Obituaries March 11, 2010

Phyllis Schrunk

Phyllis Schrunk
Phyllis Schrunk Phyllis Schrunk, age 85, of Palmer, passed away Monday, March 8, 2010, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. at Greenway Funeral Home in Palmer. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday (today), March 10, 2010, at the Wesleyan Church in Palmer.  The Reverends Steve Dow and Alan Houston will officiate.   Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer.   Greenway Funeral Home in Palmer is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Schrunk was born Nov. 21, 1924, on a farm near Zumbrota, MN, to Carl and Lessie (Greer) Budensiek.  She attended country school and then three years of high school in Zumbrota.  Her senior year of school, she went with her two older brothers, David and Morris, to Miltonville, KS, where she graduated from high school at the same time her brothers were attending college.  Following her graduation, she attended Teacher Training School for a year.  She then taught in various country schools for seven years. During the early summer of 1950, she went to visit her older brother, Morris who was pastoring the Wesleyan Church at Lynch.  There, she met Thomas Schrunk, who attended Morris’ church and later Thomas and Phyllis were married at Zumbrota, MN, on Nov. 24, 1950, and moved to the Schrunk farm near Lynch. Phyllis enjoyed gardening, canning and freezing.  She also helped her husband, Thomas, with mowing and raking hay, besides being a stay-at-home mom.  She was also active in the Wesleyan Church, including being the church treasurer and secretary/treasurer of the Missionary Society.  To this union were born a son and daughter. They gave their children a rich Christian heritage by not only telling them about the Lord, but being an example and attending church as a family whenever the church doors were open. In September of 1981, Thomas and Phyllis moved to Palmer to be near their grandchildren after selling their farm.  Phyllis again became

Robert L. “Bob” Greiner

Robert L. “Bob” Greiner
Robert L. “Bob” Greiner Robert L. “Bob” Greiner, age 63, of Ewing, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Visitation was held from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at St. Frances Catholic Church in Randolph.  Rev. John Andrews officiated.  Music was provided by George Bradley, guitarist. Pallbearers were Clayton Olsen, Nicholas Greiner, Jerry Hahlbeck, Ben Matchett, Larry Wanamaker and Ed Nordby. Interment was held in St. Frances Catholic Cemetery in Randolph with military rites conducted by the VFW Firing Squad #5545 and the American Legion Post #113. Services were under the direction of Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Bob was born Dec. 14, 1946, in Sholes to Alfred and Shirley (Hoeppner) Greiner.  He lived in Randolph where he graduated from St. Frances High School in 1965.  He served in the United States Army on March 21, 1966, serving during the Vietnam War, and received his honorable discharge as a sergeant on Feb. 20, 1969.  He married Deborah Dunlap on Oct. 4, 1969.  They later divorced.  He married Jeanne Hafer on July 28, 1977.  They later divorced. Bob worked in law enforcement for many years where he served as a police officer in Osmond, West Point and Lyons, police chief in Bancroft, deputy in Cuming County, and recently in Holt County where he served as chief deputy sheriff.  He was also a hunter safety course instructor for the State of Nebraska.  He was a member of the Ewing Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. He attended the Assembly of God Church in Ewing, was a member of American Legion Post #214, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7998, Nebraska Law Enforcement Intelligence Network, Nebraska Sheriff’s Association and the National Rifle Association.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. Bob is survived by daughters, Sara Greiner of Lincoln, Michel (Clayton) Olsen of Lyons; six grandchildren; mother; sister, Nancy (Deb) Kudera of Osmond; brothers, Douglas (Betty) Greiner of Randolph, Steven (Deb) Greiner of St. Joseph, MO, Daniel (Cheryll) Greiner of Seward; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine Greiner; his father; and brother, Michael Greiner. 

