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E. Louise Williams 73, Lincoln, formerly of Johnson Lake, Neb., died Monday (3/2/09).
She was born on April 30, 1935 in Callaway, Neb. to Joseph & Cecil (Conn) Savidge.
Louise was an elementary teacher for many years. She had much musical ability including teaching piano lessons & being a church organist in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Leon, Iowa; Alliance, & Sydney, Neb. She was a member of Sheridan Lutheran Church & P.E.O.

Survivors: husband, Keith Williams, Lincoln; children & spouses: Joe & Trudy Williams, Lincoln; Stacy & John Trapp, Lincoln; grandchildren & spouse: Monica & Jake Stryker; Justin, Logan, Renee, Laura, Collette Williams; Christopher, Katelyn, Melissa Trapp; great grandchild: Kade Stryker; brother & sister-in-law: Charles "Chuck" & Sharon Savidge, Lincoln; brother-in-law & spouse: Brad & Beverly Williams, Lincoln; nieces, nephews.

Funeral services 11 a.m. Friday (3/6/09) at Sheridan Lutheran Church, 6955 Old Cheney Road.
Louise wished not to have public viewing. Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials: American Cancer Society, 5733 S. 34th Street, #500, Lincoln, NE 68516 www.cancer.org. Online guest book may be signed at www.lincolnfh.com

John "Shot" Lowe III, Kearney resident and Mallard Beach South Bay, 77

KEARNEY - John G. "Shot" Lowe III, 77, of Kearney died Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with the Revs. Jerry Ness and Charles Peek officiating. Burial will be at Kearney Cemetery with military honors by the Nebraska National Guard Honors Team in conjunction with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759 and American Legion Post 52 of Kearney and Masonic rites by the Rob Morris Lodge 46 A.F. & A.M.

There will be no visitation. O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He was born June 8, 1931, in Kearney to John Jr. and Ethel (Spencer) Lowe.

In 1956, he married Andrea Svoboda in Cozad.

Survivors include his wife; sons, John and his wife, Kim, Timothy and his wife, Mary Beth, and Andrew and his wife, Marcia, all of Kearney; daughter, Hannah Stone and her husband, Roger, of Kearney; and grandchildren, Ben, J.D., Amy, Kolton, Spencer, Alex, Garrison, Nate, James and Thomas.

He graduated from Kearney Public School in 1949. He attended Kearney State Teachers College for two years, where he was a member of the Caledonian Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1953 and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He served in the U.S. Army from July 14, 1953, to June 7, 1955, in Korea. He began his business career at Lowe & Co. selling insurance and real estate.

He was a member of numerous organizations, including past master of Rob Morris Lodge 46 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, Tehama Shrine, where he served as potentate in 1980; Fort Kearney Shrine; Tehama Clowns; VFW; Elks; IOOF; the Sertoma Club in Kearney; and RSA in New Zealand.

He served on the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors for 10 years. He was a member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Gateway Committee. He taught salesmanship at Kearney State College and served as interim president there. He was also a member of the Nebraska State College Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Steve.

Memorials are suggested to the Kearney High School business department and the Fort Kearney Shrine Auxiliary to be used for the Minneapolis Shrine Hospital wheelchair fund.

Online condolences may be submitted to www.osafh.com.

Earle W. “Bill” Murphy, 59, of Johnson Lake--Sandy Point, passed away suddenly Friday, March 20, 2009, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.

He was born June 7, 1949, at Des Moines, Iowa to Clifford Emil and Edith (Kluver) Murphy.

Bill grew up in Benton and Iowa Counties of Iowa until he was a junior in high school, and then moved with his family to Aitken, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school in 1967. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Christine Buehler on June 29, 1970, at Victor, Iowa. Two children were blessed to this marriage, Keith and Tina.

