John Baker
Shelby resident, 55
John Harold Baker, age 55, of Shelby, passed away Monday, February 28, 2005 at St. Elizabeth's Regional Health Center in Lincoln. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 4, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Roberts-Dubas Funeral Home in Osceola with Rev. Earl Underwood officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Shelby Cemetery with military rites by Shelby Legion Post. Memorials are suggested to the family. Roberts-Dubas Funeral Home in Osceola is in charge of arrangements.
John was born December 22, 1949 in Chicago, IL to William Newton and Patricia Ernestine (Orr) Baker. He attended school in Gilman, IL, graduating from high school in 1969. He then served in the United States Army during Viet Nam.
John was united in marriage to Brenda Magdalene Beach at Elizabeth, KY on March 8, 1972. To this union, three daughters were born. They moved from Fort Knox, KY to Chicago in 1973. From 1973-1979, they resided in Chicago where John worked as a chef. The family then moved to Nebraska in 1979. John worked at Kroy Industries in York, Ne. for five years, Even Temp in Waco for 20 years and then was employed at Behlens in Columbus since October of 2003.
John enjoyed NASCAR racing and was a Chicago sports fan. He also enjoyed watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one niece, Shana Baker.
Survivors include his wife Brenda of Shelby; three daughters, Brenda Jo (Roy) Cech of Howells, Margie Morrison and Jennifer (Gordon) Patterson, both of Shelby; two brothers, Bob Baker of Lander, WY and Bill (Linda) Baker of York; one sister, Cindy Baker of Lander, WY; six grandchildren, Kayla Cech, Betty Cech, Brittany Cech, Kiana Morrison, Jordan Morrison and Connor Morrison; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Elizabeth Mierau
Henderson resident, 88
Elizabeth Mierau, 88, of Henderson, passed away on Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, 2002, at the Henderson Care Center in Henderson.
Elizabeth was born on Feb. 26, 1914, in rural York County to Aaron J. and Elizabeth (Peters) Thieszen. She grew up on a farm near Lushton. Following completion of elementary school at District #20 country school, she spent a number of years helping her older siblings when they had their families. She then moved to Kansas to complete her high school education in three years at Hesston Academy and graduated on May 31, 1938.
From there she went to Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing to work on her registered nursing degree, graduating on Jan. 2, 1942. Following her graduation, Elizabeth worked briefly as night nurse at the Goessel Hospital in Kansas prior to moving back to Nebraska to work at the York Hospital in the infant nursery.
She was united in marriage to Daniel A. Mierau at Henderson on May 7, 1940. The couple, along with Dan's daughter, Lou, moved to a farm five miles west of Henderson, where another daughter, Evelyn, was born.
After the death of her husband, Dan, in January of 1964, Elizabeth and the girls moved into Henderson and she started working as the Director of Nursing at the Henderson Care Center in October of 1964, and continued in that capacity until February of 1971.
She was baptized upon her confession of faith on June 4, 1933, at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, where she remained a faithful member until her death. Elizabeth was an active member in the Mission Circles at Bethesda Church throughout her time in Henderson and became a member of the Hospital Auxiliary after her retirement.
She moved to the Henderson Care Center in September of 1992, where she will be remembered by the staff and residents for her love of chocolate (especially chocolate pie), games (Rummy Cube and Dominoes being her favorites), and her crossword puzzles and word searches.
Survivors include her two daughters: Lou (and her husband, Gordon) Schroeder of Surrey, British Columbia, and Evelyn Mierau of Newton, Kan.; two grandsons: Nathan (and his wife, Noelle) Schroeder of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Joel Schroeder of Surrey, British Columbia; one great-grandson, Ethan Schroeder of Vancouver, British Columbia; nieces and nephews, and many friends. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dan on Jan. 28, 1964; four brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson with Pastor George Kaufman officiating. Interment will be in the Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery north of Henderson. Due to remodeling at the Lewis Funeral Chapel in Henderson, visitation was held in the old choir room of Bethesda Mennonite Church from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday evening, and then from 9 a.m. until service time on Friday. Memorials may be made in care of the Henderson Care Center. Lewis Funeral Chapel of Henderson is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas J. Roth
Kearney resident, 73
Thomas J. Roth, 73, of 1507 W. 35th St., Kearney, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
He was born in Hastings on June 11, 1929, to Francis and Flora (Cantwell) Roth. He attended St. Cecilia Catholic School in Hastings and graduated in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper from 1951-53. He was married to Wilma Stiles on Feb. 11, 1956, in Hastings. He worked for Nebraska Public Power (NPPD) for 37 years, retiring in 1992. They have been residents of Kearney since 1972.
He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the Kearney Eagles Club. Pastimes included woodworking and traveling. They lived in Arizona during the winters.
