Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "Wow what a ride!"JoAnn Young
Edward Arthur Alm, of Greenwood, Nebraska, born on June 6, 1937, died at the age of 72 on July 22, 2009. He was a member of the American Legion in Ashland, Nebraska.
His survivors include his wife, Joyce; daughters, Kimberly Alm and Melissa Russell, both of California; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Jerimy Weinberger, Lincoln; Nickolett and Todd TerMaat, Lincoln; seven grandchildren: Anthone; Kirsten; Abigail; Adam; Anna; Kobe; Jaidyn; brother & sister-in-law, Jerry and Betty Alm, Lincoln; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Duane Nohavec, Eagle; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. His funeral services were held at Peace Lutheran Church in Waverly. His obituary was published by the Lincoln Journal Star.
Paul Evered Baldwin passed away suddenly at home in Vancouver, British Columbia, on October 7, 2007, from complications of diabetes. Paul was born on January 7, 1938 in Lincoln, Nebraska. After completing degrees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of California-Berkeley, he worked at a number of libraries in the San Francisco Bay Area. While at the University of California-Santa Cruz, he met his wife, Nadine. They moved to Vancouver in 1971, where he assumed various library administrative roles and completed an MBA at Simon Fraser University, eventually retiring as Associate University Librarian from that university in 2001.
Paul's leading characteristic was an intelligent enthusiasm for new ideas and new ways of doing things. His enthusiasm always turned into action, and his imprint can be felt in BC libraries today. Paul led the initiative to bring BC postsecondary library card catalogues online and was among the first to recognize the potential of the internet in enhancing library services. Paul is survived by his wife, Nadine, and his brother, Roger. He will be greatly missed by his family, his extended family, and his many friends and former colleagues. Interment was at Kelseyville, California.
Kathleen J. Barker Grant , 74, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, August 14, 2012. She was a member of Havelock United Methodist Church and retired from State Farm Insurance Company.
Survivors include her husband, Vernon L. Grant, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Son & Daughter-in-law Mark & Deb Grant of Lincoln; Daughters & Sons-in-law: Kelly & Jeff Meier of Lincoln, Terri Wismer of Lincoln, Joyce & Scott Palmer of Waverly, NE; Grandchildren include Jenny, Lindsey & Jesse Grant, Shaun & Riane Murphy, Makenna & Bill Meier, Alexis, Abby & Austin Wismer, Ashley & husband Griffen Jelinek, Andrew & Megan Palmer, three great grandchildren,. She is also survived by her Sister & Brother-in-law, Rosemary & Jim Bryant. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents George & Dorothy Barker, her brother, Rodney Barker, and her son-in-law, Marlin Wismer. She is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are to the Nebraska Alzheimer�s Association.
Joan Bodfield Gallagher, born April 1, 1938 to Harold and Eloise Bodfield in Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on December 28, 2006 in Wickenburg, Arizona, after a two year illness. She married Leonard (Len) Gallagher in 1958, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, who was stationed at the Lincoln Air Force Base in the mid-fifties. Joan worked at Golds' Department Store as a sales person and in the postal department throughout high school and after she graduated. She met Len through their involvement in�the "Youth for Christ" program in Lincoln and the two of them were soon attending the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church together. When Len's military commitment ended, he returned to his civilian job in Boston; but he and Joan continued their courtship "at a distance" for two years.
When they were married, Len and Joan agreed to make their home in Massachusetts. They had six children, and while Len pursued his work outside the home for 33 years, Joan's "career" was dedicated to her family, reading to their children daily, teaching and encouraging them. According to Len, "She was deeply and happily involved in their lives." Like her mother and grandmother, Joan enjoyed all forms of needlework including knitting, quilting and dress-making. In 2004, Len and Joan moved to Wickenburg, which is northwest of Phoenix, after living in Massachusetts for 46 years.
Joan is survived by her six children and their spouses: Thomas, in New Hampshire; David, in North Dakota; Lorraine Bryan, in Naperville, IL; Douglas, in Tennessee; Jennifer Owen, in New Hampshire; and Judith, in MA. Joan is also survived by nine grandchildren and her sister, Belva Adams, of Lincoln.
