Alberta Colglazier, 96, died Aug. 9, 2008 at Perkins County Community Hospital in Grant, Neb. She was born April 18, 1912 in Laurel, Neb., the second of four children born to Soren Jr. and Edith (Most) Jensen. She grew up in the Laurel community where she received her elementary schooling.
     The Jensen family later moved to Holyoke, where Alberta graduated from Phillips County High School in Holyoke in 1929.
     Alberta attended Colorado Teachers College in Greeley and taught in rural schools for four years. At the recommendation of her future husband, Alberta attended and graduated from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Denver in 1938.
     Alberta was married to Ernest E. Colglazier Aug. 24, 1939 in Holyoke. She served as a nurse at Children's Hospital in Denver and later in Ohio at Cincinnati General while Ernest was finishing his medical school internship. Ernest and Alberta moved to Grant in February of 1941 and the Colglazier family has been an integral part of the medical history in Grant from that time on.
     They converted their home into a maternity home until the Grant Hospital was built. They delivered over 600 babies at their home over a 10-year period. Alberta continued to serve as Ernest's office nurse until their son Clifford came back to Grant and established the present Colglazier Medical Clinic in 1979.
     Ernest and Alberta were part of the first group of people to move into the Westview Retirement complex in 1993. Ernest died in 2002 and Alberta continued to live at Westview until January 2008 when she moved to Golden Ours Convalescent Home.
     Alberta had been a long time member and supporter of the Grant First Congregational Church. She had been a Sunday School teacher and a sponsor of the Pilgrim Fellowship youth group. She sang in the choir and was an active member of Dorcas Circle. She was a leader in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She led 4-H clubs for 16 years when her children were growing up. She belonged to Nighthawk Extension club, Federated Women's Club and was a member of FU chapter of P.E.O. in Grant.
     She was a driving force for the blood mobile before moving to Westview. She loved children of all ages and the love was reciprocated. She was selected as the first Mother of the Year in Grant in 1959. She was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International, a gift bestowed upon her by Ernest.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Alberta was preceded in death by two brothers, Philip and Lloyd Jensen; and a son-in-law, Robert Hanson.
     She is survived by three daughters Barbara and husband Carl White of Bloomington, Minn., Bertha Hanson of Seattle, Wash. and Erna and husband Larry Todd of North Platte, Neb.; one son, Clifford and wife Janie Colglazier of Grant; 10 grandchildren, Laurie Petruconis, Cynthia Sutton, Bryan White, Doug, Tim and Analisa Colglazier, Laura and Brenda Hanson, Alicia and Nathan Todd; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Rickard of Arvada; one sister-in-law, Mildred Jensen of Longmont; other relatives; and many friends.
     Funeral services were held Aug. 12 at the Grant First Congregational Church with Pastor John Keener officiating. Burial was in the Grant Cemetery.
     A memorial has been established to the church or to the Perkins County Health Services Foundation's anesthesiology project.
     Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Roger K. Hagemann of Rio Linda, Calif. died Aug. 12, 2008. He was born in Holyoke on June 22, 1941.
     Roger retired from McClellan Air Force Base in 1998 after 38 years of government and civilian employment. He belonged to American Legion Post 521 and the Moose Lodge.
     He was an avid blood donor, donating over 50 gallons. Roger will always be remembered as a kind and loving person.
     Preceding him in death are his parents Carl Hagemann and Amber Hinrichs, brother Carl Hagemann and sister Retha Helms.
     He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Gloria; children Sheri Hagemann-Fuentes and husband Eduardo, Melissa Cardenas and husband Sonny, Brian Hagemann and wife Tina and Sheryl Hagemann; brother Mark Hinrichs; stepfather Don Hinrichs; and seven grandchildren, Amanda, Thomas, Benjamin, Anna, Kiera, Adrian and Jungie. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
     A memorial service was held Aug. 16 at All Hallows Catholic Church in Sacramento, Calif.

    Marjorie Coe (Meeker) From, 87, died July 14, 2008 in Venango, Neb. Her funeral service was held July 18 at Venango Community Church.
     Marjorie was born Oct. 4, 1920 in Yankton, S.D. She was raised in Mission Hill, S.D. and was married to Merle From Dec. 3, 1941. To this marriage were born three children.
     Marj and Merle moved to the family farm west of Venango in 1941. They farmed together and raised their children during this time. In 1978 they moved into Venango.
     Marj made many beautiful sweaters for her husband, kids and grandkids. She enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers, which was typical for many farm wives of her time.
     She enjoyed playing cards and doing crossword puzzles.  Not too many people could beat her at Scrabble and she was amazingly fast in figuring out the jumbles in the newspaper.
     She enjoyed traveling to Minnesota to visit her cousins and had quite an adventurous spirit. She and Merle took many exciting trips together. Flying small private aircraft was also a part of their lives together.
     She was active in the Venango Community Church and enjoyed helping people in many ways.
     During illnesses and injuries of several family members, Marj was there to help and care for them.
     She was preceded in death by her husband Merle on Oct. 28, 1983; and her sister Ruth Burgum and brother Don Meeker.
     She is survived by her children Roy (Doris) From of Broomfield, Ind., Jerry (Toby) From of Phillips County and Kay Shaffer of Dinosaur;  eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Lois Jennings and Rita From of Venango; and many other relatives and friends.
     Memorials can be made to the Marjorie From memorial fund c/o Jerry From, 40833 Co Rd 61, Amherst, CO 80721. Austin-Tennant Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Nancy Isaacson, born April 12, 1944, to Everett and Pearl Jaycox in Holyoke, died Saturday, Aug. 9, at age 64 after a long illness.
     A native of Colorado who was proud of her pioneer roots, Nancy grew up on the family farm with her two brothers, Leland and Jerry and sister Karen. Nancy married Jerry Isaacson in 1963 and moved to Ft. Collins in 1969. She worked in banking for several years and did volunteer work through her church and with the Alpha Center.
     Nancy was a wonderful artist. Drawing, woodcarving, knitting, sewing and painting were all hobbies of hers. Most impressive were her award-winning quilting skills. Nancy was a deeply faithful woman who adored her family, especially her son Scott and two grandsons, Thomas and Ben.
     She enriched people's lives with her open heart and accepting spirit. Nancy was able to live her final days in the comfort of her home due to the extraordinary care of her husband Jerry and the exceptional help of Hospice of Larimer County.
     In addition to her husband, survivors include son Scott Isaacson and his wife Kell, grandchildren Thomas and Ben, all of Ft. Collins; sister Karen Hogsett and her husband Dennis, of Loveland; brother Jerry Jaycox and his wife Nancy of Eaton; brother Leland Jaycox and his wife Carol of Colorado Springs; brother-in-law Dennis Isaacson and his wife Mary Kay of Ft. Collins, as well as eight nieces and nephews and numerous cousins and dear friends.
     A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Harbor Fellowship, 608 E. Drake in Ft. Collins. Throughout her long illness, Nancy was sustained and comforted by her faith in God. In lieu of flowers, Nancy wished for donations to be made to her church, Good Shepherd Bible Chapel, c/o Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Ft. Collins, CO 80526.

    Larry Clair Gardner died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, Imperial, Neb. He was 69 years of age.
     Larry was born Dec. 25, 1938, in Imperial, Neb. to Calvin and Edna (Jaeger) Gardner.
     As a young man he attended District #22 Grade School and Chase County High School in Imperial.
     On June 3, 1961, Larry married Shirley Bischoff at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial and the couple settled on a farm northwest of town.
     In 1963 Larry and Shirley moved to Sidney, Neb., where Larry worked on construction until 1964 when they returned to Imperial.
     Larry worked for Chase County and in 1969 he went to work with the City of Imperial on the street department, retiring in 1995.
     Larry was a member of the Imperial Eagles Aerie No. 3472. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends until his health would not let him do so any longer.
     Survivors include his mother Edna Gardner of Imperial, Neb.; wife Shirley Gardner of Imperial, Neb.; daughter Karla Pargas and husband Morris of Holyoke; sisters Pauline Brandt and husband Gilbert of Imperial, Neb., LaVeta Reynolds of Parker, Leanna Goff and husband Duane of Imperial, Neb.; brothers Myron Gardner and wife Carol of Arvada, Delvin Gardner and wife Loneta of Osmond, Neb., Lauren "Butch" Gardner and wife Pam of Milwaukee, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     Larry was preceded in death by his father Calvin Gardner; sister Maurine Ransdell; brothers-in-law Dick Reynolds, Gale Ransdell and Marvin Bischoff; niece Cristi Green and great niece Tina Marie Gerdes.
     Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial with Pastor David Kahle officiating.
     Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial, Neb.
     Visitation was scheduled Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 6, from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home in Imperial.
     A memorial has been established to the Imperial EMTs/Chase County Hospital and the Imperial Manor Hospice.
     Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Arlyn Ray Morse died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at his home near Lamar, Neb. He was 53 years of age.
     Arlyn was born Oct. 2, 1954, in Imperial, Neb., to Elwin and Gerietta (Harmon) Morse.
     As a young man, he attended District #66 Grade School and Chase County High School in Imperial.
     On Nov. 21, 1981, Arlyn married Sarah Loop at the Champion Community Church. The couple settled on a farm near Lamar and to this union three children were born: son, William (Willy) Ray; and daughters, Sarlyn Ann and Elizabeth Joe.
     Arlyn was employed as a truck driver for Orville Greene, Frenchman Valley Coop and Scholl's in Holyoke.
     Arlyn was a member of the ABATE motorcycle organization and the National Rifle Association. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking, boating and motorcycle riding.
     Survivors include his parents Elwin and Gerietta Morse of Imperial, Neb.; son Willy Morse of Holyoke; daughters Sarlyn Morse of Chadron, Neb. and Elizabeth Morse of Imperial, Neb.; sisters Janet Graham and husband Jim of Lakewood and Shirley Morse of Lakeview, Iowa; brothers Gary Morse and wife Kenya of Craig and Delbert Morse of Norfolk, Neb.; numerous nieces and nephews.
     Graveside services were scheduled Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. at Crete Cemetery, Champion, Neb., with Robert Harmon and Randy Harmon officiating.
     A memorial has been established to the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department or donor's choice.
     Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Hermena (Susie) Josephine Speer, 96, of Broken Arrow, Okla. died Saturday, July 19, 2008, surrounded by her family.
     Hermena Josephine Ganzer was born, along with her twin brother Herman, on Aug. 6, 1911 in Leadville to Peter and Mary Ganzer. She attended St. Mary Parochial School and graduated from Leadville High School.
     She married Wallace W. Dusenbury, a lineman for the Colorado Public Service Co., in 1929. During this union, they were blessed with a son, Wallace, and a daughter, Mary Lou. They lived in many places in Colorado including Sellars, Cripple Creek, Leadville, Colorado Springs and Boulder.
     Susie worked as postal clerk in the Colorado Book Store in Boulder for many years and later, at a law office in Boulder. She met Irvin Speer on a blind date, and on April 5, 1953, the two were married.
     They lived and farmed for several years in Whitney, Neb. During that time a daughter, Marilyn, was born. In 1958, they moved to Holyoke where she and Irvin opened up an upholstery shop in their one-car garage. They later expanded into a former casket manufacturing building on Interocean Ave. in Holyoke, and in 1964, Speer Cushion Co. was started.
     After retiring in 1974, Susie became active in the Senior Citizens Club and the Crafty Quilters of Holyoke. She was also an active member of the American Association of Retired People, First Baptist Church, TOPS and many other local organizations.
     In April 2006, she moved to Broken Arrow, Okla. to live with her daughter Marilyn and family. While there, she attended Christian Chapel in Tulsa, Okla. and took part in the Keenagers Sunday School class, the Thuston Bible study and the Hart Home Fellowship. She never stopped longing for her beloved Colorado.
     Susie is survived by a son, Wallace A. Dusenbury of Holyoke, daughter Marilyn Guthmann and husband Edward of Broken Arrow, Okla.; stepchildren Frona Freeland and husband Jim of Loveland, Sonya Speer of Woodbridge, Va. and Dan Speer and wife Selbia of York, S.C.
     She is also survived by granddaughters Debra Dusenbury of Holyoke and Linda Dusenbury of Aurora; grandsons Joshua Guthmann of Charlotte, N.C.; Adam Guthmann and wife Whitney of Tulsa, Okla., Jordan Guthmann and wife Kristen of Alameda, Calif.; son-in-law Fred Marriott of Boulder; and great-granddaughter Shelby Guthmann of Broken Arrow, Okla.
     She was preceded in death by her husband Irvin, daughter Mary Lou Marriott, daughter-in-law Ruth Dusenbury, twin brother Herman Ganzer, sister Marie Peterson and her mother and father.
     A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 at the First Baptist Church of Holyoke with Rev. Gary Jones officiating.
     Interment will be in the Holyoke Memorial Park Cemetery. Gerk Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
     A memorial fund has been established at the Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation.

