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Brandenn Bremmer
Brandenn Everett Bremmer, known as the child prodigy and pianist/composer from Western Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the age of 14.
He was born Dec. 8, 1990 to Martin and Patti Bremmer at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb.
This curly haired, blue-eyed boy touched the lives of thousands of people around the world and awed them with his gifts.
Brandenn was no ordinary boy. He began reading at 18 months. He whizzed through elementary school and began high school course work at age six. Brandenn had an intense thirst for knowledge, making it difficult for his parents to keep up at his pace. Brandenn graduated high school and attended Colorado State University at age 10. He studied music and took private improvisational lessons from Professor David Wohl. He planned to transfer to UNL in the fall of 2006 for pre-med studies and hoped to become an anesthesiologist.
Brandenn had a passion for music and began playing the piano at age three. He composed music and released his first CD at 13. He composed music for weddings and played concerts across Nebraska and Colorado.
His music is being used as healing therapy for cancer patients, meditation for nuns in New York, and is being enjoyed worldwide in countries such as Japan, Australia and Italy.
In May of 2004, Brandenn donated his CD sales to a children's charity. Brandenn completed his second CD the day he died. His music can be found on his website at www.windcallenterprises.com
Even following his death Brandenn touched the lives of many. An 11-year-old boy received his heart, a 22-month-old baby received his liver, two others received his kidneys, while as many as 50 people can be helped with his tissue.
Brandenn, a deeply spiritual person, lived on a level incomprehensible by most, with a mind too powerful for the limitations of the physical world.
Brandenn felt he could do his best work from the other side. In death, as in life, he will be a powerful force for the betterment of mankind.
A natural way of the world is to release a child to his own path. However, because of the unique nature of the work Brandenn has to do, most of it invisible to the eye. But it will be real, true and profound.
If you can believe in angels you will understand his work. His contributions are already being felt around the world. He will move on to experience relaxation, play and peace beyond our imagining.
His family will miss him, but will forever feel Brandenn's presence and connect with him on a spiritual level knowing loss in the physical world is only an illusion.
He will forever touch people and change lives. His heart will beat on and so will his legacy through his music. We love you Brandenn!!
Brandenn lived with his parents in Venango, Neb. His parents, Martin and Patti Bremmer, sisters Jennifer Pelletier and Dawn Rivas, grandparents Mark and Peggy Bremmer, and Rose Grace as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins survive him.
There will be services in Denver Saturday, April 2, 2005 and in Omaha (the date is undetermined.) Memorial donations may be sent to two gifted children's organizations:
Gifted Development Center, 1452 Marion St., Denver, CO 80218
Or: www.hoagiesgifted.org
Michael Raffaeli
Michael Paul Raffaeli was born June 15, 1936 to Mike Raffaeli Sr. and Mary (Zier) Raffaeli in Padroni, Colo. He was raised in the Padroni/Iliff area where he completed his schooling while helping his father farm. He also attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo.
He served his country with the Army Paratroopers from 1958-60, with time also served in Panama.
He then farmed in Logan County, Colo., moving to Chase County early in 1968.
He married
Bobbie Fielder on May 11, 1968 in the Baptist Church at Hayes Center, Neb.
He continued to farm northwest of Imperial until his failing health necessitated two major surgeries in 2003. He was overtaken with cancer in 2004 and passed away at his home on March 18, 2005.
Mike had a great love and knowledge of all sports, and in his younger years he was an avid boxer.
He was one of the top sugar beet producers in southwestern Nebraska, winning many awards from Great Western Sugar Company.
He had countless trophies from winning tractor pulls in Nebraska and Colorado and was very proud of his John Deere tractors.
He loved to play cards and enjoyed his morning coffee "klatch" as well as his fellowship with the men at Champion Men's Club.
He was well-liked by all who knew him, and will be sadly missed by family and friends, including his card-playing buddies.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Eleanor and step-son John.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; brothers, Lawrence, Edward, Richard, Frank, Romeo, Pete and Tom; sisters, Mary Battachio, Virginia Mattaroci, Paula Marostica and Patricia Rosas; step-children Doug, Bill, Patti, Dick and Ray Fielder and Becky Evans; and numerous nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren/great grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, March 22, 2005, 2 p.m. at Chaney-Reager Mortuary in Sterling, Colo. Military graveside services were held immediately afterwards at Riverside cemetery in Sterling.
Gary G. Stamm
Gary G. Stamm, 60, of Benkelman, Neb., died Monday, March 7, 2005, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. after a short, difficult bout with cancer.
He was born March 4, 1945 to Harry W. and June A. (Little) Stamm in Benkelman, Neb.
