Kenneth Vogl, 83

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 4, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crawford Community Building with Pastor Bill Bagley officiating.

Kenneth Frank Vogl, 83, died January 28, 2013 at Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, NE.

Ken was born August 14, 1929 to Frank and Katherine Vogl in Fort Maginnis, Montana. He left home at the age of 14 and began working a variety of jobs before he joined the Air Force.

Ken married the love of his life, Evlyn Jackson, on October 6, 1950.

After being discharged from the Air Force in Oregon he pulled their trailer house up the Alcan Highway to Alaska. He worked for Standard Oil while taking flying lessons. This led to Ken opening his own business, Merrill Flight Service, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Ken was not only a licensed flight instructor, but also had his license for float planes, twin engines, instruments, and logged over 10,000 hours flying. He was also a FAA examiner and the Beech Aircraft distributor for Alaska.

Some of his more exciting duties were that of bush pilot when he would fly climbers to base camps on Mount McKinley and fly during moose and caribou hunts, often landing on glaciers. He once commented he had flown into all the landing strips in Alaska, including the northern most regions, and some of those were pretty scary. Quite often, he was flying in the bad weather conditions that exist across Alaska. At times, they used pickup headlights to light his way with a highway as his runway. He even saved a man’s life on a doll sheep hunt where he was required to landed glacier.

Ken and his family lost their home in the earthquake of 1964.

Unfortunately, he did not have earthquake insurance but he chose to repay every penny of his mortgage over the years. That was the kind of man Ken was. Honest and hard working!

Ken was ready to pursue his lifelong dream of buying a ranch in Montana when his brother-in-law, John Jackson, called him about a place near Crawford, Nebraska. He bought the old Roofing place southwest of town where he farmed/ranched until his death. He also followed his passion of raising horses.

In addition to ranching & farming full-time, Ken went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad at the roundhouse in 1979 and then transferred to the train service as an engineer before retiring after 16 years. He was recently honored for his 60 plus years as a member of the Eagles and as a charter member of the Crawford Fraternal of Eagles.

Ken lived life to the fullest and his integrity and work ethics earned  him the respect of his family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his son Kenny Jay, wife Evlyn, parents Bill Tait, Katherine Tait and Frank Vogl, and granddaughter Teresa Lewis.

He is survived by sons: David and Twila Vogl and Mike Vogl of Crawford, NE; Bill Vogl of Pierre, SD; daughter Jackie and Joe Hanlon of Crawford, NE; sister Marie Newlin of Kallispell, MT; 2 sisters-inlaw; 4 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, 9 great grandsons and 3 great granddaughters, and special friend/co-worker Kenny Daugherty.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Fire and Rescue Unit. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.

Lee Messersmith, 89 of Hemingford, died Monday, January 28, 2013 at Box Butte General Hospital.

He was born May 10, 1923 at Antioch, NE to Frank E. and Luva (Roberts) Messersmith.  Lee grew up on the family ranch in Sheridan County.  He graduated high school from the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, NE.  He then graduated from University of Nebraska at Lincoln receiving both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.

On June 14, 1952 he was united in marriage to Barbara J. Sisley in Alliance.  He then taught at the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis from 1953 through the spring of 1964 at which time they moved to a farm at Hemingford.  Lee taught agriculture education at Hemingford High School for 11 years and also raised cattle.  For many years he was a commercial honey producer operating Lee’s Bees.  He would later downsize that operation but it continued on a hobby basis until this past year.

Lee was an active member of the Hemingford United Methodist Church and for many years belonged to the Vocational Agricultural Teacher Association serving in its offices including a term as president.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his sons, Chuck (Judy) Messersmith of Alliance, J.Scot (Marilyn) Messersmith of Lafayette, CO, Douglas (Mari) Messersmith of Palm Springs, CA and Terry (Nel) Messersmith of San Jose, CA, and his grandchildren, Keal Messersmith of Lincoln, Jacob Messersmith of Palm Springs, CA and Kimmy Messersmith of San Jose, CA.  He is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth of Alliance, Rex of Lincoln, and his sister, Eileen Bauer of Alliance as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Robert and Frank, his sister, Betty Rogers and his daughter-in-law, Colleen Messersmith.

