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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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? 1971

Hattie May (Lytle) Hedges

Hattie May Hedges, a Dundy County resident for many years, expired at Johnson County, Kansas on Sunday and was laid at rest in the Chase Cemetery at Imperial on Wednesday afternoon. She was 82 years of age.

She was born on December 20, 1888 near Dorchester, Saline County, Nebraska to Herman and Mary (Kuhns) Lytle. She was married to Archie William Hedges on August 22, 1913 at Grant, Nebraska. He preceded her in death in 1965.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. James Willis (Alberta) of Olathe, Kansas, and Mrs. Olive Bolles of Kansas City, Missouri. There are five grandchildren: Merrill Headrick, Denver; Mrs. Shirley Irwin, Hastings; Meredith Bolles, McCook; Mary Lynn Salmons, Overland Park, Kansas; Judy Suda, Palisade, Nebr., and Merwyn Bolles of Kansas City, Missouri. Two sisters also survive. They are Myrtle May of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Grace Tuttle of Dewey, Oklahoma.

Funeral services were held at the Benkelman Baptist Church with Robert Sander officiating. The pianist was Mrs. John Ferguson and the singers, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sander. Bearers were John Ferguson, Ernest Graham, Milton Singley, Irvin (Bob) Brown, Wilfred Hansen and Marvin Hansen. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1983

Elsie (Blue) Hedke

Elsie (Blue) Hedke was born January 20, 1915, at Carbondale, Colorado to E.T. (Jack) and Kate (Waters) Blue. She departed this life February 22, 1983 at the Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 68 years, one month and two days.

She grew up in her beloved Trenton, graduated from Trenton High School in 1932 and on May 20, 1945 she married Ray I. Hedke. God blessed this union with a son, Rick I.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Flo Ethel Blue and Cassie (Blue) Seybold; two brothers, Thomas and Pat. Survivors include her husband, Ray, son Rick, and daughter-in-law, Cindy; three grandsons, Dustin, Quentin and Andrew of Trenton; two brothers, Roy of Austin, Nev. and Andy of Oxford; five sisters, Henrietta Kemp of Bellevue, Velma Reiser of Valentine, Edna Robb of Kingman, Az., Florence Chapman and Frances Blue of Trenton and a wealth of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Feb. 26, 1983 in the United Methodist Church in Trenton with Rev. Richard Atherton officiating. Burial was in the Trenton Cemetery with services conducted by Father Ernest Stoup.

Her enthusiasm and willingness to serve will be missed by the Legion Auxiliary, the Trenton Alumni Association, where she was secretary-treasurer for nineteen years, the Hitchcock County Historical Society, the Hitchcock County Red Cross and she was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Her commitment of service to these is a credit to both the organizations and Elsie herself.

In the past few years, a source of great joy for Elsie were her three grandsons, to which she devoted much time and love.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 2000

Dorothy Elaine (Brown) Heilers

St. HELENS, Ore.--Graveside services for Dorothy Elaine Heilers of St. Helens were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2000, at the Columbia Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were by Columbia Funeral Home.

Mrs. Heilers died Wednesday, May 17, 2000, in a Portland hospital. She was 84.

She was born Oct. 25, 1915, in Max, Neb., to John and Ellen (Breedon) Brown. She moved to St. Helens in 1941 and was employed in the print room at the St. Helens bag factory for 33 years before her retirement.

Mrs. Heilers was one of the original residents at Spring Meadows Assisted Living in St. Helens and was well-known among the residents there for her love of gardening and care of the facility's flowers. She was also known for her silk flower arrangements, which she shared with friends and family. She demonstrated her love for animals with her many bird feeders.

Her husband, Leonard Henry Heilers, died in 1973.

She is survived by her sons: Leonard L. of California and William J. of St. Helens; brothers: Clyde Brown of Benkelman, Neb., and Don Brown of Warren, Ore.; a sister, Elizabeth Phillips, of Max; grandchildren: Theresa Trotter and Duffer Vick, and two great-grandchildren.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December? 1933?

Velma Mae (Ketler) Heisterkarnp

Velma Mae Heisterkarnp died Mon., Nov. 26 at Ord, Nebraska, at the age of 72. She was born at Bloomington, Nebraska, April 28, 1907 to the late Carl and Roberta Ketler.

She married Ernest Heisterkarnp Oct 2, 1944 and he preceded her in death Aug. 27, 1966. She was a member of St. Albans Episcopal Church, a charter member of Daughters of the Nile, DAR member, and was a member of Eureka Chapter No. 86 OE. She was employed by Bureau of Reclamation in McCook before retirement several years ago. She had made her home in Ord for two years.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Mildred French Wilson, Lincoln, and Marilyn Mick, Denver, Colorado; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren; and one sister, Marguerite Van Pelt, Mt. Vernon, Washington.

Funeral services were held at St. Albans Episcopal Church Wed., Nov, 22 at 3 p.m. wth the Rev. Rodney Moore officiating. Interment was beside her parents in the Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook, NE under the direction of the Herrmann Funeral Home.

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

Jennie (Trembly) Helms

Jennie Helms, 75, died Wednesday in Beloit, Kan.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the United Methodist Church, Wray.

Attending from this area were Mrs. Floyd Trembly and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Trembly, Haigler, and Mr. and Mrs. John Busby and Hazel Douthit, St. Francis. Jennie was a sister of Floyd and Earl Trembly and Mrs. Busby.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1984

John Fredrick Hemming

John Fredrick Hemming, son of Wilhem and Sophia Flemming, was born January 28, 1903, at Chalco, Nebraska. He passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, on July 25, 1984, at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 27 days.

John moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas, with his family in 1910 where he spent his youth and attended school until the seventh grade.

In 1927 John married Della Mae Dungan. He owned and farmed his father's farmstead. To this union were born four children: Loretta May, who died in infancy; Alvin John, who passed away at the age of seven months; Jo Eugene and Delbert Dale. Della's health kept failing and she passed away in 1937.

John's Christian faith was a source of comfort and strength. He was baptized and confirmed in early life.

John was always a good Christian man, loving and caring for his family and friends. He was always a jolly and happy person.

John and Sylvia lived on the farm for years. Then in 1977 they moved to Bird City. He always enjoyed tilling the soil, farming, gardening and his flowers.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, infant son and daughter, brother, Pete, and sisters, Alma Harriman, Clara Zielke and Emma Richardson.

He leaves his loving wife, Sylvia; his sons, Jo and wife, Nadine, and Delbert and wife, Janice; sisters, Hulda Peters, of Bird City, Kansas, and Olga Zielke, of Lemmon, South Dakota; brothers, Albert, of Benkelman and Hans, of Oberlin; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held Saturday, July 25, at the United Methodist Church in Bird City, Kansas, with Rev. Dan Waters officiating.

Laura Lee Jones, organist, accompanied the quartet, Karen Flemming, Shawn Carson, Greg Waters and Beth Latschar, as they sang "In The Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Larry Flemming, Douglas Hemming, Dale Hemming, Dave Flemming, Darrel Petz and Roger Brenner.

Honorary bearers were Raymond McNabb, Don Creason, Douglas Waters, Robert Bellis, Larry Hubbard and Lon Sulley.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1999

Leta Bernice (Little) Henderson

ST. FRANCIS, Kan. — Leta Bernice Henderson, 77, died Sunday (April 4, 1999) at Goodland Regional Medical Center at Goodland, Kan.

She was born Aug. 2, 1921, at Dundy County to Frank Benjamin and Gladys Marie (Williamson) Little.

She was married to Otis Henderson. They lived in the St. Francis area and in Bird City, Kan. She worked as a dispatcher for the Cheyenne County Sheriffs Office.

She was a member of the First Christian Church at St. Francis; the Rebekah Lodge No. 675; and the Ladies Auxiliaries to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Otis, on Aug. 25, 1986.

Survivors include one son, Dallas E. Henderson of Albany, La.; three daughters, Donna J. Scoby of Greeley, Colo., Vickey Hill of St. Francis, and Beverly Howland of Goodland; one brother, Charlie Little, Aurora, Colo.; three sisters, Mabel Hanson of Benkelman, Wilda Alsbury, also of Benkelman, and Delores Conley, Many, La.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services are Wednesday, 2 p.m. (CDT) at the First Christian Church at St. Francis with Pastor Joe Briseno officiating. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 9 p.m.

Memorials will be accepted for the Rebekah's Scholarship Fund.

Knodel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1988

Jack Lee Henderson

Jack Lee Henderson was born March 7, 1937, at Brush, Colorado, and died September 25, 1988, at Evanston, Wyoming.

He is survived by five daughters: Cheryl Lovell and husband, Jim, of Loveland, Colorado, Susan Nabors and husband, Mark, of Memphis, Tennessee, Debbie Spencer and husband, Dennis, of Fay, Arkansas, Peggy Norman and husband, Warren, also. of Fay, and Tricia Lee Henderson of Haigler. Nebraska; three stepdaughters: Joie Brown and husband, Alan, of Idalia, Colorado, Mary Pevler of Kearney, Nebraska, and Julie Pevler of Benkelman, Nebraska; one sister, Mabel Ann Smith and husband, Bob, of Sinclair, Wyoming; one brother, Kenneth and wife, Sharon, of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; six granddaughters: Nicki, Misty, Barbie, Megan, Desirae and Kristen; three step granddaughters: Amber, Toni and Anni, several nieces, nephews and friends.

His daughter, Cheryl, noted: “We were deeply saddened by his tragic death. I found out the true quality that my dad was through his many friends and members of the family. My dad was a unique man in that he sometimes came across as a free spirit and enjoyed life to the fullest, but he was always dedicated to his work as a truck driver and his love for the rodeo.”

Services were held Friday, September 30, 1988, at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Haigler, Nebraska, with Pastor Barbara Hart officiating. Kelly Hayward sang “The Great Speckled Bird" and "Amazing Grace."

