Valerie Rae Kerbel, 51, of Greeley, Colorado passed away unexpectedly Friday, November 9, 2012, at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Emmanuel Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Dr. Edward Veldhuizen and Pastor Doug Rupp officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Scottsbluff. 

Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff.  A memorial has been established in Valerie’s name and may be made in care of her family.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Valerie was born on January 4, 1961, at Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the daughter of Harvey Gene and Shirley Jane Kerbel of Morrill.  Valerie was the one in the middle of an older sister and younger brother. 

Valerie went to school at Morrill Public Schools from Kindergarten through 12^th grade, graduating in the class of 1979.  In the fall she went to Chadron State College in Chadron, graduating from there with a double major in Business and Home Economics in 1983.  While attending college Valerie worked at the cafeteria food service.  After graduation from Chadron she had a position of assistant manager in Marshall, Missouri, later taking a position of manager at Midland, Texas.  She made a move joining her sister at Thornton, Colorado.  In 1988, they both moved to Greeley, Colorado, where she worked at the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College in business areas of employment.  Later Valerie started her own business designing and sewing custom western showman shirts for clients, along with supporting Laura Lee as they developed an Alpaca herd and grooming dogs.   

Valerie was a happy cheerful, caring person helping others along life’s way.  Valerie’s great enjoyment was time spent with family, caring for people along the life’s way, cooking for family, helping people, sewing projects, animals, flowers, arts, crafts, drawing, and listening to Christian and Country music. 

 She will be remembered and greatly missed by her sister, Laura Lee; brother, Scott David; mother, Shirley Jane Kerbel; uncles and aunts, Roderick and Connie Hort and cousins in their family, Ernest Eugene and Carol Hort and cousins in their family, Larry and Carol Kerbel and cousins in their family; Don and Becky Kerbel and cousins in their family; close friend, Beverly Martin of Greeley, Colorado; and other friends made during the years and newly acquired cocker spaniel, Zeva.

Preceding Valerie Rae in departure from this life were her father, Harvey Gene Kerbel; grandparents, Adam and Mollie Kerbel Jr. and Ernest J. and Frieda Hort; and loved cocker spaniel, Skeezix.

Christina Baum, 104, passed away Monday, November 12, 2012 at Golden Living Center in Scottsbluff.  A private family graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Mitchell City Cemetery with Pastor Rick Reisig officiating.  There will be no visitation.   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jones-mortuary.com.  The Jones Mortuary of Mitchell is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Christina was born May 1, 1908 in the German settlement of Globeville, Colorado to John and Christina (Priesendorf) Maul.   She moved to Nebraska at an early age and attended school in the Dutch Flats, Mitchell Valley, and Sunflower communities. 

 Christina married Henry Baum Jr. at St. Paul’s Church in Mitchell on May 5, 1929.  She lived on their farm until the age of 100 when she moved to the nursing home.

 Christina enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and gardening.  She also loved to attend craft shows and collect dolls.

 Survivors include her daughters, Dorothy Williams and Marlene (Bob) Henkel; grandchildren, Tena, Kathy, Lou (Vickie) Williams III, Steven (Annette), and Laurie Henkel; great-grandchildren, Kristie (Andy), Melissa, and Jodi; great-great grandchildren, Mylan and David Andrew.

 Preceding Christina in death was her husband, Henry; and son in law, Lou Williams II.

 

Charles Marvin Adamson, 70, died Monday, November 12, 2012 at Box Butte General Hospital.

 He was born June 21, 1942 in Alton, Missouri to Arista and Agnes (Keane) Adamson. 

 Charles served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964.

 He was united in marriage to Vallara Campbell on June 28, 1966 in Texarkana, TX.

 Charles was a retired machinist for BNSF.  He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, American Legion, V.F.W. and the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers.  He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, gardening, fishing and hunting.  He was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker Football and NASCAR fan.

 He is survived by his children, Charles Adamson, Jr, Robert Adamson, Danny Adamson (Cheri Mozes) and Karri (Ruben) Garcia, his children’s mother, Val Smith and his grandchildren, Angelica Adamson, Carissa Adamson, Trajan Garcia, Jacob Adamson, Kaylee Garcia and Amaya Garcia all of Alliance.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Leonard, Stanley “Hap,” Winnie and Donny Adamson and his sister, Gladys Serl.

 Funeral services will be Friday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Lou Nollette officiating.  Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery with military honors.  Wake services will be Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

 Memorials may be given to Box Butte General Hospital for the Patient Care Unit or Respiratory Departments or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

 Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Clifford Ulmer of Oelrichs, SD, passed away November 10, 2012, at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD.

 Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 14^th  at McColley’s Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD, and one hour prior to the funeral service, November 15^th at Prairie View Methodist Church north of Oelrichs. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 15th at 11:00 a.m., at the Prairie View Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Smith officiating.  Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Oelrichs with military services performed by the Chadron Veteran’s Honor Guard.  A luncheon will follow interment at the Prairie View Church.

