Funeral services for Joseph “Joe” Murer of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Paris Fisher officiating.  Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.

 Mr. Murer passed away on December 18, 2012 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford.

 Joe was born on July 9, 1927 in Bassett, Nebraska.

 He was 85.

 His survivors include:

 Wife:  Geneva Murer

 Son:  Joseph (Michelle) Murer

 Daughters:  Mickie Knowles; Roberta (Richard) Philby; Jerry (Lyman) Williams; Marilyn (Troy) Cradeur

 A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department. 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 Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

 

Garland D. “Bud” Wickham, 84, died Monday, December 17, 2012 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.

 He was born May 23, 1928 at Fowler, Colorado to Ralph A. and Iva Mae (Sellers) Wickham.

Bud served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.  Following his service in the military, he began his career at the Burlington Northern Railroad where he worked as a machinist for 38 years, retiring in 1990.

 He married Lillie Fern Kotschwar on April 14, 1964 in Gering, Nebraska.

Bud was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the VFW.  He was also a baptized member of the United Methodist Church.

 He enjoyed fishing, traveling to Arizona after his retirement, making fine silver jewelry, and was an avid football and baseball fan.

 He is survived by his wife, Fern Wickham of Alliance; his children, Steve (Sue) Wickham of Kearney, and Rick (Carol) Wickham of Alliance; and his step-children, Roger (Terri) Kotschwar and Linda (Steve) Lulow, all of Alliance.  He is also survived by his brothers, George Wickham of Hemingford and Dever Wickham of North Glenn, Colorado; 18 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Becky Wickham, his step-daughter Diana Schommer, and his brother Joe Wickham.

 Funeral services will be held Friday, December 21, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.  Reverend Tom Lucas will officiate.  Burial with military rites will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

 Memorials may be given to Prairie Haven Hospice, 2409 Box Butte Ave., Alliance, NE., 69301, or Good Samaritan Health Care Center, 1016 E. 6th, Alliance, NE., 69301.

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

Marianne Fritzler, 70, was called home on Saturday, December 15, 2012.  She passed away peacefully with family by her side at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.

Marianne was born October 27, 1942 at Alliance, Nebraska to Harry and Joy (Martindale) VanKirk. 

 She met LaVerne Fritzler and they married on February 9, 1964 at the First Christian Church in Alliance.  To this union 2 sons were born, Tony and Marty. 

 Following LaVerne’s death on December 18, 1969, Marianne dedicated her life to providing exceptional love and care to generations of Alliances’ children.  She retired from her in-home daycare but found she missed the kids. She returned to her calling, and for the last 5 years continued to touch lives by being a foster grandparent at Alliance Head Start, retiring in June of this year.  Marianne never met a child she didn’t love; just as every child she met knew her kind heart.  She was a member of the First Christian Church in Alliance.

 Marianne is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and Wendy Fritzler of Alliance and Marty and Brenda Fritzler of Chadron; sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Bob Mowbray of Port Angeles, WA; grandchildren, Brad Fritzler of Chadron, Kayla Hatch and husband Caleb of Alliance, Alex and Brooklynn Fritzler of Chadron, and Rhegan and Creighton Fritzler of Alliance; and great granddaughters, Allison and Addison and two great grandchildren on the way.  She is also survived by her nieces Marcy Long from California and Sarah Stahl from Washington, and nephew David Long and wife Karen from Washington.  Marianne was preceded in death by her loving husband LaVerne Fritzler and her parents Harry and Joy VanKirk.

 Memorial services will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery. 

 Memorials can be directed to Jane’s Closet, P.O. Box 810, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, to support breast cancer.

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

          Byron A. Eklund, age 90, of Mitchell, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at the Mitchell Care Center on Tuesday, December 12. Byron was born on Halloween, 1922 in Bemidji, Minnesota and grew up on a family farm in the Borup-Ada area until he graduated from high school.  He and a friend promptly traveled to California where he worked at various jobs until he entered the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II.  He served in the Air Corps Training Command, and was Crew Chief on a B-25 bomber. 

           After the war, By attended the University of Minnesota for two years; transferring to the University of Washington where he graduated with a degree in Journalism and Advertising. While at the University of Washington, he met and married Clarice Harrington from Ellensburg, WA. They were blessed with the births of son Steven and daughter Nancy Eve. Clarice passed away in 1999 despite Byron’s devotion to her care.

            By worked in the advertising field in Seattle, where he advised many prominent businesses including the Pike Place Market, the Plaster Institute (creating the slogan “Knock On The Wall” to assure home buyers that their home was finished with genuine lath and plaster),  and Skagit Boat Works.

           After a number of successful years in Seattle, he was appointed  Director of Public Relations for the American Chiropractic Assn. in Des Moines, Iowa.  In that position, he was instrumental in convincing members of Congress to include payment for chiropractic care in the new Medicare program.  

