Helen M. Reeder
Helen M. Reeder age 76, of Columbus, died Thursday; June 10, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral services are 1: 00 pm Monday June 14, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus with the Rev. Bill Ritter officiating. Visitation is from 4-8 pm Sunday at McKown Funeral Home and on Monday from 12 Noon until service time at the church. Burial is in the Columbus Cemetery.
Helen Marie Reeder was born April 17, 1928 in North Platte, Nebraska to Albert & Gladys (Pinkerton) Marzolf. On December 2, 1951 she was united in marriage to Gerald Reeder at Elizabeth Valley near Kearney, Nebraska. The couple moved to Columbus in 1960. Helen was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling, camping, and had been wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona for the past 8 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she was involved in various Ladies Clubs, Eagles Auxiliary, VFW #3704, Harold's Square Dance Club, and the Good Sam's Camp Club.
She is survived by:
Husband: Gerald Reeder of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Kathy (Ron) Ward of Omaha, NE
Son: John Reeder of Phoenix, AZ
Son: Jerry (Dodie) Reeder of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Linda Reeder of Columbus, NE
Sister: Donna (George) Money of Shenandoah, IA
Ten Grandchildren
Ten Great-Grandchildren
She was preceded by:
Father: Albert Marzolf
Mother: Gladys Marzolf
Brother: Harold Marzolf
Brother: Paul Marzolf
Evon "Shiny" Brdicko
Evon "Shiny" Brdicko, age 88 of Columbus died Saturday; May 8, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral services are 10: 30 a.m. Wednesday; May 12, 2004 at Federated Church in Columbus. The Rev. Don Wilson will officiate. Visitation is Tuesday 4-8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. Visitation will continue 9: 30 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in the Columbus Cemetery.
Evon A. Brdicko was born June 9, 1915 in Clarkson, Nebraska to James and Tillie (Jonas) Brdicko. He received his education in Clarkson where he graduated from high school in 1933. Following school he worked on a farm from 1933-1941. He served in the Army during World War II. During his military career he served in the 71st Infantry where he played in the Army Band. He was married to Lillian Konicek on August 9, 1943 in Clarkson, Nebraska. Upon his return in 1945 they moved to Columbus. He worked for Blue Star Produce from 1945-47; C.A. Swanson 1947-50. He then started his own business called Platte Valley Egg and Poultry, which he operated until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of Federated Church where he served as an usher and past member of Order of St. Andrew, and was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed dancing. Memorials are suggested to Federated Church.
Evon is survived by:
wife: Lillian Brdicko of Columbus, NE
Son: Richard (Gerri) Brdicko of Omaha, NE
Daughter: Margaret (Ronnie) Schultz of Fremont, NE
Son: Fred Brdicko of Cedar Creek, NE
Brother: Joe Brdicko of Fremont, NE
Sister: Frances Faltys of Clarkson, NE
7 Grandchildren
8 Great Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by:
Father: James Brdicko
Mother: Tillie Brdicko
Brother: Emil Brdicko
Brother: James Brdicko
Sister: Tillie Cumming
Sister: Mayme Zrust
Chloe Patricia Held
Chloe Patricia Held, 10 week old daughter of James and Jamie (Crabb) Held, died Monday May 10, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Funeral Services are 10: 30 a.m. Friday at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus with Reverend Tom Weisbecker officiating. Burial will be in the All Saints Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation is 4: 00 - 7: 30 p.m. Thursday and 8: 00 a.m. - 10: 00 a.m. Friday at McKown Funeral Home.
Chloe Patricia Held was born February 27, 2004 in Columbus, Nebraska. She was baptized May 9, 2004 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church.
Chloe is survived by:
Parents James & Jamie Held of Columbus, NE
Sister Natalie Held of Columbus, NE
Brother Nathan Held of Columbus, NE
Paternal Grandparent: Tim & Patricia Held of Columbus, NE
Maternal Grandparent: James & Sue Crabb of Columbus, NE
Elmer J. Micek
Elmer J. Micek, age 83, formerly of Columbus, Nebraska died Sunday May 9, 2004 at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha. Funeral Services are 10: 30 a.m. Thursday May 13, 2004 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus with Reverend Tom Weisbecker officiating. Burial will be in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery with military honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation is 5: 00 p.m. - 8: 00 p.m. with a 7: 00 p.m. Vigil Service at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Thursday morning from 8: 00 a.m. - 10: 00 a.m. also at the funeral home.
