George H. Durand
George H. Durand, age 77, of Columbus, Nebraska died Saturday April 27, 2002 at his home. Funeral Services are 10: 00 a.m. Wednesday May 1, 2002 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Wayne A. Nestor officiating. Burial will be in the Roselawn Cemetery with military honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation is 4: 00 p.m. - 8: 00 p.m. Tuesday at McKown Funeral Home and 9: 00 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the Church. A Family Prayer Service will be held 9: 45 a.m. Wednesday also at the Church.
George H. Durand was born May 19, 1924 in Boone County, Nebraska to Clyde A. & Katherine (Schack) Durand. He graduated from Albion High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army as a Medic during WWII from 1943 - 1946. On December 20, 1945 George was united in marriage to Anna Thompson in Lincoln, Nebraska. The couple lived in Columbus where he worked as Department Manager for Montgomery Wards for over 31 years. He then worked for Rich & Son Camper Sales, Columbus Motors & started the George Durand Sign Company. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, church usher, Hartman Post #84 American Legion where he served as past Commander, V.F.W. Post #3704. George enjoyed golfing and watching football.
He is survived by:
Wife: Anna Durand of Columbus, NE
Son: Keith A. Durand of Fremont, NE
Grandson: Jason (Sheri) Durand of Bellwood, NE
Granddaughter: Kelly Durand of Columbus, NE
Granddaughter: Raven Durand of Fremont, NE
Great Grandsons: Jacob & Andrew Durand of Bellwood, NE
He was preceded by:
Father: Clyde A. Durand
Mother: Katherine (Schack) Durand
Five Brothers
One Sister
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church
Edmund Paul Cieloha
Edmund Paul Cieloha, age 84, of Columbus, Nebraska died Monday; December 30, 2002 at the V.A. Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Funeral Services are 10: 30 a.m. Friday; January 3, 2003 at St. Isidore Catholic Church. The Rev. Joseph Miksch will officiate. Burial will be in the All Saints Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard. Visitation will be Thursday 4-8 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home. A vigil will be held at 7: 00 p.m. Thursday evening. Visitation will continue Friday morning 8: 00 a.m. until 10: 00 a.m. all at the funeral home.
Edmund P. Cieloha was born May 18, 1918 in Nance County, Nebraska to John and Josephine (Swertzic) Cieloha. Edmund served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II from March 1942 - January 1946. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Ksiazek on June 9, 1947 in Clarks, Nebraska. Following his discharge from the service Edmund lived and farmed in Nance County and worked for the Rail Road for 8 years. He was a member of St. Isidore Church, Holy Name Society, and the Hartman Post #84 American Legion. In 1985 the couple retired and moved to Columbus. Ed loved Polish music and keeping up on current events.
Edmund is survived by:
Wife: Elizabeth Cieloha of Columbus, NE
Son: Don (Pat) Cieloha of Columbus, NE
Son: Ron Cieloha of Columbus, NE
Sister: Eleanor Cheloha of Los Angeles, CA
Brother: Joe Cieloha of Silver Creek, NE
Grandson: Adam Cieloha of Lincoln, NE
Granddaughter: Shannon Cieloha of Fremont, NE
He was preceded in death by his parents
Michael Delarme
Michael Delarme, age 46 of Washington, Iowa died Friday September 28, 2001 at his home.
Memorial Services are 10: 00 a.m. Friday October 5, 2001 at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with Reverend Joseph A. Miksch officiating. There is no visitation. Following the services Mr. Delarme's Cremains will be buried at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Columbus.
Michael Delarme was born November 15, 1954 in Columbus, Nebraska to Howard and Amelia (Kolbush) Delarm. He graduated from Columbus High School. He graduated from nursing school with an R.N. Degree. Michael worked as a nurse in Omaha, Nebraska, Burlington, Iowa & was currently residing in Washington, Iowa. He was a talented musician, photographer & a gourmet cook.
He is survived by:
Sister: Barbara (Carroll) Enzminger of Bassett, Nebraska
Sister: Joan Timms of Hastings, Nebraska
Many Nieces and Nephews.
He was preceded by:
Parents: Howard and Amelia (Kolbush) Delarm
Brother: Donald Delarm
Brother: Robert Delarm
Sister: Kathryn DeLarme
Lucile P. Brodfuehrer
Lucile P. Brodfuehrer, 98, of Kearney formerly of Columbus, died Thursday, December 5, 2002 at the Mother Hull Home in Kearney. A Memorial Service will be held 1: 30 p.m. Wednesday January 15, 2003 at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with Reverend Gary Main officiating. Burial will be in the Columbus Cemetery.