    Gladys Willmon died July 26, 2008 at Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke.
     Gladys Martha (Brase) Willmon was born to Ernest and Lydia (Rodenburg) Brase in Ruskin, Neb. July 4, 1912, and later lived in Deschler, Neb. At the age of 10, her family moved to Amherst, where she attended Lutheran Parochial school and was confirmed in 1925.
     On May 10, 1931, she married Garry Willmon. Before working in the home and on the family farm full-time, Gladys worked at the Weyerts store in Amherst and as a cook for the railroad in Bayard, Neb. In 1948, she and her family moved to a farm five miles east of Holyoke where she resided until she moved to the Carriage House and later to Prairie Vista Care Center (Regent Park) where she resided at the time of her death.
     Surviving Gladys are her daughters Vickie Willmon of Holyoke and Sandra Willmon and her significant other Ted Frady of Grand Junction; son Stan Willmon and his significant other Naomi Newman of Holyoke; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
     Her funeral service was held Tuesday, July 29 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst, with Pastor Gary Rahe and Pastor Al Borcher officiating.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Hour, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141.
     Interment followed in the Amherst Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Gerk Funeral Home.

    Donald Dean Mull, 64, of Haxtun died July 17, 2008 at St. Anthony's Central Hospital in Denver.
     Mull was born July 4, 1944, the son of Homer and Gladys Mull in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised in Dallas Center, Iowa, where he graduated from high school in 1962.
     After his graduation, he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for 13 years.
     Don met and married his loving wife Becky in 1990. Together the two enjoyed drag racing. He loved mechanics and did much of the work on Becky's dragster. He spent many hours in his garage tinkering and maintaining family vehicles.
     Don worked as a truck driver for 30 years. He hauled both steel and grain. At the time of his death, he was employed by Grainland Cooperative where he worked in the Fertilizer Department for 17 years.
     He served on the Haxtun Town Council for four years and was a member of the Haxtun American Legion.
     He will be missed for his sense of humor and his strength.
     Survivors include his wife; son Brett Mull and wife Claire, Sterling; daughter Spring Mull and Jeremy Atchison, Haxtun; son SPC(P) Preston Honstead, Fort Stewart, Ga.; daughter Brenda Napholz and husband Tom, Crystal Lake, Ill.; son Steven Mull and wife Michelle, Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter Tami Horne and husband Duane, Las Vegas, Nev.; and brother Dick Mull and wife Sue, Dallas Center, Texas. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and numerous friends.
     His parents preceded him in death.
     Visitation was held at Gerk Funeral Home in Haxtun from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 21. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 22 at 10 a.m. at Prairie Home Baptist Church in Haxtun with internment following at Haxtun Cemetery.
     Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1020 9th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631.

    Nash Edwin McMurdy, 84, of Hanover, Pa. died on July 21, 2008 at his home.
     Born Dec. 15, 1923 in Fort Morgan, he was the son of the late Floyd and Bertha (Minor) McMurdy. He was the husband of Ruth Ann (Clayton) McMurdy, his wife of 64 years.
     McMurdy was a veteran and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in Guam. Returning after the war, he farmed near Holyoke until moving to Delta in 1969. He and Ruth returned to Holyoke in 1989 and he worked with his brother-in-law Willard Clayton and his nephew Mark Clayton on their farms until moving to Hanover, Pa. in 2001.
     McMurdy is survived by his wife Ruth; two children, Ronald of Hanover, Pa. and Marlin of Fremont, Neb.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     He is preceded in death by his daughter Marianne Wible; two brothers, Charles Clyde and Frank Goldsby; and sister Leota Mae Elder.
     Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25 at the First Baptist Church of Holyoke. Officiating is Pastor Scott Brown and Dr. Veryl Roth. Interment will be in the Holyoke Memorial Park Cemetery.
     Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Joyce Marie Boyd, 80, died Saturday morning, July 19 at her home in Sterling after a brief illness.
     Boyd was born Aug. 10, 1927 in Garden City, Kan. to Alfred Louis and Maude Ethel (Oldfather) Becker, the fourth of 11 children.
     She was educated in Garden City schools and graduated from Garden City High School in 1945, where she met her husband Raymond Gerald Boyd. She took coursework in business at the Community College during her senior year.
     Upon graduating from high school, Boyd spent one year living in Wenatchee, Wash., where she worked as a telephone operator on the Air Force Base. During this period, she also worked as a model for several stores, and was selected Apple Festival Queen.
     Raymond and Joyce were married March 23, 1947 in Garden City, Kan. They raised three children and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 23, 1997. Raymond died Oct. 14, 1999.
     The Boyds began their career in agriculture in Genoa in 1947. They owned farms in Wellington, Holyoke and Wray, and retired from farming in 1986. During this period, Joyce owned and operated Glover's Steak House in Holyoke and later managed two others.
     She was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church for almost five decades, served in the Presidency of the Lutheran Ladies Aid in Wellington and taught Youth Sunday School classes for many years. She was a devoted and able student of Scripture. In the 1970s, she worked with religious groups in Colorado to persuade legislative prohibition of abortion. Boyd initiated a college fund to assist Lutheran students in their pursuit of higher education; she worked to build this fund and provided funds to purchase Bibles for Sunday School.
     She is survived by her three brothers Gene, Alford and Danny; one sister Janet; daughter Sandra Jackson of Sterling; two sons, Dean and wife Marsha of Bowling Green, Ky. and Randy and wife Lisa of Holyoke; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
     Funeral services will be held Friday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 732 Clark Street in Sterling. Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m., with visit with the family from 6-8:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 24 at the Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, 443 South Second Street in Sterling, and one hour prior to services at the Lutheran Church.
     Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Educational Scholarship Fund of the Sterling Trinity Lutheran Church.

    Henry Schumacher, 85, died at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, Neb. on Sunday, July 13, 2008.
     Schumacher was born April 12, 1923 on a farm one and one-half miles north of Tilden, Neb. He attended school in Tilden. In 1939 his parents moved to a farm east of Neligh. He completed his sophomore, junior and senior school years in Neligh before working with his father on the farm.
     Schumacher married Marge Conner on October 20, 1941, in Tilden, Neb. He worked with his father until 1944 when they moved to Neligh and he went to work for the State of Nebraska and Cygas. In 1951, he went to work for KNEnergy, Inc.
     He and Marge had four children-two boys, Lonnie and Fred, and two girls, Judy and Vicki. Lonnie died the same day he was born. Judy married Blayne Beguin and together they have seven children. Vicki married Bill Fisbeck and they have three children. Fred also has three children.
     In 1954, Schumacher became manager for KNEnergy, Inc. and moved to Holyoke. They lived there for 13 years. They were then transferred to Rushville, Neb. in 1967 and remained there until 1973, when they were transferred to Yuma. In Yuma, he was made district manager and they lived there until he retired in 1986.
     He and Marge then decided to sell their home in Yuma and move back to Neligh. They had a big yard and enjoyed raising a garden every year. They loved to travel and went to Arizona and California in 1986, Washington, Oregon, and northern California in 1989, Florida in 1990 and the New England states in 1992.
     The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1991. They moved back to Rushville, Neb. in 2006 to be closer to their family.
     Survivors include his wife Marge of Hay Springs, Neb.; daughter Judy Beguin and husband Blayne of Rushville, Neb.; daughter Vicki Fisbeck and husband Bill of Fort Collins; son Fred Schumacher of Broken Bow, Neb.; sister Bernice Maine of Ontario, Ore.; 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
     Schumacher was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ella Schumacher, brother Lyle, sisters Ellen Kahland and Lois Nelson and son Lonnie Ray.
     Funeral services were held Thursday, July 17 at the United Methodist Church in Neligh, Neb.

    William (Bill) W. Wiest died July 8, 2008 at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital in Denver from complications caused by Graft-Versus-Host disease. He was born in Holyoke on April 26, 1960.
     Wiest attended the Holyoke schools for his elementary and high school education. He then attended Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington where he received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in agri-business. He then attended Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyo. Here he learned welding, which he really enjoyed and was proficient at, having his own business until his health forced him to retire.
     His children were his pride-his daughter, Jennifer Lynn, and son, Garrett William.
     Wiest was disabled due to numerous back surgeries. He developed Graft-Versus-Host disease following a stem cell transplant in August of 2000 for chronic myelagenous leukemia, and later having a fractured cervical vertebrae because of an automobile accident.
     The Graft-Versus-Host disease was very debilitating. He spent 52 days in Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital for this and for three surgeries.
     Despite all these challenges, he had a great love of life and the great outdoors of his adopted state of Wyoming. He spent many joyful hours wandering through the wilds with his family and friends. He had an intense liking for animals, particularly his dog Roscoe. He also liked guns and hunting, and spent as much time with these as he could.
     Wiest is survived by his son Garrett William; daughter Jennifer Lynn Sterkel and her husband Dusty; grandson Kegan; parents Bob and Ella Wiest of Holyoke; brothers John of Tuscaloosa, Ala. and Jim and his wife Michelle and their two sons Alec and Wyatt of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and many loyal friends and relatives.
     His wishes were to have his ashes, along with those of his special dog Roscoe, spread on Black Mountain where he spent many enjoyable hours hunting.

    Jimmy Dean Johnson, 58, of Greeley, died Tuesday, June 24 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.
     Johnson was born Jan. 22, 1950, to John and Frieda (Dill) Johnson in Pratt, Kan. He attended high school in Iuka, Kan. He married Darlene Skipworth on Jan. 17, 1981. They later divorced.
     He owned his own truck and drove for a variety of companies over the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles, gardening and trips to Las Vegas. He also lived in Holyoke, Sterling and Hutchinson, Kan.
     Johnson is survived by his mother Frieda of Langdon, Kan.; daughters Crystal Starck of Windsor and Tina Smith of Texas; sons Robert "Bobby" Lee Johnson of Greeley, John William Johnson of Sterling, Ricky Johnson of Pueblo and Mike Johnson; brother Don Johnson; sister Brenda Johnson; and seven grandchildren.
     He is preceded in death by his father John Johnson and brothers Kenneth, Johnny, Bobby and Ricky Johnson.
     A memorial service was held Monday, July 7 at Windsor Assembly of God with the Rev. Ken Skipworth officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
     Memorial contributions may be made in care of Mark's Funeral and Cremation Service, 9293 Eastman Park Dr., Windsor, CO 80550.