Survivors include his wife of Kearney; sons, Greg of San Diego Calif., and Jeff of Lincoln; daughter, Julie of Kearney; sister, Mary of Hastings; brother, Richard of Oakland, Calif. Also surviving is one granddaughter, Samantha.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at the St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. The Rev. Charles Torpey will officiate. Committal and flag presentation will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, at the O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home in Kearney. A prayer vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church in Kearney or to the Hastings Catholic Schools. O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home of Kearney is in charge of arrangements.
Winford Lantz
Winford Richard Lantz, 95, a resident of Chillicothe, Mo., died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000, at the North Missouri Baptist Home, Chillicothe, Mo., where he had resided since May 3, 1991.
He was born June 4, 1905, to Philip and Carrie (Deskins) Lantz in North Salem, Mo. He married Ardith Marjorie Rogers on May 7, 1940, in Grand Island. She preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 1982.
The Rev. Mr. Lantz was a Baptist evangelist who conducted meetings and speaking engagements through the Midwest and South for over 40 years. His career included that of pastor and minister at Southern Baptist Churches in Missouri, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Kirksville, Mo.
He is survived by one son, Rush (Eleonore) Lantz of Gainesville, Va.; one daughter-in-law, Blanche Ellsworth of Lincoln; one brother, Paul Lantz of Taos, N.M.; two sisters, Phyllis Gallucci of Wimberley, Texas, and Mary Monsees of Overland Park, Kan.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Roger Ellsworth, and one brother, Marshall Lantz.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2000, at 11 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in York. There is no scheduled family visitation. Friends may call after 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, 2000, at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Missouri Baptist Home and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Mo. 64601. Cards may be sent to his son, Rush Lantz, 6750 Derby Run Way, Gainesville, Va. 20155.
Michele Marie Vincent
Tyler, Texas resident, 37
Michele Marie Vincent, age 37, of Tyler, Texas died March 1, 2005.
Michele was born in Encino, Calif. on March 26, 1967. She survived by her husband, Howell Vincent, Daughter Savanah Vincent, sons Brett Miner and Brandon Miner, all of Eustace, Texas; father William (Ben and Gwen) Williamsen of York, Neb., mother diane Campfield of Gun Barrell City, Texas, sister and brother-in-law Shannon and Alton Horton of Payne Springs, Texas, borther and sister-in-law Willaim (BJ and Angela) Williamsen of Wichita Falls, Texas, brother Wesley Williamsen of Lincoln, Neb., brother Jason Campfield of California, grandparents Rick and Roberta Ricci of Payne Springs, Texas, uncle Rick Ricci of Payne Springs, Texas, aunt and uncle Vick and Ed Nelson of Simi Valley, Calif., father and mother-in-law Donald and Sonya Vincent of Eustace, Texas, brother-in-law's Dwayne and Kristie Vincent of Eustace, Texas and Dale and Kris Reynolds of Red Oak, Texas.
Many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Cremation Services to follow in Eustace, Texas.
Raymond E. Garren Sr.
Omaha resident, 82
Raymond Edward Garren Sr., 82 of Omaha, formerly of Lincoln, died March 4, 2005.
Private family graveside services will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln.
Survivors include daughter, Michelle Hejl of Kansas City, Kan.; sons, Michael Garren and Raymond (Shannon Epke) Garren Jr. of Omaha; and grandchildren, Hayley, Stephen, Jason and Matthew.
Leora Fay Howser
Stromsburg resident, 87
Leora Fay Howser, 87 years old of Stromsburg, formerly of St. Edward, died Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at Midwest Covenant Home in Stromsburg. Services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 25 at Palmer Funeral Home in Fullerton. Rev. Larry Phillips will officiate. Burial will be in the Belgrade Main Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 24 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home in Fullerton. Palmer Funeral Home in Fullerton is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Howser was born February 7, 1918 to William and Lizzie G. (Reynolds) Fox in Octavia. She was one of eight children who were raised near Octavia and Garrison, Ne. She attended David City Schools graduating from David City High School in 1936.
On November 27, 1938 she married Keith Russell Howser in David City, Ne.
They lived near Garrison until February of 1947 when they bought a farm and moved southwest of St. Edward. They retired in 1986.
Her husband Keith died May 23, 1993.
Mrs. Howser continued to reside on the farm until October 1999 then she moved to Midwest Covenant Home in Stromsburg.
She was a past member of the Methodist Church. She enjoyed visiting with her family, gardening, embroidery, crochet, knitting and softball games.
Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Russell and Rosetta Howser of Belgrade, Gary and Jodi Howser of Rising City, Nolan Howser of Central City and Richard and Barb Howser of St. Edward; two daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta and Howard Warner of York and Bernita Warner of Fullerton; 23 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Richard Krieger of Lincoln.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; two brothers, Willis Fox and Delbert Fox; four sisters, Mary Rohwer, Amy Mohler, Ada Fox and Roberta Litty and a son-in-law Earl Warner.
