Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1986

Margaret (Ritner) Flick

Funeral services for Margaret Flick, 90, who died July 15, 1986, were held at the Pitkin Community Church in Gunnison, Colorado.

Margaret was born on May 14, 1896, in Haigler, Nebraska, to Harry and Harriet Ritner. She was married to Raleigh on April 11, 1915.

Margaret had an assortment of careers ranging from rancher, teacher, newspaper editor, justice of the peace and mother of six children.

Margaret taught all over, all subjects and any children who needed teaching. Her assignments included assignment in Doyleville, Partin, Ohio City, Jackson Spur above Sargents and Baldwin as well as private tutoring.

In 1938, Margaret put her teaching temporarily on hold to become editor of The Gunnison Courier for six years. That same year Margaret and Raleigh took over operation of the family ranch on Quartz Creek that had been in the Flick family since it was homesteaded. Margaret and Raleigh also homesteaded land behind W Mountain and still own it today.

Margaret's crowning achievement as an editor was an interview she conducted with former President Herbert Hoover when he came to Gunnison.

Margaret loved to write and was the author of the "On the QT" column that appeared every Thursday in The Gunnison Country Times for 42 years.

Margaret's health had been on the decline for about three weeks when she suffered a stroke. She also suffered from congestive heart failure. Still her death was unexpected because she had made many similar recoveries from illnesses before.

Margaret was preceded in death by a son, Raleigh Flick Jr. She is survived by her husband, Raleigh; daughters: Roberta Gibbs of Kamiah, Idaho, Anne Steinbeck of Gunnison; sons, John of Mesa, Arizona, Ben of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Carroll of LakeView, Oregon; eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Margaret was active in many organizations including the Quartz Creek Improvement Association, Jolly Bunch Club, PM Club, Pioneer Historical Society, Rebekahs, the Pitkin Community Church and the Gunnison Community Church.

Donald Dean Floro

SIDNEY - Donald Dean Floro, 62 died at his, home in Sidney, Neb., on Saturday. June 17, 2000. after a long struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig s Disease).

Don was born at home on Dec. 31, 1937, in Curtis. Neb., to Frank B. and Laura E. (Morgan) Floro. He spent his childhood in Curtis where he attended high school at the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture graduating in 1955.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Adkinson , on May 28, 1955, in Benkelman, Neb. Don and Wilma just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 until 1959.

He received his bachelor's degree from Kearney (Neb.) State College and his master's from Chadron (Neb.) State College. Don taught school and coached football and basketball for eight years. He was a gifted teacher and coach and enjoyed working with the youth. He made a positive impact on many young peoples lives.

Don took early retirement from Rocky Flats in Golden. Colo.. as an electrical engineer and moved to Sidney with Wilma in 1995. After retirement he returned to teaching by substituting in area schools. Don chose Sidney as his permanent residence because of

his passion for hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing golf and was the ultimate Nebraska football fan. Don loved his children and was especially proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed time spent with them.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Harold, Lyle, Vernon, Samuel and Lawrence. and a sister, Phyllis Morgan.

Survivors include his wife. Wilma, of Sidney; four daughters: Beth and husband. Mark Falla, of Imperial. Neb., Cindy and husband, David Rilling. of Littleton, Colo., Kim and husband, Brad Kenny, of Grand Island, Neb., and Susan Fillinger of Aurora. Colo.; a son, Donald Dean Jr., and wife, Edith, of Eatontown, N.J.: 12 grandchildren: Heather Howard, Megan and husband, Tom Ashmore, Matthew and William Falla, Shawn Kenny, Courtney and Carlie Fillinger, Shaelie, Savannah and Schuyler Billing and Alyssa and Annabella Floro; a great-granddaughter. Dara Brester; three sisters: Dorothy Gudgel of Grand Island, Betty Soto of Arroyo Grande, Calif., and Vera Shirley of Phillips, Neb.: two sisters-in-law: Phyllis Floro of Longmont, Colo., and Myrna Floro of Lebanon, Ore., and his mother-in-law, Bula Adkinson, of Benkelman.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. June 22, 2000, at the United Methodist Church in Lodgepole, Neb., with the Rev. Lyle Martin officiating.

Burial, with military honors, was at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Neb.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, c/o Holechek Funeral Home, 1212 10th Ave., Sidney, NE 69162.

Holechek Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1992

Alice M. (Boswell) Flowerday

LINCOLN– Alice M. Flowerday, 63, of 825 Eastridge Drive, Lincoln, Nebraska, died Monday, March 9, 1992.

Mrs. Flowerday was a graduate of Benkelrnan (Nebraska) High School with the Class of 1947. Her father was a former Dundy County treasurer.

She was a home extension agent in Hall County from 1951 to 1953 and a member of the Eastridge Presbyterian Church, PEO Chapter FX, Starcraft Chapter 307 Order of the Eastern Star and Ceres Club.

Survivors include her husband, Dale and sons, Charles, Stanley, Kenneth and Richard, all of Lincoln; her parents, Lloyd and Caroline Boswell of Lincoln; a sister, Mrs. Paul (C.G.) Sieck, of Lincoln; four grandsons, Sean, Seth, Lucas and Isaac, and special friend, Jennie Essink of Lincoln.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, with the Rev. Dr. John Loudon officiating. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park.

Pall bearers were Dale, Charles, Stanley, Kenneth and Richard Flowerday and Paul Sieck. Honorary bearers were “The Seekers" of Eastridge Presbyterian Church.

Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1993

Doris Elva Cox (Lambert) Flynn

MESQUITE, Texas — Doris Elva Cox Flynn, 69 died Sunday (April 4, 1993) in Mesquite, Texas.

She was born Dec. 16, 1923, in Benkelman, to Clifford and Louise (Gunderman) Lambert.

She graduated from Benkelman High School in May 1940, and taught school at Max.

In November 1943, she married Wesley Cox of Haigler. They lived in the Denver area until his death in 1966. She became a licensed vocational nurse and moved to Louisville, Ky., after retirement. In April 1985 she moved to Texas.

Besides her husband, others preceding her in death were her parents and one brother, Alvin Lambert.

Survivors include two sons, Donald Cox of Terrell, Texas and Daniel Cox of Garland, Texas; one daughter, Barbara Weehunt McCormick of California; four brothers, Clifford "Dale" Lambert of Trenton, Clarence "Gene" Lambert and Jerold "Jerry" Lambert of McCook, and Lyle Lambert of Albuquerque, N.M.; one sister, Fern Velav of Wildomar, Calif.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services were Wednesday at Mesquite. Burial was at Chapel Hills Mortuary in Littleton, Colo., today.

Announcement courtesy of Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1981

Gerald LeRoy Flynn

Gerald LeRoy Flynn was born June 2, 1916, at Omaha, Neb. He was the son of LeRoy and Josephine (Buckley) Flynn who had a family of one boy and three girls.

The family moved to Grant, Neb., in 1918 where Gerald attended grade school and Perkins County High School and graduated with the Class of 1934.

Gerald was united in marriage to Ethel Holaway on July 7, 1936. They moved to California in 1939 and resided there until 1945 when he returned to Grant where he owned and operated the Flynn Garage. He moved to Ogallala, Neb., in 1962 and operated Swede's Appliance Store. For the last ten years Swede worked for Kildare Lumber Company in Ogallala. He had retired July 1, 1981.

Friday morning, October 30, 1981, Swede and Ethel were preparing to drive to York when he was stricken with an apparent fatal heart attack. He was 65 years of age.

Gerald leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Ethel; three daughters and their husbands: Richard and Frances Olson of Lincoln, Gene and Colleen Olson of Lincoln, and Keith and Virginia Fidler of Benkelman ; five granddaughters and one grandson; three sisters: Margaret Peck of Ontario, Ore., Zetta Scanlan of Garden Grove, Calif., and Catherine Pankonin of Grant; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 2, 1981, at 1:30 p.m. at the Ogallala United Methodist Church with the Pastor Cecil Lackore officiating.

Music was by R. Speed Sexson and Susan Cook.

Bearers were Milford Nodlinski, Joe Welsh, Bill DeLancey, Jr., Carl Cooper, Virgil Stephenson and Mike Pelster.

Interment was at the Grant Cemetery with committal services by the B.P.O.E. Lodge 1760.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 2005

Marion Alberta (Pettit) Follett

Marion Alberta Follett 78, of McCook, Neb.. died on Friday, April 29, 2005, at the McCook Community Hospital.

Marion was born on Nov. 11, 1926, at Bird City. Kan.. to Frank H.L. and Hertha Rose Pettit. She attended Baker rural school.

On March 18, 1949, she married George Warren Follett at Beaver City, Neb. To this union two sons were born. They moved to McCook in 1956, where Marion was a homemaker and worked in housekeeping at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Michael Patrick Follett; brothers Lloyd and Sylvester Pettit, and infant sister Mary Lou Pettit.

Marion was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading. embroidering and crocheting in her spare time. She was living at Hillcrest Nursing Home at the time of her death.

Survivors include her son, Rodney Follett. of Omaha, Neb.: a grandson, Michael Eugene Follett, of Columbus, Neb.. and a great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Follett of Columbus.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 2. 2005, at the Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook with Pastor Clark Bates officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman, Neb. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1980?

Floyd F. Follett

PALISADE — Floyd F. Follett of Palisade died Friday at the Hester Home in Benkelman at the age of 81.

He was born May 14, 1898 at Palisade to Ralph and Estella Follett. On Oct. 11, 1922 he was married to Anna Dudek at Imperial.

Survivors include his wife, Anna; three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Eva) Pezza, Anaheim, Calif., Mrs. Verle (Mary Lou) Post, and Mrs. Gary (Shirley Ann) Graybast both of Palisade; two sons, Don, of Palisade and Ralph, of Anaheim, Calif.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be in the United Methodist Church in Palisade Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Charles Graff officiating. Burial will be in the Palisade Cemetery. The Carpenter Funeral Home of Palisade is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1995

George Warren Follett

McCOOK--George Warren Follett died at the McCook (Neb.) Community Hospital on Sept. 8, 1995, at the age of 83. He was born March 20, 1912, at Purdum, Neb., the son of Samuel Peter and Grace Edith. (Beeman) Follett.

