Margie Baum, 86, of Elgin, passed away Monday, June 4, 2018 at her home, surrounded by family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2018 at St. Boniface Church in Elgin, NE with Rev. Kevin Vogel officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service. Huffman-Levander Funeral Home of Elgin, NE is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to St. Boniface Church, St. Boniface School, and Pope John School. Rozella Margaret Baum, daughter of Russell and Catherine (Kerkman) Hoefer, was born November 9, 1931 on the family farm south of Elgin, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Church in Elgin, attended St. Boniface Grade School and graduated from St. Boniface High School in 1949. She attended Wayne State College in Wayne, NE, receiving her Teaching Certificate in the summer of 1949, and continued her education through night classes and by correspondence. She taught school at the Horn School and at District #39 south west of Elgin from fall 1950 through spring 1953. On December 30, 1952, Margie married Roman John Baum at St. Boniface Church in Elgin. They made their home on the farm southwest of Elgin, where they lived, farmed and raised their nine children: James, Ruth, Pat, Nancy, Bruce, Anita, Tim, Mike and Lisa. After their children were raised, Margie worked several years as the Laundry Supervisor at Neligh Care and Rehabilitation Center in Neligh, NE.Margie was active in her church and community as a lifelong member of St. Boniface Church, member and president of St. Boniface Christian Mothers, St Boniface Choir, Circle Leader for St. Boniface Altar Society, Rosary Block Group, VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary, and Elgin Community Center Board Member. Her family and music were big parts of Margie’s life. She delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and their visits and photos brought a smile to her. One way she supported her grandchildren was by attending many of their musical performances and sporting events. She inspired her children, encouraging them and passing down her love of music to them. She and Roman often played and sang traditional music and old country music: Margie on the piano and Roman on his guitar while the family joined in singing and/or playing drums and strumming Grandpa Baum’s four-string banjo. She and Roman enjoyed the many dances they attended throughout their over 49 years of marriage. A busy farm wife, she found time to teach each of her daughters, as well as other neighborhood pupils, the basics of the piano. Margie’s children were proud of the fact that their mom was the pianist for all of the District #97 Country School’s Christmas programs. Margie was never without a book in her hands, especially non-fiction and history books, and she instilled that passion for reading in many of her children: Saturday trips to the Elgin Library occurred weekly. Margie often crocheted and quilted and enjoyed gardening, especially flowers. She raised a huge garden from which she canned the family’s vegetables for each winter. She was also active with the farming operation and helped in the field and with the livestock. Margie was a devout Roman Catholic, observing its rituals, customs and practices. She was a sports fan and loved board games: she was an avid baseball fan, never missed Jeopardy, and enjoyed Scrabble, puzzles, and card games, especially with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children: James (Mary) Baum of Elgin, NE; Ruth Vacha of Norfolk, NE; Pat (Bonnie) Baum of Albion, NE; Nancy Baum (Kursat Guzey) of North Richland Hills, TX; Bruce Baum of Elgin, NE; Anita (Larry) Vacha of Wahoo, NE; Tim (Kim) Baum of Elizabeth, CO; Mike (Anna) Baum of Mullen, NE; Lisa (Kevin) Thiele of Wahoo, NE; 15 granddaughters; four grandsons; eight great-granddaughters; six great-grandsons; a sister Lois (Bill) Williams) of Sun Lakes, AZ; a brother-in-law Bob Medcalf of Neligh, NE; two sisters-in-law: Charlotte Hoefer and Juan Hoefer, both of Elgin, NE; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Margie was preceded in death by her husband Roman; parents Catherine and Russell; sisters Mary Kay Medcalf and Regina Smith; brothers John, Leonard and Paul; grandchildren Dana, Clinton, Baylie and Trevor Jerome, and son-in-law Vincent Vacha. Private family Celebration of Life and Inurnment for Ronald Helmer, 90, of Neligh will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 and inurnment at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Public visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Ron passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Neligh Care and Rehabilitation Neligh. Beyer Snider Memorial is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com. Ronald Lee Helmer was born on September 1, 1927, to Jake and Nettie (Spjut) Helmer, graduated from Royal High School, and immediately entered the Seabees, serving in the south Pacific. Upon his return, became engaged and married Lois (Mickey) McDaniel and the two celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on December 27, 2017. After a short stint in farming, he entered into construction, eventually forming Helmer’s Home Improvement Construction Company, designing, building and remodeling homes in Neligh and the surrounding area. He and his wife then purchased Binkerd’s Furniture, and for the next twenty years worked side by side in Helmer’s Home Furnishings until their retirement in the mid 1990’s. Next to spending time with his family, Ronald was a passionate fisherman, fishing the lakes throughout the United States and Canada. He also enjoyed working in his lawn, his poker club, golf, writing, painting, sculpting, singing, and his tie spent dancing and traveling with his soul mate Mickey. He served on the Neligh Volunteer Fire Department, the United Methodist Church Council, and Neligh Jaycees, and was a three term elected city councilman where he served as president all three terms. He was a lifetime member of the Neligh Legion. Ronald is survived by his wife, daughters Vicki (Gary) Cotton of Morrill, Nebraska and Cheri (Roger) Helmer-Reinsche of Omaha, Nebraska. Three grandchildren, Michelle Cotton Harriger and finance Troy Eisenhauer of West Point, Nicole Cotton Talavat (Chris) of Kearney, Bob Cotton and special friend Clay Obrigewitch of Merri Island, Florida, eight great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, brother-in-law Lon (Audrey) McDaniel of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Larry (Gwen) McDaniel of Titusville, Florida, sister-in-laws Mayra Helmer of Fairbanks, Alaska, Helen McDaniel of Denver, Colorado, nieces and nephews, and host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Leonard and Blanche McDaniel, brother-in-law Lloyd McDaniel, and siblings, Clara Helmer-Danielson, Danny Helmer, Terry Helmer, and nephew Johnny Helmer. Funeral services for Vella Escritt, 85, of Neligh, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh with Pastor Robert Moore, officiating.
Burial will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 1, at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh. Vella passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Neligh Care and Rehabilitation Center in Neligh. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com. Vella Escritt was born on November 17, 1932 to Walter and Effie (Neibuhr) Downs in Oakdale, Nebraska. She attended school in Oakdale and graduated from Oakdale High School with the Class of 1950. On April 15, 1951 she was united in marriage to Bernard Escritt in Smith Center, Kansas. She worked on the farm, Imperial Steakhouse, and Cabin Bottle Shop. She enjoyed camping, Nebraska Football, gambling, and spending time with grandkids; especially seeing them on Halloween. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Oakdale. She is survived by her daughters: Bev Howell and Richard Stolley of Woodbine, IA and Vicky Carstens and Art Sehi of Oakdale, NE, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandkids and brother, Everett Downs of Mulberry, FL. Preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Allan; grandson, Bradley Hanlin; brother, Raymond, two son-in-laws, Mark Carstens and Steve Howell and sister-in-law, Irene Downs. Memorial services for Diane Lang, age 89, of Portland, Oregon, formerly of Tilden, Nebraska, will be 10:30 a.m. June 9, 2018, at Faith
United Methodist Church in Tilden. Pastor Ralph Metschke will officiate, with burial in Tilden City Cemetery. Brockhaus-Harlan Funeral Home in Tilden is in charge of arrangements. Diane Evelyn (Baker) Lang passed away peacefully on May 19, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. Diane was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Fred Junior Lang, who passed away on September 20, 2017. Diane and Fred were both born and raised in Tilden, Nebraska. They also lived in North Platte, Nebraska; Pagosa Springs, Colorado; and Sun City, Arizona. Mourning Diane’s passing are her children, Carolyn Lang of Portland, Oregon, Mark Lang of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Craig Lang of New York, New York; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Diane was fond of telling people that her family was her life. Her family knows that she is in a better place with our Lord, but we miss her terribly. Funeral services for Cyril Schrage, 73, of Clearwater, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 4, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Clearwater with Father John Norman officiating.
Burial will be at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2018 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and Wake at 2:00 p.m. Cyril passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018 in Omaha. Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be directed to family at www.snidermemorialfh.com In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to the family. Funeral services for Florence Neyens, 92, of Oakdale, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 31, at Brockhaus-Harlan Funeral Home in Tilden.