    Roger James Milner died at his home in Las Vegas, Nev. on June 30, 2008 at the age of 43, after a two-year battle with cancer.
     Jamie was born in Holyoke June 28, 1965 to Roger and Karen Milner. The family moved to Akron in the fall of 1966. Jamie attended elementary and high school in Akron, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He was selected as an All Conference and All State baseball player in 1983.
     Jamie graduated in 1983 as the class salutatorian and president. He attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins before moving to Las Vegas in 1988. In 2006, he enrolled as a student at Regis University in Las Vegas to complete his bachelor's degree.
     While in Las Vegas, Jamie worked at several casinos, Best Products as the shipping/receiving manager and as a driver for Yellow Cab.
     Jamie married Dora Snyder of Las Vegas on April 1, 1994 and became a father to her daughter Marie Lynn. James Douglas Milner was born September 15, 1993 and was the joy of Jamie's life. Jamie and Dora were later divorced.
     Jamie loved sports, especially baseball, and his favorite team was the Colorado Rockies. He was passionate about music and was proud to be a Dead Head, having attended 240 Dead shows across the country. He loved the outdoors and took many camping trips with his son JD. They enjoyed many other trips together as well and often returned to Colorado to visit family and see the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
     Jamie was preceded in death by his grandparents Pete and Blanche Milner, grandfather Harold Millage and nephew Brady LaRue.
     He is survived by his son JD Milner and daughter Marie Snyder of Las Vegas; his father Roger Milner of Colorado Springs; his mother Karen Milner and Ron Darrell of Sterling; his sister Sara LaRue and her husband Mike and children Kelsi, Griffin, and Gentri of Colorado Springs; his grandmother Marie Millage of Holyoke; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
     Services were held in Las Vegas on July 3 at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Memorials may be sent to the JD Milner Memorial Fund in care of Karen Milner at 501 Springdale Road, Sterling, CO 80751.

    Otto Werner, 80, of Fort Collins, died Saturday, June 14 at Poudre Valley Hospital with his family at his side.
     He was born September 27, 1927 in Oak Park, Ill. to Carl and Elizabeth Ehrhard Werner. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Otto attended Western Illinois University, where he received a bachelor's degree. He also received a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a PhD at Colorado State University.
     Otto and Jeanette were married July 26, 1952 in Ursa, Ill. In 1955, he accepted a position as teacher and band director at Holyoke High School, where he stayed until going to CSU in 1961 to become Director of Bands and music professor. Werner retired as band director in 1986, but still taught History of Jazz until his death.
     One of his many accomplishments included writing a text book, "The Origin and Development of Jazz." Its three editions are still in use today at many colleges and universities. He was the founder and director of the CSU Summer Music Camp, known today as the Rocky Mountain Summer Music Camp at CSU.
     Werner was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2001. He was the leader of the local jazz combo "The Music Staff" which played for many local events. Colorado State Football Fans will long remember the award winning half-time shows presented by Otto's bands.
     Werner loved the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed camping trips and boating with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a real joy to be with. He was proud to have been an Eagle Scout, but his largest accomplishment was his family that he held so dear.
     Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Jeannette, daughters Barbara Panepinto (Gino) and Pamela Blue and her fiancé Nelson Sanderson, all of Wellington; sister Nancy Raddatz of Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Michael Blue.
     A celebration of Otto's life will take place Thursday, July 10, after the arrival of his sixth great-grandchild, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins with full military honors.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Williams Syndrome Association in care of Vessey Funeral Service, 2649 E. Mulberry, A-1, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

    Maggie L. Burenheide, 72, of Haxtun, died Sunday, June 22, 2008 in Haxtun.
     Maggie was born June 16, 1936 to Ray and Jenetta (Jordan) Fraley in Fayetteville, Ark.
     On March 21, 1955 Maggie married Norbert Burenheide in Wichita, Kan. After one year in Wichita, Norbert, Maggie and baby daughter Nora moved to Colorado where Norbert resumed working on the farm. They lovingly raised six children.
     Maggie worked at the Sterling Living Center as a nurse's aide and assistant activities director. Later she worked at Devonshire Acres and also for Home Health Care.
     In 1989, they moved to Sterling. Norbert and Maggie made Sterling their home until 1997, then moved to Haxtun, where they enjoyed their retirement years.
     Maggie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was happiest when she had her family around and enjoyed the gift of laughter.
     Preceding her in death is husband, Norbert Burenheide; parents, Ray and Jenetta Fraley; and daughter, Joan Marie.
     Surviving Maggie are children Nora Hofmeister and husband Steve of Haxtun, Lora Boren of Greeley, Mark Burenheide and wife Caralee (Kurtzer) of Haxtun, Rose De Soto and husband Delbert of Littleton, Earl Burenheide and wife Ruth (Lindsey) of Kersey and Gary Burenheide and wife Patsy (Bjorklun) of Johnstown; grandchildren Alicia and David Schram, Taylor and Jaxsen of Holyoke, Krystle and Jason Koberstein, Kinsley and Kanin of Holyoke, Russell Hofmeister, Travis Hofmeister, Jason Boren, Adam Boren, Natalie Boren, Greg Boren, Tyler Boren, Anna Burenheide, David Burenheide, Kyle Burenheide and Brandi Burenheide.
     Rosary was Wednesday, June 25 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fleming. Mass of the Christian Burial was Thursday, June 26 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fleming with Father William Jungmann officiating.
     Interment followed at St. Peter's Cemetery in Fleming.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203 or Haxtun Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 64, Haxtun, CO 80731.
     Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

    Bridget Crehan Klatka (who preferred to be known as Delia Klatka) was born March 8, 1919, the ninth of 10 children to Martin and Margaret Crehan in Ballymakea, County Clare, Ireland. She died June 25, 2008 in Holyoke.
     She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church on the day she was born and confirmed in the same church at age 13. She received her primary and secondary education in parochial schools in Ireland. She entered nurses training in April 1939 at St. Andrew's Hospital, Dollis Hill, London, England, graduated as a Registered Nurse (RN) in 1943 and took post-graduate courses in midwifery, consumption and diseases of the chest.
     She lived and worked in London all through World War II, and had many stories to tell of life during the bombing of London: the blackouts, rationing, carrying gas masks at all times, the dropping of the doodlebugs and rockets, moving patients to basements each night during the Blitz, taking refuge in the subways-very exciting times.
     She met her future husband Louis Klatka, an American G.I. soon after D-day. They were married in Southampton, England, in June 1945. She came to the U.S. at the end of 1946, traveling by ship to New York in the company of about 300 other G.I. brides and babies, then traveling by train to Alliance, Neb., where her in-laws lived.
     In January of 1947, they moved to Holyoke where she lived the rest of her life.
     In February of 1949, Delia was hired by the East Phillips County Hospital as an R.N. This was during the baby boom days after the war and the hospital was very busy. She helped bring many local "boomers" into the world and they held a special place in her heart.
     She continued to work at the local hospital until the early 1990s when she suffered a heart attack, underwent open heart surgery and had four bypasses. She was a great advocate of the cardiac rehab program started in Holyoke by Dr. Myrlen Chesnut and Arlene Harms, and credited that program with the extra years she was granted.
     She became an American citizen in 1955 and voted in every election after that as a devoted Democrat. She was the last living member of her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Lou, her parents, seven brothers and two sisters.
     Delia is survived by her children Tony Klatka, Denver and Sylvia Parker, Laramie, Wyo; grandchildren Tony Parker, Lafayette, Devon Parker, Loveland and Patrick Rubin Gravois, New Orleans, La.; and great-grandson Jackson Parker, Lafayette.
     Memorial contributions may be made to Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation for Cardiac Rehab Program, 1001 E. Johnson, Holyoke, CO 80734.
     Rosary was Friday, June 27 at St. Patrick's Church in Holyoke. Mass of the Christian Burial was Saturday, June 28 at Holyoke Memorial Park, with Father William Jungmann officiating.
     Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

    Richard Dean Heermann was born in Holyoke May 6, 1941 to Ervin and Wilma Heermann and died May 28, 2008 at his home.
     Rick graduated from Holyoke High School in 1959 and then attended Colorado State University. He married Pat Sept. 19, 1982. Rick had many occupational experiences throughout his life including farming, ranching, agricultural surveyor, mechanic and electrician.
     Rick was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as a Sunday school teacher and on various boards for the church. He also served on the Holyoke Credit Union Board. Rick had several hobbies including building model airplanes, gardening-especially wild onions-woodworking and collecting just about everything that could be collected.
     Rick had a special knack for being able to find solutions to just about any problem and he was a self-taught electrician. There was hardly ever a broken toy, electrical problem, engine, etc. that he could not figure out a way to fix with his inventive, creative mind.
     The grandkids would often say, "Take it to Grandpa, he will fix it." He was there to help family with their building projects including garages, carports, finishing basements and playhouses and never asked for, nor expected, anything in return.
     Rick is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pat; daughters Erika and Bill Stratton, Monica and Bill Johnson, Sonya Daniel and Tish and Clint Burrell; sons Troy and Karmen and Todd and Kali Mae Werner; grandchildren Sami Stratton, Chandra and Timo Timoteos, Sephra Travers and Jordan Daniel, Taryn and Nolan Burrell, Lindsay, Brett, Kayson, Kaylor and Katy Jo Werner, Triston, Teagan, Torrin and Tashtyn Werner; great-grandchild Matthias Travers; nephew Jason and Sara Heermann; niece Gentry and Jon White; mother-in-law Doris Groshans; sisters-in-law Linda and Scott Clements and Paulette and Rod Schliep; brother-in-law Russ and Lynn Groshans; and many, many friends.
     Rick is preceded in death by his brother Gordon Heermann, his parents Wilma and Ervin Heermann and father-in-law Paul Groshans.
     Memorial service was held May 31 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke with Rev. Gary Rahe officiating.
     A private family graveside inurnment was held before the memorial service in Holyoke Memorial Park.
     The family requests contributions be made to the Mile High Down Syndrome Association, c/o Pat Heermann, 605 S. Coleman, Holyoke, CO 80734.
     Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Arthur Daniel "Butch" Motes, 54, of Otis, died June 8, 2008 in Yuma.
     Butch was born Aug. 13, 1953 in Brighton to Jim W. and Barbara A. (Brandt) Motes.
     He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Denver in 1971. Four years ago, he moved from Denver to Otis. He worked for STC Trucking in Holyoke as an over-the-road trucker.
     Butch was a member of the Catholic Church. He was a carpenter and welder and enjoyed using his artistic abilities building multiple structures.
     He was preceded in death by his father in June of 2007, sister Marie Bradford in October of 2004 and niece Linda Bradford in May of 1997.
     He is survived by his wife Helen E. (Heidbrider) of Otis; mother Barbara A. Motes of Iliff; sons Fred A. Motes and Daniel J. Motes of Stockton, Kan.; daughters Jo Ann R. Sanders of Golden and LaVena C. Olson and husband Eric G. of Golden; step-children Chad A. Jackson of Las Vegas, Nev., John E. Jackson of Golden, Christina M. Jackson of Golden and Frederic C. Barbis II of Otis; nine grandchildren; one niece; one great-niece; and three great-nephews.
     Recitation of the Rosary was conducted June 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peetz, with Mass of Christian Burial following with Rev. Robert L. Wedow officiating. Inurnment was in the Christian Cemetery in Crook.
     Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Chaney-Reager Funeral Home of Sterling handled arrangements.