Marion Myers

Marion Myers
Marion Myers Marion Myers, age 92, of Inman, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the Golden LivingCenter in O’Neill. Visitation was held from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Inman Community Church.  Randy Schmeichel officiated.   Pallbearers were David Billington, Shawn Myers, Jeff Shaffer, Jason Shaffer, David Sidak and Douglas Sidak. Honorary pallbearers were Jackie Koester, Lisa Sidak and Alicia Hinrichsen. Interment was at the Chambers Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. Services were under the direction of Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Marion was born Sept. 30, 1917, at Wolbach to Jesse and Mina (Douglas) Myers.  He grew up in that area and Marion owned and operated a 640 acre farm in partnership with his brother, for nine years ending June 1941.  The farm was located in Holt County.  He raised and harvested wheat, corn, oats and barley as well as cared for and fed cattle, horses, hogs and poultry.  He drove wheeled tractors and farm trucks and operated combines and general farm machinery.  He entered the United States Army on June 28, 1941, serving his country during WWII.  Marion was awarded five major campaign stars and the Good Conduct Medal.  He received his honorable discharge Oct. 20, 1945.  Marion married Deloris Primus at O’Neill on Dec. 7, 1945.  Three sons and one daughter were born to this union.  He worked at Midwest Bridge out of Norfolk and Olson’s Manufacturing in Atkinson. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Simonson Post #93 and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #926. Marion is survived by two sons, Verdel Myers and wife Joyce of Inman, Gaylaird (George) Myers and wife Charlotte of O’Neill; one daughter, Vanetta Billington and husband Virgil of Loveland, CO; seven grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; one brother; and one sister.

Harvey J. Sobotka

Harvey J. Sobotka
Harvey J. Sobotka Harvey Joseph Sobotka, age 80, of Grand Island, formerly of Norfolk and Inman, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at the Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island. Visitation was held from 8 - 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010,  at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill.  Rev. Francis Nigli officiated.  Music was provided by Susan Kramer, pianist, and St. Patrick’s Choir. Pallbearers were Mike Weichman, Drew Plugge, Tony Hiett, Mark Plautz, Robert Starman and Charles Starman. Honorary pallbearers were Caleb Sobotka, Dalton Sobotka, Albert Weichman, Kevin Tunender, Joe Ramirez and Darin Baumgartner. Interment was in the O’Neill Calvary Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. Services were under the direction of Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Harvey was born June 11, 1929, at Sioux City, Iowa, to John and Margaret (Biliter) Sobotka.  He graduated from Inman High School and joined the United States Navy on April 10, 1948.  After serving his country Harvey received his honorable discharge on Sept. 26, 1951.  On June 6, 1959, he married Roseanna Underwood in O’Neill.  To this union seven children were born.  They made their home in the Inman area.  Roseanna passed away April 29, 1993.  Harvey was a house painter and loved hunting. Harvey is survived by three sons, Randy and Danika Sobotka of Grand Island, Jerome and Carole Sobotka of Grand Island, Henry Sobotka of Grand Island; four daughters, Linda and Tony Hiett of Bradshaw, Mary and Mike Weichman of Bradshaw, Jolene Plugge of Norfolk, Elizabeth and Roger Aldrich of Plainview; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold and Wanda Sobotka of Arkansas and Leo and Bea Sobotka of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one great-granddaughter; and one brother, Gerald.

Joseph F. Hansen

Joseph F. Hansen
Joseph F. Hansen Joseph F. Hansen, age 81, of Yankton, SD, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton, SD. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, SD, with a vigil service and video tribute at 7 p.m.   A memorial mass was  held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, at Saint Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton, SD, with Reverend Tim Lange officiating.   Pallbearers were his grandchildren,  Aaron Hansen, Natalie Hansen, Holly Haberman, Joan Jansen, Michael Hansen, Andrew Kappel, Anna Kappel, Tim Pemberton, Shelly Bennett, Kristen Carter and Shane Carter.  Honorary pallbearers were his great-grandchildren, Taylor Jansen, Asher Haberman, Jake Tauber, Cameron Hansen, Madeline, Katherine and Nathaniel Bennett. Inurnment was held at the Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery in Crofton.  Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, SD, was in charge of arrangements.   Joe was born July 6, 1928, in Tilden, to Carsten and Mary (Brink) Hansen.  He attended country school in Tilden until the family moved to Pierce in 1938. In 1942, they moved to O’Neill where Joe graduated from St.  Mary’s High School in 1945. After school, Joe served in the United States Navy for two years.  His ship helped escort the USS Missouri, with President Truman on board, through the Panama Canal.  On Sept. 25, 1951, Joe and Kathleen Flood were married in O’Neill.  After their marriage, they moved to Norfolk  where Joe ran a delivery route for Wonder Bread for 13 years. In 1964, they moved to Crofton where he was the owner and operator of Joe’s Market.  Joe was active in the Crofton community, serving on the city council and had one term as mayor. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce and served as president for one term. Joe served as a member of the Crofton Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years and was one of Crofton’s first EMT’s. He was a member of the VFW and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Joe closed the store in 1989 and went to work at the Human Services Center in Yankton as a food service supervisor and retired in 2000.   In 1996, Joe and Kate moved to Yankton and became members of Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church.  He loved gardening, working in his yard, fixing things, going to auctions and antique tractor shows. Joe is survived by his six  children, Tony (May) Hansen of Elkhorn, Mark (Darla) of rural Burbank, SD, Brian (Susan) Hansen of Montgomery, AL, David (Laurie) of Crofton, Marie (Larry) Kappel of Omaha,  Robert Hansen and Jim Berghuis of Seattle, WA; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.   Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 53 years, Kathleen, who died Jan. 15, 2005; son, Bill, who died in 1997; three brothers, Leo, Gene, and Bob; and three sisters, Blanche Corkle, Doris Hahn and Margie Schaaf.   Memorials may be directed to the Crofton Volunteer Fire Department or Saint Rose of Lima Elementary School in Crofton. To post an online sympathy message or to view the video tribute, please visit wintzrayfuneralhome.com.