Lucile P. Brodfuehrer was born February 17, 1904 in Lincoln to Walter M. & Luella (Myers) Burgess. She was a 1921 Graduate of Fairfield, NE High School and attended the University of Nebraska. On June 29, 1927 she married Ferdinand G. Brodfuehrer in Columbus. She lived all of her adult life in Columbus except for one year in Little Rock, AR and one year in Los Angeles, CA during World War II. She was a country school teacher in the 1920's and during WWII. She also worked as a clerk at Marjories Smart Shop, Anderson Floral, and Sears Roebuck, all in Columbus. She was a Girl Scout Leader for 15 years, member of P.E.O., Eastern Star, Leaf and Petal Garden Club, life member of the P.T.A., American Legion Auxiliary, Platte County Historical Society, First United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women. Memorials are suggested to Judevine Center for Autism - 9455 Rott Road St. Louis, MO 63127.
She is survived by:
Son: Richard F. and wife Llen Brodfuehrer of San Antonio, TX
Granddaughter: Terri L. Brodfuehrer of Kilgore, TX
Great-Grandson: Zachery Armitage
Great-Granddaughter: Brandi Hradzira
Nieces & Nephews
She is preceded in death by:
Husband: Ferdinand G. Brodfuehrer
Father: Walter M. Burgess
Mother: Luella D. Myers
Brother: Clark J. Burgess
Brother: Richard M. Burgess
Brother: W. Mason Burgess
Sister: Nolia Putnam
Sister: Marian Sidwell
Wayne H. Cruise
Wayne H. Cruise, 84, of Columbus died Sunday, August 11, 2002 at Genoa Long Term Care. Services are 10: 30 am Thursday, August 15, 2002 at McKown Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Main and Rev. William Effa officiating. Visitation is on Wednesday from 5-8 pm at McKown Funeral Home and Thursday from 8 am until service time. Interment is in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery.
Wayne H. Cruise was born January 12, 1918 in St. Edward, Nebraska to Jasper and Nellie (Condreay) Cruise. He attended school in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. On June 30, 1938 he was united in marriage to Pearl D. Boschen in Cedar Rapids. He lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 30 years before returning to Columbus in 1989. Wayne was an independent truck driver for many years. He was a member of the Methodist Church and the Eagles Club.
He is survived by:
Sister: Rosemary Jeffres of Columbus, NE
Sister: Margaret (Larry) Layher of North Platte, NE
Special Friend: Marian Zobel of Columbus, NE
Nieces and Nephews
He was preceded by:
Wife: Pearl Cruise
Father: Jasper Cruise
Mother: Nellie Cruise
Daughter: Carol Jean
Infant Sons: Jay and Jimmy
Brother: George Cruise
Brother: Neal Cruise
Brother-in-law: Ray Jeffres
Russell Aerni
Russell Aerni, 73, of Columbus died Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at Beverly Healthcare in Columbus. Funeral Services are 10: 30 a.m. Saturday August 24, 2002 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Reverend Richard Bringewatt officiating. Burial is in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation is 3: 00 p.m. - 8: 00 p.m. Friday at McKown Funeral Home and 9: 30 a.m. - service time on Saturday at the church. A Family Prayer Service will be held at 10: 15 a.m. Saturday, also at the church. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.
Russell was born April 8, 1929 in Platte County to Walter and Frieda (Benning) Aerni. He lived in Columbus and graduated from Kramer High School in 1945. He then attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE. He worked at Luschens IGA in Columbus and later worked for Safeway in Red Oak, Iowa and Omaha, NE. He returned to Columbus where he worked at Columbus Holiday Inn as a night auditor. He married Martha Laska on November 5, 1977 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. He worked into the family business at Aerni and Sons as the Secretary/Treasurer, retiring in 1998.
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he ushered for 45 years. He also served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Congregational Secretary, Board of Stewardship and Assistant Treasurer. He was the President of A.A.L. Branch 1773 and served on the board for a number of years. He was a member of the Walther League where he directed many of their plays, Kiwanis Club where served as President, Lieutenant Governor and secretary for many years, Toastmasters Club, Chairman of the local Republican Party and was a Delegate for the Republican State Convention.
He is survived by: Wife Martha Aerni of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Deb (Tom) Mohning of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Shari (Jim) Reisdorff of David City, NE
Son: Terry Krepel of Dardanelle, AR
Brother: Robert (Jo Ann) Aerni of Columbus, NE
Brother: Ray (Dorothy) Aerni of Columbus, NE
Sister: LaVonne Aerni of Columbus, NE
Sister: Elaine (Dave) Schurman of Bella Vista, AR
Grandson: Tony (KC) Murphy of Columbus AFB, MS
Grandson: John Murphy of Omaha, NE
Grandson: Tim Mohning of Keesler AFB, MS
Many Nieces & Nephews
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Verna Blessen
Verna Blessen, 97, of Columbus died Tuesday November 20, 2001 at Beverly Healthcare. Services are 11: 00 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2001 at McKown Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Adams officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 9 am until service time at McKown Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Baptist Cemetery in rural Platte Center.
Verna Blessen was born July 7, 1904 to Peter Henry and Katherine (Reese) Albers. She attended rural schools in Platte County. She lived with her mother until 1939 when she married William Blessen on May 11. Her and her husband farmed in Platte County near Platte Center. William died on July 11, 1967. She lived in Columbus from 1967 until 1978 where she was a member of the First Baptist Church. In 1978 Verna moved to Springfield, MO to be with her daughter until returning to Columbus in February of 2000. She was a member of the Platte Center Women's Club, Baptist Church in Platte Center where she played piano, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the Ladies Aid. Verna was also a 4-H Club leader and a member of the extension club. Memorials are suggested to the Baptist Cemetery in care of the Platte Center Bank.
