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Evelyn G. Miller
Evelyn G. Miller, 89, of Clarks, died at St. Elizabeth Community Health Center in Lincoln on Sunday, March 14, 2004. Services will be Thursday, March 18th at 11: 00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Clarks with Rev. Richard Dimond officiating. Burial will be in the Osceola cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday, March 17, 2004 from 5: 00 to 8: 00 P.M. at Solt Funeral Home in Central City.
Evelyn was born on February 3, 1915 in Polk County to Albert and Hildur (Samuelson) Stromberg. She grew up in Polk County where she attended Blue School and then graduated from High Prairie High School in 1932. On March 28, 1932, Evelyn G. Stromberg and Arthur L. Miller were united in marriage in Wahoo. After their marriage, they farmed in Oto, Iowa and then returned to Nebraska in 1937. They farmed in the Clarks area and then in 1948, they purchased their farm northeast of Clarks. Arthur died on March 10, 1979 and Evelyn continued to live on the farm. She moved into Clarks in 2001 and moved to Merrick Manor in Central City in 2003.
Evelyn was baptized and confirmed in the Swede Home Lutheran Church near Stromsburg. They joined the Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church and then transferred their membership to the United Methodist Church in Clarks in 1946.
Evelyn was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service, the Sunny Side Neighborhood Club, and the Clarks Research Club. She enjoyed quilting, making lap robes, and playing the piano.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter - Bonnie Garretson of Central City; her son - Ronald and Peggy Miller of Clarks; two sisters-in-law - Lorena Miller of Osceola and Emma Stromberg of Polk; ten grandchildren - Kim Garretson, Ken Garretson, Chris Garretson, David Miller, Lynne Garretson, Sue Cordsen, Lori Fousek, Lou Anne Miller, Gloria Gress, and Deborah Miller-Zepeda; 25 great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son-in-law Morris Garretson; one grandson - Brian Garretson; two great grandsons - Wade Cordsen and Martin Miller; three brothers - Richard, Claude, and Clyde Stromberg; and one sister - Violet Anderson.
Helen Edith Samuels
Helen Edith Samuels, 92, of Polk, died at York General Hospital on Tuesday, April 27, 2004. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 1st at 2: 00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Polk with Revs. Richard Melano and John Dale officiating. Visitation will be Friday, April 30th from 5: 00 to 8: 00 p.m. at Solt Funeral Home in Polk. Burial is in the Arborville cemetery near Polk. Memorials are suggested to the Polk United Methodist Church or the Polk Public Library.
Helen was born on November 27, 1911 at Wymore to Carl J. and Loyette L. (Kinney) McCoy. Her family lived in Wymore until she was six, they moved to south of York and then to Benedict before moving to Polk in 1926. Helen graduated from Polk High School in 1929 and then attended York College for two years. She taught in York County rural schools for three years. On September 3, 1934, Helen E. McCoy and Mervin Samuels were united in marriage in Polk. They farmed and fed cattle on their farm five miles north of Polk. In 1961, they moved to Polk. Mervin died on November 27, 1981. Helen continued to live in Polk until moving to the Midwest Covenant Home in 1998.
As a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, Helen was also a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years and an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Willanna Chapter 321 for over 50 years and had held many offices, the Polk Women’s Club, and the Polk Country Women. Her many special interests included reading, sewing, growing flowers, genealogy, and spending time with her family and friends.
Those left to cherish her memory are one son-Vern and Mary Jane Samuels of Polk; one daughter-Anita and Mike Norquest of Polk; six grandchildren-Doug Norquest, Brian and Luann Norquest, Steve and Tami Norquest, Jason and Lora Norquest, Shane and Nicolle Samuels, and Lisa Bedient; seven great grandchildren-Brandon Norquest, Trent Norquest, Chelsea McIlravy, Jackie McIlravy, Charla Norquest, Jacob Norquest, and Audrey Norquest; and two sisters-Gladys Andrews of Polk and Bula and Don Springer of Belleville, Illinois; brother-in-law Cliff Penrose of Godfrey, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her husband and three sisters-Thelma McCoy, Doris Baker, and Cenith Penrose.
