Obituaries from July 2021

Donald L. Smith  Feb. 25, 1949 - July 7, 2020 AURORA, Colo. — Donald L. Smith, 71, of Aurora, died July 7, 2020. A Celebration Life service is Saturday, July 17, 2021, 1-5 p.m., CDT, at the Community Building at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, 1412 W. Fifth in McCook, Neb...

Danette Kay Baxter July 31, 1960 - June 25, 2021 LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Danette Kay Baxter, age 60, passed away at her home in Lakewood on June 25, 2021, after fighting a long battle with cancer. Danette was born on July 31, 1960, in McCook Neb., to Betty and Jim Donohue. She graduated from McCook High School in 1979. Danette was a professional waitress for 30 years and retired at the age of 60...

Alfred Jay Cass July 8, 1918 - June 30, 2021 BEAVER CITY, Neb. — Alfred Jay Cass, 102, died Wednesday (June 30, 2021), at the Beaver City Manor, Beaver City. He was born July 8, 1918, to Alin and Cecile (Clason) Cass at Beaver City. He married Lola McConnell on April 9, 1939. After her death, he married Mildred Hilton on July 12, 1942...

Donald Lenn Shepherd Sept. 26, 1959 - July 3, 2021 ROCKPORT, Texas — Donald Lenn Shepherd (Lenny), died peacefully in his home in Rockport on July 3, 2021.  Lenny was born Sept. 26, 1959, and raised in McCook, Neb. He graduated from McCook High School in 1978 and attended Kearney State College, earning a bachelor of science in business in 1981. While living in McCook, he worked construction alongside his father and best friend at Don Shepherd Construction.  When his dad retired, Lenny moved to Lincoln, Neb.  He worked in property management before returning to McCook and forming a one-man carpentry/construction business called Shepherd Construction.. ...

Marjorie C. Malleck March 15, 1936 - July 4, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Marjorie C. Malleck, 85, died Sunday, July 4, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 15, 1936, in McCook to Louis and Susie (O’Dea) Colling. She was preceded in death by her eight siblings. She married the love of her life, John (Gene) Malleck on Oct. 19, 1957, at St Patrick’s Church in McCook. This union lasted 63 years. ...

Dorothy Marie Henton Nov. 4, 1931 - July 4, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Dorothy Marie Henton, age 89, departed her earthly life surrounded by family and entered into Heaven on July 4, 2021, from Hill Crest Nursing Home in McCook. Dorothy was born at home on a farm south of McCook on Nov. 4, 1931, to Fred and Emma (Liebbrandt) Friehe. Dorothy was baptized on Nov. 29, 1931, and was confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church on March 25, 1945, in McCook. She graduated from McCook High School in 1949...

Dolores M. Hayes Sept. 21, 1931 - May 3, 2021 GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Dolores M. Hayes, 89, of Grand Island, formerly of McCook, Neb., died Monday, May 3, 2021, at Tiffany Square Care Center. Inurnment will be Friday, July 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Neb...

Michael Craig Harmon May 27, 1953 - July 3, 2021 ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Michael Craig Harmon, 68, of Arapahoe, died Saturday (July 3, 2021), at Kearney Regional Hospital, in Kearney, Neb. He was born on May 27, 1953 in McCook, Neb., to Leland and Lucille Rose (Klient) Grassmeyer. He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975 and in the Nebraska National Guard until May 27, 2013. He married Gloria Lynn Strickland on Nov. 22, 1975, at Lexington, Neb. He worked in machinery and manufacturing...

Elaine Kay Kapustka Dec. 21, 1945 - July 1, 2021 OMAHA, Neb. — Elaine Kay Kapustka, aged 75, passed away on July 1, 2021 at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha. Her children were with her at the time of her death. Kay was born Dec. 21, 1945, to John and Jaunita (Meier) Connely in Broken Bow, Neb. ...

Kay Lynn Swartz Nov. 5, 1960 - July 1, 2021 ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Kay Lynn Swartz, 60, of Arapahoe, died Thursday (July 1, 2021), at her home. She was born Nov. 5, 1960, in Lamar, Colo., to L.C. and Rosa D. (Westmoreland) Aaron. She was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Swartz; infant daughter, Crystal; and parents...

Phyllis R. Grine NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. — Phyllis R. Grine, 93, formerly of Natrona Heights, died peacefully April 6, 2020, in the Hanna Healthcare Center at Longwood at Oakmont in Verona, Pa. Born in McCook, Neb., she was the only child of Frederick and Edith Rutt. ...

