Donald Beckenhauer
Donald Beckenhauer, 74, of Columbus died Friday, August 6, 2004 at Columbus Community Hospital. Services are 10: 30 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Timothy White will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Monday morning 9: 30 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Donald C. Beckenhauer was born July 21, 1930 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Harry and Alyne (Seymour) Beckenhauer. He grew up in Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk High School in 1949. As a youth he worked as a bricklayer for the family business of Beckenhauer Construction. He attended Norfolk Junior College prior to his military service. Don served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He then continued his education at the University of Wyoming where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business. On July 14, 1956 he was married to Patricia Patterson in Laramie, Wyoming. He later earned his Masters Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Don taught at Ainsworth High School from 1963 until 1968 when they moved to Columbus. Don taught history, economics and business at Columbus High School until his retirement in 1994. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Hartman Post #84, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3704, Eagles Club, Elks Club, Nebraska Education Association and the Kidney Foundation.
Don is survived by:
Wife: Patricia Beckenhauer of Columbus, NE
Son: William (Jill) Beckenhauer of McCook, NE
Daughter: Julie (David) Leacox of Lake St. Louis, MO
8 - Grandchildren
He was preceded in by his parents and 2 sisters: Jeanette Lamm and Dorothy Miner.
Richard R. Kuta
Richard R. Kuta, 72, of Columbus died Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral services are 10: 00 am Saturday July 17 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with the Rev. Del Lape officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard following the services in the church. Interment will be at a later date in St. Peter's Cemetery in Fullerton. Visitation is on Friday from 5-8 pm at McKown Funeral Home with a Vigil service at 7: 30 pm, also at the funeral home. Visitation continues Saturday morning from 9 am until service time at St. Anthony's Church.
Richard R. Kuta was born March 31, 1932 in Loup City, Ne., to Frank A & Bernice (Placzek) Kuta. He grew up in Columbus and Fullerton where he went to school. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He then returned to Fullerton where he farmed. He then went to work in Grand Island at the Army Ammunition Plant. He married Mary Margaret O'Mara in 1967. He receved his associates degree from Central Nebraska Technical College in Hastings. He lived in various cities in Nebraska before returning to Columbus in 1977. His passions were fishing and gardening.
He is survived by:
Mother: Bernice Kuta of Columbus, NE
Step Daughter: Susan Memarian of St. Joseph, MO
Sister: Janet Racine of Omaha, NE
Sister: Theresa (Lawrence) Tworek of Osceola, NE
One Grandchild
He is preceded in death by:
Wife: Mary Margaret Kuta
Father: Frank A. Kuta
Pauline Robak
Pauline Robak, 81, of Columbus died Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at her home. Funeral Services are 10: 00 am Thursday, July 29, 2004 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church with the Rev. Tom Weisbecker officiating. Visitation is on Wednesday from 3-7 pm at McKown Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5: 30 until 7 pm. There will be a Vigil service at 7 pm Wednesday, also at the funeral home. Visitation continues Thursday morning from 8-9: 30 am at McKown's. Interment is in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Duncan.
Pauline Thomas Robak was born November 9, 1922 in Belgrade, Nebraska to John and Laverne (Rolfe) Thomas. She graduated from Belgrade High School. On November 5, 1944 she married Leonard Robak in Sacramento, California. They made their home in Silver Creek and Duncan before moving to Columbus in 1996. She worked various jobs before retiring from Columbus City Schools in 1987. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church and was an avid reader.
She is survived by:
Husband: Leonard Robak of Columbus
Daughter: Lynette (Alan) Scudder of Duncan
Daughter: Paulette Sue (Sam) Jacobs of Columbus
Daughter: Patricia Jo (Joe) White of Gypsum, CO
Sister: Colita (Paul) Kwiatkowski of Omaha
Three Grandchildren: Eight Great-Grandchildren
She is preceded in death by:
Parents
Three Brothers: Russell, Robert, and Donald Thomas
One Sister: Geraldine Stern
Memorials can be made to the donor's choice.