John Petersen will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018, at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Florence died Monday, May 28, 2018, at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh. Florence May Neyens was born on the 4th of July 1925, at Cripple Creek, Colorado. How fitting, that having come into the world on the day that we celebrate independence, that she would leave us on the day that we honor those who fought for it, Memorial Day, May 28th, 2018. She was 92. She was the daughter of William “Bill” and Louise Munkers. She graduated from Cripple Creek High School. On October 26, 1969, Florence was united in marriage to Charles Neyens at Indian Hills, Colorado. Together they raised five children: Constance “Connie”, Robbinette “Robbie”, Sharon, George, and Edith “Dee Dee.” Florence was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, American Legion Auxiliary, K of C Altar Society and the Oakdale Cemetery Auxiliary. She was also involved in many local events throughout the area. Florence is survived by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Neyens; children, Connie, Sharon, George, and Dee Dee; 12 grandchildren, Jamie, Tami, JJ, Scott, Shelly, Ed, Andi, Matt, Sam, Cris, Brooke, and Leslie; 31 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; brother, William “Bill, Jr.”; sister, Clara; brother-in-law Bob; sister-in-law, Vickie; and brother-in-law, Doug. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Robbie; sister, Stella; brother-in-law, William “Bill’ Neyens; as well as two brothers and one sister who preceded her as young children. Kimberly Jessica Vaughan, 14, of Alvin, TX passed away on May 18, 2018, in Santa Fe, TX.
Kimberly was born on August 12, 2003, in San Diego, CA to Christopher Lee Vaughan and Rhonda Jean Hart. She has been a resident of Alvin for the past nine years and formally of Alaska. She was a Freshman at Santa Fe High School and a member of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Counsel 27127, a Sr. Level Girl Scout. Kimberly was a member of the Harry Potter Fan Club and loved going to the library. She was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She loved cats and never met a stranger. Kimberly is survived by her parents Rhonda Hart and Christopher “Lee” Vaughan; grandparents Richard L. Hart and wife Toni, Donna Molbug, and Ralph and Patricia Vaughan; great-grandfather Ralph Vaughan, Sr.; brother Tyler Vaughan; aunts and uncles Randy Hart, Adam Hart and wife Bertha and Marissa Vaughan. There will be a visitation at 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Clear Creek Community Church 999 FM 270 League City, TX 77573. There will be a Funeral Service at 2:00 P.M. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Santa Fe Texas Educational Foundation P.O. Box 747 Santa Fe, TX 77517. Arlie Jon Novotny was born on January 27, 1926 in Lindsey, NE to John and Rose Novotny. He died March 25, 2017 in Lincoln, NE. Arlie attended Meadow Grove School where he first met his wife, LaDonna Wieting. Arlie left high school early and enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served in WWII on the USS Logan in the South Pacific as a Motor Machinist’s Mate, Second; he was honorably discharged on January 22, 1947.
Arlie returned home where he married LaDonna, and they proceeded to have four boys, Fredd, Brad, Dana and Bill. Arlie farmed right after his discharge, but decided to go back to school to become a diesel mechanic. The schooling took him to St. Louis. The employment that followed took him to Sterling, Co. Arlie and LaDonna had a desire to be closer to family, they proceeded to live in the towns of Lyons, North Bend, Pender and Ainsworth. Arlie and LaDonna managed the Oddfellow Rebecca Manor in Norfolk prior to retiring. They retired to Tilden briefly before moving to Lincoln. Arlie enjoyed an occasional beer, fishing, watching football, gardening, hunting and tinkering with anything mechanical. Arlie could fi x anything! He was a lifelong member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. Arlie was a devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather. He was proceeded in death by his wife, LaDonna and grandson, Chadwick, his brother Le-Roy and sister LaVerne. He is survived by his four sons, Fredd (Mary) Novotny, Anchorage, Alaska; Brad (Jennifer) Novotny, Lincoln, NE; Dana Novotny, Norfolk, NE; Bill Novotny, Tilden, NE. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Wyuku Cemetary in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 11:00 am with luncheon to follow. After 86 years, 7 months and 7 days spent enjoying family, friends, music, the arts and engineering, Thomas David French made his final journey home. Tom passed on April 24th, 2018 in La Quinta, California. His wife of 59 years, Mary, and his two daughters were at his side. Tom was born on September 17th, 1931 in Tilden, Nebraska. He was the only child to parents Gwendolyn G. Barr French and Presley Milford French. Tom leaves behind his wife Mary, son David, daughters Diane and Jeanine, and 4 grandchildren. Tom grew up in Tilden. With his grandfather Charles C. Barr being the town doctor and his Uncle Bob an avid radio and film enthusiast, Tom spent his early years in a very lively and stimulating home. That’s when his love for gadgets and engineering began. His step father, Whitney J. Osborn “Papa Jake” put him to work on his farm, milking cows and helping raise pigs and chickens. He developed a strong work ethic. He took his first job while in high school