Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1978

Bertha (Borden) Harper

Word was received by George Harper’s of the passing of Bertha (Borden) Harper, wife of the late Henry Harper, April 17, 1978, in the Auoka Nursing Home, Auoka, Minn.

Burial was in Bridgeport, NE beside her first husband.

She is survived by 3 sons: Fred Borden, Bolivia, S.A., Albert Borden, Washington, Kenneth Borden, Minnesota, and 3 daughters, Lucille Cameron, Arletto Kennunen and Ethel Peterson of Minn.

Bertha lived in Benkelman several years and will be remembered by many here.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1976

Bessie Jane (Hatch) Harper

Bessie Jane Harper, daughter of Lewis M. and Mary Louisa Hatch was born August.22, 1886, near York, Nebraska and was the fourth child in a family of thirteen children. She died at the Dundy County Hospital on June 21, 1976.

At an early age she moved with her parents to Blakeman, Kans. where she spent most of her early life, attending school and teaching school in Rawlins County. On May 4, 1904, she was united in marriage to Elmer C. Harper of Benkelman, Nebr. They operated a livery stable for a short time until they moved to a farm in Kansas where they resided until 1930 at which time they moved to Benkelman. Together Bessie and Elmer built up an oil station business which she continued to operate after his death in 1936, until she sold it to Jim Youngson. In 1966 at the age of eighty, she sold her home and resided with her daughters for a short time and then became a resident of the Hester Home where she lived until her death.

Mrs. Harper had a great love for reading. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to read and to be good students. She prided herself that she was going to be 90 in August and still read about 3 books a week "without her glasses." She also read from her well-worn Bible every day. She had a great faith in the scriptures. She was a regular attendant at the chapel services at the Home. She was a member of the Royal Neighbor Lodge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, an infant daughter, five sisters, seven brothers, and two grandsons.

Mrs. Harper leaves to mourn her tragic death, her three daughters; Mrs. Velma Mayfield and husband Leonard of McDonald, Kans.; Mrs. Leola Campbell of Boulder, Colo.; Mrs. Vera Kacirek and husband, Laddie of McDonald, Kans.; 8 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. To show how much she loved her grandchildren, she had just finished embroidering a baby quilt for her newest grandchild, whose birth she anticipated any day. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews and the many friends she had made in her 89 years.

Funeral services were held at the Jones Funeral Home on June 23 with Rev. Allan Martin and Donovan Merklin conducting the services. Music was by Carol and Bob Sanders, with Betty Erdman at the organ. Casket bearers were all her grandsons; Keith Campbell, Robert Campbell, Richard Campbell, Harold Mayfield, David Kacirek and Larry Stubbs. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1951

Ruth Ann (Stoutsenberger) Harper

Mrs. C. H. Harper answered the call to the Great Beyond on Thursday of last week after a long and suffering illness during which it was known to family and friends that she could not recover.

A resident of this communal for sixty-five of her seventy-one' years of life, Mrs. Harper was well known and genuinely appreciated as a fine mother and a good neighbor.

Funeral services were conducted at the Laughlin Funeral Chapel on Monday afternoon with the Rev. Robert McCorkle of Bird City in charge. Singers were Mr. and Mrs. Gail Gilliland, with Mrs. Anna Benge at the Hammond organ. Pall bearers were Royce Smith, Chester Gerdes, LeRoy Loker, Ted Maranville, Bill Wolfe and Oscar Crowe. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Ruth Ann Stoutsenberger as born at Hillsdale, Michigan, on July 15, 1879 and departed this life on May 24, 1951, being 71 years, 10 months and 9 days old.

She moved from Michigan to Nebraska with her parents when only 6 years of age and lived at Hartwell, Nebraska for one year, then moved to Dundy county in the spring of 1886 to a farm near Max, and Dundy county has been her home since that time.

She was united in marriage to C. H. Harper on October 6, 1897 and to this union 13 children were born, three having preceded her in death. The surviving are Lewis of Longmont, Colorado; Goldie, Roy, and Fern McKay of Los Angeles, California; Ralph of Knoxville, Tennessee; George, Glenn and Lola Main of Benkelman; Lee of Littleton, Colorado and Vernice Morton of Mt. Harris, Colorado.

Mrs. Harper confessed faith in God at an early age and remained faithful to the end. She was always a kind and loving mother, always esteeming others above herself.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, ten children, one brother, 26 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of friends and neighbors.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1934

Elizabeth (Tyler) Harper

Elizabeth Tyler was born at Southington, Ohio, November 16, 1849, and passed away May 15, 1934, being 84 years, 6 months and 29 days of age.

She was married to James Lewis Harper March 29, 1866, at West Union, Iowa. To this union nine children were born, two of whom, Samuel R. and Charles Lewis, preceded her in death. Those surviving are James W., Calloway, Nebraska; George L., Rocky Point, Wyoming; C. H., Benkelman; Mrs. J. J. Forney, Langley, Kansas; Mrs. Anna Schwartz, Marquet, Kansas; Mrs. Addle Bishop, Shelden, Washington; Mrs. Eady Hatch, Dickens, Nebraska and forty-seven grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Harper moved with her family from Iowa to Kansas in 1872 and then to Dundy county, Nebraska, in 1890, which has since been her home.

She was converted in early life and joined the Methodist church in which faith she remained a faithful member until the end, being as regular in attendance as her health would permit. She was a woman of many strong traits of character and was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was a faithful wife and a wonderful mother and gave everything she had to her family and loved ones and to her friends. During the many years of her long life, her greatest thought and ambition was in the service and devotion of her loved ones and this remained the purpose of her life until the end come.

Funeral services were held at the United Presbyterian church in Benkelman on Thursday, May 17th, being conducted by Rev. J. C. Foster and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 2005

C. Wayne Harper

C. Wayne Harper was born on March 2. 1918. in Denver Colo., the third child and oldest son of Harold E. and Dora M. (Walker) Harper. When he was six months old, the family was called to manage the Walker family farm northeast of McDonald, Kan. The grandfather. George W. Walker, had retired and turned the farm over to his son, Frank Walke, who succumbed to influenza in the Great Epidemic of 1918.

As a child. Wayne would walk with his grandfather as he surveyed the fields. When he was doing the family farming himself, he loved and tended every square inch of the land.

Wayne attended the Mayflower Country School and Church. He attended McDonald Rural High School, played sports, was on the livestock judging team and became the first FFA Star Farmer from McDonald. Graduating in 1936, Wayne enrolled at Kansas State University, pledging Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was in Company A, Second Platoon R.O.T.C. Regiment. As a member of the Pi Epsilon Pi pep squad with the Wampus Cats, Wayne staged stunts at KSU pep rallies. Spare moments away from school were spent helping on the family farm.

In February 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army at Camp Carson, Colo. Wayne trained at Camp Wolters, Texas, and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne at Fort Berming, Ga. After receiving his Airborne Wings, he was assigned to the 504th Parachute Infantry Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion. Communications Section in Operations and Intelligence, being given the rank of Technical Sergeant.

After intense training at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, his unit sailed for Morocco in North Africa on April 22, 1943. Wayne saw combat in Sicily. Salerno, Naples. Venafro, Hill 1205 and Anzio where the 504s earned the name of Devils in Baggy Pants. Found in the diary of a German officer at Anzio was the following notation: "American parachutists—devils in baggy pants--are less than 100 meters from my outpost line. I can't sleep at night; they pop up from nowhere and we never know when or how they will strike next. Seems like the black-hearted devils are everywhere..." After a short respite in England, the 504 jumped into Holland where they saw 57 heroic days of action without relief. These events are historically depicted in the movie "A Bridge Too Far."

Serving three years, eight months and 23 days with 371 combat days, Wayne fought at Bastogne and Battle of the Bulge and was present at the liberation of Ludwigslust Concentration Camp and the surrender of the 21st German Army. For his service he received many citations, medals and an honorable discharge on Oct. 25, 1945, with continued service in the Army Reserves until Oct. 24, 1948. More than eligible for the honor, Wayne rejected a field commission in favor of returning to his beloved farm.

As a civilian, Wayne became commander of the Chester Phipps 229 American Legion Post, the president of the McDonald School Board for eight years, Master of Masonic Lodge 383 A.F. & A.M., took Chapter and Commander at Oberlin. Kan., Doric Chapter 404 O.E.S. St. Francis, the Isis Temple Shrine at Salina. Kan.. served on various political committees and was a charter member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association and the 504th Parachute Regiment Association.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Joan: daughters Carole Vrbas of Lawrence, Kan., Sheri (Bob) Cloe, of Atwood, Kan., and Margaret Ann Harper of Manhattan, Kan., grandchildren Mark and Susan Vrbas, Jeffrey, and Elizabeth Vrbas, "David" Harper, Wendi and Brian Janssen. Erik Vrbas, Sunday and Jay Eyer, Mandi and James Solko. Kenny and Trisha Fishburne and Courtney and Brad Faylor: great-grandchildren: Lane, Grant. Ava, Ethan, Cameron, Braden, Chase, Kensley, Madison. Taran, Preston and Parker, his sister, Irma (Jim) Curio; a brother Harold, Jr.: a brother-in-law, Bernard Prochazka, and many nieces, nephews and cousins including Gene Jones of Benkelman, Neb.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 27, 2004, at the United Methodist Church in Atwood with the Rev. Terry McGuire officiating. Mary Jo Youngblood was the organist, and Gary Fisher sang "In The Garden" and "Nearer My God To Thee." The congregational hymn was "Let Us Join Our Friends Above." Casket bearers were Mark, Jeffrey and Erik Vrbas, Brian Janssen, James Solko, Brad Faylor and Kenny Fishburne. Burial was in the Grace Cemetery at McDonald with military rites by the Honor Guard of Fort Riley, Kan.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May? 1934?

Elizabeth Tyler Harper

Elizabeth Tyler Harper, mother of C. H. Harper living east of Benkelman, passed away at her son’s home Tuesday evening. Death was largely due to old age and its infirmities.

Funeral services were held at the home Thursday afternoon by Rev. J. C. Foster and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Mrs. Harper was a pioneer resident of this section and was greatly loved and admired by all who knew her. She was 84 years, 5 months and 29 days of age.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1936

Elmer Clarence Harper

Elmer C. Harper passed away Tuesday night at the family home after a long illness covering the greater part of the past two years from cancer of the stomach. Funeral services will be conducted at the M. E. church on Thursday afternoon and interment will be in the Benkelman cemetery.

Mr. Harper was a life-long resident of this section, coming here with his family as a lad, attending rural schools and later the Benkelman high school. After reaching his maturity he launched into the farming business across the line in Rawlins county Kansas, and about five or six years ago bought ground and built the Harper Filling Station improvements and cottage camp. He also dealt heavily in farm equipment.

He was a man of unusual energy and of a very progressive spirit. And he had a natural tendency for progress and development. He was equally progressive in his community attitude and stood for everything and championed every progressive tendency for community betterment. Although always more or less interested in business, Mr. Harper's business creed was one that made him friends because he was most considerate of everyone with whom he had contact, either in a social or business way.

Elmer was never a pessimist—he was too busy for that. His life was lived and his vision was sympathetic to the optimistic viewpoint, no matter from what angle taken. And even during his long, last illness, he was always hopeful of final recovery. Even after visiting hospital after hospital and finding no relief, he still maintained his optimistic tendencies and it was only during the last few days that he showed a decided tendency to the theory that he might be approaching the end of his earthly existence and that there was nothing that he or anyone else could do to prevent it.

But his courage and optimistic nature sustained him even then and he passed from this worldly existence to the other life with the same faith and courage that had sustained him thru an active life of accomplishment.

And in his passing now the grief-stricken wife, children and loved ones have the tenderest sympathies of a sorrowing community.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show an Elmer Clarence Harper with a birth date of 6-25-1880 and a death date of 7-14-1936. It also shows that he was the husband of Bessie Hatch.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2005

George W. Harper

George W. Harper, 94, died Thursday, June 30, 2005, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb.

He was born on Feb. 8, 1911, in Dundy County, Nebraska, on his family's homestead south of Max, one of 13 children born to Cyrus Henry and Ruth Ann (Stoutsenberger) Harper.

George began his education at a country school known as the "cracker box," (later known as District 52) near his home, and soon after attended Benkelman High School where he received his high school diploma in 1932. After graduation George remained on the farm where he embraced the life of a farmer, working the fertile soil and tending to his livestock.

On Oct. 7, 1934, he was united in marriage to Idabelle Smith and to this union five children were born, four boys and one girl: George Demby Harper, Lester D. Harper, Dennis C. Harper, Lenere (Walker) Harper and Leon S. Harper.

George and Idabelle spent all of their married life, except for three years, farming his family's original tree claim and homestead, known as Harper Flats, and other land south of Max. Due to failing health, their later years were spent at the Hester Home in Benkelman.

George embraced the gospel in 1936 along with Idabelle and her mother, Lena Mae Smith. His faith in God sustained him throughout his life.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son Lester; daughter Lenere; sisters Goldie, Daisy, Lula, Fern and Vernis, and brothers Louis, Harry, Roy, Ralph, Lee and Glen.

Survivors include his loving wife of more than 70 years, Idabelle Harper, of Benkelman; sons George D. and wife, Norma, also of Benkelman, Dennis C. and wife, Verna, of Elora, Wash., and Leon S. and wife, Diane, of Bivins, Texas; a sister, Lola Main, of Mitchell. Neb.; a daughter-in-law, Ethel Harper, of Oakley, Kan.: a son-in-law, Earnest Walker, of Wasilla, Alaska; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Stanley Morrison and Raymond Reese officiating. Ethel Harper was the pianist and LaNette Keller, Diane Harper and Keith Harper sang "In Lowliness The Savior Came" and “While The Pages Of Life Are Turning." Casket bearers were Scott Harper, Keith Harper, Steve Harper, George Harper, Doyle Bock and Tom Hnizdil. Honorary bearers were Verle Raichart, Walter Chipperfield, Boyce Warning, Byron Els, Ted Busse and Pat Redden.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with a graveside selection being "Life's Short Day."

Arrangements were by Forch Funeral Chapel.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, July 1, 2005

George W. Harper

Friday, July 1, 2005

Feb. 8, 1911-June 30, 2005

BENKELMAN -- George W. Harper, 94, died Thursday (June 30, 2005), at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

He was born Feb. 8, 1911, in Dundy County, on his family's homestead south of Max to Cyrus Henry and Ruth Ann (Stoutsenberger) Harper. He began his education at a country school (District 52) near his home and later attended Benkelman High School where he received his high school diploma.

On Oct. 7, 1934. he married Idabelle Smith. The couple spent all of their married life, except for three years, farming the family's original tree claim and homestead, known as Harper Flats, and other land south of Max. Due to failing health, their later years were spent at the Sarah Ann Hester Home in Benkelman. He embraced the gospel in 1936 and faith in God sustained him throughout life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cyrus and Ruth Harper; son Lester Harper; daughter, Lenere (Harper) Walker; sisters, Goldie, Daisy, Lula, Fern, and Vernis; and brothers, Louis, Harry, Roy, Ralph, Lee and Glen.

Survivors include wife, Idabelle Harper of Benkelman; sons, George D. Harper and wife, Norma, also of Benkelman, Dennis C. Harper and wife, Verna of Elma, Wash., Leon S. Harper and wife, Diane of Bibbins, Texas; sister, Lola Main of Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Etherl Harper of Oakley, Kan.; son-in-law, Earnest Walker of Wasilla, Alaska; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Stanley Morrison and Raymond Reese officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday, 1 - 7 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given in his name for later distribution to various community organizations.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 2004

Glenn Harper

Glenn Harper, 81, of Grand Junction, Colo., died on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004. He was born on Jan. 12, 1922, the 12th of 13 children born to C.H. and Ruth Stoutsenberger Harper in Benkelman, Neb.