Bill and Chris lived in Iowa, Minnesota and Colorado prior to settling at Johnson Lake in 2005. In making the move from Iowa to Colorado, they were involved in Christian Camping Ministry in Estes Park for 6 years. Then they both worked for North Shore Health Care Facility in Loveland for 5 years. The couple purchased their cabin at the lake in 2003. He was a carpenter by trade and owned his own business for 25 years. When they moved to Nebraska Bill started working for Service Master and then moved to maintenance at the Lexington High School. This is where his love and care for kids grew into lasting friendships and they developed a mutual respect for each other. He was able to interact with the students in the halls and during detention, where he challenged and loved them. Many of these young people were the subject of Bill’s constant prayers.

He loved God’s word and lived his life walking in Christ’s love. His church and family were his mainstays. He was a faithful member of Lexington Christian Church where he served as Deacon. Bill loved the lake and spent hours planning his next landscaping project dreamt of catching the “big one”. He was the center of his family’s lives and always seemed to know when he was needed for a word of advice or just a comforting smile.

Bill was wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and mentor who will be missed very much.

Survivors include his wife: Chris Murphy of Johnson Lake, Nebraska
One son: Keith Murphy of Lexington, Nebraska
One daughter: Tina & Kyia Friesen of Denver, Colorado

Four grandchildren: Cambria & Jacob Friesen of Denver and K.J. & Shon Murphy of Lexington.
Two brothers: Larry Murphy of Koszta, Iowa
Ron Murphy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Three sisters: Marlene Sloan of Victor, Iowa
Marvel & Larry Schafbuch of Koszta, Iowa
Grace Tatge of Belle Plaine, Iowa

Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-Law: Gary & Sandy Buehler of Johnson Lake, Nebraska
Cheryl & Art Jones of Plainfield, Illinois

Nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Laverne.

The Family has honored Bill’s wishes that his body be cremated.

A Memorial Service will be Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Lexington Christian Church with Pastor Kyron C. BeDunnah officiating
There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and expressions of sympathy many be directed to: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Jerome Olmsted, Dec 9, 1925 - Mar 25, 2009 (Father of Jim Olmsted, Olmsted & Perry CE)

Rural Tecumseh, NE. Passed away at his home. He was born to Frank and Minnie (Schultz) Olmsted. He was a retired farmer and WWII Marine Veteran. Survived by wife of 61 years, Lorraine (Buss); children, Janet Brazer (Dr. John), Coquille, OR, Jim Olmsted (Denise Stange), Omaha, Nancy Cherry (Brent), Boulder, CO and Laurel Chadek (William), Grand Island, NE; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter.

Preceded in death by his parents and brothers, LaVerne and Eldon.

FUNERAL SERVICE Monday March 30, 2009 at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh, NE.

VISITATION Sunday March 29, 2009 from 1-8pm with family greeting friends 4-6pm at Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, NE. Interment Tecumseh Cemetery, with full military honors. Memorials may go to the family's choice.

WHERRY MORTUARY
Tecumseh, NE 402-335-2921

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CAIRO -- Helen L. Pollock, 90, of Cairo died on Thursday, April 2, 2009, at Wood River Good Samaritan Center.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo, with the Rev. Glen Keylon officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church. Apfel Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Pollock was born on Oct. 30, 1918, on the Lorenzen farm in Hall County to John and Louise (Muller) Lorenzen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, on March 17, 2007, and by a son, James Pollock.

Survivors of the immediate family include a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Maggie Pollock of Julesburg, Colo.; a daughter-in-law, Jackie Pollock of Cairo; and a brother, Lloyd Lorenzen of Kearney.

Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren and their spouses, Cornell and Michelle, Eric and Kenda, Michelle, Ryan and Becky and Aaron and Jorleen; several stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren, Brookli, Matthew, Miranda, Brittany, Seth and Logan.

She received her education at District 23 School in Hall County.