Zelda Zee Van Winkle
Zelda Zee Van Winkle, 83, of Silver Creek died Tuesday, July 20. 2004 at the Osceola Good Samaritan Center. Funeral services are 10: 00 am Friday, July 23, 2004 at the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek with the Rev. Bev Hieb officiating. Visitation is on Thursday from 5-7 pm at the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek and continues from 9 am until service time at the church on Friday. Interment is in the Silver Creek Cemetery.
Zelda Zee Van Winkle was born July 15, 1921 in Silver Creek to Irl J. & Gertrude E. (Lauder) Ward. She grew up in Silver Creek and graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1939. She married L.T. "Buss" Van Winkle on May 4, 1941 at the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek. The couple lived in Silver Creek where they farmed. Zee also cooked for the school for 7 years, 5 years as the head cook. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Silver Creek where she belonged to the United Methodist Women for over 50 years and taught Sunday School for 15 years. She was a member of the Country Club, Sewing Club, and AKSARBEN since 1962. She also helped with Meals on Wheels.
She is survived by:
Daughter: Janet (Jerry) Lippincott of Sunrise, FL
Son: Dennis (Karen) Van Winkle of Pleasanton, NE
Sister: Dorene Frizzell-Rodene of Osceola, NE
Seven Grandchildren
One Step-Grandson
Eight Great-Grandchildren
Five Step-Great Grandchildren
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, a Daughter-in-law Betty Van Winkle, and a sister Wilda Ward.
Arthur A. Kurtenbach
Arthur A. Kurtenbach, age 77, of Columbus died Saturday, June 19, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral Services are 10: 30 a.m. Wednesday June 23, 2004 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus with Reverend David Fulton officiating. Burial is in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery with military honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation is 4: 00 - 7: 00 p.m. Tuesday with a 7: 00 p.m. Vigil Service at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning from 8: 00 - 10: 00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice.
Arthur A. Kurtenbach was born June 12, 1927 in St. Bernard, NE to William and Anna (Sueper) Kurtenbach. He grew up in St. Bernard and graduated from Humphrey St. Francis High School in 1945. He entered the US Army and served during WWII. He married Elaine M. Cook on September 8, 1948 at St. Bernard Church in rural Humphrey. He farmed near St. Bernard until moving to Columbus in 1957. He worked for Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus until retiring in 1989. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and caring for his lawn. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, the VFW, and Hartman Post #84 American Legion. Art served on the honor guard as part of the American Legion. He served on 482 ceremonies during his 15 years and was a member of the Honor Guard Committee.
Art is survived by:
Son Randy (Fiance' Joan) Kurtenbach of Omaha
Son Dale (Hyon) Kurtenbach of Omaha
Daughter Shirley (Gene) Hoessel of Columbus
Daughter Mary (Tom) Campbell of Hendersonville, TN
Brother Jerry (Betty) Kurtenbach of Davenport, IA
Brother Jim (Leola) Kurtenbach of Milan, Illinois
10 Grandchildren 5 Great-Grandchildren
Art is preceded in death by:
Wife Elaine M. Kurtenbach
Daughter Carlene Kurtenbach
Father William Kurtenbach
Mother Anna Kurtenbach
Frances Ziemba
Frances Ziemba, age 77, of Columbus, Nebraska died Wednesday June 23, 2004 at the Riverside Lodge in Grand Island, Nebraska. Funeral Services are 10: 00 a.m. Saturday June 26, 2004 at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus with Reverend David Fulton officiating. Burial will be in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Visitation is 4: 00 p.m. - 8: 00 p.m. Friday with a 7: 00 p.m. Vigil Service at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 8: 00 a.m. - 9: 30 a.m. also at the funeral home.
Frances Ziemba was born December 16, 1926 in Humphrey, Nebraska to Carl and Theodosia (Micek) Sempek. She received her education in Platte County District #42 near Lindsay. She married Johnny Ziemba on September 28, 1948 in Lindsay, Nebraska. She worked at J.C. Penney's doing alterations for 15 years. She also worked at Jackson Cleaners and the Bluebird all as a seamstress. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, country and polka music and NASCAR racing. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, St. Bonaventure Guild and volunteered at the Simon House.