Memorial services will be Friday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford.  Pastor Teri Lucas will officiate.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in Hemingford or the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association.

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

Funeral Services for Joyce Marie Reed of Rushville, Nebraska will be held on Tuesday, January, 29^th, 2013 at 10:00am at Immaculate Conception Church in Rushville, Nebraska with Father James John and Father Tim Stoner officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, Nebraska. A Rosary will be held on Monday, January, 28^th, 2013 at 7:00pm at Immaculate Conception Church.

Mrs. Reed passed away on January 25^th, 2013 in Rushville.  Joyce was born on October 21^st, 1940 in Rushville, Nebraska.

Donations may be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home PO Box 336, Gordon, Ne 69343.

Online Condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Robert “Bob” Evans, 83, of Scottsbluff, passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at Heritage Estates in Gering.

Services will be held Monday, January 28, 2013, at 2:00 pm, at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff with Pastor Marshall Smith officiating.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff with military honors provided by the United States Navy.  Friends may call Sunday, January 27^th, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel.  Memorials have been established to Heritage Estates and the Panhandle Human Society. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Bob was born January 20, 1930, in Scottsbluff to Cecil and Lena Evans.  He received his early education and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1947.  He enlisted in the Navy May of 1947 and was discharged in April of 1957.  He met the love of his life Barbara Goodwin in 1952 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and was married November 22, 1953, in Kittery, Maine.  He was a past member of the Scottsbluff volunteer Fire Department and a past member in the VFW, American Legion and Moose Lodge.  He retired from the Scottsbluff School District as head custodian at Bluffs Middle School. He was a loving and caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He loved spending time with his family and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He will be missed by his canine buddy, Tuffy.

He is survived by sons, Earl (Brenda Suhr) Evans and Steve (Karen) Evans both of Scottsbluff, and Larry Evans of Oklahoma City, OK; daughters, Carolyn Grable of Scottsbluff and Kathy (Bruce) Staude of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Louis (Jonna) Spencer of Scottsbluff, Eric and Aaron Evans of Cheyenne, WY, and Matthew Grable of Grand Island, NE, Cecil Evans and Heather Evans of Oklahoma City, OK.;  great-grandchildren, Kaeden and Macy Spencer of Scottsbluff, and Anjel Evans of Oklahoma City, OK.; sister, Jean Schaaf of Sun City, AZ.; brother-in-law, Robert Goodwin of California, and Doyle Lund of Scottsbluff.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Cecil and Lena Evans; brothers, Ivan Evans, Wade Evans, and Lyle Evans; sister-in-law, Loretta Lund; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Everet and Gladys Goodwin; and great-grand daughter, Paisley Lee Evans.

Joseph M. Rojas, 90, died Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Highland Park Care Center.  He was born September 24, 1922 at Arkansas City, Kansas to Lucas and Aurora (Mojica) Rojas.  Joseph served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving several citations, including the Bronze Star.  He was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by his children, Floyd Rojas of Los Angeles, CA, Julie (Quinten) Sutherland and Josie Rojas, all of Kearney; his step-children, Ernie (Anne) Jaramillo of Gering and Florence (Ralph) Gonzalez of Alliance; 11 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Delores, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and 2 grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and private family memorial services were held at Bates-Gould Chapel with Father Lou Nollette officiating.

Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Funeral services for Della Lou Wasserburger of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Crawford with Father Bernard Berger officiating.  A Vigil will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013 at 7:00 PM at St. John’s.