She was united in marriage to Harold Pollock on April 5, 1939. Following their marriage, they lived and farmed north and east of Grand Island until 1962, when they purchased a farm north and east of Cairo. In 1980, they moved to Johnson Lake, and in 2009, she moved to Cairo.

She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo. She was an active member in Angus Nebrelles and Cowbelles and worked for Bertaline Concessions for 15 years doing catering in Grand Island. She was also a member of the Platt-Duetsche Society. She enjoyed making woodcrafts and crocheting.

In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Clara Wilhelmi; and one brother, Louie Lorenzen.

Memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo.

Donald E. Buell, 71, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at his home at Johnson Lake.

He was born January 2, 1938, at Concordia, Kansas to Walter William and Viola (Merrill) Buell. Don graduated from Garden City High School in Garden City, Kansas. He then worked for Kansas/Nebraska Natural Gas Company for 15 years in Lakin, Kansas. Don was united in marriage to Alice Faye “Suzy” Bradbury at Garden City, Kansas. Three children were born to this marriage; Wesley, Deborah and Judy.

The couple moved to Deerfield, Kansas where he continued to work for Nebraska/Kansas Natural Gas. The family then moved to Iowa where he worked for Tasco. In 1990, they settled at Johnson Lake where he went to work for IBP. His last job was for Paulsen Construction prior to retiring. Don enjoyed fishing, woodworking, antique hunting and riding his motorcycle. He really loved collecting rocks.
He was a member of the Eagles Club in Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors include one son: Wesley and wife Mary Buell of Elwood, Nebraska Two daughters: Deborah Ochs of Washington State and Judy and husband Dan Epp of Lexington, Nebraska One brother: Larry Buell of Juniata, Nebraska Eight grandchildren; Zach, Kyle, Makayla, Robert, Kristopher, Justin, Heather & Anthony and six great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Alice Faye “Suzy”.

Don’s body has been cremated and there will be no visitation. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Elwood Cemetery in Elwood, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Family. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Wolf, Rylee

KEARNEY - Rylee Wolf, infant daughter of Shannon and Renea Wolf of Elm Creek, was born at rest Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Private family services were at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney with the Rev. Rob Kuefner officiating. Burial was at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Eustis.

Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney was in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her parents; grandparents, Gregg and Jean Wolf of Eustis, Frank and Karen Bohac of Kearney and Kent Taubenheim of Elwood; and great-grandparents, Frances Debban of Eustis, Jo Wolf of Gilbert, Ariz., Freda Wild and Rosemary Hemmann, both of Amherst, and Ernie and Phyllis Bohac of Omaha.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later.

James W. "Willie" Rhodes 1928-2009

James "Willie" Rhodes, 80, of Lexington, formerly of Elwood & Johnson Lake, died June 5, 2009, at his home in Lexington.

He was born July 4, 1928, at Safe, Mo., to Virgil and Leona (Glenn) Rhodes. He graduated from Nehawka High School in 1946.

On June 18, 1949, he married Juanita L. Rhodes at Louisville. The couple made their home at Weeping Water. In 1952, the couple moved to Kearney. Between 1952 and 1964, the couple moved back and forth between Kearney and North Platte where Willie worked as a sales representative in the steel industry. Eventually, Willie and Juanita returned to Weeping Water where they operated Gibson Grocery for 10 years. Following their years in Weeping Water, the couple moved to Johnson Lake, and later Elwood, where they lived until 2005. In recent years, Willie and Juanita made their home in Lexington.

He had been a long time member of the First Christian Church in Weeping Water and the Cozad Elks Lodge. Willie was a member of the Euclid Lodge No. 97 AF & AM where he attained the level of Master Mason. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Rhodes of Lexington; three sons, Kevin (Jacque) Rhodes of Lincoln, Randy (Jodi) Rhodes of Glenwood, Iowa, Marvin (Donna) Rhodes of Omaha; daughter, Pamela (Dean) Brand of Lexington; brother, Larry (Lynn) Rhodes of Lincoln; two sisters, Genevieve Eppens of Lincoln, Wanda (Richard) Gibson of Council Bluffs, Iowa; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be on Monday, June 8, at 3 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Lexington with Pastor Linda Newman officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.