Bearers were Robert Henderson, Kenny Henderson, Ryan Henderson, Larry Penfoldt, Denny Cumley and Dean Toner. Honorary bearers were John Buckridge, Mick Reynolds, Randy Merritt, Dick Archer, Stan Shafer and John Owens.

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

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, March 26, 2002

Malvin Dean Hendrickson

Tuesday, March 26, 2002

BENKELMAN -- Malvin Dean Hendrickson, 97, died Saturday (March 23, 2002) at his home in Benkelman.

He was born July 10, 1904, in Hebron to John Otto and Della (Cain) Hendrickson. At the age of two, he moved with his mother to Haigler where they lived with his grandparents. When he was eight, his mother married Otis Edwards and they moved to the Pleasant Valley area.

On April 10, 1929, he married Rosella Ernestine DeHart. He shelled corn and worked for Dundy County. He served as a County Commissioner for 24 years. The Dundy County Hospital, Dundy County Senior Center, and the Benkelman Housing Authority were built during his tenure.

He was a member of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, and served as chairman of that organization in the Southwest District for eleven years. He was also a member of the Benkelman School Board, the Benkelman Friends Church, Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite of Free Masonry 32nd Degree Tangier Temple of Omaha, Elks Lodge No. 1432, and the Benkelman Federated Garden Club.

He was an active member of the Benkelman Housing Authority since it's inception in 1963 through 2001, and served as vice-chairman of the board for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosella; infant son, Marlin Dean; and three brothers.

Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Jean Hendrickson of Omaha/Benkelman, Phyllis Sandsted of Tamarac, Fla.; son, Eldon "Chub" and wife, Eileen Hendrickson of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; brother, Ray and wife, Mildred Edwards; sister, Velma Harms; sisters-in-law, Ruth Edwards, Lucille Edwards, and Mildred Wilson.

A memorial service will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Revs. Robert Sander and Bill Leach officiating. Services will conclude at the chapel with a private inurnment at a later date.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family asks that memorials be made in his name to the Benkelman Women's Club Library, or the Dundy County Hospital Foundation.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1998

Rosella Ernestine (DeHart) Hendrickson

Rosella Ernestine (DeHart) Hendrickson was born Aug. 7, 1907, to James Floyd and Felicity Blanche (Barnhart) DeHart on the farm of her grandparents, George Jackson and Saray (Corey) DeHart, in Calhoun County, near Lake City, Iowa. She was the youngest of six children including an older half-brother.

At the age of 90, she died on Sunday, May 31, 1998, while a patient at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb.

Due to her mother's ill health in the rainy climate, the DeHart family decided to move west to Dundy County, Neb., where her father had previously purchased land. Eventually the trip was accomplished when they arrived in Benkelman, county seat of Dundy County. Her father soon built their home some 18 miles northwest of Benkelman. This was her home until her marriage.

She attended the nearby rural school and graduated from the eighth grade with the Class of 1922. In those days, graduation exercises were held for all rural eighth-graders who successfully passed the state examinations held in the county courthouse. When it became time for her to attend high school, there were not sufficient finances, so she reviewed the eighth grade one year. The next year, she stayed with an older sister and husband near Wauneta, Neb., and rode her pony to a rural school four miles away where the teacher was teaching the ninth grade. By taking summer courses from the county superintendent, she was able to complete high school in three years. She graduated with her original class in 1926, receiving her certificate in Normal Training. She taught in the county's rural schools and loved every minute of it.

On April 10, 1929, she was married to Malvin Dean Hendrickson, a farm neighbor. This union was blessed with four children: two sons and two daughters. The firstborn son, Marlin Dean, died in infancy. Their family includes Marilyn Jean, a teacher, Phyllis Eileen, a speech therapist and counselor, and Eldon LeRoy "Chub," a civil service employee.

Mrs. Hendrickson was employed for many years as a clerk In the J.C. Penney store and in the Ireland Department Store in Benkelman. After retiring from clerking, she was an Avon representative for more than 25 years.

To fill the void after the children were gone from home, she became interested and involved in Garden Club objectives and work. She studied and took the required courses and met the requirements of a Master Judge in the National Flower Show Schools. She received her Master's Certificate and judged in many of the area flower show competitions. She was active in the organization and served as president of the local club for many terms. Other hobbies included reading, music, poetry and visiting her many friends.

At an early age, she received Jesus Christ into her heart and life as her personal Savior and strived to live a consistent committed Christian life, willing to serve her Lord, her church and her community in any way possible.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son on Sept. 23, 1932: her half-brother, Floyd Harrison DeHart; three sisters: Eva Kitt, Hazel Durbin and Lela Little, and a brother. LeRoy "Roy" Coleman DeHart.

Survivors include her husband, Malvin, of Benkelman, and their children: Marilyn Jean of Omaha, Neb., Phyllis and husband, Bill Sandsted, of Pensacola, Fla., and Eldon and wife Eileen of Loveland, Colo.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Roy Edwards, and his wife, Mildred. of St. Francis, Kan. ; and four sisters-in-law: Lucille Edwards of Benkelman, Ruth Edwards of Burlington, Colo., Mildred Wilson of Grant, Neb., and Velma Harms of Hebron, Neb., other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service for Ernestine Hendrickson was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 1998, at the Friends Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Keith Haisch officiating. Mary Baney was the organist and Iola and Don Egle sang “Beyond The Sunset" and "Going Home." Honorary guests were all of Ernestine's friends. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 2005

Eva Endora (Howard) Hendrix

Eva Endora Hendrix was born north of Grainton, Neb., to Bly H. and Leta L. (Gerdes) Howard on Nov. 12, 1930. As a young girl, she moved with her parents to a farm in Cheyenne County, Kan., where Eva attended the East White Rural School through the eighth grade. She attended high school in St. Francis, Kan., before moving with her grandparents, Fred and Abigail Gerdes, to Benkelman, Neb.

Eva gained employment at the Moses Drug Store in Benkelman in 1947 and worked there until marrying Lloyd H. Lunzmann on June 30, 1951, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. The couple settled on the South Divide on the Lunzmann farm. They moved to Imperial, Neb., in 1953 where they made their home. Lloyd passed away in March 1967 and Eva began working at the Stanbar Animal Hospital.

Eva married Lyle J. Hendrix on Aug. 10, 1972, and the couple moved to the Hendrix homestead in the Hiawatha community south of Imperial where they made their home. Lyle passed away in 1988 and Eva moved near Imperial and began working at Chase County Hospital in Imperial in 1992.

At the age of 74, Eva passed away Saturday, April 9, 2005, at the Linden Court Care Facility in North Platte, Neb.

Eva was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church at Imperial. She had many hobbies including sewing, crocheting, quilting, gardening and canning and she loved to cook.

Survivors include her son, Timothy Lunzmann, of Imperial; a daughter, Cathy Belau, and husband, Rod, of Imperial; a brother, Maynard Howard, of Fredericksburg, Texas; a sister, Karron Donley, and husband, Mike, of Thorton, Colo., and six nephews and four nieces.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, nephew David Armknecht, niece Denise Armknecht and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Eva Hendrix were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2005, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Imperial with the Rev. Keith Wellman officiating. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman. Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1994

Alice Lorine (Schillinger) Hendrix

BENKELMAN— Alice Lorine (Schillinger) Hendrix was born June 2, 1908, in Dundy County, Nebraska, to Jesse F. and Delia 0. (Roemmich) Schillinger and died August 17, 1994, at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 86 years.

She grew up in Dundy County and attended Dundy County schools.

She married Paul H. Hendrix October 18, 1930, at Benkelman. They lived on their farm north of Haigler, Nebraska, after their marriage.

Later they moved to a farm north of Benkelman in Hoover Precinct until they retired and moved into Benkelman.

Mrs. Hendrix was a good neighbor and friend and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She enjoyed working in her yard, growing flowers and listening to music.

In 1989 she moved to the Hester Memorial Home due to declining health.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; her brother, Drury "Bud" Schillinger, and her three children, infant twins Royal and Roseland and infant son Allan.

Surviving her are three sisters-in-law, June Arnold of Cleveland, Texas, Margaret Doyle of Olympia, Washington, and Bess Hendrix of Benkelman; two brothers-in-law, Junior Hendrix and his wife, Virgil, of Napoleonville, Louisana, and Johnnie Hendrix and his wife, Mabel, of Grand Island, Nebraska; nieces; nephews and a host of friends.

Services were held Friday, August 19, at 10 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Vernon Whetstone officiating.

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

Bearers were Johnnie Hendrix, Neal Homer, Larry Wiese, Mardelle Dixon, Floyd Parman and Bill Osborn.

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

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1978

Ella Ottillie Hendrix

Ella Ottillie Hendrix passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Nov. 2, 1978. The daughter of Louis and Rosa Madlina (Jourdan) Talmon, was born May 29, 1894, in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska. Ella was baptized in infancy and confirmed in the Lutheran Church.

At the age of about eight years she moved with her mother Rosa and sister Bertha to Southwest Nebraska where she grew to womanhood in the Rollwitz community.

On March 18, 1915 Ella was married to Joseph Guy Hendrix, at Benkelman, Dundy county, Nebraska and living the rest of their lives in the Hiawatha community. To this union were born two children, Elsie Rosa Kessler and Lyle Joseph.

Guy and Ella celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on March 18, 1965, at their home in the Hiawatha Community.

On July 16, 1966 her husband preceded her in death, also her parents, a step-father Charley Mundt, sister Bertha Lutz, half-brother Carl Mundt.

She leaves surviving her son Lyle Joseph and wife Eva of Benkelman, Nebr., Elsie Rosa and husband Mike Kessler of Benkelman, Nebr., one granddaughter Cheryl and husband Richard Hamilton of Wauneta, Nebr., half-sister Eda Schwartz of Benkelman, Nebr., sister-in-law Geraldine Mundt, of Benkelman, Nebr., many nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1982

Harry A. (Dick) Hendrix

Harry A. (Dick) Hendrix died Wednesday, February 2, 1982, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was born March 2, 1912, in the Hiawatha community of Dundy County to William and Nellie V. (Collins) Hendrix.