Della Lou Wasserburger was born on April 27, 1934 to Charles Bridges and Zelma (Keck) Bridges in Sheridan, Wyoming. After receiving her high school diploma Della left Wyoming to attend the University of Miami where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing.  Della was employed at several hospitals but spent most of her adult life as a nurse in Crawford Nebraska. She retired from nursing in 1983, but worked as a home nurse for several years to follow. In her leisure, she enjoyed reading and football. Especially watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Denver Bronco’s with her grandkids. Della enjoyed nursing and the challenges presented but often spoke about the joy she received from helping others when help was needed.  Della Lou was truly a blessing to many. She departed this life on January 22, 2013 at the Golden Living Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  She was 78.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ralph Wasserburger, father, Charles Bridges; mother Zelma Bridges; beloved sister, Connie Butler, and brother, Jim Bridges. She leaves to cherish her memory 5 children; Frances, Charles, Harold, Donna, Laura, a brother, Richard and sister, Betty and 19 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and loving relatives and friends, many who knew her as “Mom.”

A memorial has been established.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.

Frances V. Faber, 87, died on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in Alliance at the home of her son.  She was born October 5, 1925 in Clinton, Nebraska to Stephen and Vennie (Cerny) McCauley.

Frances later moved to Alliance and worked as a telephone operator prior to her marriage. On June 19, 1949 she was united in marriage to LaVern E. Faber in Alliance.  Frances worked for many years with her husband as they owned and operated A.H. Jones Automobile Dealership in Alliance.   She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Frances is survived by her sons, David (Nenita) Faber of Alliance, Lee (Jane) Faber of Torrington, WY and Marvin Faber of Garland, TX, her grandchildren, Mark Faber, Danny Faber, Jennifer Cather, Grace Butac, Jayme Langhorst, Lindsey Green, Alex Faber, Bonnie Peele and Natalie Armstrong and her 12 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother, Walt McCauley of Alliance and nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Arlene Chappell.

Funeral services will be Monday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church with Reverend Martin T. Schnare and Reverend Richard C. Mueller officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-5 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church.

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

Jane Cox, 74, died Monday, January 14, 2013 at Box Butte General Hospital.

She was born October 3, 1938 at Red Oak, Iowa to Malcom C. and Helen M. (Ewart) Barger.  Jane graduated from Alliance High School in 1956.  On June 23, 1957 she married Charles H. Cox at Alliance.  She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Eagles Auxiliary.  She enjoyed traveling, gambling, and especially spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Casey (Rhonda) Cox of Alliance and Tami Swearingen of Lisbon, Iowa; her grandchildren, Daniel Sherlock of Oxford, Iowa and Courtney Cox of Alliance; great grandchildren, Caitlynn, Casey, and Jaymie Sherlock, all of Oxford, Iowa; her brother, William Barger of Whitewood, South Dakota; and extended family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chuck, her sister Susan, brothers Lynn “Sam”, Robert and Michael “Mick”, and her son-in-law, Bryan Swearingen.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel with Greg Carter officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  At the family’s request, please dress casually.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in care of the family at, 1051 Sheridan Ave., Alliance, Nebraska, 69301 for a future designation.

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

Ruth Marie Hindman, 91, died Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs.

She was born December 5, 1921 north of Rushville in Sheridan County to Emery and Opal (Keethler) Lawrence. Ruth graduated from Rushville High School and later worked at the bakery in Rushville.

On November 21, 1940 she was united in marriage to Robert L. Hindman at her parents’ home in Sheridan County by Rev. Darwin Clark. To this union their 3 children, Donna Jean, Ronald Dean and Carol Opal were born and they were raised in Alliance where Robert and Ruth lived for many years.

She is survived by her son, Ronald (Hermina) Hindman of Anacortes, WA, her brothers, Clifford (Donna) Lawrence and Elwin (Doris) Lawrence of Hay Springs, 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughters, Donna Hindman and Carol Hall, and a granddaughter.

Funeral services will be Friday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs with Pastor Fred Anderson officiating.  Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Rushville.  Visitation will be Thursday from 1-7 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given in care of Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs.

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