| Dundy County Nebraska Genealogy Trails |
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Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, January 18, 2002 Friday, January 18, 2002 Phyllis E. Gray ROCA -- Phyllis Elaine Gray, 74, of Benkelman, died Thursday (Jan. 17, 2002) at her daughter's home in Roca. She was born May 31, 1927, in Dundy County to David A. and Manila A. (Osborn) Merklin. She attended school in Dundy County. On January 21, 1944, she married Ozro James Gray, at Cheyenne, Wyo. She graduated in 1971 from the Western Nebraska College of Nursing in Scottsbluff and returned to Benkelman where she was employed by Dundy County Hospital. She was later employed by Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman where she was the Director of Nursing and Social Services. She was active in the church choir and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ozro James Gray in 1974; three brothers, William Merklin, Donovan Merklin and George Merklin in infancy; one sister, Audra White; and her granddaughter, Christine Miller. Survivors include daughters, Jeanne Harmon of Mesa, Ariz., and husband, Mark of McCook, Aloha Kier and husband, Jack of Council, Idaho, Luana Gray of Roca, and Anna Gray of Fairmont; one brother, David O. Merklin and wife, Arlene of Benkelman; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be Monday, 10 a.m. MST, at the Friends Church in Benkelman with Rev. Robert Sander officiating. Inurnment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, March 9, 2005 Wednesday, March 9, 2005 May 16, 1931-March 5, 2005 BENKELMAN -- Ada Irene Gray, 73, died Saturday (March 5, 2005) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. She was born May 16, 1931, in Potter to Fredrick Laury and Helen Vida (Hite) Schwartz. She grew up in Sidney and graduated from Sidney High School. On July 16, 1947, Ada was united in marriage to Donald Cecile Gray of Sidney. She was a homemaker She was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick and Helen Schwartz; her husband, Donald Gray; son, Laury Kent Gray; sisters, Harlene Howser, Leila Stone, Evelyn Burt and Louise Schwartz; and brothers, Harold Schwartz and Leonard Schwartz. Survivors include her daughter, Linda Mallis of Bellevue, Wash.; son, Herbert Gray of Burleson, Texas; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Services are Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Matthew Price officiating. There will be a private inurnment at a later date. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be given in her name. Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1990 BENKELMAN– Donald C. Gray, a former resident of Benkelman, Nebraska, died December 22, 1989, at the Veterans' Hospital in Dallas, Texas, after a lengthy illness. He was 62 years, 9 months and 22 days of age. Graveside services were held December 27, 1989, with the Rev. Greg Melton officiating. Interment was in the Goree Cemetery, Goree, Texas. Phyllis Gray of Benkelman, Anna Jane Gray and son, Matthew Dorothy of Max, Nebraska, and Luana Sis and daughters, Sarah, Nicole and Katrina, of Roca, Nebraska, attended the services. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1923 "Uncle Jimmy" Gray passed away Wednesday morning in this city after an illness of but a few days from pneumonia. The remains were taken to Haigler Wednesday afternoon where interment took place yesterday afternoon. Mr. Gray lived all alone for several years just outside Haigler until about a month ago when his house caught fire and was destroyed. He then came to Benkelman to make his home until his residence was reconstructed. Mr. Gray was probably the oldest settler in Dundy County. He served in the Civil War and at the close followed the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad into Nebraska in 1868, where he followed the career of cowboy for several years, finally locating on a farm near Haigler. (Researcher note: Available records show a birth date of 11-26-1840 and a death date of 1-3-1923.) Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1994 GOREE, Texas--Laury Kent Gray, 42, of Goree, Texas, died Wednesday, December 7, 1994, at the Knox County Hospital in Knox City. Texas. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11, at the Goree Cemetery under the direction of Archer Funeral Home of Seymour, Texas. The Rev. Darrell Dossey of the First Baptist Church of Goree officiated. Gray was born April 18, 1952, in Sidney, Nebraska. The family resided in Benkelman, Nebraska, where he attended Benkelman Elementary School, and in Lincoln, Nebraska, before moving to Goree in 1986. He married Teresa Nix in 1979 at Navasota. Texas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Goree, Goree City Council and had served on the Goree Volunteer Fire Department. He was self-employed as a hydraulic repair mechanic and also did asphalt repair. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Amanda, of Goree; three sons, Aaron, Allan and Adam, all of Goree; his mother, Ada Gray of Benkelman, Nebraska; a brother, Herb Gray of Yakima, Oregon, and one sister, Linda Mallis of Renton, Washington. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1974 Ozro James Gray passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Tuesday after being hospitalized for a heart attack. He was 49 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughters, Jeanne Harmon, Aloha, Luana and Anna Jane. Funeral services were held at the United Presbyterian Church in Benkelman on Thursday with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Anna Benge was the organist and Monty Crandon and Kelly Wallace, the singers. Casket bearers were Merle Wallace, Ray Draper, Albert Cross, Bob Arnold, Manley Baney and Dale Osborn. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with graveside rites performed by comrades of Martin F. Bowles Post No. 65 of the American Legion. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements. Ozro James Gray was born January 21, 1925 at Ft. Morgan, Colorado to Herbert and Gladys Gray. He was married to Phyllis Elaine Merklin on January 21, 1944 at Cheyenne, Wyoming. To this union four daughters were born: Jeanne Harmon of McCook, Nebraska, Aloha, Luana and Anna Jane all of the home. During World War II, Mr. Gray served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He was proud of his membership in the American Legion and was faithful to its tenants. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughters, Jeanne Harmon, Aloha, Luana and Anna Jane; three grandchildren, Christine, Heather and Melissa Harmon all of McCook, Nebraska; a sister, Thelma Sweet, Shoshone, Idaho; two brothers, Donald and Jerry of Idaho Falls, Idaho; step-sister, Patricia Doris, Sunnyside, Washington; stepbrother, Virgil Lyons, Ft. Lupton, Colorado and his mother, Gladys Gray of Benkelman. He was preceded in death his father, Herbert and sister, Velma. Although deprived of a formal education himself, he insisted that his children receive the best education available. "OJ", as he was affectionately called, was a friend to all who knew him and he generously gave of his time to all found in need. One of his greatest joys was the pride he took in his children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband and father and his passing will cause a void which can only be filled with memories of his love and concern for his fellowman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2004 Edward H. Greeley, age 76, of Imperial, Neb., died Thursday, July 8, 2004, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial. Ed was born on April 21, [928, on the family farm in Hayes County, Neb., to Gordon and Ethel (Madison) Greeley. He moved with his family to Chase County where he attended Lone Star School. He married Marie Ott on Aug. 27, 1949. He worked on various farms before moving back to the family farm in 1967. He moved into Imperial in 1977 where he owned and operated a mechanic's shop until his retirement. Due to failing health, Ed moved to the Imperial Manor 10 years ago where he made his home until his death. Ed loved kids, farming, jig;aw puzzles and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and four grand;ons. Survivors include daughters Mrs. Donnie (Marsha) Nichols of Danbury, Neb., Mrs. Jim (Sharon) Crown of Brady, Neb., and Mrs. Brian (Connie) Williamson of Missouri; a brother, Raymond, and wife, Bernita, of Imperial; a sister. Shirley Clark, of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Ed Greeley were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 12, 2004, at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with the Rev. Murray Schmechel officiating. Music was by Don Newman. Casket bearers were Blake Feikert, James Crown, Jay Smith, Joel Smith, Chance Greeley and Bill Greeley. Honorary bearers were Rick Crown, Tyler Vlasin, Donnie Nichols and Matt Davis. Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? 1979? TRENTON — Florence Green of Trenton died Thursday at the El Dorado Manor at the age of 75. She was born July 12, 1904 at Cambridge to the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Foster. She grew up in southwest Nebraska and was married to John Green May 29, 1922 at McCook. They spent 49 years with the Burlington railroad in this area and her husband preceded her in death Feb. 7, 1972. She is survived by one son, Gilbert Green, of Wray, Colo.; two grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Herrmann Funeral Chapel in Trenton. Interment will be in the Trenton Cemetery., Memorials in her name may be left at the Funeral Home. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1983 Lora Green, wife of John R. Green, died Sunday afternoon, February 27, 1983, at the McCook Community Hospital. Her funeral was held Wednesday, March 2, 1983, at the First Christian Church in McCook with Rev. Virgil Wellets in charge of the service. Interment was in McCook Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Carpenter Funeral Home. Memorials in her name may be made to the First Christian Church. Lora Emma Stumbaugh was born in Boone County, Nebraska, October 19, 1891, to Abner Atwell Stumbaugh and Abbie Johnson Rudisill. In the spring of 1906, her family moved to Platte County, Nebraska, and the following year to Dundy County, Nebraska. On October 19, 1907, at Trenton, Nebraska, she was united in marriage with Franklin Ellis Dunn of Max, Nebraska. To this union four children were born, all of whom survive. They are Leonard Lyle and Loral Ellis of McCook, Nebraska, Loran Audlie of Hesperia, California, and Leta (Mrs. G. E.) Maloney of Tuscola, Illinois. Two daughters-in-law, Opal (Mrs. Lyle Dunn) and Ritchie (Mrs. Loran Dunn) and a son-in-law, Gene Maloney, also survive as does one sister, Frances Frans Durgan, of San Pablo, California. One granddaughter, Marcia, is married to Jerry Lee Lawritson and lives in Martinez, California. They have a daughter, Dasha. Other grandchildren are Judy Hudson of Richmond, Indiana, and Geraldine Feltz, whose husband is Charles. They have a daughter, Peggy, and live in Barstow, California . She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Floyd Alan of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and William Michael of Chico, California, and two sisters, Leta, who died at the age of seven, and Mollie Martin Planque of Akron, Colorado. The Dunns homesteaded in Washington County, Colorado, in the spring of 1909. Mrs. Green wrote a number of true experiences about those pioneer days. Ellis passed away August 19, 1928. Mrs. Dunn and John R. Green of Stratton, Nebraska, were married April 4, 1931, at Wray, Colorado. The couple moved to McCook, Nebraska, in March of 1937 and have resided in their present home during this time. They celebrated their golden anniversary April 4, 1981. Mrs. Green was an active member of the First Christian Church and received much credit for making over 500 little girls' dresses for her church after she passed her 80th birthday. Three of Lora Green's children—Loral, Audlie and Leta Dunn— attended Benkelman High School. Loral also taught in the Benkelman School System from1936 to 1941. John Arnold Dunn was their grandfather. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December? 1979? A funeral for Earl D. Green, 87, Scottsbluff, who died Friday, was held in First Wesleyan Church in Scottsbluff with the Rev. George Francis officiating and burial in Sunset Memorial Park. He was born April 27, 1892 at Rosemont. He farmed until 1926 and came to Scottsbluff in 1933. He worked as a carpenter and later for Scottsbluff schools until he retired. He was a member of the church and Nebraska Custodial association. Survivors include his wife, Pauline of Scottsbluff; sons Garland of Denver, Delbert Sr., and Calvin Sr., both of Gering and Stephen of Scottsbluff; daughters Mrs. Henrietta Hansen of Hay Springs, Mrs. Carol Shuck of Minneapolis and Mrs. Melba McNaught and Mrs. Patti Mattock both of Scottsbluff; sisters Mrs. Emma McBride of Gering, Mrs. Annie Wedge of Ontario, Ore., Mrs. Olive Brown of Denver and Mrs. Clara Reichert of Benkelman, brother John of McCook; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? ???? Edgar R. Green, former resident of the section north of Max, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William. J. Russell in McCook on Thursday night of last week. Funeral services were held Saturday at the Pade and Herrmann funeral home with Rev. C. H. Prouty in charge. Interment was in Riverside cemetery there. Mr. Green came to Duridy county in a covered wagon in 1883 to settle on his homestead near Max and was joined by his wife and daughter in 1884. He had resided on this homestead until about ten years ago when he retired and went to McCook to make his home with his daughter. His illness was of short duration. Mrs. Green passed away in 1941. Beside his daughter, he is survived by three grandchildren and three great grand-, children, and two sisters, Mrs. Ida Foule of Cecil, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Lydia Sheeley, of Des Moines, Iowa. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1993 John Gilbert Green WRAY, Colo.--John Gilbert Green was born in Cambridge, Nebraska, on March 8, 1923, to J. Adam and Florence (Foster) Green. Following several years of declining health, he died Friday, January 15, 1993, at the age of 69. He was the only child of a railroader and as such learned early to adjust to new friends nearly every two years. This life served him well in his later years. Possessed of a quick wit, no one was a stranger, and wherever he traveled he would always find an old acquaintance or cherished friend. He loved to tell of the many adventures in his lonely but colorful life, and his stories led to many hours of entertainment for his family. Attending 14 different schools made it difficult to get his education; however, in 1942, he graduated from Wray High School. During the summer of 1942 he met Betty Lee Browning and they were married on Thanksgiving Day of that same year. Gilbert continued, as his father before him, as an employee of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for 13 years. His desire to provide a better life for his family, which now included twin girls, led him to become a respected life insurance agent. This decision brought him many honors, among them a Million Dollar Round Table membership. It must be here recorded that the arrival of twin girls, LaRue and LuAnn, on Christmas Day 1946 was another miracle on this special day. It was also a big day when the family made a down payment on their own home at 917 Dexter in 1956. Many happy days were spent before the twins were both married in 1966, LuAnn to Duane Wall and LaRue to Dennis Krutsinger. Wendy and Dustin Wall and Kriss, Kassi and Karra Krutsinger were their grandparents' joy. The Walls made their home in Haigler, Nebraska, and Wray for years, and recently moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming. The Krutsingers reside in Imperial, Nebraska. In 1952, Gilbert was Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #71. In 1973 he received an honorary vestiture of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. Active in community affairs, he was a charter member of both the Wray Lions Club and the Wray Elks Lodge as well as a member of the Rocky Mountain Consistory and El Jebel Shrine and a member of the Wray United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lee; daughters and their husbands; seven grandchildren including Jeff Lee, husband of Wendy, and Lisa (Owens) Krutsinger, wife of Kriss; a sister-in-law, Ruth Browning; two nephews and many cousins around this area and in Illinois where his father was born. Funeral services were held Monday, January 18, 1993, at 11 a.m. at the Wray United Methodist Church. Interment preceded the funeral service in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray. Spellman-Schmidt-Baucke Mortuary of Wray were in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1986 John Robert Green, 88, of McCook died Sunday, October 26, 1986, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was born June 19, 1898, in Webster County to Stephen and Laura (Quiggle) Green, the youngest son in a family of 10 children. The family moved to a farm in 3-36 precinct in Dundy County in February of 1906, where he lived until the spring of 1937 when he moved to McCook. He resided there until November 1, 1985, when he entered the Hester Memorial Nursing Home in Benkelman. John was married to Lora Stumbaugh Dunn on April 4, 1931, and she preceded him in death February 27, 1983. Also preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers: Harve, George, Erne and Earl; one sister, Nellie, and one stepson, Lyle Dunn. Survivors include four sisters: Mrs. Boyd (Clara) Raichart of Max, Mrs. George (Emma) McBride of Gering, Mrs. Ivan (Olive) Browning of Denver, and Mrs. George (Ann) Wedge of Ontario, Oregon; two stepsons, Loral Dunn of McCook and Loran Audlie Dunn of Hesperia, California, and one stepdaughter, Mrs. Gene (Leta) Maloney of Tuscola, Illinois. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 29, 1986, at the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Chapel in McCook. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery at McCook, Nebraska, under the direction of the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in his name and left at the funeral home or sent to the First Christian Church in McCook. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1993 WAUNETA--John Wiley Green was born to John W. and Merle M. Green in Wauneta, Nebraska, on June 1, 1911, and, after a brief illness, died August 3, 1993, at Oxford, Ohio. . He was married to Breta Montgomery of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1935, and to this union was born one child, John Montgomery Green. After Breta's death in 1980, he married Frieda Curtiss of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1981. Following graduation from college, Wiley worked for two years at the Regional Agriculture Credit Corporation in Omaha before moving back to Wauneta to begin his lifelong association with the Wauneta Falls Bank on October 14, 1936. He was employed by the bank for 50 years serving as cashier, vice president, president and chairman of the board. He resigned in the spring of 1987 but remained on the board and later was named Chairman Emeritus. In 1986 he received the prestigious Nebraska Bankers' Association 50-Year Service Award. He served in both the U.S. Army and Navy during World War II and was discharged in 1945. He served the American Legion Post #304 in Wauneta as commander and was also a member of the Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star as well as serving as chairman of the Wauneta Cemetery Board for many years. Other local offices included president of the Commercial Club and village treasurer. He is survived by his wife, Frieda, of Lincoln; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Jean Green, grandson, Matthew, and granddaughter, Lee Anne, all of Oxford, Ohio; a sister, Phyllis Bonham, of Pasadena, California, and two nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, August 7, 1993, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with Pastor Carroll Plisek officiating. Music was by Mike Kitt and Peg Walgren; selections were “The Lamb Of Glory" and “The Lord's Prayer." The congregational hymn was "When We All Get To Heaven." Bearers were Bob Hamilton, Lawrence Rueter, Bill Stock, Lynn Haarberg, Richard Hamilton and Jack Maddux. Honorary bearers were Russel Polly, Bernard O'Neil, Jim Johnston, Lowell Grimm, Donald Ham, Welby Collins, Woodrow Moody and Kenneth McGooden. Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta with military rites by the American Legion Post 304. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established in Wiley's name to be used for a beautification project at the Riverside Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Lela Hamilton, c/o Wauneta Falls Bank, PO Box 209, Wauneta, NE 69045-0209. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1999 IMPERIAL-Vera Mae (Bricker) Greene was born on Sept. 21, 1902, at Crete, Neb., in Saline County, to George and Anna Dora (Leach) Bricker. She died Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. She came to Southwest Nebraska in 1907 with her parents, a brother and a sister. They arrived in Wauneta, Neb., by train, including their belongings and livestock. They lived near Wauneta for a short time until they purchased their first quarter of land located on the Chase/Dundy County line. With her older brother, Irvin, and sister, Valma, she attended the Ash Grove School which was a newly built, one-room schoolhouse located two miles south of their home. Many of her schoolmates remained life-long friends. They also attended Sunday school at the Sleepy Hollow and Prairie Rose churches. She and her sister were often called upon to sing "I'll Be a Sunbeam." Her parents supported all constructive efforts and her mother was active in organizing the Prairie Rose Union Sunday School. She became its first superintendent and worked diligently to have every family in attendance every Sunday, which Vera also continued on with her own family. Irvin found a small raccoon which he brought home to the girls as a pet. They once walked him upright, each holding a front paw, to see their neighbor, Hi Bernard. Also he was dressed as their "real live" doll! She helped her brother practice his pitching by catching the baseball and one time sustained two broken fingers. In 1919, she moved to Benkelman, Neb., with her parents and new baby sister, Melba, who was 19 years younger. On March 30, 1922, she married Joseph H. Greene. They moved to her parents' farm where they raised four children: Joseph Jr., Glenard, Virginia and Carroll. Every school day, she lovingly and caringly prepared four dinner pails for her children who also went to the same one-room schoolhouse. The children always knew where their mother was, at home working! She had a schedule for every day of the week and never wavered. In 1950, they moved to Imperial. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: her brother; a sister, Valma Pribbeno: a son-in-law, George King. and two infant grandchildren. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia King; three sons, Joseph Jr. and wife, Gloria, and Glenard D. and wife, Coleen, all of Imperial, and Carroll E. and wife. Ruth, of Lakeside, Calif.; a sister, Melba Conner; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1999, at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with the Rev. Linda Battello officiating. Singers Jacqueline Greene. Annette Hazuka, Patrick McMair and Don Norman were accompanied by Ava Rouze, and the prelude and postlude were by Lucille McBride. Casket bearers were Bernard Nelson, Jeff Pribbeno, Tim and Steve Leibbrandt, Royce Bernard and Dean Burtis. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Imperial with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1989 Helen J. (Nicholson) Greene was born September 3, 1907, at Beaver City, Nebraska, the daughter of Grace (Morland) and William Nicholson. She died September 27, 1989, at Benkelman, Nebraska. She attended grade school in Furnas County, Nebraska, and graduated from the Beaver City High School in 1926. She taught school in Furnas and Dundy counties until her marriage to William (Bill) Greene on October 6, 1933. They farmed in Dundy County near Hiawatha before moving to California in 1950. Later they moved to Grants Pass, Oregon. In 1972 they moved back to Benkelman for retirement. She worked as a dispatcher at the courthouse and then at the Benkelman Greenhouse for several years. Helen and Bill had no children of their own, but she loved her stepsons as if they were her own. Her delight was their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a special person to their nieces and nephews, right down to the great-great. She always had a little gift or treat for them. Her sense of humor and stories were an enjoyment to so many. Helen never knew a stranger and had many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; one sister; two brothers and two stepsons. She leaves to mourn, a son, Don; one brother, Floyd Nicholson; her sisters, Lola Alsbury, Bula Adkinson and Emily Nicholson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; lots of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many, many friends. Services were held Monday, October 2, 1989, at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Benkelman with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating. Organist was Ruth Shillington and Elmer Case sang "My Task" and "Ivory Palaces." Bearers were Boyd Adkinson, Paul Adkinson, Carroll Alsbury, Scott Edwards, Carroll Greene, George Greene, Glenard Greene, William Nicholson and Lester O'Donnell. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April? 1945 Tribute was paid to the memory of Staff Sergeant Harry A. Greene at a very beautiful and fitting memorial service at the Methodist church on Sunday afternoon. The service was attended by a large assembly of friends and members of the American Legion from Benkelman and Haigler, as well as members, of the armed forces who were home on furlough at the time. Rev. J. C. Foster delivered the sermon and the musical selections were by Misses Joan Phelps and Ethel Messick with Mrs. Glenard Phelps at the piano. The American Legion conducted services over the grave of the unknown soldier following the church service. Following is the eulogy: Staff Sergeant Alonzo Harry Greene, son of William Greene and Mrs. Marie Denny was born in Benkelman. Nebraska. on the 31st day of October, 1924, and died gloriously in battle in the defense of his country and of liberty and freedom for all the peoples of the world on the 24th day of March 1945 at the age of 20 years, 5 months and 24 days. Prior to his army service, Sergeant Greene lived in Dundy county all of his life, except two years when he lived near Chadron, Kansas. He became a member of the. armed forces on April 5, 1943 at Fort Logan, Colorado. From there he was transferred to Camp Mackall, North Carolina, where he was a member of the glider troops. In March of 1944 he was transferred to Camp Forrest, Tennessee. On June 5, 1944, he volunteered for the airborne paratroops and entered this training on June 5, 1944. Twelve days later he had completed his five jumps and was awarded the coveted honor of wearing the wings and boots of the paratropper. He embarked for overseas duty at Boston, Massachusetts, on August 29, 1944, received his combat training in England and went into combat duty in Belgium in late December 1944. He was a member of the Seventeenth airborne division which helped establish the lower Rhine bridgehead and which bears a short but illustrious record of combat. It was rushed into the battle of the Ardennes last December as part of Lieut. General George S. Patton's Third Army and fought in the Bastogne area, helping relieve the siege of the One Hundred First Airborne Division which fought gallantly and held that major Belgian road center. The Seventeenth is the Eagle's Claw Division commanded by Major General William M. Miley of Starkville, Mississippi. It landed, on the Westphalian plain as part of Major General Mathew B. Ridgway's Eighteenth Airborne Corps, fighting alongside the British Sixth Airborne Division. Only the Seventeenth and Sixth Divisions have been mentioned in cross-Rhine airborne operations. Shortly after helping the Third and First Armies erase the Ardennes bulge, the Seventeenth was in the vanguard of Third Army troops which cracked through the Siegfried line opposite Luxembourg. On March 24th, he was reported missing in action, but later his body was found near Wesel, Germany. At the time of his death he was serving as a squad leader in Company A of the 194th Glider Infantry, Colonel James R. Pierce commanding. He was buried in an American Military cemetery in Holland. In a letter to the widow, Colonel Pierce states: "Your husband's loss is deeply felt by his fellow soldiers and officers and I am sure that they join me in hoping that your pride in his record may in some part offset your great feeling of personal loss." Staff Sergeant Greene was educated in the Benkelman schools where he was known and loved for his sportsmanlike spirit and attitude, his quick ready humor, and his spirit of cooperation. On July 2, 1944, he was married to Ida May McCoy of Max, his childhood sweetheart, at Roseville, Georgia. Beside his widow, Ida May, he leaves to mourn his passing, his mother Mrs. Marie Denny and his , stepfather Earl J. Denny of Benkelman, with whom he has made his home since he was six years of age; his father William E. Greene and step-mother, Helen, of Compton, California; a half-brother, Donald E. Greene, now serving with the U. S. Navy in the South Pacific; his half-brother, Ralph Greene, of Hynes, California; two step-sisters, Mrs. Bernie Nordhausen of Farragut, Idaho, and, Mrs. Hazel Berry of Lamar, Nebraska, two step-brothers, T5 Jesse E. Denny now serving with the Third Army in Germany and F. L. Denny, MMC now at home; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Betty Jean Denny and Mrs. Jeanne Denny, both of Benkelman; three brothers-in-law, Orlando W. Berry now serving with the Fifth Army in Italy, Otto Nordhausen and W. V. McCoy both in the U. S. Navy; three grandmothers, Mrs. Eli Hester of Benkelman, Mrs. Anna Greene of Benkelman and Mrs. Clara Denny of Colby, Kansas. To these may be added a host of relatives and friends, all of whom feel a deep personal loss in his passing. In the battle near Cleaveaux on the Siegfried line, he won his advancement from Private First Class to Staff Sergeant, was cited for gallantry in action and awarded the Bronze Star decoration. He was also awarded the badge of the Order of the Purple Heart, the last award being made posthumously. Staff Sergeant Greene gave his life willingly and gloriously. He went forward to battle with a little heart and a determined spirit. He rode the battle cloud and swept onward with the march of the hurricane charge; he gave his young life with all its hopes and ambitions that a world might be free from the forces of evil which had for their goal the stamping out of the spirit of Christianity and the enslavement of all the people of the world. (Researcher note: This note appears to be one written for a class reunion or something like that. It was found in with the obituaries. At the bottom, someone had written that Donald Greene died October 9, 2001 in Santa Rose, California. The obituary I found is at the bottom.) Donald Greene. My parents were William and Winifred Greene. I graduated from Benkelman High School in 1939, and from the Warshaw Mortuary College in Chicago in 1942. I immediately left Chicago for Los Angeles as I could join the U.S. Navy Medical Corps as a Class 3 Petty Officer. I joined the Navy on August 21, 1942, and took my basic training at Balboa Navy Hospital in San Diego. Two months later I applied for Medical Lab School and was sent to Long Beach Naval Hospital. After graduation from Laboratory School I was sent to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from a "GRU Pac Hospital Unit." This unit was assigned to the 1st and 2nd Marine Corp Division. This is one of the units that went on the invasion of Iwo Jima, where over 75% of the Medics lost their lives in battle. Fortunately, I was not with my buddies. Admiral Nimitz Command was being returned from Guam to "Pearl Harbor Com Service Pac" and their clinic needed a Pharmacist and a Lab Technician to staff the new clinic. Just a day before we were to board our ships for the Micronesia Pacific Islands, a Pharmacist and I were called into the medical office and given orders to report to Com Sery Pac — Pearl Harbor for duty at Nimitz Dispensary. This dispensary treated only the Gold Brass, Lieutenant Commanders and above. I was fortunate to have spent the final days of the war here and returned to Mare Island, San Francisco Bay area, in late Jan. of 1946 where I was discharged as a Chief Pharmacist Mate on Jan. 25, 1946. I am now retired from my sales career with Lederel Laboratories, division of American Cyanamid with 39 years of service (30 years spent in Hawaii and 9 years in the California area.) I live in Vista, Calif. (This note was at the bottom of the above article.) In the Navy the pharmacist is a man of many duties and his work often times takes in about anything and everything that deals with keeping men in good health as well as taking care of them when they are in bad health. Such is the work of Don Greene who finished the lengthy and complete laboratory training duty and entered foreign service on April 10, 1944. Don is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Greene of Compton, California, and is a graduate of the Benkelman high school with the class of 1939. He attended Worsham College of Chicago and in civilian life was a mortician. He was born in Benkelman on July 14, 1920. (Researcher note: This obituary was found later.) SANTA ROSA, Calif.