He graduated from Benkelman (Neb.) High School in 1933.

Follett served with the Air Force in World War II and with the Army in the Korean conflict.

On March 18, 1949, he was married to Marion Alberta Pettie at Beaver City, Neb., and they were parents of two sons, Michael and Rodney.

He, was self-employed as a carpenter and worked 14 years for Swanson Sign Company.

Follett was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael; a brother, Vere, and a sister, Catherine.

Survivors are his wife, Marion, of McCook; their son, Rodney, of Kearney, Neb., and a grandson.

Services were held Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook with the Rev. Clark Bates officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1978

Vere V. Follett

Vere V. Follett, 72, a Benkelman native, died Thurs., Oct. 5 at the Regional Center at Hastings. He was born July 29, 1906 in Republican City to Samuel and Grace Follett. He was united in marriage to Marguerite V. Stevenson, also of Benkelman, on April 26, 1935 at Grant. He worked for and was owner of Swanson Sign Company for 34 years in McCook and was active in rough and fine cut stones.

He is survived by his wife Marguerite, one daughter Aleta Gamblin of McCook and one son Jerry of McCook, five grandsons and one brother, George of McCook.

Services were held Sat., Oct. 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Berean Fundamental Church in McCook with the Rev. John Rempel officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Park cemetery under the direction of the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 2000

Robert Taylor Folsom

Robert Taylor Folsom, 75, of Benkelman, Neb.. died Sunday, July 30, 2000, at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Neb.

He was born March 6, 1925, Buhl, Minn., to Arthur and Hazed (Bean) Folsom. His family moved to Chadron, Neb., where Robert grew up and graduated from Chadron High School in 1943.

In June 1943 Robert joined the U.S. Army and served his country until May 1946.

Always a lover of music, Robert played trombone in the U.S. Army Band. After World War II ended, Robert returned to Nebraska and studied music at Chadron State College where, in 1949, he was a member of the first Graduating class from the Chadron State College of Music.

Continuing his education, Robert received his master's degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in 1954. Teaching music was Robert's passion, which he shared with young people in high schools and colleges for 35 years at Ravenna, Neb.; Trinidad and Brighton, Colo., and Lewellen and Benkelman, Neb.

During that period, Robert served as a visiting professor for a year at the University of Texas at El Paso.

On Aug. 7, 1965. he married Modell "Modie" (Pack) Wood whom he happily shared a home with until December 1999 when health required that he take residence at the Centennial Park Nursing Home in North Platte, Neb.

Robert loved many things including his family, particularly his children and grandchildren, and music, particularly Glenn Miller.

He was an avid model railroad enthusiast and amateur radio control pilot, although most of the time his planes weren't in the air for long. For as long as he could, Robert tinkered in his shop fixing model train engines or gluing back together model airplanes for future crash landings.

Robert's subtle and engaging sense of humor will be missed by all.

He was a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post #65 in Benkelman. He was a past member of the Benkelman Lions Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Frank S. Wood III, and grandsons Matthew and Jay Lutz. Those who survive him include his wife, Modie, of Benkelman; daughters Barbara and husband, Steve Knox, of Seward, Neb., Deb and husband, Gary Berman, of Dallas, Texas, Carol and husband, Hal Walker, of Parks, Neb., and Robin Wilcox of Lakewood, Colo.; a son, Robert Folsom Jr. of Lincoln; a sister, Janice Folsom, of Denver, Colo.; brothers Joe and wife, Rose Mary, of Lincoln and Art and wife, Betty, of Sun City, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Robert Folsom were held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000, at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Robert E. Berlie officiating.

Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art."

Casket bearers were Hal Walker, John McDonald, Paul Erdman, Mark Hanes, Bill Aeby and Eldon Roesener.

Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman with military rites by the American Legion Post No. 65.

Arrangements were by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1978

Robert Lee Foltz

Funeral services for Robert Lee Foltz age 87 of Denver, Colo. who died Aug. 30 in Denver General Hospital were conducted Tues., Sept. 5 at Calvary Temple Church by Reverend Charles Blair. Interment in Fort Logan National Cemetery.

He was born Oct. 16, 1890 at Hale, Mo. He married Marie Bartholoma, Sept. 3, 1926 in Haigler, Nebr. They moved from Haigler to Denver in 1932.

He was a member of Calvary Temple Church in Denver.

He is survived by one son, Howard, of Nordenstadt, West Germany and two daughters, Roberta Scarlett of Arvada, Colo. and Mary Kay Hart of Denver, Colo.; two brothers, Harry of Smithville, Mo. and Chester Foltz of Hale, Mo.; a sister, Mrs. Gladys Spickard of Overland Park, Kans., One sister, Ethel Goodell of Ontario, Ore. followed him in death Sept. 26. There are seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Scott and Stacey Hart, sons-in-law Bob Scarlett and Ted Hart, nephew Eugene Hilliard and grand son-in-law Bradley Parkhill.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 2008

Billie Doyle Fong

Billie Doyle Fong, age 78, of Elwood, Neb., died April 29, 2008 at the Tri-County Area Hospital in Lexington, Neb.

He was born August 13, 1929 southeast of Elwood to Wesley and Naomi (McKenzie) Fong. He was raised on a farm and attended rural schools. He graduated from Elwood High School in 1947.

In 1951, he married Helen Pfeiffer and to this union were three sons, Bradley, Kurtis and Lonny and a daughter, Sheila.

He served in the 47th Engineering Battalion of the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. After his discharge, he returned to Elwood where he worked with his father in the blacksmith shop. For a short period of time, he worked for Tri-County on a maintenance crew.

In 1959, he became a rural mail carrier, a job he continued for 35 years, retiring in December 1994. He was awarded several citations for safe driving. He also farmed part-time for John Delp of Smithfield and later established Fong Brothers, Inc. with his family that engaged in farming, ranching and electrical work.

Doyle was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the American Legion. He was a charter member of the Elwood Lions Club, served on the Elwood School Board and served as chief of the Elwood Volunteer Fire Department. Doyle and Bob Miller were founders of the Elwood Horse 4-H Club. He enjoyed horses and cattle and owned both until late in life. He was honored as a Sixth Honorary Member of the Rodeo Club in 1990.

Survivors include three sons, Brad Fong and wife, Sharon of Woodbury, Minn., Kurt Fong and wife, Laurie of Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Lonny Fong of Elwood; daughter, Sheila Stenberg and husband, Paul of Naperville, Ill.; five grandchildren, Abby Fong Cronin and husband, Jaime of Pleasanton, Shad Fong and wife, Brenna of West Point, Nathan Fong and wife, Amanda of Woodbury, Derek Fong of Woodbury. and Lacey Fong of Broken Bow; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Phyllis Dahl of Loveland, Colo., and Leah Stitzel of Lincoln; a brother, Brian Fong and wife, Lana of Benkelman; two brothers-in-law, Bill Cole of Holdrege and Herschel Sheffield of Wilcox; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen in January 2008 and two brothers, Duane and Lyle.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Services were held Friday. May 9, 2008. at 2 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood with Pastor Jeff Ernstmeyer officiating. Burial was in the Elwood Cemetery with military honors.

Berryman Funeral Home of Cozad was in charge of arrangements.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1986

Evelyn M. (Harding) Forbes

Evelyn M. Forbes of Fort Morgan, Colorado, died November 17, 1986, in Fort Morgan Community Hospital of an apparent heart attack. She was 51.

Mrs. Forbes was born May 19, 1935, in Haxtun, Colorado, and was raised on a farm near Haxtun. She attended school in Holyoke, graduating from Holyoke High School in 1953. She worked as a clerk for Gambles in Holyoke until marrying Delbert Forbes May 27, 1956.

Evelyn was a sister-in-law to Mrs. Bruce Edwards of Benkelman.

They lived in Sterling for two years and one year in Haxtun before moving to Fort Morgan in 1959. In 1960 they opened D and L Auto Service with his brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Forbes, and then bought the entire business about four years ago.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Forbes is also survived by her father, Robert Harding of Haxtun; a daughter, Jenelle Forbes of Fort Morgan; three sons, Arlan, Maynard and Verle, all of Fort Morgan; two sisters, Mrs. Kathryn Hinde of Haxtun and Mrs. Joyce Stoner of North Highlands, California; five brothers: Vernon Harding of Yuma, Larry Harding of Fort Morgan, Harold Harding of Greeley and Robert and Carroll Harding, both of Holyoke, and one grandson.

Funeral services were conducted in the Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Dan Cole officiating. Burial was in Memory Gardens.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2002

Martha Nellie (Lusk) Forbes

FORT MORGAN, Colo.--Martha Nellie Forbes, 88, of Fort Morgan died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at her home. Mrs. Forbes was born March 30, 1914, near Max, Neb., to Grover and Anna Lusk.

She married Harold Forbes on March 17, 1940, at her parents' home near Max. The Forbes family moved to Morgan County, Colo., in 1951.

She was a member of the Morgan Church of the Nazarene. She served as pastor at the Bethel Church south of Yuma, Colo., for several years and enjoyed teaching Bible studies. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, doing embroidery and crocheting.

Survivors include her husband, Harold, of Fort Morgan; a daughter, Ellen Marie Mylander, of Fort Morgan; four sons: Vearlon, Garry and Elwyn "Al," all of Fort Morgan, and Loran of Cortland. Neb.: two sisters: Beulah Allen of Benkelman, Neb., and Bessie Stolzenberg of Hettinger, N.D.; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Lusk; a sister, Ina Whitney, and her parents.

Funeral services for Martha Forbes were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at the Morgan Church of the Nazarene in Fort Morgan with the Revs. Zell Woodworth and R.W. Carpenter officiating. Musicians were Beverly Watson, Pam Mills and Charlene Huwa. Musical selections included "Serenaded By Angels," "Just A Closer Walk" and "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow." Pallbearers were Vearlon, Loran, Garry and Al Forbes.

