel) Muhle. He attended District 46 Grade School in Colfax County and Christ Lutheran Grade School. He attended Wilson High School (Colfax County) and Kramer High School in Columbus.

He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 30, 1946, and was stationed in Germany for six months during the Berlin Airlift. He was honorably discharged on March 11, 1949, with the rank of corporal.

He married Alice Briza Sept. 22, 1949, at United Methodist Church in Schuyler. They lived in the Columbus area. He was employed at Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus for 42 years as a diesel mechanic and he also farmed.

He was an avid airplane enthusiast and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. At the age of 16, he received his first pilot's license and later bought and flew his own planes. In his 60s, he built his own aircraft and flew it. He enjoyed taking his dog for walks and rides in his pick-up. He also enjoyed farming and watching things grow, driving in the country with his wife and viewing the countryside.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he served on the finance committee and was a greeter and usher. He enjoyed polka music and was a member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife; sons and daughters-in-law, Duayne and Carol Muhle Jr., B. Kurt and Sandy Muhle and Paul and Sandy Muhle, all of Columbus; grandchildren and spouses, Lori and Jason Daro of David City, Lindy and Brian Baldwin of Duncan, Chad and Karleen Muhle and Heather and Cade Kudron, all of Omaha, and Jessica Muhle and Angela Muhle of Columbus; great-grandchildren, Gage and Trenton Daro, Zachary, Thad and Allison Baldwin and Braylen and Kyla Muhle; brothers and wife, Robert Muhle of Lincoln and Charles and Mary Ann Muhle of Schuyler; sisters and husbands, Virginia and Eugene Nickolite of Bellwood, Barbara Hajek of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Marilyn and Theilen Stevenson of Columbus; and brother-in-law, Donald Briza of Schuyler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephews, James Weaver, Tony Nickolite and Lyle Weaver Jr.; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Muhle and Lydia Weaver; and brothers-in-law, Lyle Weaver Sr., Edward Briza and Milo Hajek.
Condolences: www.gasshaney.com

Arrangements by Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus.

James Lawson

LINCOLN - James Edward Lawson, 91, of Omaha, formerly of David City and Lincoln, died Sunday, May 17, 2009, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. 

Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at First United Methodist Church, 2723 N. 50th Street, Lincoln. (Cremation, no viewing/visitation.) A committal service is at 9 a.m. that day at Lincoln Memorial Park, 6700 S. 14th Street. Meet at Gate 2.

Mr. Lawson was born July 8, 1917, in David City, to Robert James and Charlotte "Lottie" (Stephens) Lawson. He graduated from David City High School and attended one year at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, as a music student.

He served in the U.S. Army branch of the military during World War II as a percussionist in a military band.

He married Floy Ferne From in David City March 16, 1941. They resided in Lincoln. He was employed at Roberts Dairy and at Speedway Motors in Lincoln. During his retirement he spent several winters in Venice, Fla. In October 2008, he moved to Brookstone Village in Omaha.    

He was a professional musician throughout his life, playing the drums and also a vocalist in his earlier years. He traveled with a band prior to his marriage and in later years performed in the Lincoln and Venice, Fla. areas. He was a former director of the choir at Warren United Methodist Church in Lincoln and sang in the choir at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln and at Christ United Methodist Church in Venice.

James was a 50-year member of First United Methodist Church in Lincoln and also a member of the American Legion. He loved spending time with family and friends and was known for his kindness and generosity. 

Survivors include a son, Ronald Stephen "Steve" Lawson and daughter-in-law
Dianne Lawson of Harlan, Iowa; former son-in-law, Alison Van Keuren of Slingerlands, N.Y., grandchildren and spouse, Sara Van Keuren of Springfield, Mass., Rachel Van Keuren of Winslow, Maine, Ronda and Dan Evans of Cockeysville, Md., and Ryan Lawson of Omaha; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Robert Lawson Jr.; his parents; daughter, Carol "Bobbie" Van Keuren; and his wife. 
Memorials: Faith Sound Music Ministry of Harlan, Iowa, 1210 Durant, Harlan, IA 51537. Condolences: www.faithsound.com

LeRoy Wirka

FREMONT - LeRoy D. Wirka, 61, of Fremont, formerly of Prague, died Monday, May 11, 2009, at his home.