—Donald E. Greene, age 81, passed away in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001. A native of Benkelman, Neb., he was born on July 14, 1920, and graduated from the Benkelman High School in 1939. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and served in the South Pacific. He was a member of the Oakmont Kiwanis Club and SIRS No. 92 of Oakmont and a life member of the Newport Beach Elks Club. Mr. Greene was employed for more than 35 years by Lederle Labs as a pharmaceutical representative. His interests were traveling, woodworking and boat building. He was the beloved husband bf Beverly J. Greene of Oakmont; the beloved father of Don Greene Jr. of Ohau, Hawaii, Jennifer Baker of Beaverton, Ore., and George Greene of Virginia, and the beloved stepfather of Susan Marcus of Benicia, Calif. He also is survived by numerous grandchildren. A memorial service for Donald Greene was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Santa Rosa. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimers Assn. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1938 Edward Greene passed away at the family home in the Hiawatha district following a long but gradual illness at four o'clock Tuesday morning. Funeral services were scheduled for two o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home with Rev. Frank Woodward officiating, with interment in the Hiawatha cemetery. Edward Greene, son of Edward and Margaret Greene. was born in Neiagh. Tipperary county, Ireland, April 16, 1862, and spent his early boyhood in Ireland. He came to Canada in 1888 and in 1889 he came to McCook. Nebraska, later homesteading on a farm south of Hiawatha. He was married to Miss Ann Walters on January 26, 1893 and to this union were born ten children, seven of whom, with the mother, survive. They are William of Benkelman, Joseph of Enders; Edward of Chicago: Marion Kellogg of Minturn, Colorado; Lorraine Moore of Long Beach. California; Helen McLaughlin of 'Montebello. California; Frances Erickson of Benkelman. Thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive, along with many other relatives. Children preceding their father in death were Marguerite Gearhart who died in 1918 and two other children who died in infancy. Mr. Greene was confirmed in the Episcopal church when a young man and remained a member throughout his life. Although his health had been falling for years and he had been bed-fast most of the time during the last year, he remained the thoughtfu' patient, loving husband, father and friend that had characterized his nature throughout his entire life. During his earlier years in Dundy county Mr. Greene was very active both as it applied to the social and business development of his section of the county. He not alone found an early place of importance in the farming and cattle industry of the county but likewise became the owner of one of the county's foremost inland stores and added to it until it was the trading center of the Hiawatha district during the days of the horse and buggy and so popular was the Greene store that it survived long after the coming of the automobile and truck. With the development of his store business Mr. Greene did not neglect his farming operations and until his health interfered, continued to be one of the foremost. farmers and stockmen of his community. His community pride and energy were reflected in the improvement of his farms and there were few finer homes and happier ones in Dundy county than was the Greene home because everyone found pleasure in Mr. Greene's cheerful and hospitable nature which was so splendidly supported by Mrs. Greene and their fine family of children. The Greene home was always a sort of a community center during the trying times of the homestead days and pioneer discouragements because Mr. Greene's philosophy of living embodied many of the virtues of hope, faith, and charity along with generosity, kindness and good will to all. The Hiawatha community and Dun dy county will miss Ed Greene because he was a natural leader, a social and business promoter, a kind and indulgent husband and father, an accommodating generous neighbor and above all a true, American citizen, with a devout loyalty to his adopted country. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1991 IMPERIAL—Joseph Henry Greene, son of Edward and Anna (Walters) Greene, was born in a sod house at Hiawatha in Dundy County, Nebraska, on January 28, 1899. His parents were engaged in farming and raising livestock. They also operated the Hiawatha Store--a combination general store and post office. Joe, as a young boy, clerked in the store and drove teams and wagons to and from Benkelman, Champion, Wauneta and Imperial with all kinds of merchandise. In 1915 to 1916, Joe was Hiawatha's very own barber. At first, his customers sat on benches or whatever was handy but, as business increased, Joe invested in a barber chair which he bought from Floyd Wakefield for $10. Many of his customers would show up while Joe was out working in the field. One of his other customers would take the horses and continue the fieldwork while Joe took time to be a barber. On March 30, 1922, he married Vera Bricker in Benkelman. They moved to her parents' farm a year later where they raised four children: Joseph Jr., Glenard, Virginia and Carroll. They continued farming and ranching until 1979 when Joe retired. He died at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial on September 15, 1991. He leaves to mourn him, his wife, Vera; his daughter, Virginia King; three sons: Joe Jr., Glenard and Carroll of Imperial; five grandchildren: Annett Hazuka of Wichita, Kansas, Silvia Large of Imperial, Lori Loefler of La Habra, California, and Tim and Dirk Greene of Imperial, and two sisters: Helen McLaughlin of Carpenteria, California, and Frances Erickson of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Preceding him in death were his parents; his brothers: William and Edward; his sisters: Marguerite Gierhart, Lorraine Thurley and Marian Kellogg and a son-in-law, George King. Joe was active in the Wheat Growers Association and the Lions Club. He served 6 years on the Enders (Nebraska) Co-op Board of Directors and 16 years on the Imperial Co-op Board of Directors. In his younger days he enjoyed playing baseball and he always loved music, playing the harmonica and drums. He never met a stranger. He was a devoted husband and father and thoroughly enjoyed his family, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held September 18, 1991, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with Bertram Arnison officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Vearl McBride, pianist; Mrs. Willard Rouze, organist, and Pat McNair, soloist. Selections were “The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art." Escorts were Royce Bernard, Dean Burtis, Del Schuman, Robert Bartels, Seth Fitzpatrick and Stanley Smith. Honorary escorts were Ray Adkinson, Maurice Dixon, Elton Haarberg, Walt Hofman, John Knotwell, Arnold Kunnemann, Martin Leibbrandt, Bill McNair, Wilfred Miller, Floyd Nicholson, Russell Polly and Claude Wood. Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery at Imperial with Creveling Funeral Home, Ltd., in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2007 Joseph J. Greene was born Jan. 24, 1924. to Joseph H. Greene and Vera M. (Bricker) Greene on a farm near Enders. NE. Joe attended Benkelman High School where he played saxophone in the band. After graduating in 1942, Joe continued education at Chillicothe Business School in Missouri. Joe served in the Army Air Corp as an airplane mechanic in India. He was happy to say that he never lost a plane. Afterwards, Joe returned to Denver, Colo., where he completed a business degree at Denver University. While there, he worked as a top salesman for a Pontiac/Cadillac dealership. Perhaps his most successful sale was to convince a beautiful woman he knew to marry him. In 1952, he "closed the deal" and married Gloria Bremer, an Imperial native, daughter of Albert and lone Bremer. The couple look up residence at the Bremer farm eight miles west of Imperial as Joe worked with his father-in-law. Albert Bremer. Joe, a hard worker, loved farming and even during years of drought and low corn prices. said. "there is no place else I'd rather be." His perseverance and passion for life were immeasurable. He loved music and often sang as he tended the ground God had entrusted to him. With daughter Sylvia's marriage to Dale Large in 1983, Joe continued successful in farming, partnering with Dale. In addition to farming, Joe sold seed corn and won numerous district and national awards for excellence. He really enjoyed people. Strangers were just friends he hadn't met yet. Joe said he felt his greatest accomplishment in life was to be a loving husband, father and grandpa. Joe enjoyed his entire family immensely and reunions were a passion for him. Joe and Gloria had three children: Annette (Greene) Hazuka (1953), Sylvia (Greene) Large (1955) and Robert Alan Greene (1959). Sadly. Robert died as an infant, but Joe enjoyed the fellowship of his "girls," and four grandchildren, teaching them the joys of go-carting, target shooting, traveling, music. golfing, fishing, hunting, humor and just being together. Joe was an avid collector of replica cars, a special hobby he shared with his family. He was a World War II veteran, member of Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, the National Rifle Association and served on the board at Chase County High School. After seven years of dialysis due to renal failure, Joe went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he had recently moved to be with his daughter, Annette, and son-in-law, Jim. Joe was preceded in death by his parents: his wife. Gloria Marie (Bremer) Greene: his daughter, Sylvia Kay (Greene) Large, and infant son, Robert Alan Greene. He is survived by his daughter, Annette (Greene) Hazuka and son-in-law, Dale Large of Imperial, Neb: granddaughters, Alisha Large of Lincoln, Neb., Kimberly Large and Samantha Large of Omaha, Nebr., brothers, Carroll Greene and wife, Ruth, of Ogallala, Neb.; Glenard Greene and sister, Virginia (Greene) King, both of Imperial. Neb. The Imperial United Methodist Church hosted the celebration of life at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, with Pastor Kay Alnor officiating. Annette (Greene) Hazuka and Dale Large presented eulogies and the grandchildren offered their memoirs of grandpa. Music was beautifully orchestrated by Dr. J. Gordon Christensen and solist, Mrs. Jill Bauerle. The poignant power point presentation was authored by granddaughter, Kimberly Large. Pallbearers were Dale Large, James Hazuka, Joe Hazuka. Geoff Bremer. Tim Greene and Dirk Greene. Interment, was at Mount Hope Cemetery and Andrew Kinder VFW Post #4688 rendered a moving 21-gun salute. Joe will be missed by all. Liewer Funeral Home carefully carried out arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1982 Ralph W Greene, son of William F and Winnie (Hoover) Greene, was born April 2, 1918, near Benkelman, Neb. He died suddenly at work Feb. 2, 1982, in Denver, Colo. Preeeding him in death were his parents, an infant sister and brother, Harry. Survivors include his son, Robert, and wife, Judy; their children, Steve, Rex, Kellie and Mathew of Coquille, Ore,: a brother, Donald, of Hawaii and stepmother, Mrs. W.E. Greene of Benkelman, Neb. Two uncles, five aunts and many other relatives and friends also survive him. Memorial services were held Monday, Feb. 8, 1982, at the Chapel of the Pines, Fairmont Cemetery, Denver, Colo. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1974 William Edward Greene was born October 13, 1896 at McCook, Nebraska to Edward and Anna Walters Greene and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska on March 3, 1974 at the age of 77 years, four months and 20 days. He was married October 6, 1933 to Helen Nicholson at Beaver City, Nebraska. He lived in Nebraska until 1943 and then moved to the west coast. On retirement he came to Benkelman in January of 1971. He engaged in farming most of his life and was a member of Max United Methodist Church. Bill Greene was a person who had a sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with his friends. He associated with the people of God and was active in the church wherever he lived. Rev. Fred Cain was his school teacher years ago and reports that from early youth Bill Greene was a good student and was always friendly with people. He enjoyed driving in the chariot races at the County Fair in years gone by. He was a man of character and principle and in his life tried to practice his faith in helpful and Christian ways. He is survived by his wife Helen of Benkelman; two sons, Ralph and his wife Dorothy of Long Beach, California, Donald and his wife Blanche of Honolulu, Hawaii; four sisters, Marian Kellogg of Grants Pass, Oregon, Lorraine Thurley and husband Daniel of Long Beach, California, Helen McLaughlin and husband Edward of Los Angeles, California and Francis Erickson and husband Axel of Fort Morgan, Colorado; two brothers, Joseph and wife Vera of Imperial, Nebraska, Edward and wife Alma of Temple City, California and five grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister, Marguerite Geihardt; an infant sister and brother; his previous wife, Winnie; his son, Harry, who died in France while serving in the Armed Forces during World War II and an infant daughter, Nadine. He is also survived by other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services were held at the Jonesd Funeral Chapel in Benkelman at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7. 1974 with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Robert Sander was the soloist accompanied by Betty Erdman at the organ. Casket bearers were Gene Adkinson, Lester O'Donnell, Boyd Adkinson, Glenard Greene, Carroll Greene and Joseph Greene, Jr. Honorary bearers were Grant Boyd, Cliff Mathews, Claude Wood, William Damrow, Wilber Frasier and Elmer Nelson. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home. Samuel David Gregory I noticed your letter in the Phillips Co. GenWeb page. ... My records state that Samuel David Gregory was born in Lewis, MO on 11 July 1886. He died in Haigler 27 August 1914. My source is his obituary which was in the Haigler News on September 4, 1914. I do not have this paper, they are stored in the vault in the Dundy Co. Courthouse. ... My records do not go any further back, but I do have Mary's second husband, Horace Maynard Roach and the names of their children, but not grandchildren. Sincerely, Marilyn (Scrivner) Holzwarth St. Francis, KS Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1995 William Richard "Rich" Gregory TUCSON, Ariz.– William Richard "Rich" Gregory was born July 22, 1911, north of Haigler, Nebraska, to Samuel David and Mary Frances (Samson) Gregory, and died Monday morning, August 7, 1995, at St. Mary's Hospice in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 84. He grew up around Haigler and married Alice Leah Crabtree on April 25, 1939. In 1941 they bought a ranch south of Haigler and ranched there until he retired, then moved to Lamar, Colorado. In 1983 they moved to Tucson. Survivors include his wife, Alice, of Tucson; a son, Dick, and his wife, Sharon, of Tucson; 4 daughters and spouses: Leah and Dwight Brewer, Leone and Kenneth Carlson and Sherri and Roy Taylor, all of Tucson, and Eunice and Brent Richard of Loveland, Colorado, formerly of Benkelman, Nebraska; 2 brothers: Marlin Roach of Benkelman and Lowell "Bud" Roach and his wife, Evelyn, of Apple Valley, California; 5 sisters: Frances Larimer of Denver, Colorado, Margaret and Everett Stasser of St. Francis, Kansas, 0llie Loop and Betty Winden, both of Wray, Colorado, and Virginia Craft of Hastings, Nebraska; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant siblings: Doyle and Elsie Fern; his stepfather, Horace Roach, and his brother, Quentin Roach. Gregory is remembered for his strong family values, love of music, his sense of humor and his love and loyalty to God. Services were held Saturday, August 12, 1995, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Haigler with Melvin Fisher, a nephew, officiating. Organist was Floy Fisher, pianist was Florence Daniels and Althea Lebow sang "In The Garden" and "His Name Is Wonderful." Bearers were Tad Harden, Scott Parker, Dave Barger. Casey Richard, Shane Richard and Leon Stasser. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 2002 SPRINGFIELD, Mo.– Margaret (Roach) Grenier, 85, of Springfield, formerly of Lincoln, Neb., died Saturday Sept. 21, 2002, in Springfield. She was born on May 18, 1917, to William and Maude Roach at Haigler, Neb. She was married to Ralph Grenier in 1937. He preceded her in death in 1972. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles, and a sister, Esther. Mrs. Grenier was a lifelong Episcopalian who attended St. Mark's on the Campus Episcopal Church in Lincoln for many years. She moved to Springfield in 1998 and took up residence at the Creekside Retirement home. Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Carol Grenier of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Dr. Stephen and Lynn Grenier of Cape Fair, Mo.; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law Margery and Bill Newman of Cupertino, Calif., and Sue and Don Lemons of Gering, Neb., and a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Lillian Roach of Cambria, Calif. A private graveside service was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002, at the Calvary Cemetery in Omaha, Neb. Roper & Sons, Inc., of Lincoln was in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1990 James Coleman Grenier of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, who was employed in hardware sales, died December 30, 1989, at St. Anthony Hospital North. He was 72. Services were Wednesday, January 3, 1990, at Central Christian Church. Interment was in Crown Hill Cemetery. He was born July 15, 1917, in Benkelman, Nebraska. On June 30, 1940, he married Belle Marie Hershner in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a member of Berkeley Lodge No. 134 AF&AM, El Jebel Shrine, Rocky Mountain Consistory No. 2 and Civitan Club of Denver. He was an elder of Central Christian Church. He is survived by his wife; a son, James R. of Placentia, California; a daughter, Elizabeth Rae Schwicker of Atlanta, and two grandsons. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church, 3690 Cherry Creek South Drive, 80206, or to El Jebel Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children, c/o 4625 W. 50th Ave., Denver, CO 80212. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January? 1872? Ralph A. Grenier, former Benkelman resident, passed away at Blair, Nebraska on Saturday at the age of 57 years. Funeral services were held on Monday at St. Francis Borgia Church at Blair. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Omaha. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two sons, Daniel of Paoli, Pa., and Steven of Omaha. His brother, Coleman resides at Wheatridge, Colorado. Mr. Grenier was reared in Benkelman and graduated from the Benkelman High School with the class of 1933. His wife was the former Miss Margaret Roach, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Roach. Ralph was in the U. S. Soil Conservation Service and had been a resident of Blair for many years. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1993 FORT MORGAN, Colo.--Mrs. Eva May Griffin, 93, a 60-year resident of Fort Morgan, Colorado, died Wednesday, April 28, 1993, at Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, Colorado. She was born November 12, 1899, in Page County, Iowa, the daughter of Willis and Cora Piester. She attended rural school in Page County and on January 1, 1920, was married to Vern Griffin in the family farm home. They moved to a farm near Benkelman, Nebraska, and made their home there until moving to Fort Morgan in 1933. Her husband died in February 1936. Mrs. Griffin was an employee of the Fort Morgan Laundry for more than 40 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church where she had been active in organizations of the church. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Hazel in infancy, and Virginia Patterson, and one son, Dick. She is survived by two daughters, Donna Schiller of Fort Morgan and Dorothy Schauermann of Cornelius, Oregon: a son, Val Griffin, of Fort Morgan: a sister, Minnie Ritter, of Steffenvllle, Missouri: 17 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held Saturday, May 1, at the Riverside Cemetery with Pastor Don Thum officiating. Jolliffe Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements. November 1982Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, Lyle Y. Griffin died November 6, 1982, in Portland, Oregon, of a heart attack. Lyle was born in Haigler, Nebraska, on December 28, 1932. He attended school in Haigler and Portland, Oregon. He served with the Marine Corps in Korea, being discharged with honors. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Lance and Dayrol, of the family home at 4120 North Michigan Avenue in Portland, Oregon; his mother, Gladys Wall; and sisters, Lola Kampeter of Portland and Lois Sitton of San Anselmo, California. He was loved by his 13 nieces and nephews and their children. Lyle was preceded in death by his brother, Dayrol, and his father, Kenneth Wall. He was employed by Container Corporation of America for 23 years. Lyle loved people and was always ready to help when anyone needed him. He will be missed by family, friends and neighbors. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1979 Mary Emma “Mayme” (Holcomb) Griffith Mary Emma (Mayme) Griffith passed away Feb. 6, 1979 at her home south of Ft. Morgan, CO. She was born Feb. 23, 1903 at Atwood, KS to Mr. and Mrs. James G. (Sophia Wancura) Holcomb. She married Floyd E. Griffith March 23, 1927 and moved to Colorado in March of that year. She lived in the Haigler Community prior to moving to Colorado. Besides her husband she leaves in passing one sister, Mrs. Alta Garner of Ft. Collins, CO; one brother, Albert Holcomb of Urbana, MO; nieces, nephews and cousins. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December? 1955? Word has just reached Benkelman of the death of Delbert Griffith which occurred at a Denver hospital last Saturday morning. Griffith lived in the Hiawatha District for several years being connected with C. E. Bruen most of the time in his land operations. After Bruen sold his holdings here, Griffith moved to Fort Morgan with his family. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1951 Hundreds of Dundy county friends were greatly shocked and deeply grieved early. Monday morning when the word was passed around that Jessie (Smith) Grigsby had passed away at her home at near midnight the night before. True, they knew that Jessie had been most critically ill for weeks at the local hospital and that there were times when little or no hope was given for her recovery but during the past ten days she had gradually shown a little improvement and as the days passed she more and more expressed her desire to return home, the one place in all the world she loved the best. Finally it was arranged so that she could have her wish when both a night and day nurse was secured to be with her each moment. She was indeed happy to be home but she never reached the point where her physicians did not feel that her condition remained critical, and, of course, they, and other members of the hospital staff were little surprised when she so quietly departed this life, but it was a shock to those many friends who were not so familiar with her real condition which was due in part to excessively high blood pressure along with heart and other complications. Jessie Grigsby was the only surviving child of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Smith, who were among the earliest residents of Benkelman and who were actively connected with its business life until Mr. Smith's death many years ago. Then they disposed of their business interests but continued in the management of their other interests which were quite varied, involving the ownership of considerable real estate and it seems rather strange now that the land on which the new Catholic church was built was in the family name for more than a half century and that Jessie's funeral was the first to be held within that beautiful new edifice. In addition to the church building, the Smith Addition on which is being built Benkelman's beautiful new high school building, and many beautiful new homes that now dot it, are likewise a part of the original Smith holdings. A few years ago Jessie's mother, Mrs. Harriett Smith, was overtaken with a mental illness from which she has not recovered. In the beginning Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby arranged for her care at different nursing homes in Denver after it became established that she could not hope for recovery here. In each instance treatment failed to give her improvement and finally they were confronted with the problem of taking her to the state hospital at Hastings which was the only thing left for them to do. Naturally, this turn of events all but broke Jessie's heart and from that day until her death, the illness that eventually caused her passing started and continued to develop until the end. She visited her mother often at Hastings but only once did her mother recognize her and call her by her own name. In many cases, however, she called her by the name of one of her sisters, most of whom were dead, and each time Jessie came home with a saddened heart and it was a sad heart indeed that she nursed until the end. Jessiie, like her parents, was of a naturally cheerful disposition and in most part was able to look on the bright side of life but that task became more and more difficult after h e r mother's illness which left so little hope of ultimate recovery until her call came to her last Sunday night. And as it needless to say that after practically her entire life spent here and her daily greetings and words of cheer to friends and old acquaintances whom she met on the streets, will indeed be greatly missed and it likewise goes without the saying that she will be missed in the beautiful home and Mr. Grigsby has the most sincere sympathy of many friends and acquaintances, all of whom mourn with him today. Funeral services were held at St. Joseph's Catholic church Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. Frank L. Sherman delivered the funeral sermon and presided at the organ. Rev. Bollard of McCook said the requiem mass. Pallbearers were D. E. Owens, James O'Brien, Jr., Lowell Sherbert, Roy Pease, Gaile Dunn and Wayne Ketler. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Laughlin Funeral Home. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. (Researcher note: Burial records show a date of birth as 1888 and a date of death as 9-9-1951.) Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1981 Jess Wellman Grigsby died March 14th at Eventide Nursing Home in Longmont, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Smith of Benkelman, NE., whom he married in 1923. "Rusty", as his friends called him, was born in Wray, CO., May 30th, 1892, His mother and father were Jesse Jackson Grigsby and Jennie B. Grigsby. Rusty was educated at Kansas University and Denver University, where he studied pharmacy. He served in the army in World War I as a pharmacist. Rusty was a baseball enthusiast and coached the Wray High School team at one time. He was a member of the American Legion, Odd Fellows and the State Historical Society. Prior to a stroke in 1976, he was a real estate broker in Benkelman. He is survived by a niece, Jane Grigsby Sencenbaugh of Colorado Springs and a nephew, Robert J. Grisby of Longmont, CO. Interment was March 18 in Wray, CO. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1974? Graveside services were held Monday, April 12th, for Joseph Grigsby of Landover, Maryland at 10:00 a.m. at the Grandview cemetery in Wray. The Wray Gazette reported the interment in its Thursday, May 13th edition. Mr. Grigsby was a brother of Jess W. "Rusty" Grigsby of Benkelman and a cousin of David Grigsby of Wray. Joe was a frequent visitor to this area. He and Rusty attended several of baseball's World Series in past years. One of their last trips together was a visit to Houston, Texas to inspect the Astrodome and watch the Astros play a rival National Baseball League club. Joe and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the Brown Palace hotel in Denver several years ago and his brother "Rusty" of Benkelman helped them observe the event. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1981 Melvin J. Grim, 66, died Thursday at the Community Hospital. He was born Feb. 7, 1915 in Cairo, the son of George and Bertha Grim. He was married Aug. 15, 1945 at St. John's Newfoundland to Mary F. (Polly) Pollard. Grim served in the game and park department of the Nebraska State Game and Park Commission for 28 years. He was a member of the Nebraska Archeology Society. Survivors are his widow, Polly of McCook; one son, Gary Tucson, Ariz.; three daughters, Mrs. David (Mary Ann) Hlavinka of Cambridge, Mrs. Mike (Margaret) Anderson of Culbertson, and Mrs. Larry (Teresa) Dicke of McCook, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with the Rev. Peter Gadient officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. (Researcher note: Cemetery records show a date of birth as 2-7-1915 and a date of death as 8-18-1981.) Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1975 Lorene Essell Grimes, daughter of John and Rossa Brown, was born December 24, 1918 at the farm home in the Rollwitz Community in Dundy County, Nebraska. It was in this community that she spent her childhood days and grew to young womanhood. She was baptized in the Rollwitz Church where the family attended. She graduated from the Benkelman High School in 1935 and also graduated from Beautician School in Bremerton, Washington. Lorene was united in marriage with Dennis Grimes December 24, 1949. To this union, two sons were born: Gary Lee and Tom. She was taken in death December 26, 1974 at the Keith County Hospital, Ogallala, during a diabetic coma, departing this life at the age of 56 years. Surviving are her two sons, Gary Lee and Tom Grimes, both of Imperial, a grandson, Eric Taylor Grimes, her parents, John and Rossa Brown of Champion, sisters and brothers which include: Kenneth Brown of Parks, Bob of Haigler, Bill of Winnemucca, Nevada, Nina Fortkamp of Wauneta, Don of Parks, and Jean Welch of Champion. There are many other relatives and friends who join the family now in sharing the loss of their loved one. Funeral services were held December 30 at the United Methodist Church in Imperial with Rev. Melvin Koelling officiating. Mrs. Irvin Bauerle and Mrs. Brian Horst sang "Beyond the Sunset" and "The Old Rugged Cross" accompanied by Mrs. Willard Rouze, organist. Escorts were Dan Brown, Don Brown, Jr., Jon Welch, Stanley Brown, Terry Brown, and Mike Brown. Interment was at the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman. Creveling Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1949 Hundreds of Dundy county people were deeply shocked when it became known that A. J. "Dutch" Grimmeiss had been taken seriously ill while at work in getting his new store in Trenton in readiness for his opening and shock gave away to grief when the sad news of his passing came at near twelve o'clock on Monday at the McCook hospital. The first inkling of Mr. Grimmeiss’ serious illness came last Friday when Claude Leach and Charley Ewing returned from Trenton that evening where they had been helping in getting things in order for the opening on Saturday. The boys said that Andrew did not show any particular signs of illness during the afternoon but as evening approached they observed his face becoming almost a scarlet red and he complained of feeling somewhat dizzy. They insisted on taking him to bed but instead Andrew laid down on a counter and after being still for a few minutes, said he was feeling much better. Having run out of needed material for finishing their work and it being nearly time for their return to Benkelman for the night, they told Andrew that they would stop at the Krotter & Sailors lumber yard and get the needed material so that they would be ready to return to Trenton early the next morning. Andrew said he was still feeling better when they left and upon going to the lumber yard, they found M. D. Sailors talking to the Catholic priest at McCook, who was inquiring as to addresses of Mr. Grimmeiss' relatives, saying that he had been brought to the hospital by ambulance only a short time before and that attending doctors said there was little or no hope for improvement. That evening Dorothy Raile and Berniece Hamilton of the Morehouse hospital staff went to McCook to help in his care and various friends called to see him but so far as we have been able to learn, he recognized only a few, one being Cliff Smith of McCook who went to see him immediately upon word of his illness. He recognized Mr. Smith for just a matter of seconds and the only words spoken by him was "Hello Cliff! Stay here. Do not leave me." From that time on reports from his bedside became less and less encouraging until the final sad message of his passing. “Dutch," as practically everbody called him from the first day he came to Benkelman as a mere lad to work in the Montgomery Clothing Store, was given. that nickname for the reason that he had come from Germany only a short time before and talked very broken English and even though he mastered the English language almost perfectly in a remarkably short time, the nickname lingered on, and Mr. Grimmeiss seemed pleased that it was so because it was indicative of the way he won his way