Interment was in Memory Gardens at Fort Morgan. Heer & Jolliffe Mortuaries was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1981

Gladys Alberta (Roenne) Forbes

Gladys Alberta Roenne Forbes was born in Osborne County, Kansas on March 8, 1909 to George William and Eliza Marie Roenne. She had one brother, George William, and two sisters, Eliza Emma and Alvina Mary.

She passed away May 31, 1981 at Mesa Christian Home, Mesa, Arizona.

Gladys graduated from Fort Hays State College with a B.S. degree in education on May 25, 1933.

On June 3, 1935 Gladys was united in marriage with Lewis Willard Forbes. This union was blessed with four living children: Lewis Junior, Alberta Louise, Duane Eugene, and Marion James. There was a stillborn son, Richard Leroy.

Gladys was widowed in June 1945, when Lewis was killed in an airplane crash.

She returned to full time teaching and fully supported herself and her children.

Gladys was blessed with 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

During her life she belonged to the Rebekah Lodge and to the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

Gladys retired from teaching in the spring of 1974 and lived near each of her children for a short time.

Throughout her life, Gladys belonged to the Methodist Church. She believed in God and the Bible and encouraged others to follow this path. She taught Sunday School on a regular basis and played piano for services when requested.

Gladys did not speak ill or critically of others and was kind.

Services were held Sat., June 6, 1981 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska. The Rev. Allan Martin officiated at the services.

Jackie Wilson accompanied Shirley Adkinson and Genereva Schrader, singing "Beyond The Sunset" and "How Great Thou Art".

Bearers were Harold Forbes, Leonard Forbes, Victor Forbes and Delbert Forbes.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska. Arrangements were made by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., Benkelman, Nebraska.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1986

Permelia (Ross) Forbes

Permelia (Ross) Forbes was born December 19, 1896, in Albany, Kansas, and passed away at the Yuma Hospital on November 6, 1986, at the age of 89 years, 10 months and 18 days.

At the age of 16, she was married to Willard Forbes at Woodward, Oklahoma. They were privileged to celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary in June, 1985. Hand' in hand they weathered the storms of pioneer life, and raised their family through hardship and adversity, but always with love and concern for the welfare of loved ones. Willard passed away in December, 1985.

Permelia was the mother of 15 children. Surviving her are four sons: Harold and Delbert of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Victor of Greeley, Colorado, and Leonard of HalLsville, Missouri; seven daughters: Ruth Edwards of Burlington, Colorado, Viola France of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Ida Whittenburg of Yuma, Colorado, Lucille Edwards of Benkelman, Nebraska, Iona Moberly of St. Francis, Kansas, Laura Chapman of Loveland, Colorado, and Velma Grant of DeSoto, Missouri; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

How do you tell of 89 years in a few lines? A life to service to others, and dedication to her Lord. She leaves a legacy of Christian love. Her passing closes the chapter to a way of life which will always live within our hearts.

TO OUR MOM

A million times we've needed you,

A million times we've cried.
If love alone could have saved you,

You never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we love you still,

In our hearts you hold a place,

No one else can ever fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1994

Victor Raymond Forbes

LOVELAND, Colo.--Victor Raymond Forbes was born October 4, 1926, at Brewster, Kansas. to Willard and Permelia (Ross) Forbes, and died August 20, 1994, at the home of his sister, Laura Chapman, in Loveland, Colorado.

He grew up in the Dundy County, Nebraska, area, graduating from the Parks School in 1940. He served his country during World War II from November 1, 1945, until February 14, 1947.

'Vic," as he was known to his family, was a machinist in Denver, Colorado, and a farm laborer in various areas, working as long as his health permitted. He resided in Evans, Colorado, until quite recently, when due to declining health, he made his home with the Chapmans.

His parents and a brother, Lewis, preceded him in death.

Survivors include two sons: Terry of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Kenneth of Liberal, Kansas; two daughters: Patty Gardner and Gayle White, both of Wray, Colorado; three brothers: Harold and Delbert of Fort Morgan, Colorado and Leonard of Hallsville, Missouri, and seven sisters: Ruth Edwards of Burlington, Colorado, Viola France of Fort Morgan, Ida Whittenburg of Yuma, Colorado, Lucille Edwards of Benkelman, Nebraska, Iona Moberly of St. Francis, Kansas, Laura Chapman of Loveland and Velma Grant of DeSoto, Missouri.

Graveside services were conducted with full military honors on August 24 by the Rev. Terry Douglass with singers Delbert and Marian Forbes at the Fort Logan Military Cemetery in Denver.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1985

Willard Augustus Forbes

Willard Augustus Forbes was born on December 25, 1890, in Milan, Missouri, and passed away at the Morgan County Hospital on December 9, 1985, at the age of 94 years, 11 months and 15 days.

He was married to Permelia Ross on June 8, 1913, at Woodward, Oklahoma. They walked together hand-in-hand down through the years and were privileged to celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary on June 8, 1985. Their early married life was spent in Oklahoma and Kansas. In 1917 they filed for a homestead in southwestern Colorado. Here they weathered the winds, drought and hardships that came with pioneer life for seven years. Leaving the homestead, they worked for different farmers and ranchers in Kansas and Nebraska until 1947 when they purchased their farm south of Eckley, Colorado. Willard truly enjoyed working the land and took great pride in his herd of black Angus cattle. Failing health forced them to sell their farm in 1964 and move to Yuma, Colorado, then later to Fort Morgan, Colorado, to be nearer family members.

Willard lived a true Christian life and raised his family to respect the faith in which he believed. Hard work and adversity were no strangers to him as he struggled to provide for his family. He had an aggressive and determined spirit and labored with confidence in his labor's reward. He was not known for deeds of great renown, but for the person he was. This attributes to his wide circle of friends.

Fifteen children were born to Willard and Permelia, three of whom died in infancy. The oldest son, Lewis, lost his life in 1945. Surviving him are his devoted wife, Permelia; four sons, Harold and Delbert of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Victor of Wiggins, Colorado, and Leonard of Hallsville, Missouri; seven daughters, Ruth Edwards of Burlington, Colorado, Viola France of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Ida Whittenburg of Yuma, Colorado, Lucille Edwards of Benkelman, Iona Moberly of St. Francis, Kansas, Laura Chapman of Loveland, Colorado, and Velma Grand of DeSoto, Missouri; three sisters, Martha Brown of Truman, Minnesota, Cecil Smith of Colby, Kansas, and Nora Thompson of LaSalle, Colorado; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

OUR DAD

Far away is the day of windmills and separators, the sound of cows' hooves bumping in a stall, and the clank of buckets across corral fences. They've taken you with them and gone.

We listen to an echo of your voice, and our memories spill shadows of your lanky silhouette into our minds.

We hear your shoes drop one at a time and we watch you pull the chains of the old cuckoo clock. Your weary sigh tells us your day is over.

We could not know that you have stamped indelible impressions on us forever. We could not know—until now.

Dad, we know you are at peace in a better world. We are grateful for the ideals you have left us. Your memory will always be with us. Willard Augustus Forbes

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1997

Marguerite Ruth (McAllister) (Phinney) Forch

STRATTON--Marguerite Ruth (McAllister) Forch was born north of Parks, Neb., on May 17, 1918, to James Albert Phinney and Lucille Sarah (Minton) McAllister. She grew up there, in her beloved sandhills, on the family Lazy 3 Ranch. She died May 28, 1997, at Beatrice, Neb., at the age of 79 years and 11 days.

Marguerite attended a country school north of Parks, a half mile from home, and high school in Parks, graduating in 1935.

During her younger years she spent many hours helping her father with the cattle. She loved horses, often riding the short distance over to the Rock Creek Fish Hatchery where she spent much of her spare time and was employed there during her high school years.

In 1937 she moved to Stratton, Neb., to train as a nurse under the direction of Dr. Stewart. A short time later, she met Robert Edward Forch whom she married on July 18, 1938. They moved to the farm north of town. At this "new home." the first three of their children were born: Linda May. Larry Kay and Paul James. Later Robert Eugene was born in Stratton and David Bernard at McCook, Neb.

In the years between nursing, helping on the farm, raising five children and gladly taking Paul "Bernard" Forch under her wing after his parents died, Marguerite never took time to do much for herself except to go to her Busy Bee club meetings, occasionally write a short poem or entertain her friends with her words of wit. These qualities of hard work and selflessness followed her through the rest of her years as she still attended Busy Bee meetings and enjoyed visiting with friends, and her writing evolved into many poems and stories enjoyed by many. She learned to crochet while working the night shift at the hospital and through the years turned out hundreds of doilies, tablecloths and afghans for family and friends. Her family roots were important to her and she spent the last several years tracing her genealogy and making that information available to her children and grandchildren.

Marguerite's nursing career spanned many years including working in the old Stewart Hospital and several years in the new Hitchcock County Hospital. During these years she touched many lives. When her shift would end, she would go from one room to the next telling patients goodbye and giving each one a shot of humor or a dose of encouragement.

On April 17, 1949, Marguerite became a member of the Community United Methodist Church. She became a charter member of the Stratton Lions Club in 1994. Recently she offered her home for their meeting place and enjoyed keeping their club scrapbook.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, and a sister, Elsabell E. Gauger. The loved ones she leaves behind include a daughter, Linda, and her husband, Norman Husa, of Barneston, Neb.; her sons and their wives: Larry and Charlene, Paul and Patricia, Robert Jr. and Joyce, and David and Mary, all of Stratton; two brothers: James McAllister and his wife, Vickie, of Denver, and David McAllister and his wife, Bonnie, of LaCenter, Wash.; a sister-in-law, Bernice, and her husband, Lou Bock, of Sarasota, Fla.; and a brother-in-law, Paul B. Forch and his wife. Ann, of Lincoln, Neb.

There are 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren: Jeffrey and Jennifer Husa and their daughter, Stephanie Jo; Brian and Karen Husa and their daughter, Logan Alese; Larry Forch; Tuesday Forch and daughter, Jyssica Lane; Kimberley Forch-Adams, her husband, Allan, and Christopher; Michael, Amanda and Bradley Forch; and Kevin and Margaret Forch.