Gary began his education at Hoover Country grade school near his home, continuing at Benkelman High School where he was a member of the graduating class of 1963. He went on to attend Chadron State College and graduated in 1968. On May 9, 1970, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Roundtree and to this union, four children were born.
Gary spent his life farming and ranching and serving the public in many ways. He was entering his second term as a County Commissioner in Dundy County, and served many years on the Dundy County Fair Board. He was also a member of the RC&D; Board, Southwest Public Power Board, the Benkelman cemetery Board, and an interim on the Dundy County Hospital Board.
He touched the lives of many area youth through his many years as a 4-H leader and volunteer. When free time arose from his busy schedule, Gary enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and visiting with friends and family.
Those preceding him in death include his father, Harry W. Stamm; an infant daughter; one infant brother; father-in-law, Rex Roundtree; and grandparents, William and Della Stamm and Art and Lela Little.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 34 years, Evelyn Stamm; sons, Shad Stamm and wife, JoLen, Jed Stamm and wife, Diane, Jared Stamm and fiance, Lindsay, all of Benkelman, Neb.; two grandchildren, R.J. and Garrett Stamm; mother, June Stamm of Benkelman, Neb.; brothers, Russell Stamm and wife, Angie, of Benkelman, Neb. and Marlin Stamm of Longmont, Colo.; mother-in-law, Edith Roundtree of Benkelman, Neb.; brother-in-law, Tom Roundtree and wife, Julie of Parks, Neb.; sister-in-law, Sherlyn Liess and husband, Dick of Goodland, Kan.; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 11, 2005, at 2 p.m. (MST) at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.
Interment followed at the Benkelman cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it suggested that memorials be given in Gary's name to establish a scholarship fund for the youth of Dundy County.
Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.
David Wood
David Allan Wood was born on Aug. 1, 1963, at Sacramento, Calif.
He was the only child of Allan Robert Wood and the eldest son of Patricia (Ceraini) Wood. David, his mother and David's brother, Daniel, lived in and around California for most of his young life.
In 1981, David married
his first wife Trina. During this time David served in the U.S. Army. To this union two children were born: David A. Wood II and Crystal Wood.
The couple was later divorced and in January of 1987, David met and fell in love with Cynthia English. They were joined in marriage on June 26, 1988. To this union Cindi brought Pamela Covey and James (Jay) Covey, who later took David's name.
On March 18, 1992, the family was blessed with the birth of Anthony D.P. Wood.
David worked in various occupations last of which was being service manager for a company in Sacramento, Calif.
David's hobbies consisted of computers, cars, camping and being with his children. David loved riding his motorcycle and was a member of A.B.A.T.E. District #12, of Nebraska. David's greatest joy was his children. He was proud of all their accomplishments and success.
David was killed on March 5, 2005, in Sacramento, Calif. when a SUV pulled out in front of him while riding his motorcycle. He was 41 years of age.
Survivors include wife, Cindi Wood, Imperial, Neb.; daughter, Pamela Hust and husband Casey, Valdosta, Ga.; son, David A. Wood II, Rhode Island; daughter, Crystal Wood, Germany; son, Jay Wood, Omaha, Neb.; son, Anthony Wood, Imperial, Neb.; one grandson, Sebastian Wood; mother, Patricia Runyan, Artcata, Calif.; brother, Daniel Runyan, California; grandmother, Millicent Wood, Clear Lake, Calif.; grandfather, Howard (Bud) Wood, Fla.; uncles, Joseph Ceraini Jr., Nate Wood, Jason Wood; many cousins and friends.
David was preceded in death by his father, Allan Robert Wood; grandfather, Joseph Ceraini Sr.; grandmother, Delores Ceraini and uncle, Donald Wood.
David will be greatly missed by his wife, Cindi; his children, family and friends.
Memorial services for David Wood will be today (Thursday afternoon, March 17, 2005), 2 p.m. at the Imperial Bible Church, Imperial, Neb., with John Engbrecht officiating.
A reception will follow at the VFW Hall in Imperial.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in David's memory.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Violet Beard
Violet May (Corey) Beard was born on Aug. 4, 1921 to Roy and Sylvia Corey at the family home north of Wauneta.
She departed this life on March 12, 2005, at the age of 83 years, 7 months, 8 days, when she was called home to be with her heavenly father and the love of her life Clifford.
She went to country school and attended high school in Casper, Wyo. where she was a classmate of Charlton Heston.
Violet married
Clifford Oath Beard on Sept. 14, 1941. They were blessed with four children: Virginia, Ronald, Kaye and John.