as “Chief Projectionist” at the Victory Theatre in Tilden. In September of 1949, Tom went off to college at Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, NE to study Pre-Engineering. He moved on to the University of Nebraska in the fall of ’51 and earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in January of 1955. Motorcycles were one of Tom’s favorite hobbies, in addition to Hi-Fi stereo and photography. After graduation, he worked at the Allison division of General Motors in Indianapolis before being drafted into the Army in January of 1956. He was stationed at both Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and the U.S. Army Test Station in Yuma, Arizona. Tom received an honorable discharge from the Army in December of ’57 and returned to work at Allison in Indianapolis. He continued work on instrumentation for jet aircraft engines, pulse circuitry and sound. In the spring of ’58 he met Mary Carolyn Riegel, who was working as a secretary at Allison. They married on January 17th, 1959 and honeymooned in Washington D.C. They moved to Yuma, Arizona, where Tom began working for the Yuma Army Proving Ground as an Electrical Engineer. Tom worked on early GPS satellites, laser tracking systems, missiles, helicopters and the very first military surveillance drones. Tom and was actively involved as a “Den Dad” in his son’s Cub Scouting, as well as swimming and grid kids football. He served as Audio Engineer and Board President of the Yuma Ballet Theatre while his daughters danced with the company. Tom gave his children the gift of music, theatre and travel. He played countless records in their home, from a stereo system and speakers he built himself. His tastes spanned all genres. He and Mary took the kids across the USA to visit family and national parks. Tom was creative with words and thought. With the mind of an engineer, he had a certain way of doing things. He had faith in the power of progress to continually improve people’s lives. Tom loved the desert. He and Mary moved to La Quinta, California in 2001 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. His sense of humor, openness and warmth made him many friends wherever he went. In his last few years, Tom was weakened from several surgeries intended to prolong his life. His wife Mary took care of him until the very end. He had many spiritual moments he shared with family before he passed on, peacefully guided by those he loved and lost. A celebration of his life took place on Saturday April 28th at Forest Lawn Cathedral City, Ramon Room, 69855 E Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, CA. Private burial follows on May 2nd at Desert Memorial Park, 31705 Da Vall Drive, Palm Springs. Funeral Services for Ruth Prater age 89, of Clearwater will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Clearwater with Pastor Daniel Feusse, Officiating. Music will be provided by Caroline Jaeke. Burial is at Clearwater Cemetery in Clearwater, Nebraska. Pallbearers are Wesley Prater, Brock Prater, Ben Prater, Bo Prater, Michael Morey, and Gordon Hagge. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2018, at Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Clearwater. Ruth passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Neligh Care and Rehabilitation Neligh. The daughter of William and Flora (Mueller) Kruger, Ruth was born August 16, 1928 in Tilden, Nebraska. She was baptized on September 23, 1928 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilden. She soon moved with her family to Clearwater. Ruth was confirmed on May 31, 1942 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clearwater and was a lifelong member of the Lutheran church. She graduated from Clearwater Public School with the class of 1946. As a young woman Ruth worked at Miller Brother’s Grocery store in Clearwater. Ruth was united in marriage to Benny W. Prater on October 29, 1947 in Grand Island. Ruth and Benny made their home in Clearwater. Benny sold cars for Contois Motor Company and Ruth was his ever-ready assistant, running cars and parts, even tying candy bars on trees after Benny promised a would-be buyer’s children that if their dad purchased a car they could pick candy off his candy-tree. Ruth eventually worked herself into a job with Contois as well, filling out purchase agreements and other paperwork. Ruth was a Charter member of the Clearwater American Legion Auxiliary and celebrated 70 years of membership this past January. Ruth enjoyed her family, spending hours cooking their favorite dishes for holidays and birthdays. She loved to decorate and to the delight of her children and grandchildren, her house sparkled with window and yard displays for every season. Ruth insisted on mowing her own yard and scooping her own snow until in June of 2015 she moved to The Willows Assisted Living in Neligh. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Benita and husband Danny Beutler of Clearwater, son, Tracy and wife Cindy of Ewing, son Kelly and special friend, Deann Dickey of Lincoln; six grandchildren, Meredith Morey and husband Michael, Wes Prater and wife Danielle, Ivy Prater, Brock Prater and wife Stephanie, Ben Prater and Bo Prater; and seven great grandchildren. Ruth is survived by a sister, Carol (Bill) Timm of Kearney and a brother, John (Dorothea) Kruger of Lincoln. Sister-in-law, Alys Kruger and brother-in-law Don Maulding. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers, William Jr., Donnie, and Robert and one sister, Bonnie. |
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