Gale Glendon Jensen
Lincoln resident, 81
Gale Glendon Jensen, age 81, of Lincoln, died March 5, 2005. He was born Oct. 10, 1923 in Cordova to August and Mary (DeCamp) Jensen.
He was a veteran of World War II and longtime truck driver and worker for Burlington Northern Railroad.
Jensen was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Genevieve; children and their spouses, Gayle and Mary Jensen, Ashland, Kenneth and Ann Jensen, Savannah, Ga., Denis and Lynette Jensen, Lincoln, Arnold and Karen Jensen, Douglas, and Myron and Nancy Jensen, Lincoln.
He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, sisters and their spouses, Lorraine and Goran Darling, Betty and Marion Lewis, Marge Lundy, August and Janet Jensen, Joey and Laverne Jensen, Mary Ann and Lloyd Wright, Carol and Ron Anderson, Deanna and David Reetz, Donald and Susan Jensen, Gary and Connie Jensen, and Edith and Thayne Stuart. His sister-in-law, Sister Dominic Coufal, Marcy and Julius Maduna; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lewis and Phyllis Coufal.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, sister, James, Robert, Allen, Marilyn; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, Joe Leo, John, Mary, Adolph, Anthony and Patricia.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 9 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6126 Morrill, Lincoln.
The Celebrant will be Father David Hintz and the burial will be at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery.
There will be a Rosary at 7 p.m., Tuesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14; one hour before Rosary and Mass at the church.
The Pall bearers will be Scott, Steve Jensen, Gary Wendell, Glen Thomas, John Coufal and Loren Kudlacek. Honorary Pallbearers are Jason, Matthew, Ryan and Sean Jensen.
Memorials may be sent to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Margaret D. Eckard
Spalding resident, 85
Margaret D. Eckard, age 85, of Spalding passed away Monday, February 14, 2005 at the Friendship Villa in Spalding. The Funeral Service will be Thursday, February 17 at 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Community Church in Spalding. Rev. Mary Avidano officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 16 at Dolce Scheef Mortuary from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Burial in Grandview Cemetery.
Margaret was born April 8, 1919 in Burwell, Nebraska to George and Dollie (Backes) Hardy. Margaret attended grade school in Burwell, Ne. She worked on the family farm.
On November 6, 1937 Margaret married Henry Eckard at the courthouse in Burwell, Ne. They worked for farmers and ranchers in the Ericson/Burwell area until 1950 when they moved southwest of Spalding. They later moved east of Spalding. Henry died on November 19, 1960. Margaret moved to Spalding and worked at Spalding Public School until she retired in 1994.
Margaret is survived by four daughters, Rose Haggerty of Spalding, Sarah Eckard of Oconto, Evelyn Eckard of Spalding and Delores and husband Dwain Kranz of Eddyville; two sons, Ernie and wife Linda of McCool Junction and Charles Spalding; 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandsons.
Margaret was preceded in death by one daughter, Margaret Kranz; one son-in-law, Harold Haggerty; five grandsons, James and Lewis Haggerty, John, Kenneth and Donald Kranz; one sister, Mary Kelly.
Arrangements by Dolce Scheef Mortuary in Spalding.
Helen K. Friesen
Henderson resident, 87
Helen K. Friesen, 87, of Henderson, died Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at Henderson.
She was born to C.J. and Agnes (Ratzlaff) Beier in Rupert, Idaho, on Jan. 18, 1917, and was a lifelong resident of York County. Her love for quilting and embroidering was shared by many and she was an active member of Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson.
On June 20, 1937, she was married to Rudolph J. Friesen at Henderson.
She is survived by two sons, Raymond (Mary) Friesen of Waverly and Jerry (Janice) Friesen of McPherson, Kan.; five grandchildren, including Steve (Charlene) Friesen, Jeanette (Bill) Eagleton, all of Lincoln, Linda (Darryl) Shafer of Goodyear, Ariz., Tori (Jeanna) Friesen of Little River, Kan., and Lori Friesen of Lindsborg, Kan. Great-grandchildren include Kelsey Eagleton of Lincoln; Wyatt, Jacob and Katie Shafer of Goodyear, Ariz; Brandon and Brett Friesen of Little River, Kan.; and Heather Schriner of Lindsborg, Kan. Survivors also include one sister, Mary Smith of Henderson; two sisters-in-law, Malita and her husband, Cliff Ehlers of Fremont and Alma Friesen of Dallas, Ore.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rudolph; two sisters, Eva Klassen and Goldie Uhler; and a brother, Ben Beier.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson. Burial will be at the Bethesda Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Henderson Health Care Center or the Bethesda Radio Broadcast Fund.
Visitation began at 1 p.m., yesterday.
Condolences may be directed to the family at metz@metzmortuary.com.
Metz Mortuary in Henderson is handling arrangements.