Duane L. Finch

Duane L. Finch
Duane L. Finch Duane L. Finch, age 73, of Norfolk, passed away March 5, 2010, at Norfolk. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 10:30 a.m.  Rev. Dr. James S. Brewer was the officiant. Casketbearers were Ben Baldwin, Brian King, Ryan Lingenfelter, T.J. Martin, Joshua Pittet and Charlie Voecks. Honorary casketbearers were Eldon Grasshorn, Trevor Koenig, and Duane’s coffee-drinking buddies. Interment was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk was in charge of arrangements. Duane was born June 14, 1936, to Jake and Nellie (Waring) Finch at Star.  He was baptized and confirmed at Page  United Methodist Church in Page.  He attended Venus Country School and graduated from Page High School in 1954.  He married Mary Ann Gerdes on Aug. 22, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osmond.     Duane farmed in the Page and Osmond area, they then moved to Norfolk and he worked at the packing house and for the City of Norfolk.  He managed the Kerr-McGee gas station and worked for Darling International for 18 years.  He retired in January of 1999.  Duane was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  He enjoyed camping and fishing and spending time with his family.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Norfolk. Duane is survived by his wife Mary Ann Finch of Norfolk; daughters, Dori and husband Eugene Metteer of Shelby, Bette and husband Ron Lingenfelter of Norfolk, Connie and husband Joe Sackville of Norfolk, Annette and husband Robert Pittet of Norfolk, Amy and husband Terry Martin of Oronogo, MO; Jamie and husband Timothy Koenig of Meadow Grove; sons, Jason and wife Regina Finch of Tecumseh; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters, Margie and husband Richard Simmermacher of Placentia, CA and Helen and husband Ken Brown of Tucson, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Lorrie Ann Finch.

Dorothy Spahn

Dorothy Spahn
Dorothy Spahn Dorothy Spahn, age 91, of Clearwater, passed away, Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Golden Living Center in Neligh. Visitation was from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (today), March 11, 2010 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater with Pastor Daniel Feusse officiating. Music will be provided by Sherri Ahlers, organist and Alexa and Casey Steiner, soloists. Pallbearers are Alan Snider, Doug Sanne, Phillip Wright, Mike Sanne, Jay Snider, Earl Wright, Scott Sanne and David Finley. Honorary pallbearers are Brenda Steiner, Sherry Wright, Ann Heringer, Diane Pieper, Barb Barr, Jill Anderson, Jennifer Bazyn, Michelle Tinant, Melissa Vietor and Nancy Schieffer. Interment will be held in the Clearwater City Cemetery Snider Memorial Funeral Home of Clearwater is handling the arrangements. Dorothy (Hale) Snider Spahn was born to David and Edith (Fichter) Hale on Nov. 23, 1918, at Meadow Grove. In March 1926, when she was in the second grade they moved to Clearwater. She graduated from Clearwater High School in 1936. She was baptized in June, 1936 in the river north of Clearwater by the Christian Church. She spent two years at Meadow Grove help caring for her grandma and great-grandma. She married Melvin Snider of Clearwater at Norfolk on March 26, 1938. To this union six children were born. She joined the United Methodist Church April 5, 1953. Melvin passed away in January 1967. On Dec. 27, 1969, she married Harold Spahn. At that time she joined the Concordia Lutheran Church. They spent 11 years on the farm southwest of Ewing. They retired and moved back to Clearwater in 1980. She was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church, assisting at the gift shop at the church for a number of years. She was involved with several clubs, Clearwater Creek Club, Neighbor Card Club, Elkhorn Valley Club, Deloit Pinochle Club and Clearwater Legion Auxiliary. She loved her flowers, ceramics, gardening and canning. Sewing quilts, bed spreads and lap robes by hand was her favorite hobby. Dorothy is survived by her children, Donald and wife Barbara Snider of Elgin, Sharon and husband Lyle Larson of Valentine, Beverly Wright of Oakdale, Bonnie Finley of Norfolk; son-in-law, Ron Sanne of Clearwater; stepson, Lavern and wife Kathleen Spahn of Oakdale; 18 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; one step grandchild; and two step great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; daughters, Barbara Ann (in infancy), Helen Sanne; sons-in-law, Tom Finley and Fred Wright; sister, Mildred Fern; brother, Donald Hale; and granddaughters, Cynthia Larson and Julie Wright. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.snidermemorial.com