He joined the service in March 1941 and served overseas in England. After his discharge from the service, he returned to Benkelman and began his career as a carpenter. Dick retired from his profession nine years ago.

On February 2, 1943, Dick married Bessie Jean Seitz. To this union three children were born: Judy, Richard and Trudy.

Mr. Hendrix was a member of the American Legion Post 65 in Benkelman.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Roy and Paul; and one infant sister, Opal.

Survivors include his wife, Bessie, of Benkelrnan; two daughters, Trudy (Mrs. Larry) Wiese and Judy (Mrs. Bill) Aeby, both of Benkelman; a son, Richard, of Stratton; six grandchildren; one sister, June (Mrs. Forrest) Arnold, of Bolivar, Missouri, and three brothers, Cecil of Boulder, Colorado, Junior of Cortex, Colorado, and Johnny of Grand Island, Nebraska.

Funeral services were Saturday, February 5, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, with Father Conrad Marrarna officiating.

Assisting with the services was Kelly Wallace, singing "The Great Speckled Bird," "The Lord's Prayer" and "How Great Thou Art" Pallbearers were the American Legion members.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with military committal by Martin F. Bowles Post 65. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1983

Harry "Dick" Hendrix

Harry "Dick" Hendrix died this morning at the Dundy County Hospital. He was born March 2, 1912 in the Hiawatha community of Dundy County to William H. and Nellie V. ( Collins) Hendrix.

He was married Feb. 2, 1943 at St. Francis, Kan., to Bessie J. Seitz. He was a WWII veteran and a carpenter by trade. He was a member of the American Legion Post 65 of Benkelman.

Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Opal, and two brothers, Ray and Paul.

Survivors include his wife, Bessie of Benkelman; two daughters, Trudy (Mrs. Larry) Weise and Judy (Mrs. Bill) Aeby, both of Benkelman; a son, Richard of Stratton; six grandchildren; one sister, June (Mrs. Forrest) Arnold of Boliver, Mo., and three brothers, Cecil of Boulder, Colo., Junior of Cortez, Colo., and Johnny of Grand Island.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m.MST at the Jones Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Conrad Marrama officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery with military committal by Martin F. Bowles Post 65. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 3-2-1912 and a death date of 2-2-1983.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2000

Jack H. Hendrix

DENVER, Colo.—Jack H. Hendrix, 84, formerly of McCook and Trenton, died Saturday (Nov. 25. 2000) in Denver, Colo.

He was born in Traer on Feb.24, 1922. He graduated from Decatur County High School and attended the University of Nebraska where he earned his teaching degree and later his law degree.

He served as a first lieutenant in the army artillery during the Second World War, was stationed primarily in the Philippines and was twice awarded the Bronze Star.

He served as County Attorney for Hitchcock County from 1948 until 1967 when he was appointed District Judge, and served in that capacity until he retired in 1991.

He was active in the Rotary Club and was President of both the McCook and Trenton clubs. He was the past President of the Nebraska District Judges Association, and past Grandmaster of the Masons of Nebraska.

He is survived by his wife more than 60 years, Betty of Greenwood Village, Colo.; children, Susan Hendrix and husband. Glenn Blauvelt of Boulder, Colo., and Lynn Hendrix and wife. Teri of Centennial, Colo.; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at St. Alban's Church in McCook at a future date to be announced.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1988

Lyle Joseph Hendrix

Lyle Joseph Hendrix, the only son of Guy Joseph and Ella 0llillie (Talmon) Hendrix, was born December 31, 1920, on the farm where he spent the rest of his life in Dundy County, Nebraska. Lyle passed away October 1, 1988, at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska, at the age of 67.

Lyle helped his father from an early age with the farming—from horses to modern-day tractors. Lyle liked his horses and he helped break them to work as well as to ride and kept a horse on the farm. Lyle had a full life.

On August 10, 1972, Lyle Joseph and Eva Eudora (Howard) Lunzmann were married at the Lutheran Church at Imperial, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Ella Hendrix.

Those surviving are his wife, Eva; stepchildren: Timothy Lunzmann of Benkelman, Nebraska, and Cathy and husband, Rod Belau, of Imperial; one sister, Elsie, and husband, Mike Kessler, of Benkelman; a niece, Cheryl, and husband, Richard Hamilton, of Wauneta, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Tuesday, October 4, 1988, at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in

Benkelman with Pastor Earl Martell officiating. Organist was Jackie Wilson. Richard Bartholomew with guitar accompaniment sang "Life's Railway To Heaven" and "The Great Speckled Bird."

Bearers were Marlon Berry, Randy Bartlett, Robert Grams, Brad Dixon, Leroy Grams and Wes Cooley. Honorary bearers were Wayne Berry, Bernard Nelson, Claude Wood, Harry Grams, Leonard Eskew, Harry Steier and Reinhardt Lunzmann.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1973

Paul Henry Hendrix

Paul H. Hendrix, a lifelong resident of Dundy county passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Saturday. He had been in ill health for several years. He was 65 years of age.

Paul was well known in Dundy county. He was born and reared in the Hiawatha community,the son of Blanche Passmore and the late Harley Hendrix. After his marriage to Alice Lorine Schillinger, he continued a resident of his home community and farmed there until his retirement a few years ago when he and Lorine moved into Benkelman. He was a pleasant fellow to know and enjoy and was a favorite among the members of the IOOF Lodge of which he was a member. He could view adversity with courage and a sense of humor and his friends enjoyed his manner of lightening the weight of their problems.

He is survived by his widow, Alice Lorine; his mother, Blanche Passmore of the Hester Home; four brothers, Cecil of Boulder, Colorado, Harry of Benkelman, David of New Orleans, La., and John of Grand Island and one sister, Mrs. June Arnold of Hiawatha, Kansas.

Funeral services were conducted at the Jones Funeral Chapel on Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. Fred Cain officiating. Mrs. LaNeta Anderson was the soloist and Jackie Wilson, the organist. Casket bearers were Vic Stasser, Gene Hansen, Glen Fish, Bud DeWester, Oliver Gapen and Mardelle Dixon. The IOOF Lodge was in charge of the interment at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Paul Henry Hendrix was born to William Harley and Nellie Blanche Collins Hendrix on April 16, 1907 and passed away at the Dandy County Hospital, Saturday, November 4, 1972 at the age of 65 years, six months and 18 days.

On October 18, 1930, he was married to Lorine Schillinger, and to this union three children were born who preceded him in death at an early age. They were twins, Royal and Roseland and a son, Allen.

Also preceding him in death were his father, Harley; a sister, Opal; an elder sister who died at the age of six months and an older brother, Roy, who passed away in December 1971.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Lorine; his mother, Blanche of the Hester Home; his brothers, Cecil of Boulder, Colorado, Harry of Benkelman, David of New Orleans, La., John of Grand Island; a sister, Mrs. June Arnold of Hiawatha, Kansas, many distant relatives and a host of friends and neighbors.

Paul was a farmer at heart as he was born on a farm northwest of Benkelman and continued farming until his health failed and then he was forced to retire in the spring of 1969. He and Lorine moved to their home in Benkelman.

Paul was a good neighbor, always there in time of need and ready to help those who needed help.

He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge and was a faithful member until his health prevented him from attending.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1994

Richard "Rick" Harry Hendrix

BENKELMAN--Richard "Rick" Harry Hendrix was born at Benkelman, Nebraska, on January 23, 1948, the son of Harry and Bessie (Seitz) Hendrix. He attended the Benkelman schools and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1966.

In August 1969 in Benkelman, he was united in marriage with Ginger Wiggins. One son, Shawn, was born to this marriage.

Hendrix worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Benkelman for 4 years and then for the Miller Manufacturing Co. in Stratton, Nebraska, for 10 years. He also worked for the street and roads department of the city of Stratton for 3 years.

He played bass guitar with the original Beecher Island Three Mile Band and with the Outer Limits band and several other musical groups.

Hendrix became ill with cancer 1 1/2 years ago. He died at the University of Nebraska Hospital in Omaha on December 10, 1994, at the age of 46 years, 10 months and 17 days.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry "Dick" Hendrix, who died in 1983, and by his sister, Trudy Wiese, who died in 1990. Rick had donated bone marrow for his sister, Trudy, in her illness, and he took it very hard when she died. He donated his eyes to the Lions' Club Eye Bank.

He is survived by his mother, Bessie Hendrix, of Benkelman; his son, Shawn Hendrix, of Fremont, Nebraska; his sister, Judy Aeby, of Benkelman; nieces, nephews, other relaives and many friends.'

Services were held Wednesday, December 14, 1994, at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Douglas Allen officiating. Organist was Jackie Wilson and Kelly Hayward sang "Peace In The Valley" and "Life's Railway To Heaven." Bearers were Jim Powell, Burdette Geihsler, Larry Clark, Larry Wiese, Rod Wiese and Jim Willis. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1972

Roy Michael Hendrix

Roy Michael Hendrix passed away at Vancouver, Washington, on Christmas Day at the age of sixty-five years. He had been in very poor health for the past two months of a terminal illness. He was involved with the illness when he visited family members and friends here in July.

Graveside services are planned for Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., at the Hiawatha Cemetery with the Rev. Fred Cain officiating. Arrangements are in charge of the Jones Funeral Home.

Roy Hendrix was the son of Blanche Passmore and the late Harley Hendrix. He was born in Dundy county on January 18, 1906 and was reared in this community. He became a carpenter by trade and worked in many states. He was married to Margaret Godawitch in Benkelman.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Vancouver; his son, Doyle of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughters, Mrs. Shirley DeGregorus, Rye, New York, Mrs. Della Vaughn, Castle Rock, Washington, Mrs: Carolyn Markel and Mrs. Shirley Nelson of Pullman, Washington. There are four grandchildren.