Services were Friday, May 15, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont. Burial was at St. Leo Catholic Cemetery at Snyder, with military honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854 and American Legion Post 20.

Mr. Wirka was born April 14, 1948, at Prague to Anton and Gladys (Satorie) Wirka. He grew up at Prague and Rescue and graduated from Schuyler High School.

He served in the U.S. Navy.
He was a partner in the Wahoo Locker and started working for Hormel Foods Corp. in the mid 1980s.

He married Elaine Brazda May 29, 1992, in Missouri.

Survivors include his wife; stepson, Shad Hejhal and special friend, Regina Welton of Colon; stepdaughters and husband, Rachelle and Robert Hall of Wahoo and Shannan Hejhal of Elkhorn; three grandchildren; brother; Anton Wirka Jr. of Prague; sisters and husband, Betty Prochaska of Prague and Donna and Gawaine Dvorak of Wahoo; and sister-in-law, Susie Wirka of Lincoln.

He was preceded in death by a brother and brother-in-law.
Condolences: www.mosermemorialchapels.com

Arrangements by Moser Memorial Chapel, Fremont.

Mildred Mastera

Mildred A. Mastera, 88, of David City, died Saturday, May 9, 2009, at David Place in David City.

Services were Tuesday, May 12, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, with Father Paul Frank officiating.

Mrs. Mastera was born Jan. 17, 1921, to Anton and Helen (Pokorny) Sabata. She grew up and lived in the Butler County area all of her life.
She married Frank J. Mastera on Sept. 7, 1954, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City.

She was a member of the Appleton PCCW and Assumption Catholic Church at Appleton. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, baking and playing cards. She loved her family and grandchildren dearly.

Survivors include her husband; daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Tom Samek of David City; grandchildren and spouse, Michelle and Nate Spath, Scott Samek and Rebecca Samek; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Spath and Kendall Samek; brother and wife, John B. and Marce Sabata of David City; and sisters and husbands, Bernie and Gerald Tuma of Schuyler, Jarmilla and Joe Hanis of Bruno and Beatrice Sabata of David City.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Sylvester Sabata; and sisters, Tillie Coufal and Rose Jisa. Memorials: Masses or in care of family.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home, David City.

William Fencl Sr.

William "Bill" Fencl Sr., 91, of David City died Monday, May 11, 2009, at david place in David City where he had lived the last 14 years.

Services are at 10 a.m. Friday, May 15, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Bruno, with Father Ron Homes officiating. Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Thursday, with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Kracl Funeral Chapel in David City and one hour prior to Mass Friday at the church. A rosary service is at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial is at Prague National Cemetery, with military graveside honors. Lunch will be at the parish hall.

Mr. Fencl was born Aug. 2, 1917, on the family farm in Saunders County to Joseph and Therize (Rerucha) Fencl. He attended school through the eighth grade.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked on the Burma Road and received the Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European Campaign Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon. He was a Life Member of the Brainard American Legion.

On Jan. 22, 1945, he married Margaret Lee in Omaha. He farmed in Saunders County and ran Marge's Bar in Bruno with his wife for 25 years.

Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Juanita Fuller of David City and Theresa and Kent Kavan of Dunbar; sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald and Donna Fencl of Lufkin, Texas, A. Keith and Charlene Fencl of San Antonio, William Jr. and Edna Fencl of Bruno and Beverly Fencl of San Diego; 19 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on Feb. 27, 1994; son, Hammett Fencl; granddaughter, Denise Fencl; brothers, Adolph, John, Ed, Joe and Anton Fencl; and sisters, Gustie Svoboda, Tillie Simanek and Josephine Coufal.