Glenn married Beryl Loop on Sept. 22, 1943, and they celebrated 60 years together in 2003.

Glenn served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and upon being honorably discharged, was awarded the Purple Heart medal. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV. He retired from Northwest Pipeline in December 1983 and spent many years enjoying the outdoors, hunting, fishing and being "camp cook" for Darby Mountain Outfitters in Wyoming.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Beryl Harper, of Grand Junction; a daughter, Janet (Bill) of Rangely, Colo.; sons John (Barb) Harper of Big Piney Wyo., and Jim (Lori) Harper of Sandy, Utah; brothers Lee Harper of Longmont, Colo., and George Harper of Benkelman; a sister, Lola Main, of Gering, Neb.; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary followed by military honors at Memorial Gardens.

John Marvin Harper Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July? 1977?

John Marvin Harper

John Marvin Harper was born July 11, 1903, at Benkelman. After an extended illness for more than five years, he died June 2 at his home near Hardy, Neb.

He received his education at the elementary and high school at Benkelman. He had worked as a mechanic in the alfalfa mill in Clay Center.

Mr. Harper was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Belleville, the Elks Lodge in Superior and the United Methodist Church of Republic.

April 8, 1965, he married Helen Mead at Marysville.

Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant son.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; two children by a previous marriage, Mrs. Dwayne Kendhammer (Wanda) and Ronald Harper of LaCrosse, Wisc.; one sister, Mrs. John Morlan (Grace), Mason, Mich.; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were Mon., June 6, from the United Methodist Church, Republic, with Rev. Arnold Roland, Jr., officiating. Burial was in Lake Cemetery, Republic, Kans.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1908

John Samuel Harper

J.S. Harper, one of the pioneer settlers of Rawlins County, Kansas, answered the last call early Monday morning, after a sickness covering a little over one week from pneumonia, at the age of 66 years.

Mr. Harper came to Rawlins County in 1885, where he at once established himself as a man of honor and consideration and has ever maintained that position among his neighbors and friends.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a John Samuel Harper with a birth date of 3-8-1842 and a death date of 4-6-1908. It also shows that he was the husband of Caroline Smitherman.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 2004

Lee O. Harper

Lee O. Harper of Longmont, Colo., died Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004, at Applewood Living Center in Longmont. He was 87.

Mr. Harper was born on Aug. 1, 1916, in Benkelman, Neb., to Cyrus Henry and Ruth (Stoutsenberger) Harper.

He served in the U.S. Army.

On May 29, 1938, he married Dorothy Landreth in Atwood, Kan.

Mr. Harper worked for Gates Rubber Company for 32 years and retired in 1974. He was a longtime member of B.P.O. Elks in Littleton, Colo.

He moved to Longmont in 2001 after living in Littleton for 50 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Mr. Harper was preceded in death by his wife in 1980.

He is survived by sons Gary Harper and wife, Lillian, of Longmont and Raymond Harper and wife, Violet, of Ogallala, Neb.; a brother, George Harper, of Benkelman; a sister, Lola Main, of Gering, Neb., and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation was handled by Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1986

Lester D. Harper

Lester D. Harper, the son of George W. and Idabelle Harper, was born on January 26, 1938, in Benkelman, Nebraska. He passed away December 17, 1986, on the family farm.

He was united in marriage to Ethel LaVon Toews on June 9, 1959. Together they were loving parents to three children, LaNette, Diane and Keith.

After marriage, Lester and Ethel made their home in Hillsboro, Kansas, for nine years. The family then moved to El Dorado, Kansas, where they lived for four years. During these years, Lester was employed by the farm implement industry.

In 1973, they moved to Benkelman to the farm that his great-grandfather homesteaded. Being close to nature, Lester loved his work. Loving his family and two special grandchildren to the fullest, Lester leaves with them many good memories.

In Lester's late teens, he felt the need of God in his life and he stayed true to his convictions.

Lester was preceded in death by his grandparents and one grandson, Jeremy Keller.

Survivors include hs wife, Ethel of Benkelman; two daughters: LaNette and husband, Jim Keller, of Oakley, Kansas, and Diane of Kearney; one son, Keith, of the home; two grandchildren, Jocelyn and Landon Keller; his parents, George and Idabelle of Benkelman; three brothers: Demby and his wife, Norma, of Goodland; Dennis and his wife, Judy, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Leon and his wife, Diane, of Denver, Colorado; one sister, Lenere, and husband, Ernest, of Haines, Alaska, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services were held Saturday, December 20, 1986, at the Dundy County High School Gymnasium in Benkelman, Nebraska, with ministers Roy Dietzel, Charles Middlesworth and Edgar Asplund officiating.

Organist was Irene Gilliland and pianist was Dorothy Kleeb. A quartet composed of Philip Jossi, Jim Kleeb, Carey Tsunemori and Arnold Nippert sang the selections "Loved Of God" and "In Jesus' Hands."

Bearers were Leslie Keller, Doyle Bock, Pat Redden, Neil Gilliland, David Hofer and Albert Gilliland.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman. The funeral was conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1972

Lewis Henry Harper

Lewis Henry Harper of 440 11th Avenue, Longmont, died on Wednesday, November 8, 1972 at the Longmont, Colorado, United Hospital after a short illness. He was 74 years old.

Mr. Harper was the former owner and manager of the Harper Potato Chip Factory from 1938 until his retirement in 1963.

He was born in Benkelman, Nebraska, August 28, 1898. In 1921, he married Goldie Maranville.

It was 1937 when the ex-Nebraska farmer and his family went to Longmont and a year later they founded their potato chip business. The Harpers began the operation with a few kettles on their back porch. Later, as the business grew, a plant was built that could handle the 1,800 sacks of potatoes for processing.

Harper's products were distributed in Boulder, Denver, Longmont, Loveland and Estes Park.

Mr. Harper belonged to the Four Square Gospel Church.

In addition to his wife, Goldie, Mr. Harper is survived by a son, Kenneth, of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Mrs. Betty Jensen of Longmont, by five brothers, Roy of Los Angeles, Calif., Ralph of Charleston, Tenn., George of Benkelman, Nebr., Lee of Littleton and Glenn of Grand Junction, Colo.; by four sisters, Mrs. Goldie Collier of Palisade, Nebraska, Mrs. Lola Main, also of Palisade, Mrs. Fern Harlow of Fullerton, Calif., and Mrs. Vernice Morton of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Mr. Harper is also survived by seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Howe Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Victor Manholder officiating. Burial was in the Foothills Gardens of Memories in Longmont.

Friends may contribute to the Midwest Childrens Home of Longmont.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1996

Ralph Harper

LONGMONT, Colo.– Ralph Harper, 87, of Longmont, Colo., died Sunday, June 16, 1996, at Applewood Living Center.

He was born on May 22, 1909, in Dundy County, Neb., and grew up on a farm south of Benkelman, Neb. He married Ruby Huskin of Loudon, Tenn., in 1936. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 10, 1996.

Mr. Harper graduated from Milwaukee (Wisc.) School of Engineering. He was a fireman and engineer for the Southern Railroad for 25 years and for the Union Pacific Railroad for 10 years. He was a volunteer fireman in Charleston, Tenn., and a member of B of LF&F.. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Athens, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin son and daughter, three brothers, three sisters and a grandson.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby, of Longmont; two daughters, Sharon and her husband, Franklin Ratzlaff, and Trena and her husband, Fred Hasl, all of Longmont: three brothers, George of Benkelman, Lee of Littleton, Colo., and Glen of Grand Junction, Colo.; three sisters, Fern Harlow of Ocean City, Calif., Vernice Morton of Steamboat Springs, Colo., and Lola Main of Gering, Neb.; a grandson, Kirk Ratzlaff and his wife, Debra; a granddaughter, Verneta and her husband, Anthony Lechman, of Berthoud, Colo.; two great-grandsons, Jon and Austin Ratzlaff, both of Longmont; two great-granddaughters, Annica Ratzlaff of Longmont and Mariah Lechman of Berthoud, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held June 21 at the Loudon Funeral Home and burial was on June 22 in the Corinth Cemetery in Loudon. Pallbearers were from the Charleston Volunteer Fire Department and friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2003

Goldie M. (Maranville) Harper-Resler

Goldie M. Harper-Resler, formerly of Longmont, Colo., died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at the Columbine Manor in Salida, Colo., at the age of 99 years.

She was born on March 10, 1904, at Lewiston, Ill., the daughter of Calvin and Myrtle (Goddard) Maranville.

She was married to Lewis Harper at Max, Neb., on April 17, 1921. She and her husband moved to Colorado in 1936. They started Harper's Potato Chips in Longmont in 1939 and retired from their business in 1953. Goldie also helped start the Midwest Children's Home, now known as Rocky Mountain Children's Home.

After the death of Lewis in 1972, she later married Leslie Resler.

She enjoyed going to Arizona, traveling and fishing. She served on several committees for senior citizens at the state level. She was a very generous person to all.

She was a member of the Professional Business Women of Longmont and the TOP Club and was a charter member of the New Song Church in Longmont.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, three brothers, two sisters and a grandchild, Donald Jensen.

She is survived by son Kenneth Harper and wife, Alberta, of New Braunsfels, Texas; daughter Betty Jensen and husband, Dan, of Canon City, Colo.; sister Darlene Aired and husband, Charles, of Phoenix, Ariz.; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Goldie Harper-Resler were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Lewellen Longmont Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jim Van Dyke of the New Song Church officiating. Interment was in the Foothills Gardens of Memory.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2002

Lorena M. (O’Donnell) Harris

GOTHENBURG— Lorena M. Harris died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, at Hilltop Estates Nursing Home in Gothenburg, Neb. She was 89 years old.

Lorena was born on March 22, 1913, to Asa and Mable (Turley) O'Donnell, in Cheyenne county, Bird City, Kan. She was the eldest of three children and was raised on a farm eight miles northeast of Bird City. She walked one-half mile to attend rural school.

She married Faye Adamson and they had one daughter, Joan. In 1938, she married Fredrick W. Bader and they had two children, Delmer and Marcia. He was killed in a trucking accident in 1949. Later she married Charles Harris, who is also deceased.

She worked as a waitress, seamstress and for 20 years was employed in retail in Fort Morgan, Colo. She lived in McCook, Neb., for a few years in the 1950s and worked at Ideal Cleaners. She moved to Hover Manor in Longmont, Colo., in 1989 and served as a volunteer in the dining room. She returned to McCook in 1994 and moved to the Hill Top Estates in Gothenburg in 2002.

She loved her family, sewing, ceramics and collecting elephants (the smaller variety). She sewed many quilts and lap robes for nursing homes.

She was a member of the Methodist Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husbands Faye Adamson, Frederick Bader and Charles Harris; daughter Joan; a brother, Leslie O'Donnell; a sister, Darlene Keene; two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Survivors include her son, Delmer Bader and wife, Stephanie, of Brady, Neb.; daughter Marcia and husband, Jerry Morrow, of Rogers, Ark.; 12 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, at Knodel Funeral Home in St. Francis, Kan., with Pastor Doug Mason officiating. Burial was in the Bird City Cemetery. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2002

Barbara Jean (Bartak) Harrison

STRATTON--Barbara Jean (Bartak) Harrison, 58, died Saturday, June 22, 2002, surrounded by family at her rural home near Stratton, Neb.

She was born March 12, 1944, at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., to Filbert F. and Celestine A. (Kloke) Bartak. Shortly after her birth, Barbara moved with her mother to live with her grandparents in Madison, Neb., while her father went overseas to serve his country during World War II near Okinawa in Japan. She started school in Omaha, Neb., and later moved with her father, mother and younger brother, Stephen, to Denver, Colo., where they resided for nearly five years.

After returning to Omaha, Barbara attended school and helped care for her twin brothers, Randy and Ricky. She graduated from Omaha South High School in 1962 and was employed at several jobs.

On April 23, 1966, she was united in marriage to Don Staroska and they moved to North Platte, Neb. To this union, three children were born: Lee, Diahann and Joseph.

Barb loved being a wife and a mother. She enjoyed the arts and was talented in numerous crafts. She loved to decorate, often using flowers as her medium and any room as her canvas. In her free time, Barb also enjoyed helping others.

On Jan. 5, 1991, Barb was united in marriage to Eddie L. Harrison at Calvary Baptist Church in North Platte. They made their home on the farm north of Stratton.

Barb was baptized into the Christian faith and carried that faith with her each day of her life. She was a member of the Christian Union Church in Stratton and a member of the Christian Women's Club. As time allowed, she could be found at church and community functions. Being a farm wife kept her busy, but she always found time for family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Filbert Bartak, and a nephew, Phillip Bartak.

Those who survive her include her loving husband, Ed Harrison, of Stratton; her mother, Celestine Bartak, of Grand Island, Neb.; daughter Diahann Stoner and husband, Larry, of North Platte; sons Lee Staroska and wife, Angie, of Grinnell, Iowa, and Joe Staroska and wife, Wendy, of North Platte; brothers Stephen Bartak and wife, Agnes, of Omaha, Randy Bartak and wife, Linda, of Lincoln, Neb., and Ricky Bartak and wife. Rhonda, of Omaha; stepsons Benjamin Harrison of McCook, Neb., and Andrew and Kevin Harrison. both of Indianapolis, Ind.; seven grandchildren: Brittany, Holly, Jenna and Jacob Staroska and Larry, Jr., Kalynn and Gregory Stoner, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Barbara Harrison were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at the Christian Union Church in Stratton with the Rev. Steven Kellett officiating. Tally Case was the pianist and Dan and Gloria Marshall sang "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art." The congregational hymn was "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Casket bearers were Lee and Joe Staroska, Stephen, Randy and Ricky Bartak and Andrew Harrison. Honorary bearers were Larry Stoner and Benjamin and Kevin Harrison. Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery at Wauneta, Neb. Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1998

Emma Clovice (Lester) Harrison

Emma Clovice (Lester) Harrison, known by many as Joanne, was born May 20, 1928, at Lesterville, Mo., to James and Goldie (Colyott) Lester. She departed this life on Friday, Sept. 11, 1998, at the age of 70 while a patient at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital in Denver, Colo.

She met Milton I. Harrison in Central park in New York City. She didn't like him at first when he asked her her name. She gave him the false name of Joanne and that's what he called her ever since. They were married on May 6, 1946, at Waymart, Penn.

"Sarge" and Joanne lived in New York City and then moved from base to base as the Army dictated. In 1971 the family moved to Benkelman, Neb., where they resided until their deaths.

Joanne loved birds and had many bird feeders to encourage birds to her yard so she could watch them. She also had a large garden and used to enjoy riding horses.

Their home was a gathering place for their children and their friends--always room for more and food for all.

She was active in the Seventh-day Adventist Church holding the offices of secretary and treasurer at the Benkelman church. After the closing of the local church, she attended the Wray (Colo.) and McCook (Neb.) Seventh-day Adventist churches.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milton, on April 3, 1998, and by a brother, Tommie.

She is survived by her children: Carolyn and her husband, Tom Bolio, of Benkelman, Irving and his wife, Kim, of Kearney, Neb., Joe and his wife, Ann, of Benkelman, and Chris and his wife, Kathy, of McCook; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers Raymond Healt of Carson, Ore., Eddie Healt of Thornfield, Ore., and J. C. Healt of Niva, Mo., and many other relatives and friends.