Birdie B. Tucker
Birdie B. Tucker, 91, of Central City formerly of Clarks, died at Central City Care Center on Wednesday, July 28, 2004. Funeral services will be Friday, July 30th, at 2: 00 P.M. at the chapel of Solt Funeral Home in Central City with Sister Mary Arie officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, from 9: 00 A.M. to service. Burial is in the Bureau cemetery at Pierce Chapel near Clarks.
Birdie was born on June 30, 1913, in Clarks to Herman and Bertha (Haase) Holm. She grew up in Clarks, attended District 7 Rural School, and graduated from Clarks High School. After completing Normal Training and getting her teaching certificate, Birdie taught rural school for one year. She moved in to Central City and worked at the Lincoln Manor Restaurant and also cooked at the Flat Iron Café. On April 1st, 1939, Birdie B. Holm and Warren H. Tucker were united in marriage. They made their home in Central City. Mr. Tucker died in 1980. Birdie continued living in her home until moving to Central City Care Center on July 10, 1998.
Among her interests were geneology, cooking, writing poetry, short stories, and stories about her family. Birdie was an avid reader and was interested in reading about anything and everything. She got special joy from spending time with her family and friends
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter-Lorraine and Lowell Harris of Central City; two grandsons-Matt and Stacy Harris of Grand Island; Justin Harris of Central City; and two great grandchildren-Ashley and Dylan Harris.
She was preceded in death by her husband; four brothers-infant brother, Billy; Herman, Carl, and Hugh Holm; and one sister-Margaret Anderson..
Esther I. Brondel
Esther Irene Brondel, 90, of Central City, died on Tuesday, June 08, 2004, at the Central City Care Center. Funeral services will be Friday, June 11, 2004 at 1: 00 P.M. at the chapel of Solt Funeral Home in Central City with Rev. Dean Entrekin officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 10th from 5 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Central City cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Central City Senior Center or to the Christian Church in Central City.
Esther was born on May 4, 1914, in Benedict to Henry P. and Ella B. (Baker) Harrington. She grew up in Benedict and attended Benedict Country School. After completing the eighth grade in country school, Esther went to York and roomed while attending high school. She graduated from York High School. On January 11, 1937, Esther I. Harrington and John H. Brondel were united in marriage in Kansas. They moved to Central City, where they lived and raised their family. Esther babysat for many families in the Central City area, she worked at the Hallgrimson Nursing Home, and the Central City Senior Center. John died on April 12, 1980. Esther lived in her home until January of 2004, when she moved into the Central City Care Center.
Esther was a member of the Christian Church in Central City, she enjoyed going to the Senior Center and playing in their rhythm band. Some of her other interests were birds, cats, and writing poetry.
Those left to cherish her memory are four daughters-Deloris and Bob Kyes of Central City; Ella and Tony Lachenbruch of Ashton, Maryland; Katheryn and Sam Price of Acton, California, Marlene Brondel and Mike Schafer of Lincoln; three sons-Stanley and Ann Brondel of Grand Island; Dale Brondel of Lincoln; and Raymond Brondel of Tehachapi, California; daughter-in-law Carlene Brondel of Central City; sister-in-law Ellen Harrington of Lincoln; seventeen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons-Marvin in 1959 and David in 2003; one daughter-Emma Senkbile in 1999; son-in-law Wayne Senkbile in 1998; three brothers-Roland, Ralph, and Laverne Harrington; and one sister-Louise H. Pomeroy.
Lawrence W. Rudolf
Lawrence Walter Rudolf, 89, of Chapman, died on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Funeral services will be Monday, June 21, 2004, at 10: 00 A.M. at Solt Funeral Home in Central City with Rev. Lloyd Boyce officiating. Burial will be in the Chapman cemetery. Due to Father’s Day, visitation will be Saturday, June 19th from 5 to 8 P.M. at the funeral home and on Monday, June 21st from 8: 00 A.M. until service time.