    Pauline Ola (Pease) Smith, 98, died June 2, 2008 in her home in Haxtun.
     Pauline was born on a farm near Leon, Iowa Aug. 11, 1909 to Sada Marie (Scott) Pease and Orson Vinson Pease. She was raised on her parents' farm and graduated from Leon High School in 1928. After graduating, she worked at Grahams Department Store in Leon and as a nurse's aide for Dr. Harkin in Osceola, Iowa.
     On Nov. 29, 1931, Pauline married Shelton Dean Smith in Princeton, Mo. Three children were born to this union: Darrell Dean Smith, Dale Vinson Smith and Lillian Sue (Smith) Phelps.
     Pauline enjoyed raising her three children on a farm near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1946, the Smith family moved to Haxtun and established Smith Hardware. Pauline worked as Shelton's partner for approximately 40 years in this successful business.
     Pauline was a member of Haxtun United Methodist Church for 53 years and loved gardening, cooking, reading, fishing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and other crafts as well as spending time with her family and going for coffee breaks with her women friends. Pauline was always interested in trying new things and, in her 70s, learned how to ride a bike, swim and clog.
     The joy of Pauline's life was her nine grandchildren: Shelly, Steve, Gwen, Todd, Dean, Darin, Kristy, David and Jenny. She also found delight in her 19 great-grandchildren.
     Her mother and father, two sisters and son Dale V. Smith preceded her in death. Survivors include: husband Shelton D. Smith of Haxtun; son Darrell D. Smith and wife Shirley of Haxtun; daughter-in-law Sherrilyn Smith-Yost of Haxtun; daughter Sue Phelps and husband Jim of Englewood; sister Maurine Pullen and three nieces in Iowa; plus nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
     A memorial service was held June 6 at Haxtun United Methodist Church.
     Memorial contributions may be made to: Haxtun United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 145, Haxtun, CO 80731.
     Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Richard Dean Heermann was born in Holyoke May 6, 1941 to Ervin and Wilma (McCrearey) Heermann and died May 28, 2008 at his home.
     Rick graduated from Holyoke High School in 1959 and then attended Colorado State University. He married Pat Sept. 19, 1982. Rick had many occupational experiences throughout his life including farming, ranching, agricultural surveyor, mechanic and electrician.
     Rick was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as a Sunday school teacher and on various boards for the church. He also served on the Holyoke Credit Union Board. Rick had several hobbies including building model airplanes, gardening-especially wild onions, woodworking and collecting just about everything that could be collected.
     Rick had a special knack for being able to find solutions to just about any problem and he was a self-taught electrician. There was hardly ever a broken toy, electrical problem, engine, etc. that he could not figure out a way to fix with his inventive, creative mind.
     The grandkids would often say, "Take it to grandpa, he will fix it." He was there to help family with their building projects including garages, carports, finishing basements and playhouses and never asked for, nor expected, anything in return.
     Rick is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pat; daughters Erika and Bill Stratton, Monica and Bill Johnson, Sonya Daniel and Tish and Clint Burrell; sons Troy and Karmen and Todd and Kali Mae Werner; grandchildren Sami Stratton, Chandra and Timo Timoteos, Sephra Travers and Jordan Daniel, Taryn and Nolan Burrell, Lindsay, Brett, Kayson, Kaylor and Katy Jo Werner, Triston, Teagan, Torrin and Tashtyn Werner; great-grandchild Matthias Travers; nephew Jason and Sara Heermann; niece Gentry and Jon White; mother-in-law Doris Groshans; sister-in-law Russ and Lynn Groshans; and many, many friends.
     Rick is preceded in death by his brother Gordon Heermann, his parents Wilma and Ervin Heermann and father-in-law Paul Groshans.
     Memorial service was held May 31 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke with Rev. Gary Rahe officiating.
     A private family graveside inurnment was held before the memorial service in Holyoke Memoiral Park.
     The family requests contributions be made to the Mile High Down Syndrome Association, c/o Pat Heermann, 605 S. Coleman, Holyoke, CO 80734.
     Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Calvin Richard Watson, 84, died June 3, 2008 in Julesburg. Cal was born in Sidney, Neb. May 21, 1924 to James and Lillian (Dame) Watson. He attended elementary school in Sidney and Holyoke, completing his education in Holyoke.
     Cal worked at the Clover Blossom Creamery in Holyoke before joining the 158th Infantry Regiment on June 14, 1944. Departure date was Dec. 31, 1944. On April 1, 1945, he made a landing on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
     He was honorably discharged on May 7, 1946. Cal was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal AR 600-68 Victory Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal and Bronze Arrowhead. Cal was very proud to serve his country during WWII, the same time period as his four brothers.
     Cal was a depot agent for the Burlington Northern Railroad. On May 26,1950, he married Mildred Johnson in Holyoke. They came to the Julesburg-Ovid area to farm and work at the Great Western Sugar Company during campaign.
     Cal retired from Safeway in Julesburg after 17 years as produce manager. He continued to farm until 2007.
     Cal and Mildred raised four children: Dan, Claudia, Carol and Connie on the family farm. He was very proud of them all for being school teachers.
     Cal was a member of the United Methodist Church of Julesburg; Order of Eastern Star Chapter 105, Past Patron; Holyoke Masonic Lodge #81, Past Master; Scottish Rite of Free Masonry S.J. USA.
     His hobbies included woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, watching his grandchildren participate in their various activities and visiting with friends and family.
     Cal is survived by his wife Mildred, of 57 years; daughters Claudia (Ron) Koberstein of Holyoke, Carol (Lloyd) Gillham of Iliff and Connie (Dave) Wilkening of Haxtun; grandchildren Corey and Karissa Koberstein, Sara and Scott Gillham, Amanda, Morgan and Darian Wilkening; brothers Duane (Swede) of Denver and Darrell (Bill) and wife Fran of Ft. Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     Cal was preceded in death by son Daniel, brothers James and Forrest (Snooze) and sister Pauline (Sue).
     Funeral services were Thursday, June 5 at the United Methodist Church in Julesburg, with Pastors Kristie Firme and Art Roth officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery.
     Memorials can be made to the Calvin R. Watson memorial fund c/o Austin-Tennant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 24, Julesburg, CO 80737.

    Chad S. Canchola of Sterling died Friday, May 23, 2008 in Sidney, Neb. at age 34.
     Chad was born to Michael and Mary Ann (Palmer) Canchola on Dec. 9, 1973 in Sterling. He went to Sterling High School where he excelled in football and track. He still holds two track records at Sterling High School. In 1993 he was a member of the Sterling High School graduating class.
     For eight years he worked a job he loved as a rig operator for Yetter Oil Field Service.
     He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend and employee. He was blessed with the children and nieces and nephews in his life and he enjoyed spending time with them and the rest of his family and friends. They loved sharing meals and stories.
     Chad is survived by his wife Valerie K. (Harnish) Canchola of Sterling; daughters Brittany Brown of Minnetonka, Minn. and Peyton Cagle and Sofia Canchola of Sterling; stepchildren Nicol Harnish of Sterling and Joshua Harnish of Scottsbluff, Neb.; parents Michael and Mary Ann Canchola of Sterling; brother David Canchola of Denver; sisters and brothers-in-law Cindy and Doug Asmus of Sterling, Anita Canchola of Denver, Elizabeth and Dan Wilkening of Holyoke, Jodi Newth of Sterling and Tricia and Dan Tramp of Sterling; 10 nieces and three nephews.
     Rev. Robert L. Wedow officiated the funeral service May 29 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Chad S. Canchola Memorial.

    Judith Kay (Livingston) Kain, age 63, of Haxtun died Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Haxtun.
     Judy was born to Ernest and Irene (Dinsmore) Livingston on March 18, 1945 in Sterling. She was raised in Haxtun and graduated from Haxtun School District in 1963. She continued her education at Colorado University and graduated in 1967 with a nursing degree and in 1998 graduated from University of Phoenix with a master of science in nursing.
     On March 1, 1968, she married C.J. Kain of Haxtun and they were blessed with two children Luke and Jennifer. She was the director of nurses at the Holyoke and Julesburg hospitals and worked for many years in the Haxtun hospital.
     Judy also taught nursing in Colorado Springs. She spent many years working at the BOCES office and opened the clinic in the Sterling Correctional Clinic. Judy was also an avid reader.
     She was a member of the Haxtun United Methodist Church and the Colorado Nurses Association.
     The lights of Judy's life were her grandchildren Ariana, Avery and Aryssa. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and her family.
     She was preceded in death by her son Luke, and father Ernest. Judy is survived by her husband C.J. Kain; daughter Jennifer and husband Jason Aguirre of Sterling; mother Irene Livingston of Haxtun; sisters Shirley Inge and husband Bill and Janice Bjorklun and husband Augie of Haxtun; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
     Funeral service was May 22 at Haxtun United Methodist Church.
     Memorial contributions may be made to: Lupus Foundation, c/o Points West Bank of Haxtun, 128 S. Colorado Ave., Haxtun, CO 80731. Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Elma Emma Smith was born on a farm in Sedgwick County July 17, 1916 to William and Frieda (Wastenburg) Bauer. She died May 20, 2008.
     Elma was baptized Feb. 24, 1917 by Pastor Ernest Drenkgern at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venango, Neb. She was later confirmed by Rev. W.W. Wilk at St. Paul's Lutheran in Amherst.
     Elma received her education in a rural school in Phillips County. She worked for family in the area and in Denver, where she met her husband Max. They were married in Sterling Oct. 1, 1948. They had one son, Carl. Max joined the Navy, and they lived in Denver and California.
     After retiring from the Navy, they moved to Amherst, where Max worked at the Amherst Elevator and later was Postmaster at the Amherst Post Office for several years. Elma was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst. After Max retired, they moved to Holyoke.
     Elma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Max; her son Carl and his wife Dorla; grandson Tom Smith; four sisters, Lenore Pontine, Margaret Ockinga, Marie Ewegen and Wilma Heermann; five brothers, Frederick, Carl, Walter, Albert and Tade.
     She is survived by one sister, Dorothy Pulsipher of Denver; many nieces and nephews; her good friend Jane Krueger of Longmont; and special friends Marian Ferguson and Letha Prussman of Holyoke.
     Funeral service was held Saturday, May 24 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst, with Pastor Alan Borcher officiating. Interment followed at the Amherst Cemetery. Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.

    Veylerd James Baker was born on a farm near Westgate, Iowa on June 6, 1917. He was the third son of Lelland and Mabel (Ritchie) Baker. Veylerd died May 11, 2008 at Haxtun Hospital just a few weeks before his 91st birthday.
     The Baker family moved to Colorado in 1920. He attended school at Arlington Heights (a one-room country school) along with Atwood Grade School, graduating from Haxtun Grade School followed by Haxtun High School. He then attended Diesel Engineering School of Los Angeles.
     Veylerd worked the night shift at Haxtun Municipal Power Plant for three years. Then he worked with Doc's Electric until he started Baker's Construction Company, also known as "Build with Baker," until retirement.
     He earned his private pilot's license in 1969, commercial pilot's license in 1973 and flight instructor's certificate in 1974.
     Veylerd was a member of Haxtun Methodist Church for 75 years. He was a 50-year member with the following organizations: Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite of Denver and El Jebel Shrine. In 1979 he served as president of the El Jebel Shrine Air Patrol.
     Veylerd married Ruth J. (Price) Baker at the Price family home in Haxtun Nov. 20, 1938. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 20, 2008. To this union a daughter, Charlotte and a son, Raymond were born. Charlotte married Edward Miller and Raymond married Kathy Creger.
     The Bakers were blessed with four grandchildren, James Miller and wife Teri, Susan and husband Todd Larson, Andrew Baker and wife Kelly and Ashley Baker. Veylerd is also survived by three great-grandchildren, C.J. Miller, Christine Miller and Kirby Larson; sister Elaine Starr; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, Lelland and Mabel; his infant brother Earl; and Raymond Baker.
     Veylerd donated his body to the Anatomical Board at the University of Colorado.
     A memorial service was held Friday, May 16 at the Methodist Church in Haxtun with Rev. Roy Pfaltzgraff officiating.
     The family requests memorial donations be made for the Crippled Children's Transportation Fund at El Jebel Shriner's Children's Hospital. Mail donations to P.O. Box 14, Haxtun, CO 80731.
     Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke directed the service.