Final rites for Emma Harrison were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. L. Ford Shenk officiating. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "Amazing Grace" and "On The Wings Of A Dove." Bearers were Kirk and Kent Jones. Mike Edwards, Tom Ham, Herb Johnson and Mark Sutherland. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1999

Anna C. (Maris) Harrison

WAUNETA —Anna C. Harrison, 93, died Wednesday (March 31, 1999) at the Heritage of Wauneta Nursing Home.

She was born March 2, 1906, on a farm in northwest Hitchcock County to Leander and Mary (Angermeir) Maris. She attended rural school and then high school in Stratton.

On Nov. 4, 1925, she married James Edward Harrison at Wray, Colo. They settled in Dundy County where they farmed. In 1937 they moved to Hitchcock County and continued to farm until purchasing a farm near the seven mile corner south of Wauneta in Dundy County in 1958. They made their home there until retiring in1983 and moving to Wauneta.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James in May 1990; and six brothers, Charles, James, Leander, Floyd, Frank and Willie.

Survivors include four daughters, Leona and husband, Vernon Hunt of Scottsbluff, Florence and husband, Milton Hegwood of Culbertson, Lois and husband, Raymond Bley of Wauneta, and Beulah and husband, Keith Harris of Imperial; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday, 1 p.m.(MST) at the United Methodist Church of Wauneta with the Rev. Lloyd Bley and the Rev. Phillip Kline officiating. Interment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

A memorial has been established to the Immanuel Missionary Church of Wauneta.

Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial is in charge arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1968

Edna Belle (Miles) Harrison

Edna Belle Miles, daughter of Edward C. and Lorena Miles, was born on a farm in a sod house eight miles north of Stratton, Nebraska, on the 16th day of January, 1900, and departed this life on May 1, 1968, in a car accident at the age of 68 years, three months and 16 days.

She was baptized on Easter Sunday, 1916, in the Methodist Church in Stratton.

She spent all her childhood in Hitchcock county and was a graduate of Stratton High School Class of 1920. She was a rural school teacher for several years in Hitchcock and Dundy counties.

On June 12, 1921, she was married to Fred E. Harrison at the home of her parents and moved to a farm in Dundy county, where she resided until the time of her death. To this union one daughter, Wilma, was born.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Charles.

She had suffered much pain the past several years from arthritis.

She was a kind and loving mother and grandmother and a good friend and neighbor and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She leaves to mourn her passing one daughter, Mrs. Wilma Keiser; son-in-law, Ray Keiser; one grandson, Lynn Keiser, of Stratton, Nebraska; and a brother, Virgil Miles, of Topeka, Kansas.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November ????

Bertha Rebecca (Yost) Harrison

Bertha Rebecca Yost was born January 13, 1890 at Fair Play in Cedar County, Missouri, to Alonzo and Amanda Yost. Her family came to Kansas by covered ! wagon in 1902 and later settled at Alma, Nebraska. There she met and married Robert Leroy Harrison on July 13, 1913, and he took her to his homestead near North Platte, Nebraska. They returned to Franklin County, Nebraska where their son, John Benjamin, was born. Then they purchased a farm on the South Fork of the Republican River in Cheyenne County, Kansas. There three more children were born to this union; Robert Francis, Betty Ann, and Mary Esther. They resided on this form until Roberts’ death in 1960, at which time Bertha moved into St. Francis.

Bertha was a generous and compassionate person, always putting others and their needs ahead of her own. Her life was spent in helping others until she was no longer able to do so. She was a practical nurse in her younger days, always going to nurse those who were ill. She was regularly called upon to assist in childbirth which was a great joy to her as she dearly loved babies. It is unknown how many babies she assisted into the world, but it is a large number.

She was always a deeply religious person, finding great comfort in the Scriptures and in her church and Sunday School as long as she was able to attend. Even these past few years when she was no longer able to read her Bible, she would quote scripture at great length. Her prayers have been beautiful to hear. She was baptized and confirmed into the Evangelical Church in Alma. Nebraska, where she was church organist and taught a Sunday School class. She later attended church at the South Fork Friends Church, then the Evangelical United Brethren Church when she moved into town.

Bertha has always found great joy in her children, her seven grandchildren, and her five living great grandchildren. Her friendships with others were on important part of her life.

Due to failing health, she entered Miller Nursing Home in January 1965, then transferred to the Good Samaritan Village in December 1975.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and four brothers, great grandsons Michael Widlund and Robbie Peterson.

She is survived by two daughters, Betty Miller and Mary Dorsch, their husbands, Marion Miller and Norman Dorsch: daughter-in-law, Eulo Ham; grandchildren Judi and Gwen Miller, Nancy Widlund, Susan Peterson, Linda Thompson, Patricia Trott, and John Dorsch; great grandchildren David and Leslie Widlund, Amy Thompson, Donny Peterson, and Levi Traffas, sister-in-laws Pearl Best, Winnie Lovering, Susan Hecht; brother-in-law John Harrison; four nieces; Ethel Dunn, Della Crawford, Betty Schmidt, and Leone Stone, and other relatives and friends.

Those coming from a distance besides the family to attend services were John Harrison, Blunt, South Dakota; Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Hecht. Republican City. Nebraska; John Harrison, Franklin, Nebraska; Clay Dixon, Palisade, Nebraska and Bess Redden and family, Cambridge, Nebraska.

Services were held Saturday afternoon, November 26, at the United Methodist Church in St. Francis, Rev. Gene Shoemaker officiating. Arrangements were by Kramer Chapel. An Eastern Star ceremony was given at the graveside. Interment was in the St. Francis Cemetery.

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Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, January 25, 2002

Elmer E. Harrison

Friday, January 25, 2002

Elmer E. Harrison

IMPERIAL -- Elmer E. Harrison, 94, died Thursday (Jan. 24, 2002) at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial.

He was born March 18, 1907, in Dundy County to William "Jack" and Millie (Gosney) Harrison. He attended school in the country and assisted his parents in the farm work.

On Sept. 18, 1926, he married Cleo Francis Tatum. The couple made their home in Dundy County. In 1974, the couple moved to Imperial.

He was a member of Emmanuel Missionary Church of Wauneta and was affiliated with the Wesleyan Church in Imperial. He served on the Ashgrove, District No. 9 school board and was a county assessor for precinct No. 336 of Dundy County.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Bonnie Jean; three sisters, Rosie Hayward, Louella Donze, and Vera Francis, two brothers, Jim and Roy Harrison; and two half-brothers, Bill Evans, and Albert Evans.

Survivors include his wife, Cleo; four sons, Warren Harrison and wife, Rose of Stratton, Wayne Harrison and wife, Katie of Imperial, Donald Harrison and wife, Fredora of Goodland, Kan., and Will Harrison and wife, Joan of Whitehouse, Tenn.; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Services will be Saturday, 10:30 a.m. MST, at the Wesleyan Church of Imperial with Pastor Todd Burpo and Martin Harmon officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Visitation is today until 6 p.m. at the funeral home in Imperial.

A memorial has been established in his name.

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1968

Fred Ellsworth Harrison

Fred Ellsworth Harrison, son of Quirenus and Jennie Harrison, was born on a homestead in Dundy county 14 miles northwest of Stratton on the 5th day of September, 1900, and departed this life on May 2, 1968, at St. Catherine's Hospital in McCook at the age of 67 years, seven months and four days.

He spent his entire life on the homestead where he was born. He attended school at Ash Grove in Dundy county.

On June 12, 1921, he was married to Edna Belle Miles at the home of the bride's parents and moved to the farm of his parents where he resided until the time of his death. To this union one daughter, Wilma, was born. He was baptized on Easter Sunday, 1927, and was a member of the Methodist Church in Stratton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant sister, Nellie.

He was a kind and loving father and grandfather and a good friend and neighbor and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn his passing one daughter, Mrs. Wilma Keiser; son-in-law, Ray Keiser; one grandson, Lynn Keiser, all of Stratton, Nebraska, and one sister, Ruth Richards, of Trenton, Nebraska.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1990

James Edward Harrison

WAUNETA--James Edward Harrison was born September 17, 1904, in Dundy County, Nebraska, to William J. and Millie Ann (Gosney) Harrison, and died May 16, 1990, in the Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 85 years.

On November 4, 1925, he was married to Anna C. Maris at Wray, Colorado. Four daughters came to bless their home: Leona Hunt of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Florence Hegwood of Culbertson, Nebraska; Lois Bley of Wauneta, Nebraska, and Beulah Harris of Imperial, Nebraska.

They lived and farmed in Hitchcock and Dundy counties until October 1983 when they moved to Wauneta. He loved farming.

He gave his heart to the Lord in March 1933 in a revival at Ash Grove, and lived a consistent Christian life.

One of his greatest delights was playing music with his children and grandchildren. He dearly loved children and enjoyed playing with them. His primary interest was the church, and he was a cheerful giver wherever he saw a need. His saying was, “We can't out-give God."

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Rosa Hayward, Vera Francis and Louella Donze; one brother, Roy; two half-brothers: William and Albert Evans; two grandsons, Lauren Bley and Jimmy Hunt, and one great-granddaughter, Terra Lea Harris.

Survivors include his wife, Anna; four daughters: Leona Hunt and husband, Vernon, Florence Hegwood and husband, Milton, Lois Bley and husband, Raymond, and Beulah Harris and husband, Keith; one brother, Elmer Hanson and wife, Cleo; one sister-in-law, Ellen Kinnett; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services were held at the Wauneta United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 19, 1990, at 2:30 p.m. MDT, with the Revs. Loyd Bley and Francis Hobbs officiating.

Music was provided by Lynetta Wine, pianist; Lois Hunt, violinist, and a duet by the Rev. and Mrs. Earl Adair, "Vacation In Heaven," “Whispering Hope," “Treasures On The Other Side" and "My Home Sweet Home."

Bearers were Larry Hunt, Verlin Hunt, James Hegwood, Jerald Hegwood, Terry Harris and Kevin Harris.

Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta with arrangements by Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home of McCook, Nebraska.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1998

Milton Irving "Sarge" Harrison

Milton Irving "Sarge" Harrison was born on July 3, 1917, at Peckville, Penn. to George and Nettie (Smith) Harrison. He died on Friday, April 3, 1998, while a patient at the St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, Neb. He was 80 years old.

Milton's formal education ended at the sixth grade when he started working in the coal mines to help support his family.

He joined the Army at the age of 20 and served four years. He was a civilian for one year before being drafted into the same unit.

On May 6, 1946, he and Emma Clovice "Joann" Lester were married at Waymart, Penn. To this union five children were born: Carolyn, Milton "Jerry," Irving, Joe and Chris.

During World War II, Sarge served in Italy and Japan. He was involved in the Korean conflict and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his 31 years of service to his country in the Army, he completed his education for a GED and took college courses.

In 1971; after retiring from military life, Sarge and Joann moved their family to Benkelman, Neb. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, working on cars, playing canasta, solitaire, Skip-Bo and other card games and being with his family. He really enjoyed having all of his children and their families come home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George; sisters and brothers-in-law: Evelyn and Carm Perrie and Betty and Carl Carpenter, and a brother-in-law, Paul Bedene.

He will be greatly missed by his family which includes his devoted wife, Joann, of Benkelman; their daughter, Carol, and her husband, Tom Bolio, of Benkelman; four sons: Milton A. and Mindy of Vancouver, Wash., Irving R. and Kim of Kearney, Neb., Joe and Ann Harrison of Benkelman and Chris and Kathy of Sidney, Neb.; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Lucille Bedene of Ray, Ga., and Ethel Harrison of Carbondale, Penn.; other relatives and friends.

Final rites for Milton Harrison were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 1998, at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. L. Ford Shenk officiating. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "Amazing Grace" and “The Great Speckled Bird."

Bearers were Kirk Jones, Jim Magnani, Burdette Geihsler, Tom Ham, Herb Johnson. Jeff Klippert and honored friend Murl Beller.

The committal service was by Martin F. Bowles American Legion Post No. 65 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4178 of Benkelman. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1970

Robert Francis Harrison

Robert Francis Harrison was born the second son of Robert and Bertha Yost Harrison on October 17, 1916, at the farm home in the South Fork community, Cheyenne County, Kansas. He grew to young manhood on his parents' farm and was graduated from the St. Francis Community High School.

He joined the Marine Corps and fought for his country in the Pacific theater of war during the Second World War. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star during his tour of duty.

Upon his return to the States he was united in marriage to Winifred Eula Kirkman on October 2, 1944, and to this union three daughters were born: Nancy Ellen, Susan Marie and Linda Kay.

Francis was associated with his father in farming until his father's death in 1960. He remained on the farm until the fall of 1962 when the family moved to Limon, Colo., where he managed the bowling alley until his death Monday, July 27, 1970. He died from a heart attack while visiting his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Widlund, and her family in Lamar, Colo.

Francis attended Sunday School and Church at the South Fork Friends Community Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church and transferred his membership to the First Baptist Church in Limon when the family moved there.

He is survived by his wife, Eula; daughters: Nancy Widlund of Lamar, Colo., and Susan Peterson and Linda Harrison of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sons-in-law, Paul Widlund and Don Peterson; his grandson, Jon David: also his mother, Bertha Harrison, and sisters, Betty Miller and Mary Dorsch, and many other relatives and friends.

Francis was an avid outdoorsman, particularly enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. He loved unspoiled nature and felt very close to his Maker in that environment.

Francis was a friend to everyone. He was always available to those who called upon him for assistance of any kind. It was his nature to be generous and his gifts and kindnesses were done quietly and for the joy of serving family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 29, in the First Baptist Church of Limon at 10:00 a.m with the Rev. Nick Resovich officiating. Concluding services and interment was in St. Francis, Kansas, on Thursday, July 30, with the Love Funeral Home of. Limon in charge of all arrangements.

Casket bearers were: sons-in-law, Don Peterson and Paul Widlund, Kenneth Evans, Bud Elliott, Marion Smith and Earl Layton. Honorary bearers were Dale McCoy, Frank Culver, Roy McFetridge, Francis M e a s e, George Baskett. Russell Widlund, Harold Hendrix and Orin Einertson.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1936

William John Harrison

With the passing of W. J. Harrison another of our few remaining pioneers has passed to the great beyond.

Mr. Harrison, born of pioneer parents, was a true pioneer in every sense. His parents, being English, realized the opportunities of the new world, were married in England in 1853 and soon after came to the United States via sail boat which took six weeks. They settled near Racine, Wisconsin, where they cleared a small farm in the cut-over timber. At this place William Johnnie was born. There the family resided until the year 1873 when again the father realized the opportunity of cheap land in Nebraska and with his family came to Clay county.

They sent W. J., then a boy of 18 years, ahead with an emigrant car containing their live stock and household effects while the father and the rest of the family came later. Being the oldest of a large family and the father being in poor health, a large part of the responsibility of caring for the family was left to W. J. As the younger members of the family grew to take his place, W. J. began to think of a home of his own, and hearing of government land being open to settlers in Dundy county, he with his brother-in-law, A. W. Hall, and four brothers, Q. R., E. E., D. L., and Grant came to Dundy county in 1884 and filed on government tree claims and homesteads, returning to Clay county to spend the winter.

The next spring they returned to build their sod houses and break their land. During the dry years that followed, they, with the exception of W. J. and Q. R. returned to Clay county. W. J. and Q. R. never lost faith in the country, W. J. remaining on his farm until death. Jack, as he was known to his neighbors and friends. was of a quiet, unassuming disposition. His friends were numbered by his acquaintances, who were many. He also took a great interest in the development of the community, giving freely of both time and money for the good of religious upbuilding of the community. This is the first death in the family of nine children in fifty-seven years.