Final rites for Marguerite Porch were held Saturday, May 31, 1997, at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist, Beth Kollmorgen the pianist and Mike Pruter sang "God's Amazing Grace" and "Beyond The Sunset.” Congregational hymns were "In The Garden" and "Joy To The World." Escorts were her grandchildren: Larry Jr., Chris, Mike, Kevin, Brad, Tuesday. Mandy and Maggie Porch, Kimberly Porch-Adams and Jeff and Brian Husa. Honorary bearers were the Boy Scout Troop. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1988

Robert Edward Forch

Robert Edward Forch was born August 21, 1911, to Paul Benjamin and Estella (Clark). Forch at Powell, Nebraska. He died December 25, 1988, at his farm home at the age of 77.

In the year 1919, the family moved to the Stratton area where Robert grew to adulthood and at an early age, entered his lifelong occupation of farming, retiring in 1979. Robert graduated from Stratton High School in 1931, where he was a charter member of the FFA.

For a time, through the rough years, he operated a portable painting unit, a cattle sprayer and later was employed by the Hitchcock County ASC office to help supplement the farm.

On July 18, 1938, he was united in marriage to Marguerite R. McAllister in Benkelman, Nebraska, and to this union five children were born. They include Linda May Husa and her husband, Norm, of Barnston, Nebraska, Larry K. and his wife, Charlene, Paul J. and his wife, Patricia, Robert Jr. and his wife, Joyce, and David B. and his wife, Mary, all of the Stratton area.

Robert will be remembered best by his family for his love and devotion to them and to the farm he called home. To the end, he was always there to lend encouragement, advice and support at times of need. His friends and neighbors will perhaps remember his friendly wave or greetings wherever and whenever he met them.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Roland.

Besides his loving wife and children, Robert leaves behind one sister, Bernice Bock of Sarasota, Florida, and one brother, Paul Bernard of Lincoln, Nebraska, 11 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were held at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton, Nebraska, Tuesday, December 27, 1988, at 2 p.m. The service was officiated by the Rev. Randy Goeke.

The organist was Marjorie Redfield. Elmer Case sang "Amazing Grace" and "One Day At A Time."

Bearers were Gene Kleinschmidt, Gary Henderson, Edmund Stehno, Dick Kollmorgen, Bill Latta and Jim Dailey.

Honorary bearers were Reginald Stahley, David Priddy, Wayne Rath, Winston Hunkins, Karl Klein, Ray Burk and Ray Stehno.

Interment took place at the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton, Nebraska.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2000

Donna Mae (Kaufman) Forsberg

McCOOK--Donna Mae Forsberg died Saturday, July 8, 2000, at her home in McCook, Neb., at the age of 72.

She was born May 10, 1928, in Dundy County, Neb., the daughter of the late Francis "Ted" and Gypsie Mae (Hauser) Kauffman. Donna grew up at Benkelman, Neb., where she graduated from Benkelman High School in 1946. She continued her studies at Sioux Falls (S.D.) College.

On Sept. 10, 1949, Donna married Ted Deyle and they made their home in McCook, Kearney and Holdrege, Neb. Ted died Sept. 5, 1998.

In 1972 Donna married Lloyd Westergren and they lived at Johnson Lake where she was employed as a teller at Home Federal in Lexington, Neb. He died Nov. 23, 1979.

She moved to Benkelman where she lived for several years before marrying Francis Forsberg on April 4, 1998. He died April 25, 2000.

Her father died March 7, 1979, her mother died on June 21, 2000, and a brother, Melvin Kauffman, died at the age of two months.

Donna is survived by a daughter, Jeanne Deyle of Kearney; two sons: Tom Deyle of Odessa, Neb., and David Deyle and wife, Gayle, of Omaha, Neb.; six grandchildren: Jason Blausey and Travis, Casey, Toby, Derek and Kara Deyle; a sister, Shirley, and husband, Glen Lemon, of Max, Neb.; nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2000, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McCook with the Rev. Ted Okland officiating. Interment was in the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege. Herrmann Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 2001

Anna Marie (Christensen) Fortkamp

Anna Marie Fortkamp, daughter of William Frerichs and Mabel Christensen, was born February 19th, 1910 at Stratton, Nebraska. She was made God's own child in the sacrament of Holy Baptism on April 23, 1910 at Zion Lutheran, Benkelman. She made public profession of her faith on April 22, 1928 at Peace Lutheran, McCook. She attended grade school in Stratton until moving with her parents to Culbertson in 1920.

Anna was married to John Fortkamp on October 11, 1928 at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran, Wauneta. God blessed this union with 2 sons. Anna was a hard working farm wife finding herself in the fields, milking cows in the early years, raising chickens and gardening. She lived on the same farm south of Wauneta for 70 years, 45 years with her husband, and 25 years as a widow. Anna moved to the Imperial Manor nursing home in 1998.

Anna was called by her Lord on June 25, 2001 after 91 years of God's grace. She leaves to rejoice in her salvation: 2 sons - Rolland and wife Betty of Wauneta, Donald and wife Lela of Palisade; 3 grandchildren: Jim Fortkamp of Wauneta; Dee Fortkamp and wife Jennifer of Palisade, Tina Vrbas and husband, Denny of Benkelman; 4 great-grandchildren: Tifany Glasco and husband, Terry of Bird City, KS, Brenda Fortkamp of Miami, FL., Austin Vrbas of Denver, CO, and Jolle Fortkamp of Lincoln, NE.; 3 brothers: Henry of Amarillo, TX, Elmer and wife, LeArdis of Lexington, NE, Bill and wife, Rosalie of McCook; 5 sisters: Pauline Horacek of McCook, Doris Popp of Imperial, Viola Steinbeck and husband, Everett of San Diego, CA, Emma Nelsen and husband, George of Yuma, AZ, Thelma Moorhous and husband, Don of Culbertson.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents. her husband, John, 7 brothers: John A, Elmer L, Wilber, Raymond, John, Martin, and Walter; 1 sister, Kate Potthoff, and an infant grandchild, Allen Dee, and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1973

Merle Nita (DeHart) Fortkamp

Merle Nita (nee DeHart) Fortkamp, wife of Frederick Fortkamp, was called from this earthly life at the age of 57 on Wednesday, May 16, 1973 to the eternal mansions promised to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Merle was born in Yuma, Colorado, September 17, 1915. She moved to Wauneta, Nebraska, April 30, 1930. She was united in marriage to Frederick Henry Fortkamp of Wauneta on May 28, 1934.

To this marriage was born six children: Floyd Fortkamp of Santa Rosa, California; Marlin Fortkamp of Wauneta, Nebraska; Rev. Gary Fortkamp of Kearney, Nebraska; Vaunda Hyde of McCook, Nebraska; Mary Estes of Santa Rosa, California and Nita Frost of North Platte, Nebraska.

Besides her husband and children, left to survive are three sons-in-law, Don Hyde, Roger Estes and Jerry Frost; three daughters-in-law, Lelia, Norma and Darlene Fortkamp and grandchildren; her mother, Nellie DeHart; two brothers, Leland and Mason DeHart; two sisters, Irene Wright and Joan Reed. She was preceded in death by her father, Floyd DeHart; two brothers, Marvin and an infant brother; two infant sisters and one grandson, Terry Fortkamp.

Funeral services were conducted at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Wauneta, Nebraska at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 1973. The committal service followed the funeral service in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery with the Brunkhorst Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1973

John Henry Fortkamp

John Henry Fortkamp was born in Elk Creek in Johnson County, Nebraska, on February 5, 1907 to Henry C. Fortkamp and Sophie Louise Haarberg. He departed this life on April 13th, 1973 at the Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 66.

John was baptized in St. Peters Lutheran Church, Pawnee County, Nebraska, on March 3, 1907.

In 1911 he came with his parents and three brothers to Chase County, Nebraska.

John was confirmed on May 8, 1921 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

He married Anna Marie Frerichs on October 11, 1928 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. They made their home on a farm in Dundy County where he was engaged in farming all of his life. During that time he was also an active member of the National Farmers Organization.

To this marriage two sons were born, Rolland Lavern and Donald Dean, who with their mother survive and mourn his passing along with three grandchildren, Jimmy Dale, Dee Allen and Tina Marie, and two daughters-in-law, Betty and Lela.

He also leaves many nieces and nephews besides other relatives and friends.

John is survived by five brothers, Fred and Arthur of Wauneta, Martin of Hayes Center, Emil of Champion, and Lavern of Palisade, and by two sisters, Mrs. Hilda Rowschewski and Mrs. Violet Long of Wauneta.

John was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters, one of whom died in infancy and one grandson who died in infancy.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon. April 16th at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church south of Wauneta. The Rev. Steven Ude officiated. Interment was in St. Paul's Cemetery with the Brunkhorst Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1966

Edith Estella (Baughman) Foster

Funeral services for Edith Estella Foster, 71, were held at the Max Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Mrs. Foster, a native of Dundy county, passed away on Thursday after a long illness. The Rev: Kim Adkinson officiated. The singers were Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Case, accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Kirkman at the piano. Pallbearers were Howard Crow, Ray Daniels, Edgar Powell, Otis Rickard, Robert Riggs and Fred Scott. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of Stratton.

On. November 25. 1894, a daughter, Edith Estelle, was born to John and Clara Baughman six miles northeast of Max, Nebraska. Later she taught school in the same house.

In 1913 she was united with the Max Methodist Church to which she was faithful until her health failed her. On November 14, 1914, she was united in marriage with William Alden Foster. A son, Stephen Alden, was born to them in 1915, but at the age of 15 years he passed away during a spinal meningitis epidemic.

She has been a loving wife, mother and friend to all. Her husband passed away in the Stratton, Nebr., hospital on May 12, 1966.

She is survived by one sister, Eunice Dickie, a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Following their marriage they lived in the same house, two and one-half miles east of Max, Nebraska, until they were taken to the Stratton hospital May 9 of this year, and Alden passed away May 12.

All the good doctoring, good nursing and loving care were given her, but to no avail. She passed away August 5, 1966, at the Stratton hospital.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1971

Julia A. (Calkins) Foster

Mrs. Julia A. Foster, 69, of 2322 McKinley, died at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11th at the Graham Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa, where she had been a patient since April 12, 1971.

