Obituaries

Joan Keeney McCOOK, Neb. — Joan Keeney, 91, passed away at her home in McCook on June 12, 2025. Services are pending at this time. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook...

Gary Lee Townsend Oct. 16, 1936 - June 6, 2025 DANBURY, Neb. — Gary Lee Townsend, passed away on June 6, 2025 in Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Neb. He was born on Oct. 16, 1936 to Densel and Neva (Crook) Townsend. He graduated in May 1954 from Decatur County High School. After high school, Gary attended McCook Community College from 1954-1956...

Delores Kay Cappel Dec. 13, 1940 - June 10, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — A wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Mrs. Delores Kay Cappel passed away on June 10, 2025, at the Community Hospital in McCook at the age of 84. Delores entered this life on Dec. 13, 1940, in Wauneta, Neb., the youngest of nine children to Theodore and Susie (Herbert) Einspahr...

Vene LaVaun (DeMoss) Deminski May 15, 1927 - June 1, 2025 CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Vene LaVaun (DeMoss) Deminski was born, along with her twin sister, on May 15, 1927 in Almena, Kan., to Ivah Mae (Shaffer) DeMoss and Laverne Edward DeMoss. Her dad worked for the railroad so they moved several times as she was growing up. Vene graduated from Mascot High School. After high school she married Robert L. Estes. To this union two daughters were born, Kathleen Marie and Jerri Kay. They later divorced...

Charley Mack Keller Sept. 8, 1934 - May 30, 2025 OBERLIN, Kan. — Charley Mack Keller, 90, passed away on May 30, 2025 in Oberlin. Charley was born Sept. 8, 1934 to Charles Earl Keller and Dica Lavona Seaton in California, Mo. He was the seventh of 10 children...

Lorraine Hannah STRATTON, Neb. — Lorraine Hannah, of Stratton, passed away on June 10, 2025 at her rural home south of Stratton. She was 95 years of age. Cremation was chosen and services are pending at this time. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook...

Clyde (Spike) Elmer Bell, Jr. Oct. 2, 1951 - May 28, 2025 WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — Clyde Elmer Bell, Jr. (Spike) passed away on May 28, 2025.  Spike was born in Stratton, Neb., to Pete and Violet Bell in 1951. Spike lived and went to school in Culbertson where he was active in sports, playing both football and basketball throughout high school.  Spike graduated from Culbertson High School in 1969 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1971. ...

Alejandro C. Martinez, Jr. Dec. 23, 1977 - May 9, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Alejandro Martinez, Jr. was born to Alejandro and Lucielle (Matson) Martinez on Dec. 23, 1977 in Benkelman, Neb. Alejandro was employed at the Chief Restaurant in McCook as well as Sears and most recently Taco John’s, also in McCook. ...

April Lynn Ryan April 11, 1979 - June 8, 2025 CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — April Lynn Ryan was born on April 11, 1979 in Omaha, Neb., to George Roy, Sr. and Melony Sue (Hefti) Friend. She attended school in Bartley and graduated from Bartley High School in 1998...

Wauneta Michelle “Shelly” Richardson July 8, 1964 - June 6, 2025 STRATTON, Neb. — Our loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Shelly, left us on June 6, 2025. Wauneta Michelle “Shelly” Richardson was born July 8, 1964 in Stratton to Robert LeRoy Turpin and Geraldine Gay (McEvoy) Turpin. Shelly, as she preferred to be called, had three siblings, Robert Francis, Tonya Sue and her so-called “spoiled” little brother, Vincent Norris...

Sherry A. Harsh Oct. 28, 1945 - June 1, 2025 CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Sherry A. Harsh was born in Genoa, Neb., on Oct. 28, 1945. Her parents were Philip A. and Anna (Westerman) Stec. Sherry spent her youth in Hastings, Neb., where she graduated from Hastings High School in 1964. From there she spent the next two years attending Kearney State College. In May of 1967, she married Howard Kester, Jr. Within their marriage, they had three children, Kipp, Kari and Kirby Kester...

Reta Ann (Vacura) Barratt Oct. 22, 1946 - June 2, 2025 OBERLIN,Kan. — Reta Ann (Vacura) Barratt passed away Monday, June 2, 2025 at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Neb., at the age of 78. She was born Oct. 22, 1946 in Oberlin to Frank and Margaret (Krizek) Vacura...

Ronald Leon Wallace April 7, 1947 - May 29, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Ronald Leon Wallace was born in McCook to Helen Arlene Wallace. Ron grew up in McCook with his parents, Guy and Helen Shepherd and his brothers and sisters. Ron served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He served in Vietnam receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged on June 18, 1968...

Elizabeth Esther Schaffert Jan. 17, 2003 - June 1, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — On the 1st of June 2025, Heaven welcomed a beautiful young lady, Elizabeth Esther Schaffert. God must have thought he needed her more in Heaven than earthside. Elizabeth was born on a cold winter morning on Jan. 17, 2003 in Scottsbluff, Neb...

Glen H. Monter Dec. 16, 1930- June 1, 2025 ELWOOD, Neb. — Glen H. Monter, age 94, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. Glen was born on Dec. 16, 1930, in Elwood to Henry J. Monter and Mary J. (Miller) Monter. He was baptized, confirmed, and attended school at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gosper County, where his faith was rooted and remained central throughout his life...