Burial will be in the Elwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Good Samaritan Cancer Society in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Earl K. "Unc" Foreman

Earl K. "Unc" Foreman 79, of Lincoln, died Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Lincoln. Earl was born on March 7, 1930 in Lincoln to Neil E. & Rose (Bauer) Foreman. Graduate of Walton High School in 1948. Married Betty J. Winget on November 6, 1948. Retired owner/operator of Foreman's Window Service.

Earl is survived by his wife, Betty Foreman of Lincoln; daughters (spouses), Connie (Myron) Malone of Scottsdale, Ariz., Wendy (Robin) Armbruster of Gilbert, Ariz., Debbie (Mike) Werger of Elwood (Johnson Lake), Chris (Rock) Dennis of Lincoln, Roxanne Earnest of Lincoln; sons, MSG Earl B. Foreman, serving in Iraq & Tracey N. Foreman of Clarksville, Tenn.; grandchildren (spouses), Teresa (Darryl) Trevola of Phoenix, Ariz., Stephanie (Bill) Pinella of Scottsdale, Ariz., Brian (Alicia) Armbruster of Gilbert, Ariz., Matt (Stephanie) Foreman of Lincoln, Mike (Chrystal) Werger of Elwood, Josh (Christy) Werger of Castle Rock, Colo., SA2 Cody Foreman of Texas, Pvt. Kathryn Dennis of Lincoln, Colin, Brandon, Nikki & Scott Earnest, Sara Dennis, Emily (Darrel) Fisher, Tyler & Alyssa Foreman; 18 Great Grandchildren; sister, Isabell Ringland & husband Wendell of Bennet; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Foreman & Cork Hertzel of Lincoln, Barbra Winget of Colorado Springs, Colo. & Lanora Laws of Pleasant Dale; brother-in-law, Shorty Winget & wife Joan of West Jordan, Utah; nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald & Leonard & nephew, Daniel.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday (6/9/09) at Butherus, Maser & Love Chapel. Visitation will be from 1-9 p.m. Monday with family present from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Aseracare Hospice. Condolences may be left @ www.bmlfh.com

Jack S. Ochsner
Hastings resident, Jack S. Ochsner, 68, died Sunday, July 5, 2009 at his home, from a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Services will be Thursday, July 9, 2009, 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating, along with Rev. Dr. Carl Rehwaldt. Burial with military rites will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 7, from 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, 9:00 a.m.– 9:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Family will gather Thursday, July 9, one hour prior to service at the church, with viewing available.

Memorials may be given to Mary Lanning Hospice, Hastings Foundation for the Splash Park at Libs Park or Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Mr. Ochsner was born February 22, 1941, to Ted & Margaret (Spielman) Ochsner in Hastings, Nebraska. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1959 and graduated from Milford Trade School in 1961 with a degree in diesel mechanics. He entered the United States Navy as a Navy SEABEE in 1961 and served in Kodiak, Alaska, and Kane 'ohe, Hawaii until 1964. He married Marie (Kleier) February 10 , 1968. They have been married 41 years. They made their home in Hastings, and were blessed with one son, Tracy. Jack bought his first business, Pick’s Pack Hauler in 1964, which he started with one tractor and trailer. In the early years of Pick’s Pack, Jack spent time catching up on his favorite soap...Days of Our Lives...waiting for business to happen. Over the years, his business grew to a fleet of 30. In 1969, he and his father, Ted, opened East Side Diesel Service, Inc. a full service diesel shop. 1989 brought Jack ownership in Nebraska Peterbilt, which he continues to this day. Peterbilt is located on the I-80 interchange, where he has seen success over the years.