He is also survived by his mother, Blanche Passmore of the Hester Home, Paul and Harry Hendrix of Benkelman, Cecil Hendrix of Boulder, Colorado, David E. Hendrix, New Orleans, John Hendrix, Grand Island and Mrs. June Arnold of Hiawatha, Kansas.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Hiawatha cemetery show a date of birth of 1-28-1906 and a date of death of 12-25-1971.)

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, May 25, 2007

Jack, Betty and Sally Hendrix

Friday, May 25, 2007

Jack and Betty Hendrix

Feb. 24, 1922 - Nov. 25, 2006

Dec. 31, 1924 - March 18, 2007

Jack Hendrix died on Nov. 25, 2006, and Betty Hendrix died on March 18, 2007, both in Denver, Colo. Both lived in the Southwest Nebraska area for over 80 years.

Jack was born in Traer, Kan., on Feb. 24, 1922, to Charles and Mary Hendrix. He graduated from Decatur County High School and attended the University of Nebraska where he earned his teaching degree and later his law degree.

Jack was in the ROTC and before completing his law degree he was called into service for the Army. He served as a first lieutenant in the Army artillery during the Second World War, was stationed primarily in the Philippines and was twice awarded the Bronze Star.

Betty was born Betty Lee Parker in Wilsonville Dec. 31, 1924, to Frank and Rachel Parker. She graduated from Wilsonville High School and attended the University of Nebraska where she majored in business and was a member of the Sipila Kappa sorority.

Betty and Jack were married on Dec. 10, 1943, during a leave Jack had from the Army. After the war Jack finished his law degree and they then made Southwest Nebraska their home. Betty and Jack had three children, Susan, Lynn and Sally.

They lived first in Culbertson and then later moved to Trenton when Jack was elected Hitchcock County Attorney. He served as County Attorney from 1948 until 1967 when he was appointed District Judge and served in that capacity until he retired in 1991.

Betty and Jack were very active in many community activities throughout their life. Jack was active in the Rotary Club and was President of both the McCook and Trenton clubs. He was the past president of the Nebraska District Judges Association, and past Grandmaster of the Masonic Lodge of Nebraska. Jack was also an active Shriner.

Betty participated in a number of activities and was active in the Eastern Star and several bridge clubs.

Jack and Betty are survived by Susan and her husband, Glenn Blauvelt of Boulder, Colo., and Lynn and his wife, Teri of Centennial, Colo.; grandchildren, Cindy Metzler, Sally Jean Spence, Paige Hendrix, Parker Hendrix and Pierce Hendrix; and great-grandchildren, Ashton Hallett and Jacob Hallett.

Sally Hendrix

Sept. 18, 1954 - Aug. 8, 1971

Sally was born to Jack and Betty on Sept. 18, 1954, in the McCook hospital.

She attended the Trenton schools. She died prior to hcr senior year on Aug. 8, 1971, as a result of an automobile accident.

She had planned on being an exchange student in Finland and wanted to become a nurse. She was active in the school band where she played the French horn. She also played the piano and played the organ for the Congregational Church in Trenton,

Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Saturday at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in McCook with the Rev. R. Samuel Williams officiating. Inurnment for Jack, Betty and Sally will be in St. Alban's Columbarium.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1936

Anna (Hallenberger) Henkel

Mrs. John Henkel, nee Anna Hallenberger, was born on the 27th of February, 1862, at Engelbach, Hessen-Nassau. Germany. In compliance with the Lord's instructions she was dedicated to the Lord in Holy Baptism in early infancy. After a thorough course or instruction in the teachings of the Bible she became a communicant member of the Lutheran church in the rite of confirmation. She remained true to her baptism and confirmation vows until the end.

At the age of 21 years she emmigrated to the United States, coming to Reading. Pa., in the year 1883. Here she met her future husband, Mr. John Henkel, to whom she was joined in matrimony the 27th of December of the same year.

Mr. and Mrs. Henkel made their home at Reading. Pa., for three years. They then moved to Filmore county, Nebraska, where they lived on a rented farm for one year. They came to Cheyenne county, Kansas on the 15^th of March, 1887 during the early pioneer days, taking up a homestead, the present Henkel farm about 6 miles southwest of Benkelman. Here they endured the privations and hardships of the early settlers. Hard work and saving and God's abundant blessings, helped them over those days so they could spend the evening of life without anxious worries for the necessities of life. They moved to Benkelman in 1919 and have since lived in the present John Henkel building.

Mrs. Henkel was in comparatively good health until about three years ago when she began to be troubled with asthma. She became bedfast about three weeks ago. Seemingly she was improving, but on Tuesday it became evident that her end was near. She passed away peacefully last Wednesday evening at 9:30 o'clock. She reached the age of 73 years, 11 months and 2 days. Two years ago, she and her husband were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary amid children and children’s children. Theirs was a long and happy married life. Their union was blessed with seven children, all of whom but Henry Henkel survive. They are Mrs,. Elizabeth Lowe, Bird City, Kansas; John L. Henkel, Benkelman, Mrs. Anna Roemmich, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Lena Deyle, Benkelman; Mrs. Emma Dorsch, Bird City, Kansas; Mrs. Lillie Burk, McDonald, Kansas. These with her sorrowing husband mourn her departure. She is also mourned by thirty-six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Lean Getz of Reading, Pa., whom she visited with her daughter Mrs. George Dorsch in 1929. She had not seen her for 45 years.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Lutheran church, Rev. H. F. Meyer officiating. Interment was made at the Benkelman cemetery. The well attended funeral gave testimony to the high esteem in which the departed was held.

With Mrs. Henkel another sturdy pioneer has gone to her reward,. She was a true mother indeed. The welfare of her family was always at her heart. Her husband has lost in her a devoted wife, her children, a loving mother, her church, a faithful member. She loved the services of God’s house and when her strength permitted she was seen at her accustomed pew at divine service, thus setting a fine example to all.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 2-26-1862 and a death date of 1-29-1936.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1974

John Leebrick Henkel

Death came on Friday to John L. Henkel who had been suffering from a leg fracture on September 14th, 1973. He had been hospitalized for most of the time since his misfortune. He was 86 years of age and until his misfortune had enjoyed good health and had been very active.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at the Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Otto L. Zeilinger officiating. Monty Crandon was the soloist and Jackie Wilson, the organist. Casket bearers were Noble Dorsch, Edwin Deyle, Lewis Dicke, Norman Dorsch, Leland Dickie and Bud Lowe. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

John Leebrick Henkel was born February 8th, 1887 at Geneva, Nebraska. His parents moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas in 1889. Later, on his own, he farmed near what is known as the Roy, Miller farm.

In 1909 he was united in marriage to Rosie Talman, who passed away shortly after childbirth. On May 28, 1918 he was united in marriage to Emma Dicke. To this union five sons and three daughters were born and also a daughter who died in thfaricy. Emma Henkel expired on January 8, 1967.

In 1940 John moved to Benkelman but continued to farm. In later years he spent his time with a large garden and shared the fruits with his neighbors and friends. He was often seen driving his tractor about town plowing and cultivating gardens. Moving to town benefitted the children and family in school, Bible school and church. He was a communicant member of Lon Lutheran, Benkelman.

September 14, 1973 he suffered a broken leg from which he never recovered after months of hospitalization. He passed away January 4th at the Hester Home, Benkelman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two sons. Albert and Donald and a daughter Lucille; also his parents, one brother, Henry, and two sisters Lena Deyle and Emma Dankenbring.

He leaves to mourn his passing two daughters, Eleanor Bennet and husband of Tecumseh, Michigan, Darlene Clark and husband Don of Adrian, Michigan; three sons, Elmer, Everett and their wives and family of Hudson, Florida and Elvin and wife of New Port Richey, Florida; three sisters, Mrs. Lizze Lowe and family, Benkelman, Mrs. Anna Miller of Drain. Oregon and Mrs. Lillie Burk and husband Will and family, McDonald, Kansas.

He attained the age of 86 years, 10 months and 27 days.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1911

John L, Henkel. Sr.

John L, Henkel. Sr., pioneer, passed away at the family home in Benkelman last Friday morning. His passing did not come as a surprise to either members of his family or to . friends since he had been in declining health for the past two years and more especially during the last few months and it was evident each day that the end of his earthly journey was growing near at hand.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. A. Hoferer at the Lutheran church Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. Arrangements were in charge of the Laughlin Funeral Home. Singers were Mrs. Chester Scheel, Mrs. DeWayne Schneider, Mrs. Glenn Schneider and Mrs. August Schrader, with Mrs. Arnold A. Hoferer at the piano. Numbers rendered were "Jesus Lover of My Soul," and "Asleep In Jesus." Casket hearers consisted of six grandsons, they being Edwin Doyle, Neal Dorsch. Henry Lowe, Chester Lowe, Donald Henkel and William Burk, Jr.

John L. Henkel, Sr., son of John P. Henkel and his wife Elizabeth, was born on March 2, 1857 in Wolfgruben, Hessen Nassan Germany. He was baptized into the name of the triune God in early infancy and later confirmed.

Mr. Henkel had always been a member of the Lutheran church and was one of the few remaining charter members of our local church. He always enjoyed sharing in its activities, distributing the good will created.

He immigrated to America in the spring in the year of our Lord 1883 , and settled in Reading, Pennsylvania. On December 27th of that same year he was united in holy wedlock to Anna Hollenherger. To this union was born seven children - two sons and five daughters. One son, Henry, preceded his father into death. The couple resided in Reading for about four years where he was engaged in the trade of engraver as an employee of the Reading Hardware Co., and which trade he had learned in Germany. As this work proved injurious to his health, he followed the advice of his physician and moved with his family to Nebraska, joining his parents at Geneva, Nebraska and residing there one year. He came to Cheyenne county, Kansas in 1887 where he homesteaded, rearing his family. Hardships were encountered on the homestead and to provide sustenance for his family, Mr. Henkel spent a short time working in Denver while his wife and children remained at their home. They lived on the homestead for 28 years, moving to Benkelman in 1919 and where he resided until his death.