Her husband, Len, wrote this lovely note after receiving the reunion announcement: "Joan, my super-wife for 48 years, is no longer among us, having 'graduated' at the end of 2006. She'll miss the Class Reunion, of course, but I'm sure she's pretty much distracted now with the glories of God's heaven and the constant presence of her Living Lord, Jesus Christ. Please convey Joan's updated status to anyone else in the Class who needs to know. Thanks."
Shirley A. Borchers Brooks, 71, of Lincoln, passed away on July 20, 2010. Shirley was born on July 9, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebaska to Christian and Esther (Ninneman) Borchers. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and a forty-year volunteer at Bryan East Medical Center. She was a member of The Red Hat Club and a sorority. She was an avid antique collector and very much enjoyed plants and gardening. She was interested in fashion and had a love for animals.
Her survivors include: Son, Kelly Brooks, Lincoln; Daughter & Husband, Angie and Chris Johnson, Lincoln; Step-Son, Chris Brooks, Omaha; Brother, Kenny Borchers, California; Grandchildren, Calin Johnson, Chicago, Kecia and Shea Johnson, Lincoln. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Tom Brooks, and her brother, Christopher Borchers.
Darlene Elaine Bumgardner Shimko died November 23, 2008. She was born on August 21, 1937, in Geneva, Nebraska, to William and Lillie Kreachbaum Bumgardner. Her last residence was in Sebastian, Florida. (The 50th Reunion yearbook listed a Lincoln, NE address.) In a July 11, 2008 newspaper story, Darlene was mentioned as president of Sebastian's Steppingstone Quilters.
The Lincoln Journal-Star announced, on May 20, 1956, Darlene's engagement to George F. Shimko of Cleveland, Ohio. They were divorced in April, 1974 and remarried in Clark County, Nevada in 1979.
We could find no list of survivors but we know that she was preceded in death by her parents, who are buried in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, and by her husband, who died in 1992 in Cleveland, Ohio. Darlene had five children (names unknown) and two sisters, Arlene LeMar, living in St. Louis, Missouri, and Kathlene Ahlbrecht, reported in their mother's obituary in 2000.
Richard C. (Dick) Burnett, age 72, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died on June 7, 2011 in Crete, NE. He was born in Independence, Kansas on June 11, 1938 to Merrill and Vera (Stone) Burnett. He lived in Lincoln from 1943 to 1965 and moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1965. Dick married Mary Gray on August 10, 1967. They returned to Lincoln in 1982 due to Mary's deteriorating health. She lost her 25-year-long struggle with multiple sclerosis in 2006. Dick served in the National Guard from 1956 to 1964 and worked for Security Services Inc. for 23 years, posted at National Bank of Commerce.
In his obituary, Dick acknowledged "several special people who went above and beyond the call of duty on his behalf." In Lincoln, those mentioned were Maurice Lange, Bob Lattimer, Bill Jernigan, Loel Brooks, Steve Sorenson, Dick Aksamit, Peggy Kitsmiller "and friend for life, Bob Walenta." Dick was entombed at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, in the Angel Mausoleum.
Rita Lucille Davis Gragg was born August 15, 1938 in Rapid City, South Dakota and passed away February 18, 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a passion for art and enjoyed crafting ceramics, as well as teaching others the skill of making ceramics.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Kesse Kenneth Gragg, and she is survived by her father, Charles Davis of Lincoln, NE; three sons: Ronal David Warf and wife, Odelia, of Houston, TX; Scott David Warf of Auburn, WA; and David Alan Warf of Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Richard Davis of California; four grandchildren, Danielle, Asia, Cody and Tyler; and other family members and friends who loved and will miss her.
Rita was buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with her late husband.
Robert Ellenwood, 69, of Lincoln, Nebraska, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away May 15, 2007. He was born in Lincoln on January 10, 1938, to William H. and Regina (Schultze) Ellenwood. Bob was part-owner of Ideal Grocery and retired January 1, 2000. His humor and life perspective will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Angela Ellenwood of Honolulu, Hawaii; son and daughter-in-law and grandsons, Christian and Elisabeth Ellenwood, Carson and Emerson of Whitewater, Wisconsin; son, Matthew Ellenwood of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his twin brother, William H. Jr. of Lincoln, his partner at Ideal Grocery; sister and brother-in-law; Nancy and Arley C. Fisher of Cairo, Georgia; and sister, Ruth Simmons of Jacksonville, Florida. His obituary was published in the Lincoln Journal Star.