They lived in Venango and south of Champion before settling in Hayes Center where she worked at Nelms Grocery Store for a time and drove school bus for over 30 years. In 1980 they retired and moved to Enders where she continued to drive school bus.
She loved gardening, both her flowers and their vegetables. She loved crocheting, doing needle point and sewing clothes for her grandchildren. Cooking and baking were another passion along with spending time with her grandchildren. Having her whole family with her was one thing she always looked forward to.
She was president of the Hayes County Historical Society for many years. She was also an active member of the Enders Church of the Brethren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clifford in 2000, brothers Frank, Lester (Bus), and Don and sister Mary.
She is survived by children, Virginia Wilson and husband Ken of Omaha, Ron Beard and wife Shelley of Omaha, Kaye Jahn and Sandy Rufenacht of Littleton, Colo., John Beard and wife Sandi of Mitchell; brothers, Walt Corey and wife Gayle, Nick Corey and wife Coleta; sister, Alice Corey; grandchildren, Charyl Linderman and husband Ed, Tom Wilson and wife Denise, Kevin Beard, Matthew Beard, Traci Villines and husband Jack, Kris Jarosz and husband Todd, Sunni Nordhausen and husband Chad, Tina Jahn-Neidecker and husband Ron, Michael Jahn and wife Wendy, Sarah Beard; great grandchildren, Michelle Brandenburg and husband Chad, Jennifer Murphy, Krystal Wilson, Satin Oxley and husband Nick, Shelby, Aspen, Cinnamon and Lily Villines, Jacob, Amber and Lloyd Dalton Jarosz, Tayler, Lanee and Evan Nordhausen, Meagan Lauren and Katie Dreeszen, Jesse Neidecker, Kimberly, Michael Ray, Raven, Ceanna and Harlee Jahn; great, great grandchildren, Katelynn and Chloe Brandenburg, Tristan Oxley and Moriah Dreeszen; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Brethren, Enders, Neb. with Pastor Francis Baker officiating.
Organist was Mrs. Tina Grosbach and pianist was Mrs. Lois Wine.
Vocals were by the Church of the Brethren Women's Choir.
Casketbearers were Todd Jarosz, Chad Nordhausen, John Miller, Tom Wilson, Ron Neidecker and Michael Jahn.
Interment was in the Green Lawn cemetery, Lamar, Neb.
Memorials may be given to the Nebraska Historical Society.
Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Irving Wize
Irving E. Wize, 74, of Chapman died Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
He was born Feb. 8, 1931 at Sedgwick County, Colo., the son of George and Ida (Mummey) Wize.
Irving was raised and received his education near Holyoke, Colo.
He was united in marriage to Darlene Yonker in 1950. They lived in Wauneta, Neb. where he was employed for the power company.
They farmed near Maywood, Neb. and later they moved to Seward, Neb. where he became a welder and blacksmith for the Ruan Corporation.
They moved to York where he worked for Teidmier Welding and when they moved to Polk, Neb. he served as City Marshall for 15 years and he owned Polk Welding.
Irving ministered at the Central City Church of Christ.
He was one of the first in the nation to run a hydro phonic tomato farm at Polk.
They moved to Grand Island in 1973 where he owned Grand Island Welding and then moved to a dairy farm at Elba.
Following his wife's death in 1983 he returned to Grand Island where he owned Wize Enterprize.
He married
Ramona Haumont on Dec. 24, 1985, and they moved to Chapman in 1989.
He enjoyed fishing, ornamental horses, building yard ornaments and was known for his Christmas light display. He is a member of Stolley Park Church of Christ and the Golden Trailblazers Camping Club.
Those preceding him in death were his wife, Darlene; son, Randy; daughter-in-law, Claudine; son-in-law, Mark Goertzen; granddaughter Lauri Ann Wize; great grandson, Cody Wetzel; and eight brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Ramona; sons and daughters-in-law, Gayle and Carolyn Wize of Willow Island, Neb., Jerry and Lori Wize of York, Neb., Craig and Kim Wize of York, Neb.; daughters and sons-in-law, Jonie and Eugene Wetzel of Ravenna, Neb., Jeanie and Scott Whitt of Marquette, Neb., Beckie and David Radke of St. Libory, Neb., Polly and Ken Eggli of Polk, Neb.; daughter-in-law, Barbara Wize of Polk, Neb.; sister, Dolly Graham of Hillsboro, Ore.; brother, Edgar Wize of Eugene, Ore. and sister-in-law Margie Wize of Loveland, Colo.; 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2005, at the Stolley Park Church of Christ in Grand Island with the Rev. Gary Bennett officiating.
Cremation was held following the service with inurnment in the Chapman cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice.