He enjoyed telling of the early years in this vicinity and even of the hardships they endured and upon which he looked back in fondest memory.

Mr. Henkel was permitted, with his wife, in December 1933 to observe in the circle of their children the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day. His wife died in January of 1936 and since that time the deceased had resided some of the time alone in his home in Benkelman and at others some of the children or grandchildren staying with him. It was not until two years ago that Mr. Henkel's health became so that it entailed the care of a doctor. He remained with the children, going from one to the other and since he was not fully content to remain away from his own home, his daughter, Mrs. Lowe, consented to remain with him constantly.

He became bedfast about four months ago and needed constant care.

Mr. Henkel attained the age of 89 years, 8 months and 13 days, when God sent His final summons to our departed brother early Friday morning, November 15th.

Those of the immediate family who are saddened by his demise are his daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Lowe, Benkelman, Nebr.; Mrs. Anna Miller, Denver, Colo.; Mrs. Lena Deyle, Benkelman, Nebr.; Mrs. Emma Dorsch, Bird City, Kansas; Mrs. Lillie Burk, McDonald, Kansas and one son, John Henkel of Benkelman, Nebr.; 34 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren and 4 nephews.

Mr. Henkel placed his faith in the redemptive work of our Saviour and will be missed by the members of Zion Lutheran church.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? 1980?

Paul Edward Henry

Services for Paul Edward Henry of Louisville were held Friday in First United Methodist Church in Louisville. Burial was in Louisville.

Henry, who lived at 1465 McKinley Place, died Wednesday in University Hospital, where he was undergoing experimental research treatment for a rare form of cancer. He was 37. He was born July 4, 1943, in Denver. He graduated from Aurora High School in 1961. After serving in the Navy in Vietnam from 1962 to 1966, he attended Metropolitan State College and graduated summa cum laude.

Henry was a programmer and analyst for Systems and Programming Resources in Denver.

He married Renee Petersen on March 18, 1967 in Denver.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Chad and Todd Henry of Louisville; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry of Aurora; a brother, David Henry of Platteville; and a grandmother, Edna Lingo of Benkelman, NE.

Paul can best be remembered here by the many summers he spent on the farm with his uncle, Dale Lingo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1972

Maude Marie Fiechter Herren

Maude Marie Fiechter Herren was born August 31, 1891 at Lyle Kansas to John Fiechter and Eliza Hale Fiechter. She passed away at the Dundy County Hospital February 11, 1972 at the age of 80 years, five months and 11 days.

She was one of the true pioneers, in every sense of the word. Traveling by covered wagon to Saint Joseph, Mo., and back as a small child was an experience that she fondly recalled. When she was five years old, she moved with her parents to Lebanon, Nebraska, where she received her education. After finishing school she became a seamtress and was much in demand.

On February 22, 1911, she was united in marriage to Lester Leroy Childers at Lebanon, Nebraska. To this union six children were born. They settled in eastern Nebraska where they engaged in farming and the raising of livestock. In 1924 the family moved to a farm northeast of Bird City, Kansas. Mr. Childers passed away in 1934 and she continued keeping the family together on the farm.

On April 29, 19l2 she was united in marriage to Henry Herren at McCook, Nebraska. They resided on the farm, later moving to Benkelman. Nebraska. Mrs. Herren was employed at the Hester Nursing home for several years.

Mr. Herren passed away in 1957 and she continued making her home in Benkelman until two years ago when she suffered a stroke and spent several months in the hospital.

She was brought to Bird City where she was cared for by her daughter, Lila Lee Blythe. She enjoyed her friends and relatives and the many visits and cards which helped to enlighten her days.

Never worrying about herself, she was constantly concerned about other people, although she had to give up many of the daily activities she loved.

She became a member of the Methodist Church at Utica, Nebraska, in 1920 later transferring her membership to Bird City in 1924 and finally at Benkelman, Nebraska, where she remained a faithful member until her health failed. She was active in Woman's Society of Christian Service always ready to render her services.

She was preceded In death by her parents her brothers, Ernest and Lenard Fiechter, sisters, Elizabeth Horton and Emma Knight, husbands Lester Childers and Henry Herren and one granddaughter, Donna Faye Blythe.

She leaves to mourn her passing her six children, Hattie Lamb and husband Guy, Bertram Childers and wife Adeline, Russell Childers and wife Martha, Darren Childers and wife Betty, all of Bird City, Keith Childers and wife Marie of Rosemead, California and Lila Lee Blythe and husband Don of Goodland, Kansas; a sister, Mrs. Hazel Benedict of Wilsonville, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a host of friends and other relatives. She will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends.

"The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it."

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1965

Arthur Lee Herrick

Artnur Lee Herrick, well-known brand inspector, passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Friday of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday night. He was 48 years of age and had been a resident of the Benkelman community for 14 years

Mr. Herrick sustained severe chest injuries on Wednesday night five miles west of Benkelman while riding a newly acquired motorcycle. He said that the lights went out on the machine and he lost control. He was thrown from the machine and is thought to have struck a fence post in his chest region. His injuries were very painful from the outset.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church on Monday morning with the Rev. Jerry Elrod officiating. Mrs. Paul Erdman was at the organ and the quartet consisted of John Baer, Ross Druliner, Jr., Lee Gallatin and Harold Ferguson. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Arthur Lee Herrick was born January 16, 1917, in Adair County, Iowa, and passed away at Benkelman, Nebr., November 12, 1965, at the age of 48 years, nine months and 27 days.

He spent most of his younger years in Frontier county in farming operations.

He married Rachel Bible in July, 1938. To this union five children were born: Maxine Balderson, Patsy Maranville, Roger, Ronald and Joyce, all of Benkelman.

Arthur and his family moved to Benkelman in 1952 and they have resided here ever since.

Survivors are his wife, Rachel, and children; three grandchildren; his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Herrick, of North Platte; six brothers, Wilbur of Curtis, Vincent and Lynn of Fremont, Harlan and Ted of North Platte, and Norman of San Diego, Calif.; a host of other relatives and friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1990

Esther Muriel (Hilsinger) Herring

BENKELMAN--Esther Muriel Herring was born October 30, 1896, at Norton, Kansas, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hllsinger, and died Saturday, December 8, 1990, at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska, at the age of 94.

She attended school in rural Norton County at the Frog Pond School and graduated from Kansas City Normal Training High School. While teaching she attended Greeley State Teacher's College and Fort Hays State College to further her education and took correspondence courses through the University of Nebraska.

On October 30. 1924, she married Thomas R. Herring at Wray, Colorado. They moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas, to farm and Esther taught school. She taught at Green Valley, Mount Hope, Porter and South Fork Schools in Cheyenne and Decatur counties.

She taught a total of 42 years. She was elected county superintendent of Cheyenne County and was a member of the NEA, Kansas NEA, PTA and involved with community and school activities. She was also a member of the Norton, Kansas, O.E.S.

In 1978, Esther and Tom moved into Benkelman, Nebraska. Tom died in 1980 and she lived alone until she moved to the Hester Memorial Home in 1982.

Preceding her in death were her husband; her parents; infant son, Morris Herring; four sisters, Mable, Myrtle, Ruth and Daisy, and five brothers, Harry, Gould, Burton, Russell and Horace.

Survivors include one daughter, Muriel, and her husband, Tom Jones of Pratt, Kansas.; one son, Tommy Herring of Benkelman; two grandchildren, Tom Jones III and his wife, Deb of Pratt, and Diane Shutts and husband, Bob of Joliet, Illinois, and four grandchildren, Heather and Ryan Jones and Sara and Cindy Shutts, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Tuesday, December 11, 1990, at 11 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Betty Erdman was the organist and Richard Bartholomew the soloist. Selections in- , eluded "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus."

Bearers were Tom Maranville. Stanley Haines, Sheridan Magnani, Wesley Donohue, Paul
O'Brien and G.B. Loker.

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

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1975

Mora (Hunton) Herring

Mora Hunton Herring was born on November 21, 1893 at Wheatland, Wyoming to John and Mora Evans Hunton. She passed away at the age of 81 years on October 1, 1975.

She was married to George B. (Ted) Herring on September 15, 1920 at Wheatland, Wyoming. Her husband preceded her in death on September 30, 1965.

Mora served as secretary for Hines & Hines attorneys for many years in Benkelman. She was active, too, in community responsibilities and received a certificate for ten years of leadership in the March of Dimes Infantile Paralysis program. She was an observer for the Ground Observer Corps of the USAF in World War II and received a gold watch from the Benkelman Chamber of Commerce when she was voted the “Lady of the Year.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and several brothers.

She is survived by a brother-in-law, Tom Herring, and wife, Esther of Benkelman; sisters-in-law, Inez Wigby of Minneapolis, Minn., Pearl Carroll and husband Don of Benkelman, Dorothy Nemeth and husband Frank of North Lawrence, Ohio, Ruth Hoffman and husband Carl of Roswell, New Mexico and Jennie Hunton of Denver, Colorado; a nephew, Dr. Donald Hunton of Cheyenne and a niece Genevieve of Australia.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1965

George B. ''Ted" Herring

George B. ''Ted" Herring passed away at the Lutheran Hospital at Denver on Thursday after a terminal illness which befell him on the previous Friday. He was 77 years of age.

Funeral services were conducted at Jay's Funeral Chapel on Saturday morning, with the Rev. Jerry D. Elrod in charge of the meditation, Mrs. Jerry Elrod and Mrs. Dale Bauer were the soloists and Mrs. Boyd Benge the organist. Leon C. Hines delivered the eulogy. Casket bearers were Lee Bowers, Bill Jones, Harley Howard, James Baney, Jack Martin and Thomas Herring, Jr. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

George B. Herring was born on July 5, 1888. at Falls City, Nebraska, the eldest son of Thomas B. and Lyda Calvert Herring. In 1891, the family moved to the tri-state area, which has been the family home. On September 15, 1920, he was united in marriage to Mora Hunton of Wheatland. Wyoming. and their home has been in Benkelman. Mr. Herring is survived by his wife, Mora; sisters. Grace Overfelt, Inez Higgins, Pearl Carroll, Dorothy McKay and Ruth Hoffman. and a brother, Tom Herring.

