Carol J. Carr

Carol Carr

Carol Jean Carr, age 70, of O'Neill, departed into eternal life on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held from 3-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Atkinson with Pastor Bonnie Forney officiating. Music was provided by Doug Wright, soloist.

Pallbearers were Chris Lidgett, Todd Carr, Randy Pickinpaugh, Brian Meusch, Tom Harte and Kenny Carr.

Honorary pallbearers were Kitty Guthmiller, Sheila Carr, Jess Lidgett, Jill Meusch and Tonya Meusch.

Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Carol was born on Oct. 30, 1941, in Bassett to Fay and Olive (Kleckner) Pickinpaugh. She graduated from Rock County High School in Bassett in 1961. Carol worked in various places in Rock, Holt and Dodge counties.

On Aug. 5, 1961, she married Fred Carr, son of Russell and Viola (Luth) Carr in the Methodist Church in Miller, SD. To this marriage two wonderful sons were born.

Fred and Carol lived in Hyannis for 10 years and then moved back to Holt County. Fred passed away in March of 1999.

Carol left these words for the boys. "Remember Bob and Jeff, I'll be watching you so watch your P's and Q's, but do enjoy life. Remember I will always love you. We all had some rough times but we made it through them. Do take care of yourselves and please take care of Sheila and she will bend over backwards to help you both. I'm finally at peace."

Carol is survived by her sons, Bob of O'Neill and Jeff and his wife, Sheila of Inman; one sister, Geneva Maxine and husband, Leo Hohnstein of Scottsbluff; brothers, Duane Fay Pickinpaugh and wife, Bertha of Casper, WY, and Charles Ray Pickinpaugh of Newport; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Her parents; husband, Fred; brothers, Floyd, Leland, Richard, Arley and Kerry; and sisters, Frances and Shirley preceded her in death.

Deloris M. Kirschmer

Deloris M. Kirschmer

Deloris Mae Kirschmer, age 84, of O'Neill passed away early Saturday morning, Jan. 28, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center in Atkinson.

Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with Rev. Mary Avidano officiating. Music was provided by organist, Deb Frederick and soloist, Marvin Ziska.

Pallbearers were Tim Wells, Mark Wells, Mike Wells, Greg Herley, Joe Sims and Joel Vavra.

Honorary pallbearers were Sara Sims, Callie Vavra, Karla Herley and Mary Wells.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery in Orchard.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Deloris Mae Lynch was born on April 19, 1927, in O'Neill to Argatha (Sheets) and Mr. Lynch. She married Herb Kirschmer on Aug. 5, 1946. To this union three children were born: Candice, Kathy and Larry. Herb worked for Boeing Aircraft and they lived in several states before returning to the Ewing-Clearwater area.

Deloris was a homemaker and worked with Herb in their bar business in Ewing and Clearwater. Herb passed away in 1998, and Deloris moved to O'Neill in 2001. She entered the Atkinson Good Samaritan home in 2009. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Deloris is survived by one son, Larry Kirschmer and wife, Lex of O'Neill; two daughters, Candice Wells and husband,  Jim of Albion and Kathy Herley and husband, Wayne of O'Neill; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, LaVina Perry of Goodland, KS; and one sister-in-law, Selma Neisus of Stanton. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; mother; step-father, Lloyd Brittell; grandson, Colin Kirschmer; five sisters, Jenny Strong, Mildred Miller, Rose Theye, Bernadine Strong and Wanda Bellar; one brother, LaVern Lynch; and two sisters-in-law, Irene Wolverton and Wilma Crotty.

Memorials may be made to the Atkinson Good Samaritan Center in Atkinson.

Eva Ruzicka

Eva Ruzicka

Eva Ruzicka, age 81, of O'Neill passed away Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

Visitation was held from 6-9 p.m. with a parish rosary at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with Rev. Jeff Lorig officiating. Music was provided by organist, Paula Havranek and soloist, Marvin Ziska.

Pallbearers were Robert Tasler, Phillip Pierce, Ryan Tasler, Lynn Pierce, Ben Bryson and David Pierce.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery.

Biglin's Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Eva was born on Nov. 30, 1930, in Winnetoon, to Andrew and Lucy (Mecke) Meyer. She attended Country School #156, Sunrise Ridge High School for eight years and graduated in 1948 from St. Ludger's Academy in Creighton.

On March 26, 1951, she was united in marriage to Robert B. Ruzicka at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Verdigre. Robert passed away Sept. 25, 2008.