Lawrence Walter was born on October 3, 1914, in Palmer to Frank and Louise (Rudolf) Rudolf. He grew up in Palmer and received his schooling there. Lawrence went to work in Stuart during the 1930’s where he met his future wife. Evelyn P. Estes and Lawrence W. Rudolf were married
on September 20, 1941 in Atkinson. On December 30, 1942, Lawrence entered the United States Army. He served in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on January 9, 1946. After his discharge from the military, Lawrence returned to Stuart and farmed. He moved his family to Newport, where he also farmed. In 1950, they returned to Stuart, where Lawrence served as town marshall. In 1958, the family moved to Chapman. Lawrence worked at the Dickman Service Station and the elevator before going to work for New Holland. He retired from New Holland in 1979.
Lawrence was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion Post 115 in Stuart. He was a lover of horses, he enjoyed going to farm auctions and playing cards, and always had a story to tell. He loved his yard and garden and enjoyed sharing his produce with family and friends; but his greatest love was for his grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Evelyn of Chapman; two sons-Larry and Diana Rudolf and Terry and Connee Rudolf both of Chapman; one daughter-Cherri and Jerry Suchanek of Grand Island; nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Those preceding him in death were his parents; one sister-Mabel Stout; two brothers-Raymond and Leonard Rudolf; and two half brothers-Ed and Bill Oxner.
Pallbearers-Mike Rudolf, Jeremy, Justin, and Joshua Suchanek, William and Jake Rudolf
Honorary Pallbearers-Mandy Wohlford, Kristen Rudolf, and Natasha Rudolf
Military Rites by Fort Riley and Palmer American Legion
Music-Harold and Marjorie Rudolf “How Great Thou Art”Rhonda Husmann- “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Wind Beneath My WingsAccompanist-Janice Walker
Esther A. Van Pelt
Esther A. Van Pelt, 87, of Central City, formerly of the Palmer and Hordville areas, died at Long Term Care in Central City on Monday, June 21st, 2004 following a short illness. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 24th at 11: 30 A.M. at the Fridhem Lutheran Church in Hordville with Sister Mary Arie officiating. Burial will be on Thursday, June 24th at 2: 30 P.M. at the Rose Hill cemetery near Palmer. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 23rd from 5: 00 to 8: 00 P.M. at Solt Funeral Home in Central City.
Esther was born on March 10, 1917 on the family farm north of Worms to Onen and Hattie (Wagner) Simonson. She attended the Zion Lutheran School in Worms and Palmer High School; and in later years completed her high school work to receive her diploma. On September 21, 1936, Esther A. Simonson and Charles L. “Chick” Van Pelt were united in marriage. They lived in the Archer and Palmer areas, where they farmed until they moved into Palmer in 1961. Esther worked for nursing homes in Palmer and Central City and worked in the food service for the Palmer Schools as well as helping her husband with his custodian duties at the school. In 1968, they moved to Hordville where she also worked in the food service at the schools and continued to help her husband with his custodian work at the Hordville Schools. She retired in 1986 and they moved into Central City in 2003.
Esther was a member of the Fridhem Lutheran Church in Hordville and the Women of the ELCA. She was a charter member of the Loup Valley Homemakers and belonged for over 50 years, she was a member of the Palmer Legion Auxiliary, and some of her hobbies included crocheting, quilting, sewing, and gardening.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, “Chick” of Central City; two sons-Jay and Sondra Van Pelt of Hordville; Dan and Marlys Van Pelt of Bennington; six daughters-Mary and Glenn Fesser of Morrisonville, Illinois; Nancy and Vonl Mattson of Grand Island; Carol and Stan Corbett of North Grafton, Massachusetts; Bonnie Jacobsen of Lincoln; Connie and James Taylor of McCool Junction; and Doris and Mike Cerny of Columbus; 25 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; four sisters-Rose and Harry Thede of St. Paul; May and Robert Mettenbrink of Grand Island; Alice Langrehr of St. Libory; and Alma and Eugene Bredthauer of Ord; and one sister-in-law Norma Jean Simonson of Palmer.
She was preceded in death by her brother-John Simonson; two sons-in-law Herb Brown, Jr. and Paul Jacobsen; one grandson-Matthew Dale Jacobsen; and one brother-in-law Harvey Langrehr, Sr.