Barbara Ann Garver, 72, of Lincoln, Nebraska died on February 21, 2011 in Lincoln. She was born on November 8, 1938 in Fargo, North Dakota to Louis and Eleanor (Makovicka) Fiala. Barbara worked at State Farm Insurance for 28 years and then she worked part-time for 17-1/2 years for American Greetings.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert, of Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law, Robert II and Julie Garver of Lincoln; grandchildren, Marisa Nicole and Ryan Lee Garver; sister, Judie Rogers of Lincoln; one niece and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Billy Rogers.
Kenneth Lee Filbert, 70, passed away on October 5, 2010. Ken was born in Lincoln on November 28, 1939. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and was a longtime employee at Nebraska Bookstore.
Ken is survived by his wife, Nancy (Hufman); his daughters, Deanna Filbert Johnson of Columbus, Nebraska; Marsha Filbert Straile of Seeley Lake, Montana; Lisa Filbert Bomberger and husband Dennis of Lincoln; and his son, Russell Filbert and wife, Dawn, of Bellwood, Nebraska and their mother, Penny Filbert of Lincoln; his sisters, Judith Filbert of Lincoln and Celeste Filbert of Asheville, North Carolina; step-children, Alan Zinnecker of Hickman, Nebraska, Toby Zinnecker Samples and husband Brad of Grand Island, Nebraska. Ken had six grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and two nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Nettie Filbert of Lincoln.
Sharon L. Hanneman Burling, 67, passed away on December 11, 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Her death had not been reported to us before the 50th Reunion Yearbook was printed.) Born in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 21, 1938 to the late Orville and Molly Hanneman, she had lived in Jacksonville since 1987, and was retired from Banking. Surviving her are her children: daughter, Cindy Catalan (Ivan), and sons, Joe Burling, and Rick Burling (Elizabeth); sisters, Jan Simmons, Susan Williams, Molly Lyons, and grandchildren Justin Grube, RickiLee Burling, Valerie Hunter and Ivan Catalan Jr.
Born with extraordinary athletic ability, Richard "Dick" Hergenrader earned the nickname "Yogi" (after the great Yogi Berra) when he was still in grade school, playing sandlot baseball with his boyhood friends in Lincoln, Nebraska. His athleticism was exceeded only by his natural charisma, outgoing personality and a sense of humor that lasted a lifetime. He passed away on January 10, 2012, at home in Oxnard, CA, after a seven-year battle with various cancers, which he fought like the champion he was.
Baseball was his first love and he was coached gently and faithfully by his father, Fred, and cheered on by his mother, Leah. His sports ability was recognized early and he was part of the Whittier Junior High Midget League team that won the Class B Championship in 1951.
While attending Lincoln High School in 1953-1956, Yogi lettered in Baseball all three years. After playing a year on the Reserve basketball team, he lettered in Basketball for two years and was a member of Coach Lyle Weyand's 1954-55 team which had a 17-1 record and was named the State Champions by the World Herald . He was inducted into the Lincoln High Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 and these are quotes from the website:
"Excelling in two sports, Dick "Yogi" Hergenrader played a significant role on four Red and Black teams recognized as State Champions during the mid-1950s. During his senior year, his batting average was .400 as Coach Buford Grosscup's team had an 11-4 record and he provided the leadership for a third straight State Championship." Dick won the National American Legion Batting Title in 1955 with an average of .377 in tournament play.
During his high school years, he also played for the Lincoln Optimist Club, which at that time sponsored only one team. The team went on to the national quarter finals in 1955, even though they were down to 12 players, due to illness and injuries. This is a quote from a 1980 article about the historic team written in the Lincoln, NE Sunday Journal and Star: "They went down battling though. Hergenrader hit what appeared to be a game-tying homer over the left-field fence against Salisbury, NC, but it curved foul at the last moment. Against Cincinnati, the O's had the bases loaded in the ninth when the Cincy shortstop ended the game by making a difficult play on Porky Oltman's grounder."
Dick signed with the Boston Red Sox Organization after graduating from Lincoln High School in 1956. He was an infielder and rose to Class AAA ball and made the major league roster, although he did not play with the Sox. While playing with the Boston Red Sox farm teams, he attended the University of Nebraska and earned a B.S. in Education. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. After suffering an ankle injury, he took a position as manager in the Red Sox chain before leaving the organization in 1964, joining the DuPont Company for 31 years in X-ray sales and management.