William John, son of William and Ann Harrison, was born February 5, 1855, and departed this life at his home November 13. 1936, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 8 days. On December 25, 1898, he was united Iin marriage with Millie A. Evahs. To this union were born six children: Rosa C., Vera M., James E., Elmer E., Francis L., and Roy R. He confessed his faith in God and was baptized in 1917. On April 11, 1929, he was rendered helpless by the kick of a horse and was bedfast until the last, 7 years and 7 months. He was a very kind and patient sufferer, never complaining. All that human hands could do was done to care for him, and he spent the remaining years of his life under the never tiring care of his loving wife.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Millie Harrison and children, Mrs. Rosa C. Hayward, Mrs. Vera M. Francis. James E. Harrisson, Elmer E. Harrison, Mrs. Francis L. Donze and Roy R. Harrison, all of this vicinity. and two step-sons, W. A. Evans of Sacramento. California and A. M. Evans of Sterling, Colorado: also nineteen grandchildren, one aged sister, Mrs. A. W. Hall of Clay Center, Nebraska. and seven brothers, Q. R. Harrison, Stratton: E. E. Harrison, Burlington, Colorado; Grant Harrison, Riverside, California; D. L. Harrison, Clay Center; and W. R. Harrison, Edgar; one brother having passed away in infancy and one at the age of twelve years. All his brothers were able to attend the funeral except Grant and his sister Mrs. A. W. Hall. Two nephews, Willis Hall and Robert Harrison and one step-son, A. M. Evans and wife, also attended the funeral.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post,

Charles B. Harshaw

Death struck twice in the McDonald family within a matter of only hours over the week-end. Upon receipt of the sad news of the passing of K. W. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Harshaw of McCook arrived to mingle with grief stricken relatives and to do what they could in whatever way they could to soften the shock.

Mrs. Harshaw, daughter of Mrs. Maggie Cox and niece of Kenneth W. McDonald and Mrs. D. L. Ough, with her husband came to Benkelman Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Heisterkamp, Mrs. Heisterkamp being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Ketler, and they remained in Benkelman Sunday evening until late when the party returned to McCook and went to the Heisterkamp home where coffee and lunch were prepared and after spending an hour or more at the Heisterkamp home, Mr. and Mrs. Harshaw returned to their home to retire.

At near six o'clock, Mrs. Harshaw was awakened by a slight moan on the part of her husband and attempted to awaken him, but to no avail. A doctor was called and was on the scene only a few minutes later and an examination disclosed that he had passed away, the cause being attributed to heart failure.

Mr. Harshaw was 54 years of age and was born at Gallatin, Tennessee, and began working for the Burlington as an operator in 1918. Two years later he was promoted to a dispatcher and had since worked most of the time at McCook with the exception of a short time when he acted in that capacity for the Burlington at Brush. He had completed his 8-hour "trick" before coming to Benkelman Sunday. He is survived by his wife Irma, a son Harold of Fairbury, and three sisters, Mrs. G. L. Blackmore of Detroit; Mrs. Grover Hunter of Fountain Head, Tennessee, and Mrs. Charles Parker of Burbank, California.

Funeral services were held at St. Alban's Episcopal church in McCook at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning and interment was in Memorial Park cemetery under the direction of the Breland Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1990

Mildred (Carlock) Hartman

WRAY--Mildred Hartman was born on February 13, 1912, at Wray, Colorado. Mildred had been in failing health and died early Friday morning, November 16, 1990. She had reached the age of 78 years.

She was the second of eight children born to James and Daisy (Boner) Carlock.

Mildred grew up between Wray and Haigler, Nebraska, and attended school in Haigler through the eighth grade.

She was married to Erick Hartman at Yuma, Colorado, on January 30, 1932. Five children were born to this union.

Mildred attended the Emmanuelle Lutheran Church in Haxtun, Colorado, and was baptized on September 13, 1934.

Mildred and Erick later moved to the Wauneta/Max, Nebraska, area where they farmed and, in 1960, moved to the Madrid, Nebraska, area where they worked for George Lee.

Mildred was an active member of the Madrid United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Marvin; one sister, Madeline Carter, and an infant daughter, Mona Mae.

She is survived by her husband of more than 58 years, Erick, of Madrid; one daughter, Darlene Staley, of Santa Ana, California; three sons, Marlin and Larry of the Denver area and Dallas of Oshkosh, Nebraska; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grand children.

She is also survived by two sisters, Lillian Mahon of Haigler and Josephine Lorance of Norton, Kansas; three brothers, Dick Carlock of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dennis Carlock of Evergreen, Colorado, and Victor Carlock of Denver, many other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, November 19, 1990, at 10:30 a.m. at the Madrid United Methodist Church with the Rev. Harold Backus officiating.

Sylvia Regier was the soloist and Carolyn Harms was the organist. Selections included "Precious Memories" and “The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Mike Hartman, Ryan Hartman, Loren Hartman, Darren Hartman, Kelly Hartman and Wayne Mahon.

Interment was in Benkelman Cemetery. Bullock-Long of Grant, Nebraska, was in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1985

Florence Hamilton (Ewing) Hartman

Florence Hamilton Ewing Hartman passed from this life December 1, 1985, in a Washington, D.C. hospital. She was born March 22, 1909, to pioneer parents, Sam and Addie Ewing.

In 1934, Florence left Nebraska to begin her career with the IRS in Washington. Starting when that agency was quite small, she worked her way up to a position as case worker for corporation taxes, developing position statements for the IRS. With only a self-taught legal education, she graduated to positions frequently filled by law school graduates. She particularly delighted in showing visiting Nebraskans their nation's capitol. To have Florence serve as your Washington guide was to come away with a renewed pride in our country.

Following her retirement in 1968, she returned to her beloved Nebraska, first to Lincoln and then back to her home town of Benkelman.

In 1982, she wed Omar Hartman of Washington, D.C., and lived in that city until her death.

Florence's most outstanding characteristic was her enthusiasm for a good life. She treated all with whom she came in contact with courtesy and graciousness, giving new meaning to the word "lady."

For 20 years, which included World War II years, Florence did volunteer driving for the Red Cross, taking patients from VA hospitals to various destinations. She was given an award by the American Red Cross for the extraordinary amount of hours she had contributed to this activity. After a full day at the office, she donned her Red Cross uniform and made her contribution to our soldiers and veterans.

She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, a worker in Red Cross causes and a member of the P.E.O. and Eastern Star.

Surviving are husband, Omar Hartman; stepdaughter, Joan; sisters, Ida Toler and Gladys Borchert; brother, Robert Ewing; and many nephews and nieces.

Services were held Friday, December 13, at United Presbyterian Church of Benkelman. Rev. Ilona Gallay officiated.

Organist Anna Benge and pianist Elaine Blank provided appropriate music. Joan Barker sang selections "Be Still My Soul" and "One Day At Calvary."

Inurnment was in Benkelman Cemetery Tuesday, December 10. Memorial service was conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1998

Eric C. Hartman

OSHKOSH--Eric C. Hartman, age 93, of Oshkosh, Neb., died Sunday, May 10, 1998, at the Garden County Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oshkosh with the Rev. Brenda Pfeifly officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Neb. Holechek Funeral Home of Oshkosh was in charge of arrangements.

He was born July 23, 1904, ,at Kalamazoo, Neb., the son of Henry C. and Minnie G. (Scheibe) Hartman, who came to the United :States in the late 1800s from Germany.

He married Mildred Carlock on Jan. 30, 1932. Mr. Hartman worked on farms and ranches in western Nebraska during the depression. They lived on a farm north of Max, Neb., from 1945 to the mid-1960s when they moved to Madrid, Neb. While there he worked for George Lee for several years.

After he retired from farming, he worked for the Madrid elevator and operated a small coffee shop in Madrid.

He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law: Marlin and Janet Hartman of Westminster, Colo., Larry and Jackie Hartman of Thornton, Colo., and Dallas and Edna Hartman of Oshkosh; a daughter, Darlene Staley, of Santa Ana, Calif.; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Meta Lee, of Windsor, Colo., and a sister-in-law, Lillian Mahon, of Haigler, Neb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and an infant daughter, Mona May.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1978

Ruby R. Hartman

Services were held Sat., March 18, 1978 for Ruby R. Hartman of Stratton, 86, at the United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. in Stratton, Nebr.

Born Jan. 30, 1892 in Hitchcock County, Nebr., Ruby Hartman passed away March 15, 1978 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebr.

Rev. Willard Scott officiated and organist was Marie Kleinschmidt.

A duet of Iris Gummere and Lois Carlson sang the selections, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Lyle Williamson, Richard Faimon, Roland Felker, LeRoy Barnett, Eugene Crow and Seth Ragan.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton, Nebr.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1948

Vern Hartsock

Dundy county friends were grieved to learn of the passing of Vern Hartsock at an Eaton, Colo., hospital at near six o'clock Tuesday morning, where he had been under treatment for a heart condition for ten days past and during the past week little hope was held out for his recovery. In fact his death had been expected hourly for days.

Mr. Hartsock suffered a similar attack three years ago but recovered to the point where he could return to the management of his store.

Funeral services were planned for Thursday at Eaton.

Mr. Hartsock is survived by his wife, Ethel, formerly Miss Ethel Maranville; one son, Bud Hartsock, of Eaton, and one daughter, Mrs. Esther Herbert.

Mr. Hartsock was at one time employed in Benkelman stores and later purchased and operated a store at Max for years and was highly esteemed and regarded by all who enjoyed his acquaintanceship.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1984?

Inez I. (Cross) Hartzer

Inez I. Hartzer died February 19 at the Bergen Mercy Care Center in Omaha.

She was born November 4, 1909, at Trenton, Nebraska, to Frank and Effie (Gillispie) Cross. She left this life at the age of 75 years, 3 months and 15 days.

Inez graduated from Trenton High School and later received her teacher's certificate from Greeley Teachers College, after which she taught in the Eden Community at District No. 24, Bristou School.

She was united in marriage to Willis Hartzer on May 12, 1929, at Benkelman, and moved to a farm south of Wauneta. They were blessed with four children, Shirley, Wallace (Ace), Gaylin and Harold (Duce).

Inez was a very independent woman who enjoyed her music and tax work. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willis; and two brothers, Glen and Waldo (Snooks) Cross.

Inez is survived by one daughter and three sons, Shirley and Dan Miller of Papillion, Nebraska, Wallace and Eva of Salem, Oregon, Gaylin and Loyann of Wauneta, and Harold and Beth Ann of Culbertson; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Edna Friehe of Culbertson; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1972

Louise Josephine (Jorgensen) Hartzer

Louise Josephine Hartzer, daughter of Axel and Augusta Jorgensen, was born at Holdrege, Nebraska, on April 7, 1898, and passed away at the age of 74 years at Imperial on April 6, 1972, after a short illness. She taught school in Max, Nebraska, prior to her marriage to Lee Hartzer on April 12, 1917. One child, a daughter, Maxine, was born to them.

Lee and Louise Hartzer farmed on the South Divide for 26 years until moving to Wauneta in 1943 after Mr. Hartzer's retirement. Mr. Hartzer died in 1957.

Mrs. Hartzer was a member of the Wauneta United Methodist Church and was active in the Woman's Society. She was a Charter Member and past Worthy Matron of Wauneta Chapter No. 295 of the Order of Eastern Star and was honored by the Order with the presentation of a 50-year pin in 1967. She was also a member of the Embroidery Club, one of the oldest woman's organizations in Wauneta. She led an active social life and greatly enjoyed the sport of fishing.

She is survived by her daughter, Maxine Hayes of Lander, Wyo.; one grandson, William Lee Hayes, also of Lander; one granddaughter, Ruth Ann St. Clair, Fort Washakie, Wyo.; and a great grandson, Stephen St. Clair. Also surviving are three sisters: Helen Jorgensen, Boulder, Colo.; Tena Jorgensen, Benkelman; and Katie Pflum, Longmont, Colo. There also remain several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Funeral services were held at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, 1972 with the Rev. T. J. Fraser officiating. Sandy Krausnick was the singer accompanied. by Marcia Brunkhorst at the organ. Pallbearers were Bob Walgren, Dwight Hoff, Bob Hamilton, John Knotwell, Robert Hummel and Lowell Grimm. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery Wauneta, under the direction of the Brunkhorst Funeral Home of Wauneta.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1975

Willis Waldean Hartzer

Willis Waldean Hartzer was born at Wauneta, Nebraska on July 20, 1905 and died May 5, 1975 in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 69 years.

On May 12, 1929 in Benkelman, Nebraska, he was united in marriage to Inez Cross of Trenton, Nebraska. To this union were born four children.

The family lived on a farm six miles south of Wauneta, Nebraska. Willis enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. The last few years he found great pleasure in working with wood, jewlery and other craft materials.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his widow, Inez of Wauneta; one daughter, Mrs. Don (Shirley) Miller, Papillion, Nebraska; three sons, Wallace ( Ace) Hartzer, Salem, Oregon; Gaylin Hartze,, Wauneta and Harold Duce) Hartzer, Culbertson, Nebraska; one son-in-law, Don Miller and three daughters-in-law; Eva, Loyann and Beth Ann; sixteen grandchildren, Dana and wife Lorraine, DeLane, Donett and Darin Miller, Papillion; Sandra and husband Tim Hallman, Jeff, Karen and Kevin Hartzer, Salem, Oregon; Gaylin Ray, Jr., Lorne and Phillip Hartzer, Wauneta; Melody, Yancey and Tony Hartzer, Culbertson. Other survivors include nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Services were held May 8, 1975 in the United Methodist Church of Wauneta with the Rev. T. J. Fraser and Rev. Eldo N. Kirkus officiating. Mr. Paul Kitt was the soloist, accompanied by Mrs. T. J. Fraser on the organ.

Active pallbearers include James Sughroue, Ervin Kitt, Dean Kitt, Virgil Sandman, Floyd Nordhausen, Virgil Doetker.

Honorary pallbearers include Harold Yingling, Gus Bartels, Torsten Anderson,

Glen Fish, Harlan Stock, Jess Petsch, Ed Nowka, Ray Ditton, Don Ham and John Donze. Interment was in the Riverview cemetery of Wauneta.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2002

Mary Ann Elizabeth (Kalb) Harvey

NORTH PLATTE– Mary Ann Elizabeth Harvey, 61, died Monday, July 22, 2002, at Linden Court in North Platte, Neb.

She was born on July 19, 1941, in Chappell, Neb., to Henry and Nellie (Vass) Kalb.

She graduated from Chappell High School, and received an associate degree in Applied Science at McCook (Neb.) Community College.

She married James Harvey in Chappell on Oct. 17, 1961. They owned and operated the Sports Shop and Liquor Store in Benkelman, Neb.

Mary Ann resided in North Platte since 1995 and worked for Sitel for two years. She was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994, her parents and a sister, Genevieve Nelson.

She is survived by a son, Steve Harvey, and wife, Teresa,of North Platte; daughters Melissa Harvey of Phoenix, Ariz.,and Martha and husband, Buddy DeWeese, of Axtell, Neb.;a brother, James Kalb, and wife, Mary, of Kearney, Neb.;grandsons Dustin, Dillon and Cory, and nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family and a host of friends.

Rosary was recited at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, July 26, at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m. at the Chappell Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1989

Zoe Marietta (Kirkpatrick) Harvey

Zoe Marietta Harvey, the daughter of George and Anna (Bittman) Kirkpatrick, was born November 25, 1903, in El Reno, Oklahoma. She departed this life on Monday, February 6, 1989. at the Hadley Medical Center in Hays. Kansas, at the age of 85 years, 2 months and 11 days.