 Clifford Ulmer was born in Hot Springs, SD on September 18, 1929, to Bert and Mary (Thomsen) Ulmer.  Clifford spent most of his life in and around the Oelrichs area, except for about a year in Cabool, Missouri and two years serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.  He attended grade school at the Pettegrew School until moving to Missouri.  Upon returning from Missouri the family lived in Chadron, NE where he finished grade school and graduated from Chadron High School in 1947.  He then worked for his uncle, Albert Christensen, and Hugh Miller until he went into farming and ranching on the home place southwest of Oelrichs where he had been raised.

 Clifford and Connie (Trent) were married on August 2, 1955, in Rapid City, SD and two daughters were born to this union, Patricia Louise and Jane Marie.  They lived on the ranch until 1988, when they moved into Oelrichs.  In 1989, Clifford broke his hip and was always in discomfort with it.  Thereafter he could no longer do a lot of things he had normally done.  As a small boy he had an interest in collecting license plates and began his collecting in great earnest after breaking his hip.  He devoted much of his time to this hobby, going to different state meetings as well as trading with other collectors.  He was a member of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, Dakotaland License Plate Collector Club and Wyoming License Plate Society.  Clifford served on the Pettegrew School Board for several years, was a member of the Oelrichs American Legion Post #238 and was a member of the Oelrichs Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He loved to visit, especially about his time spent in the service.  He also enjoyed playing cribbage, stream fishing in the Black Hills and going dancing.

 On December 1, 2011, Clifford entered the Nursing Care Unit at the State Veteran’s Home in Hot Springs, due to failing health.  He remained there until November 5^th when he was taken to the VA Medical Center, where he entered hospice care on November 8^th.

 Clifford is survived by his wife Connie of Oelrichs, daughters Patricia Harmon of Gillette, WY, Jane (Bill) Ramm of Chadron, NE, two granddaughters, Louise Harmon (Travis Burnett), and Linda (Howie) Carl, a great grandson, Cody Carl and a great granddaughter, Brooklyn Carl all of Gillette, WY and two nephews of  Gardena, CA.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Fern Muse and husband Bob, a son-in-law, Tom Harmon and nephew, Larry Muse.

 A memorial has been established for the Oelrichs Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service.

 Online condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.

 McColley’s Chapel of the Hills is in charge of arrangements.

 

Michael Kusek, 91, died Friday, November 9, 2012 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance.

Michael John Kusek was born on the family farm in rural Wheeler County, Nebraska to Thomas T. and Mary E. (Nekoliczak) Kusek on April 18, 1921. Mike was one of five boys and three girls.

He attended grade school at Wheeler County School District #20. Mike graduated from Wheeler County High School at Bartlett, Nebraska in 1939. He participated in baseball, football, basketball and track. He was also a member of his high school band playing the clarinet. Mike was an accomplished, self-taught musician who could play several musical instruments, especially the piano and accordion. He later formed a band and played at local dances.

Mike was very proud of his family’s Polish roots and learned to speak the Polish language fluently as a child. He always enjoyed a conversation with relatives who would come and visit from Poland. Mike visited family in Poland in 1984.

During the first years of World War II Mike remained on the family farm, helping his father farm and run their cow/calf operation. At first Mike was not allowed to enlist, as his three older brothers were already in the service. During that time Mike coached basketball at WCHS.

Mike joined the United States Marine Corps on April 6, 1945 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Mike attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. After further training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina his outfit was transferred to Camp Pendleton, California awaiting departure for the Pacific Theatre. Mike served with the 6th Marines of the 2nd Marine Corps Division. Mike served on the Islands of Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan and then with the occupational forces in Japan at Sasebo on the Island of Kyushu and at Nagasaki, Japan. After returning to the U.S. Mike served with the 2nd Marines of the 2nd Marine Corps Division until his discharge with the rank of Private First Class in August 1946.

After his discharge and return to the farm in Nebraska, Mike enrolled in the Nebraska Barbers College in Omaha and was graduated in July 1948. Mike met and subsequently married Rita Mary Zahm, of rural Greeley County, Nebraska. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley, Nebraska on October 25, 1948. Mike lived and worked as a barber in Greeley before moving his family to Alliance in 1950 where he purchased a barber shop at 201 Box Butte Ave. In 1960 Mike purchased the Harris Sales building at 205 Box Butte Ave. and in 1964 remodeled it into Mikes All New Barbershop. Mike cut hair for fifty years before his retirement in 2001. Since 1973, Mike also operated The Clipper Barber Shop in Hemingford on Mondays for twenty years.