Memorials: Brainard American Legion. Condolences: www.revbluejeans.com
Arrangements by Kracl Funeral Chapel.

Carol Streeter

COLUMBUS -- Carol Streeter, 84, of Columbus died Monday, May 4, 2009, at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha.

Services were Thursday, May 7, at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus, with Wayne Jacobsen and the Rev. Dr. Jim Wooten officiating. Burial was at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus.

Mrs. Streeter was born Sept. 1, 1924, in Gregory, S.D., to Harry and Florence (Chapman) Sheldon. She moved to Nebraska at a young age with her family and attended District 3 School in Platte County and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus in 1942. During World War II, she worked in defense plants in Minnesota and Florida. After returning to Nebraska, she operated Carol's Cafe in Loretto.

On June 30, 1949, she married John Streeter in St. Edward. They lived in Columbus where she worked at Dales in the Quality Control Department.

While her children were growing up, she was involved in many activities. She served as Sunday school teacher and on the Governing Council of the Federated Church. She was a Brownie Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Girl Scout Day Camp Director, Cub Scout Den Mother, president of Lincoln School PTA, State Life Member of the PTA, a 64-year member and Past Matron of Harmony Chapter, OES and was Grand Representative of West Virginia and District Supervisor for the Grand Chapter of Nebraska and past president of the Red Cross Hospital Volunteers. She was also a member of Daughters of the Nile, Pawnee Club, Columbus Chapter of Soroptimist International, DAV Auxiliary, Sugar and Spice Club and NRA and served on the board of the Columbus Housing Authority for 10 years.
She enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, David and Shelly Streeter of David City; daughter and son-in-law, Debra and John Stotts of Cave Creek, Ariz.; grandchildren, Alex and Eric Streeter of David City and Katie and Carol-Marie Stotts of Cave Creek; sister, Katherine Leggat of Columbus; and brother and wife, Harry H. and Eltha Sheldon of Omaha.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and sisters and husbands, Helen and Nelson Jordon, Mariann and Lester Collons, Elizabeth and Philip Whitney and Lucy Koch.

Memorials: Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont. Condolences: www.gasshaney.com
Arrangements by Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus.

Geraldine Jisa

COLUMBUS -- Geraldine Dorothy Jisa, 83, of Columbus, formerly of Dwight and Shelby, died Monday, May 4, 2009, at the home of her daughter in Columbus.

Services were Thursday, May 7, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus. Burial was at Assumption Cemetery at Dwight.
Mrs. Jisa was born Jan. 24, 1926, at Dwight to Carl and Mary (Foral) Crha. She graduated from high school in 1944.

She married Albert Jisa in Sidney, Iowa, Oct. 25, 1944. They farmed in the Shelby area. Along with raising her family, she also worked on the family farm with her husband.

She was a previous member of St. Mary's Catholic Church-Pilsno and currently a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. She did volunteer work for the American Red Cross and ARC and enjoyed polka music, dancing, playing cards, gardening and working at Bay Meadows Trailer Court.

Survivors include a daughter, Janet Bolton of Columbus; son, Jim Jisa of David City; stepson-in-law, John Kobza of Columbus; grandchildren and spouses, Richard III and Paula Bolton of Columbus and Kate and Ben Zygmunt of Kansas City, Mo.; stepgrandchildren and spouses, Diane and Todd Schwank and Dean and Mary Kobza of Columbus and Dwayne Kobza of Grand Island; four stepgreat-grandchildren; eight stepgreat-great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Backens of Tomah, Wis.; and brother, Stanley Crha of Bellflower, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; stepdaughter, Delores Kobza; infant brother, Charlie Crha; brothers, Frank, Joe and John Crha; and sisters, Mary Jindra, Rose Kahlandt, Emma Louis, Tillie Hayek and Toni Semann.
Condolences: www.mckownfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by McKown Funeral Home, Columbus.

Ellen Engel

COLUMBUS -- Ellen C. Engel, 76, of Columbus, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Morys Haven Nursing Home in Columbus.

