Obituaries from February 2026

Mechelle Jackson, 56, of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed away January 13, 2026 at the Tri-Valley Health System in Cambridge, Nebraska. Mechelle was born on August 5, 1969. Mechelle married Bill Jackson and to this union, they were blessed with five children...

Alicia Fantasia Tracy, 35, of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as the result of an auto accident northeast of Arapahoe, Nebraska. She was born on September 10, 1990 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Armando Escamilla and Marietta Porcupine. At the age of eight, Alicia came to live with Duane and Lois Bishop of Beaver City, who became a loving and steady presence in her life...

Glenvil resident Duane A. Schliep, 91, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard. Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, west of Glenvil, NE with Pastor Steve Byrne officiating. ...

Albert Louis Kompus Jr. was born to Albert Louis Kompus and Frances Josephine (Holub) Kompus on June 9, 1949, at McCook, Nebraska and grew up on a farm east of Atwood, Kansas. Al passed away at a hospice center in Panama City, Florida on December 26, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with cancer...

Alice Norman, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 surrounded by family at her home in Cambridge, NE. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church in Cambridge, NE at 4:30PM, with Dr. Geoffrey Plummer as officiant...

Darren M. Burns, age 58, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE. Cremation was chosen. A memorial service to honor Darren will be held at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, CO at a later date...

Dixie Lee Frink, 68, of Maywood, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dixie will be remembered for her unwavering strength, feisty spirit, and deep love for those she held close...

Lois Musgrave, age 85, of McCook, NE passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at her home in McCook, NE. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are in Lois’ name to be designated at a later date. Full obituary and service details will be posted upon family approval...

Mr. Allen R. Gidcumb, age 53, of McCook, NE passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Community Hospital in McCook. Allen was born in Oxford, NE on August 2, 1972, to parents Don Lemman and Marcia Morris. In Allen’s professional life, he was a truck driver for Fritz Trucking and also worked for Whitakers and Walmart. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trucking. He loved spending time with his grandkids and playing farming games on his phone...

Rusty Wayne Park peacefully passed away at his McCook home on February 5, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Those waiting for him in Heaven, were his grandparents, parents, sister Judith Lea, twin brothers and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends...

On February 3, 2026, Betty Marie Leibrandt went to be with our Lord and Savior. She left behind a legacy of love. Betty was a lifelong resident of McCook. She moved to McCook as a little girl and graduated from McCook High in 1964. She raised her family on a farm southwest of McCook for over thirty years. She later lived in town...

Lillian L. Kehler passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones in Culbertson, NE, on February 5, 2026, at the age of 87. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Culbertson Methodist Church in Culbertson, NE with Pastor Alisa Parde, officiating. Burial will follow in the Culbertson Cemetery...

Sharon Mae (Snyder) Orrell, 75 was born July 31, 1950 to Pete Sr. and Lela (Wonderly) Snyder in Imperial, NE. Sharon passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Imperial Manor. On February 11, 1966 she married William Pankonin in Imperial, NE. To this union, 4 children Donald, Sandy, Melinda and Kristie were born...

Pastor Gary Lewis Howitt went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 6, 2026 with his family by his side. He was born on August 28, 1940, in Chappell, Nebraska, to Lewis and Freida Howitt. From his earliest years, Gary’s life was grounded in faith, family, and hard work—values that would guide him throughout his life and ministry...

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Kerchal, 66, of Wauneta, Nebraska, passed into the arms of the Lord on February 4, 2026. Born on May 10, 1959, in Delaware, Ohio, to Robert Fetty and Elizabeth Fendrich, Debbie spent much of her youth in Aurora, Colorado, before moving to Trenton, Nebraska, in 1977. ...

Mary Ellen Long, a longtime resident of Holbrook, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at CountryHouse in Kearney, Nebraska. She was 89 years of age. Cremation was chosen and services are pending at this time. Memorials are suggested to the family of Mary Ellen Long for future designation. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge has been entrusted with arrangements...

Darren M. Burns, age 58, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE. Darren was born to parents Clearence and Patricia (Douds) Burns in Denver, CO on September 18, 1967. Darren graduated from Machubeuf High School in 1985. He then graduated in May of 1990 from Doane University in Crete, NE with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English...

Robert E. Sitzman, age 73, of Culbertson, NE passed on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Great Plains Hospital in North Platte, NE. Bob was born August 14, 1952, in McCook, NE to parents Henry “Curly” and Anita M. (Taul) Sitzman, Jr. He was one of three siblings and attended school in Culbertson, graduating high school with the Class of 1970. Bob then went on to attend McCook Community College, earning an associate of arts degree in business...

Alice Estelle Norman, age 83, of Cambridge, NE passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at her home in Cambridge. Alice was born April 22, 1942 in McCook, NE to parents James P. Norton and Mildred L. Carfield. She was one of three siblings. Alice attended school in McCook...

Brooklyn Faith Becker was born on December 4, 1996 and gained her angel wings on Thursday, February 5, 2026 due to complications from an infection. Brooklyn was born in Winnebago, Nebraska and came home with Joanna on August 9, 1997. She may have had a single mom, but she was blessed with 5 uncles who are the strongest and most influential father figures one girl could have...

Vica Jean Kier, age 88 passed away surrounded by her family on February 9, 2026 at Dundy Co Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska. Jean was born July 28, 1937, in Dundy County to parents, Dan and Cynthia (Burgett) Ellis of Benkelman, Nebraska. She attended country school north of Benkelman and graduated class of 1955 at Benkelman high school...