Elmer J. Micek was born May 25, 1920 in Bolivar, Missouri to Charles and Anna (Siemek) Micek. He attended District 30 School in Boone County and Cedar Rapids High School. Elmer served in the U.S. Army during WWII from March 1941 - December 31, 1945. While in the Service he played in the U.S. Army Band. On May 25, 1944 he was united in marriage to Leona McGuire at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Columbus where Elmer worked at Columbus Skelgas and Columbus Grain Company before coming the manager of the Bellwood Co-op until retirement in 1984. Elmer enjoyed music and was a member of the Bobby Mills Orchestra and was leader of the El Mills Orchestra. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Hartman Post #84 American Legion, Columbus Fire Department, played in the Community Band and served two terms on the Columbus City Council Ward I.
He is survived by:
Wife: Leona Micek of Missouri Valley, IA
Son: Tom (Maize) Micek of Missouri Valley, IA
Daughter: Kathleen (Dennis) Miller of Omaha, NE
Brother-in-law: Reinie Gloor of Fort Collins, CO
Sister-in-law: Mary Ann Micek of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law: Rose Micek of Cedar Rapids, NE
Five Grandchildren
Four Great Grandchildren
He was preceded by:
Parents; Brothers: Edward, Karl, Leonard, Raymond, Robert, Theodore and Thomas Micek; Sisters: Marge Gloor, Clare Jacobi, Vici Krings and Ann Schuele.
Memorials may be directed to St. Bonaventure Church or the American Diabetes Association.
Gordon L. Wadsworth
Gordon L. Wadsworth, 79, of Columbus died Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at his home in Columbus. Memorial Services will be 1: 30 p.m. Tuesday; May 25, 2004 at the McKown Funeral Home with Military Honors by Hartman Post #84 American Legion Honor Guard. The Rev. Don Wilson will officiate. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery.
Gordon L. Wadsworth was born in Columbus, Nebraska, January 31, 1925 to Ralph and Esther (McNeil) Wadsworth. Gordon graduated in 1943 from Columbus High School and went immediately into the Navy. He attained the rank of Fire Controlman 2nd Class. His ship, the USS Monitor participated in the battles for Leyte, Luzon and Okinawa. His ship was one of the first ships into Tokyo Bay after the surrender. Their assignment was to bring back American P.O.W.s
From July l947 until June 1949 Gordon worked for Railway Express. He was called back in to the Navy for the Korean War and served from July 1951 to September 1952. After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Coyne Electronics School in Chicago.
He was employed by Nebraska Public Power Company and retired after 35 years in 1985.
Gordon was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He also had a keen interest in all sports, science and politics.
Gordon was a member of the Columbus Elks Country Club, the American Legion and the VFW.
Memorials are suggested to the Columbus Animal Shelter.
He is survived by:
Sister: Hazel Lori (Ike) Eishen of San Diego, CA
Niece: Waynette "Susan"(fiance Dale T. Busenbark) Bernt of Surprise, AZ
Niece: Renee (Joe) Held of Columbus, NE
Niece: Cindy Collins of San Diego, CA
Nephew: Jeff (Sarah) Eishen of San Diego, CA
Great-Nephews: Brian (Nikki) Bernt, Duane Bernt, Mike Shuster, Matthew Eishen, & Joey Held
Great-Nieces: Michelle Bernt & Jane (Arthur) Mitchem
He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Barbara Collins.
Kathleen M."Katie" Schwartzer
Kathleen M. "Katie" Schwartzer, age 74, of Columbus, Nebraska died Wednesday May 26, 2004 at her home. Funeral Services are 10: 00 a.m. Saturday May 29, 2004 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with Reverend Del Lape officiating. Burial is in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Visitation is after 4: 00 p.m. Friday with a 7: 30 p.m. Vigil Service at St. Anthony Church. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 8: 00 a.m. - 9: 30 a.m. at McKown Funeral Home.