    Grace M. Radcliff of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Lamar, Neb. and Holyoke, died April 23, 2008 at the age of 95.
     She had resided in the Beatitudes Campus of Care in Phoenix Arizona since April, 1999.
     Grace was born on Aug. 23, 1912 to Thomas and Claudia (Lockhart) Elwood near Salem, Ind. She graduated from Indiana State Teachers College in Terra Haute, Ind. at the age of 19 in 1932.
     She married Keith Radcliff on Dec. 25, 1935. They owned and operated the Radcliff IGA in Lamar, Neb. for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1974. Grace was also the postmaster in Lamar for 16 years.
     She is survived by son Ralph (Shari) of Phoenix, Ariz.;daughter Marilyn (Frank) Morse of South Sioux City, Neb.; son Jim (Carolyn) of Colorado Springs; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three brothers.
     She was preceded in death by her husband Keith, one brother and one sister.
     A memorial service was held April 28 at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ in Phoenix with burial in the City of Mesa cemetery.
     Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014, FBO the Beatitudes Campus or Beatitudes Campus Foundation, 1610 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021, FBO Memorial for Grace Radcliff.

    Judy Kastler, 62, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at her home in Ord, Neb.
     Judy Marie Kastler was born June 19, 1945 at Oklahoma City, Okla. to Edward and Margaret (Vaughan) Easterday. At the age of 5, Judy and her family moved to Grand Island, Neb. She graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High School and then attended Kearney State College and graduated in 1966.
     Judy was married to Ted Kastler Aug. 27, 1966 at Grand Island. While still living in Kearney, she worked for an insurance company. Following her husband's graduation from college, the couple moved to Ogallala, Neb. and later to Brule, Neb., where Judy worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for an irrigation and well drilling company for a number of years.
     Judy later went to work for Jack Mills at Big Springs, Neb. At that time Jack was running for State Legislature and he hired Judy to help with his campaign. He was elected and Judy continued to work for Dorn Grain Elevator which Mills owned. Judy and Ted later became partners in the elevator.
     Judy and Ted later moved to Holyoke, and in 1991 they moved to Ord. Judy was a stay-at-home mom until she began working at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and St. Mary's School. At the time of her death, she was the secretary for the church.
     Judy had done volunteer work at the Ord Elementary School and was active with the Music Boosters and also followed her sons' very successful athletic careers. She enjoyed music and reading.
     Survivors include her husband Ted of Ord; two sons Dru and Devon, both in school at UNK in Kearney, Neb.; and sister Helen Wurdeman of Greeley. Judy was preceded in death by her parents.
     Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, April 28 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord, with Father Tom Ryan and past priest from the church officiating. Burial was in the Ord City Cemetery. Ord Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

    Darrin Lewis Clock died April 23, 2008 at the age of 42. He was at home surrounded by his loving family when he lost his long and courageous battle with cancer. Darrin loved a challenge and met life head on. Cancer was the only battle he could not win, but he fought it for two years with courage, strength and an unwavering Christian faith.
     He was born in Sand Lake, Mich. on May 23, 1965.
     Darrin's passions were hunting and building the best and fastest computers. He served 10 years in the Air Force and was employed by the Town of Castle Rock as IT manager at the time of his death. He took pride in his work and loved working with his award-winning team.
     Darrin was deeply moved by the compassion and caring shown to him during his battle with cancer.
     He is survived by his wife, Kimberli Clock and daughters Katee and Ami. Kimberli is the daughter of David and Judi Deusterman of Holyoke and Ronald L. Stanley of Sterling.
     Darrin is also survived by grandmother Mabel Clock; father Frank Clock; mother and stepfather Trudy and Wilson Surber; brother Jared and wife Shanna Clock; brother and sister-in-law Devon and Shelia Lewis; step–brother Scott Surber and step-sister Courtney Pearson; and many nieces and nephews.
     Services were held at The Rock in Castle Rock on April 28. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Darrin Clock Benefit Fund.
     Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Funeral Home in Castle Rock.

    Ann Elizabeth (Fowler) Bird was born in Joplin, Mo. Oct. 23, 1934 to Bill and Allie Fowler.
     She died at Melissa Memorial Hospital shortly after midnight on Saturday, April 19, 2008, after a short illness.
     Ann's father owned and operated his own gas station and auto repair shop next to their home. Ann and her sister Kay attended Prairie Flower School, a one-room building in the country outside of Joplin. The family lived there until World War II broke out when they then moved to Wichita, Kan. in 1942.
     Her father supported the war effort by working in the Boeing factory as a machinist building B-29 war planes. Ann and her sister finished grade school at Wichita and in 1946, when the war was over the family moved to Denver.
     Ann attended North High School where she played first-chair violin in the school orchestra, studied Latin, took short-hand classes and was in the Valkryes Pep Club. She was also a member of Jobe's Daughter.
     After graduating from high school, Ann attended Colorado A&M, which would later become Colorado State University. She majored in business but after just a few short months, she met her future husband, Charles Bird, also a student at the college. They met at a "mixer" between his fraternity and her sorority…and as they say, "The rest is history!"
     Chuck and Ann were married March 7, 1954 in Denver. Chuck started his first job as a county extension agent in Brighton. A year later, their first daughter, Susan arrived. Two years later their second daughter, Cindy came along and another two years later, the package was complete with the birth of their third daughter, Charla.
     By now the family had moved to Rocky Ford, where they settled into a life of school activities, dance lessons, hot summer days at the swimming pool, backyard barbecues and Saturday night poker parties with their friends.
     In 1969, the family moved again to Holyoke. Ann took a job at the courthouse as a deputy court clerk. After a few years she became clerk of the county and district courts, a position she happily held for 34 years.
     In those years at Holyoke, Ann would experience the sudden death of her husband at age 41 of a heart attack, the marriage of her three daughters and the birth of her eight grandchildren.
     She was known as a strong, unassuming woman with a fierce sense of independence. Her hobbies were playing poker and bridge with her girlfriends, gambling and later in life, she liked playing games on the internet. Ann was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holyoke and served one term on the Melissa Memorial Hospital Board in 1986.
     She is survived by daughters Susan Haskell and husband Randy and Cindy Lock and husband Ron Lock, all of Holyoke, and Charla Salvador of Yuma; grandchildren Holly Vigil of Holyoke, Amy Haskell of Merino, Zane Lock of Holyoke, Jade Goldenstein and husband Luke of Lake Zurich, Ill., Gentry Lock of Denver, Alexa Lock of Holyoke, Brittany Kurtzer and husband Ryan of Haxtun and Ashley Salvador of Yuma; great-grandchildren Evan Vigil, Xandra, Novi and Ava Lock and Cooper and Adison Goldenstein; sister Kay Martin and husband Kent of Rocky Ford; and sister-in-law Frances Coen and husband Don of Boulder. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
     Services for Ann Bird were held at Holyoke First United Methodist Church Wednesday, April 23. Memorial contributions may be made to Phillips County Healthcare Foundation in Holyoke.
     Gerk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Dora Weers, 97, of Haxtun died Saturday, April 12, 2008 in Haxtun.
    She was born January 26, 1911 to John and Anna (Rademacher) Weers in Burr, Neb.
     She married Ernst Weers on June 6, 1929. The family was blessed with two children.
     Dora was a homemaker and worked on the family farm. When her husband passed away she worked at a local restaurant for several years.
     She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun, Lutheran Ladies Aide and Hospital Auxiliary
     Dora is preceded in death by her husband Ernst and son Vern.
     Survivors include son Lester Weers of Haxtun; grandchildren Lorin and wife Roxanne of Haxtun, Virginia Paige and husband Walt of Sterling and Arlene Salyards and husband Dennis of Haxtun; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
     Funeral service was Wednesday, April 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun with Pastor Dave Loeschke officiating. Interment followed at the Haxtun Cemetery.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanueal Lutheran Church P.O. Box 116 Haxtun, CO 80731
     Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Clint Nevins, 41, of Haxtun died April 9, 2008 in Loveland. He was born to Leroy and Loretta (Crone) Nevins on Feb. 27, 1967 in Fort Morgan.
     He was raised in Fort Morgan and received his high school diploma from Fort Morgan High. He moved to Haxtun in May of 2004 while working for the Sterling Correctional Facility.
     On Sept. 2, 2005, he married Linda Kanode. In 2005 he went to work for Anderson Alfalfa.
     He was a member of the Elks in Fort Morgan. He enjoyed wood working and raising goats.
     Clint is survived by his wife Linda of Haxtun, children Aimee Kanode of Haxtun, Adam Kanode of Nunn and Ryan Kanode of Sterling; grandson Bret Kanode of Sterling; parents Loretta and Eldan Crone and Leroy and Virginia Nevins, all of Fort Morgan; brothers Jimi Crone and Jared Crone of Fort Morgan; sisters Cheryl Ostwald of Brush and Judy Strause of Fort Morgan; nephews Kirk Crone, Brock Crone and Ryan Crone of Fort Morgan; nieces Chynna Crone of Fort Morgan and Haley Ostwald of Brush.
     Memorial service was held Tuesday, April 15 at the Berean Bible Church in Haxtun with Pastor Mark Phillips officiating.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Clint Nevins Memorial Fund 22350 CR 21, Haxtun, CO 80731
     Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

    Loran Prottsman was born July 14, 1922, the first of five sons born to Irl and Vada Prottsman. He died April 3, 2008 at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, at 85.
     Loran spent his childhood on the farm near Venango, Neb. and was a graduate of Venango High School.
     After high school, Loran entered the U.S. Army in 1941 and served as a Quartermaster during that time. After his military discharge, he attended Barber College in Iowa. He returned to his home town and operated the Barber Shop in connection with a Conoco filling station.
     He found the love of his life, Donna Sexson and they married on April 2, 1950 and made their home in Venango where their daughter Connie was born.
     In 1965 the family moved to Holyoke where Loran became the manager of the Phillips 66 service station. Because of his love of automobiles, he started a used car sales along with the service station.
     After moving to Holyoke, Loran and his family joined the Baptist church where they attended regularly and had many friends and acquaintances there. Later years, he was faithful in the First Christian Church and had a special friendship with Pastor Jim Blake and the church family.
     Loran was a member of Venango American Legion, Holyoke VFW, Masons of Grant, Neb. and Sterling Elks Lodge.
     He is preceded in death by his wife Donna, his parents and brother Glenn.
     Left to remember him are his loving daughter Connie Saunders; his brothers and their wives, Wayne and Eunice Prottsman of Venango, Gayle and Barbara Prottsman of Haxtun and Byron and Nancy Prottsman of Holyoke. Loran is also survived by several nephews, nieces and cousins.
     Funeral service was held April 8 at the First Christian Church of Holyoke with Pastor Jim Blake officiating. A later inurnment will take place at the Venango Cemetery.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Loran Prottsman Memorial Fund, 510 S. Phelan, Holyoke, CO 80734.
     Gerk Funeral Home of Holyoke was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Betty F. Stavropoulos, 78, died at home March 12, 2008, after a brief struggle with lung cancer.
     She was born Nov. 21, 1929 in the Holyoke area to Phillip and Goldie O'Connor.
     Betty was married to Harry C. Stavropoulos on Jan. 19, 1954 and they have been residents of Alliance, Neb. since late 1954.
     Betty will be deeply missed by her husband Harry; daughter Jolene (Steve) of Lincoln, Neb.; sons Paul of Alliance, Marc (Barbara) of Vernal, Utah and Colin of Naperville, Ill.; granddaughters Angela (David) of Centennial, Shari (Trevor) of Omaha, Neb. and Shaylee of Vernal; great-grandson Caleb; brother Darrel Wayne (Clara) O'Connorof Holyoke; nieces and nephews; and numerous great friends.
     Her body has been cremated by Bates-Gould Funeral Home. As she wished, no services are planned.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Prairie Haven Hospice, 2409 Box Butte Ave., Alliance, NE 69301, or the donor's choice.