Jack was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Elks Club #159, Lochland Country Club, and served on the board at Heritage Bank in Hastings. Jack enjoyed golfing with friends in Mens League, working in his yard, summer weekends at their cabin at Johnson’s Lake, where he enjoyed boating and spending time with his family. Jack and Marie also traveled to the sunshine at his Scottsdale, Arizona home during our cold winters, which he has loved greatly for 13 years. Above all, Jack especially was proud of, and enjoyed his three beautiful grandchildren, Jarrett, age 6, and twins Jaden and Jenna, age 2.

Mr. Ochsner was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include:
His loving wife: Marie Ochsner – Hastings, NE
Son & Daughter-in-law: Tracy & Michelle Ochsner – Hastings, NE
Grandson: Jarrett Ochsner
Twin Granddaughters: Jaden & Jenna Ochsner
Sisters & Spouses: Sally & Donald Whitcomb – Hastings, NE
Debbie & Jim Freeburger – Hastings, NE
Many nephews, nieces, cousins…and many great friends, which made his life complete.

Raleigh Nott, Elwood resident, 90

ELWOOD - Raleigh D. Nott, 90, of Elwood died Saturday, July 18, 2009, at Elwood Care Center.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood with the Rev. Jeff Ernstmeyer officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Elwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today at the church and before services Tuesday.

Elwood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He was born Dec. 15, 1918, at Elwood to Elias "Lyle" and Amalia (Huckfeldt) Nott.

On Nov. 30, 1947, he married Eleanor Schneider in Eustis.

Survivors include his wife; sons, Jerry Nott and Norman Nott and his wife, Janet, all of Grand Island, Billy Nott and his wife, Char, of Arapahoe and Raleigh Nott of Johnson Lake; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was a lifelong resident of Gosper County.

He graduated from Elwood High School with the class of 1937.

Following graduation, he helped with the construction of Johnson Lake and canal. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 18, 1942, and served until Sept. 16, 1945. He received a Bronze Star.

He and his wife were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis.

They farmed and raised cattle south of Elwood for many years.

They moved to Elwood in 1994.

He served as Gosper County commissioner from 1971 to 1988. He was one of the founding fathers for the Gosper County Senior Center. He moved to Elwood Care Center in September 2007.

He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 290 and the American Legion Post, all of Elwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sharol in 1959; brother, Lyle Wayne Nott; and sisters, Wilma Tull and Carol Jean Nott.

Condolences or personal reflections can be left at www.elwoodfuneralhome.com.

Tom Waltemath, Kearney & former Johnson Lake resident, 74

KEARNEY - Thomas Frederick "Tom" Waltemath, 74, of Kearney died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at his home.

Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors by the North Platte Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

He was born Dec. 21, 1934, at Omaha to Victor and Capitola (McCabe) Waltemath.

On Sept. 10, 1976, he married Creta Wilmeth in Las Vegas.

Survivors include his wife; sons, Theron Rookstool of Eustis and Travis Rookstool of Holdrege; daughters, Rowena Wallington of Allen, Texas, and Theresa Bivens of Cheyenne, Wyo.; sisters, Carolyn Hansen of Mason City, Iowa, and Barbara Katzenberger of Basehor, Kan.; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.

Norma Wigstone, 66 Lexington & formerly Johnson Lake - Real Retreat BHP

Norma Jean Frazer Wigstone, 66, of Lexington, died Monday Aug. 24, 2009, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington with Pastor Megan Morrow officiating.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to Tri-County Hospital or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

She is survived by her devoted sons, Mark and Mike Wigstone both of Lexington; grandchildren, Tucker (Danielle) Ferguson of Wahoo, Baylee Wigstone of Lexington, Skyler Wigstone of Elwood and Dakota Wigstone of Lexington; great-grandchildren, Libby and Treyce Ferguson of Wahoo; two sisters, Shirley (Elvin) Anderson of Broomfield, Colo., Cheryl (Virgil) Urmacher of Cozad; one brother, Terry (Dena) Mills of Arnold; an aunt, Lolamae Woodgate of North Platte; an uncle, Alvin Kyhn of St. Paul; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, customers and employees.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Anson Frazer in April of 1947, Opal Mills in November of 2004 and Sylvan Mills in March of 1987; husband, John in 2005.