Mrs. Foster had not been in the best of health since last summer, according to her brother, Robert T. Calkins of Cheyenne, Wyoming. She has been a victim of a heart condition for several years which had induced a general and gradual down trend in her general health for some time. The day after Easter she suffered a massive coronary from which she never recovered. The family provided such care as was available and she was confined at the Graham Hospital until her death.

She was the daughter of the late Milan Henry and Tosa T. Crook Calkins, born on November 23, 1901 in Kalamazoo, Nebraska.

She married Samuel A. Foster on September 28, 1920 in McCook. Nebraska, and he survives. She had been a resident of Keokuk for 44 years.

Mrs. Foster was a member of the First Christian Church, Elmira Chapter No. 40, Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived besides her husband by two daughters, Mrs. Emmett L. (Dorrine) Kain of Keokuk and Mrs. James (Jeanne) Kokjohn of West Point; one son, Lester A. Foster of Cochabambo, Bolivia; one sister, Mrs. Laura Wood of Tacoma, Washington; three brothers, Frank L. Calkins of Estes Park, Colo., Claude B. Calkins of Ford Lauderdale, Fla., and Robert T. Calkins of Cheyenne, Wyo.; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 14th, at the Schmidt Memorial Home with Associate Pastor George Edwards officiating. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Keokuk, Iowa.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1986

Marjorie Ann Foster

Marjorie Ann Foster, age 52, died Wednesday morning at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska.

Marjorie was born May 10, 1933, at Wauneta, Nebraska, the daughter of Henry and Margaret Dicke. She grew up in the Wauneta and Stratton areas.

She was married November 6, 1955, to Lloyd Foster. They made their home in the Benkelman area, except from 1964 to 1973, when they lived in Wallace, Nebraska. One daughter, Carrie Ann, was born to this union. Due to ill health, Marjorie had spent the last 1 1/2 years of her life at the Heritage Home in Wauneta, Nebraska.

Survivors include her husband, Lloyd Foster, and her daughter, Carrie Ann, both of Benkelman; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dicke of McCook; two sisters, Donna Warlick of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Letha Sutton of Denton, Texas; two brothers, Leonard Dicke of McCook, and Hank Dicke of Heartwell; 20 nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. One sister, Doris Hiergesell, preceded her in death.

Services were held Friday, March 7, 1986, at. 2 p.m., at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, with the Reverend John Kilgore officiating. Betty Erdman was organist and she accompanied Kelly Hayward with the selections "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace."

Bearers were Larry Dicke, Billie Dicke, Raymond Lawson, Bob Hiergesell, David Hiergesell and Darold Richard.

Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1976

Grace Ethel (Ham) Foster

Grace Ethel Foster was born to Joseph Oscar Ham and Martha Emmeline Thompson at Guilford, Missouri on September 25, 1883 and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on May 3, 1976 at the age of ninety two years, seven months and eight days. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was married to Charles Chesney Foster on March 1, 1903 at Benkelman, Ne. To this union seven children were born: Joseph, Josephine, Marie, Leo, Opal, Evelyn and Charles.

Grace Foster was three years of age when she came with her parents to a homestead near Benkelman, NE, where she lived until her marriage after which time she lived near Max, NE until moving to Benkelman, NE in 1929. She was the last surviving member of the Joseph Ham family and leaves to mourn her passing; three sons Joseph of Benkelman, Leo of Denver, Colo., Charles and wife Shirley of Lodi, Calif., four daughters, Mrs. John (Josephine) Berk, Mrs. R. L. (Marie) Middleswart, Lincoln, NE, Mrs. Wayne (Opal) Bascue, Max, NE, Evelyn, Benkelman, NE and a grand daughter, whom she raised from infancy, Mrs. Roger (Janice) Roe of Broken Bow, NE. Fourteen grandchildren, forty-two great-grand children and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two daughters-in-law, five brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 Thursday morning, May 6, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the pastor, Rev. Allan Martin, officiating. The soloist was Phyllis Kirkman. Her selections were "I Love To Tell The Story" and "Jesus Keep Me The Cross," accompanied by Gwen Bauer on the organ. Escorts were Byron Ham, Don Bascue, Harry Foster, Kenneth Foster, Roger Roe and George Ham. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman Post in November, 1969

Fannie M. (Hardwick) Foster

Fannie M. Foster was born April 8, 1886 in Albany, Mo., the daughter of William P. and Margaret E. Hardwick. She died Nov. 16, 1969 at the Hitchcock County Hospital, Stratton. She moved with her parents to Dundy County as a small girl and most of her early life was spent at Oak Creek Ranch north of Parks. She was married to Stephen L. Foster Sept. 3, 1905 at the home of her parents. Their entire married life was spent in Dundy County with the exception of 11 years when they lived in Alberta, Canada. One son and four daughters were born to this union.

For the past 47 years she had made her home near Max. She was a member of the Benkelman Presbyterian Church and since moving to Max was active in the Methodist Church and the WSCS. She was a member of the Federated Woman's Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1944 and by two daughters, Frances in 1928 and Elsie Trupp in 1964. Also by four brothers and two sisters. Survivors are a son, Glen of Max; two daughters, Margaret Meguire of Stratton and Joy Eller of Trenton; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Reece of Benkelman, and Waldo of Denver.

Funeral services were held Nov. 19 at the Max Methodist Church with interment in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1962

Karen Hansine (Hoff) Foster

Mrs. J. B. Foster, a lifelong resident of the Benkelman area, passed away at the Pringle Memorial Hospital on Thursday when she suffered a heart attack. She had been under treatment for a heart condition for two years. She was 65 years of age.

Funeral services were arranged by the Laughlin Funeral Home for Monday afternoon with the Rev. W. T. Israel officiating. Mrs. Paul Erdman was the organist and E. C. Schwartz, the soloist. Casket bearers were Joe Foster, George Anderson, Wayne Ham, Glen Foster, Chris Andersen and ValGene Foster. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Karen Hansine Hoff, daughter of Hans Andersen and Karen Dorothea Hoff, was born at Benkelman, Nebraska, April 25, 1897.

She was baptized in infancy into the Lutheran Church. Later she joined the Methodist Church at Max, where her husband is a member.

On June 29, 1919, she was united in marriage to John Benjamin Foster. To this union ten children were born, seven sons and three daughters.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, John Benjamin; her seven children: Dorothea Foster, North Platte; Harry A., Lloyd B., Donald R. and J. Leonard, all of Benkelman; Mrs. Carolyn Pearson, Brady; and Mrs. Bernice Jensen, Cozad; a granddaughter, Carrie Ann Foster; a brother, Anders Hoff, Benkelman, and one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Walters, McCook.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Marie Hoff, and three infant sons.

Two years ago she had a severe heart attack. She seemed to be making excellent progress until the day before her death when she suffered another relapse. She passed away at the Pringle Memorial Hospital on Thursday evening, September 13, at the age of 65 years, four months and 19 days.

Carrie was a kind, devoted wife and mother. She was loved by all who knew her. Her passing leaves a vacancy in the home which can never be filled.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1996

N. Irene (Mosier) Foster

AURORA, Colo.--N. Irene (Mosier) Foster of Denver died Sunday, June 30, 1996, at Aurora, Colo. She was 86 years old. She was born Nov. 29, 1909, at Montrose, Kan.

On Nov. 23, 1979, she married Leo Foster in Boulder, Colo. Her husband preceded her in death. She was .a homemaker and a member of the Burns United Methodist Church of Aurora.

Survivors include her daughter, - Dianne Casey of Phoenix, Ariz.; her stepdaughters, Luan Jesch of Boulder and Joann Schwartz of North Platte, Neb.; her stepsons, Kenneth Foster of McCook, Neb., Val Foster of Omaha, Neb., and Keith Foster of Orlando, Fla.; her sister, Jewell Hansen, of Bellingham, Wash.; 24 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

Services were held July 6, 1996, at 10 a.m. at Burns United Methodist Church in Aurora. Burial was at the Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park in Hayward, Calif. Aurora-Chase Mortuary of Aurora was in charge of arrangements.

(Typewritten note found in files.)

Dora Isabel Mutchmore Foster

Dora Isabel Mutchmore Foster, daughter of Frank J. and Fannie Mutchmore was born at Liberty, Nebraska Nov 30th 1906 and passed away at Benkelman April 9, 1937, at the age of 26 years, 4 months and 9 days.

She attended public school at Liberty, Nebraska and graduated from high school in 1928. She spent one year in nurses training at Lincoln General Hospital, Lincoln, Nebr. and later employed by Dr Stewart at Stratton.

Most of the last seven years of her life have been spent in Dundy County. She moved here with her family Oct 16th 1930.

On April 27th 1935 she was united in marriage to Joseph Foster, and to this union one child was born.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, an infant daughter, Janice Decline; her father and mother, two sisters, Madilene of Benkelman and Mrs. Roy Powell of Max, one brother, Dale. One brother, Carl passed away December 1, 1930 and Nedra Decline, a sister on Feb., 15th, 1911.

She united with the Congregational church in Liberty in 1922, and has always taken an interest in church affairs.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1940

Cora Elnora (Parsons) Foster

Mrs. Edwin S. Foster passed away on February 22nd, 1940, after a prolonged illness. Funeral services were held at: the United Presbyterian church in Benkelman at 2 o'clock p. m., being conducted by Rev. J. C. Foster, assisted by Rev. Keil, pastor of the Max M. E. church. Singers were John Baer, Robert .Passmore, Irene Passmore and Beth Rickard, with Anne Gorthy at the piano. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Mrs. Foster, who was well and popularly known in Benkelman during her school days as Cora Parsons. was a splendid woman and during her long residence in Dundy county—it covered most of her lifetime—won and held the admiration of everyone with whom she came in contact for her splendid character and womanly qualities which endeared her to everyone. She was tolerant, kind and devoted to her family and loved ones and to her neighbors and friends who sorrow now with loved ones in her departure from this earthly sphere.

Cora Elnora Parsons was born in Hancock county, Illinois. on April 22, 1873, and departed this life on February 22, 1940, at the age of 66 years and 10 months. She had been in failing. health for a year and at last suffered a stroke of paralysis which was in fact the cause of her passing.