Jon N. Glanzer Feb. 12, 1938 - July 7, 2021 HOLBROOK, Neb. — Jon N. Glanzer, age 83, of Holbrook, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center, Arapahoe, Neb. He was born on Feb. 12, 1938, at his grandparent’s family farm south of Arapahoe to Walter and Edna (Riepe) Glanzer...

Albert Fredrick Zuege, Jr. Feb. 28, 1944 - July 6, 2021 IMPERIAL, Neb. — Albert (Al) Fredrick Zuege, Jr. of Imperial, passed away on July 6, 2021, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Neb. Albert was born on Feb. 28, 1944, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Albert (Sr.) and Sophia (Keller) Zuege...

Jim McKinney Aug. 23, 1948 - June 29, 2021 WAUNETA, Neb. — Jim Stewart McKinney, loving husband, father and grandpa, was born Aug. 23, 1948, in Sidney, Neb., to Paul and Virginia McKinney. Jim grew up and attended school in Dix, Neb., and graduated from Dix High School in 1966. He went on to further his education and graduated from Kearney State College in 1970...

James Leroy Rayer April 19, 1936 - July 11, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — James Leroy Rayer, age 85, of McCook, passed away at the Hillcrest Care Center of McCook on Sunday, July 11, 2021. He was born in Bartley, Neb., at home on April 19, 1936, to Maurice W. and Elsie (Colling) Rayer. Jim attended and graduated from Indianola High School in 1953. He continued his education at Kearney State Teachers College in 1957 with a bachelor of science in education...

Gary Lee Korus Feb. 7, 1951 - July 10, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Gary Lee Korus, age 70, of McCook, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Kearney Regional Hospital in Kearney, Neb. He was born Feb. 7, 1951, in Omaha to Clement T. and Frances (Gaston) Korus. He attended and graduated from Bennington High School in 1969. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and was on the wrestling team. In 1981, he enlisted in the Army Reserves...

Elinor Egle Beneda LOMPOC, Calif. —Elinor Egle Beneda passed away on Feb. 16, 2021. Her memorial service will be at the Eden Church in rural Wauneta, Neb., on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 10 a.m. She survived her husband, Glen Beneda; and four older brothers, Robert, Ralph, Virgil and Loren...

Bonnie Sue Jeffries-Evans-Samson May 31, 1940 - July 12,2021 LUDELL, Kan. — The world is a lonelier place with the passing of Bonnie Sue Jeffries-Evans-Samson, 81, of Ludell, on July 12, 2021, at McCook Community Hospital. Bonnie was born May 31, 1940, to Marion and Eva (Yeo) Jeffries of Atwood, Kan. She was the middle of two other sisters, Alberta and Marian Ellaine...

Judith Kay Yost McCOOK, Neb. — Judith Kay Yost, 78, of McCook, died Monday (July 12, 2021) at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. A graveside memorial service is Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, 10 a.m., at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller, S.D. Memorials in her name can be given to donor’s choice and directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o The Yost Family, P.O. Box 476, McCook, NE 69001. Online condolences can be left at www.carpenterbreland.com...

Arthur “Wayne” Stark June 24, 1944 - May 14, 2021 POINT BLANK, Texas — Arthur “Wayne” Stark, 76, of Point Blank, died Friday, May 14, 2021, in Conroe, Texas, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born June 24, 1944, to Anthony M. and Della Irene (Brown)Stark in Trenton, Neb. ...

Shirlee O. Calahan June 22, 1928 - July 11, 2021 SIDNEY, Neb. — Shirlee O. Calahan, age 93, of Sidney, joined her heavenly family on Sunday, July 11, 2021, in Sidney. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 19, 2021, in the Light Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sidney with Pastor Mary Jo Dean officiating. ...

Karen S. Henry March 28, 1942 - Jan. 16, 2021 SEWARD, Neb. — Karen S. Henry, 80, of Seward, died Jan. 16, 2021. She was born in Holdrege, Neb., on March 28, 1942, to Roy and Mary Ann Burgeson. She married James R. Henry on Sept. 27, 1963. Funeral services are Saturday, July 24, 2021, 10:30 a.m., at McCook Christian Church in McCook, Neb. Memorials can be given in her name to the hospice of your choice...

Beverly Jane Adams Sept. 14, 1939 - April 16, 2020 CULBERTSON, Neb. — Beverly Jane Adams, age 80, of Culbertson, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020, at El Dorado Manor in Trenton. Beverly was born Sept. 14, 1939, in Springfield, Ill., to parents, Clifford and Helen Marie (Oller) Johnson. She was one of four children who grew up in Thayer, Ill., a coal mining town of 650 residents...