During his residency in Alliance, Mike was involved in many community activities. He served on the Box Butte County Selective Service Board from the early 1950’s to the mid 1960’s. Mike was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; The American Legion Post #7; The Eagles Aerie; the Elks Club; the National Rifle Association; and the Knights of Columbus, of which he served as Grand Knight. Mike also took part in the Boy Scouting program in the 1960’s and he started the first indoor archery range, in Alliance, in 1968, in the top floor of his barber shop. During the 60’s and 70’s Mike was one of the top bowlers in the area. His high game of 296 was the high score in Alliance for many years. Mike was the all events winner at the 1968 Knights of Columbus State Bowling Tournament. Mike was also involved in the Alliance Stock Car organization. Mikes favorite past times were collecting coins and antique cars, pheasant hunting, watching the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies ball games.  He also enjoyed playing the piano and accordion, polka dancing, listening to polka music and music of the Big Band Era and spending time with his family and friends and eating meals fit for a king.

Mike is survived by his wife, Rita, his four sons, Lawrence (Anita) of Ft. Calhoun, NE,  Daniel (Jane), Paul (Cindy), and Patrick (Cheryl), all of Alliance,  his  grandchildren, John Kusek of Ft. Calhoun. Dr. Mark Kusek of Boston, MA,  Jim Kusek of Florida,  Jeff Kusek of Lincoln, Mitch (Kari) Kusek of Aurora, CO, Greg Kusek of Gretna,  Brooke (Cassidy) Odean of North Platte, and Brent Kusek of Alliance, his great-grandchildren, Jack Kusek and Ginny Kusek of Aurora, CO,  Presley Odean and expecting baby Odean of North Platte,Ne. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Boyce of Denver, Colo., and sister-in-law Mary Kusek of Omaha and several nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters,  Mary Ann Buelt and Helen Oseka and his brothers,  Hubert, Louis, Joseph and Bernard Kusek.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Lou Nollette, Monsignor Edward Buelt and Fr. Ted Nekoliczak officiating. Burial will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Wake services will be Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the St. Agnes Academy Foundation, 1104 Cheyenne, Alliance, NE  69301 or the Veterans State Cemetery at Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 902, Alliance, NE  69301.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com

Harry Woodrow “Woody” Schank, 95, of Gering, passed away, Monday, November 5, 2012, at Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Scottsbluff.

His funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2012, at Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home Chapel in Scottsbluff with Pastor Matt Fowler  officiating.  Interment will follow in the West Lawn Cemetery in Gering with military honors provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Friends may visit from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff.  Memorial may be made to Western Nebraska Veteran’s Home.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Woody was born November 15, 1916, at Beatrice, Nebraska to Charles and Anna (Wiedenhammer) Schank.  He grew up in Scottsbluff and graduated from the Scottsbluff High School.  He married Mary Alyce Ford.  He served in the United States Army during World War II, from September 9, 1942 to October 15, 1945.  When he returned from the service they lived in Torrington, Wyoming.  He later owned and operated Schank Plumbing and Heating in Kimball for ten years and then the Western Auto Store in Gering.  He retired from Independent Plumbing and Heating in Scottsbluff after working there for 10 years. 

He was a past member the United Methodist Church in Gering, Kimball Fire Department, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, American Legion and VFW.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and RV Camping. 

Survivors include his daughter, Marlyce (Kenneth Drybread) Strecker of Denver, Colorado; grandson, Kevin (Lynette) Strecker of Morrill; great- grandchildren, Jessica Strecker and Jacob Strecker of Morrill; and sister, Dotty Otte of Florida.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; grandson, Kent Strecker; and eleven siblings. 

 

 

Funeral services for Madge Fortune-Chicoine of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Chadron with Reverend Al Trucano officiating.

Madge passed away on November 4, 2012 at the age of 88 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, Nebraska. She was born on June 11, 1924 in Rushville, Nebraska to Victor and Irene Boeck.

There will be a luncheon after the service with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Rushville.

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn L. Jarvis, 98, died Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.

She was born February 9, 1914 in Louisa County, Iowa to Arthur and Jessee (Vandemark) Kistler.

On June 14, 1934 she was united in marriage to Karl Jarvis.  Evelyn worked for many years with the telephone company in Crawford, Alliance and Sidney.

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Tschacher of Alliance, her grandchildren, Koni Tschacher and Don and Kim Tschacher of Alliance, her great-grandchildren, Michael (Kari) Tschacher of Sand Springs, OK and Megan Tschacher of Fort Collins, CO, and her great-great grandchildren, Kole and Grant Tschacher.  She is also survived by her sister, Muriel Scott and her brother, Marvin Kistler both of Columbus Junction, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Graveside services will be Monday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alliance Cemetery with Suzy Salono officiating.

Memorials may be given to Prairie Haven Hospice, 2416 Box Butte Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301, Good Samaritan Health Care Center, P.O. Box 970, Alliance, or in care of the family at 1410 Buchfinck, Alliance.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.