          In 2002 he met Nancy Mobley of Arlington, WA; they married in 2010. Byron and Nancy moved from Washington to Morrill, NE in 2003.

           By was well known around Morrill for his vegetable garden, complete with scarecrow. His neighbors were generously supplied with vegetables each summer.  By and Nancy were active members of the Morrill Community Development Group for several years and greatly enjoyed living there.

           By was compared by friends to the “Energizer Bunny” as he was always working at something, especially out-of-doors.  He kept up his yard with devotion, wanting his lawn to green up the earliest in the neighborhood. He was an excellent craftsman in wood, creating a small version of a totem pole modeled after the ones made by early Native Americans.

           He is survived by his wife Nancy; son Steve and wife Renee of Kansas City, MO; daughter Nancy Eve Eklund of Seattle, WA; brothers Glenn (Margaret) Eklund of Oak Harbor, WA and Erling Jene Eklund of Spanaway, WA; granddaughter Katie (Ken) and great-grandson Ian Matlock of Colorado; step-daughter and son-in-law Jenny and Michael McCreary of Morrill; granddaughters Marina McCreary and Crystal (Craig) Martin; and great-granddaughter Trinity Martin of Torrington, WY.  Special friends are Janette Reichert, Janie Keller, Donna Murphy and Mailen Sbatella who cared for him devotedly during his last illness.    

           He never gave in to the infirmities of old age and never complained. He was ready to go to work every morning, even after his 90^th birthday. His good heart, indomitable spirit, kindness and generosity will live on in our memories.

           According to Byron’s wishes, there will be no viewing, nor funeral service. The family will plan a Celebration of his life gathering soon. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

 

Sister Kathleen Clancy, 87, died Friday, December 14, 2012 at Marian Residence.

She was born on March 21, 1925 in Springfield, IL to Edward Joseph and Catherine Elizabeth (Beaghan) Clancy.

She entered as a candidate on September 7, 1940 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield for the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and professed her temporary vows on June 13, 1943 and professed her final vows on June 13, 1948.  Sister Kathleen received her education from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, MO with her Bachelors of Science degree in 1946 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from St. Louis University in 1971.  Sister Kathleen transferred to the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity and entered there at Marycrest Convent in Denver on May 5, 1981.

Sister Kathleen worked in parish ministry at St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reservation and St. Elizabeth’s Convent in Minot, ND, as a hospital chaplain in Minot, ND and Rapid City, SD.  She was a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and was certified as Chaplain Emeritus in January, 2004.  She moved to Marian Residence in 2008.

She is survived by her brother-in-law, Gerald Chaffe of Granite Bay, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 sisters and 1 brother.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Marian Chapel with Father Lou Nollette officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Wake service will be Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Marian Chapel.

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

Memorial services for Vincent Ruiz of Sylmar, California will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Pier Funeral Home in Gordon with Reverend Al Trucano officiating.

 Vincent passed away December 4th, 2012 in Sylmar, California, after a lengthy illness.  He was 38.

Vincent (Vinnie) was born to Susan and Vincent Ruiz in Anaheim, California on May 28, 1974. He was born one minute before his twin sister, Vicki Renee.

Vinnie attended school at the Riverside School for the Deaf. He enjoyed video games and playing with electronic gadgets. He enjoyed spending time with his Astoria House family, especially going on day trips. Vinnie was a very friendly, fun loving and caring person who made an impression with anyone he came in contact with, and although he couldn’t talk he still made sure his opinion was heard. He will be missed by many.

Vinnie is survived by, his parents Gary and Susan Kaplan of Gordon, Ne and Vincent Ruiz of Odessa, Tx. Brothers, Vincent (Cecilia) Ruiz of Las Vegas, Nv, Ralph (Lydia) Ruiz of Norwalk, Ca, Joey (Christa) Ruiz of Gillette, Wy and Gary Kaplan Jr of Gordon, Ne. Sisters, Mary (Ysidro) Zavala of Norwalk, Ca, Vicki Ruiz, Lisa (Steve) Ruiz, and Carmen (Ryan) Ruiz all of Gordon,Ne. Nieces and Nephews, Brittney , A.J. ,and Breanna Ruiz, Melissa (Mike) Dean, Melinda Zavala, Ralph Jr and Desiree Ruiz, Miguel Ruiz, Max Deckert, Emily Ruiz, Brianna, Joey and Clay Greenamyre, Allaura Baker and 2 Great Nieces, Audrey and Heidi Dean. Along with numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandmother, Bette Trombley, Paternal Grandparents, Arcadio and Carmen Ruiz, Uncle Jerry Ruiz, Uncle Conrad Henri, Cousin Desmond Lazalde and Nephew Cadon Ruiz.

Honorary Pallbearers are his family at The Astoria House.

 Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

 Chamberlain Pier Funeral Home of Gordon is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Cotton Anders, 79, died in Mitchell, Nebraska on December 5, 2012.