Services were Wednesday, May 6, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, rural Columbus, with the Rev. Peter Jark-Swain officiating. Burial was at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus.
Mrs. Engel was born May 20, 1932, in Columbus to Walter and Clara (Wurdeman) Marty. She attended Christ Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus. She worked for one year at the Platte County Treasurers Office.  

On Aug. 12, 1951, she married Robert Engel at Christ Lutheran Church. She was a dedicated farmwife, who enjoyed gardening, cooking and sewing.  

She was a member of Nite Owls Extension Club, St. John's Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.

Survivors include her husband; daughter and son-in-law, Bev and Bill Brigham of Shelby; son, Mike Engel, and special friend, Bev Neemeyer, of Columbus; grandchildren and spouse, Brent and Nicki Brigham of Shelby and Brook Brigham of Lincoln; and great-grandchildren, Grant and Halle Brigham of Shelby.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Evelyn Muth; and brothers, Edgar, Kenneth and Roland Marty.
Memorials: Alzheimer's Association or Family Choice.
Arrangements by Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus.

John Brtek

PRAGUE - John J. Brtek, 63, of Prague died.
Services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prague, with Father Jamie Hottovy officiating. Burial was at the parish cemetery, with military rites.

Mr. Brtek was born Oct. 27, 1945, at Prague to John and Wilma (Svoboda) Brtek. He graduated from Prague High School.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corp.
He was a self-employed salesman.

Survivors include a daughter, Jamie of Lincoln; three grandchildren; sisters and husbands, Diane and Bob Chmelka of Fremont and Betty and Pete Hamata of North Bend; and brother, Roger Brtek of Omaha.
Memorials: Family choice.

Arrangements by Kucera-Kracl Funeral Home, Prague.

Ray Divis

SEWARD - Raymond "Ray" Ludvik Divis, 86, of Beaver Crossing died Friday, May 8, 2009, in Seward.

Services were Tuesday, May 12, at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church at Seward, with the Rev. Lowell Myers officiating. Burial was at Seward Cemetery.

Mr. Divis was born Aug. 30, 1922, near Loma to Ludvik James and Vlasta Marie (Kudlacek) Divis. He was a 1941 graduate of Brainard High School.

He married Nora Stava Sept. 4, 1945, in Lincoln. To this union three children were born, Jeryl "Jeri", Janel and JoEllen. After her death, he married Vera Ann (Pokorny) Baker Dec. 9, 1964, in Lincoln. A son, Tracy, was born to this marriage. He was a farmer and painter, belonging to the Painters Union in Lincoln. In the early 1960s, he owned Dwight Shady Lakes and from 1970-72 was the owner of VeRay's Cafe at Rogers.

He was a charter member of Dwight Rural Fire Protection District, a 12-year member of Richardson Township Board of Butler County and received the Butler County Soil Conservation Award in 1952. He was a member of Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church in Seward, a certified storm watcher for Channel 8 television and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife; daughters and sons-in-law, Jeri and Lynn Naber of Beaver Crossing and Janel and Marshall Menz of Perry, Iowa; son and daughter-in-law, Tracy and Beth Divis of Kansas City, Mo.; stepchildren and spouses, Les and Kelly Baker of Dewey, Ariz., Roma and Terry Jordan of Brainard, Craig and Donna Baker of Cortez, Colo., and Kim and Bill Oldenhuis of Omaha; grandchildren, Lynnelle Nissen, Laura Richardson, Chad Menz and Madison Divis; numerous stepgrandchildren; great-grandchildren, Donovan, Danielle, Dylan and Dalaina Nissen, Ryon Richardson and Alannah Menz; numerous stepgreat-grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Art and Leona Divis of Brainard, Alfred Divis of Hempill, Texas, and Arnold and Ilene Divis of Prague; and sisters and brother-in-law, Florence Parnham of Lincoln and Laurine and John Novacek of Dwight.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife on June 24, 1963; daughter, JoEllen Divis; sister, Eleanor Divis; and brother, Theodore Divis.
Memorials: Donor's choice in care of family.
Arrangements by Zabka Funeral Home, Seward.      