Kathleen M. "Katie" Schwartzer was born August 1, 1929 in Greeley, Nebraska to John and Catherine (Maslonka) Holys. She graduated from Clarks High School in 1947. On November 5, 1949 she was united in marriage to Frank Schwartzer at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus. Katie worked for Dale Electronics for 15 years and Becton-Dickinson for 10 years until retiring in 1989. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, St. Theresa Sodality and the Eagles Auxiliary. Katie was a devoted mother and loving wife.
She is survived by:
Husband: Frank Schwartzer of Columbus, NE
Son: Frank (Kathy) Schwartzer of Norfolk, NE
Son: Mike (Vicki) Schwartzer of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Mary (Greg) Trease of Norfolk, NE
Son: Jim (Kathleen) Schwartzer of Cleveland, OH
Daughter: Julie (John) Heimann of Columbus, NE
Brother: John (Jean) Holys of Columbus, NE
Sister: Georgie (Jack) Johnson of Oceanside, CA
Sister: Bernadette McKown of Pacifica, CA
Eleven Grandchildren
Three Great Grandchildren
She was preceded by:
Father: John Holys
Mother: Catherine Holys
Daughter: Joan Goodman
Sister: Ann Croxen
Brother: Edward Holys
Brother: Frank Holys
Sister: Marian Holys
Sister: Frances McManaman
Sister: Lucille Mustard
Sister: Jane Rice
Grandson: Edward James Schwartzer
Memorials may be directed to donors choice.
Robert D. Langan
Robert D. Langan, age 49, of Platte Center died Wednesday May 5, 2004 at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. Memorial Services are 10: 00 a.m. Monday May 10, 2004 at the Platte Center Auditorium with the Reverend Rod Kneifl officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in the Ss. Patrick/Joseph Cemetery rural Platte Center.
Robert D. Langan was born May 15, 1954 in Columbus to Irvin and Doris (Eihausen) Langan. He grew up and lived in Platte Center. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1972. Robert worked for a time at Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus before going to work for the Village of Platte Center. He was a member of the Platte Center Rural Volunteer Fire Department where he was currently serving as Fire Chief. He enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and Nebraska Football.
He is survived by:
Mother: Doris Langan of Columbus, NE
Son: Jeff (Fiance Danielle Schreiber) Langan of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Lori (Tony) Shatto of West Point, NE
Brother: Dale (Betty) Langan of Thornton, CO
Brother: Dave (Marlene) Langan of Norfolk, NE
Brother: Keith (Lori) Langan of Norfolk, NE
Brother: Pat (Jo) Langan of Columbus, NE
Sister: Cheri (Keith) Gottschall of Duncan, NE
Sister: Lynn Langan of Fountain, CO
Sister: Jean (Gary) Meyer Keokuk, IA
Four Grandchildren
Three Step - Grandchildren
Special Friend: Karla Viessman of Platte Center, NE
Ex-wife: Cindy Arnone of Columbus, NE
He is preceded by:
Father: Irvin Langan
Infant Daughter: Amy Langan
Sister: Cindy Langan
Brother: Glen Langan
Brother: Richard Langan
Memorials may be directed to Family Choice.
John Leffers
John Leffers, 59, of Columbus died Thursday, May 13, 2004 at the VA Medical Center in Omaha. Services are 10: 00 am Monday at St. Isidore Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph A. Miksch officiating. Burial is in the Humphrey Cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post #80. Visitation is on Sunday from 3-7 pm at McKown Funeral Home with a Vigil service beginning at 7: 00 pm, also at the funeral home. Visitation continues on Monday from 8-9: 30 am at McKown Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.
John Leffers was born July 14, 1944 in Humphrey, Nebraska to Ludwig & Juanita (Preston) Leffers. He grew up in the Creston area where he also attended schools. He joined the US Army in 1963 and later served in the Army National Guard. John worked various jobs throughout his life. He moved to Kansas where he was a maintenence worker at Dunford Funeral Home in Augusta. He enjoyed the horse races.