 Funeral Service Tuesday, December 11, 2pm, First Christian Church, Scottsbluff. Viewing Monday, December 10, 4-8 pm, Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff. Memorials to First Christian Church, Rebecca Winters Genealogical Society, and West Nebraska Family Research & History Center, all in Scottsbluff. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

 Born on 9 March 1933 in Torrington, WY, to Fern Elizabeth Sanders and Homer Bentley Cotton, she joined her three living siblings on their wheat farm in Iowa Center near Chugwater, WY. In 1938, they moved to Scottsbluff, NE. Mary graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1951.

 She attended junior college in Scottsbluff. She taught K-8 in the Nebraska Unified School District east of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming and 8^th grade in Morrill, Nebraska. She married Dale Anders on 20 October 1957 at First Christian Church in Scottsbluff (divorced in 1980). In their early years, they lived in Pueblo, Colorado. In 1961, they moved back to Scottbluff. Dale worked in the bean business affording Mary her wish to remain home with the children.

 She began searching her family roots in the early 1960s, leading to a lifelong passion for genealogy and history. She taught courses on the topic and authored Sanders Saga, A Cadwell Account, Iowa Center Journal, and other books. She was a founding member of the Rebecca Winters Genealogical Society.

 Her roots in the Iowa Center, WY and Scottsbluff, NE communities went deep. She loved connecting with her friends and family through the years, including all her high school reunions.

 Survivors include Edna M. Cotton (CO), Kevin, Laura, and Jessica Anders (WY), Kristina, Rick, Kadia, and Kalea Miller (WY), Tisa M. Anders (CO), several nephews and nieces and their families. Preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Arthur Cotton, Edward Cotton, and Effie DeWitt; daughters Lisa and Andrea.

 

 

 

 

Memorial Services for Wayne E. Buresh, 58, of Loveland, Colorado will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the New American Legion Club in Martin, South Dakota with Father Bryan Sorensen officiating.  Wayne Edward Buresh passed away on November 28, 2012 at his home in Loveland, Colorado.

 He was born on June 14, 1954 in Rushville, Nebraska to Eddie and Natalie Buresh.  Wayne grew up in Batesland, South Dakota and attended school in Batesland and Martin.

 Wayne married Cindy Leach in Gordon, Nebraska.  To this union were born two sons, Jarrett Edward and Dustin Wayne. He worked at LaCreek Electric for over thirty years and was a member of the Batesland Volunteer Fire Department. 

 Wayne later married Jeanie Paige and moved to Loveland, Colorado.  He loved hunting and fishing and spent weekends passing on this love to his sons.  Wayne also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always had new stories and jokes to share with everyone.

 His survivors include his two sons Jarrett (Gwen) Buresh of Bel Aire, Kansas and Dustin (Julie) Buresh and grandson, Daeden Wayne of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-daughters, Jody (Dave) Pederson, Jessi Paige and Misty Paige; step-grandchildren, TreVahn Paige and Shaylynn Paige Gaxiola; sister, Linda McNutt; brother, Marcus Buresh and eleven nieces and nephews.

 Honorary pallbearers will be friends Wayne Sterkel and Tim Weimer and all of his friends and family.

 Bennett County Funeral Service of Martin is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Jacqueline C. Gardner -Smith, 74, passed away Monday, November 26, 2012 at Mitchell Care Center after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Ken Maldonado officiating.  Interment will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 8, at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Cozad.  Visitation will be held from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, December 6, at Jolliffe Funeral Home in Scottsbluff.  Memorials may be made in care of the family and will be designated at a later date.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jolliffefuneralhome.com.

 Jackie was born March 5, 1938 in Longmont, Colorado to Harry and Evelyn (Madsen) Gardner.  She grew up in Cozad and attended school there.  Jackie moved to California where she married Don Brakeman and had one son, Bret Brakeman.  She later married William Holstein and moved to Hawaii where their daughter, Hina (Heggem), was born.  Jackie worked for JC Penny Co and then became an LPN and EKG tech.  The family moved to various places including Arizona and Florida.  Eventually, Jackie settled with her daughter in Cozad, NE where she helped her parents run the Evening Star Motel.  She later married Michael Smith and moved to Sutherland, NE and worked in Home Health Care until her illness.

 Survivors include her daughter, Hina (Justin) Heggem of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, Jackson, Ben, Grace, and Evan Heggem all of Scottsbluff; son, Bret (Valerie) Brakeman of Hanford, CA; grandchildren, Tanya, Travis, and Theresa Brakeman all of Hanford, CA; nephews and neice, Billy, Chris, and Josh Gardner of CA and Nick, Skip, and Jeff Maloley and Jody Maloley all of Colorado and Nebraska.

 Preceding Jackie in death were her parents, Harry and Evelyn Gardner; sister, Lynda (Gardner) Maloley; and brother, Richard Gardner.

 Jackie’s life never lacked for adventure and she was a hard worker.   She traveled extensively and lived in several states.