Thelma Long June 24, 1938 - June 27, 2021 Irvin Long Aug. 22, 1935 - April 3, 2020 McCOOK, Neb. — Thelma Jean Long was born June 24, 1938, in Imperial, Neb., to Arthur Avery and Lois Iola (Clements) Siefken. Thelma grew up in Imperial and graduated from Chase County High School in 1956...

Joan Cobb April 24, 1937 -July 18, 2021 TRENTON, Neb. — Joan Cobb, 84, of Trenton, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 18, 2021, at Community Hospital in McCook. She was born April 24, 1937, in Olathe, Colo., to Dorman and Darlene (Silver) Cobb and later moved to Hitchcock County, Neb. ...

Greg L. Kotschwar April 16, 1959 ~ July 3, 2021  NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. — Gregory L. “Greg” Kotschwar, 62, of Nebraska City, died Saturday, July 3, 2021, at his home. He was born in Culbertson, Neb., on April 16, 1959, to Donald H. and Nell (Bryan) Kotschwar. He graduated from Culbertson High School in 1977. He worked for the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy...

Lula Petersen April 23, 1935 - June 19, 2020 WHEATRIDGE, Colo. — Lula Petersen, 86, died June 19, 2020. An outdoor Celebration of life is Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, 11 a.m., at the Zweck Family Farm, 11007 Airport Road, Longmont, Colo. 80503. Memorials can be given in her name to the Longmont Hoe and Hope Garden Club scholarship fund...

Kenneth LeRoy Stewart Jan. 24, 1924 - July 22, 2021 LINCOLN, Neb. — Kenneth LeRoy Stewart passed away Thursday July 22, 2021, at Fallbrook Assisted Living in Lincoln. Kenny was 97 ½ years young. Kenny was born Jan. 24, 1924, to Robert and Gertrude (Matticks). ...

George (Rusty) R. Addleman Nov. 12, 1938 - July 12, 2021 OBERLIN, Kan. — George (Rusty) R. Addleman, 82, of Oberlin, was born on Nov. 12, 1938, to Ted and Neva (Russell) Addleman at Benton Memorial Hospital, Oberlin. He passed July 12, 2021, at Decatur Health Systems, Oberlin...

Dale Leroy Wilcox Phyllis Lorraine (Dinnel) Wilcox OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Dale Leroy Wilcox, 88, of Overland Park and formerly of McCook, Neb., died Nov. 22, 2020, at the Olathe Medical Hospital in Olathe, Kan. His wife, Phyllis Lorraine (Dinnel) Wilcox, 89, of Overland Park and formerly of McCook, died Jan. 6, 2021, at The Sheridan at Overland Park, a retirement community...

Lynda V. Springer March 3, 1947 - July 21, 2021 OBERLIN, Kan. — Lynda V. Springer, 74, died Wednesday (July 21, 2021) at the Good Samaritan Society of Decatur County. She was born on March 3, 1947, in McCook, Neb., to William and Wilma (Shaw) Martin.She graduated from McCook High School in 1965. She married Loyal Springer on Aug. 1, 1965 in Lebanon, Neb. She ran the Fence Post Café in Lebanon for 10 years and worked at a floral store in McCook...

Howard Gauger Dec. 27, 1932 - July 24, 2021 WAUNETA, Neb. — Howard Dean Gauger was born Dec. 27, 1932, south of Wauneta, Neb., to Mary (McBride) and Christy Gauger. Howard attended grade school at Eden through the eighth grade and then continued his education in Wauneta, where he graduated from Wauneta High School in 1950...

Marie Katheryn Daffer Nov. 11, 1922 - July 26, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Marie Katheryn Daffer, age 98, of McCook, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2021, at her home at Kinship Pointe in McCook. Marie was born Nov. 11, 1922, in Denton, Texas, to parents, Teddie B. and Hazel L. (Stover) Rue. She was one of three children born to this union. Marie attended school in Texas, graduating from Sanger High School in 1940. She then went on to further her education by attending business school in Dallas...

Dean Enoch Roedel May 28, 1932 - July 17, 2021 GREELEY, Colo. — Dean Enoch Roedel of Greeley was born in McCook, Neb., on May 28, 1932, to Enoch and Emma Roedel. He passed away on July 17, 2021, at home in Greeley. Dean attended a one-room country school through seventh grade, then went to St. John’s Parochial Day School for eighth grade. He graduated from McCook Senior High School in 1950...

Joyce Ann Hilker May 20, 1932 - July 28, 2021 ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Joyce Ann Hilker, age 89, of Arapahoe, formerly of Cambridge, Neb., passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center in Arapahoe. She was born on May 20, 1932, on a farm north of Arapahoe to Emil and Emma (Hilker) Stagemeyer...