She came to Dundy county with her parents from Missouri in 1884, and settled on a farm three miles east of Max. She attended the first public school taught in District No. 1. In 1892 she moved to Benkelman with her family where she attended the Benkelman schools and united with the Presbyterian church. She had lived in Dundy county continuously for over 55 years except for eight months, during which time her family lived in Denver.

On November 20, 1901, she was united in marriage to Edwin S. Foster of Max. Some time after her marriage she and her husband united with the Methodist church at Max. Her parents and three brothers preceded her in death. Those remaining to mourn her loss are her husband, Edwin Foster of Max; Ethyl McDermott of Roberts, Idaho; Clarence Foster of Haigler, Nebraska: Clyde Foster of Phoenix, Arizona: Ella Bumfalk of Stratton and Ralph Foster of Max. children; and three sisters, Emma Merril, Grace Borchert and Ella Dame, all of Stratton; two brothers, Arthur L. Parsons of Max and J. U. Parsons of Stratton. She also leaves nine grandchildren, besides a host of relatives and friends.

She always lived a good, Christian life and was a loving wife and mother, and was loved and respected by all who knew her. She worked well and faithfully for all things that were for the upbulldlng of the community and she bore her trials bravely and silently and those who knew Mrs. Foster best know that she will receive her heavenly reward in the other life, and likewise dothey realize that the world was made better by her having lived in it.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1997

E. Maxine (Stover) Foster

OMAHA--E. Maxine (Stover) Foster was born May 10, 1929, at Chanute, Kan., the daughter of M.E. and Lillian (Ledbetter) Stover. She died at her home in Omaha, Neb., on Friday, June 27, 1997, at the age of 68.

She graduated from St. Francis (Kan.) High School in 1947 and then did secretarial work for the State Department. On Oct. 15, 1950, she married Valgene Foster at St. Francis. They lived in Max, Neb., until 1960 and then in Asia and Africa before settling in Omaha.

She was preceded in death her parents; a brother, John; a sister, Shirley Ikehorn, and two daughters, Valerie Jean and Lillian.

She is survived by her husband, who resides in Omaha; four daughters and their husbands: LeAnn and Rick Hoffmann of Omaha, Roni and Mart Vapenick of Lexington, Neb., Wilma and Bill O'Neil of Omaha and Lois and Glen Clatterbuck of Omaha, and 10 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, Neb., on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997, at 2 p.m. MDT with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. The family suggests memorials to the Masonic Home at Fremont, Neb., or to the Cancer Society. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman is in charge of the memorial service.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1995

Alberta A. Foster

LANCASTER, Calif.--Alberta A. Foster was born Feb. 3, 1909, in Max, Neb., and died Oct. 24, 1995, in Lancaster, Calif., at the age of 86.

On July 31, 1927, she married Clyde Foster in Benkelman, Neb. They moved to Lancaster in1947. Mrs. Foster was a member of the Lancaster First Assembly of God Church and worked in the children's nursery for 16 years.

She is survived by her husband, Clyde, of Lancaster; sons Dale and wife, Marie, of Palmdale, Calif., and Marvin of Lancaster; granddaughters Yvonne Caldwell and Juanita Reyes of Lancaster; great-grandchildren Jennifer, Brian and Jared Kinsey and Michael, Alissa and Anthony Reyes.

Halley-Olsen Funeral Chapel was in charge of services that were held at the Lancaster First Assembly of God Church on Thursday, Oct. 26. Interment was at Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1967

Charles Chesney Foster

C. C. Foster, a progressive farmer and businessman, passed away in his sleep at his home in Benkelman on Monday at the age of 88 years. He had been in declining health for several years.

Mr. Foster was well known in the community before ill health forced his retirement from the business world. He was a successful farmer north of Max before moving to Benkelman for educational purposes. He continued his farming operations and added local business interests to his activities. He was forward-looking and progressive in his ideas and was always in support of improvements in the schools.

He is survived by his widow, Grace: four daughters, Josephine Berk, Marie Middleswart, both of Lincoln, Opal Bascue of Max and Evelyn Foster, Benkelman; three sons, Joseph of Benkelman, Leo of Stratton, Charles of Buena Park, California; two sisters, Mrs. Ray Ham, Benkelman, and May Parsons, Pawnee Rock, Kansas; 14 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at two o'clock on Thursday at the Benkelman Methodist Church, with the Rev. William Whittaker officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jay's Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Charles Chesney Foster, son of Charles and Josephine Foster, was born in Battle Creek, Iowa, September 20, 1873, and passed away at his home in Benkelman at the age of 88 years, three months and 20 days. He had lived in Dundy County, Nebraska, since 1900.

On March 1, 1903, he was united in marriage to Grace E. Ham. To this union seven children were born, all of whom survive.

He retired from the farm in 1930 and moved to Benkelman where he entered the business field. He was very much interested in the education and business world. He stayed active until four years ago, when his health began to fail.

He was an affectionate and considerate husband, father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1998

Charles Ham Foster

ANAHEIM. Calif.—Charles Ham Foster was born June 8, 1923, to Chesney Charles and Grace Evelyn (Ham) Foster in Benkelman. Neb. He died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1998, at his home in Anahelm, Calif., at the age of 74. The body was cremated.

Charles moved to California at the age of 20. He served In the U.S. Merchant Marines during World W II. He married Shirley Wilson and resided in California for the remainder of his life.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Lutheran Church. His passions were traveling, reading, photography, Cornhusker football and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; sisters Josephine Berk and Opal Bascue. and brothers Joseph and Leo.

Charles is survived by daughters Dell and Gary Wenner of Anaheim and Joy Milstid of Seattle Wash,: a son. David, of Tucson Ariz.; five grandchildren: Damon and Diana Williams and Nancy. Elizabeth and Valerie Milstld: sisters Marie Middleswart of Plattsmouth. Neb.. and Evelyn Foster of Benkelman, and a host of nieces and nephews including Ken Foster of McCook. Neb.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1977

Charles Joseph Foster

Charles Joseph Foster was born to Charles Chesney and Grace Ethel (Ham) Foster, April 29, 1904 in Dundy County, Nebraska and departed from this life on July 10, 1977 at the age of seventy three years, two months and eleven days.

He was a member of Benkelman Lodge No. 361, I.0.0.F.

He was married to Dora Isobel Muchmore on April 28, 1935 at Atwood, Kans., and to this union one daughter, Janice Delcine was born. His wife, Dora, departed from this life April 9, 1937.

He spent his entire life in Dundy County with the exception of time spent in Kansas City and Denver where he furthered his education in mechanics. He was an employee of the city of Benkelman for a number of years.

He was a kind and loving father, grandfather and brother.

He leaves to mourn his passing; one daughter, Janice Delcine and her husband Roger Roe, four grandchildren; Sandra, Barry, Suzanne and Billy of Brigham City, Utah; two brothers, Charles and wife Shirley of Sacramento, Calif.; Leo of Denver, Colo.; four sisters, Josephine and husband John Berk of Lincoln, Nebr.; Marie and husband R. L. Middleswart of Lincoln, Nebr.; Opal and husband Wayne Bascue of Max; and Evelyn of Benkelman; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Funeral services were held at the Jones Funeral Chapel at Benkelman, Nebr. with Rev. Bob Sander officiating. Phyllis Kirkman, accompanied by Gwen Bauer, sang "In the Garden," and "I Love to Tell the Story."

Bearers were Vincent Novacek, Lawrence Campbell, Pete Crow, Glen Mullanix, Alva Shaw and Dale Osborn. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery with the Jones Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1976

Clarence Edwin Foster

Clarence Edwin Foster, 72, died Tuesday, August 17 at the Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Neb. Born in Dundy County, he graduated from the Max High School in 1925. He was united in marriage October 20, 1940 at Trenton.

He farmed in Nebraska and Colorado until 1948 when he moved back to Nebraska where he owned and operated the South Side Service, which later became Foster's Coop Station when Republican City was moved to its present site.

He served on the Board of Education District 4 in Dundy County and also on the Republican City Village Council. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Republican City.

Survivors include his widow, Leona E., Republican City; one son, David E., Kearney; two daughters, Mrs. James (Margie) Webster, Minden, and Mrs. Howard (Claryce) Bebb, Naponee ; two brothers, Clyde W. Lancaster, Calif., and Ralph R.; Walla Walla, Washington; two sisters, Mrs. Francis (Ella) Baumfaulk, Peonia, Colo.; and Mrs. Ethel McDermott, Pocatello, Idaho; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Services were Saturday, Aug. 21 at the United Methodist Church in Republican City with the Rev. Pau Samuelson officiating. Interment was in the Republican City cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1985

Donald Robert Foster

Donald Robert Foster was the fourth child of John Benjamin and Carrie (Hoff) Foster. He was born July 31, 1927, at Max, Nebraska, and died Monday, December 24, 1984, at the Foster family home southeast of Max, Nebraska.

In August of 1926, Ben and Carrie Foster, with their three children, Dorothea, Harry and Lloyd, moved from the 1919 home that they had built southeast of Max to their second small farm north of the newly built Max Grade and High School. Ben and Carrie wanted their children to have a good education. The severe winter blizzards often blew the country road shut. Ben and Carrie rented their large farm to their nephew and niece, Clyde and Alberta Foster. Every day Ben communicated between the two farms to help with the chores of feeding livestock and farming.

On July 31, 1927, the whole family was very happy when the Ben Foster family had a new son and brother, Donald Robert Foster.

As a child, Donald and his brothers loved to play with wooden cows their father made from wood. They enjoyed milking the milk cows, feeding the calves, pigs, chickens, ducks and turkeys. They sold eggs, milk and cream to the Max customers in their little red wagon. Later they also delivered the "Omaha Bee News" daily newspaper.

After the depression and drought of the 1930s, the two farms could not support the families of Ben and Clyde. Therefore, Father Ben rented the Max farm and in March of 1936, Ben, Carrie and children moved back to the big farm which they had planned and built in 1919.

Donald graduated from the Max Rural High School in 1945 and joined the Army and took basic training that year. He loved the Great Lakes at Chicago. He and his Army buddies still corresponded frequently through the years.