    Vincen Beard was born to Oath and Mabel Beard of Lamar, Neb. Jan. 15, 1919. He was married to Iliene Tatum of Yoder, Wyo. Sept. 15, 1946 at Torrington, Wyo., and they celebrated 61 years of marriage. He was baptized Jan. 27, 1992 at First Christian Church of Holyoke.
     He spent many long and happy hours fishing and hunting with his family and friends. In his retirement years he enjoyed working with his wife in the garden and yard.
     Vincen died March 19, 2008 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Iliene of Holyoke; one brother, Max Beard of Imperial, Neb.; two sisters, Thelma Gibbs of Holdrege, Neb. and Lois Bussell of Loveland; five children, Barb Statz and husband Bob of Holyoke, Danny Beard of Marion, Ark., Tim Beard of Trinidad, Patty Coyne of Holyoke and Deb Devlin of Bremerton, Wash; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
     He is preceded in death by his parents, one infant daughter, three sisters and three brothers.
     He will be missed by his family and friends as well as two faithful pets, Sam and Jerry.
     Memorial service for Vincen was held March 21 at First Christian Church of Holyoke with Pastor Jim Blake officiating. Services concluded at the church.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Vincen Beard Memorial Fund, 146 N. Coleman, Holyoke, CO 80734.
     Arrangements were entrusted to Gerk Funeral Home.

    Shirley Ann Travis, 77, of Holyoke, died of pneumonia Saturday, March 22, 2008.
     She is survived by her husband Thomas Stanley Travis, her first son Thomas Lee Travis and his wife Laura, her daughter Lanette Marie Travis Reece and her husband Robert and her second son Jon Walter Travis and his wife Sandra; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
     Shirley was born to Walter and Esther (Brase) Sagehorn in Holyoke Aug. 2, 1930. She was both baptized (Aug. 11, 1930) and confirmed (April 2, 1944) in Zion Lutheran Church.
     She has two older sisters, Darlene Hagemann, who married Lowell "Shorty" Hagemann, and Lillian Lindgren, who married Dewey Lindgren.
     Shirley graduated from Holyoke High School in 1948 and married Stanley Travis on Sept. 12, 1948. Living on various farms in the Holyoke area, Shirley gave birth to her three children. In 1961 the family moved to Brush, and in 1967 to Fort Morgan.
     She received a B.A. degree in English from Colorado State College in 1965 and a master's in reading from the University of Colorado in 1973.
     She began teaching in 1965 and taught high school at Brush, Fort Morgan and Holyoke until 1998. She also taught courses at Northeastern and Morgan County Junior Colleges.
     Shirley had a lifelong love of teaching, of reading and of watching her students, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. In addition to being a life-long teacher, Shirley served as an education lobbyist for many years, staying involved with educational groups. As a parent and grandparent, she was a quiet conscience asking her progeny to find and do the right thing.
     Funeral service was scheduled at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke Wednesday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating.
     Interment was to follow at Holyoke Memorial Park.
     As desired, contributions can be made to the Shirley Travis Memorial, 605 S. Sherman, Holyoke, CO 80734 that will be used to create a scholarship.

    Rex Walter Leben was born Aug. 18, 1923 in Amherst to Walt and Anna Schmidt Leben and died March 8, 2008. He was baptized into the Lutheran church Sept. 2, 1923 and confirmed in March 1937, both in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He attended parochial and public schools in Amherst.
     Rex entered the army in 1943 and served during WWII in Africa and Italy. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal and several campaign ribbons.
     He spent most of his life farming in the Amherst community and six years in business with his brothers and brother-in-law with Leben and Kramer Ready Mix. He was associated with close friend Claude Jung for over 30 years in both farming and business.
     In 1958 he married Helen Jecminek. Helen had five children and he took them into his heart and became their dad. Two more children were born into this family.
     Rex's relationship with his Lord was the most important thing in the world to him. For 40 years he served in church offices, including elder, trustee, board of education, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, stewardship board, and chairman of the congregation. He served at both St. Paul's in Amherst and Zion Lutheran in Holyoke.
     He was also a charter member of the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department and actively served for 13 years.
     Rex and Helen moved to Fort Collins in 1999 due to his health issues. While his body was failing him, his mind was not, and he remained an active conversationalist and family advisor.
     He is survived by his wife Helen; seven children, Charles Jecminek (Sonja) of Roanoke, Va., Al Jecminek (Lorraine) of Tuscon, Ariz., Gloria Lewis (Forest) of Rochester, N.Y., David Jecminek (Susan) of Loveland, Dan Jecminek (Elaine) of Greeley, Pam Kropp (Fred) of Fort Collins and Ryan Leben (Tina) of China Grove, N.C. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sisters Fern Mast of Delta, Utah, Betty Brown (Gene) of Golconda, Ill. and Fay Rockwell (Gene) of Rifle; brother Wayne Leben of Wray; and sister-in-law Yvonne Wernet (Boyce) of Holyoke.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ray and sister-in-law Virginia Leben.
     He was so grateful for the excellent care he received on numerous occasions at Poudre Valley Hospital, especially the compassion of the surgical unit staff and the respiratory therapists.
     Funeral service was March 13 at Peace with Christ Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, with a graveside service at Holyoke Cemetery.
     Memorials can be sent to Lutheran World Relief (Kenya) or the Ysletta Mission (Mexico) in care of Peace with Christ Lutheran Church or Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlender funeralchapel.com.

    Keith Wade, 86 of Ft. Collins, former Holyoke resident, died March 16, 2008.
     He was born Sept 26, 1921 in Elwood to Ray and Viola Lawhead Wade.  He graduated from Elwood High School in 1939. He moved to California and became a certified welder and worked for McDonald Douglas Aviation Company during World War II.
     On June 23, 1942, he married Anna Mae Leggott in Las Vegas, Nev.  They made their home in Culver City, Calif. before moving to Elwood in 1946. While in Elwood, they owned and operated Wade Dairy & Grocery. 
     In 1960, Keith entered into a partnership and purchased the Elwood Lumber Yard. He also engaged in commercial and residential construction. In the late 1960's, he moved to Holyoke where he remained in the construction business until an accident forced his retirement at the age of 80.  In later years, he resided in Ft. Collins.
     Survivors include a son, Jeffery (Linda) Wade of Mason, Ohio; three daughters, Shirley Wade-Hayhurst of Denver, Linda Humphrey of El Paso, Texas and Cynthia (Norman) Evans of Elwood; eight grandchildren; two great-granddaughters and many other relatives and friends.
     He was preceded in death by a brother Lynn and nephew Barry Wade.
     Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, the First Christian Church in Elwood or the donor's choice in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneral home.com.
     Services are scheduled Friday, March 21 at the First Christian Church in Elwood with Steven Jergensen officiating. Burial is to follow in Elwood Cemetery.

    José Alberico Arvizo, 54, of Holyoke died Monday, March 10, 2008 at his home.
     José was born March 17, 1953 in Temosachi, Chihuahua, Mexico to Urbana and Tomasa (Varela) Arvizo.
     He received his education in Mexico and married Maria Elena Rodriguez. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Ivan and Hellier. José worked for Jack's Bean from 1981-1985, as a farm laborer from 1985-1990 and for D&D Farms from 1990-2000.
     He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. José enjoyed traveling, passing time with his family and friends and working in his shop.
     José is survived by his mother Tomasa; sons Ivan and wife Katie of Greeley and their children Decon and Danika and Helier of Fort Collins; brothers Manuel of Chihuahua, Mario of Chihuahua, José Alvaro of La Pryor, Texas, Urbano of Denver and Javier of Chihuahua; sisters Lila Arvizo de Vargas of Chihuahua, Norma Arvizo de Corrales of Juarez, Vickie Arvizo de Saenz of Chihuahua, Socorro Arvizo de Peña of Holyoke, Chela Arvizo de Rodriguez of Chihuahua and Yoli Arvizo de Almengor of Chihuahua; 16 nephews and 18 nieces.
     Rosary and Vigil were held March 12 at Gerk Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial was held Thursday, March 13 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Holyoke with Father William Jungmann officiating.
     Interment was in Holyoke Memorial Park.
     Memorial contributions may be made to José Arvizo Memorial Fund c/o Holyoke Credit Union, 101 W. Denver St., Holyoke, CO 80734.
     Gerk Funeral Home of Holyoke was entrusted with the arrangements.

    Jeanette L. King, 66, of Lewellen, Neb. and formerly of Arkansas City, Kan. died March 8, 2008 at the Coffeyville Medical Center.
     Jeanette was born April 5, 1941, in Holyoke to Willmore and Mable (Martin) Shermeyer. She was reared and educated in Holyoke, graduating from Holyoke High School in 1959.
     She married Johnnie King on Dec. 8, 1959, in Holyoke. The couple made their home in Arkansas City. Jeanette worked as a bus driver for USD 470 for over 20 years. She was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
     Jeanette and Johnnie enjoyed fishing and hunting together. When Jeanette was growing up in Colorado, she was crowned the Colorado Junior Trout Champion Fisherman. The couple moved to Nebraska in 2000.
     Survivors include her husband Johnnie; sons Gail and wife Debbie of Wichita, Kan. and Will and wife Lisa of Oolagah, Okla.; mother Mable Triplette of Holyoke; brother Bill Schiermeyer of Holyoke; sister Wilma Milner of Imperial, Neb.; and two grandchildren Conner and Danielle King.
     She was preceded in death by her father.
     Rosary was recited March 11, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 12. Interment was to follow at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery with Father Charles Siewert officiating.
     A memorial has been established with the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
     Arrangements are being made through the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Online condolences may be made at www.rindt-erdman.com.

    H. Dale Glover was born Aug. 2, 1918 at the Glover homestead southeast of Holyoke, to George Thomas Glover and Flora Jane (Davis) Glover.
     He graduated from Phillips County High School in 1936 and was united in marriage to Anna Mary Shaw on June 14, 1936. He and Anna Mary had three children: Shirley, Larry and Linda.
     He served with the First Cavalry Division during World War II, serving in the Philippines and Japan. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 14, 1946. Dale had been a farmer and an aircraft experimental mechanic at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica, Calif before and during World War II, terminating to enlist in the United States Army.
     Dale was also a restaurant owner in Holyoke. He was a member of the Holyoke VFW and American Legion and was a past commander of both organizations.
     He was raised in the Presbyterian Church and later became a member of the First Christian Church of Holyoke.
     Dale is preceded in death by his parents George T. Glover and Flora J. Glover, brothers George Glover and Doc Norris, sisters Elva Thomas, Hazel Starbuck, Gladys Burchez and Vivian Scott and granddaughter Teresa Ahnstedt Masburn.
     He is survived by his wife Anna Mary; daughters Shirley Glover Ahnstedt and husband Jerry of Longmont and Linda Glover Bullock and husband Ralph of Colorado Springs; son Larry Glover and wife Jean Glover of Kalispell, Mont. and Yuma, Ariz.; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
     Funeral service was held Friday, March 7 at First Christian Church of Holyoke with Pastor Jim Blake officiating.
     Interment will be in the Holyoke Memorial Park, Holyoke and Fort McPherson in Maxwell, Neb. at a later date.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice in Dale's name.
     Arrangements were entrusted to Gerk Funeral Home.