Marie L. Wegner
Marie L. Wegner, 80, formerly of the Central City and Archer areas, died on Tuesday, April 27, 2004, at Kingsley Nursing Center in Kingsley, Iowa. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 1st at 10: 30 A.M. at the Archer Zion United Methodist Church with Rev. Rich Savage officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9: 00 A.M. to service time at the church. Burial is in the Prairie Creek cemetery near Archer. Solt Funeral Home of Central City is in charge of the arrangements.
Marie Louise was born on June 8, 1923, in Hubbard, Iowa to Fred H. and Fannie (Smith) Rieks. She grew up in Iowa, graduating from Hubbard High School in 1941. Marie helped her parents raise their twin grandchildren, after the death of Marie’s sister. On October 17, 1945, Marie Louise Rieks and Leland William Wegner were united in marriage in Hubbard. They moved to Central City to operate the family farm near Archer. Marie lived in the Central City area until moving to Lawton, Iowa in 2000. Marie’s life was her children. Her favorite pastime was playing the piano and embroidering, pictures to give to her family. She was also a Cub Scout Leader.
Marie was a member of the Archer Zion United Methodist Church. She had a tremendous faith in God and lived her faith everyday.
Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters-Sandy Wegner of Lincoln, NE; Nancy and Rex Smith of Hinton, IA; two sons-Randy and Kathy Wegner and Rick and Jacquie both of Archer; one sister, Marge and Butch Thompson of Archer; two brothers Marlin Rieks and his wife Jan of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Ralph Rieks and his wife Patty of Winslow Arkansas ; nine grandchildren: four great grandchildren, two nieces: Grace Schuller and her husband Russell, Iowa and Elaine Ford and her husband Larry, of Colorado, two sisters-in-law Maxine Rieks, of Iowa, Lila Seeney of California.
Preceded in death by two brothers: Dale and Earl, and one sister Grace Weuve.
Irving J. "Henry" Mate
Irving J. “Henry” Mate, 89, of Central City, died on Thursday, July 22, 2004 at his home.
Funeral services will be Monday, July 26th at 10: 00 A.M. at the chapel of Solt Funeral Home in Central City with Ben Polzkill officiating. Visitation will be Monday, July 26th from 8: 00 A.M. to 10: 00 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Arlington National cemetery.
Henry was born on August 22, 1914, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Duvillo and Ida (Schear) Mate. He grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from high school there in 1932. In 1936, he entered the United States Navy. Irving J. Mate and Doris Wealthy Mosier were united in marriage on February 2, 1945. They made their home in New Jersey, where Henry continued his military career. Doris died in 1963. On January 26, 1966, Henry completed 30 years in the military and retired. He married
to Donna L. Polzkill in September 8, 1981, and moved to her hometown of Central City, Nebraska.
Henry was a member of the American Legion and the United States Fleet Reserve. He enjoyed yard work, leather work, and spending time working in his shop.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna, of Central City; two daughters-Germaine and Marc Kirspel of Livingston, New Jersey; and Bonnie and Dennis Keith of Lake Parsippany, New Jersey; two step-sons – Robert A. and Jeanie Polzkill of Central City; Ben and Claire Polzkill of Denver, CO; three step-daughters – Karan and Dennis Dunn of Lincoln; Diana and R. Curtis Williford of Columbus; and Rhonda and Barry Blue of Omaha; 4 grandchildren; 20 step grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 7 step great grandchildren and a niece Shirley Goehringer.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris; an infant daughter; and his brother-Morrie Mate.
Lyle W. McDonald
Lyle W. McDonald, 83, of Central City, died at Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital in Central City on Wednesday, July 21, 2004. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 24th, 2004 at 1: 00 P.M. at the Community Bible Church with Rev. Gil Larsen officiating. Burial will be at 3: 30 P.M. at the Mt. Hope cemetery near Scotia. Visitation is Friday, July 23rd from 5: 00 to 8: 00 P.M. at Solt Funeral Home in Central City.