With the passing of "Ted" Herring is a part of the romance and the saga of the old west, for no matter how closely or remotely one was in his associations with this man, he represented a tradition of the area that is passing quickly into history. Mr. Herring was born too late for the "Old West" which he loved, yet he maintained such an intimate contact with it that he became a part of it. As a man in his middle years, he carried the flowing white hair and beard of those who wrestled the west from the Indians. He was the old west in appearance and actions. His speech and polite manners were that which we would like to think as being characteristic of the "ole cowboys" of the plains. He had the bearing of greatness in this role and in no situation did he permit his prestige to be violated.

As a young man Ted pursued the "Old West" to the last frontiers of that area. He roamed the west and worked and enjoyed the great experiences of cowboy life on the big spreads. He worked in lumber camps and reveled in the great quiet of nature in the forests. He was a student of nature and compiled hundreds of stories of the great outdoors. He was always most polite to the ladies and affectionate to the children, and if he was your friend he knew no limits. If, however, you failed to measure to his likes, it was your fate to feel the polite chill of snow covered mountains.

To the public, Mr. Herring's stately manner astride his Palomino will be recalled with fondness as a feature of the one-time famous rodeos and booster trips. To those who knew him better will be the sad thought that another living tribute to the "Old West" has ridden into the sunset. No matter what has transpired or what is to come, one fact remains constant. The familiar greeting, "Hello Cowboy" will be heard no more. The man who loved the title, "The Old Ranger," has gone on his way and he was true to the legends he loved to his last day. Even in his last illness, he remained “tall in the saddle.”

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1980

Thomas Ray Herring

Thomas Ray Herring was born March18, 1893 in Cheyenne County, Kansas and passed away Sat, June 14, 1980 at the age of 87 years.

He was married at Wray, Colorado to Esther M. Hilsinger.

His parents were Thomas B. Herring and Lyda Calvert Herring.

Thomas was a member of the Farm Bureau, had served on the School Board, was active in the Parent-Teacher's Association and attended the South Fork Church.

He was a farmer and rancher until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Esther, of Benkelman, NE; a daughter, Muriel Jones, and her husband Tom of Pratt, KS; a son, Tommy and his wife, Beverly, of Benkelman, NE; one grandson, Thomas Jones II of Pratt, KS; one granddaughter, Diane Shutts of Joliet, IL; one great granddaughter, Sarah Shutts; sisters Pearl and her husband Don Carroll of Benkelman, Ruth and her husband Carl Hoffman of Rosewell, NM, Dorothy and her husband Frank Nemeth of North Lawrence, OH and Inez and her husband Ed Wigby of Minneapolis, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Blanche and Grace, a brother Ted, a half-sister, Rose and a half-brother, Willie.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1987

John F. Hertlein

John F. Hertlein, son of Fredrick and Minnie (Knauck) Hertlein, was born on January 22, 1896, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and died on March 18, 1987, at Heritage of Wauneta in Wauneta, Nebraska, at the age of 91.

John was united in marriage to Marie Haecker Schutte on June 22, 1919, in Byron, Nebraska. This union produced one daughter, Viola. The family moved to Hitchcock County in the early 1920's. John was an active member of the Community United Methodist Church. He was a farmer of the North Divide and caretaker at Rose Hills Cemetery.

After retirement he lived at the Restmore Motel and frequently rode his tricycle around Stratton, Nebraska. Later he resided at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska, and at Heritage of Wauneta.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, in 1969; his daughter, Viola, in 1967; his parents, brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his sister, Emma Hansel of Beatrice, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Diana Summerhayes of Montebello, California, Kent Summerhayes of Arcadia, California, Pamela Summerhayes of Burbank, California, and Cindy Summerhayes of Denver, Colorado; two great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, March 23, 1987, 10:30 a.m., at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Organist was Marie Kleinschmidt. Wallace Gummere sang the selections "In The Garden" and "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow."

Bearers were Morrison Sutton, Reginald Stahly, Willard Latta, Leland Dicke, Seth Ragan and William Brott.

Honorary bearers were Willis Brannan and Robert Forch Sr.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton. The funeral was conducted by Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Stratton, Nebraska.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1943

Minnie Belle (Kimberling) Hester

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Elmer E. Hester at the Benkelman Methodist church Sunday afternoon with Rev. Milo W. Rose in charge, assisted by Rev. J. C. Foster. Singers were Lloyd Boswell, Mrs. Jack McEvoy, Mrs. Harry Ough and John Baer, with Mrs. D. L. Ough at the piano. Pallbearers were E. W. Artist, Fred Pringle, George Russell, Lee Hamilton, Jacob Bauer, and Hugh McKay. Joe Laughlin was the funeral director. The services at the grave were in charge of Holly Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Minnie Belle, daughter of Vinton and Harriet R. Kimberling, was born near Corydon, Wayne county, Iowa, March 15, 1879, and passed from this life to that home, "not made with hands" on May 18, 1943, at the Morehouse hospital, aged 64 years, 2 months and three days.

She came to Chase county, Nebraska, with her parents in the spring of 1887. She attended public schools of Chase county, finishing her education at Fremont College at Fremont, Nebraska, and then taught in the schools of her county for fifteen years.

On March 3, 1915, she was united in marriage with Elmer E. Hester at McCook, Nebraska. Since then she has made her home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Early in life she was converted and became a member of the United Brethern Church, at Crete, Chase county. She was active in the Sunday school of that church, teaching a group of young people, who, grown to manhood and womanhood, still remember much scripture committed to memory under her leadership.

Since coming to Benkelman she transferred her membership to the Methodist church. She has been active in the Woman's Society of Christian Service of the Church, has taken a good part in the Woman's Club, the Red Cross and the P. E. 0., and has been treasurer of Holly Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for the past twelve years.

It is said, "We build our own monument in the lives of those who know us." This was surely true of her. Her strong, forceful, Christian character has left its imprint on the lives of relatives and friends.

In her passing she leayes in sorrow, her husband, Elmer E. Hester; her son, Vinton P., and his wife, Marjorie; two brothers. Pearl P. and Charles C. Kimberling of Champion, Nebraska, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, a sister Nellie Piedalu, and a brother, Glen G. Kimberling.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1978

Etta Katherine (Shrum) Hester

Etta Katherine Shrum Hester, the second child of Ira and Teresa Hahn Shrum was born at the farm house of her parents near Wauneta, Nebr. on Dec. 9, 1897. Following a short illness, she returned to her Creator on October 31, 1978 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebr., at the age of 80 years, 10 months, 22 days.

When Etta was three years old her father preceeded her in death. Etta's mother took her three small children and homesteaded in the Rollwitz Community, north of Parks, Nebr. Here Etta spent her growing up years in a pioneer home knowing the hardships and satisfaction of accomplishment that went with being part of a loving pioneer family. She attended her grade school years in the Rollwitz country school and worked for her room and board in the Murray Evans home that she might be able to attend high school in Benkelman where she graduated in 1918. Following her graduation she taught school for two years.

On April 21, 1920 she was united in marriage with Elmer Charles (Boon) Hester. To this union were born four daughters: Delphia, Betty, Billye and Patty. Boon preceeded her in death on July 7, 1956. They spent most of their married years on the Hester ranch north of Haigler and Etta moved to Benkelman upon the death of her husband in 1956.

Etta lived her life for her family and each new grandchild and great-grandchild brought her happiness to brighten her way. She was of the Seventh Day Adventist faith and her Bible and related readings were her constant companions.

She is preceeded in death by her husband, Boon, her parents, one daughter Betty Denny, two grandsons, Larry and Randy Burr, and two great grandchildren, Derek Burr and Monique McGooden.

She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters Delphia Burr and husband Marv, Billye McGooden, Patty Denny and husband Ike, nine grandchildren: Kelly Burr, Pam BrekiI, Jerry, Mary Etta, Penny Jo Denny and Jim, Mike, Patrick and Roger McGooden. Also fifteen great grandchildren: Tiffany, Shawn, Jeff, Shay, Nickole, Nate, Barry, Shane, and Cassey McGooden, Janelle and Jennifer Denny. Lara, Greg, and Timothy Brekel, and Lindsey Burr. Also surviving are her sister Lola Mullanix and brother Bill Shrum, many nieces and nephews, and three slsters-in-law Gladys Shrum, Ethyl Hester, Joy Miller, and one brother-in-law Lon Hester.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1965

Carrie Bell (Strobridge) Hester

Funeral services for Mrs. Carrie Hester were held at the Methodist Church on Saturday afternoon, February 6, at two o'clock. Mrs. Hester passed away at her home on Monday. February 1. Mrs. Royce Anderson was the soloist. accompanied by Mrs. Anna Benge at the organ. The casketbearers were her grandsons. Interment was in the Ben, kelman Cemetery.

Carrie Bell Strobridge Hester. the sixth of seven children of Robert and Hannah Strobridge, was born June 12, 1874, at Goodland, Indiana, and passed away at her home in Benkelman. Nebraska, on February 1, 1965, at the age of 90 years, seven months and eighteen days.

At the age of 12 she moved with her family to a homestead near Champion, Nebraska. On November 29, 1893. she was united in marriage with Eli A. Hester at Imperial, Nebraska. They moved to Mr. Hester's homestead between Champion and Haigler, Nebraska, and lived there until health forced them to leave the ranch in 1932. Five children were born to them here: Alice, Elmer, Georgie. Marie and Alonza. In 1910, they established a second home in Benkelman to educate their family; their youngest daughter, Joy, was born here.

In 1907 she was baptized as a member of the Christian Church. Upon coming to Benkelman she worshiped with various congregations, feeling her Lord was always there.