    Kenneth L. Tumbleson, husband of Dolores Dee, died at his home in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. on Feb. 26, following a long illness.
     He was born June 20, 1932 in Cambridge, Neb. He attended school in Holyoke where he excelled in sports.
     Ken was a resident of Lake Havasu for 18 years. He loved the desert climate after spending his working life in the cold winters of Colorado and Wyoming. He was in the propane business and retired from AmeriGas in 1990.
     He and his wife Dolores traveled extensively in their motor home, but he mostly enjoyed working in his workshop, which he called the "Play Pen." Ken's great sense of humor and love of people stayed with him all his life.
     Ken is survived by his wife of 34 years; brothers Roger of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. and Jack of Longmont; and by a blended family of five children Marcia, Marla, Malva, Kelli and Mark and their spouses; 13 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and many wonderful friends.
     A son, Vaughn, preceded him in death in 1984 as well as his parents Melvin and Mary Tumbleson.
     At Ken's request, there will be no service. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.

    Fred Leon Newman died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 at his home in Worland, Wyo.
     Fred Newman was born Aug. 11, 1935 to Ralph and Hazel (Shaw) Newman in Holyoke. After graduating from Holyoke High School in 1952, Fred attended Colorado State University were he was a member of FarmHouse. He received a bachelor's degree in vocational agriculture and a master's degree in industrial arts in 1957.
     Newman taught vocational agriculture at Lamar High School and also taught industrial arts at Lamar Junior College in 1966.
     For many years. Fred lived and worked on the family farm in Phillips County. He also farmed in Sedgwick and Yuma counties and in Chase County, Neb.
     While living in Phillips County, Fred served on various committees including the Holyoke School Board. He was active with Holyoke Masonic Lodge, the Methodist Church, Methodist Sunday School and Holyoke Lions Club. He also managed the Holyoke feed mill for a period.
     Fred married Naomi N. Neiman in 1956. To this union were born four children.
     Fred moved to Worland, Wyo. in 1987 to teach vocational agriculture where he also led a successful FFA chapter. While in Worland, Fred was active with the county fair's livestock department and the regional Rural Development Association.
     Fred was well known for his community involvement and his life-long dedication to youth education. He loved farm-toy collecting, attending farm-toy conferences and was renowned for his woodworking skills.
     Fred was honored at a memorial service Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel in Worland, Wyo. with Mike Brush officiating. Music and a rendition of Homeward Bound were performed by pianist Martha Newman with vocals by Hannah Newman. His remains are to be spread at a later date in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming.
     Fred was preceded in death by an infant sister, Janet Marie; his parents, Ralph and Hazel Newman; and a granddaughter, Brooklynn Newman.
     He is survived by family including his children and their spouses: Marc and Anne Newman of Holyoke, Matt and Martha Newman of Holyoke, Marla and Rocci Trumper of Fort Collins and Mica and Doug Koehn of Marshall, Mo. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren.

    John Wesley Heginbotham was born Sept. 7, 1945 and died Feb. 18, 2008.
     He was baptized into the Christian faith on April 11, 1954 at Holyoke United Methodist Church, and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1964. He married Marie Hunt in 1964, and they had two children, Pamela and Don.
     John is remembered for his talent as a drummer. His musical group entered the "Stars of Tomorrow" in Sterling and placed second. If John didn't have his drums, he played the spoons.
     Survivors include his mother and step-father Laverne and Dave Brown; sisters Diana Lockwood and her husband Phil and Brenda Ducker; nieces and nephews Paul and Carine Lockwood and their children Bryce and Katerina, Tonya and Don Weaver and their daughter Anna Grace, Brian Lockwood, Brittany Ducker and Mitchell Ducker; uncle Vern Woodmancy and family; aunt Gloria Woodmancy and family; and many cousins and friends.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Namaste Nonprofit Hospice, c/o Comfort Fund, 1633 Fillmore St., Ste. 300, Denver, CO 80206. The hospice website is www.namastehospice. com.
     Funeral service for John was held Feb. 22 at First United Methodist Church of Holyoke with pastor Darrell Dennis officiating. Interment followed at Holyoke Memorial Park.
     Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Ruth Leona Fulton, 75, of Monte Vista died Jan. 18, 2008 at the Rio Grande Hospital.
     She was born April 8, 1932 in Holyoke to Clarence and Ruby (Dille) Hageman.
     Ruth enjoyed shopping, riding, nursing, especially caring for people, painting and drawing. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
     Ruth is survived by her children, Monte (Cherilyn) Fulton of Del Norte, Hunter (Lori) Baskins of California and Cynthia Michaels of Colorado Springs; sisters Dora Ott of Truth or Consequences, N.M. and Clara O'Connor of Holyoke; special friends Ed and Sharon Archuleta; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
     Her parents Clarence and Ruby, one daughter and one brother precede her in death.
     Cremation was chosen and a service will be held at a later date.
     Arrangements were under the direction of Strohmayer's Funeral Home in Monte Vista.

    Tyle Earl Hembry Jr. died Feb. 18, 2008 at his home in Yuma, at the age of 66.
     He was born Aug. 19, 1941 to Tyle E. Hembry Sr. and Lillian A. (Shop) Hembry.
     He was employed by Riemer Smith in Holyoke, Wycon in Holyoke, American Fertilizer in Yuma, Yuma Farmer Implement, Yuma Hardware Hank and Roys Country Fair in Yuma.
     He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers Bill, Bobby, Les Vern and Virgil; and sisters Irene Wiggins and Juanita Kirkendall.
     Survivors include his wife Beverly; sons Bryan and Duane; daughter Tylynn; brother Jerry Hembry; and sister Marylin Brikkens.
     Funeral service for Tyle Hembry Jr. was held Feb. 26 at Baucke Funeral Chapel in Yuma. Inurnment followed in Yuma Cemetery.

    Margaret "Margie" Jane (Covert) Cranwell was born Jan. 12, 1920 to William Franklin and Bertha May (McGaughy) Covert. She was born in an old cement house on the Nebraska/Colorado line; the road curved around the house it was built right on the state line.
     She died Feb. 22, 2008 at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray at the age of 88.
     Margie rode her horse, Roudy, to school at Pleasant Valley southeast of Holyoke through the eighth grade. She and her brother Roy made the school ride everyday together.
     On Sept. 19, 1938 Margie married Kenneth Sidney Cranwell in Holyoke. To this union three children, Gary, Gene and Beverly, were born.
     Margie cleaned house for several families and was employed by the Holyoke School District for many years where she made many friends. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Church while living in Pleasant Valley and later she was a member of the EUB Church in Lamar, Neb. until moving to Holyoke in 1969. At that time, she joined the Holyoke United Methodist Church.
     Margie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bertha Covert; son Gene; granddaughter-in-law Melinda and great-grandson Westyn; sisters Bernice and Minnie; brothers infant Floyd, Lloyd, Orville, Wayne, George "Bud" and stillborn Charles; two nephews and one niece.
     Margie will be greatly missed by son Gary and wife Vonnie of Broken Bow, Neb.; daughter Bev and husband Lee Struckmeyer; daughter-in-law Julie Cranwell-Koch and husband Duane of Wray; brother Roy Covert of Platteville and sister-in-law Rae Belle Sicka of Holyoke; eleven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
     Funeral service was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Holyoke with Pastor Darrell Dennis officiating. Interment followed at the Holyoke Memorial Park.
     Baucke Funeral Home of Holyoke directed the service.

    Mary (Smith) Jacobs was born Nov. 1, 1922 in Holyoke to Elmer F. and Iva I. (Goldsberry) Smith. Mary was born on the ranch her grandparents homesteaded south of Holyoke.
     She died Feb. 20, 2008 at the Glenwood Place Assisted Living in Vancouver, Wash. She was 85 years of age.
     Mary attended school and later received her associate's degree. Prior to her marriage, she taught school in a one-room school house south of Holyoke. She had many fond memories of her students and their families.
     On May 21, 1946 she married Ray M. Jacobs in St. Francis, Kan. To this union one daughter, Cheryl was born.
     Mary lived in Holyoke until her marriage to Ray. They spent most of their married life in Denver moving back to Holyoke after Ray retired in 1988. Mary loved to entertain and was well-known for her piano playing and singing ability. She played professionally in Denver and spent many years volunteering at the local nursing home and played at many local events.
     She moved to Vancouver, Wash. in 2007 and was able to spend the last months of her life with her family. Mary had a delightful sense of humor and love of life. She was always there to listen and give a shoulder to lean on. She will be remembered as a devoted wife and daughter and a wonderful mother and grandmother, as well as a caring and thoughtful friend.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Iva Smith and her husband, Ray M. Jacobs.
     She is survived by her daughter Cheryl and son-in-law Bill Simons of Vancouver, Wash.; granddaughter Stacey, grandson-in-law, Dwight (Ike) Salter and great-grandsons Ryan and Zachary LaSalle, all of Puyallup, Wash.; grandson Jeffry Simons of Vancouver, Wash.; granddaughter, Christy, grandson-in-law Jonathan Miller, great-granddaughters Amelie and Maelle Miller, all of Albany, Ore.; grandson Justin and granddaughter-in-law Jami Simons of Rockwall, Texas.
     There will be visitation on Friday, Feb. 29 at the Baucke Funeral Chapel in Holyoke from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 1, at Baucke Funeral Chapel at 10 a.m. with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating.
     Interment will be in the Holyoke Memorial Park in Holyoke.

    Tyle Earl Hembry Jr. died Feb. 18, 2008 at his home in Yuma, at the age of 66.
     He was born Aug. 19, 1941 to Tyle E. Hembry Sr. and Lillian A. (Shop) Hembry.
     He was employed by Riemer Smith in Holyoke, Wycon in Holyoke, American Fertilizer in Yuma, Yuma Farmer Implement, Yuma Hardware Hank and Roys Country Fair in Yuma.
     He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers Bill, Bobby, Les Vern and Virgil; and sisters Irene Wiggins and Juanita Kirkendall.
     Survivors include his wife Beverly; sons Bryan and Duane; daughter Tylynn; brother Jerry Hembry; and sister Marylin Brikkens.
     Funeral service for Tyle Hembry Jr. was held Feb. 26 at Baucke Funeral Chapel in Yuma. Inurnment followed in Yuma Cemetery.

    Robert Gale "Bob" Stoner, 78, of Mesa, Ariz., died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008.
     He was born Nov. 22, 1929 to Herman Stoner and Ruby Mae West in Unadilla, Neb. He graduated from high school and then attended the Lincoln School of Commerce where he studied accounting.
     Bob began working for Central Telephone and Gas, but after two years was drafted and served during the Korean Conflict. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Central where he worked for the next 35 years.
     Bob was joined in marriage to Delores Moss of Burr, Neb. in 1954 and lived happily with the bond of this sacred union all of his years. The marriage was blessed with a son and daughter and Bob was an incredibly gentle and devoted husband and father.
     The cornerstone of Bob's life was his faith and he was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran and served in each church he attended.
     Bob enjoyed traveling with his family; he enjoyed golf and reading and watching the Suns play. But any hobby he had took a distant second place to his wife, kids and faith.
     Bob will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his soft-spoken grace and for his ability to make virtually anyone laugh and smile.
     Bob is survived by his loving wife Dee; son Rob; grandson Stefon; brothers William and Lyle; sisters Berdine West, Louis Ebert and Eula Seybert; and numerous nephews and nieces.
     His parents, brothers Earl, Harvey and Harland and his daughter Amy preceded him in death.
     Services were held Feb. 8 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa, Ariz.
     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter or the American Cancer Society.
     An online guest book at eastval leytribune.com can be signed by visitors.