Karen M. Garwood

Karen M. Garwood

Karen M. Garwood

Karen Mae Garwood, age 64, of Emmet, passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was from 3-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with a prayer service at 5 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atkinson. Rev. Richard Kothe officiated. Music was provided by Karen McConnell and Troy Garwood, soloists and Sharon Corkle, organist.

Pallbearers were Adam Lorenz, Shane Shambo, Sean Shambo, Stephanie LeCount, Sarah Shambo, Paul Guthmiller, Bailey Garwood and Amanda Lorenz.

Interment was held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Karen Mae Garwood was born June 29, 1945, to Abraham and Eleanora Guthmiller (Schelske). She grew up in rural Butte on a farm, graduated from Butte High School and spent her life raising her family, planting and enjoying her gardens and flowers, farming and milking dairy cows. Karen had a huge loving heart for all the people around her.

Anyone who knew Karen knew her love for flowers. She could spend hours outside in her garden. She also loved spending time with her grandkids. Karen was a dedicated employee that her boss and coworkers knew they could always count on. She loved her job and had a smile and a kind word for everyone.

Karen is survived by her husband of 37 years, Dean Garwood of Emmet; six children, Dale Garwood and wife Diane of Vergus, MN, Sherri Peter and husband Linus of O’Neill, Troy Garwood and wife Kelly of Seattle, WA, Darcy Koskovich and husband Todd of Blair; April Garwood of Los Angeles, CA, and Valerie Garwood Hoskins of Hastings; her father, Abe Guthmiller of Butte; sister, Betty Shambo and husband Tom of Tuscon, AZ; brother, Mike Guthmiller and wife Brenda of Butte; an aunt; seven grandchildren; dear friends, Carol Clocker of South Dakota, and Ginny Hammer of O’Neill; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Ella; and grandson, Branten Garwood.

Earl F. Stewart

Earl Stewart

Earl F. Stewart

Earl Franklin Stewart, age 98, of Stuart, passed away Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Parkside Manor in Stuart.

Visitation was held Wednesday, March 10, 2010, from 2-6 p.m. at Seger Funeral Home in Stuart.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (today), March 11, 2010, at Seger Funeral Home in Stuart. Pastor Wayne Owens will officiate. Music will be provided by Deb Kaup, organist.

Pallbearers are Eric and Jared Fausch, Jay and Ron Stewart, Scott and Patrick Green, and Taylor Caldwell.

Interment will be held in the Stuart Community Cemetery in Stuart.

Services are under the direction of Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Earl was born July 18, 1911, at the hospital in Stuart. He was the second child born to Robert Dale and Pearl Evelyn (Peterson) Stewart.

Earl spent most of his life on the family ranch eight miles south of Newport in the Eureka Valley vicinity. He attended grade school in that area and began his high school years at Newport for one year and graduated from Rock County High School in Bassett in 1928.

On Oct. 7, 1933, Earl was united in marriage to Nellie Lavina Iverson of Stuart at Winner, SD, and to this union three children were born. Nellie died Jan. 19, 1938, from pneumonia.

On June 20, 1939, Earl was united in marriage to Coletta Margaret Ramm of Stuart at Valentine. To this union three children were born.

He is survived by two sons, Jerry and his wife Marilyn, Roy and his wife June all of Newport; two daughters, Judy and her husband Woody Bello of Santa Rosa, CA, and Carol Green-Kirsch of Phoenix, AZ; half brothers, Eugene Stewart and his wife Wendy of Foley, AL, and Duane Stewart of Tucker, GA; son-in-law, W. Leslie Bennett of Omaha; seven grandsons; five granddaughters; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandson; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his two beloved wives, Nellie and Coletta; infant daughter, Helen and eldest daughter Doris Irene Bennett; two brothers, Lester and Harvey; grandson, Gary Lee Strand Green; and son-in-law, Gene Kirsch.