She became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1916. and as long as health permited she was an active member. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors, WSCS, and the Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church.

In her younger years she was an active member in the various organizations around Benkelman and always did all she could for the community and her children. There are many who remember the good times and good things from her kitchen when as young people Mr. and Mrs. Hester's home was a popular gathering place. Even in fairly recent years there were more than a few people who stopped for a cookie from "Aunt Carrie's" cookie jar.

While raising their own family, Mr. and Mrs. Hester also made a home for four nephews when disaster took their own home from them.

Mrs. Hester knew the hardships of pioneer life, and can truly be considered a figure in the history of Dundy county. She had many years as a healthy active citizen and was fortunate indeed in having so few years of poor health.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Eli; sons; Elmer (Boon), and Georgie, who died in infancy; also three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren’; three brothers and two sisters; also in her family were seven half-brothers and sisters.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Alice Ewing, San Francisco, Calif.; Mrs. Marie Denny, Benkelman; Mrs. Joy Miller, Goodland, Kansas; one son, Lon Hester, of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sons-in-law, Earl Denny and Bennett Miller; two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Lon Hester and Mrs. Etta Hester; thirteen grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter; one sister, Mrs. Alice McCoy, of Los Angeles, Calif.; also many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1981

Alonzo Henry Hester

Alonzo H. Hester, the fifth child of Eli A. Hester and Carrie Strobridge, was born July 1, 1904 on his parents' ranch north of Haigler, NE.

Here he grew up knowing the joys and hardships of a boy on a cattle ranch as he learned to ride, accept responsibility, and realize the ever present changing of good times and bad times from one year to another.

As his father, who came to Nebraska as a homesteader, increased his ranching operation and desired educational opportunities and better things for his family, he purchased a home in Benkelman, NE. Here Lon (as he was affectionately known by all) spent his time between the ranch and attending his latter years of grade school and high school. Following this, he spent a few years back at the ranch and then decided to attend business college in Grand Island, NE. Upon completion of the schooling he desired, he moved to San Bernadino, CA. to work in the finance business.

On July 13, 1927 he married Ethyle Allison of Parks, NE in Riverside, CA. To them was born one son, Robert William Hester of Alachua, FL and one daughter who died at birth. They decided to make Los Angeles their home in 1939 and here Lon opened the Hester Finance Company in East Los Angeles in 1944.

Lon and Ethyle decided to try retirement in 1957, but found they still needed the associations and activities of a working business; hence, in 1958 they together opened the Ethylon Finance offices in East Los Angeles and continued this business until 1972. In 1973 Lon suffered a severe illness, so they moved to Gainesville, FL in 1974 to be near their son and his family. Here he also enjoyed the constant pleasures of being near his five grandchildren.

On January 25, 1981, while enjoying a round of golf with Ethyle he was stricken with a fatal heart attack.

He was a Past President of the East Los Angeles Rotary Club in which he had thirty years perfect attendance. He was also a Past President of Los Angeles Breakfast Club and of the Los Angeles Forum Club.

The things Lon enjoyed the most were visiting with his family and many friends. His fondest memories were of his years on the Nebraska ranch with his father and brother.

He is survived by his wife Ethyle, son Robert and wife Vivian, and five grandchildren; one sister, Joy Miller, of Goodland, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Lon was a loving husband and father, a doting grandfather and a successful and civic minded businessman.

He was buried in Forest Meadows Memorial Park, Gainesville, FL on Jan. 28, 1981.

Services were in charge of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home of Gainesville. Dr. Layfette Walker of Stetson University, Deland, FL., was clergyman. Pallbearers were Marshall Lane, Henry Poppell, Robert Northridge, Dr. George Bantleon, C.B. Daniel, and Dr. Halbert Smith. Honorary bearers were Ralph Cellon, Sr., Wade Harrison, Everett Fauts, Melvin Gillespie, Rae Weimer and Dr. Robert McCullough.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1940

Charles Albert Hester

On January 30, 1853 in the home of David and Sarah Ann Hester of Pattonsburg, Illinois, a son was born and was given the name of Charles Albert Hester. Here he lived with parents, brothers and sisters till the age of 16 years when he felt the urge of making his own way so he left the little home and went to Missouri and on through to Texas. He was perhaps one of the oldest riders over the Chisholm Trail where he assisted in driving herds of cattle from Texas to different places as far north as Ogallala and Nebraska City, Nebraska. He spent 9 years in this work before returning to his home in 1878 at Cornell. Illinois.

On May 21. 1882. he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie King at Cornell, and went immediately to Clemens Grove, Iowa. Here three daughters and a son were born.

He made his home in different parts of Iowa until 1892 when he decided to bring his family to Kansas and started on the Journey by covered wagon arriving in Phillips county, Kansas, November 7. Here he spent several pleasant years. He united with the Christian church of Lone Tree, Kansas. He especially loved the singing and many of his old friends still remember his bass voice as he joined in the sacred hymns which were his favorites.

While here two more daughters and a son, John Orville Hester, were born. But God needed this little son and gathered him to His fold on January 4, 1902, at the age of 11 months, 25 days.

On February 10, 1913, he brought his family to Dundy county, Nebraska, and on October 24, 1913, his loving wife was called to be with the little son who had gone on before.

With increasing age he found the duties of farm life too strenuous and he retired to Benkelman with his daughter Orpha, who with her husband, Melvin T. Wagner, made his last years a joy to him.

Five daughters and one son are mourning the loss of a loving father. They are Mrs. Ada Davis. Englewood, Colorado; Mrs. Eva Peugh, Kirwin, Kansas; Mrs. Nellie Roundtree, Parks, Nebraska: Mrs. Irene Lawrence, Basalt, Colorado: Mrs. Orpha Wagner, Benkelman, Nebraska, and the son, Harry Hester, Parks, Nebraska. Only one brother, Elmer E. Hester, of Benkelman. Nebraska, of his father’s family remains. and he with the children lovingly cared for him during his last days of suffering

But he grew so weary and on the morning of August 11, 1940 at 8 o'clock, his spirit passed on to a better world where age and suffering are unknown, leaving him a life span of 87 years, 7 months and 5 days.

He leaves 19 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and many other relatives and a host of friends.

He was a faithful member of the Justice Lodge No. 180. A. F. & A. M. of Benelman, Nebraska, and always found pleasure In meeting with them.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Benkelman wednesday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. J. C. Foster, assisted by Rev. E. E. Pengelly. The local Masonic brethren attended in a body and then the remains were taken to Naponee, Nebraska, for interment beside those of his departed wife and son on Thursday. Services there were in charge of the Naponee Masonic lodge.

During his long years spent to Dundy county, Mr. Hester won a very high standing In lodge and community circles generally. He was of an exceptionally optimistic nature and met the problems and disappointments of life with a fortitude and reliance that commanded respect and admiration for him that continued until the death angel called him to his reward eternal.

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

Charles Alvin Hester

Charles Alvin Hester, a former Dundy County resident, passed away at Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colorado, on July 1.

He was born at Parks, Nebraska, December 25, 1917, to Harry L. Hester and Grace L (Gordon) Hester. He graduated from Parks High School in 1935.

He worked in and around Parks and Benkelman until his induction into the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he worked for the Burlington railroad.

He moved to Aurora, Colorado, where he lived for about 40 years and worked for the Postal Service. He retired from the Postal Service in 1980.

He is survived by his wife, Maizie, of Aurora, Colorado; daughter, Michelle Beheiter, and husband, Stephen; granddaughter, Tera Beheiter, of Aurora, Colorado; two sisters, Agnes Davis of Winslow, Arizona, and Beth Schrader of Benkelman.

Services were held July 6 at Olinger Chapel in Aurora, Colorado. Interment was at Chapel Hills Memorial Gardens in Denver.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1981

Donald "Don" Hester

The graveside service for Donald "Don" Hester, 60, of 625 Stevens St., Medford, OR., who died Wed., April 8th, was held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Veterans Administration National Cemetery, Eagle Point, with Pastor Bob Gass of Harvest Baptist Temple officiating. Perl Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Mr. Hester was born Oct. 29, 1920, in Parks. NE. During World War I,I he served in the U.S. Army. He moved to White City in 1974 from Wyoming and to Medford in 1977.

Survivors include one brother, Charles Hester, Aurora, CO; and two sisters, Agnes Davis, Winslow, AZ., and Beth Schrader, Benkelman, NE.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1949

Elmer E. Hester

Elmer E. Hester was born February 1, 1866 in Cornell, Illinois, and passed away at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska, September 18, 1949, at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 17 days.

He received his common school education in the schools of IIlinois. He came to Oxford, Nebraska, in a covered wagon in 1885 but stayed only a short time, returning to Dixon, Illinois, where he entered the Dixon Normal and Business College for two years.

He returned to Nebraska in 1887 but taught school in Phillips county, Kansas, during the school year. On March 26, 1889, he arrived In Benkelman, Nebraska. With his twin brother, Eli A. Hester, he went to Arikaree City, now known as Anton, Colorado, to file on preemptions near that point. Mr. Hester made final proof and returned to Dundy county where he has since resided continuously.

He was married to Minnie B. Kimberling on March 3, 1915, Mrs. Hester preceded him in death on May 18, 1943.

He joined the Methodist church March 27, 1921 and was always a loyal member. He took a leading part in the financial affairs of the church and his counsel and support will be greatly missed in the work of this church. He became a member of the Masonic Lodge January 25, 1918 and a Shriner of the Hastings Consistory on November 4, 1942. Mr. Hester was a past worthy patron of Benkelman Holly Chapter 233, 0. E. S., in 1940.

Mr. Hester was the last member of the family of his generation. He is survived by his son, Vinton, Crete, Nebraska and by many nieces and nephews. For the past two years his niece, Mrs. Adah Hester Young, has been with him assisting in the work of the home and acting as his secretary.