    Herrick Roth of Denver died Jan. 31, 2008. He was born March 19, 1916, in Omaha, Neb.
     The family moved to Hot Springs, S.D., Herrick at age two, and lived there in his "beloved Black Hills" until he came to the University of Denver in 1933. Herrick taught in Denver Public Schools, served in WWII, was a state and national leader of the American Federation of Teachers and served terms in both the Colorado House and Senate.
     Herrick was the President of the Colorado Labor Council from 1954-1972. In 1978 he founded the Colorado Forum, one of his most notable contributions to the state of Colorado.
     Herrick was a civic leader extraordinaire. To his family he was "Pop," and all loved him dearly.
     He is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 67 years; sons Wayne (Kathleen) of Seattle, Wash., Alan (Lulu) of Denver; Martin (Laura) of Holyoke; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
     Donations may be made in Herrick's name to the Colorado Forum Donor Advised Fund at the Denver Foundation, 55 Madison, 8th floor, Denver CO 80206.
     Herrick's memorial service was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver.

    Paula Ann Wiggins Gracey was born in Amherst Nov. 22, 1939. She died Feb. 3, 2008 after a long illness.
     Paula had three children, Michael Linn, Michele Linn and Sean Linn. Both Michele and Sean are deceased.
     Her parents were Paul Wiggins and Elva Folker Wiggins, both deceased.
     She went to high school and graduated in Holyoke.
     At one time, she worked quite a few years with mentally and handicapped children, which she found to be both challenging and very rewarding. She loved fishing, watching her husband golf and Tiger Woods.
     She was married to Michael Gracey in October of 1986. At that time, she worked in the Phillips County Courthouse.
     She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.
     She is survived by her husband, grandchildren Preston Enninga and Makaya Leshman; son Michael Linn and children; brother Gene Wiggins and children; and many friends and relatives.
     Funeral service is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Gary Rahe officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date.

    Jacob Melchoir Schell, 90, of Sterling died Jan. 28.
     He was born June 20, 1917 to Jacob and Rosa Mary (Sewald) Schell in Missoula, Mont.
     He married Elizabeth Ann Haberkorn April 25, 1939 at St. Anthony's in Sterling. They lived and farmed in Sterling until they moved to Holyoke in 1976 where he continued to farm in Lamar, Neb. Jacob retired from farming in 1981 and returned to Sterling.
     He enjoyed playing cards, watching baseball, farming and mostly visiting with his family and friends. The special times in his life included being awarded one of the top 10 sugar beet producers for five years during his farming career.
     Jacob is survived by wife Elizabeth of Sterling; daughters Janice Bellendir of Sterling, Elizabeth Jean Vance and husband Burt of Highlands Ranch, Kathleen Schell of Centennial, Theresa Burgess and husband Dick of Silverdale, Wash. and Tammy Glaeser and husband Chris of Castle Rock; son Jacob of Sterling; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Mary Ellen, son-in-law Philip John Bellendir, sisters Gertrude Schell Sewald, Opal Schell Gasner, Veronica Schell Kaiser, Magdelene Schell Graber, Barbara Schell Schmitt and Rose Pauline Schell Schmitt and brother John Schell.
     Mass of Christian burial service was Feb. 4 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with burial following at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.
     Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's parking lot fund, school or charity of your choice.

    Jack L. Chaloupek, 59, of Russellville, Mo., died Jan. 19, 2008 at his home.
     He was born Sept. 2, 1948 in Wray, a son of Eugene and Ila Milholland Chaloupek.
     Jack was a graduate of Russellville High School and Lincoln University. He served his country in the United States Army.
     Jack worked for Pathway's Community Healthcare, Inc. in Jefferson City, Mo. He attended the Russellville United Methodist Church.
     He is survived by his mother Ila M. Parker of Jefferson City, Mo.; daughter Bailey Kennan and husband Brian of St. Mary's, Kan.; son Josh Chaloupek and fiancee Gloria Starkey of Topeka, Kan.; twin grandsons Alexander and Benedict Kennan; special friend Tina Spillman; sisters Connie Arriola and husband Michael, Sue Chopley and husband Jimmie and Kay Woodford and husband Steve; brothers Randy Chaloupek and wife Sherry, Dean Parker and wife Betty and Roy Parker and wife Theresa; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
     Jack was preceded in death by his father Eugene Chaloupek and stepfather Glen I. Parker.
     Memorial service was held Jan. 22 at the Russellville United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeannie Martin-Webb officiating.
     Military funeral honors were rendered following the service.
     Contributions are suggested to hospice. Arrangements were made by Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville.

    Barbara Jean (Bennett) Fisbeck was born Nov. 2, 1940 in Holyoke to Merle D. Bennett Sr. and Alta Opal (Grosclose) Likens Bennett. She died on Jan. 20, 2008 at Poudre Valley Hospital from COPD and complications from pneumonia.
     Barbara's mother died when she was 2 years old. Merle raised his two children, Merle Jr. and Barbara as well as his step-children, Doris, Delfa and Dale Likens.
     Barbara went to grade school at the Pleasant Valley School. She graduated from Phillips County High School in 1958. While still in high school, she began dating Don Fisbeck. They were married Aug. 23, 1959.
     In 1964, after Don got out of the service, they made their home in Fort Collins. Barb worked at First National Bank in the loan department for two years. In 1966, Barb and Don started their family with the birth of Susan Lee and in 1969, Judy Lyn was born.
     For many years, Barb was a stay at home mom who enjoyed being cook, taxi driver, PTA mom, room mother, cheerleader, seamstress and friend. She truly loved being a mother and later, a grandmother.
     Barb's pride and joy were her grandchildren. Barb will be remembered for her huge heart, her love for her family and her incredible strength to overcome the hardships in her life.
     Barb is survived by her husband Don of Fort Collins, her daughter Sue Holcomb and husband Gregg and their children Dakota, Hunter and Hayden of Wellington; daughter Judy Neiberger and husband Troy and their children Logan and Tanner of Granby; sister Doris Groshans and sisters-in-law Peggy Bennett and Justine Likens, all of Holyoke; and by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
     Barb was preceded in death by her father Merle D. Bennett Sr., mother Alta Opal Bennett, sister Delfa McFadden, brothers Dale Likens and Merle Bennett Jr. and brother-in-law Paul Groshans.
     A funeral service was held Saturday, Jan. 26 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Alan Borcher officiating.
     Gerk Funeral Home of Holyoke is entrusted with the arrangements.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the family for Barbara's grandchildren in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526.

    Kathi Jo Lightsey, 21, of Fort Collins, formerly of Daily,
    died Jan. 19, 2008, the result of a car accident in Weld County.
     Kathi was born July 19, 1986 in Sterling to Brad and Kelli
    (Harris) Lightsey.  She grew up in the Haxtun area and moved to Fort Collins to study massage therapy after graduating from Haxtun High School in 2005. She received her massage therapy certification from the Healing Arts Institute in Fort Collins in January of 2006.  If you received a massage from Kathi, you knew you had been touched by an angel! Massage was her passion but, while she built up her clientele, she worked at Center Partners Call Center in Fort Collins.
     Kathi was a member of the Haxtun United Methodist Church. She enjoyed baking cookies for anyone who wanted them but especially for her family. Kathi loved children and took great joy in mothering them. She cheered on her sister and brother in any and every athletic venue possible and they
    always knew she was there. 
     Kathi loved to spend as much time as possible with her family and friends. She was also a huge dog lover.  Kathi had three very special dogs during her life and always took delight in playing
    with them and teaching each one new tricks.
     She is survived by her parents, Brad and Kelli; sister Heather Kurtzer and husband Jared Kurtzer of Haxtun; brother Andrew Lightsey of Fleming; grandparents Bill and JoAnne Harris of Haxtun and Wilbur and Dona Lightsey of Sterling; uncle John Harris and wife Kari of Greeley; aunts Jennifer Brown of Haxtun, Suzanne
    Fries and husband Matt of Fort Collins and Sherrie Kibel and husband John of Evans; numerous nieces and nephews; 14 cousins and numerous extended family members and friends.
     She is preceded in death by grandmothers Millie Lightsey and Leta Lightsey and cousin Kieley Harris.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kathi Lightsey Memorial Fund in care of Gerk Funeral Home, 242 N. Logan, Haxtun, CO 80731.
     A celebration of Kathi's life was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the Haxtun United Methodist Church.
     Gerk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Michael F. Anderson was born Aug. 29, 1951 in Sterling, the youngest son of Leland (Les) and Mildred Anderson. He died Jan. 14, 2008.
     Michael attended school in Haxtun and graduated from Haxtun High School in 1969. He attended college at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan., graduating in 1973. He earned a master's degree in administration from Wichita State University.
     After graduation from college, Michael began teaching and coaching in Oakley, Kan. He left Oakley and went to teach in Spearville, Kan. After teaching in Spearville, he left teaching for a short time, but the love of the classroom and a desire to work with youth was too strong, so he returned to teaching at Mulvane Junior High in December of 1978. In 1981, he began teaching at Roosevelt Junior and after five years, went to teach at Wichita East High where he remained on staff until the time of his death.
     He became the head soccer coach for the East High boys in 1981. In addition to working with the boys, he took over the girl's program in 1989. Michael was considered a true pioneer of the Wichita soccer community. He was around from the very beginning of its start locally. His passion for both coaching and teaching could be seen in his daily life and the love he had for his students was paralleled only by his love for his Lord.
     Christian faith became a big part of Michael's life during the last couple of years. It was this strength of faith which gave him the courage to face the challenge of cancer.
     Michael is survived by his children, Amanda Anderson of Dodge City, Kan., Jeremy Anderson of Pratt, Kan., and Jared Anderson of Wichita, Kan.; sister Diane and husband Gary Rahe of Holyoke; and brother Dean Anderson and wife Bev of Colby, Kan.
     Michael was preceded in death by his father Leland (Les) Anderson and his mother Mildred (Schoen) Lightsey.
     A memorial has been established for the East High Soccer Program. Donations can be sent to Wichita East High School, attn: James Griffis, 2301 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211.
     A memorial service is planned at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m.

    Julian "Jay" Hans Rasmussen died Jan. 11, 2008 at the age of 95. Jay was born Dec. 15, 1912 in Stratton.
     On Sept. 3, 1938, he married Lily Mae Jones in Burlington. They made their home in Stratton and welcomed three children. The family later moved and settled in Holyoke where Jay was employed by Reimer-Smith Elevator.
     He retired to a small farm in Julesburg, which he filled with cows, horses and donkeys. Jay loved being outdoors and soon filled his farm yard with a variety of shade trees and fruit trees. He was always willing to lend a friend or neighbor a hand with chores when needed. His enjoyment from helping others kept him young and active. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
     He is survived by wife Lily; two brothers, Milford and Ralph; son Larry Rasmussen and wife Dollie of San Diego, Calif.; daughters Kay Blochowitz and husband Lyle of Julesburg and Dona Steffens and husband Clyde of Montrose; grandchildren Bob and Connie Brown of Boise, Kyle and Jennifer Blochowitz of Chappell, Neb., Kody and Heidi Blochowitz of Ovid, Alicia Steffens of Montrose, Tiffany Steffens of Los Angeles, Calif. and Megan Steffens of Montrose; and eight great-grandchildren.
     Funeral service was held Jan. 15 at Harvest Baptist Church in Ovid, with Pastor Mark Baker officiating. Private family interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg.
     Memo