With the help of his father and brothers, they all participated with the ranch and farming.

He is survived by one brother, Lloyd Foster and wife, Marjorie and daughter, Carrie; three sisters, Dorothea Foster of Benkelman, Carolyn and husband, Willard Pearson, and four children, Mary, Richard, Edward and Ruth of Brady, Bernice and husband, Robert Jensen and their three children, Karen and David Wilson of Kimball, John of Germany and Karen of Cozad.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Harry, Leonard, James, Kristian and infant brother.

On May 26, 1981, after brother Harry's death, Donald was left alone at the family home. Dorothea resigned from teaching school in June 1981 to help Donald, who was a diabetic and had been having heart trouble for years.

Our brother Lloyd cannot be with us today. He had a heart attack Christmas Day and is in the Dundy County Hospital.

Donald was a member of the Max Methodist Church. He loved to listen to Christian hymns on the stereo and the radio and TV sermons when he came in to relax from work.

He loved all animals. When he was young he bought his first and last gun. He killed an animal once and could never do it again. Last summer, when he was moving irrigation pipe, he saw a small snake. He moved the plant leaves to see what kind it was with his hands. The baby rattler, with only one rattle, struck him on the hand. He only killed rattlesnakes and this one didn't rattle.

Donald was a kind, loving son, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend_ His passing leaves a vacancy in the home which can never be replaced. In our hearts Donald has given us many wonderful memories.

Services were held Thursday, December 27, in the Jones Funeral Chapel of Benkelman under the direction of Rev. John Kilgore.

Betty Erdman accompanied Velma and Wilbur Case with selections, "Blessed Assurance" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Bearers were Lyndell Whipps, Verle Raichart, Boyce Warning, Kelly Raichart, Derald Rickard, Ron Janicke, Torn Edwards and Ray Daniels.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Committal service by Martin F. Bowles Post No. 65. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1958

Edwin Stanton Foster

Edwin Stanton Foster passed away November 9, 1958, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lawrence McDermott of Burley, Idaho, at the age of 83 years, ten months and 28 days. He had been ill for the past year.

He was born December 12, 1874, at Buda, Illinois. He moved from there to Battle Creek, Iowa, in 1877, where he resided until 1886, then moving to Weldon, Iowa, where they lived until 1900. He graduated from the Weldon high school in 1894. He came to Nebraska about 1900 and settled on a farm near Max where he engaged in farming and raising cattle.

He was married to Cora Parsons November 20, 1901 and to this union five children were born. His wife preceded him in death, February 22, 1940, as did one brother, Steven, of Max.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his children, Ethel McDermott, of Burley, Idaho, Clyde Foster, Lancaster, California, Ella Baumfalk, Stratton, Ralph Foster, Walla Walla, Washington and Clarence Foster, Republican City; three sisters, Mae Parsons, Pawnee Rock, Kansas, Nellie Ham and Fannie Fuehring, Benkelman; three brothers, Alden and Ben Foster, Max and C. C. Foster, Benkelman, 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.

He was a member of the Max Methodist church. He was held in admiration by everyone who knew him. He was a loving husband and father and was always interested in the welfare of his family and friends. He was a man with a wonderful memory and had read the Bible five times and could quote many scriptures from memory. He counted his friends by his acquaintances.

Rev. James Thorness conducted the services at the Methodist church Friday, November 14, at two o'clock. Singers were A. W. Jeffus, Russell Walter, Wilber Case and Eugene Jones, accompanied by Betty Gaye Peterson as organist.

Pallbearers were Val Foster, Anderson Meguire, Harry Foster, Leon Ham, Glen Foster and Don Eller.

Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Out of town relatives were Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Foster, Dale and Marvin of Landcaster, California., Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence McDermott, Burley, Idaho, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Foster, Marjorie and David, Republican City, Ralph Foster, Walla Walla, Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fuehring, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Ham, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Freise, Mr. and Mrs. Jr. Ham, Mr. and Mrs. Aldie Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Foster, Harry and Donald, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Foster, Mrs. C. C. Foster and Evelyn, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bascue and Mrs. Fannie Foster and Glen all of Max, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Boyce and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baumfalk of Wauneta, Mr. and Mrs. Wence Hrouda, Trenton, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Utter, Denver, Darlene Baumfalk, Denver, Carol Baumfalk, McCook and Mr. and Mrs. Don Eller, Trenton.

Go To Top

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, August 18, 2005

Evelyn M. Foster

Thursday, August 18, 2005

May 6, 1916--Aug. 17, 2005

BENKELMAN -- Evelyn M. Foster, 89, died Wednesday (Aug. 17, 2005) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

She was born May 6, 1916, to Chesney C. and Grace M. (Ham) Foster on her family's farm north of Max. She graduated from Benkelman High School. She then attended the Lincoln School of Commerce before returning to Benkelman.

She was a 75-year member of the United Methodist Church of Benkelman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chesney and Grace Foster; two sisters, Josephine Berk and Opal Bascue; and three brothers, Joseph Foster, Leo C. Foster and Charles H. Foster.

Survivors include her sister, Grace Marie Middleswart of Plattsmouth; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Services will be Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 1-5 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements. 

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman Post in August, 1928

Frances Luella Foster

Frances Luella Foster, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Foster living near Max, Nebraska, was born near Elnora, Alberta, Canada, June 12 1912, and departed this life August 14, 1928, at the age of sixteen years, two months and two days. She lived at her birthplace eight years and a half before moving with her parents to Dundy county, Nebraska, March 17, 1922.

She attended the Max high school and would have been a junior this coming term. She served as president of the sophomore class of 1927-1928 and also of the Wide Awake 4-H Cooking and Sewing Clubs of Hitchcock and Dundy counties, of which she was an active member for the past two summers. She was to be their representative of the Demonstration Team at Culbertson, Nebraska, for which she was preparing at the home of Mr. Burke with her team mate Lillie Burke when death suddenly overtook her.

God has called her from this earthly home where she has always been so happy. To know Frances was to love her, she being of a beautiful disposition, always looking on the bright side of life and living for others. It seems God could spare her only long enough to comfort our hearts while here and teach us how to live when she is gone. May we so live that some day in the "Sweet By and By" we may clasp her hand and look into her sweet face and smiling eyes on that bright and shining shore where we know she'll be waiting, for she was a true Christian girl.

She leaves to mourn her loss her parents, three sisters, Margaret, Elsie and Joy, one brother, Glen, and a host of friends and relatives.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 2000

Gladys Dorothea Foster

COZAD--Gladys Dorothea Foster, 80, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, at Southview Manor Care Center in Cozad, Neb. She was born July 11, 1920, to John Benjamin and Carrie Hansina (Hoff) Foster on the family farm near Max, Neb. She graduated from Benkelman (Neb.) High School in 1939 and from Kearney (Neb.) State Teachers College in 1959.

Dorothea loved school and really enjoyed teaching. She taught at District 51 for three years, District 30 for two years in Dundy County and went on to teach one year in Upland Town School. In 1947 she moved to North Platte, Neb., and taught first grade at the Lincoln Elementary School for 34 years. Dorothea was honored as Teacher of the Month on May 11 , 1981.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and belonged to many other education associations. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for many years.

In 1981 Dorothea retired from teaching and cared for her brother, Donald, who suffered from heart trouble and diabetes. She lived on the family farm until ill health forced her to leave in 1991.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Harry, Donald, Leonard, James, Kristian and an infant brother, and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Foster.

Those who survive her include her brother, Lloyd Foster, of Benkelman; sisters Bernice Jensen of Benkelman and Carolyn and her husband, Willard Pearson, of Brady, Neb.; nieces Carrie and her husband, Art Gallington, Karen and her husband, David Wilson, Kathleen and her husband, Jason Jackson, Mary Hartman and Ruth Pearson; nephews John Jensen, Richard Pearson and wife, Sharon, and Ed Pearson, and eight great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Dorothea Foster were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Robert E. Berlie officiating. Betty Erdman was the pianist and Sharon Pearson sang “Thank You." Congregational hymns were “What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Sweet Hour Of Prayer."

Casket bearers were Richard and Ed Pearson, John Jensen, John and Jerry Fries, David Wilson, Art Gallington, Doug Hartman and Jason Jackson.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman Post in May, 1978

Glen Lawrence Foster

Glen Lawrence Foster died Sunday at the Dundy County Hospital. He was born Sept. 8, 1908 in Dundy County, the son of Stephen L. and Frances M. Hardwick Foster. He attended the Methodist Church in Max and was a farmer in the Max community.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. (MDT) Tuesday at the Jones Funeral Chapel, Benkelman, with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery. Memorials are being accepted for the Diabetic Foundation.

He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Don (Joy) Eller of Trenton and Mrs. Margaret Meguire of Stratton, and eight nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Frances and Elsie.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1991

Glen Randolph Foster

LINCOLN—Glen Randolph Foster, 82, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died August 3, 1991, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born August 8, 1908, at Albia, Iowa, the son of John and Mina (Randolph) Foster.

He was raised in Benkelman, Nebraska.

He was employed as the assistant director to the Chief of Fisheries, State of Nebraska Game and Parks Department.

Glen held memberships with the Masonic Lodge #297, Professional Engineers of Nebraska, Bethany Christian Church and Columbia Chapter of Eastern Star. He was an admiral of the Nebraska Navy.

He was listed in the Who's Who in Nebraska (1976-77). He received the meritorious service award from the Isaac Walton League, Wildlife Conservation 45-year service award and outstanding service award from the St. Paul Gun Club.

Glen is survived by a son, John Foster, and his wife, Annie, of Lincoln; two daughters, Glenda Lee Greenwood and her husband, Donald, of Baker, Oregon, and Gladys Ann Hart of Lincoln; three sisters, Ruth Stroup and her husband, Ralph, of Benkelman, Mary Sloan of Lincoln and Elva Jane Adams and her husband, Harlan, also of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Tuesday, August 6, 1991, at 11 a. m. at Bethany Christian Church with Pastor Harlan Johnson officiating. Interment was in the Wyuka Cemetery at Lincoln. His grandchildren served as pallbearers.