Lyle Wayne McDonald was born on September 10, 1920, in Cotesfield to Samuel E. and Pearl C. (Madison) McDonald. He attended school in Greeley and graduated from Scotia High School in 1939. Lyle served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1945. On November 11, 1942, Lyle W. McDonald and Wilma H. Biskeborn were united in marriage. Wilma lived in Grand Island while Lyle was in the service and in 1945, they moved to North Loup where they farmed and Lyle began doing professional house painting. In August of 1959, they moved their family to Central City. Lyle was self-employed with his professional house painting business, McDonald’s Painting. He also did carpentry work and made cement address markers. His sons joined him in the business and it became McDonald and Sons. Wilma died on September 1st, 2003. Lyle continued to do the work he loved until his death.
Lyle was a faithful member of the Community Bible Church in Central City; the Gideon’s, and the VFW and American Legion.
Those left to cherish his memory are one daughter-Suzanne and Louis Brunken of Clarks; five sons-Robert McDonald and Lucille Thompson; Larry and Nancy McDonald both of Aurora; Kenneth and Shirley McDonald; John McDonald and Melody Blackwell; Tim and Cindy McDonald all of Central City; one sister-Violet and Bernard Morrow of Grand Island; one brother-Gerald and Bonnie McDonald of Cherokee, Iowa; sister-in-law Evelyn McDonald of Green River, Wyoming; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one brother-Dallas McDonald; and one sister-Luella Kerns.
James "JB" McGuinn
James B. “J.B.” McGuinn, 66, of Clarks, died on Sunday, July 25, 2004, on his farm in Polk County. Funeral services will be Friday, July 30th at 11: 00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Polk with Rev. Roger Burke officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, July 29th from 5: 00 to 8: 00 P.M. at Solt Funeral Home in Central City. Burial will be in the Clarks cemetery.
James Buford was born on December 27, 1937, in Polk County, North Carolina to Joe “Pink” and Velda Ann (Baker) McGuinn. He grew up in North Carolina and graduated from Biltmore High School in Asheville, North Carolina in 1955. On September 26, 1956, J.B. entered the United States Army and served until September 25, 1958. On February 13, 1960, James B. McGuinn and Carolyn Corbidge were united in marriage in Unionville, CT; where J.B. was working as a mechanic. They moved to Omaha in 1962, where he drove truck. In 1963, they moved to rural Polk County, Nebraska, and he opened McGuinn’s Garage. The family moved into Clarks in 1966. In the mid 1970’s, he began farming in addition to working at the garage and continued doing both until his death. For several years, J.B. was a substitute mail carrier; and for a year and a half, he carried mail full time.
J.B. was a member of the First Baptist Church in Polk, he was a decorated volunteer for the Clarks Fire Department for 38 years, he was a pilot and enjoyed flying until his health no longer permitted it, and he thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent farming, cutting trees and improving the land. His greatest joy came from the time he spent with his grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn of Clarks; his mother, Velda McGuinn of Conover, NC; one son-Joe and Marcy McGuinn of Monroe; two daughters-Deborah and Sundown Spencer of Honolulu, HI and Cindy and Andrew Jensen of Seward; seven grandchildren-Justin McGuinn of Fremont; Stacy McGuinn of Kearney; Dawn and David Spencer of Honolulu, HI; and Amanda, Camryn, and Declan Jensen of Seward; one sister-JoAnne and Frank “Denny” Harbinson of Conover, NC: and Carolyn’s family-Lois Pease of Unionville, CT; Robert “Butch” and Dee Corbidge of Springhill, FL; Justine “Tina” and Frank Pratt of Bristol, CT; Georgia “Pepper” Wajciechowski of Unionville, CT; Louis and Mary Corbidge of West Hartford, CT; Francis “Corky” Devevo of Unionville, CT; and Sherry and Richard “Joe” Wice of Southington, CT.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth James McGuinn on September 23, 1977; his father, Joe “Pink” McGuinn, and three brothers-in-law, Wellington “Bill” Pease, Henry Wajciechowski, Jr., and Chris Devevo.
Donald J. Senkbile
Donald J Senkbile, 83, of San Antonio, Texas (formerly of Central City) died Tuesday, July 20th at Northeast Methodist Hospital, San Antonio, Texas after a short illness.