Frances is survived by:
Daughter: Bonnie (Larry) Dubas of Grand Island, NE
Daughter: Annette (Delane) Elstermeier of Grand Island, NE
Daughter: Darlene (Gary) Elstermeier of Chapman, NE
Sister: Mary Ann (Joe) Smyth of Santa Rosa, CA
Sister: Bernice (Leonard) Drozd of Duncan, NE
Sister: Delores Sempek of Columbus, NE
Brother: Joe (Inez) Sempek of Genoa, NE
She was preceded in death by:
Husband: Johnny Ziemba
Father: Carl Sempek
Mother: Thedosia Sempek
Sister: Rose Moritz
Sister: Angeline Placzek
Brother: Ed Sempek
Brother: Steve Sempek
Harold E. Grotelueschen
Harold E. Grotelueschen, 86, of Columbus died Sunday, June 13, 2004 at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln. Services are 10: 30 am Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at St. Luke's Congregational Church-UCC with the Rev. Nancy Peebles officiating. Visitation is on Tuesday from 4-8 pm at McKown Funeral Home and continues Wednesday morning from 9 am until service time at the church. Interment is in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church.
Harold E. Grotelueschen was born December 5, 1917 in rural Schuyler, Nebraska to Edward and Theresa (Vrba) Grotelueschen. He attended District #64 School in Colfax County and Immanuel Lutheran School in Schuyler. On September 29, 1941 he was united in marriage to Syvilla Aerni in Fremont, Nebraska. The couple lived and farmed in the Genoa area before moving to Columbus in 1957. Harold worked as a mechanic for Peter Pan and Metz Bakery until retiring in 1983. He then worked for the City of Columbus cemetery department from 1983 - 2001. Harold enjoyed working on clocks in his spare time and working on cars. He was a member of St. Luke's Church where he maintained the clocks there.
He is survived by his wife Syvilla of Columbus, one son Duane (Debra) Grotelueschen of Omaha, NE, five grandchildren; Michael, Todd (Cathy), Jason, Amy (Russell), and Suzanne, five great-grandchildren; Samantha, Ashley, Araya, Eric, and Rally, and two step-grandchildren; Jonathan and Richard Sahs.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert.
Judith A. Fleischer
Judith A. Fleischer, age 56, of Columbus, Nebraska died Thursday June 24, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral Services are 10: 30 a.m. Monday; June 28, 2004 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. The Rev. David Fulton will officiate. Burial will be in the All Saints Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday 4-8 p.m. with a 7: 00 p.m. vigil service all at the McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Monday morning 8-10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Judy Fleischer was born May 19, 1948 at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus, Nebraska to Tom and Valeria (Pachunka) Reilly. She grew up in Platte Center and the Columbus area. She attended St. Bonaventure Elementary School and graduated from Scotus High School in 1966. Judy married Richard Fleischer on May 15, 1970 at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus. She worked at Cengas in Columbus before moving to Creighton, Nebraska in 1977 where she was employed at Scope Cable TV and Western Auto. In 1993 she moved back to Columbus where she was employed at Craft Village, Menards and NPPD. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, Catholic Daughters of America and C.E.C. for 18 years. She enjoyed crafts, camping, baking and visiting with people and her grandchildren.
Judy is survived by:
Husband: Richard Fleischer of Columbus, NE
Mother: Valeria Reilly of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Paula (Aaron) Tschosik of Parkston, SD
Daughter: Andrea (Randy) Nelson of Columbus, NE
Son: Michael Fleischer of Columbus, NE
Mother-in-law: Gladys Fleischer of Columbus, NE
Sister: Sonja (Eloy) Reilly-Trujillo of Denver, CO
Brother: Tom (Patty) Reilly of Valley, NE
Brother: Robert (Marcia) Reilly of Central City, NE
Brother: Ron (Connie) Reilly of Columbus, NE
Six Grandchildren
Nieces and Nephews and Special Friends
She was preceded in death by her Father: Tom Reilly, her Father-in-law: Kenneth Fleischer and 1 Grandson: Timothy Tschosik
Memorials are directed to the family's choice.