In May of 1951, she worked at V.W. Marshall Grocery Store for almost two years while Robert was in the Army. They worked on a couple of farms for 16 years, then bought the O'Neill Cleaners which they both worked for 20 years.

Eva loved to dance, go fishing, do fancy embroidering work, canning and making jellies. She also liked to listen to polka music. She and Robert also took many trips to see their children that lived out of town. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Altar Society in O'Neill.

She is survived by one daughter, Roberta Tasler and her friend, Brendan Coleman of Casper, WY; four sons, Lyle Ruzicka of O'Neill, Neil Ruzicka and wife, Stephanie of Eagle, Idaho, Roger Ruzicka and wife, Teri of O'Neill and Loren Ruzicka and wife, Maurice of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn Pierce of Verdigre, Delores Schmidt of Creighton  and Phyllis Cannon of Mountain Home, Idaho.

Her parents, Andrew and Lucy Meyer; husband, Robert Ruzicka; and two sisters, Gertrude Ruzicka and Joann Gubbels preceded her in death.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Building Fund at O'Neill, St. Wenceslaus Church at Verdigre, or St. Ludger School at Creighton,  Class of 1948.

Tressa M. Wright

Tressa Wright

Tressa Marie Wright, age 18, of  Atkinson, went to Heaven on  Saturday,  Jan. 21, 2012, as a result of a car accident.

Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Faith Wesleyan Church in Atkinson, with Pastor Tim Wilson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Karen Sperling and vocalist, Karla Slaymaker and the congregation.

Pallbearers were Jered Saar, Steve Hansen, Steve Schlueter, Katie Fredrick, Alison Klinger and Alex Briener.

Honorary pallbearers were all of Tressa's friends.

Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home of Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Tressa was born on Oct. 14, 1993, in Woodland, CA, to Tyler and Kim (Dillon) Wright. She was born at 5:12 in the morning during a great downpour of rain. Heaven was crying with joy at her birth. She loved life even as a baby, as she would not stay in her crib after nine months. She climbed out and would go see what was going on. She would sit in her highchair and eat spaghetti-o's one at a time and poke her finger in the circle and eat it. If the circle broke then she rubbed it in her hair.

Tressa moved to O'Neill in January of 1995. She went to day-care and spent sometime in the corner in time-out. In 1997 she moved to Atkinson. Tressa attended  kindergarten through fifth grade at the Atkinson Grade School. She made friends there that lasted her whole life. 

She attended sixth through eight grade at the Atkinson Junior High School. One day the fire alarm went off and kids packed outside only to find out there was no fire. The teachers questioned everyone and Tressa did the right thing and stood up and admitted she did it. She had pulled on the alarm thinking it would do nothing. 

Tressa attended West Holt High School her freshman year through October of her senior year when she transferred to O'Neill High School. She attended school at O'Neill until her death.

Tressa played the saxophone in the band for seven years. She participated in cross country, track, golf and FCCLA. She worked at Subway in Atkinson for three years and attended Sunday school and youth group at Faith Wesleyan Church in Atkinson. She was able to go to California and stand in the ocean in the summer of 2011.

Tressa wanted to become a psychologist or study the brain and how the mind worked. She was interested in how differently people thought and why they thought that way.

She loved life, music (especially Bob Marley), being with her friends, driving around and doing her friends and families hair and makeup. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone who asked. She believed in peace, love and God. She could be shy until she got to know you, then you would see the most amazing person. Tressa was a beautiful, sweet person with many friends and family that love her.

Tressa is survived by her parents, Kim Wright of Atkinson and Tyler Wright of O'Neill; three sisters, Karissa and Gabrielle Wright of Atkinson and Cheyenne Wright of O'Neill; one brother, Xander Wright of O'Neill; grandparents, Norm and Gwen Peterson of Page, Brad and Connie Dillon of Ainsworth, Shirley Chmiel of O'Neill and Larry and Vickie Kepler of Texas; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Her grandfathers, Royce Wright and Alan Chmiel and uncle, J.R. Kepler preceded her in death.

Mary Ann Kennedy

Mary Ann Kennedy

Mary Ann Kennedy, age 71, of Stuart, passed away Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at her home in Stuart surrounded by her family.

Visitation was held from 3-8 p.m. with a 4 p.m. Altar Society rosary and 7 p.m. rosary on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012,  at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

Funeral services were held at 10:30  a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson with Father Luke Steffes officiating. Music was provided by organist, Terri Vrooman and vocalist, Bonnie Krysl.