After he retired, Dick and Judy, his wife of 34 years, moved from the San Fernando Valley to Hollywood Beach where they lived happily for 20 years. In addition to being a talented gardener, who cultivated prize-winning roses, Dick was an avid golfer. He cherished his time at the Spanish Hills Country Club where he and Judy enjoyed many long hours on the course with their many friends. At his 40th high school class reunion in Lincoln, "Yogi" got his first hole-in-one, playing with classmate, Dick Youngscap.
Dick is survived by his wife, Judy, his daughter, Holly, and her husband Sean and their two children, Tanner and India. He is also survived by four other grandchildren; Jessica, Sarah, Chrissy and Jennifer, and his sister, Ellie Stehr, of Lincoln, NE. He will be sorely missed by his precious 4-legged children, Molly and Andy.
The family would like to sincerely thank his team of doctors who fought so hard to save him: Dr. Robert Lum, Dr. Ann Kelley, Dr. Richard Essner, Dr. Bente Berman and the many staff members associated with their practices. Judy writes, "Dick held his group of
physicians in warm regard, trusted them implicitly throughout his illness and faced his treatments with courage, grace and dignity, an inspiration to us all."
A Celebration of his life was held on January 19th at Spanish Hills Country Club and this quote was used on the back of his Memorial Service program: �A hero is a person who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
Dorothy Glade Middleton provided the following information:
"Rosalie Marie Jacob died on August 10, 2011 in Colorado. She had battled cancer and heart problems since the early 1970s. Recently, her cancer returned in many areas, and it overtook her. The wife of Rosalie's nephew called everyone in Rosalie's Christmas card book to let them know of her death and to tell them of the plans for a cremation ceremony at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Denver and a memorial service in Lincoln, Nebraska. Many of her family are gone, but her last wish was that her ashes be buried with her mother at Lincoln Memorial Park. Rosalie served as an airline hostess for TWA for 38 years before retiring and living in Colorado. She really had some wonderful adventures with her flying experiences. I'm so sorry to see another one of our classmates go."
Kathleen A. Larsen Ulrich, born on February 14, 1937, passed away on January 31, 2009 after a long illness, involving heart surgeries and strokes. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956. Kathleen was married to Darrell L. Ulrich (LHS Class of 1953) for 50 years, an occasion they celebrated on October 14, 2006.
She is survived by her children: Debra Ulrich, Omaha, NE; Diane VonDollen, Herman, NE; David Ulrich, Omaha, NE; Derek Ulrich, Omaha, NE; Douglas Ulrich, Omaha, NE; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Kathleen is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Lincoln.
Roger James Law, born in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 19, 1937, died at home in Papillion, NE on November 5, 2010. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and joined the ROTC upon entering the University of Nebraska in Lincoln before becoming employed by the Nebraska National Guard with an enlisted status, working his way from Private to Sergeant First Class. After 12 years, he had the opportunity to take the exam and went to OCS at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he received his Federally Recognized Commission as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry ARNG. He requested and received an honorable discharge in 1988.
Roger was employed by Allstate Insurance Company as a retail sales agent and retired with 34 years of service as a Senior Account Agent in his own office. While employed by Allstate, he received many honors and awards for outstanding sales.
Roger loved his family and delighted in providing fun and entertainment, especially with toys that had motors. He had a passion for snowmobiling, boating and motorcycle riding. In the past few years, he took Teri LaBrie and Tyson Stanard on an annual trip exploring the open road in different directions of the country. His favorite years were spent residing at Lake Wa-Con-Da where he enjoyed his retirement years with family and friends.
Roger was a current Master Mason of the John J. Mercer Lodge 290, a member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and a noble of the Tangier Shriners Omaha, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Law; daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and Teri LaBrie; and daughters Deann, Cheryl and Linda Law; grandchildren, Shelby, Levi and Colton LaBrie; Sarah, RJ and Rachel Tisch; Tyson, Ashley and Amanda Stanard; Alex Sanderson; Mark and Tanner Bussey; great-granddaughter Kathryn Stanard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Maxine Tocko; his father, Myron Law; brother, Ronald Law; sister, Linda Tocko and niece, Terri Law Clark.