Norma was born Aug. 16, 1943 at rural North Loup to Anson Orrin Frazer and Opal Grace Hunt Frazer. Norma was their second child. Norma was born on her sister Shirley’s third birthday.

Norma was married on March 6, 1964, to John Matson Wigstone at Omaha. Norma and John had two sons, Mark Anson and Mike Lynn.

She graduated from Arnold High School in 1961. She worked the switchboard at the telephone company in Arnold and at the telephone company in Omaha. The family moved to Lexington in the late 1960s and this was to be her residence for 40 years. She worked at various jobs and got her commercial driver’s license and drove with John trucking over the road.

Norma opened the successful Leprechaun Restaurant in 1989 and she enjoyed her many friends and customers. The Leprechaun was the family spot for Thanksgiving dinners.

In 1987, Shirley and Norma took a trip to Ireland and learned more about their Irish heritage. Norma had both her grandmothers’ red hair. On Aug. 16, 2003, Norma and her grandchildren flew to Brookfield, Colo., to spend her 60th birthday with Shirley and her family.

Norma was a fulltime mom and grandma while Mark was in Iraq.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: http://www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Brian D. Eilers, 52, of Lexington, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at his home amongst family.

Services will be held Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Parkview Baptist Church in Lexington with Pastor John Shields officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Survivors include his wife, Anne Eilers of Lexington; his two sons, Carson Eilers of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Chase Eilers of Lexington; two brothers, Mark (Judy) Eilers of Seward, David (Missy) Eilers and family of Overton; brother-in-law, Lars (Joni) Ostrom and family of Lexington; brother-in-law, Leif Ostrom and family of Lexington; father-in-law, John Ostrom of Lexington and cousins. Also surviving are many employees and past employees who he thought of as his extended family, as well as many friends and business acquaintances.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marion Eilers and mother-in-law, Annette Ostrom. He was born March 26, 1957, at Lexington, to Richard and Marion (Cook) Eilers. Brian was the first born of three brothers. He grew up on the family farm that is located east of Overton.

Brian graduated from Overton High School with the class of 1975. Following graduation, Brian took a job working at Valley Sales as a welder. He later worked at Sperry New Holland where he received his tool and die apprenticeship. He was united in marriage to Anne Ostrom on June 28, 1980, at Lexington.

Brian soon after pursued a dream of having his own business and in April of 1983 he purchased what would become Eilers Machine and Welding from a previous business, Deeter Machine and Welding. At that time the business was located on Hwy. 30 and is now located in the Industrial site of Lexington. He was a born leader. He loved the challenges of using his hands and being able to create things. He had a special gift for helping his employees reach their full potential. Brian believed that everyone had a gift or a hidden potential and he would find a way to drag it out of them.

Along with Brian’s passion for his work came a passion for adventure. He loved to travel, scuba dive, spend time with his family at Johnson Lake, playing cards, boating, wake boarding, snow skiing, motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting and having a great time together, and any adventure that involved risk.

Brian was devoted to his church. He felt the love and care of others at Parkview and enjoyed worshipping in the church at Parkview Baptist. He served as a deacon and a trustee. He considered one of his dearest services the time spent in planning and developing the new facility.