The funeral services are at 10: 00 AM on Saturday, July 24, 2004 at Central City United Methodist Church. Rev. Joy Savage will officiate. Burial will be at the Central City cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8: 00 P.M. on Friday, July 23rd at the Solt Funeral Home in Central City.
Don was born April 19, 1921 to Vira (Rice) and Jess Senkbile on a farm about a mile from where he farmed and raised his family. He had one sister, Mary Elisabeth who was married
to Oliver Jensen and taught in the Central City schools. She lost her life in a car accident September 15, 1951.
Donald attended District 8 through grade school and went to High School in Central City. When he finished high school the country was in the depression and the land was dried out so there was no work in Nebraska. He went to Montana and worked on a ranch for a year, then on to California where he worked with a construction crew for a year. He returned home for a brief time and then joined forces in WW II . His basic training was in Wichita Falls, Texas. From there he was in several places including Utah, Washington, California, & New York. He spent a year in England before D-Day and then moved, as the war progressed, from France to Belgium to Germany. When the war was over, he returned to the farm. He married
Sylvia Zmek on April 9th 1950. Together, they farmed in the Central City area until they retired in 1987 due to health reasons. They moved to San Antonio Texas in June of 1997 to get away from Nebraska winters.
Don loved to farm and talked farming in later years with his sons. He enjoyed hunting and playing cards with friends, he enjoyed livestock and for most of his life he had a special dog. He and Sylvia always had a large garden to share with family and friends. Don was a member of the United Methodist Church of Central City, The American Legion, and the Platt-Duetsche Society.
Survivors in the immediate family include his wife, Sylvia, his son Greg and daughter-in-law, Karen and their children, Jeremy and his wife Michele, Jamie, and Chris all of Central City; son Dell and daughter-in-law Sheryl, and their children Zachary and Amanda all of Central City; son Doug and daughter-in-law Deb of Central City; daughter Dee of San Antonio Texas and her daughter Mary Elisabeth Fitzgibbon and husband Brandon Hesselrode of Dallas, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Elisabeth.
Lena Fern Wells
Lena Fern Wells, 81, of Central City, died on Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at Central City Care Center. Services will be Friday, July 2nd, 2004, at 10: 30 A.M. at the First Christian Church in Central City with Revs. Troy Emley and Dean Entrekin officiating. Burial will be on Friday at 2: 00 P.M. at the Kenesaw cemetery near Kenesaw. Visitation will be Thursday, July 1st from 5: 00 to 7: 00 P.M. at Solt Funeral Home.
Lena was born on October 14, 1922, in Gary, South Dakota to Albert and Gertie (Bossman) Loats. She grew up in Gary and attended grade school there. Her family moved to Lennox, South Dakota where she graduated from Lennox High School in 1940. Following graduation from high school she worked for the Lennox Bank and the Manchester Biscuit Company. She attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and graduated in 1947. Lena attended Sioux Falls College and then received her Registered Nurses degree from The School of Nursing from the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, South Dakota in 1953. On September 11, 1955, Lena F. Loats and Marlin L. Wells were united in marriage in Lennox, South Dakota. They lived in Grand Island, then in Denver, and they returned to Nebraska and lived in many towns following her husbands work in construction. They moved to Central City in 1970. Lena worked for the Nebraska Veteran’s Hospital for 21 years and retired in 1987. In early 2003, Lena moved into the Central City Care Center.
She was a member of the First Christian Church in Central City and the Dorcas Ladies Circle. For many years, Lena enjoyed belonging to the TOPS Group, and the Happy Hearts Club, and she was also a member of the Laura May Chapter of the OES in Chapman. Lena enjoyed reading and collecting stuffed animals.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Marlin of Central City; two sons-Brad and Peggy Wells and Brent and Miriam Wells both of Central City; five grandchildren-Troy and Kara Wells; Aaron and Kara Wells; Dusty Wells; Adam Wells; and Tristan Wells; and three great grandchildren; one brother-John and Maxine Loats of Prairie Village, Kansas; sister-in-law Goldie Poulson of Alta, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-Francis “Pinky” Loats and George Loats.