Roger was buried at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Marvin Eugene Little, 69, of Lincoln, Nebraska died February 3, 2008 in Lincoln. Born August 17, 1938 in Lincoln, to Marvin and Evelyn (Gray) Little Sr. He retired as a University of Nebraska Athletic Department groundskeeper. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ELCA, the Nifty Fifty Car Club, and the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter and son-in-law, Judy & Dennis Gergen, Lincoln, daughter & special friend Jeani Clinkenbeard & James Anthes, Lincoln; daughter & son-in-law, Dawn & Andrew M. Johnson, Norfolk, NE; son-in-law, Jeff Clinkenbeard, Lincoln; grandchildren; Nichole, Tasha, Joshua, Gage, Breanna, Cain; brothers & sister-in-law Gary & Eloise Little, Lincoln; Mike Little, Calif.; sister, Beverly Bonnett, Lincoln; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-brother, Norman Doran, Jr. Marvin was buried in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. No photo was available for the Memorial Poster.
Arleen J. Loos was born on January 26, 1937 and passed away at the age of 72 on December 22, 2009 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She worked at Magee's Department Store in Lincoln and remained single. Arleen is buried in Lincoln.
Lynne, 72, died peacefully at home with her family on April 17, 2011. She was an incredible force to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her survivors include her husband of 50 years, Robert; children and their spouses: Sarah Battey-King and David Anderson; Bruce Battey and Heather; Anne Battey Jeffries, and Matthew and Michelle Battey; grandchildren: Madeleine, Ian, Jacob, Taylor, Mackenzie, Shayne, Kyah, Beatrice, Morgan; and brother David Meyers. She will be greatly missed by those she touched. (Published in Denver Post on April 20, 2011.)
Lucille Moeller Dodd, 71, born on August 5, 1938 in Douglas County, Nebraska, to Fred and Miriam Moeller, passed away on January 7, 2010 in Baytown, Texas, after suffering from diabetes for many years. She was an active member of the Cedar Bayou Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #11 for 52 years.
She married Ted Dodd, a young man stationed at the Air Force Base in Lincoln, Nebraska. Lucille met Ted at the skating rink on 48th Street and they married a few years after she graduated from high school. They moved to Texas after their marriage and Ted continues to live in Baytown.
Lucille was talented in both needlework and crafts and was generous with her creations. She quilted and crocheted countless blankets, which she donated to children's hospitals for many years. She was also a dedicated volunteer.
Lucille is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ted, and two children: her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Lee Perdue, of Palestine, TX and her son, Randy Dodd, of Crosby, TX, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She leaves many special friends with the Eastern Star. Lucille was preceded in death by her first two children, Mark and Jimmy Dodd, who were born prematurely, and her sister, Patricia Cantu, who died in the 1990s. Lucille is buried at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown, Texas.
Darrell Leroy Nelson, born June 21, 1938 in Lincoln, Nebraska, died on February 12, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. He was a Corporal in the Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam in the 1960's. He was a member of the Marine Reserves and passed away in the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, California. Darrell was married three times and is survived by his widow, Jackie Hamburg.
In an email addressed to Bill Fagerberg on March 15, 2010, we were informed of the death of Darrell L. Nelson. (We had incorrectly included him in our list of deceased classmates in the 50th Reunion Yearbook.) Information received in subsequent emails indicated that Darrell had changed his name from Darrell Leroy Nelson to Waldo Wyatt Pepper in the latter years of his life. Darrell/Waldo became interested in flying small planes in the 1970's and his name change was inspired by a movie entitled "The Great Waldo Pepper," made in 1975, starring Robert Redford. A copy of his memorial service program included observations by his friends and tell us what an interesting man he was:
He loved:
- Natural beauty, national parks (especially Yosemite and Glacier)
- Studying human behavior
- The Veterans Affairs Mission To care for him who shall have borne the battle
and for his widow and his orphan
- Abraham Lincoln
- The United States Marine Corps Motto
Semper Fidelis, "Semper Fi" for short - "Always Faithful"
How we will remember him:
Marines are well known for leaving no man behind.
This Marine's body is gone, but his memory will never be forgotten.
Until he became very ill, Waldo lived his life with gusto.
His first loves were Country, Corps, friends, and our little family.