Brian will be greatly missed by all. Memorials are suggested to the Brian Eilers Scholarship Fund through the Lexington Community Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Parkview Baptist Church or the donor’s choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

NORVIN HARMS, 78, WADE ADDITION - JOHNSON LAKE

Norvin L. Harms, 78, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska died Friday, October 9, 2009, at his home. Norvin was born to Albert and Rosa (Cross) Harms on October 4, 1931 on a farm north of Cozad. Norvin was baptized on November 13, 1931, and confirmed on April 14, 1946 at Christ Lutheran Church. He went to grade school at District #34 and graduated from Cozad High School in 1949. He worked on the farm until he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He served until 1955 and was then honorably discharged.

On June 3, 1954, he married Flossie Rodgers at Cozad, Nebraska. The couple resided in Oklahoma until 1955. Following his time in the service, they moved back to Cozad, north of town. They lived on the family farm until 1975. They then moved into the town of Cozad. Norvin and Flossie sold their place in Cozad and lived in Arizona in the winter and at Johnson Lake in the summer.

Whiling living at Johnson Lake, Norvin worked for the Nebraska Game and Parks. He retired in the late 1990’s. Norvin enjoyed fishing and volunteering at the Heartland Military Museum in Lexington. He also enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies and happy hour friends. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was also a member of the American Lutheran Church in Cozad for many years and was now a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington.

Survivors include his son Garry and fiancée Andrea Ostrum of McCook, Nebraska. One daughter: Nancy and husband Mike Deboer of Kearney, Nebraska. One brother: Stanley and wife Leona Harms of Newcastle, Oklahoma. Six grandchildren: Kristen Harms of McCook, Nebraska Kyle Harms of McCook, Nebraska Dr. Bethany Deboer of Los Angeles, California Zac Deboer of Lincoln, Nebraska Dusty Deboer of Lexington, Nebraska Holly and husband Cory Parker of Lincoln, Nebraska. One great-grandchild: Myles Parker of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Special Friend: Willa Olson of Johnson Lake, Nebraska

Norv was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Flossie; an infant son; one brother, Laverne and one sister, Alice.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska. Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 12, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Megan Marrow officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the American Lutheran Cemetery north of Gothenburg.

Memorials are suggested to the Heartland Military Museum. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

PAUL MATSON, 62, Johnson Lake - North Point

Paul A. Matson, 62, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, died Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.
He was born November 13, 1946, at Lexington, Nebraska to Theodore and Edith (Margritz) Matson. Paul was a 1965 Lexington High School graduate. He then went on to further his education at Wesleyan University, graduating in 1970, he then attained his M.B.A. at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Paul was united in marriage to Lynn Schmitt on April 10, 1971, at Madison, Nebraska. The couple lived for a time in Omaha and St. Paul, Nebraska. They moved to Lexington in 1977. Paul was self-employed his entire life in the Financial Investment business.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Rotary International, Thistle Masonic Lodge and Tehama Shrine. He was a true outdoorsman.

Survivors include his wife: Lynn Matson of Johnson Lake, Nebraska. Son: Aaron Matson and special friend (Allison Daley) of Omaha, Nebraska. Daughter: Melissa Matson and husband (Dan Lindberg) of Boston, Massachusetts. Father: Pastor John (Glenna) Craig of Lexington, Nebraska. Two brothers: John Clark (E.J.) Craig of Denver, Colorado. Paul Craig of Anchorage, Alaska. Three sisters: Pauline Peterson of San Antonio, Texas. Heather (Craig) Oldsen of Ponca, Nebraska. Ann Craig (Marisa Villareal) of New York City. Stepbrothers: Richard Zern and Mike (Tracy) Zern of Overton, Nebraska. Sister-in-law: Pat (Richard) Mueting of Kearney, Nebraska. Several nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Ted Matson & Edith Craig; aunts & uncles.

It was Paul’s wishes his body be cremated and there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverends Todd Karges, John Craig and Chuck Olsen officiating. Inurnment will be in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium next to the church.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Foundation, Lexington Community Foundation Johnson Lake Hike/Bike Trail, Chapel of the Lake at Johnson Lake, Rotary International or Johnson Lake EMS.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of Sympathy may be sent to: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com