He is survived by:
Daughter: Cheryl (Fiance' Steve) Anding of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Chris (Chuck) Korth of Columbus, NE
Son: John (fiance Jessica) Leffers of Columbus, NE
Son: Travis Leffers of Omaha, NE
Brother: Bob (Janice) Leffers of Schuyler, NE
Brother: Jerry (Lee) Leffers of Columbus, NE
Brother: Leonard (Sharon) Leffers of Columbus, NE
Brother: Ronnie Leffers of Columbus, NE
Brother: Tom Leffers of Columbus, NE
Sister: Marie (Bill) Nielsen of Norfolk, NE
Eight Grandchildren
He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Marcia M. Gue
Marcia M. Gue, age 83, of Columbus, Nebraska died Saturday August 28, 2004 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Private Family Services were held Tuesday at the McKown Funeral Home with Reverend Timothy White officiating. Burial was in the Schuyler Cemetery.
Marcia M. Gue was born October 18, 1920 in Columbus to Henry & Elsie (Stubblefield) Seidel. She grew up in Columbus where she attended schools. On July 2, 1940 she married Donald Gue in Madison, NE. She lived in the Columbus area where she worked for Dale Electronics before retiring. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus.
She is survived by:
Son: Tom (Pat) Gue of Council Bluffs, IA
Daughter: Jeannette Kohout of Schuyler, NE
Daughter: Carolyn (Dennis) Kornelson of York, NE
Brother: Thomas Seidel of Columbus, NE
Seven Grandchildren
Five Great Grandchildren
She is preceded in death by:
Husband: Donald Gue in 1988
Parents
4 Brothers
One Grandchild
SYLVESTER F. PROROK
SYLVESTER F. PROROK, AGE 88, DIED AUG 27, 2001 AT VALLEY, NE. FUNERAL SERVICES ARE 10: 30 PM THURSDAY AT ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN COLUMBUS WITH THE REV. CHRISTOPHER GRIMMOND OFFICIATING. VISITATION WILL BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY AT 3 PM WITH A VIGIL SERVICE TO FOLLOW AT 7: 00 PM, ALL AT MCKOWN FUNERAL HOME. VISITATION WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY MORNING FROM 8-10 AM AT MCKOWN FUNERAL HOME. BURIAL WILL BE IN ST. BONAVENTURE CEMETERY WITH A LUNCH TO FOLLOW AT THE CHURCH SOCIAL HALL.
SAL WAS BORN NOVEMBER 16, 1912 ON A FARM NEAR PLATTE CENTER, NE THE FIRST BORN OF FRANK AND KATHERINE (KUSH) PROROK. HE HAD THREE BROTHERS AND FIVE SISTERS. HE ATTENDED WATTSVILLE SCHOOL AND KRAKOW BOARDING SCHOOL NEAR GENOA TO THE 8TH GRADE. HE MARRIED CLARA JAZWIEC IN 1937 AT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH IN LINDSAY AND UNTO THIS UNION DUANE AND MELVIN WERE BORN. THEY FARMED IN THE GENOA, ST. EDWARD, FULLERTON AREA UNTIL 1952 WHEN HE WENT TO WORK FOR KENT & BURKE COMPANY AT THE MERCHISTON RANCH NEAR FULLERTON. HE LATER CONTINUED HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY AT THE RANCH AT GENOA. HE THEN WENT TO WORK ON THE TRAVELING CONSTRUCTION CREW FOR BEHLEN MFG. CO., WHERE HE WORKED FOR SEVEN YRS. HE WORKED FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBUS FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND THAN FINALLY RETIRED FROM D & L IN COLUMBUS AFTER 10 YRS.
SAL AND CLARA LOVED TO FISH AND IT WAS ALWAYS A CONTEST WITH THEM WHO COULD CATCH THE MOST CATFISH. THEY DID SOME TRAVEL IN THEIR RETIREMENT YEARS, MAKING SEVERAL TRIPS TO VISIT HIS BROTHER FRANK IN CALIFORNIA.
AFTER CLARA'S DEATH IN 1986, SAL CONTINUED TO LIVE IN THEIR HOME IN COLUMBUS UNTIL DEC. OF 1998. HE MOVED INTO ASSISTED LIVING AT NYE SQUARE IN FREMONT UNTIL JULY OF 1999 WHEN HE SUFFERED A STROKE THAT LEFT HIM INCAPACITATED. HE MOVED INTO VALHAVEN NURSING HOME IN VALLEY WHERE HE LIVED UNTIL HIS DEATH ON AUGUST 27, 2001. HE WAS A MEMBER OF ST. ANTHONY CHURCH AND THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY.