Some other things he loved and would want to be remembered for are:
Astronomy, space travel (real and fictional)
Road trips (especially on his motorcycle)
Intellectual pursuits, e.g. debating, playing chess, learning anything new
Physical fitness, working out, gymnastics, swimming
Dogs, and all other animals
History: U.S., world, military, weaponry, aviation
Classical music (especially Beethoven), fine arts, movies, dance, theater, opera.
He was famous for:
Salesmanship
Flirting with the ladies
Flying small "tail-dragger" planes, doing aerobatics, skydiving
Expressing affection to loved ones, was a true romantic
Western buff, hero was Wyatt Earp
An avid reader, favorite author was Ayn Rand
Generosity toward friends and strangers
Always rooted for the underdog
Being practical, staying calm in a crisis
Good food, good jokes, good fun
Freedom, independence, lack of censorship, being true to himself
Connie Lou Merry, 72, of Lincoln, Nebraska went home to be with her heavenly Father on November 10, 2011 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 16, 1938 in Lincoln to Ervin and Hazel Marie (Brower) Peterson. She retired as a secretary for Lancaster County Engineering. She was a member of First-Plymouth Congregational Church; a 50-year member of P.E.O. Chapter GV; a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority; and the Red Hat Society. She was an avid Husker fan, bowler and bridge player. Connie served on decorating and memorial committees, was treasurer for Autumn Wood Homeowners Association and made reservations for the club house.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters and sons-in-law: Cori and Kevin Neth, Lincoln; Chris and Jeff Volkmer, Springfield, MO; son and daughter-in-law: Chan and Brenda Merry, Hickman, NE; grandchildren: Casie Kissinger, Lincoln, Colby Winch, Springfield, MO, Dustin, Tyler, and Shelby Merry, Hickman; great grandchildren: Hayes Winch, Payne and Mayson Kissinger; brother and sister-in-law: Bob and Joan Peterson, Lincoln; a very special friend: Dick Hammel, Higginsville, MO; nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her parents.
Phyllis June Coleman, 70, passed away on January 5, 2009. She was the daughter of Lee Rabb and Mary Jane Philips. Phyllis was a longtime employee of both the Salvation Army and Voc-Rehab. She loved her pets and going on adventurous car rides. She had a zest for life, touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her son, Arthur Matteo Coleman; her sister and brother-in-law, Doris Jean and Vern Jacobmeier, all of Lincoln; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, in-laws and friends. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Willie A. Coleman, and her parents.
Arturs Pudists, 67, passed away on February 18, 2007 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on May 6, 1939, the son of Nikolajo Pudists and Vilma Kristine Pudists, in Latvia, arriving in Lincoln in the early 1950s, with many other Latvian immigrant families.
(In the "Deceased Classmates" pages of the 50th Reunion Yearbook, Jim's death was reported as occurring in 1989. We now believe this to be incorrect.)
James Franklin Purcell, born June 10. 1937, in Sacramento County, California, passed away on February 7, 2003,�according to U.S. Veterans Gravesites' records. He is listed as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, and as having served in Vietnam. The Social Security Death Index lists his last residence as Reno, Nevada. He is buried in Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, NV.
A July 17, 1954, Journal-Star news story reads: "From Sparta, Wisconsin, come Mr. and Mrs. James F. Purcell and their 17-year-old son, James, Jr." The Purcells are from Sacramento, Callifornia but Mr. Purcell is manager of this region, (which includes nine states) for a California manufacturer of beverage machines. The Purcells love Lincoln and hope to live here permanently. Their address is 3278 Holdrege."
Jim attended the University of Nebraska and in 1959, was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., with the U.S. Marine Corps. The California Marriage Index, 1960-1985, lists a James F. Purcell, age 44, marrying Susan G. Harvuot, age 37, on December 5, 1981 in San Mateo.
Jerry L. Reed, born June 7, 1938, died on February 26, 2010 in Bristow, Oklahoma. In the 1999 LHS Directory, he was listed as a Machinist for T-Stone Industries in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. We think he is survived by his wife, Mary, and his children and/or grandchildren: Kevin, Shannon, Shonda, Lori, Jeremy, Rodney, and Kimberlie.
Kay E. Rosenlof Bruder, 72, of Denton, Nebraska, died on November 2, 2009. She was born on July 19, 1937 in Madison, Minnesota, to Harold and Mabel (Vogt) Rosenlof.