Theda Beth (Jones) Stanley, of McCook, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at the age of 82. Theda Beth was born to John and Ruthella (Carter) Jones in McCook, Nebraska, on June 14, 1943. After graduating from McCook High School in 1961, she worked as a telephone operator before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Dale Stanley. ...

ELWOOD Neb. — Eunice I. Miller, age 89, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by love and memories of a life well lived at Elwood Care Center, Elwood, NE. Eunice was born on December 30, 1936, in Trenton, Nebraska, to Garrett Alfred Parsons and Esther Irene Patten Parsons. She grew up with strong family values that shaped her caring nature throughout her life...

KEARNEY Neb. — Edward LeRoy Kester, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 11 in Kearney at 87 years. He was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma on June 8, 1938, to Dr. Howard and Louise (Mayo) Kester. The family lived in several more states as Howard served the government as a federal veterinarian, including Arkansas, Illinois, and Maryland. When Ed was in first grade, they moved to a farm north of Cambridge. Ed attended Orafino Country School from first through eighth grades. He then attended Cambridge High School, graduating in 1957. During high school Ed was active in football and track...

McCOOK Neb. — Rex Leon Messersmith, age 67, of McCook, NE passed away at his home in McCook on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Rex was born November 11, 1958 in McCook to parents Leland I and Gloria M (Cox) Messersmith. He was one of eight siblings who grew up in Cozad, NE and graduated from Cozad High School with the Class of 1978...

McCOOK Neb. — Russell Lynn Carpenter, a beloved father and husband, passed away at Community Hospital in McCook, NE on February 14, 2026, at the age of 57. On October 26, 1968, Rodney and Thelma (Halley) Carpenter welcomed Russell into the world. Russell was born and raised in McCook, NE where he graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1988...

ELWOOD, Neb. — John Frank Peterson, age 63, of Elwood, NE passed away at his home in Elwood on Monday, February 16, 2026. John was born March 14, 1962 in McCook, NE to parents Alfred Frank and Ethel J. (Vaughn) Peterson. He was one of five siblings and attended school in Trenton, NE, graduating with the Class of 1980. John then went on to attend the Vocational Technical College in Sidney, NE, obtaining a degree in Diesel Mechanics...

McCOOK Neb. — Donald Harvey Neel passed away at his home north of McCook on Monday, February 16, 2026. He was 67 years of age. Don was born on March 16, 1958 to Stanley E. and Margaret D. (Barber) Neel at St. Catherine Hospital in McCook, he was the youngest of four children. Don spent his life doing what he loved, farming with his family! He graduated from Republican Valley High School with the class of 1976. On November 29, 1980 he was united in marriage to Patricia Gates in Palisade, Nebraska. To this union four sons were born: Joshua Wayne, Ira James, Tyler Scott, and Bret Andrew...

Infant Kaisen Lee Francis passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. Kaisen was born on Valentine’s Day, to parents Max and Julie Francis of Holbrook, NE. Even though his time on earth was short, he was deeply loved by his parents and three siblings, Walker, Elena and Dominic...

THORNTON Colo. — Marie E. (Junker) Almquist, 87, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026. Born on October 30, 1938, Marie was known for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and loving heart. A devoted homemaker, she dedicated her life to caring for her family, creating a home filled with warmth, faith, and kindness...

Geno Thomas (Tom) Vickers passed away on February 20, 2026 at McCook Community Hospital in McCook, NE. Tom was born in Gothenburg on March 7, 1936 to George and Sylvia Vickers, and moved to the ranch at Farnam, NE when he was 8 years old. Tom met the love of his life, Shirley Messersmith, in Farnam, and they were married on May 27th, 1956. Three children were born to this union – Matt, Mark, and Cindy...

Gordon George Gessleman passed away at his home in Culbertson, NE, at the age of 86, on February 20, 2026. Gordon was born on October 24, 1939, to parents Charles and Elsie (Worley) Gessleman in McCook, NE. Gordon was raised on the family farm where he graduated from Culbertson High School in 1957...

Dean Leroy Cook, 61, of Brighton, Colorado, passed away at his home on February 20, 2026. Dean was born on April 20, 1964 in Stratton, Nebraska to John and Janice (Daniel) Cook. After graduating from high school, he worked various jobs before deciding to join the United States Navy in November of 1986. In April of 1989 he was sent aboard the USS Carl Vinson...

James Gorman Jenkins, born on April 17, 1944, in Bangor, Maine, to Roy and Estelle (Betts) Jenkins leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories. He graduated from high school in Bangor, where he laid the foundation for a life filled with love and appreciation for the great outdoors...

Christopher "Chris" Allen Reid, of McCook, NE, passed away at his lake house in. Randolph, Kansas on February 23, 2026, at the age of 62. Chris was born April 1, 1963 in Oxford, NE to parents Marion Chester and Sandra C. (Storz) Reid. He was one of four children who grew up in southwest Nebraska, graduating from Stratton High School in Stratton, NE with the Class of 1981. Chris spent his entire life in agriculture, stewarding well the land he so loved. He had a passion for farming, retiring in 2023...

Marla Jean (Kluherz) Bowlin, 74, of Culbertson, Nebraska, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 22, 2026. Marla was born on August 28, 1951, in Denver, Colorado. She was born to Jeryne (Ruttman) Goodrich and was later lovingly adopted by Laurine A. (Newhouse) Kluherz and Kenneth R. Kluherz. She graduated from Torrington High School in Torrington, Wyoming, in 1969. Continuing her passion for education, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, in May of 1988...