Lonnie Zywiec
Lonnie Zywiec, 82, of Columbus died Sunday, June 27, 2004 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln. Funeral services are 10: 30 am Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with the Rev. Del Lape and Rev. Joseph Miksch officiating. Visitation is Tuesday after 5 pm at St. Anthony Church with a Vigil service at 7 pm, also at the church. Visitation continues Wednesday morning from 9: 30 until service time at St. Anthony Church. Interment is in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with Military Honors by the Silver Creek American Legion Post #263 honor guard.
Lonnie Zywiec was born on July 3, 1921 in Platte County to Peter and Barbara (Dush) Zywiec. He attended schools in Duncan and Krakow in rural Genoa. Lonnie served in World War II from January of 1942 until January 14, 1946 including overseas duty from April 22 to December 9, 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. On May 1, 1946 he married Eleanor Bosak at St. Peter's Church in Clarks. They lived in the Clarks, Fullerton, and Silver Creek area, retiring from farming in 1984 when they moved to Columbus. Lonnie worked as night security guard at Ag Park in Columbus and later for Gary and Tim Mueller doing underground sprinkler systems for many years. He enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren, wood working, and his big garden. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus and involved in many church projects.
He is survived by:
Wife Eleanor Zywiec of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Evelyn (Ron) Braun of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Margaret (Jack) Merrill of Silver Creek, NE
Son: Clarence (Darlene) Zywiec of Duncan, NE
Sister: Clara Hanzel of Humphrey, NE
Sister: Pat Kava of Silver Creek, NE
Sister: Theresa (Rudy) Prososki of Silver Creek, NE
Brother: Al (Donna) Zywiec of Silver Creek, NE
Brother: Eddie (Betty) Zywiec of Columbus, NE
Brother: Gene (Dee) Zywiec of Duncan, NE
Seventeen Grandchildren Sixteen Great-grandchildren
Two Step-Great Grandchildren
He is preceded in death by:
Father: Peter Zywiec
Mother: Barbara Zywiec
Daughter: Julie Kropatsch
Sister: Mary Borowiak
Sister: Elaine Kurek
Sister: Elsie Prososki
Sister: Irene Stuczynski
Brother: Peter Zywiec
Brother: Raymond Zywiec
Grandson: James Braun
Granddaughter: Renee Merrill
Mildred Behrens
Mildred "Millie" Behrens, 59, of Columbus died Saturday, June 12, 2004 at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. Services are 10: 30 am Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with the Rev. Tim White officiating. Visitation is on Wednesday from 5-8 pm at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Thursday morning from 9: 30 am until service time at the Church. There will be a family prayer service at 10: 15 am Thursday at the Church. Interment is in Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mildred "Millie" Behrens was born September 13, 1944 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Louis and Myrtise (Shipley) Brunswick Sr. She grew up and attended schools in Norfolk and moved to Columbus in 1975. Along with being a homemaker she worked as a waitress at the Husker House and as a hostess at Johnnie's Steakhouse. She loved quilting, embroidery, Nebraska football, and spending time with her grandkids. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus,
She is survived by ten children: Gary (Joan) Behrens of Monroe, Tammy (Ron) Mayer of Evans, Colorado; Bryan (Michelle) Behrens of Omaha; Charles (Julie) Behrens of Columbus; Micki (Leo) Zoucha of Omaha; Shelly (James) Zimmerer of Columbus; Kevin Behrens of Columbus; Christie (Allen) Stubbert of Columbus; Angie Behrens of Omaha; Tracey Behrens of Columbus; father of their children, Emil Behrens of Columbus; one brother, Louis Brunswick Jr. of Ft. Worth, Texas; one sister Kathy (Jeff) Moore at Stanton; 16 Grandchildren and one Great-Grandchild.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Sharon, and a brother, Art.