Zoe moved with her parents to Kansas in 1909 in a covered wagon. They homesteaded in Rawlins County, Kansas, and later in Keith County, Nebraska.

Zoe was united in marriage with Dean Harvey on November 3, 1929, at North Platte, Nebraska. This union was blessed with a daughter, Hazel, and two sons, Bruce and Kent. They lived in western Nebraska for several years where Mr. Harvey farmed and worked livestock. In 1937 they moved to Sarben, Nebraska, while he was employed with the railroad. In 1945 they moved to Webster County to make their home and farm. Dean passed away on October 4, 1951. Zoe moved into Inavale to live until 1953 when she moved to the Benkelman. Nebraska area. Since 1981, she had been a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Hays, Kansas.

Zoe had always cherished the years she spent living on the farm. She loved the farm life and enjoyed helping her husband with the cattle. In her leisure time, she also enjoyed working with her garden and in the yard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean; her son, Bruce, on July 18, 1953; two sisters, Mary Balding and Katie Leeper; and a brother, Frank Kirkpatrick.

Zoe will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure to know her. Left to treasure her memory are her daughter, Hazel LaPorte, and her husband, Richard, of Plainville, Kansas; a son. Kent Harvey, and his wife, Karen, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Suzie Bliss, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews and her many friends.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 9, 1989, from the Simonson-Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Red Cloud, Nebraska, with the Rev. Charles Bridges officiating.

Louise Eldred sang “In The Sweet By And By” and "The Old Rugged Cross" accompanied by Sue McNeil, organist.

Bearers were John Miller, Sherman Worman, Richard Worman, Jim Bliss, Randy Hayzlett and Mark Curry.

Honorary bearers were Kenneth Herrick, Lyle Herrick, Henry Bliss, Floyd Carpenter, Asa Carpenter and Clinton Bridges.

Interment was in the Riverton Cemetery in Riverton, Nebraska.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1970

Frank Arnold Harvey

Frank Arnold Harvey was born on January 28, 1891, to Almeda Ellen (Arnold) and David S. Harvey in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 2, 1970, at his home at the age of 79 years and five days.

He attended the country schools of that day, and in 1909 went to Topeka, Kansas, to a telegraph school, later working for the Union Pacific Railroad as a telegraph operator in Omaha and Shelton. Nebraska.

On June 29, 1910, he was united in marriage to Grace Mae Hall at Orafino, Nebr., and to this union three children were born, Frances. Ethel, and Ward.

He farmed for two years near Orafino, and then in 1912, with his wife and daughter Frances, returned to Cheyenne County and settled on his homestead in the South Fork community in a new three room sod house where the other two children were born.

After a few years of hard work and prosperity he built a new frame house into which they moved in 1922 and which was to be his home for the remainder of his life. He farmed this place until failing health forced him to retire about one year ago.

He united with the Methodist Church in 1909 and was active in the South Fork church and Sunday School for many years, having been a teacher of the adult Bible class. His ability to store Bible knowledge in his memory and to recall it at a moment's notice was appreciated by all who knew him. He loved poetry, and his knack for sharing it with others helped inspire many meetings of the community and brought happiness to others and we are sure it brought blessings to himself. He gave many years of service to his community as township assessor and on the school board.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Minnie Harvey Crabtree, his brother, John, and one grandchild, Geraldine Ewing.

He is survived by his wife, Grace, with whom he had enjoyed nearly sixty years of wedded lite, and three children, Frances Ewing and her husband, Lotus, of Lyle, Washington; Ethel Russell and her husband, Leonard, of Battle Ground, Washington; and Ward and his wife, Evelynn, of Cheyenne County. Two sisters, Mae Harvey Goodell of St. Francis, Kansas, and Fairy Harvey Holliman of Sequins, Washington. A sister-in-law, Modesta Harvey of St. Francis. Kansas, nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Services were conducted at Riddell Funeral Home February 5, with Pastor William W. Leach officiating. Singers were Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Case. Organist was Ruby Holliman. Casket bearers were Keith Harvey, Brice Murphy, Wayne Goodell. Leslie Goodell, Albert Crabtree. and Kent Ewing. Interment was in St. Francis cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1994

James "Jim" Russell Harvey

MAX--James "Jim" Russell Harvey, 61, was born August 28, 1933, at Enid, Oklahoma, to Claude and Agnes (Preble) Harvey and died Thursday, September 1, 1994, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

He attended elementary schools in Garfield County, Oklahoma, and graduated with a GED from Benkelman, Nebraska, many years later.

Harvey married Mary Ann Kalb October 17, 1961, at Chappell, Nebraska. During their early years together, he was a general contractor, grain elevator employee and farmed.

In 1986 he was elected Dundy County Commissioner for District II. He served in this capacity until his death.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Benkelman, Nebraska, a third-degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the Eagles Club of Hastings, Nebraska.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Andrew Markus, and a brother, Bernard L. Harvey.

Harvey is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, of Max, Nebraska; a son, Steve Harvey and his wife, Teresa, of North Platte, Nebraska; two daughters, Melissa and her husband, Loran Jones, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Martha and her husband, Buddy DeWeese, of Kearney, Nebraska; a sister, Beatrice (Mrs. Bud) Ptacek, of Enid; a sister-in-law, Gladys (Mrs. B.L.) Harvey of Breckinridge, Oklahoma, and three grandsons, Dustin and Dillon Harvey and Cory DeWeese.

A memorial mass of the resurrection was held Monday, September 5, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Mark Pfeiffer officiating.

Kelly Hayward sang "Daddy's Hands," "Amazing Grace" and "Daddy's Song."

There will be a private inurnment at a later date. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Correspondence will reach the family at PO Box 185, Max, NE 69037-0185.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 2006

Eunice Lydia (Thomas) Haskell

Eunice Lydia Haskell was born on June 6, 1917, to Harry and Lydia Thomas in rural Idalia, Colo. She died on May 18, 2006, at The Towers assisted-living facility in Wray, Colo. She was 88 years of age.

She graduated from high school at Idalia and attended Colorado Teachers' College at Greeley. She taught in rural schools for a few years before focusing her efforts on being a farm housewife.

Eunice married George Austin Haskell, Jr., on April 20, 1940, at St. Francis, Kan. To this union, two daughters: Sandra and Sheryl, and a son, Keith, were born.

Most of her life was spent in the Idalia, Vernon and Wray, Colo., and Haigler, Neb., communities. Eunice was an avid seamstress and enjoyed doing needlework with her friends. She was an excellent cook and was always willing to cook for a crowd. She enjoyed gardening and grew all kinds of flowers and vegetables. She was very social and enjoyed being with people. She was active in the Golden Inn Senior Center in Haigler and the Haigler Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Dorothy, and a brother, Rawlin.

Survivors include her children: Sandra Harrach, Sheryl Stute and Keith Haskell; a sister, Shirley Witte; a brother, John Thomas; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2006. at the Haigler United Methodist Church with the Rev. Steve Wynkoop officiating. Burial was in the Glendale Cemetery at Vernon. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home of Wray was in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1996

George Austin Haskell Jr.

HAIGLER– George Austin Haskell Jr. was born on Sept. 13, 1915, to George Austin and Clara (Swab) Haskell near Beecher Island, Colo., on the farmily farm. He died on July 17, 1996, at the Wray (Colo.) Community District Hospital. He was 80 years of age.

He attended Beecher Island and Vernon schools.

He married Eunice Lydia Thomas on April 20, 1940, at St. Francis, Kan. To this union, two daughters, Sandra and Sheryl, and one son, Keith, were born.

Mr. Haskell spent most of his life ranching in the Wray and Haigler (Neb.) areas. His roping ability was a source of pride to him and those who knew him. He loved practical jokes and had a zest for life. He loved to dance, play cards and fish. As a young man, he played baseball and his enthusiasm for the sport was lifelong. He was always ready to watch any baseball game, especially when his grandsons were playing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bernard, Ernest, Ralph and Gerald, and a sister, Evelyn.

Survivors include his wife; their daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Gordon Harrach of Scottsbluff, Neb., and Sheryl and Ken Stute of Sidney, Neb.; their son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Cindy Haskell, of Haigler; sisters Leona Akey of Wray, Wilda Jennings of Topock, Ariz., and Zella Fletcher of Cottonwood, Ariz.; a sister-in-law, Lavonne Haskell, of Loveland, Colo.; grandchildren Suzanne (Harrach) and Pete Wysocki, Michael and Karen Harrach, Mark and Mary Stute, Michelle (Stute) and Clinton Hodges, and Kolette, Tony, Brian and Jason Haskell; great-grandchildren Ashley and Amber Hodges and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 20, 1996, at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Wray with the Rev. Richard Russell officiating. Burial was in the Glendale Cemetery at Vernon, Colo. Spellman, Schmidt-Baucke Mortuary of Wray was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1995

Edna Alice (Pettit) Hatch

Edna Alice Hatch, 71, died Friday, Dec. 8, 1995, at Broadstone Memorial Nuckolls County hospital in Superior, Neb. She was born on a farm in Cheyenne county, Kan., on May 22, 1924, to Harry and Stella (McClain) Pettit.

She spent her childhood on the farm where she was born on the Big Timber. She attended grade school at Baker School and graduated from Bird City (Kan.) High School.

On April 25, 1943, she married Virgil Hatch in Benkelman, Neb. They moved to their present farm on the Big Timber in 1949 where she spent most of her life helping Virgil with farming and raising cattle.

Survivors include sons Ronnie and his wife, Kerin, of Nevada, Mo., Ken and his wife, Rhea. of Tucson, Ariz., and Dennis and his wife, Betty, of Superior, Neb.; a daughter, Lanetta and her husband, John Harrington, of Sharon, Vt.; brothers Floyd Pettit of Benkelman and Melvin Pettit of Wymore, Neb., and sisters Aletha Willis of Bird City and Fannie Chipperfield of Atwood. Kan.: 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman. Paul Erdman, Urlin McCartney, Wilbur Case and Eugene Jones sang “The Old Rugged Cross" and "In The Garden." Bearers were Corey Mikkelsen, Scott Hatch, Dan Sowers, John Harrington, Johnny Mays and Dan Donohue. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1996

Louisa M. (Wilkens) Hatch

McDONALD, Kan.— Louisa M. (Wilkens) Hatch died Sunday, Oct. 13, 1996, at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kan. She was born Sept. 22, 1918, in a soddy on the family farm north of McDonald, Kan., and lived there her entire life, though not always in the soddy.

She graduated from the eighth grade in 1932 from the Walnut Grove one-room schoolhouse, was the valedictorian of her graduating class of 1936 at McDonald High and graduated with honors from the Chilocothe Business School in 1938.

On Dec. 26, 1941, she married Francis Hatch in the Evergreen Church north of Bird City, Kan. They began their married life in Denver, Colo., where they were employed. Shortly after the birth of their son, Albert, Fran left for World War II duty in Europe. Louisa, her father, sister and young Al worked the farm for the duration of the war. After the war came daughters Patricia and Rita.

Louisa was devoted to her husband and for more than 50 years they farmed together. She produced countless meals for family, friends and harvest crews, spent many happy hours in the family garden with its inevitable canning and as many hours processing the chickens, eggs and cream that were part of the farm life she loved so much.

She cherished her children and grandchildren and, even though they lived farther away than she would have liked, she engineered many trips to honor their achievements and to participate in their development. She served as the family pipeline of information; the entire family enjoyed her long, descriptive letters which always arrived faithfully despite occasional lapses in responses. Family holidays became important traditions and a widely scattered family remained strong and close due to Louisa's careful planning.

Louisa was a very devout person with the Lord being a part of her everyday life. For more than 25 years, she taught Sunday School and was an active member of the Federated Church in McDonald. She delighted in the friendships she enjoyed with neighbors and included these friends when she counted her blessings. She was known as one of the finest of quilters throughout the region. More than anything else, she is remembered for her continual good humor, love of life and eager willingness to help others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alice (Davis) Wilkens, and a sister, Nina Harper.

She will be greatly missed by her husband, Fran, of McDonald; their children: Al, and his wife, Becky, of Kinsley, Kan., Patricia, and her husband, Jim McClurg, of Laramie, Wyo., and Rita and her husband, Douglas Zeman, of Broken Arrow, Okla.; her sister, Elberta Calnon; eight grandchildren: Jon and Thomas McClurg, Karen (McLurg) Sheffres, Marsha (Hatch) Reves, Michael and Michele Hatch and Jeremy and Angie Zeman: five great-grandchildren: Mitchell Scheff, Samuel and Jacob Sheffres, Ryan McClurg and Kennedy Reyes; and many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

Final rites for Louisa Hatch were Thursday. Oct. 17, 1996, at 2 p.m. at the Federated Church in McDonald with the Revs. Gregory Moyer and Clarence Swihart officiating. Organist was Phyllis Wingfield and Michael Hatch sang "In The Garden" and “The King Of Love My Shepherd Is."

Pallbearers were Jeremy Zeman, Jon and Tom McClurg. Bob Sheffres, Tim Reves and Mike Hatch.

Honorary bearers were Marsha Reves. Michele and Melynda Hatch, Susan and Caroline McClurg, Karen Sheffres and Angie Zeman.

Interment was in Grace Cemetery at McDonald with Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, Neb., in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1995

Virgil Roy Hatch

Virgil Roy Hatch, 72, died Thursday, July 6, 1995, at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

He was born on a farm in Dundy County, Nebraska, on November 4, 1922, to Roy and Elva (David) Hatch.

He spent his boyhood in Plainville, Kansas, where he attended grade school and started high school. The family moved to Rawlins County, Kansas, where he graduated from McDonald High School.

On April 25, 1943, he married Edna Alice Pettit in Benkelman. They moved to their present farm on the Big Timber in 1949 where he spent most of his life farming and raising cattle. Virgil was known for always lending a helping hand to anyone in need.

Survivors include his wife, Edna; sons Ronnie and his wife, Kerin, of Nevada, Missouri, Ken and his wife, Rhea, of Tucson, Arizona, and Dennis and his wife, Betty, of Superior, Nebraska; a daughter, Lannetta, and her husband, John Harrington, of Sharon, Vermont; brothers Francis of McDonald, Kansas, Wilber of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Robert of Pratt, Kansas; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sam.

Funeral services for Virgil Hatch were held Saturday, July 8, 1995, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman and Urlin McCartney, Richard Bartholomew, Wilbur Case and Paul Erdman sang “One Day At A Time” and "Up From The Grave He Arose."

Bearers were Scott Hatch, Dan Sowers, Corey Mikkelsen, Mike Harrington, Glen Harrington, Al Hatch and Dan Donohue. Honorary bearers were Clint Munn, Wes Donohue, Royce Anderson, Lonnie Willis, Johnny Mays and Lee Gallatin.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 2006

Helen M. (McGaughey) Hatheway

Helen M. Hatheway, 89, passed away at the Hillcrest Care Center in Wray, Colo., on Wednesday, May 17, 2006.

Helen, the youngest of four children, was born in Holyoke, Colo., on Dec. 10, 1916, to Chas. M. "Charley" and Elsie (Chapman) McGaughey.

Helen was raised and went to school in northeastern Colorado. On Nov. 25, 1934, she married William "Bill" Hatheway in Wauneta, Neb. They lived on a farm north of Max, Neb. After the dust bowl and the Republican River flood of 1935, the couple moved to Oregon and worked in fruit orchards for three years. They returned to Imperial, Neb., in 1938 where Bill operated a second-hand furniture business until 1941. The couple was blessed with a son, Jim, in 1939. The family then moved to Benkelman, Neb., where they were involved in custom harvesting from Texas to the Canadian border for more than 25 years. In 1952 the family moved to their farm west of Wray where they lived the remainder of Bill's and Helen's lives.