Elaine Heussman Feb. 18, 1937 - May 25, 2025 ATWOOD, Kan. — Elaine Heussman was the first-born daughter of Fred and Grayce Stute and was born in her grandmother’s home in Haigler, Neb., on Feb. 18, 1937. She would later be joined by four sisters: Carol, Judy, Cathy, and Lori. Two brothers died in infancy...

Clifford E. Prince McCOOK, Neb. — Clifford E. Prince, of Stratton, Neb., passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Community Hospital in McCook. Upcoming service information and a full obituary will be added when information becomes available. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, Monuments and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.net to sign the online guestbook for the family...

Edith Luanne “Lu” (Wright) DeVoll Dec. 13, 1937 - May 26, 2025 OMAHA, Neb. — Edith Luanne “Lu” (Wright) DeVoll died May 26, 2025 in Omaha. She was born Dec. 13, 1937, in McCook, Neb., to Robert “Whitey” and Edith Mae Wright. Visitation is Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 9-10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, Neb. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The full obituary can be viewed at https://www.arborsociety.org/obituaries/Edith-Luanne-Devoll?obId=42679276...

Terry K. Vontz Feb. 14, 1953 - May 23, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Terry K. Vontz, age 72, of McCook, a man known for his steady hands, generous heart, and boundless love for his family, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and devotion. He was cherished by many, especially his family and family friends, who will forever hold his memory close...

Terry “Mike” Hotchkiss CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Terry “Mike” Hotchkiss, of Cambridge, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Neb. He was 59 years old. Cremation was chosen and services and a celebration of Mike’s life are being planned for a later date. Service details will be shared when they are available...

Tyler Bieck McCOOK, Neb. — Tyler Bieck, 40, of McCook, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the McCook E-Free Church with Pastor Bruce Lester officiating. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook will follow services. In keeping with Tyler’s wishes, the casket will remain closed at services and there will be no public visitation...

Jack G. Lytle McCOOK, Neb. — Jack Lytle of McCook passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at his home at Highland Park in McCook. Memorial services are Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook...

Ron Scott McCOOK, Neb. — Ron Scott, 79, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. Services are pending at this time. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook...

Daniel (Dan) Peterson Feb. 7, 1956 - Dec. 7, 2024 McCOOK, Neb. — Daniel (Dan) Peterson of McCook passed away Dec. 7, 2024. A celebration of life for Dan Peterson is Saturday, May 31, 2025, 1 p.m. at Barnett Park at the East Pavilion (by the playground)...

Cecilia M. Koch McCOOK, Neb. — Cecilia M. Koch passed away at Harvard Rest Haven in Harvard, Neb., on May 23, 2025, at the age of 81. A public visitation will be at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. A recitation of the rosary will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home...

Milburne (Mick) Helberg Aug. 7, 1930- May 17, 2025 WAUNETA, Neb. — Milburne (Mick) Helberg, age 94, was born Aug. 7, 1930 in Arnold, Neb., to Wilbert G. Helberg and Irene Anderson Helberg. He went to be with the Lord on May 17, 2025. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in September 1964 at a Billy Graham Crusade in Omaha, Neb. Mick attended Hamlet Union Church since 1968...

Doyle Wayne Richardson Sept. 13, 1960 - May 19, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Doyle Wayne Richardson, 64, passed away on May 19, 2025 in Kearney, Neb. Doyle was born on Sept. 13, 1960 to Dale Richardson and Jeanette Wurm (Richardson) Diederich in McCook. Doyle attended elementary school in Oberlin, Kan. ...

Crystal Dawn Ward Aug. 1, 1936 — May 19, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Crystal Dawn Ward, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Nursing home in McCook on May 19, 2025, at the age of 88. Services are pending at this time with Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook...

Wayne Eric Emrich Feb. 18, 1957 — May 18, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Wayne Eric Emrich, 68, of McCook, passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on May 18, 2025. A full obituary will be published at a later time. Memorials are suggested in Wayne’s name to be designated at a later date...

Ron Frerichs McCOOK, Neb. — Ron Frerichs, 67, of McCook, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Cremation was chosen and Ron’s wishes to have no formal service are being honored by his family. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook...

Kent and Sandra Osterhoudt MAXWELL, Neb. — Kent and Sandra Osterhoudt, who passed way seven months apart in Arizona, will be reunited in death on their wedding anniversary, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors. They both graduated from Bartley High School. Kent worked for the REA and was in Elks leadership and Sandra worked at First National Bank in McCook, Neb...

Patricia Arlene (Heiser) Snyder Dec. 13, 1930 - May 15, 2025 BEAVER CITY, Neb. — Patricia Arlene (Heiser) Snyder, age 94, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City. She was born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Lincoln, Neb., to William and Amy (Neiderhouse) Heiser...

Erma “Laverna” (Kotschwar) Ely Dec. 29, 1929 - May 17, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Erma “Laverna” (Kotschwar) Ely passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. She was 95 years old. Laverna was born on Dec. 29, 1929, in Hayes County, Neb., to Leo Peter and Anastasia Christina (Wasia) Kotschwar. Laverna married Wayne Donald Ely on Jan. 1, 1947, in Oberlin, Kan...