She was a co-owner of Bloomin' Acres, selling flowers and vegetables raised in a greenhouse on her farm. She was a member of the Crete Berean Church.
Surviving family members include her husband, Ron H. Bruder; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Marla Bruder, Crete; Michael and Janine Bruder; and Tim Bruder, all of Firth. Grandchildren: Mandy Bruder and special friend, Blaine Spanjer, Crete; Melissa and husband Chad Burchett, Lincoln; Mitchell Bruder and Madeline Bruder, both of Firth; Cassandra Bruder and MacKenzie Bruder; and one great grandchild expected, to be named Makenna Kay; Sisters and brothers-in-law: Joyce and Roland Groteluschen, Kansas City, MO; Mary and John Gerlach, Salisbury, MD; and nieces and nephews. Kay was preceded in death by her parents and was buried in Wyuka Cemetery.
Sherry Schoneman Dingman, 63, of Auburn, Nebraska died on May 21, 2001. (Her death had not been reported to us before the 50th Reunion Yearbook was printed.) She was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 29, 1937 to Ernest and Audrey (Slade) Schoneman. She graduated from Lincoln High in 1956 and was the Manager of an Antique Mall.
She was survived by her husband, Norman Dingman, who passed away April 29, 2012 in Magnolia, Arkansas. Other survivors at the time of her death were: Sons, daughters-in-law, Dave and Janet of Ozark, Missouri; Steve and Kathleen of Magnolia, Arkansas; Grandchildren: Ashley, Kelsey, Matthew and Darcy; Sister, Jackie Domer of Lincoln.
Memorial services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn and contributions were requested to be sent to the American Heart Fund. Sherry was buried at the Sheridan Cemetery, west of Auburn. The obituary appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star.
Richard R. Seymour, 71, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away on June 5, 2011 at his home. Dick was born on June 23, 1939 in Lincoln to Victor and Margaret Seymour. He was active in the Lincoln Unitarian Church and graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Nebraska. He also received a B.A. in music from Western Washington University and a master's degree in music from Boston University. After living in Bellingham, WA and Boston, MA for many years, he returned to Lincoln in 1999, where he worked in the music library at the University of Nebraska and accompanied the choir at the Unitarian Church.
He is survived by his brother, William; his sister, Victoria, and her husband, Charles Bassani of Chicago; and his brother, Thomas, and wife, Sally Seymour of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Gary Edward Smith, 71, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died peacefully at home on January 25, 2008. He was the owner of Geier's Bakery from 1961-1995. Gary was a Lincoln High School Graduate and was a member of the Lincoln High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame (Team football), 1954. He was part of the Minor League Chicago Cubs, 1956-1958 and the Los Angeles Dodgers, 1958-1961. He coached Leon�s Midget Football, American Legion Baseball, and Little Fry Basketball; flagged car races at Eagle Raceway and Waverly Raceway Park; and loved playing golf and flying radio controlled airplanes. Gary's grandchildren were the greatest joys of his life.
Gary is survived by his wife, Diane Geier (LHS Class of 1958) and their son, Gary Kevin and wife, Julie, of Lincoln; grandchildren, Ryan Smith and Sarah Smith; daughter, Kimberly Brown and husband, Stephen, of Phoenix, AZ; daughter-in-law, Jonna Smith, of Lincoln; brothers-in-law and spouses, Richard and Rae Geier; David and Sherri Geier, all of Lincoln; Donald Geier and Barbara Johnson, Overland Park, Kan.; nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his son, Randy; and parents, Edward and Helen. He is buried at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Jeanette Ann Thornton Jackson , 71, of Lincoln, Nebraska, went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 20, 2011. She was born on July 10, 1939 in Geneva, NE to Donald Albert and Mary (Hays) Thornton. She was a homemaker and a member of the Faith Bible Church. She also attended the Evangelical Free Church and the First Assembly of God.
Surviving family members include her husband, Roger; daughters, and son-in-law: Rose Hedin, Seattle, WA; Grace and Mike Courtney, San Diego, CA; grandchildren: Nathan, Andrew and Ashley Courtney; sister, brother-in-law: Sandra and David Sutter, Raleigh, NC. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Jane Scholle, and a son-in-law, Terry Hedin.