Pallbearers were James and Amy Rogers, Kaylin Mapes, Nicole Isacksen, Brittany, Morgan and Payton Kennedy, Kelcie, Jake, Kassidy and Jordan Paxton.

Burial was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann (Straka) Kennedy was born on July 26, 1940, in Stuart to Gertrude Straka. She was raised on her family ranch west of Atkinson and was cared for by her mother, uncles and grandfather. Growing up she attended country school and later graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1957. After graduation she moved to Rapid City, SD, and began working.

In 1960, she and Hale Kennedy were married. The first two years of their married life were spent in Norfolk, where she worked as a typist. The next 21 years were spent in Lincoln where Mary Ann spent her time working as a day care provider and lovingly cared for many children throughout the years, in addition to being a fabulous mother to her own children.

In 1983, Mary Ann moved her family back to the home place to run the ranch. During this time her love of giving as well as her involvement in the community blossomed. During these years she spent her time bowling, baking and bonding with her grandchildren. The exceptional care that she provided to her mother and uncles exemplified her caring and generous spirit.

Mary Ann was an avid gardener and happily shared the fruits of her labor with her friends and neighbors. She took great joy in being an excellent cook, mastering new recipes and sharing her kitchen creations. She loved to donate her time and efforts giving to the community and anyone in need. Mary Ann spent many years establishing herself as her grandchildren's greatest (and loudest) fan and supporter. It was evident to all who knew her that her family was her greatest source of joy. In later years she enjoyed traveling, seeing new places and making new friends.

In September her battle with cancer began. Despite her extreme bravery and unimaginable drive she lost her fight on Sunday. She will be missed dearly by all.

Mary Ann is survived by her five children: Dan and Julie Rogers, of Watertown, SD, Deborah and Peter Isacksen, Hermosa Beach, CA, Patrick and Sandra Kennedy  of Atkinson, Sonya Paxton of Stuart and Amber and Luke Vogel of Stuart; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Her mother; two sisters; one aunt; and nine uncles preceded her in death. 

Terry LaRue

Terry LaRue

Terry LaRue,  age 68, of Chambers, passed away Saturday night Jan. 21, 2012, at the University Medical Center in Omaha.

Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in rural Ewing, with Rev. Leanne Masters officiating.

Music was provided by organist, Phyllis Larson,  pianist, Tim Lambert, and singer, Linda Lambert.

Pallbearers were Pat LaRue, Randy Walnofer, Franklin Kubes, James Kubes, Josh Sandeen, Tyler Giese. Mike Calvillo, Mike Curtis and Darwin Ortez.

Honorary pallbearers were nieces and nephews.

Burial was in the Valley View Cemetery in rural Ewing.

Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Terry was born on Oct. 22, 1943, in O'Neill to Irwin and Roberta (Cartron) LaRue.

Terry was a farmer and lived with his parents until he became a Northstar Services client in the 1970s. Peggy, Heidi and all the terrific staff were always available for his needs. He had many personal caregivers over the years and loved them all; especially Mary, Eva, and Corine, who helped him for many years; Gert; and his last Northstar caregiver, Kendra.

He lived in an apartment with his housemate, Fred, for many years until Fred's death and then with his house- mate, Alan, for years before his move to the Golden Living Center in June, 2011.

Terry was extremely happy during his time at the nursing home where he loved visiting friends and attending the activities and church services. Terry's favorite hobby was fishing. He loved attending the Northstar birthday parties with his many friends. He looked forward to the Nebraska football games, the state fair, Holt County Fair, Molly's Miracle Makers fund raiser and country western concerts.

He belonged to the Bethany Presbyterian Church of rural Ewing for 50 years. He was also a member of the Eagles Club, People First of Nebraska and competed in Special Olympics.

Terry loved animals and small children. He was a favorite companion  of his nieces and nephews and will be profoundly missed. To Terry there was no such thing as a stranger; just a friend he had yet to greet.

Terry is survived by his aunt, Joyce Stone of Chambers; his three brothers, Lanny LaRue of Atkinson, Danny and Lois LaRue of Scribner and Gary and Charlene LaRue of Chambers; his three sisters, Shirley King and husband Bob of Pilger, LaRee Kubes and husband Les of Madison, and Teresa Sandeen and husband Jeff of Fremont; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents and one sister-in-law preceded him in death.