Helen and Bill co-owned the Wray Coast to Coast Hardware store from 1961 to 1963 and Helen was Bill's substitute school bus driver from 1960 to 1985.

Helen was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, reading. sewing and being with family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and sisters-in-law: Clarence and Bertha, Harold and Flo, and Roy and Velma, and a nephew, Charles McGaughey.

She is survived by her son, Jim, and special friend, Linda Muchow; grandchildren Jim and wife, Kristin, of Cedaredge, Colo., Joan and husband, Rick Bogan, of Julesburg, Colo., and Julia and husband, Jack Hurdelbrink, of Thornton, Colo., and five great-grandchildren: Hannah, Gracie and Christopher Hatheway and Kenton and Landon Bogan, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 22, 2006, at the Wray United Methodist Church with the Rev. Norman Stott officiating. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery with arrangements by Spellman-Schmidt Mortuary.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1990

William P. (Bill) Hatheway

WRAY, Colo.--William P. (Bill) Hatheway, the youngest of 10 children, was born October 15, 1914, at Ford (near Wages), Colorado. to E.E. and Laura E. (Neal) Hatheway. He died October 28, 1990, at the Cedardale Nursing Home in Wray.

Bill lived near Ford and worked the family homestead until he married Helen M. McGaughey on November 25, 1934. To this union one son, Jim, was born.

After their marriage, Bill and Helen moved to a farm north of Max, Nebraska. Due to the dust bowl and the Republican River flood of 1935, they moved to Oregon and worked in fruit orchards for three years.

They returned to Imperial, Nebraska, in 1938 and operated a secondhand furniture business until 1941 when the family moved to Benkelman, Nebraska, and started custom harvesting, a business he operated from Texas to the Canadian border for more than 25 years.

The family moved west of Wray in 1952 where Bill farmed until his death.

Bill co-owned the Wray Coast to Coast hardware store from 1961-63 and drove an RJ-2 school bus from 1960-85.

His hobbies included playing pool and collecting old wrenches and horse-drawn machinery.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers: Ruffell, Carl, Clyde, Glen, Raymond, Calvin and Melvin. and a sister, Elsie Spelts.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lulu Marie Hatheway of Brighton, Colorado; grandchildren, Jimmy, Joan Marie and Julia Ann Hatheway, also of Brighton; one sister, Mable Commons of Medford, Oregon, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held November 1, 1990, at the Wray United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ross Kershaw officiating.

Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 2000

Dale Jean Hauser

WESKAN, Kan.--Dale Jean Hauser, age 71, of Weskan died at the farm about 12 miles northwest of Sharon Springs, Kan., on Saturday evening, Dec. 18, 1999.

He was born Sept. 15, 1928, in Benkelman, Neb., the son of Phillip and Della (Sink) Hauser. Dale grew up in Benkelman and attended school there before the family moved to Clemmons, N.C., Dale served in the United States Armed Forces during the Korean conflict.

Dale was married to Barbara Ludders on May 8, 1955, in Lusk, Wyo. To this union five daughters were born. The family moved to Weskan in 1974. Dale and Barbara were divorced in 1975.

After coming to Weskan, Dale was engaged in farming and enjoyed raising hogs and going to farm sales. He continued this occupation until the time of his death.

He enjoyed telling everyone about his faith in Jesus Christ and studying his Bible. He also enjoyed feeding his children chocolate and other candy.

Dale is survived by his daughters: Rhonda and husband Charles Kropp of Colby, Kan., Tonia and husband Stan Townsend of Weskan, Joni Hauser of Oakland, Calif., Paula and husband Russell Pearson of Rowlett, Texas, and Lori Unruh of Sharon Springs; 11 grandchildren; brothers: Bob and Val Hauser, both of Clemmons, and sisters: Laura Johnson of Scottsdale, Ariz., Dorothy McGrath of Indiana and Phyllis Warner of Clemmons.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Funeral services for Dale Hauser were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, 1999, at the Weskan High School gymnasium with Pastor Paul Livingston officiating. Burial was in the Weskan Cemetery.

Bateman Funeral Home of Sharon Springs was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1991

George David Hauser

BENKELMAN– George David Hauser was born at Clemons, North Carolina, in Forsythe County, on February 27, 1912, to James W. and Dora (Martin) Hauser.

He lived with his parents in North Carolina until he was six years old. In 1920, his parents and the six younger members of the family moved to Benkelman, Nebraska, where they bought a farm southwest of Benkelman.

George was the youngest of a family of 12 children. He attended Benkelman schools, graduating in 1932. After his graduation, he farmed with his father and brother, Philip, on a farm in southwest Dundy County.

George's mother had to return to North Carolina for her health in 1930. After his parents died, George did the farming until the estate was settled and the farm sold to Dan Ellis.

George wanted a farm of his own and bought one in Kansas. He later went to Minnesota and farmed for nine years.

When his health failed, George returned to Dundy County. He had an apartment in the Hester Home. His health continued to fail. George entered the Dundy County Hospital on January 5 and stayed until his death on February 8, 1991, at the age of 78.

Preceding him in death were his parents, James and Dora Hauser; three brothers, Oscar, Phillip and Fred, and five sisters, Mildred Hauser, Daisy Hauser Hunter, Margaret Hauser Harper, Mable Hauser Hutchins and Dora Hauser Foley.

He is survived by his brother, William James Hauser, and his wife, Ruby, of Bedford. Indiana, and two sisters, Sarah Hauser Scott and Gypsie Hauser Kauffman, both of Benkelman, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held Monday, February 11, 1991, at 10:30 a. m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating. Gwen Bauer was the organist and Richard Bartholomew the soloist. Selections included "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art" and "God Be With You Until We Meet Again."

Bearers were Loyd Howsden, Glen Lemon. Thomas Deyle, William Howsden, Gary Maier and Byron Ham.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the St. Francis, KS Herald , August 2008

Travis John Havel

Travis John Havel, 20, died July 30, 2008, at Cheyenne County Hospital.

Travis was born to Brian and Sharon (Finley) Havel on Dec. 9, 1987, in Imperial, Neb.

He graduated from St. Francis Community High School in May 2007.

Travis was an active member of the 4-H program and the FFA Chapter. He participated in many livestock events and received many trophies and awards. He was a team player on the St. Francis Community High School basketball team.

As a child, Travis was involved in dance with the Dance Ranch Studio in St. Francis.

Some of the things he enjoyed most in life were horses and being with his friends. Travis enjoyed working with Lyn Wiley helping him with his livestock at different times.

He spent most of his life riding and training horses.

Travis had a smile that would brighten up a room and make others want to smile also.

He is survived by his parents, Sharon Havel, Benkelman, Neb., and Brian Havel and wife, Jennifer, Parks, Neb.; sisters, Amber Havel, Colby and Dakota Havel, Parks; grandparents, John Finley III, St. Francis, Edward and Karol Havel, Imperial, Neb.; great-grandparents, Ruth Havel. Atwood and Twila Miller, Dodge City; and goddaughter, Mike Gilliland Killingsworth, St. Francis. Travis is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandmother, Bernadine Finley, and great-grandparents, Otto and Nora Bunjes, Dorothy Finley, Ralph Havel and Verle Miller.

Pastor Jeff Landers, First Christian Church, officiated at the funeral service.

Honorary pallbearers were sisters, Amber Havel and Dakota Havel and cousins, Jonathon Finley, Taylor Kennedy Finley, Brendan Finley, Austin Sramek, Mandy Sramek, Mariah Sramek, Shaun Michael Hopkins, Wesley Hopkins and Aaron Hopkins.

Casket bearers were Lyn Wiley, Kenny Richers, David Northrup, Craig Zweygardt, Kelly Zweygardt and cousins, Tyler Finley and Tyler Willis.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, at First Christian Church, St. Francis.

Interment was in the St. Francis Cemetery by horse-drawn carriage.

Memorials may be made to the Travis Havel Memorial.

Arrangements were by Knodel Funeral Home, St. Francis.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1978

Rose Neoma Leona (Carrell) Havlik

Rose Carrell Havlik was born Jan. 18, 1895, at Valley City, Illinois, the daughter of George Carrell and Sarah Jane (Jennie) Septer Carrell. She was christened Rose Neoma Leona Carrell. She died in her sleep at the St. John's Center in Kearney, Nebr., on Fri., March 3, 1978, at the age of 83 years, one month and thirteen days.

At the age of four years she moved with her parents and two brothers, Clarence Edward and Arthur Leslie, to Melrose, Iowa, where she lived until she was twelve years of age. The family then moved to Hemingford, Nebr., where she grew to womanhood.

On Sept. 5, 1917, she was married to John Havlik of Ellsworth, Nebr. After a few weeks spent in a one-room cabin on their homestead in the sandhills north of Ellsworth, John was called to serve in the United States Army. Rose lived at Hemingford until his return from the service, and in March of 1920 they moved to a farm north of Haigler, Nebr.

John and Rose were the parents of three daughters, Arlene Rose, Emily Jennette, and Kathleen Carrell.

Rose joined the Methodist Church in Hemingford at an early age. At her own request she was baptized by immersion in the Niobrara River north of Hemingford. She was a member of the Haigler United Methodist Church for more than fifty years. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, the Federated Women's Club, the Haigler Study Club, and a charter member of the Haigler American Legion Auxiliary. She resided in Haigler until December of 1977 when she moved to St. John's Good Samaritan Center in Kearney, Nebr.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Arthur.

She is survived by her three daughters. Arlene Jones of Kearney, Nebr., Jennette Keeney of Boise, Idaho: and Kathleen Early of Denver, Colo.; her son-in-law, William Jones: five grandchildren, Stanley Jones of Kearney. Nebr.; Dean Jones and wife, Dianne, of Archer, Nebr.; Gary, Kyla, and Jack Keeney, of Boise, Idaho; and two great-grandchildren, Brady and Carmen Jones. She is also survived by one brother, Clarence Carrell and wife Agnes of Hemingford, Nebr.; several nieces and nephews, and other relatives including a cousin, Carl Albright and wife Mildred, of Norton, Kansas, and many friends.

Services were held at the Haigler United Methodist Church on Mon., March 6, 1978, with the Rev. Tom LeClerc officiating. A personal tribute was given by Wallace Early of Denver, Colo. Two songs, "I Love to Tell the Story" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," were sung by a quartette, Don and Virginia Harford, Helen Woods, and Duane Wall. Dale Faylor song a solo, "In the Garden." Organist was Mrs. Florence Daniels. Casket bearers were Richard Wall, Royal Woods III, Dallas Brown, Robert Simmons, Jay Flaming, and Otto Clegg, Honorary bearers were Royal Woods II, Basil Rook, Melford Andres, Lester Adams, Robert Schorzman, and Carroll Jenkins.

Further services were held at the United Church of Christ Congregational Church in Hemingford, Nebr., at 10:00 a.m. on Tues., March 7, 1978, with the Reverend Bob Brauninger officiating.

Casket bearers were grandsons. Stanley Jones. Dean Jones. Gary Keeney, Jack Keeney, and nephews Tim Riggs and Jim Elder. Interment followed in the Hemingford Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November? 1971?

Wendy Ann Hawkins

Tragedy befell a well-known South Fork community family on Sunday when a highway accident west of St. Francis claimed the life of Wendy Ann Hawkins, five, of Englewood, Colorado, and sent her grandparents. Ward A. Harvey, 53, and Evelyn (Dorsch) Harvey, 55, to the Cheyenne County Hospital with back injuries.

Colorado State Patrolman Albert English said the westbound Harvey car driven by Mr. Harvey, was attempting to pass another car when it struck the eastbound tractor-trailer truck, driven by Morris A. Bidwell, 50, of St. Francis. Bidwell was also injured in the accident and was taken to the hospital at St. Francis for treatment.

Fog and icy road conditions contributed to the accident. The collision was almost head-on. The truck jackknifed and the Harvey car was involved with a second collision with the trailer. The Harvey car spun into the ditch and the three occupants were all thrown from it. The child was dead at the scene.

The accident was witnessed by the child's mother, Mrs. Carol Hawkins, and her sister. Karen Harvey, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Harvey. In the car with them was another Hawkins child, an infant son. They and the Harveys were enroute to Stratton, Colorado, to attend a post-Christmas dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Sawyer. Mr. Hawkins was in Denver where he was a patient in a hospital.

Reports from the hospital in St. Francis are to the effect that both Mr. and Mrs. Harvey sustained back injuries in addition to cuts and bruises. Mr. Harvey also sustained a concussion.

The Colorado State Patrol placed the accident scene as four miles west of the Kansas-Colorado state line on U. S. 36. The time was said to have been between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1994

Adda Louise (Strickler) Hawkinson

STRATTON--Adda Louise Hawkinson, age 90, died Thursday, May 26, 1994,. at her home in Stratton, Nebraska, after a short illness.

She was born in Omaha, Nebraska, August 20, 1903, and was adopted when nearly three years old by Frank and Lydia (Guffin) Strickler after both her parents died.

Adda graduated from high school in Trumbull, Nebraska, and took nurse's training at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, after which she did practical nursing.

It was through her nursing that she met Andrew Hawkinson whom she married on August 25, 1929, in Holdrege, Nebraska. They made their home on the farm south of Stratton which Andrew's father homesteaded in 1884.

Two sons were born to this union, Arthur and Loren.

Adda and Andrew moved from the farm in 1963 into the home they had built in Stratton where Adda continued to live until her death. She spent many enjoyable hours working outside in her yard and with her flowers.

She became a Christian in her youth, was a member of the Methodist Church in Trumbull and on September 23, 1930, transferred her membership to the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton. She was recently recognized for her 63 years of membership in this congregation. Through the years, there was seldom a worship service which she did not attend and she served her church in many capacities: Sunday school superintendent, pianist and home superintendent for 21 years during which time she visited and planned activities for the elderly, often visiting them in their homes and playing the piano or accordion for them. For many years the ladies' Sunday school class session was closed in prayer which Adda led. She and Andrew gave the two flags in the sanctuary to the church in 1976.

Adda's interests were her flowers, her travels where she appreciated God's revealing Himself through nature, taking pictures, painting on fabric and piecing quilts. Each of the family prizes one of the quilts. Residents of nursing homes in Trenton and Benkelman are warmed by the many lap robes which she made and gave as recently as two years ago.

Adda also enjoyed her family which included sons Arthur and his wife, Willa, and Loren and his wife, Wilma, all of Stratton; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; her sister, Guinivere Gaymon, of Hastings, all of whom survive her.

Her home was always open to them and to nieces and nephews as well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew, on December 3, 1987, her parents, a sister and two brothers.

Services were held Saturday, May 28, 1994, at 2 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Organist was Marie Kleinschmidt. Dan Rife, Phillip Goodenberger, Elmer Case and Don Rife sang "In The Garden" and "Rock Of Ages."

Bearers were Dean Hawkinson, Melvin Duvel, Rick Shafer, Curtis Hawkinson, Kenneth Pierce, John Shepherd and Larry Hubl.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton with Jones Funeral Home, Inc., of Stratton in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1987

Andrew Hawkinson

Andrew Hawkinson, age 88, died Thursday, December 3, 1987, at the El Dorado Manor Nursing Home in Trenton, Nebraska.

Andrew was born to Nils and Sophia (Carlson) Hawkinson, July 5, 1899, in a two-room house on his parents' homestead southeast of Stratton, Nebraska.

Andrew started school in 1905 in School District 34 and graduated from the eighth grade in this one-room schoolhouse. In his later life he served 22 years on the Board of Education of the same district.