Roper & Sons, Inc. of Lincoln was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1981

Harry Albert Foster

Harry Albert Foster, son of John Benjamin and Carrie Hasina Hoff Foster, was born August 17, 1922 at a farm home southeast of Max, Nebraska. He died Tuesday afternoon, May 26, 1981 from a sudden heart attack.

From the time Harry was a little lad, he was always interested in farming, ranching, and machinery. He kept up on the latest methods with his magazines and books.

He was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Max Methodist Church. He always tried to live by the Golden Rule, Bible verse, St. Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

He is survived by his three sisters: Dorothea Foster of North Platte; Carolyn and husband Willard Pearson with their four children, Mary, Richard, Edward and Ruth of Brady; and Bernice and husband Robert Jensen with their three children, Karen, John and Kathy of Cozad; and by his two brothers: Lloyd and wife Marjorie Dicke Foster with their daughter Carrie of Benkelman; and Donald Foster who had lived with Harry on the home place.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers: Leonard, James, Kristian and an infant brother.

Harry was a kind, loving son, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. His passing leaves a vacancy in the home which can never be filled. In our hearts Harry has given us many wonderful memories.

Services were held Friday, May 29, 1981 at 2 p.m. in Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska. The Rev. Allan Martin officiated at the services.

Organist Phyllis Kirkman accompanied Velma and Wilbur Case in singing "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Blessed Assurance".

Bearers were Otis Rickard, Derald Rickard, Ron Janicke, Tom Edwards, Kelly Raichert, Verle Raichert, Boyce Warning and Ray Daniels. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska.

Arrangements were made by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, Nebraska.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1950

J. N. “Nick” Foster

Not alone Chase county, but all Southwestern Nebraska, lost one of its best known and most valuable citizens when P. N. Foster died at Imperial, Nebraska, on Saturday of last week. J. N. Foster, better known to hundreds all over the section as "Nick" Foster, was a man of unusual qualities and in many ways. Although he did as much or more for Imperial as any other man in that section, he did all he could for Southwestern Nebraska generally too. As for Imperial, he served as its mayor from 1914 until 1924, and as for Southwest Nebraska, he served in dozens of capacities in a telling way all thru the 50 years that he was connected with the Kilpatrick ranches in Chase county.

He not alone was one of the promoters of Highway 6 and served as president of that Association but likewise served as president of the South Platte United Chamber of Commerce. While he gave everything he had in the way of energy and thought to the development of Chase county and its natural environs, he did not stop there but was a powerful influence in the development of Republican River sections as well and those who worked so hard in bringing about the development of Rock Creek fisheries and state lake will not forget the fine cooperation that Mr. Foster gave them in bringing it to such a successful conclusion.

And the same thing is true of Republican river irrigation projects. He was one of the charter members of the Republican Valley Conservation Association and among its most faithful attendants at all meetings. He is acknowledged as one of the moving spirits in visioning and promoting the Enders dam and perhaps no man, regardless of official position, is entitled to a greater degree of credit in making that great project possible than is P. N. Foster.

Among all the boosters and workers for the good of Southwestern Nebraska, the Post knows of no one who worked harder and achieved more than did "Nick" Foster and no one will be missed to a greater extent than he will be. He was a fine man, generous to a fault, a stickler for right and a battler for progress and his call came much too soon for the benefit of our section in the wonderful progress that it is making today for the betterment for all concerned, and in so many ways.

Mr. Foster was 76 years of age and had been ill for about one month. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two sons, one brother and two sisters.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1966

John Benjamin Foster

Ben Foster, well known Max community resident, succumbed to a long illness at the Dundy County Hospital on Thursday at the age of 78 years. He was long identified as an enterprising and industrious farmer as well as a good neighbor and friend. Funeral services were held on Saturday at the Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. William E. Whittaker officiating. Mrs. Dale Bauer was the organist and Mrs. Royce Anderson the soloist. Bearers were Wayne Ham, Joe Foster, Chris Andersen, Wayne Bascue, Glen Foster and George Andersen. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

John Benjamin Foster, son of Charles and Josephine Foster, was born at Weldon, Iowa, on July 8, 1888, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital at Benkelman, Nebraska, on October 6, 1966, at the age of 78 years, two months and 28 days.

He moved with his family to Dundy County, Nebraska, on March 1, 1900, when he was eleven. Here he finished his education and became a member of the Max Methodist Church.

On June 29, 1919, he was united in marriage to Carrie Hansine Hoff. To this union ten children were born, seven sons and three daughters.

He is survived by his seven children, Dorothea Foster of North Platte, Harry Albert, Benkelman, Lloyd Benjamin, Wallace, Donald Robert, Benkelman, John Leonard, Benkelman, Carolyn Pearson, Brady, and Bernice Jensen, Cozad; three, grandchildren, Carrie Foster of Wallace, Karen and Johnny Jensen of Cozad; one brother, Chet Foster, Benkelman ; and two sisters, May Parsons of Pawnee Rock, Kansas, and Nellie Ham of Benkelman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Carrie; three infant sons; three brothers, Steve, Ed, Aldie; and one sister, Fannie Fuehring.

Ben was a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. His passing leaves a vacancy which can never be filled.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1973

John Leonard Foster

John Leonard Foster was born to John Benjamin and Karen Hansine Hoff Foster at Max, Nebraska on July 27, 1929 and passed away at the farm home on April 25, 1973 at 43 years, eight months and 28 days of age.

He was a member of the Max United Methodist church.

He was salutatorian of his high school class, was a lover of music both classical and western and had a great interest in horses and cattle.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Miss Dorothea Foster of North Platte, Carolyn Pearson and husband Willard of Brady, Bernice Jensen and husband Robert of Cozad, Loyd Foster and wife Marjorie, Harry and Donald Foster of Benkelman; and nieces Mary, Carrie, Karen and Katherine; and nephews, Richard and John.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three infant brothers.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1942

Josephine Naomi Foster

Another of Dundy county's most esteemed pioneers joined the silent majority when Josephine Naomi Foster passed away at a Benkelman hospital at 1:15 o'clock Wednesday morning, April 1st. Although she had been ill only a few days, her death was not unexpected since she developed rapidly worse since the Wednesday previously and each day brought less hope for her recovery. Her illness had its beginning in a very severe sinus attack and from this complications which could not be successfully combated developed.

The body will lie in state at the Laughlin-Lord funeral home until Friday noon. The funeral services will be conducted at the Max Methodist church at 2:30 Friday afternoon by Rev. J. C. Foster, assisted by Rev. Martin of the Max Methodist church. The body will lie in state at the church for one hour preceding the funeral. Interment will be in the Benkelman cemetery.

Mrs. Foster was born in Garden Grove, Decatur county, Iowa, on December 24, 1855, and was 86 years, 3 months and 7 days of age when her Creator called her to her heavenly home. She was united in marriage to Charles Foster on January 1, 1874, at Garden Grove, Iowa, and to this union were born eight children, namely, Edwin F., Steven L., John B., William A., Mrs. Mary E. Parsons, Mrs. Fannie G. Fuehring, all of Max, and Mrs. Nellie E. Ham and Chester C. Foster of Benkelman. She is likewise survived by 39 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. All of her children were at her bedside when the death angel beckoned her home. Mr. Foster passed away in 1922, following which Mrs. Foster made her home in Max for many years but during the past few years she has spent much of her time at the home of her children.

Mrs. Foster came to Dandy county with her family in 1900 at which time they located on a large farm near Max. She was an active member of the Max Methodist church during the many years that Dundy county had been her home. Mrs. Foster was a woman of high ideals and always sought the better things in life and her influence for good was not alone felt within her family circle but in community life as well. She was a woman of more than average intellectual attainment and she used her talents to the good of her family and those with whom she came in contact. Even in her rapidly declining years she maintained her mental qualifications up to the point of death itself.

Everyone with whom she canoe in contact felt an enduring respect and esteem for her and now in her passing, the tenderest sympathies of hundreds of admiring friends go out to those who are left behind in their great loss and deep sorrow.

Go To Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1991

Leo Chesney Foster

DENVER, Colo.--Leo Chesney Foster of Denver, Colorado, died Friday morning, May 31, 1991, at home at the age of 81.

Leo was born on the family farm north of Max, Nebraska, on November 2, 1909, to Chet and Grace (Ham) Foster.

He was united in marriage to VaLeita Fallert on April 9, 1929. She preceded him in death in August 1964.

They lived on the farm north of Max until moving to Stratton, Nebraska, in 1951.

To this union five children were born: Valgene of Columbus, Nebraska; Joan Schwartz of North Platte, Nebraska; Luan Jesch of Boulder, Colorado; Kenneth of McCook, Nebraska, and Keith of Winter Park, Florida.

After retiring from the farm and moving to Stratton, he served as village clerk of Stratton until moving to Denver in 1968. While living in Stratton, he was an active member of Robert Burns Masonic Lodge No. 173, A.F. & A.M.

On November 23, 1979, Leo was married to Irene Mosier Morrison, who survives him.

Other survivors are his 5 children; 20 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Charles; 2 sisters, Evelyn Foster and Marie Middleswart; many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joseph; two sisters, Josephine Berk and Opal Bascue, and two infant granddaughters.

His many interests included livestock, farming and sporting events. Leo's family was a very important part of his life. He was a great inspiration to them because of his positive outlook on life even though he was disabled at a young age due to Multiple Sclerosis.

Services were held Tuesday, June 4, 1991, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Vernon Whetstone officiating.

Brother Francis Jesch, a grandson, gave the eulogy.

Organist was Betty Erdman. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Bill O'Neil, Norm Jesch, Steven Foster, Dennis Nelson, Todd Foster, Stephen Jesch, Chuck Schwartz, Chris Jesch and Rick Hoffman.

Honorary bearers were Kenny Frasier, Arden Ham, Don Ham, Paul Ham, Stan Ham, Lloyd Foster, Byron Ham, Lawrence Ham, John Ham and Vaughn Ham.

Committal was by Robert Burns Lodge No. 173, A.F. & A.M. with interment in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Go To Top

Submitters retain all Copyrights.

All data on this website is © Copyright 2008-2009 by Genealogy Trails with full rights reserved for original submitters.