into the hearts of both old and young right from the beginning, and it is very doubtful if he would have liked it otherwise. Upon one occasion Mr. Grimmeiss told this writer of his first impressions of Benkelman when he arrived on the midnight train —of how it all seemed so strange to him and of his resolution on the first day of work which was to hoard every penny he could so that he would have enough money at the end of the month to buy a ticket back to Superior where his uncle lived and where he lived in the early days after coming from Germany. He said that he was so homesick that he didn't think he could stay the month out but as the days passed by and he began to get acquainted with people, he decided that he would extend his stay here a month longer and at the end of that period he had almost convinced himself that Benkelman would be his home. And in that respect that early-day conclusion ripened into a fact to the point that although he had, on a very few occasions, decided to leave Dundy county to establish himself elsewhere and had made a few trips with that end in view, he came back each time more than ever convinced that this would be his home until the end and had told , friends on different occasions that he wanted to live all of his days right here among the people of Dundy county and when the time came to bow out of this earthly sphere, then he wanted to be buried in the Benkelman cemetery. On Wednesday morning of this week, his wish came true and now he sleeps in the beautiful Benkelman cemetery. After reaching Benkelman as a lad and mastering the English language to the point where he could carry on, Mr. Grimmeiss was soon made manager of the store in which position he continued until Mr. Montgomery sold out and retired from business. Mr. Grimmeiss then opened a store of his own and continued in its operation all the years since until less than a year ago it was found that he would have to submit to a major operation and he felt a sort of premonition that his earthly career was close to the end and that he would not survive the ordeal, so he sold his clothing store to Roy Pease and began arranging his business affairs accordingly. But he did make what seemed to be a splendid recovery and he longed to return to his life-long occupation as a clothier so he decided accordingly to open a men's furnishing store at Trenton, and, as previously stated, was actively engaged to the end of its opening when his last illness came and his death followed. And if hundreds of friends, and especially the more aged and. infirm, sorrow today, it is not without cause, because "Dutch" Grimmeiss was indeed thoughtful of the comforts of others and sought in every way to do what he could to make life just a little brighter for them. He was the owner of one of the first cars in Benkelman and from that time on, his cars perhaps traveled more miles in the cause of others than for himself. When some celebration in nearby towns in which this or that elderly person might be interested in attending in meeting old friends, but because of a lack of a way to travel, seemed to be forced to give up such an anticipated pleasure, Dutch seemed to think of them—of what they were thinking—and he was right there on location. And when illness and death came into the family of friends, he was always on the job to do what he could and in every way he could to give them aid and to sorrow with them. In this and other respects, Dutch Grimmeiss was different, especially as it applies to men his age, even from youth up. He was a comparatively young man when death called him, and measured from years, could not be rated among the oldest pioneers but he was indeed a pioneer so far as his years on earth were concerned for all of his adult life was spent in Benkelman. And so, in his passing now, the least we can say is that he was a kindly, considerate man, thoughtful of others, always striving to be helpful and useful to others in good times and bad, and never having had a family of his own, sought to lavish his affection and devotion on the people who had become so great a part of his life. Few men have tried harder or succeeded better in that respect than did Andrew J. Grimmeiss and his memory will remain fresh with all of the people of these generations in Benkelman for he indeed tried to be a friend to all. Andrew J. "Dutch" Grimmeiss, was born in Wilburgsteen, Bavaria, Germany, November 28, 1891, the son of Andrew Grimmeiss and Maria Anna Neuhauser. At the age of 13 his mother passed away, and the family was scattered. He came to the United States with his father in March, 1906, and settled in Superior, Nebraska, to make his home with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John Frey. Andrew came to Benkelman with Mr. Montgomery in 1912 and made his home here since that time. He leaves to mourn his passing, three full sisters, Mary Grimmeiss of David City, Nebr., Genevieve Grimmeiss of Omaha, and Mrs.Ottilia Shoemaker of Chicago Heights, Ill.; one stepsister, Mrs. Elsie Huss of Omaha, and his stepmother, Mrs. Andrew Grimmeiss, also of Omaha. Solemn Requiem Mass was offered in St. Joseph's church Wednesday, Sept. 28, with the Rev. John Heenehan of Wallace, celebrant; Father Korb, of Wray, Deacon; Father George Kodelka of Grant, Sub-Deacon and Father Edward Kolar, master of ceremonies. The Rev. Father Charles Keenan of Hastings delivered the sermon. St. Joseph's choir sang, under the direction of Father Sherman as organist. Ward and Byron Lingo served as Altar Boys. Pall bearers were Dan Owens, A. G. Shafer, Clifford Smith, Victor Westermark, Arden McDonald and Melvin Sailors. Also present were Father Gerald Meesman of Roseland and Father Walter Banach of Cambridge; Sister Emma, A.D.P.P.S., David City; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Westermark and daughter Celestine of McCook; Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Smith and daughter Joanne of McCook; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Webber of Fort Worth, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. David Webber of Greeley, Colorado;, Mr. and Mrs. August Karl, of Leoville, Kansas; Mrs. Josephine Phillips, of Denver; Miss Leona Lindley, of Denver. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1988 Larry Elwood Groff was born in Imperial. Nebraska, November 21,1946, to William Franklin Elwood Groff and Vernace Ellen Leach Groff, one of two sons and two daughters. He died December 24, 1987, at his rural home . Larry graduated from Chase County High School in 1964. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity, and Sigma Tau, Pi Mu Epsilon and Phi Lambda Upsilon honoraries, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1969. He chose employment with DuPont Chemical Company, being transferred to different locations in Virginia, Illinois, and Kansas, maintaining this position for several years. However, his love of farming and his love of the land encouraged him to return to the area of his youth when the opportunity presented itself. On June 15, 1968, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Mary Ourada at St. Ann Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska. To this marriage was born two sons, Marc Robert and Dennis Andrew, and one daughter, Amy Kathleen. With his vacations into the mountains, he enjoyed fishing, camping and the togetherness of his family. He is survived by his widow and children; mother, Vernace; sister, DeMarys Ellen Cooper, and brother, Jerry Lynn Groff of Imperial, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his father, Elwood, and sister, Ardith Fern. Services were held December 26, 1987, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Barb Hart officiating. Music was provided by Ava Rouze, organist; Jennifer Newman, soloist; and LaVern Burtis, Randy Hayes, Dwight Hoff and Del Schuman, quartet. Escorts were Anthony Ourada, Robert Grams, Don Brown, Ron Berry, Neal Vlasin, David Cruise, Royce Bernard and Marlon Berry. Honorary escorts were Wayne Berry, Carl Smith, Harry Grams, Whitey Kurkowski, Tex Eskew, Wes Cooley, Lyle Hendrix, Randy Bartlett, Rod Markee, Lynn Groff, Keith Wood, Roger Held, Arthur Ourada and Everett Alsbury. Interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery with Creveling Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? ???? IMPERIAL — William F. (Elwood) Groff, age 73, died Tuesday at Denver, Colo. Survivors include his wife, Vernace of Imperial; two sons, Larry and Jerry, both of Imperial; one daughter, Mrs. Jack Cooper of Imperial; one brother, Lynn Groff of North Platte; five sisters, Christina Morgan of Seattle, Wash., Edna Mae Graham of Robertson, Wyo., Margaret Thomsen and Marie Louchs, both of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Irene Morrissey of Buffalo, Wyo.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. MST in the United Methodist Church of Imperial with the Rev. Robert Call officiating. Interment will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Imperial under the direction of the Creveling Funeral Home in Imperial. Memorials have been established in his name. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1983 Alice Flora Grose, 81, a resident of Mossyrock, Washington, since 1939, died Monday, May 16, in a Tacoma, Washington, hospital. She was born September 5, 1901, in Benkelman, Nebraska, and belonged to the Lewis County Pomona, Washington State and National Granges. Mrs. Grose was a charter member and past president of the Mossyrock 50 Plus Club and the Mossyrock Grange Auxiliary. She was also a silver star member of the Mossyrock Grange and a gold star mother. Mrs. Grose was preceded in death by a son, Arnold, during World War II in 1943. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Alfred (Doris) Myers of Mossyrock, Washington; Mrs. George (Audrey) Rhodes of Chehalis, Washington, and Mrs. Ernest (Alma) Cole of Tacoma Washington; four sons, Charles Grose of Packwood, Washington; Dwain Grose of Newberg, Oregon; Cyril Grose of Morton, Washington, and Gordon Grose of Centralia, Washington; a sister, Mrs. William (Della) Stamm of Benkelman, Nebraska; a brother, Howard Morrison, of Forest Grove, Oregon; 23 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A service was conducted at the Richland Valley Church of the Brethren, Ajlune, with the Rev. Paul Buntain officiating. Interment was in the Salkum Cemetery. Casket bearers were Earl Clowe, Eugene Moomau, Frank Clapp, Richard Anderson, Bill Mitchem and Wayne Bower. Remembrances may be donations to the Mossyrock Grange Scholarship Fund or the American Cancer Society. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1984 Ulah Pearl Grose, age 64, passed away on the morning of August 22, 1984,at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home. Ulah was born December 17, 1899 to the late John and Hattie Williams of Max, Nebraska. She was married to William Robert Grose on April 14, 1919, at Imperial, Nebraska. Except for six years in Kansas, she has lived in Nebraska all her life. Ulah belonged to the Rebekah Lodge for 15 years, the Max Woman's Club and was a member of the Max United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her hushed, “Bill,” on February 20, 1974, a son, Richard, in 1940 and a daughter, Caroline, who died in infancy. Survivors are one daughter, Betty Brunt, son-in-taw, Ralph Brunt; three granddaughters;, Gloria Grose and husband Don of Omaha, Phyllis Wade and husband, Ken of Lincoln, and LaDonna Edenburn and husband Ben, of Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Services were Saturday August 25, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman. Rev. John Kilgore and Rev. Robert Sander officiated the service. Organist Marie Walker accompanied Gary Walker as he sang the selections, “How Great Thou Art” and “In The Garden.” Bearers were David Grose Bill Grose, Shane Edenburn, Scott Wade, Mike Clark and Chad Edenburn. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Sheba Rebekah Lodge No, 321 conducted a committal service. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1940 Richard Emery Grose, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Grose, was born November 24, 1921, in Dundy county, near Max, Nebraska, and departed this life April 7, 1940. at the age of 18 years, 4 months and 13 days. From childhood Richard has been in delicate health and for the past two years had suffered much. His courage and patient suffering endeared him to his friends and his sunny smile shall always be a beautiful memory to those of the home who loved him so dearly. He leaves to mourn his passing his parents, one sister, Betty, a brother-in-law, Ralph Brunt; his grandmother, Mrs. Hattie Williams, of Max, Nebr.; also a number of uncles and aunts and other relatives. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Mt. Zion Methodist church, in charge of the pastor Rev. R. E. Martin and interment was in the Mt. Zion cemetery. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1974 William Robert Grose, youngest son of Charles and Caroline Sichting Grose, was born near Ough, Nebraska, July 28, 1892 and passed away February 20, 1974 at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 81 years, six months and 23 days following a heart attack suffered February 2nd. He grew to manhood in Dundy county with his ten brothers and sisters. On April 14, 1919 he was united in marriage to Ulah Williams of Max. To this union three children were born: Caroline, Richard and Betty. Bill and Ulah spent most of their married life in Chase and Dundy counties. In 1969 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with their many friends and relatives. Bill was a member of the Methodist Church of Max and a former member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge of Benkelman and Wauneta. Preceding him in death was his son Richard and his infant daughter Caroline. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Ulah; daughter, Betty Brunt and son-in-law, Ralph; and three granddaughters, Gloria Grose and husband Donald, Phyliss Wade and husband Kenneth and LeDonna Edeburn and husband, Ben; plus eight great - grandchildren whom he dearly loved. In addition to his immediate family he leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends. "Bill," as he was affectionately known by all who knew him, will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his integrity and his love for his fellow man. Funeral services were held at 10:30 Saturday morning, February 23rd with the Rev. Allan Martin and Don Egle officiating. The soloist was Gary Walker, accompanied by Marie Walker, pianist, and Betty Erdman, organist. The bearers were Kent Buffington, Bruce Walker, Barry Walker, Orville Walker, Jr., Frank Stute, Jr., and Dick Taylor. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 2001 PORTLAND-- Lena (Hofer) Stute Gueck, 91, of Portland, Ore., died from cancer on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2001. She was born Oct. 10, 1909, at Benkelman, Neb., and attended the Benkelman High School. She was united in marriage to Glen Stute in February 1927. He preceded her in death in 1970. She married Troy Gueck in December 1974 and he preceded her in death in 1989. She resided in Colorado from 1938 to 1943 when she moved to Portland. Mrs. Gueck worked for Rowllington Laundry & Dry Cleaners as a laundry press operator from 1943 to 1972. She loved working in her yard. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mason, in 2000. She is survived by a son, Glenn Stute, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Lena Gueck were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2001, at the Portland Memorial Sunrise-Sunset Chapel, with private entombment at the Portland Memorial Mausoleum. Remembrances may be sent to Kaiser Hospice, 2701 NW Vaughn St., Ste. 140, Portland, OR 97210. Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, September 12, 2005 Monday, September 12, 2005 Sept. 13, 1916--Sept. 8, 2005 BENKELMAN -- C. Max Guernsey, 88, died Thursday (Sept. 8, 2005) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was born Sept. 13, 1916, to Clarence and Mabel (Taylor) Guernsey in Holyoke, Colo. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941 and served as a tech sergeant in India and Pakistan. He received an honorable discharge on Sept. 1, 1945. He married Everna "Tude" Chartier on June 13, 1946. The couple made their home in Dundy County. He spent his youth working on ranches, which he parlayed into a career. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mabel Guernsey, and four sisters, Audrey, Daisy, Evelyn and Wilma. Survivors include his wife, Tude Gurensey of Benkelman; daughter, Cheryl Bentley and husband, Dick of Benkelman; son, Dick Guernsey and wife, Connie of Parks; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. Services were today at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment with military honors followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery. Memorials are being accepted in his name are the Dundy County Home-Owned Carnival or the Dundy County Hospital. Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.
Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1998 LAS CRUCES, N.M.– Joyce Ann Guerrero, 54, of Las Cruces, died Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998, at the Memorial Medical Center. She was born on March 16, 1944, in Benkelman, Neb., to James and Aline Dexter. Joyce had been an assistant manager with Mesilla Valley Cable Co. and a member of the VFW Post #6917 Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, Jose T. Guerrero, of the family home; two sons: Petty Officer Cesario P. Guerrero of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, Norfolk, Va., and Joseph Dexter Guerrero of Las Cruces; a daughter, Casandra Aline Guerrero, of Las Cruces; brothers: Phil Dexter and wife, Carol, of Colorado and Gail Dexter and wife, Eilene, of Aurora, Colo.; sisters: Barbara and husband, Ben Platon, of Roseville, Calif., and Gwen and husband, Wayne Hermansen, of Paradise, Calif.; a granddaughter; sisters-in-law: Rosario Hiura and Lucy Taitano; and brothers-in-law: Enrique T. Guerrero, Richard Guerrero and wife, Inez, and Francisco Guerrero and wife, Josephine, all of Dededo, Guam. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in law and mother-in-law, Cesario and Isabel Guerrero. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 1998, at the Getz Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Betowski officiating. Arrangements were by Getz Funeral Home. Correspondence will reach the family at 9441 Polaris, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1981 Lester Pershing Guinn was born February 4, 1920, to Melvin and Genevive (Edmondson) Guinn at Kennesaw, Neb. He departed this life on November 16, 1981, at the Great Plains Medical Center, North Platte, Neb., at the age of 61 years, 9 months and 12 days. Lester graduated from the Palisade High School with the Class of 1939. He spent his early years working with his parents in their grocery store at Hamlet, Neb. He became a resident of the Hester Memorial Home, Benkelman, Neb., in 1968. During the many years at the Home he earned the reputation as one to whom the other residents and staff could depend upon for help and assistance. He took great pride in his being chosen as the one to daily raise and lower the United States Flag. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his two aunts: Jennette Celeland of Kennesaw, Neb., and Zold (Heigh) Taylor, Denver, Colo.; and one uncle: Fletcher Guinn, Mena, Ark. Services were held Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1981, at 9:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Neb., with Donovan Merklin officiating. Organist was Rachel Merklin and soloist was Donna Carroll. Selections were "In The Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Bearers were Joe Laughlin, Dave Robertson, Jerry Roethemeyer, Arthur Bush, Vernon Wach and Viron Baxter. Interment was in the Hamlet Cemetery, Hamlet, Neb., with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home, Inc. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1984 May Ellen Gummere died at the McCook Community Hospital on Tuesday, July 24, 1984, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Clarence, and her son, Don. May was born in Frontier County, Nebraska, on January 10, 1892, to George and Rachael Lind Brown as one of nine children. She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1910 and taught school until she and Clarence Gummere were married in Culbertson on December 16, 1914. Two sons were born of this union, Keith Eldon and Don Eugene, and five grandchildren, Kathie, Mark, Bruce, Kurt and Scott, and one great-grandchild, Kyle Gummere. She and Clarence farmed south of Stratton until they moved to Stratton where they lived for several years. In 1972 they moved to the Townhouse Retirement Home in McCook where they lived until they moved to the Hillcrest Nursing Home. Her life was centered around family, church and community. She was an active member of the Women's Society of Christian Service of the Methodist Church and served as secretary of the Stratton American Legion Auxiliary for many years. She was loved by all for her gentle, quiet manner but also admired for her inner strength and moral convictions. She will be greatly missed by her family, including her son and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Services were held Friday, July 27, at the Community United Methodist Church of Stratton. Rev. Dale Coates conducted the service. The quartet, Wallace Gummere, Arthur Hawkinson, Richard Stahly, and Daniel Rife, was accompanied by organist, Beth Kollmorgen, as they sang "Abide With Me" and "Beyond The Sunset." Bearers were Earl Gummere, Merwyn Petersen, Harlan Petersen, Beryle Gummere, Cray Stubbs and Roland Petersen. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery of Stratton, Nebraska. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2003 Nancy Diehl Gummere, 74,of Littleton, Colo., died Dec. 17, 2003, at Cherry Park Progressive Care in Englewood, Colo. She was born on June 22,1929, to Norval and Florence(Hertz) Diehl in Stratton, Neb. She graduated from Stratton High School and McCook Community College, then went to work as a secretary for the Bureau of Reclamation while Swanson Lake was being built. She was married to Don Gummere. After moving to Littleton she went to work as a secretary for Martin Marietta. She retired on July 20, 1992, after working for 20 years at Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ann Fryar. She is survived by her sons: Bruce and wife, Maureen, Kurt and wife, Delia, and Scott and wife, Teri; a brother, John Diehl and wife, Julia; four grandsons: Micha, Kyle, Logan and Nolan, nieces, nephews and friends. Services were held Dec. 20, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Littleton with Msgr. Thomas Fryar, her nephew, officiating. Burial was in the Littleton Cemetery. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 2000 CleoBells (Royal) Gummere, 91, a resident of the Kenneth C. Stout Assisted Living unit at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb., since July 1996, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. She was born June 6, 1909, in Cass County, Neb., near Nehawka, to Charles F. and Cecelia J. (Harshman) Royal and moved with her family in 1917 to settle near Crawford, Neb. She attended rural schools in Dawes County and two years of high school at St. Agnes Academy in Alliance, Neb. She graduated from Crawford High School and Chadron (Neb.) State Teachers College. After teaching several years, she returned to college and prepared for a career in Social Work. She worked in the Dawes County Welfare Office and came to Benkelman in 1939 to be the director of Public Welfare in Dundy County. Shortly after her arrival in Benkelman, she met Ellis C. Gummere, and on Nov. 15, 1941, they were united in marriage at Friend, Neb. CleoBells continued her work as the Public Welfare director until 1973 when she resigned to accept a position as a Social Service Representative with the State Department of Public Welfare in Lincoln. After four months she was given the position of State Regional Director of Region Two in North Platte. CleoBells resigned on June 1, 1975, and the Gummeres returned to their home in Benkelman. CleoBells became involved in volunteer work. She was appointed to the Mental Health Board by District Judge Jack Hendrix and served on that board for several years. She served as chairman of the Dundy County Bicentennial Committee for 1975 and 1976. She became chairman of the first Dundy County Red Cross Bloodmobile in 1977, a position she held for nine years. She was certified as a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church in 1976 which continued for four years. She was appointed to the Dundy County Hospital Board of Trustees in March 1979 and served as a board member until March 1991. She and husband were involved in the establishment of the Dundy County Senior Citizens Center in Benkelman. She was a 70-year member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women and Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of the Eastern Star. She was a past member of the Benkelman Women's Club, the Nebraska Welfare Association, the American Public Welfare Association and Alpha Phi Pi Sorority. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1997; brothers Roscoe and Pitzer Royal, and her sister, Bonnie (Royal) Manley. Those who survive her include nieces Betty (Royal) and her husband, Arlee Phillips, of Hemingford, Neb., and Shirley (Gummere) Reynolds of Lexington, Neb.; a sister-in-law, Thelma Desmond, of Lexington; several great-nieces and nephews, and friends. Funeral services for CleoBells Gummere were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2000, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Robert E. Berlie, Sr., officiating. Betty Erdman was the pianist and accompanied Richard Bartholomew as he sang “The Lord's Prayer." Richard also sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" with guitar accompaniment. The committal service was offered by Holly Chapter No. 233, 0.E.S. Casket bearers were John Snider, Arlee Phillips, Paul Erdman, Paul Ham, David Stogin and Eugene Jones. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1995 LEXINGTON– Hazel I. Gummere, 90, died December 27, 1994, at Westside Home in Lexington, Nebraska. She began her life's journey on April 30, 1904, when she was born to Rudolph and Maggie (Crow) Walters, at Max, Nebraska. She was one of nine children. Her family moved to Trenton, Nebraska, in 1917 where she graduated from high school. In 1925, Hazel and Vernard Gummere were united in marriage at St. Francis, Kansas. He preceded her in death in February 1960. They moved to Benkelman, Nebraska, where they operated a dry cleaning plant and for several years a ladies' ready-to-wear store. Mrs. Gummere served as Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. president of the Woman's Club, guardian of Job's Daughters, and as a state officer of that organization. In 1958, she moved to Lexington where she operated Hazel's Town and Country ladies' ready-to-wear store. She served as president of the Lexington Soroptimist Club and was active in other organizations. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley, and her husband, Norman Reynolds, of Lexington; three grandchildren: Larry Reynolds and his wife, Jeanne, Linda and her husband, John Snider, and Rod Reynolds and his wife, Susan, all of Lexington; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband. she was preceded in death by her parents. a great-grandson. sisters and brothers. A funeral service was held Thursday, December 29, l994, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lexington with the Rev. Howard Bailey officiating. The organist was Sally Schneider and soloist was Dale Walters. Pallbearers were Kayo Loudon, Stan Knudsen, Howard Philpot, Bill Brinkman, Ed Cook. Francis Fagot, Jay Bode and Ken Reynolds. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington with Reynolds Love Service in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1982 Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 26, 1982, for Clarence E. Gummere who died at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on Tuesday, November 23, 1982. Services were held at the United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Richard Karr and the Rev. Richard Atherton officiating. Clarence was born south of Stratton on April 20, 1890. He was married to May E. Brown on December 16, 1914. Surviving are his wife, May, of McCook, Nebraska; a son, Keith, and his wife, Lola, of Arcadia, California; a son, Don, and his wife, Sonia, of Houston, Texas; one granddaughter, Kathie Gummere, of New York City; four grandsons, Mark Gummere of San Francisco, California, Bruce Gummere of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Kurt Gummere and Scott Gummere, both of Littleton, Colorado; a great-grandson, Kyle Logan Gummere; and a sister Della Connor, of Stratton. Clarence and May operated a farm south of Stratton until 1969. He was a member and leader of many farm organizations and community groups. For the past ten years Clarence and May have lived in McCook. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Stratton. Bearers were Earl Gummere, Merwin Petersen, Cray Stubbs, Robert Petersen, Daryl Moore and Roddy Petersen. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1951 Dundy county friends were shocked to learn that Ed Gummere had passed away suddenly at the Stratton hospital on Wednesday morning while undergoing clinical tests. He was alone in his room resting when he succumbed to a heart attack. Mr. Gummere was well known in Benkelman and the eastern section of the county, having been a resident of pioneer standing in the Stratton community. He was seventy-six years of age and had spent the most of his life in that area, altho of recent years since his retirement he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ed Pancoast and husband at Grant. He was a former commissioner in Hitchcock county. He is survived by his son, Lloyd Gummere, who resides in California and his daughter, Mrs. Ed Pancoast of Grant; three brothers, Arthur of Seattle, Wash., and Clarence and Oscar of Stratton and two sisters, Mrs. Walter Hall and Mrs. Della Conner of Stratton. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1997 Ellis C. Gummere was born Nov. 12, 1908, at Stratton, Neb., the second child of George W. and Rosa J. (Boston) Gummere. At the age of 89 years and 8 days, he departed this life on Thursday, Nov. 20, 1997, while a patient at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. When a child, the family moved to Benkelman where Ellis attended school, graduating with the Class of 1926. He had worked at The Benkelman Post and News-Chronicle since 1924 and after high school graduation, apprenticed in the printing trade until 1929 when he attended Denver University. The depression hit and he returned to his printing job in Benkelman. He married CleoBells Royal on Nov. 15, 1941, at Friend, Neb. The Rev. Pengelly, a former Benkelman minister, was appointed to Friend and CleoBells and Ellis wanted him to bless their marriage. The date also was convenient as there was a home Nebraska football game on that Saturday. They spent a week in Omaha buying furniture and seeing the sights, returned to Lincoln the following Saturday for another Big Red game and then started their married life in Benkelman with Ellis' employment at The Benkelman Post. His first retirement was in 1973. After they moved to North Platte for CleoBells' regional promotion, he worked at Clark Hord Printing. In 1975 they returned to Benkelman and he joined The Benkelman Post as a part-time employee. He also started helping at the Jones Funeral Home and continued there for 17 years. Ellis was a member of the Cornerstone Club; Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. where he served as Master in 1945 and currently held the Jordan Medal; a member of Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of the Eastern Star, and served as Patron four different years; a member of the first Golf Club of Benkelman, and a faithful member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church serving in many capacities including treasurer for many years when financing was a problem. He was a past Elks Lodge member and was involved in many positions with the Dundy County Senior Center. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing bridge and watching Big Red football. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Vernard. Survivors include his wife, CleoBells of Benkelman; a sister, Thelma Desmond, of Lexington, Neb.; two nieces: Shirley (Gummere) and her husband, Norman Reynolds, of Lexington, and Betty (Royal) and her husband, Arlee Phillips, of Hemingford , Neb . ; several great-nieces and nephews, and many friends. Final rites for Ellis Gummere were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist and at the piano accompanied Richard Bartholomew as he sang “The Lord's My Shepherd" and “The Lord's Prayer." The congregational hymn was "How Great Thou Art." Bearers were John Snider, Larry and Rod Reynolds, Arlee and Trent Phillips, and Paul Ham. Committal was by Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F.& A.M. with interment in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1988 Ralph Gummere was born September 27, 1909, on a farm southwest of Stratton, Nebraska, to Oscar and Charlotte (Reed) Gummere. He lived the rest of his life in and around Stratton. On February 27, 1931, he was married to Iris McNeice at Los Lunas, New Mexico. To this union were born four children. He was a member of the Community United Methodist Church. Ralph passed away January 17, 1988, at McCook Community Hospital. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar; mother, Charlotte; brothers, Meredith and Cecil; and baby daughter, Berniece. Survivors include his wife, Iris; sons: Earl and wife, Dorothy, Beryl and wife, Sharon, Wallace and wife, Gloria, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild and many friends. Services were held Thursday. Jarruary 21, 1988, at 1:30 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Randy Goeke, Pastor Philip Sorensen and Father Conrad Marrama officiating. Organist was Marie Kleinschmidt. Glenda and Wallace Gummere sang the selections "Life's Railway To Heaven" and "Precious Moments." Bearers were Charlie Carlson, Pete Barnett, Burdette Golding, Donalane Golding, Scott Golding and Randy Lashley. Honorary bearers were Wiley Terwilliger, Ralph Ohlson, Fred Lorens and Bill Line. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton. The funeral was conducted by Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Stratton. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May? 1970? Patricia Eugenia (Hamburg) Gumrukeu The following account of the memorial services for Patricia Gumrukeu was taken from a newspaper at Marysville, Kansas, her home town. Mrs. Gumrukeu, 47, was a daughter of the late George Hamburg of Marysville, Kansas, who spent his boyhood days in Benkeman. She is a niece of Mrs. Lena Edwards of Benkelman, and is survived by one son, Kurk, and a daughter, Susan. The account of the memorial services reads as follows: Tributes were paid to Patricia Eugenia Gumrukeu at memorial services at the First Unitarian Church, San Francisco, California, March 26 following her death by Price M. Cobb M.D. and Lewis Durham. The former Patricia Hamburg of Marysville was a co-worker with Dr. Cobb, a psychiatrist in Baker Place, a model half-way house of which she was founder, also teacher and researcher. "She was passionately concerned about people, about understanding and helping them," said Dr. Price. "I talked to Pat many times trying to find out how she escaped our cultural sickness of bigotry and hatred." He also recalled that once she cried over a client and "I was proud to know a friend, a woman, a professional who could cut through myths of being over-identified with clients and respond as a compassionate human being." Dr. Cobb said in honoring her for her professional life. The Rev. Durham of the Unitarian Church shared his experiences as a beautiful person, a tennis player, as a woman and a person concerned about others. "Her leadership in NOW was well known and she wrote some of the finest papers on the advances of woman's rights," Rev. Durham said. "It is easy for some professionals, who work constantly with people to work careless or insensitive to people. Our image or schedule becomes too important—but not with Pat. There was a deep, constant and knowledgeable concern for people. "Her's was not just a professional or clinical concern but a very human concern. The steadfast concern for the ethical treatment of people was impressive even though a bit disconcerting for some of us who may have wanted to take easier and shorter approaches. People are alive and well today because of Pat's caring about them” said in part in his tribute. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1974 Blanche Marguerite (Warnock) Gunderman Blanche Marguerite Gunderman was born November 24, 1904 in Hitchcock County, Nebraska to Albertus and Bertha Doane Warnock and passed away May 27, 1974 at 69 years, six months and three days of age. She was married to William G. Gunderman on September 11, 1923 at Wray, Colorado. The Gundermans celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September 1973. There were six children born to this union and all graduated from the Parks Public Schools. Blanche had spent all of her married life on farms in Dundy County and moved to the farm on which she and her husband last resided in 1937. Among her interests and activities were fancy work, flowers, the Dundy County Historical Society, and the Doane Extension Club. She delighted especially in her collection of violets. Blanche had professed faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour. She leaves to mourn her passing: her husband, William; a son, Lorance who is better known as Tuff; and his wife, Gladys of Buffalo, Wyoming; a daughter, Velma and her husband Glen Mullanix of Benkelman, Nebraska; a son, Richard who is better known as John and his wife Charlette of Midwest, Wyoming; a daughter, Joan and her husband Leonard Richard of St. Francis, Kansas; a daughter, Katherine and her husband Robert Taylor of Casper, Wyoming; a daughter, Arlene and her husband William Howe of Aurora, Colorado; her mother, Bertha Warnock of Culbertson, Nebr.; sisters, Helen and her husband Arnold Cappel of Culbertson and Phyllis and her husband Alfred Shambaugh of Buffalo, Wyoming; one brother, Paul Warnock and his wife Velma of Culbertson, Nebr.; one sister-in-law, Violet Warnock of Buffalo, Wyoming; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father; two brothers, Doane and Donald; one sister, Dora; one daughter-in-law, Jessie, Tuff's first wife. Funeral services were conducted on Friday at the Benkelman Baptist Church with the Rev. Allan-Martin and Rev. Obed Walker officiating. Doris Tecker was the soloist and Anna Benge, the organist. Casket bearers were Rex Roundtree, Dudley Blank, Gerald Hayward, Glen Ellis, Max Cline and Ned Tecker. Honorary bearers were Noah Reisher, Alva Howard, Frank Walsh, Walt Blecha and George Harper. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1998 Katherine "Kathy" M. Gunderman CASPER, Wyo.– Katherine "Kathy" M. Gunderman, age 61, died on Jan. 13, 1998, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. She was born on Dec. 21, 1936, in Benkelman, Neb., to William and Blanche (Warnock) Gunderman. She grew up in the Benkelman and Parks, Neb., areas. She was a graduate of the Parks High School with the Class of 1954. She also lived in Avon, S.D., and in Casper for numerous years. She was a member and former president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post No. 9439. She is survived by three sons: Robert Taylor of Casper, George Harper and his wife, Debbie, of St. Francis, Kan., and their son, Eric, of Colby, Kan., and Scott Harper of Great Bend, Kan.; a daughter, Cindy Travis, of Burlington, Colo., and her daughter, Andi Van Meter, of San Diego, Calif.; two brothers: Richard "John" Gunderman of Green River, Wyo., and Lawrence "Tuff" Gunderman of Buffalo, Wyo.; and three sisters: Velma Mullanix of Benkelman, Arlene (Mrs. William "Bill") Howe of Brighton, Colo., and Joan (Mrs. Leonard) Richard of St. Francis. She was preceded in death by her parents. Cremation was arranged by Memorial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory of Casper. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 2006 L.R. "Tuff' Gunderman, 82-year-old Buffalo, Wyo., resident, passed away early Sunday morning, Sept. 3, 2006, at the Johnson County Health Care Center. Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006, at 10 a.m. from the Big Horn Baptist Church with the Revs. Edd Spurlock and Bob McHenry officiating. A private family interment at the Willow Grove Cemetery followed the services. Adams Funeral Home of Buffalo was in charge of arrangements. Lawrence Raymond Gunderman was born on Sept. 2, 1924, in Dundy County, Nebraska, to William and Blanche Gunderman. He grew up and received his education in Parks, Neb.., and graduated from Parks High School in 1942. After high school he joined the Merchant Marines and served in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he returned to Johnson County where he owned and operated his own oil field service. He was married in 1954 in Buffalo to Jesse Thompson and they made their home in Buffalo. Jesse passed away and on Dec. 30, 1964, Tuff married Gladys Sackett Bergis and they made their home in Buffalo where Tuff worked for the United States Post Office and held other part-time jobs. Tuff farmed his own place for a number of years and in 1970 he took a job with the Johnson County Fair Board as the caretaker of the fairgrounds, a job he held for 20 years before retiring in 1990. Tuff loved working outdoors. After retirement he continued living in Buffalo and enjoyed life by gardening, spending time with his family and the "coffee crew" at Hardee's until the time of his death. Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife, a sister and an infant daughter. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, of Buffalo; sons Carl of Buffalo and Jonathan of Gillette, Wyo.; daughter Lorna Zacher and husband, J.J., of Rapid City, S.D.; brother R. M. "John" Gunderman of Green. River, Wyo.; sisters Velma Mullanix of Benkelman, Neb., Joan Richards of St. Francis, Kan., and Arlene Howe of Brighton, Colo., and grandchildren Alycia, Daniel and Hamp Gunderman of Buffalo. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1983 William G. (Bill) Gunderman, son of Valentine (Shorty) and Katherine (Bust) Gunderman, was born August 22, 1902, at McCook, Nebraska, and passed away November 13, 1983, at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 81 years, 3 months and 22 days. Most of Bill's early childhood was spent around the McCook area and on September 11, 1923, at Wray, Colorado, he was united in marriage to Blanche Warnock. To this union were born six children, two sons and four daughters. They farmed in the Benkelman area until ill health forced them into retirement and they then moved to Benkelman. Bill and Blanche celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in September, 1973, and in May of 1974, Bill bade his lovely wife, Blanche, farewell as she slipped away from this life. Approximately four months ago, Bill became a resident of the Hester Memorial Home and was residing there at the time of his passing. The residents and employees of the home loved and respected him. Bill was a very pleasant fellow to be around and never knew a stranger. He loved to fish and work with wood. Children were a delight to him, thus causing him to be very close to his grandchildren. His greatest joy was in sharing or doing for others. He and his little yellow pickup will, be missed on the streets of Benkelman. Bill attended the Baptist Church in Benkelman and prior to his passing gave a positive testimony of his relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. Preceding Bill in death were his parents, his wife, two sisters, Louise and Hazel; one brother, Clarence, and one daughter-in-law, Jessie. He is survived by his four daughters: Velma (Dutch) and her husband, Glen Mullanix of Benkelman; Joan and her husband, Leonard Richard of St. Francis, Kansas; Katherine and her husband, Fred Lautherns of Casper, Wyoming and Arlene and her husband, Bill Howe of Aurora, Colorado; two sons, Lawrence (Tuff) and his wife, Gladys of Buffalo, Wyoming, and Richard (John) and his wife, Charlotte of Green River, Wyoming; one sister, Florence Beeson; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Services were held on Wednesday, November 16, 1983, at 10:30 a. m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska. The Rev. Robert Sander and Obed Walker officiated. Kelly Hayward sang "Going Down The Valley" and "In The Garden" accompanied by Betty Erdman at the organ. Pallbearers were George Harper, Scott Harper, Mike Richard, Bill Gunderman, Ric Gunderman, Carl Gunderman, Bobby Taylor and Jon Gunderman. Honorary pallbearers were Jiggs Hayward, Fred Scott, Vearl Richard, Harold Barnes, Rex Roundtree, George Harper and Alvin Loop. Interment was in Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman, Nebraska. Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 2001 Delna L. Gunther, 88, formerly of Benkelman, Neb., died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2001, at the Heritage of Wauneta in Wauneta, Neb. She was born March 3, 1912, in Kensington, Kan., to Charlie and Emma (Losey) Bradley. Delna attended grade school in Kansas and high school in Benkelman. On Jan. 6, 1932, Delna was united in marriage to Carl L. Gunther, and to this union two sons were born. Delna was baptized and became a member of the Benkelman Presbyterian Church on Feb. 26, 1961. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and was a talented seamstress. Her love for sewing was evident in the beautiful hand-crafted articles she made for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, who passed away in 1993, a sister, Mary Carrey, and brothers Floyd, Lloyd, Erwin and Bill Bradley. Those who survive her include her sons, Wayne Gunther and wife Sharon, of Gothenburg, Neb., and Vernon Gunther of Benkelman; a sister, Vivian, and her husband, Glen Osborn, also of Benkelman; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Delna Gunther were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2001, at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Marcine Farmer, P.M.A., officiating. Elaine Raichart was the organist and Betty Hansen sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Beyond The Sunset." Casket bearers were Randy, Paul, Danny and Ron Gunther, Jim Osborn and Gayle Jensen. Honorary bearers were Everett Stute, Bob Behlke, Tom Richard and Bill Seybold. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel. Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, June 3, 2004 Thursday, June 3, 2004 June 30, 1947-May 31, 2004 BENKELMAN -- Linda L. Gunther, 56, died Monday (May 31, 2004) at her home in Benkelman. She was born June 30, 1947, to James and Helen (Sander) Carter in Ogallala. She grew up in Ogallala and graduated in 1965 from Ogallala High School. After graduation she worked for TRW for several years. On Dec. 3, 1969, she married Marlin Eugene Gunther in Ogallala. The couple moved to Benkelman. She started working for Dundy County Hospital as a nurse's aid. She moved into various positions throughout the hospital, including housekeeping, working in the kitchen and clerical work. In 1992, she enrolled in the nursing program at Colby Community College and received her LPN license. In 1995, she graduated with a registered nursing degree. When her health began to fail, she became an instructor of the LPN certification program, as well as helping in the office of corporate compliance. After more than 32 years of service, she retired due to her health. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Benkelman, the Extension Club, the Red Hat Club and the Garden Club where she was master gardener for several years. She was preceded in death by her father, James Carter; her husband, Marlin Eugene Gunther on May 23, 2004; and brother, James Carter, Jr. Survivors include her daughter, Julie Ann Gunther of Benkelman; mother, Helen Carter; sisters, Alice VanDyke and husband, Jeffrey and Mary Warren, all of Columbia, Mo.; brothers, Jerry Carter and wife, Cindy of Tyler, Texas, Doug Bower and wife, Kathy of Portland, Ore.; and aunts, Esther Hood of Ogallala and Clarabelle Dickinson of Lodgepole. Services are Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Marcine Farmer, PMA, officiating. Interment will be at Benkelman Cemetery. Visitation is today, until 7 p.m., at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name. Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1975 Funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon for Bertha Hazel Gunther who passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Thursday after a long illness. She was 81 years of age and had been a resident of this area since her youth. She was the mother of Harry Gunther and Thelma Pettit, both of Benkelman. The Rev. Allan Martin and the Rev. Obed Walker were in charge of the services at the Benkelman Baptist Church. Mrs. Grace Brynoff was the organist and Bill Billington and Violet Williams the singers. Casket bearers were Albert Burkhalter, Carl Gunther, Virgil Hatch, Johnny Mays, Arthur Burkhalter and Clint Munn. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements. Bertha Hazel Gunther was born August 11, 1893 near Brownsville, Nebraska, the daughter of William and Hattie Martin and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on July 3 at the age of 81 years. She attended school in Beatrice, Nebraska and came to Cheyenne County, Kansas with her parents when she was a teenager. Here she met and married Oscar Gunther on April 14, 1913. Their marriage was blessed with four children, two of whom survive, Harry Gunther and Thelma Pettit, of Benkelman. Their son Wilbur died at the age of twenty years and Verdis died in infancy. Bertha was a member of the United Brethren Church and since moving to Benkelman was an active worker in the Baptist Church. She was a member of several sewing clubs. Her great-granddaughter, Julie Ann, was always her pride and joy. She leaves to mourn her passing son, Harry and wife Wilma; daughter, Thelma and husband Floyd; three grandsons, Marlin Gunther and wife Linda, David and Terry Pettit, and a great-granddaughter, Julie Ann Gunther; two sisters, Mae Dean of Benkelman, Nebraska and Lucille Endleman of Loveland, Colorado, several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Oscar, two sons, one brother and two sisters. Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, May 30, 2006 Tuesday, May 30, 2006 Jan. 8, 1920-May 25, 2006 BENKELMAN -- Wilma Faye Gunther, 86, died Thursday, (May 25, 2006) at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home. She was born Jan. 8, 1920, in Cheyenne County, Kan., to John B. and Hazel (McFarland) Pettit. She grew up on a farm and attended rural school in the Big Timber Community in Kansas. On Feb. 1, 1938, she married Harry F. Gunther in Benkelman. They made their home on various farms in Dundy County and Cheyenne County, Kansas. She was a homemaker and worked at various restaurant and house cleaning jobs. In 1977, they moved to Cherokee, Okla., to be near her parents. They lived there 11 years. She continued to work in housekeeping and restaurants jobs. They later returned to Benkelman. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, John and Hazel Pettit; her husband, Harry Gunther; one son, Marlin Gunther; her daughter-in-law, Linda Gunther; and two sisters, Velma Harrington and Thelma Sigl. Survivors include her granddaughter, Julie and husband, Jim Weigel, of Benkelman; one great-granddaughter, Maci Weigel, of Benkelman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Floyd and Thelma Pettit of Benkelman; three nephews and one niece. Memorials may be given in her name. Graveside services were today at the Benkelman Cemetery with Marcine Farmer officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman was in charge of the arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1993 BENKELMAN--Carl L. Gunther died at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska, on November 5, 1993, at the age of 82. He was born in Dundy County, Nebraska, on May 21, 1911, to August and Mary (Talmon) Gunther. He attended Dundy County School District 31 through the eighth grade. On January 6, 1932, he married Delna L. Bradley at St. Francis, Kansas, and they have two sons: Wayne and Vernon. Gunther was a farmer in the Benkelman area for most of his life. He was employed at the Farmers Livestock Sales pavilion in Benkelman and also worked in California at a glass factory and roofing company. He enjoyed fishing, reading and visiting with his many friends. One of his greatest loves was his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Annie Gerdes and Ella Hatch. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delna, who resides in the Heritage Home at Wauneta, Nebraska; two sons, Vernon of Benkelman and Wayne and his wife, Sharon, of Gothenburg, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Fred Gunther, of Nampa, Idaho; a sister, Bertha Bacon, of Bird City, Kansas; other family and friends. Funeral services for Carl Gunther were held Wednesday, November 10, 1993, at 1:30 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Douglas Allen officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman and Neala Carmichael sang “The Wonder Of It All" and "How Great Thou Art." Bearers were his grandsons, Randy, Danny, Ronnie and Paul Gunther. Honorary bearers were all of his many friends. The cemetery selection was "Home On The Range." Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1995 NAMPA, Idaho–Fred August Gunther, 91, of Nampa, Idaho, died Oct. 2, 1995, in a Nampa care center. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 5, 1995, in Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens, Boise, Idaho. Officiating was Bill Garrett of the Nampa First Christian Church. Services were under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home of Boise. Gunther was born on March 9, 1904, at Cheyenne County, Kan., the eldest son of eight children of August and Elizabeth Mary Gunther. He was married to Mary Brown at Castle Rock, Colo., on March 24, 1927. He was a dryland farmer in Nebraska until 1936, when the family moved to Nampa. In Nampa, he worked for H.M. Chase Produce, was a dairy farmer and also worked at Borchert's Feed & Coal. He then worked for the City of Nampa, from which he retired after 14 years of service. Fred is survived by his wife of 68 years; 5 children and their spouses, Fredrick and Della Gunther and Dorothy and Joe Bettencourt of Nampa, Donna Gunther and Lanny and Hilda Gunther of Ocean Shores, Wash., and Anita and J. K. Scott of Titusville, Fla; a sister, Bertha Bacon, of Bird City, Kan.; 20 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Annie, Ella and Emma, and three brothers, Carl, Louis and Howard. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1988 Harry F. Gunther died Sunday, August 7, 1988, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska. He was born May 26, 1916, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, to Oscar and Bertha (Martin) Gunther. Harry grew to manhood on the farm in the Big Timber community. He attended Baker Grade School and Benkelman High School. On February 1, 1938, he married Wilma Pettit and this union was blessed with one son, Marlin. They made their home on various farms in Dundy County, Nebraska, and Cheyenne County, Kansas. In the 1940's, Harry was employed by Walter Fries as a gravel pumper and after moving to Benkelman in 1956, he was employed at the Co-op Elevator and various businesses. In 1977, Harry and Wilma moved to Cherokee, Oklahoma, to be near Wilma's parents, where they lived for eleven years. Harry remodeled a home there and had a large yard, with a fruit orchard, and large vegetable garden, which were his pride and joy. Just three weeks ago, they sold their home and moved back to Benkelman to make a new home as Harry had been in poor health for many years and wished to be near his son and family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, two brothers, Wilber and Verdis. Survivors are his wife, Wilma; son, Marlin, daughter-in-law, Linda; only grandchild, Julie; sister, Thelma, and husband, Floyd; two aunts and various relatives and friends. Services were held Wednesday, August 10, 1988, at 2:30 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, with Pastor Lyle Chipperfield officiating. Elaine Blank was the organist. Joan Barker sang "The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference" and "How Great Thou Art." Serving as bearers were Robert Hardwick, Larry Gooder, Wes Donohue, Alvin Loop, Dick Davis and Paul Ham. Honorary bearers were Dennis Pinkerton, Charles Seybold, Foster Gerdes, Orval Johnson, Floyd Rickard, Walter Fries, Ross Goddard, Stanley Ham, Sam Jones and Byron Ham. Interment was at the Benkelman Cemetery. Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, May 26, 2004 Wednesday, May 26, 2004 March 31, 1939-May 23, 2004 BENKELMAN -- Marlin Eugene Gunther, 65, died Sunday (May 23, 2004) at his home in Benkelman. He was born March 31, 1939, to Harry F. and Wilma F. (Pettit) Gunther in Benkelman. He attended Benkelman schools. He graduated in 1957 from Benkelman High School. After high school he worked for several farmers and ranchers and later moved to Arkansas. After a short time he returned to Benkelman. On Dec. 3, 1969, he married Linda L. Carter in Ogallala. He worked for Benkelman Elevators for more than fifteen years before gaining employment with the City of Benkelman where he worked for 13 years. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Benkelman. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry F. Gunther. Survivors include his wife, Linda L Gunther; his daughter, Julie Ann; and mother, Wilma Gunther, all of Benkelman. Funeral services will be Thursday, 10:30 a.m. in the Forch Funeral Home Chapel in Benkelman with Marcine Farmer, PMA, officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery. Visitation is today until 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials may be given in his name. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, March 2008 June 8, 1924 - March 15, 2008 BENKELMAN -- Everna May "Tude" Gurnsey, 83, died Friday (March 15, 2008) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. She was born in Yuma County, Colo., on June 8, 1924, to Charles Frank and Bertha (Spellman) Chartier. She attended country school near her home for many years. During World War II, she moved to California, where she worked in the factories and helped support the war effort. She later returned to the area. In June of 1945, she married Clarence "Max" Guernsey. Together they farmed and ranched in Dundy County for the rest of their lives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Bertha Chartier; her husband, Max; brother, George; and sisters, Madge and Jean. Survivors include her children, Dick Guernsey and wife, Connie of Parks and Cheryl Bentley and husband, Dick of Benkelman; sisters, Phyllis Lowe of Crete and Shirley Trembley of Globe, Ariz.; brothers, Dallas Chartier and wife, Sharon of Benkelman, Bob Chartier and wife, Masie and Keith Chartier and wife, Margie, all of Laird, Colo., Bill Chartier and wife, JoAnn of Longmont, Colo., and Don Chartier of North Platte; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A graveside service with inurnment will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m., (MDT) at the Benkelman Cemetery with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. There will be no visitation or viewing. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be given to the Dundy Count Home-Owned Carnival. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 2008 Everna May “Tude" (Chartier) Gurnsey Everna May “Tude" Gurnsey died Friday, March 15, 2008 at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 82. She was born in Yuma County, Colo., on June 8, 1925, the fifth of eleven children, born to Charles Frank and Bertha (Spellman) Chartier. Tude attended country school near her home for many years, and during World War II, she moved to California, where she worked in the factories and helped support the war effort. She later returned to the area and in June of 1945, Tude was united in marriage to Clarence "Max" Guernsey. Together they farmed and ranched in Dundy County for the rest of their lives. Tude enjoyed life on the farm and took particular pride in the livestock that she and Max raised together. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and canned countless jars of homegrown fruits and vegetables that she often shared with family and friends. Perhaps Tude's greatest love, was that she held for her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made her heart swell with pride. She enjoyed fishing and always looked forward to family dinners, even more so, if she was the one doing the cooking! Her down-to-earth approach and willingness to help a neighbor or a friend in-need was her way of life, and she will be deeply missed by those who came to know her. Preceding her in death are her parents, Frank and Bertha Chartier; her husband, Max; brother, George; and sisters, Madge and Jean. Survivors include her children, Dick Guernsey and wife, Connie of Parks, Neb., Cheryl Bentley and husband, Dick of Benkelman, Neb.; sisters, Phyllis Lowe of Crete, Neb., and Shirley Trembley of Globe, Ariz.; brothers, Dallas Chartier and wife, Sharon of Benkelman, Bob Chartier and wife, Masie, and Keith Chartier and wife, Margie, all of Laird, Colo., Bill Chartier and wife, JoAnn of Longmont. Colo., Don Chartier of North Platte, Neb.; five grandchildren, Julie Burrell and husband, Todd of Benkelman, Max Bentley and Ve of Yuma, Colo., Carol Warning and husband, Darwin, and Steve Guernsey and wife, Tabitha, all of Benkelman, Jenny Wildeman and husband, Jordan of Hayes. Kan.; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous other nieces, nephews. other relatives and friends. A graveside service with inurnment was Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (MDT) at the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Honorary bearers and escorts were all of Tude's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be given to the Dundy County Home-Owned Carnival. Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 2000 D. Darlene Gutzman, 77, a resident at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb., died Friday, May 26, 2000, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb. She was born May 18, 1923, in Gem, Kan., to Otto and Francis (Jasper) Hofenstine. Darlene was a 1941 graduate of Gem High School. She attended Hays (Kan.) Teaching College and taught school for several years. One of her greatest joys was bringing happiness to others. Prior to her failing health, Darlene loved to make afghans to give to the staff and residents of the Hester Home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Albert F. Gutzman, and a sister, Betty Bond. Those who survive her include her son, Francis Gutzman, and wife, Marjorie, of Texas; daughters: Ardis and husband, Bob Brown, of Indianola, Neb., Marge and husband, Rocky Davis, of Sun Valley, Ariz., Jean and husband, David Wallace, of Randleman, N.C., and Kaye and husband, Robert Bellamy, of Benkelman; a brother, Earl Hofenstine, of Aurora, Colo.; a sister, Vineta Webb, of Mesa, Ariz.; and 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2000, at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. L. Ford Shenk officiating. Sally Shenk sang "In The Morning" and "In The Midst." Casket bearers were Alan Rand, Bob and Josh Brown, Scott Walker, Kenny Miner and Garret Cobb. Honorary bearers were David Wallace, Monte Rand and Doug Overfield. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Forch Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? 1964? E. Merle Gwin, one-time Benkelman theatre operator and community booster, succumbed to a heart attack at Colorado Springs on Tuesday afternoon. He was 51 years of age. Mr. Gwin fell suddenly ill at the Cooper Foundation theatre office shortly before five o'clock. His secretary called a physician but death came before anything could be done for him. His wife, Aldeane, arrived with the doctor as she and Merle had an appointment with their son. Tom, who was to meet them at that hour to drive them home. Merle had been in good health until the attack. He is survived by his wife, Aldeane, and four sons, a grandson, daughter-in-law, a brother and sister and his mother. The sons are Kenneth who lives in Denver; Larry who resides in San Diego, California; Mickey and Tommy who live at home. Mickey is a senior and Tom a Junior in high school. The grand-son is the son of Kenneth Gwin. The mother, Mrs. Dan Alwin, resides in Washington County, Kansas, the sister, Marjorie Shumake, lives in Pueblo and the brother, Homer Gwin, resides in California. The funeral will be held at the Law Mortuary in Colorado Springs on Friday afternoon at two o'clock. Interment will be in Colorado Springs. E. Merle Gwin was born in Washington County, Kansas, on July 2, 1913. The family were residing in Crete when his father died in an industrial accident and Merle became the head of the family at the age of 12 years. He obtained the dealership for the Lincoln newspapers and also worked as custodian for the public schools and Doane College. After graduation from high school he continued his studies at Doane College and worked as a laboratory assistant in the science department along with his other enterprises. In 1936, he and his wife, Aldeane. moved to Denver when Merle entered the film distribution business, first in the office and then as a film salesman, in which field he was one of the top men in the Denver area. In 1948 he purchased the Zorn Theater in the realization of a long ambition to become an exhibitor and to rear his family in the desirable environment of the small town. During the residence of the Gwin family in Benkelman, they participated in every worthwhile movement for the improvement of the town and were members of all the progressive organizations. Mr. Gwin served as a member of the Board of Education and was a past president and always vigorous workman in the Benkelman Chamber of Commerce. He was a Past Master of Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM. When television struck a telling blow to the theater business in Benkelman, the Gwin family moved to Crete, Nebraska, and Mr. Gwin worked as a field man for Doane College. Later he returned to the theater business as the manager of a Lincoln, Nebraska, theater and in December of 1963 moved to Colorado Springs to manage a theater for the Cooper Foundation. Inc. Mr. Gwin was good for Benkelman. He operated a progressive theater and worked in many ways in helping the community with its problems. He had considered Benkelman his hometown for it was here that he spent the happiest days of his life. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always was considerate of the farmers upon whose land he hunted and expressed his thanks to them for their permission to hunt their lands. He kept in touch with the community and had a great affection for its people. He will be sadly missed. The Gwins reside at 2721 Lark Drive. Colorado Springs. |
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