On August 25, 1929, he married Adda Louise Strickler in Holdrege, Nebraska. They continued to live on the farm which his parents had homesteaded in 1884 after immigrating from Sweden. Two sons were born to this union: Arthur and Loren.

He farmed with horses in earlier years and raised cattle, corn, and wheat, which he delivered to town using the same horses. He moved from the farm to Stratton in 1963. Andrew then spent much of his time working in the yard with the lawn, flowers and vegetables, and was known for having a neat, beautiful yard.

He was baptized as an infant, accepted Christ in his youth, and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church on March 30, 1922. He served in various church offices and helped to build the present Community United Methodist Church of Stratton.

He is survived by his wife, Adda; two sons, Arthur and wife, Willa Mae, and Loren and wife, Wilma; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three step grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Anna League and Ellen League.

Services were held Saturday, December 5, 1987, at the Community United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. in Stratton, Nebraska, with the Rev. Randall F. Goeke officiating.

Organist was Marie Kleinschmidt. Daniel Rife, Robert Thomas, Mike Pruter and Phillip Goodenburger sang the selections "I've Found A Friend" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Dean Hawkinson, Melvin Duvel, Curtis Hawkinson, Larry Hubl, Rick Shafer, Kenneth Pierce and John Shepherd.

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, September 2006

Loren Thomas Hawkinson

STRATTON — Loren Thomas Hawkinson, 70, died Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2006) at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo.

He was born April 23, 1936, to Andrew and Adda (Strickler) Hawkinson on the family's homestead south of Stratton, in Hitchcock County. He attended school in Stratton and was a member of the graduating class at Stratton High School in 1955. After graduation, Loren went on to attend Parks School of Business Administration in Denver, Colo., where he earned his Associates Degree.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army in January of 1960 and served his country in Germany until receiving his honorable discharge in March of 1962. Loren then returned to Stratton to farm.

On Sept. 22, 1963, he married Wilma Penn at the Methodist Church in Stratton. They raised their family on the family farm south of Stratton. After his retirement in 1988, He was elected as Hitchcock County Assessor in 1988 and served in that position until his term expired in 1992. He then gained employment at the U.S. Post Office, Village of Stratton, and at United Methodist Church, where he maintained facilities and did custodial work.

He was a member of Community United Methodist Church in Stratton, the VFW, and Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Adda Hawkinson.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma Hawkinson of Stratton; children, Gloria Duvel and husband, Mel of Benkelman, Avis Pierce and husband, Ken of Kearney, Deb Hubl and husband, Larry of Stratton, Glenda Shepherd and husband, John of McCook, Dean Hawkinson and wife, Lisa of Payton, Colo.; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday, 11 a.m., at Community Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment with military honors will follow services at Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton.

Visitation is today, 3-6 p.m., at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1971?

Lolo (Osborn) Hawks

Mrs. Lolo Hawks, wife of the late Earl Paul Hawks, passed away Friday, August 27, at the Manassas Manor Nursing Home in Manassas, Virginia. She will be remembered by many of the older residents of the Benkelman area, as she spent her girlhood and much of her married life in Benkelman. She was the daughter of George Osborn and Johanna Messersmith Osborn who lived for many years in the vicinity of Benkelman. Mrs. Hawks and her husband lived in Benkelman until the early 1940's when they moved to the Pacific Northwest. Later they retired to North Carolina where they lived for five years before moving to Arlington, Virginia, to be near their daughter, Mrs. Harry H. Lane of 871 North Longfellow Street, Arlington.

Mrs. Hawks enjoyed reasonably good health until the time of her husband's death last November. The day after his funeral she fell and broke her hip. This was followed by other complications from which she never recovered.

Besides her daughter Imogene, she leaves a son, Manley Hawks of Springfield. Illinois; two sisters, Mrs. Lena Miller of Salem, Oregon, and Mrs. Manilla Merklin of Benkelman and a brother, George Osborn of Longmont, Colorado. Also surviving are three grandchildren. Dr. Wayne Hawks of Alexandria, Virginia; Dean Hawks of Chicago, Illinois and Jane Ann Hawks of Springfield, Illinois.

Mrs. Hawks was active in Christ Methodist Church in Arlington and was a member of the Deborah Circle. She was also a member of the Emily Nelson Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 117, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Funeral services were held at the Arlington Funeral Home on August 30, with interment in National Memorial Park Cemetery, Falls Church, Virginia.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1970

Earl P. Hawks

Earl P. Hawks of 5337 North 26th Street, Arlington, Virginia, passed away at the Fort Buffalo Convalescent and Nursing Home in Fairfax, Virginia, on November 17, 1970. Funeral services were held at the Arlington Funeral Home on November 19, with interment in National Memorial Park Cemetery, Falls Church, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Lolo, a son, Manley, of Springfield, Illinois, and a daughter, Mrs. Imogene Lane, of Arlington, as well as three grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Older residents will remember Mr. Hawks who was a farmer and rancher in the Benkelman area from 1912 until the early 1940's. Earl and his twin brother, Ernest, were born in Dundy county on December 14, 1888. They were the sons of Robert S. Hawks, one of the early pioneers of Dundy County, who had come to Nebraska from Phelps, New York, seeking a climate. more beneficial to his health.

Earl grew to manhood in Benkelman, and there met and married Lolo Osborn. He continued living in Dundy County until shortly before World War II when he moved to Vancouver, Washington. After the war Earl continued to live and work in Vancouver—not retiring until he was almost 70 years old. He and Mrs. Hawks then moved to North Carolina where they enjoyed five years of retirement, but because of failing health they moved to Arlington some seven years ago to be closer to their daughter.

A favorite story which Mr. Hawks retold many times of his working as a young man in Benkelman grading the road, that went up the hill by the school and of unearthing a mastodon jaw bone which is now in the museum at Lincoln.

One of the highlights of Mr. Hawks' life came a few years ago when he visited the town of Hadley, Massachusetts, which his direct ancestor John Hawks helped found in the 1650's. He then continued on to Deerfield, Massachusetts. a town of many beautiful old homes that were built centuries ago. There the home still stands and is lived in today that was built by one of Earl's direct ancestors in 1702. Here he met one of the last Hawks of Deerfied, Miss Rachel Hawks. Some may have read of her work in the June 1969 issue of the National Geographic Magazine, in its article on Deerfield. Miss Hawks and Earl in tracing their ancestry found they had the same great great grandfather who performed patriotic service in the Revolutionary War. Here he also learned of the hardships endured by those early settlers during the French and Indian Wars which were later repeated to a certain extent in the settling of the west.

Although Earl often spoke of visiting Benkelman, he never re turned after going to the Pacific Northwest. A weekly occasion during his retirement years was the arrival of the Benkelman Post. There he could read about old friends and acquaintances , and all those familiar places that he remembered so well.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1985

Manford M. Hawks

Manford M. Hawks was born south of Benkelman, Nebraska, September 27, 1913, and departed from this life August 28, 1985, in Salem, Oregon. He was the son of Ernest and Lena Osborn Hawks.

Three months before Manford's birth, Ernest was killed by lightning while riding his horse to town to get a doctor for a neighbor.

After his birth, Lena and Manford lived with her parents, George and Joanna Osborn. In 1917, Lena married Levi Miller and moved to Doane where Manford went to school. He was a good student and graduated from Benkelman High School at the age of 15.

After working in Nebraska for a couple of years, he went to Wyoming where he met Elsie Petersen. They were married in 1937. To this union two sons and one !daughter were born. The family moved to Pendleton, Oregon, where he worked for General Foods Grain, retiring from there in 1976. He and his wife wintered in Yuma, Arizona, and spent their summers around Salem, Oregon. He was a devout Christian, and was loved by all who knew him.

Preceding him in death besides his father, were his mother, Lena Miller; brother, Willard Miller; and stepfather, Levi Miller.

Survivors include his wife, Elsie; daughter, Delena Danielsen, and husband, Delbert, of Portland, Oregon; son, Ernest, and wife, Judy, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; son, Bob, and wife, Debbie, of Covena, California; brother, Allan Miller, of Wellton, Arizona; sisters, Alma Miller Smith and Luella Miller Troxell of Salem, Oregon; one stepsister, Ella Miller Cantrell of Fort Morgan, Colorado; and three granddaughters, Katie and Molly Danielsen and Karen Hawks.

A memorial service was held at St. Paul Episcopal Church on Friday, August 30, in Salem, Oregon.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2005

Manley Dallas Hawks

Manley Dallas Hawks, 87, of Columbia, Mo., passed away Monday, July 18, 2005, at the Ashland Healthcare Center.

Services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia with the Rev. Katie Jackson officiating. Memorial Funeral Home of Columbia was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Hawks was born on Nov. 17, 1917, in Benkelman, Neb., to Earl and Lola Hawks. He received a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree in law enforcement from the University of Illinois.

He and Lettie Emken were married on Nov. 10, 1940. She preceded him in death. He married Hazel Howey on Sept. 26, 1987, and she survives. Mr. Hawks is also survived by his daughter, Jane Ann Gehrking, of Fountain, Minn.; sons: Wayne Hawks of Columbia and Dean Hawks of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Imogene Lane, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

During World War II, Mr. Hawks served in the U.S. Navy. He then worked 21 years as an agent in the FBI. Upon his retirement from the FBI, he served five years as the director of the Illinois Bureau of Investigation. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Mendota (Ill.) Elks Lodge. Mr. Hawks served as president of the Arizona Chapter of the Founders and Patriots of America. He was also president of the Arizona Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 2006

Dale Glenn Hayes

Dale Glenn Hayes passed away on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006, at Lutheran Hospice Center in Denver, Colo., after suffering may months of melanoma cancer.

He was born and raised in Oklahoma and spent five years and one month in the infantry during World War II. He remained active in the reunion of Co. L-402 and attended some of the reunions held every year until bad health forced him to miss them.

Dale retired in 1982 from Cudahy Packing Company and spent his retirement years fishing, enjoying all sports and caring for his lawn and roses.

He married Florence Fern Jones of Benkelman, Neb., and they raised Dan, Susan and Rick.

Dale was preceded in death by his son Rick, his parents, five brothers and two sisters.

His survivors are his wife. Florence Fern, of Denver; son Dan and Delores Hayes of Olympia, Wash.; daughter Susan Hayes of Goleta, Calif.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers Charley and Betty Hayes of Coffeyville, Kan., and Bob and Clareanne Hayes of Miami, Okla.

Services were held at the Brentwood Methodist Church on Oct. 10, 2006, and entombment was in the Crown Hill Mausoleum at Wheatridge, Colo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 2000

Anita (Samler) Hayne

COLUMBUS, Ohio– Anita (Samler) Hayne, age 80, of Columbus, Ohio, went to be with the Lord Sunday, June 4, 2000. She was born Jan. 18, 1920, in Cheyenne County, Kan., to Christian and Elizabeth (Knorr) Samler.

Anita was a retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Air Force, and a Registered Nurse for more than 45 years. She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio, and the Order of Eastern Star in Nebraska.

She was known for her loving kindness and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Elwood L. Hayne. She is survived by her brothers, Jacob Samler, M.D., of Bakersfield, Calif., and Otto Samler of St. Francis, Kan., and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. at the Evans Funeral Home in Columbus on Friday, June 9, 2000, with the Rev. John Zimmerman officiating. Interment was in Floral Hills Memory Gardens at Ashville, Ohio. Evans Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1997

Gerald Layne "Jiggs" Hayward

Gerald Layne "Jiggs" Hayward, a lifetime cattle rancher, died on July 3, 1997, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. He was 83 years old.

Jiggs was born on April 12, 1914, in Elk City. Kan., to George and Inez (Cox) Hayward. In 1915 the family moved to Rolla, Kan., from Elk City to start a bank. Rolla, in Morton County, Kan., was being homesteaded, and at that time was the end of the line on the railroad.

Gerald, known to everyone as Jiggs. was, according to him, given the name by the hired girl after the funny paper character, Jiggs, when he was about three. Jiggs, like everybody at the time, grew up riding a horse. He thought there was something wrong with someone who didn't like good horses and always pursued what he thought was the cowboy way. Jiggs could ride as far in a long trot, without a drink, as most anybody would want.

No stranger to hard times, he graduated from high school in 1932 in the grip of the depression in Morton County, touted as the heart of the dust bowl. Drought and a rather punk economy is what really educated Jiggs. His entire life was spent trying to make every shot count so you could make 'er through the next dry spell. Jiggs worked in the bank for a while but this was too confining, and as he put it, he was way too soft to be a banker.

His love was cattle and horses and in 1936 he purchased a ranch in Cheyenne County, Colo. He loved Colorado--the grass was good, the people were scattered and it was free open range. "Bangs" took his calf crop, and broke again, he went to work for the Matador Land and Cattle Company at Charming, Texas, in 1937. This was one of his favorite times in his life and he said this was ranching and cowboying the way it should be done.

Sometimes banks have a way of telling you what you'll do, and when he returned to ranching, he was in the steer business.

He was joined in marriage to Mable Della Leach Dec. 5, 1940, the most necessary and prized possession of his life.

1942: Greetings. Your friends, and neighbors have selected you to serve in the United States Army. North Africa, Sicily, England, Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany. Memorable places like Casablanca, Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge. Fiercely patriotic and proud to serve his country, he gave no quarter to men who would not. He said, "Don't volunteer for nothin', if they need you they'll let you know." He went where he was sent by his old Uncle Sam.

When —D-Day came, June 6, '44, he was sick in the hospital. The sergeant came down and told him, "Hayward, if you're going with us, get out of bed." Too weak to carry his bedroll, his buddies helped load up. When asked why he didn't stay there, he said, "After all they'd been through he wouldn't miss that for anything." Like the countless thousands of men in his circumstance, Jiggs placed an extreme value on loyalty.

Having seen the unbearable price exacted of young men in forgotten fields and bombed-out hamlets and cities, stifling heat and biting cold, sand and dust, mud, misery, and snow all stained by the blood of America's best, most selfless, and brave, he could not accept the fact that for an imagined easy ride a majority of the American people would prostitute themselves into dictatorship and socialism selling out the proud with them.

After his return from the war, one daughter and two sons were born: Kitty, Kelly and Casey.

In 1963, Jiggs and Della purchased another ranch and moved their family to Parks, Neb., where he continued to ranch as long as his health permitted.

Jiggs will be remembered as a Christian with dignity, integrity, generosity, a sense of humor and a love for music and animals. He was honest to a fault. He did not want what someone else had and a deal was a deal with him, a fact he had to reinforce some boys' memories on occasion. The ranch and the way of life it offered to his family is his legacy.

Jiggs is survived by his wife, Della: their daughter, Kitty, and her husband, Clarence Jones, of Grand Junction, Colo.; their sons, Kelly and his wife, Tami, of Parks, and Casey and his wife, Martha. of Maricopa, Ariz.; a widowed sister, Jeanne Daniels of Elkhart, Kan.; a brother, Jack Hayward, and his wife, Helene, also of Elkhart; nine grandchildren: Rochelle Kling, Monica Bosick, Holly and Kelci Hayward, Jessica, Nicholas, Blake, Buster and Brooke Hayward; four great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Jiggs was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, J. W. "Cap" Daniels, and a grandson, Tyler Hayward.

A graveside service was held at 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 1997, at the Hayward Ranch. Prayers were offered by the Rev. Vernon Whetstone and remarks, by David Merklin. The musical selection by Kelly Hayward was "We Must Walk That Lonesome Valley." The U.S. flag presentation was by the American Legion and VFW and burial was at the Hayward Ranch. Bearers were Brian Kling, Don Donohue, Eddie Burns, Bob Krutsinger, Everett Stute, Eldon Boyington, Al Kasten, Greg Cox and Leland Stute.