Hon. Albert Walsh

The Honorable Albert Charles Walsh, 82, passed prayerfully into death at his home in David City on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City. Visitation is 3-5 p.m. Wednesday at Chermok Funeral Home in David City, followed by visitation at the church at 6:30 p.m., with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in David City.
Mr. Walsh was born May 15, 1926, in Beloit, Kan., the eldest of five children of Charles Albert and Nora (Pierce) Walsh.

Inducted into the U.S. Army on Sept. 6, 1944, he saw combat as a rifleman in the infantry in Europe during 1945. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and enrolled in Creighton University where he studied undergraduate literature and philosophy and graduated from the Creighton School of Law in 1952.

Following graduation, he served in the law firm of Fraser, Connolly, Crofoot and Wenstrand until 1959, when he went into the private practice of law in Omaha and Gretna. In 1976, Gov. James J. Exon appointed him a County Judge for District 2: Cass, Otoe and Sarpy counties, where he served until his retirement in January 1993.

He and Eleanor Shea were married in 1949 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Omaha and are the parents of 12 children.

He wrote, spoke and worked to further the Christian vision of political and social life in the United States. In 1969, he ran for Governor of the State of Nebraska as the candidate of the Christian Political Party. He founded the Christian Law Institute and Help of Christians Publications Inc., authored seven books on the subject of the Christian social order, founded and edited the Christian Political Action Newsletter, was a columnist for his hometown paper, and was published in several catholic journals, including Pro Ecclesia, Social Justice Review, and Christian Order. He was a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, American Legion and Third Order Carmelites and served in various apostolates of his catholic parishes.

Survivors include his wife; daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Lee Miner of Wakefield, Anne Nielsen of Baltimore, Patricia and John Rajewski of Lincoln, Elizabeth of Lombard, Ill., Dorothy and John Agnew of New Market, Ala., Mary and Scott Buresh of David City and Virginia and Mark Lundahl of Wakefield; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Donna of Creston, Iowa, the Rev. Joseph of Hastings and Christopher and Barbara of Murdock; 40 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters and husband, Elizabeth and Luke Hecker of Denver and Mary Margaret Walsh and Catherine Piotrowski, both of Omaha; and brother and wife, William and Colleen of Sapulpa, Okla.
He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Marion Michael; daughter, Frances Marian; and granddaughter, Regina Anne Lundahl.

Instead of flowers, he had asked that friends arrange Masses to be said for him and other Poor Souls in Purgatory.
Arrangements by Chermok Funeral Home. 

Mary Kula

COLUMBUS -- Mary L. Kula, 85, of Columbus, formerly of Polk County, died Friday, May 1, 2009, at Columbus Community Hospital. Services were Tuesday, May 5, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Burial was at St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Columbus.

Mrs. Kula was born Oct. 18, 1923, in Polk County to Erasmus and Louise (Gondringer) Krumbach. She grew up on the family farm in Polk County and graduated from Shelby High School. She went into teaching and taught at a country school.

On June 3, 1946, she married Henry Kula in Shelby. They farmed southwest of Duncan.

She was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and Christian Mothers. She was in the Island Community Club and volunteered at the American Red Cross, Simon House and at the hospital. She enjoyed playing cards, painting crafts, Husker football, St. Louis Cardinals and her "grandpets."
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Dick Potter of Battle Ground, Wash., and LouAnn and Curt Tenopir of Columbus; grandchildren and spouse, Nichole Potter, Chris and Heather Potter and Nathan Tenopir; and sister and husband, Margaret and Don Zima of David City.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Irene Pandorf; and brothers, Albert, Francis, Victor and John Krumbach.

Memorials: Family wishes.
Arrangements by McKown Funeral Home, Columbus.




 

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