She is survived by 3 daughters; Karen Blessen of Springfield, MO, Mary (David) McKinney of Fresno, CA, and Kathy (Robert) O'Hare of Sacremento, CA, 2 grandchildren; Robert O'Hare and Leslie Sorenson, and 2 great-grandchildren; Kaitlin O'Hare and Kayla O'Hare.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, 4 brothers, and 6 sisters.
Fern Birkel
Fern Birkel, 78, of Columbus, died Friday November 30 at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha. Funeral services are 10: 30 am Wednesday, December 5 at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus with the Rev. Joseph A. Miksch officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday after 3: 00 pm at McKown Funeral Home with a Vigil service at 7: 00 pm at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning from 8-10 am at McKown Funeral Home. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery.
Fern K. Birkel was born May 24, 1923 in Bellwood to Samuel and Mattie (Zehr) Kiser. She was raised in Columbus and worked various jobs before she married Louis Birkel on September 24, 1945 in Belleville, KS. She raised a family, worked as a Clerk at T.G.Y. for 8 years, Woolworths for 8 years, Polly Shoe Store for 6 years, Columbus Meat Market, West End Grocery, and Luschen's IGA. She was a member of St. Isidore Church, Christian Mothers, Life member of the DAV Auxillary, and the VFW Auxillary. She enjoyed crocheting and baking. Memorials may be made to the donors choice.
She is survived by:
Husband: Louis Birkel of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Linda (Paul) Terribilini of Lockwood, NY
Daughter: Janet (Keith) Merrill of Columbus, NE
Son: Michael Birkel of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Mary Jo (Ray) Drueppel of Schuyler, NE
Sister: Donna Cejka of Columbus, NE
Brother: Don (Margaret) Kiser of Columbus, NE
Brother: Jack Kiser of Pomeroy, Iowa
Sister: Evelyn Sock of Columbus, NE
9 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren
She is preceded in death by:
Father: Samuel H. Kiser
Mother: Mattie Kiser
Two Grandsons
Three Brothers: Lee Burmood, Russ Burmood, and Sam Kiser
Two Sisters: Bess Hodges and Clara Ernst
LaVern Christie
LaVern Christie, 46, died Friday November 9, 2001 at Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral Services are 11: 00 am Monday at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with the Rev. Gary Main officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation is on Sunday from 4-8: 00 pm at McKown Funeral Home and on Monday from 10 am until service time.
LaVern Christie was born February 17, 1955 in Jacksonville, Fl to Russell & Lavena (Calhoun) Christie. He moved to Columbus at an early age and attended Columbus High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corp and served during the Vietnam War. He returned to Columbus where he worked various jobs including working for Platte County. He married Marilyn Alt on March 3, 1973 in Yankton, SD. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the 4th of July, and his dog Budweiser.
He is survived by:
Wife: Marilyn Christie of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Tanya Christie of Lindsay, NE
Daughter: Diana Christie of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Patricia "Tricia" Christie of Columbus, NE
Brother: James Christie of Lincoln, NE
Brother: Stephen Christie of Gresham, NE
Brother: Vincent Christie of Lincoln, NE
Sister: Donna Darling of Columbus, NE
Sister: Deana Tuckson of LaVista, NE
Sister: Diane Christie of Shelby, NE
Grandchildren: Terri, Gage, Dillon, and Kortney
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Jean E. Bird
Jean E. Bird, 81, of Columbus died Friday March 2, 2001 at the Beverly Health Care Center in Columbus. Funeral services are 10: 30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with the Rev. Chris Grimmond officiating. Visitation begins Monday March 5 after 4: 00 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home. The vigil for Jean will be Monday evening at 7: 00 p.m. at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Tuesday at the funeral home from 8-10 a.m.
Jean E. Bird was born October 26, 1919 in Columbus to Richard and Ella (Mills) Berger. She graduated from Kramer High School in 1938. On July 7, 1945 Jean married Wesley Bird at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus. The couple lived in Columbus where she was employed at Becton-Dickinson for 20 years.
Jean was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and St. Theresa Sodality.
Jean is survived by:
Husband: Wesley Bird of Columbus
Daughter: Jeanette (Hart) Mikkelsen of Columbus
Son: Bill (Connie) Bird of Columbus
Half Brother: Raymond (Rita) Berger of Columbus
Step Brother: Robert (Anna Mae) Ridenour of Coarse Gold, CA
Step Sister-in-law: Dona Ridenour of Columbus
3 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren
Jean is preceded in death by:
Parents
Brother: Richard Berger
Step Brother: Edwin "Scoop" Ridenour
Step Mother: Pearl Berger
Step Sister: Evelyn "Sissy" Keith
Memorial may be made to St. Anthony Church