SAL IS SURVIVED BY SON DUANE AND WIFE ZITA OF VALLEY, GRANDSONS GREG & WIFE LINDA OF GRETNA, PHILIP OF NORTH PLATTE, RONALD AND WIFE MISSY OF DAKOTA DUNES, S.D., AND PATRICK OF ONAWA, IA. GRANDAUGHTERS CHRISTINE, MRS MARK JENSEN OF ST. MICHAEL, MN AND VICKI, MRS DOUGLAS HEEREN OF LEMARS, IA., 10 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, SISTER FLORENCE DUBAS OF GRAND ISLAND. SPECIAL COUSIN RITA TATE, AND SPECIAL FRIEND DENNY REIS, BOTH OF GENOA.
HE IS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY WIFE CLARA JAZWIEC PROROK, SON MELVIN F., AND 8 BROTHERS AND SISTERS
MEMORIALS TO ST.ANTHONY CHURCH OF COLUMBUS
Royal F. Lyon
Royal F. Lyon, 82, of Columbus died Sunday, January 14, 2001 at the Columbus Community Hospital.
Services were 10: 30am Friday, January 19, 2001 at the Rosehill Evangelical Free Church in Newman Grove, Ne. with Reverend Clifford Branson officiating. Burial was in the Rosehill Cemetery in Newman Grove with military honors by American Legion Post #73.
Mr. Lyon was born August 11, 1918, in Newman Grove to Fred and Sophia (Erickson) Lyon. He received his education at Newman Grove High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was in the 780th Amph Tank Battalion from October 1941 - November 1945.
He married Anna Mae Wallin on November 23, 1946 in Marysville, Kansas. He founded Lyon Transfer Co. in 1935. The couple lived in Newman Grove until moving to Columbus in 1950.
Royal was a member of the Hartman Post #84 American Legion, V.F.W. Post #3704, and a member of the Church in Newman Grove.
Survivors:
Wife: Anna Mae Lyon of Columbus, Nebraska
3 Sons: Terry (Sadan) Lyon of Ankara, Turkey
Tom (Janet) Lyon of Columbus, Nebraska
Todd (Tammy) Lyon of Columbus, Nebraska
6 Grandchildren
3 Great Grandchildren
1 Step Grandchild
Preceded By Parents
3 Brothers: Melvin Lyon
Ralph Lyon
Verner Lyon
3 Sisters: Lily Peterson
2 infant Sisters
Alexander "Alex" Olsan
Alexander "Alex" Olsan, 70, of Columbus died Thursday June 14, 2001 at the VA Medical Center in Omaha. Funeral Services are 10: 30 am Monday, June 18 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation will be held on Sunday, beginning at 4: 00 pm at McKown Funeral Home with a vigil service to follow at 7: 00 pm at the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Monday from 8-10: 00 am at McKown Funeral Home. Burial will be in All Saints Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors by Hartman Post # 84 American Legion Honor Guard
Alexender Olsan was born September 25, 1930 in Nance County, Nebraska to John and Anna (Boro-Zegar) Olsan. He grew up in the Nance & Merrick County area where he received his education. On November 21, 1951 Alex married Clara Chochon at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Tarnov, Nebraska. He farmed before entering the military where he served in Germany during the Korean War. Alex played the clarinet with the military band. Following the war the couple moved to Columbus & then to California for a short time before returning to farming in the Clarks area. They moved back to Columbus in 1975 where he owned & operated Al's Lawn Service until retiring in 1999.
Alex played the piano accordian & clarinet. He enjoyed hunting, fishing & playing cards. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and was past member of the Eagles Club, V.F.W. #3704 & Hartman Post #84 American Legion.
Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church or to Donor's Choice
Alex is survived by:
Clara Olsan, Wife, of Columbus, NE
John Olsan, Son, of Omaha, NE
Randy (Joanie) Olsan, Son, of Clarksville, TN
Rose Beck, Sister, of Columbus, NE
Mary Chohon, Sister, of Silver Creek, NE
Lillian Kuhn, Sister, of Omaha, NE
Clara Zoucha, Sister, of Clarks, NE
Minnie Zoucha, Sister, of Clarks, NE
Five Grandchildren
Two Great Grandchildren
Alex is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Henry & Virgil Zegar