***

This little poem has to do with an old cowman reminiscin’ about some of the beautiful sunrises he has seen and havin’ spent most of his life on cow ranches, he's had the opportunity to see a lot of ‘em. Cause if cow outfits have anything in common, it's the fact that they all start early in the morning, and many times on roundup the riders are scattered while it's still dark, and even after they're dropped off they may have to wait a little while for it to lighten up enough to see to start the day's drive, and that's where our poem begins.

“Picture if you will, this man astride a good horse, on a high vantage point, overlookin’ a vast expanse of space, uncluttered with smokin’ factories, busy shopping centers and congested highways. You might even in your mind's eye like to trade places with this man, who sees in the beauty of nature the handiwork of his Creator, and knows in his heart as his Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God.

“Have you ever topped out on a ridge in the cold, grey hours of dawn, and set there in your saddle waitin’ for the show that's comin’ on? All the tints and shades and colors, splashing out across the sky, a masterpiece of beauty by the architect on high. Always different, always changin’, never be the same again. Lock it deep within your memory, it will make your spirit sing.

“And somewhere in the future, when you're feeling gray and old, and seems there's nothin’ left for you but the darkness and the cold. Just remember that the dawn comes on, and changes things always. And somewhere in the distance you can hear The Master say, Awaken to the Son Rise, it's a Grand and Glorious Day. And son is spelled capital S-O-N.”

By: Jiggs Hayward

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1984

Esther O. (Wolles) Hazelwood

Esther O. Hazelwood died Monday, February 13, 1984, at the Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 96 years.

She was born May 11, 1887, at Red Oak, Iowa, to Adolph and Emma Wolles.

Survivors include two daughters, Maxine Ferguson of Benkelman and Norma (Mrs. Stan) Dye of Oregon City, Oregon; two sisters, Mary Ruggles of Ohio and Marie Shell of Lincoln; two brothers, Henry Wolles of Coolidge, Arizona, and Frank Wolles of Columbus; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Anna; and three brothers, Walter, Ed and John.

Services were held Friday, February 17, 1984, at 11 a.m. in Lattin-Duggan-Chambers Chapel in Fremont, Nebraska. Rev. Harold Hamilton officiated.

The songs, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" were the selections.

Pallbearers were Dr. Vincent Kershaw, Michael Dye, Shawn Kershaw, William Ferguson, Brett Ferguson and Louis Quintana. Interment was in Fremont Cemetery in Fremont, Nebraska. Lattin-Duggan-Chambers Service of Fremont, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1991

Elsie M. (Gooder) Hazlett

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Elsie M. Hazlett, 78, a resident of North Platte, Nebraska, since 1984, died July 18, 1991, at the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Born April 2, 1913, at Phillipsburg, Kansas, to Royal and Hester (Dennis) Gooder, she was raised and attended schools in Kansas.

On July 4, 1936, she married Harold E. Hazlett at Norton, Kansas. He died January 22, 1986. Harold and Elsie resided in the Parks, Nebraska, area for many years.

Survivors include two sons, Charles of Parks and Eugene of Charleston, South Carolina; two daughters, Gertrude Hazlett and Linda Hazlett, both of North Platte; a brother, Gerald Gooder of Norton; a sister, Veva Wray, of Norton; six grandchildren, a step-grandchild and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 22, at the Adams and Swanson Chapel in North Platte with the Rev. Garry Timmons officiating. Burial was in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home of North Platte was in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1995

Arthur Eugene Hazlett

GOOSE CREEK, S.C.--Retired Navy Senior Chief Arthur Eugene Hazlett, 50, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, head custodian with Goose Creek High School, died Saturday, January 7, 1995, in a Charleston hospital.

He was born in Norton, Kansas, a son of Harold E. and Elsie M. (Gooder) Hazlett.

Hazlett was a member of the Parks (Nebraska) graduating class of 1963, was an electronic technician in the Navy and was a member of the American Legion and Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow.

Surviving are his wife, Helen E. Hunter Hazlett; a daughter, Melyssa Henagan, of Norfolk, Virginia; two sons, Randall and Christopher, both of Goose Creek; a brother, Charles Hazlett, of Columbus, Nebraska; two sisters, Trudy Hazlett and Linda Hazlett, both of North Platte, Nebraska, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 11, 1995, in Stuhr's Greenridge Road Chapel at 3:30 p.m. Entombment was in the Plantation Memorial Gardens with full military honors at the cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 2005

Jennie Elsie “Jean” (Lucas) Headrick

Jennie Elsie “Jean” Headrick, 101, died on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005, at the Grand Island Veterans Home, Services were held on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Grand Island Veterans Home Chapel. Burial was in the Veterans Home Cemetery at Grand Island, Neb.

Jennie was born on Dec. 12, 1903, to George and Agnes (Craddock) Lucas at her parents farm home at Palmyra, Neb.

Jennie attended grade school at Palmyra and graduated from the School of Agriculture in 1925 with her sister Nelle.

She was united. in marriage to Paul Robert Headrick on May 29, 1930 in Omaha, Neb, Paul was employed by International Harvester as a salesman. During World War II, they lived at Mead, Neb., where Paul was a guard at the Mead Ordnance Plant and Jennie was a homemaker, They moved to Benkelman, Neb., for three years, then to Holdrege, Neb., and to the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island in 1970. Paul died on Nov. 15, 1972.

Mrs._Headrick was a member of the Baptist Church, VFW Auxiliary, World War I Barracks 1260, American Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hat Society,

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; daughter, Joyce McDonald, grandson Jody McDonald.; brothers Richard, George, Albert, Fred, Nicolas, Joe and Sam Lucas, and sisters Eleanor Callaway, Pauline Taine, Nelle Quinn, Dorothy Palmer and Helen Mattern.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Betty Joan and Gerald Pinkerton of Benkelman; two sons and a daughter-in-law: Clinton Headrick of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jon Clark and Jeanette of Lincoln, Neb., grandchildren and spouses: Bonnie McDonald of Moore, Okla., James Austin and Nancy McDonald of Duluth, Georgia, Gary E. and Siriluck Pinkerton of Bangkok, Thailand, Lisa and Randy Amos of Fort Worth, and Andrea and Jeff Reed of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; great-grandchildren Jennifer, Jeffrey and Emily McDonald and a sister-in-law, Pat Lucas, of Bothell, Wash.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1987

John Fay Headrick

IMPERIAL - John Fay Headrick died today (June 11, 1987) at the Chase County Community Hospital at the age of 73.

Survivors include his wife, Amelia A. (Tesar ) Headrick of Irnperial; one son, Merrill of Westminster, Colo : one daughter. Mrs. Ed (Mary Lynn) Vaughan of Plastonthill. Mo.; one brother, Keith of Denver; three sisters, Madge Knapp of Bird City, Kan., Merna Schnee of Atwood, Donna Dupuis of New Orleans, La.; and four grandchildren.

Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. (MST) at the Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial with the Rev. Jim Lucas officiating.

Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial. A memorial has been established in his memory and can be left at the funeral home. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday from 2-7 p m. at the Creveling Funeral Home of Imperial.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1972

Paul Robert Headrick

Military funeral services for Paul R. Headrick who passed away November 15, 1972 were held November 17 in the Chapel of the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island where he had been confined to the hospital section the past three years. Born May 16, 1897 at Alexandria, Nebraska, he was the son of J. Robert and Mildred White Headrick. He was a veteran of World War I, serving in the Navy. On May 29, 1930 in Omaha he was married to Jennie E. Lucas of Palmyra, Nebraska.

Paul was a farm implement salesman much of his career except during World War II when he was a guard at the Ordnance plant at Mead, Nebraska. He was employed at the Ford garage in Benkelman from 1949 to 1953 when they moved to Holdrege. In 1969 Paul and his wife moved to Grand Island to reside in the Veterans Home.

Survivors include his wife Jennie; two daughters, Mrs. Gerald (Betty Jo) Pinkerton of Benkelman and Mrs. James (Joyce) McDonald of Moore, Oklahoma; two sons, Clinton of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jon Clark (Amos) of Lincoln, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Gary Pinkerton, Bonnie, Jamie, and Jodie McDonald of Moore, Okla., and Lisa and Andrea Headrick of Fort Worth. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Hazel and two brothers, Adloi and Virgil.

Interment was in the Burkett Cemetery in Grand Island.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1978

Mary Nellie (Schulze) Heater

Mary Nellie Heater was born to August and Lina Schulze on April 5, 1899 in Dundy County, Nebraska near Benkelman and passed away Tuesday, December 20, 1977, at the Dundy County Hospital. She resided in this area during her entire life.

On May 15, 1918 she was united in marriage to Oscar Crowe and for five years they lived on the Darnell farm southeast of Benkelman. In the year 1923 Oscar and Mary began to acquire units of their own farm which is stated in this immediate vicinity and they lived there until 1956 when they moved to Benkelman. Oscar passed away October 11, 1961.

On January 10, 1965 Mary was united in marriage to Percie Heater of Max, Nebraska and they resided there for about nine months, then Mary moved bock to Benkelman.

She passed away after a period of illness on December 20, 1977.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Oscar Crowe; her second husband, Percie Heater, and by four sisters: Martha Kutz, Anna Hatch, Emma Hunter and Katie Wiley.

She is survived by her sister, Clara Cannon of Benkelman, brother-in-low, Adolph Kutz, nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Mary was a member of the Church of Christ for a number of years and transferred to the Benkelman United Methodist Church in 1964 where she was a faithful and loyal member.

Mary Heater was a kind and loving person, a good neighbor and a friend to all who knew her.

Funeral services were held at the Jones Funeral Chapel at ten o'clock Thursday, morning, December 22nd with the Rev. Allan W. Martin officiating. A duet comprising of Velma and Wilbur Case sang "Saved By Grace” and "Going Down the Valley," accompanied by Phyllis Kirkman on the organ. Casketbearers were Byron Els, Jerry McDonald, Ben Gottschalk, Loren Mossburgh, Kent Helm and Jerry Novacek. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January ????

George Phillip Heater

George P. Heater, 83, of Meridian, Idaho, a retired carpenter, died Tuesday morning, January 11, in a Boise, Idaho, nursing home after a long illness.

George P. Heater was born April 16, 1871, in Richardson county, Nebraska. He lived a number of years in Dickens, Lincoln county, Nebraska, moved to Stratton, Nebraska, in 1910 and in 1911 moved to Haigler, Nebraska, with his family. A few years later he moved to Stratton and in 1918 moved to Meridian, Idaho, and later to Eagle, Idaho.

He was married to Mary Schmelzer and to this union four children were born. She passed away in 1902. In 1903 he was married to Rosa Bell Suffield. To this union seven children were born. His wife preceded him in death in 1939; also three sons, two in infancy, and Efferd in 1923 at the age of 22.

He was always a kind and loving father and always ready to help a neighbor. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by three sons, Lester of Clackanus, Ore.; Curtis, Springfield, Ore.; Percie, Max, Nebr.; five daughters, Mrs. Meada Starr, Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Gladys Vermillion, Mountain Home, Idaho; Mrs. Loda Rutledge, Shelton, Wash., Mrs. Goldie Klein, Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Helen Kearns, Eagle, Idaho; three step-children, Mrs. Ethel Lind, Kiron, Iowa; Alwin Tidyman, Shelton, Wash.; Mrs. Edith Douglass, Haigler; three daughters-in-law, 40 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren.

He had spent the last several years with his children and the last few months with those at Eagle, Mountain Home and Boise, Idaho.

Services were conducted in the Church of the Nazarene in Meridian, Idaho, on January 14, Rev. Lester Braddock officiating. Interment was in Cloverdale cemetery under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home of Meridian. Pallbearers were sons-in-law, Pat Klein, Ted Vermillion, Henry Rutledge and Carl Starr, and grandsons, Stewart Heater and Jess Vermillion.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1977

Percie Edwin Heater

Percie Edwin Heater, son of George and Mary (Schmelzer) Heater was born May 11, 1899 in Hayes County, Nebraska, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital February 10, 1977.

He attended school in Hayes and Dundy County.

In 1917 he met and married Lizzie Huser. To this union three children were born: Stewart, Venus, and Doris.

Percie was employed by the Krotter Lumber Yards as a grain and lumber dealer in both Stratton and Max. He was a very dedicated and loyal employee for fifty years.

He received his 50 year pin in Robert Burns Masonic Lodge #173 A.F. & A.M. in i 1976.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lizzie in 1963. He is survived by his children Stewart and Gladys Heater, Venus and Jock Jacoby all of Denver, Colo., Doris and Jeff McDonald of Stratton. Grandchildren Jerry and Brenda McDonald, Scott McDonald, Shirley and Frank Hamilton, and Bill Heater. Four great grandchildren, also one sister Meada Starr, Bosie, Idaho; one brother, Lester Heater, Portland, Ore., one half brother Curtis, 4 half sisters, Loda, Gladys, Goldie and Helen, and one step sister Edith, besides cousins and a host of friends.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1982

Stewart E. Heater

Stewart E. Heater died November 29, 1982, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

Mr. Heater was born April 17, 1918, in Stratton to Percie E. and Elizabeth (Huser) Heater. He was married November 19, 1944, at Max to Gladys L. Raichart.

He was a World War II veteran and member of the following: Robert Burns Lodge 173 A.F. & A.M. of Stratton; Rocky Mountain Consistory No. 2 of Denver; and Denver Chapter No. 59, Order of Eastern Star.

Mr. Heater was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys of Denver; one son, William A. Heater of McCook; and two sisters, Mrs. Jeff (Doris) McDonald of Stratton and Mrs. Floyd (Venus),  Jacoby of Denver, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Masonic services were December 2 in the Jones Funeral Chapel of Benkelman with the Rev. Dale Coates officiating. The organist, Phyllis Kirkman, accompanied Velma and Wilbur Case in the selections "Softly and Tenderly" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand."

Pallbearers were Jerry McDonald, Kelly Raichart, Scott McDonald, Kevin Atkins, Jim Fasano and Steven McDade. Honorary pallbearers were Jeff McDonald, Verle Raichart, William Donze, Torsten Anderson, Melvin Campbell, Reginald Stahly and Burdette Randall. Interment was in Benkelman Cemetery with American Legion committal. The Jones Funeral Home Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1986

William Albert Heater

William Albert Heater was born January 31, 1942, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Bill was reared in Colorado and received his education in the Englewood, Colorado, schools. He attended Cherrelyn, Sinclair and Englewood High.

Mr. Heater enjoyed the outdoors and spent most of his life working on farms and ranches in Colorado and Nebraska. He worked for several years for his uncle, Verle Raichart of Benkelman, Nebraska, and then relocated in the North Platte area, where he was living when he suddenly expired while working on Tuesday, September 2, 1986, at the age of 44.

“Bill," as he was known by his family and friends, enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting in his leisure time. He also was a good bowler and had bowled on several leagues in Colorado and Nebraska.

BM leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Gladys Heater of Denver, Colorado; his grandmother, Clara Raichart; his uncle, Verle Raichart, both of Benkelman, Nebraska; his aunt, Venus, and husband, Jake Jocby, of Denver, Colorado; and his aunt, Doris, and her husband, Jeff McDonald, of Stratton, Nebraska, many other relatives and friends in Colorado and Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stewart Heater, in 1982.

Services were held Friday, September 5, 1986, at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Organist was Betty Erdman. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang the selections "Why Me, Lord" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand."

Bearers were Scott McDonald, Kenneth Criger, Jerry McDonald, Torsten Anderson, Kelly Raichart and Levoine Humphreys.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with the funeral conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, Nebraska.

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