Mr. Hester came to Dundy county in the days of pioneering. He experienced all the privation and difficulties of early settlement. He persevered and was abundantly rewarded in material goods. His farming and ranching operations were successful due to his tremendous energy and keen foresight. And he turned is wealth to constructive ends. His assistance was given to many worthy institutions. Every church in town and most of them in the county—he gave the land and contributed heavily to the building of the Rollwitz church which was his first venture in building churches in the county; the public schools; Nebraska Wesleyan University; Iliff School of Theology; 4-H Clubs and the Boy Scouts all received of his generosity. He gave scholarships to young men preparing for the ministry. Two ranches have been given to separate philanthropies—The Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home for the aged and the Elmer E. Hester Foundation, the latter to provide a recreation building for the youth of the community.

Mr. Hester was a forthright, man. No one had to guess where he stood on questions of right. His convictions were definite and he was not afraid to contend for what he believed to be right.

Funeral services were conducted in the Methodist Church Thursday, September 22, 2 p. m., with the Laughlin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The pastor, Rev. H. T. Slagg, was assisted by Rev. Bert Bessire, Crete, Nebraska, Rev. J. W. Woodworth, local Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Homer Clements, Haigler and Rev. Paul Martin, Holdrege, Nebraska.

Music was provided by a male quartette, Lloyd Boswell, John Baer, Harry Ough and R. D. Druliner, with Mrs. Ann Benge accompanist at piano and organ. Pall bearers were William Morrison, Dr. J. C. Ough, Lee Hamilton, Ward McGlashan, Alvin Lorance and Kenneth E. Brown. Honorary pall bearers were Clode Krutsinger, C. L. Ketler, John Kitt, Reece Hardwick, Hugh McKay, John Brown, George Kuhlman and W. C. Hanson. Graveside services were in charge of Justice Lodge No. 180, A. F. & A. M., with W. C. Edwards as WM.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1914

Sarah Ann Hester

Mrs. Sarah Ann Hester passed away at the home of her son, E.E. Hester, in this city on Saturday afternoon, December 5, aged 91 years, 10 months and 22 days.

In the passing of Mrs. Hester, Dundy County loses one of its best and oldest citizens. That she had a remarkable career goes without saying. She practically lived a pioneer life. When a child she moved with her parents from Pennsylvania to Clinton County, Ohio, where as the oldest member of the family she had to help her father in clearing the land for cultivation.

From Ohio she went to Illinois, where she was married to David Hester, and again entered the clearing of the land with her husband. Twenty-six years ago, she moved to Dundy County and again encountered the hard experiences of the early settlers.

That she was a woman of strong physical constitution combined with noble and courageous fortitude is proved by the fact that for almost 49 years she was a widow, and single-handedly and alone shouldered the responsibilities of training a family of nine children.

Probably the most remarkable fact in her life, and one that largely explains the others, was the fact that for almost 74 years, she was a noble Christian woman. Such a career is worthy the imitation of all and will be cherished by all.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1994

Catherine M. (Mabon) Heuermann

NORTH PLATTE--Catherine M. Heuermann was born December 18, 1904, at Blairsville, Pennsylvania, the second of three children born to Charles and Flodie (Repine) Mabon. She died Tuesday, December 28, 1993. at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, Nebraska, at the age of 89 years and 10 days.

The family moved to Hamilton County in Nebraska in 1910 where Mrs. Heuermann attended country school. She attended high school in Phillips, Nebraska, and graduated with the Class of 1922.

She spent the next several years teaching elementary grades. Students from country schools in Hamilton County, Diller, Milner and Aurora, Nebraska, still recall her classroom days.

She was married to William "Bill" W. Heuermann at Nora, Nebraska, June 4, 1930. They moved to Benkelman, Nebraska, where her husband was the first county extension agent in Dundy County.

They moved back to Lincoln in 1936 where her husband was affiliated with the University of Nebraska Rural Extension Service.

In 1942 the family moved to Imperial , Nebraska, and, in 1943, they moved to Grant, Nebraska.

Mrs. Heuermann continued to maintain her home in Grant following the death of her husband in 1970 until 1988 when she moved to Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

She worked for many years as an income tax preparer for H&R Block, Kreider Agency and Herbert Jackman, attorney-at-law.

She was a long-time member of the Grant United Methodist Church and had been active in the United Methodist Women.

She had been a member of the Friendship Circle Extension Club and maintained membership with the Eastern Star No. 234 in Phillips.

She also served as a substitute school teacher in several of the communities where she lived.

Mrs. Heuermann's independent spirit, caring attitude, unselfishness, kind words and smiles provided support, encouragement and inspiration to those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers. Clarence and Robert Mabon, and her husband, William W. Heuermann.

She is survived by her sons, William C. and wife, Patty, of Stockton, California, Donald L. and wife, Betty, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Robert D. of Julesburg, Colorado; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Heuermann were held Friday. December 31, 1993, at 11 a.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church with Dr. Julian Miguel officiating.

Organist was Dolores Sexson and soloist was Katherine Carlson. Selections included "My God And I," "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Jesse Deaver, Keith Olsen. Richard Kurkowski. Larry Pankonin, Jerry McArtor and Dave Kedrowski. Interment was in the Grant Cemetery with Bullock-Long Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1970

William Walter Heuermann

William Walter Heuermann was born April 11, 1902, near Phillips, Nebraska to Fredrick Wm. and Elva Masters Heuermann. Friday morning, October 23, 1970, he succumbed to a fatal heart attack while driving his car one mile west of Grant while enroute to visit his wife, Catherine, who was hospitalized in Denver, Colorado. He had attained the age of 68 years, six months, and 22 days.

After graduating from the School of Agriculture at Lincoln he farmed with his father near Phillips prior to continuing his education at the University of Nebraska. While at the University. he was a member of the livestock judging teams and the Block and Bridle Club.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska. Mr. Heuermann was associated with the Agricultural Extension Service for 15 years. During this period, he was Dundy County's first Extension Agent. Following his tenure in Dundy County, he was associated with the University's Agricultural Economics Department, and obtained an advanced degree in Agricultural Economics. He also served as Chase County Extension Agent. Bill was selected for membership in Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society of Agriculture. Farming interests in Perkins County resulted in him leaving the extension service in June of 1943. Since that time, the family home has been at Grant.

Bill was united in marriage to Catherine Mabon on June 4, 1930, and their first home was in Benkelman.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bernard and Edward.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine: three sons and their wives: William Charles and Patty of Fountain Valley, Calif.: Donald Lee and Betty of Lincoln; Robert Dean and Carol of Diller; five grandchildren; one Mary Heuermann of Grand Island,; nieces and newphews.

Bill Heuermann will also be remembered by other relatives, numerous friends and associates.

Services for Mr. Heuermann were held Monday, October 26, at the Grant United Methodist Church with Rev. Marion Knoell officiating.

Katherine Carlson sang "0 Love Thou Wilt Not Let Me Go" and "How Great Thou Art" accompanied by organist Dolores Sexson.

Casket bearers were Jesse Deaver. Stanley Eisen. Lyle Holaway. Floyd Richmond, Albert Mahnken and Richard Kurkowski.

Honorary escorts were Charles Moser, Jack Slagle, Darryl Klinck, George Kucera, Herman Pankonin, Ed Ourada, George Slagle, Walter White, Cliff Gaddis, Frank Tharp and Max Kurkowski.

Interment was in the Grant Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1970

Edward H. Heye

Edward H. Heye, son of Henry and Nancy (Trembly) Heye was born at Hastings, Nebr., on August 1, 1898. He passed away August 18, 1970, at the Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, at the age of 72 years and 18 days.

In spite of being a victim of polio when a very small child, he lived a happy, useful life. In early childhood he moved to Dundy County with his parents. He farmed in Dundy County and later continued this occupation near Wallace, Kansas.

In 1939, he purchased in joint partnership with his father and brother a ranch south of Wray, Colorado. Even though he was handicapped physically he loved the farm and made for himself special devices to assist him in harnessing horses and in husking corn.

In 1942. he opened a cobbler shop in Haigler, Nebraska. His work was widely known. He later moved this shop to Wray, Colorado, where he was living when he retired.

Eddie entered the Kinder Kare Rest Home in Wauneta, Nebraska, May 15, 1970. He was taken to the Hitchcock County Hospital May 19 and was there until July 13. He returned to the Rest Home until August 1 when he was rushed to Mary Lanning Hospital. Even during his illness he reflected an interest and concern about others.

He was united in marriage on May 29, 1930, to Lulu Mae Keller. To this union, one son, Daniel Henry, was born.

He leaves to mourn his passing his son, Daniel, daughter-in-law, Janet, three grandchildren, Mike. Terry. and Daniel, Jr., two brothers, Gene of Troy, Idaho, and Raymond of Downers Grove, Illinois, one sister, Esther Rousselle of Wauneta, Nebr., 17 nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends, Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister, Margaret Harte, and one brother, Bemjamin.

Funeral services were held at Eden Missionary Church on Friday. August 21, 1970, with Rev. Olen Schlatter officiating. Interment was in the Mr. Zion Cemetery under the direction of the Brunkhorst Funeral of Wauneta.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1941

Henry Frederick Heye

Death came early Sunday morning, May 19th, to Henry Heye, respected farmer of Dundy county, leaving as a heritage of the true pioneers of this western country, a better place than they found it.

Funeral services were held the following Wednesday at Mt. Zion with Rev. J. J. Christner in charge, assisted by Rev. Allan Martin, pastor of the Mt. Zion church. Those who bore the body of all that remained mortal of their friend were Ben Trembly. Delbert Thompson, Loren Fisher, Walter McBride, Harold Moon and Robert McBride. Those who sang were Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kitt, Vearl Kitt and Blanche Schwenk, with Mrs. Vearl Kitt at the piano. The songs were “Jesus Hold My Hand,” “The Upper Garden,” and "No Disappointment In Heaven.”

Henry Frederick Heye, son of John and Anna Heye, was born August 14, 1868, in Ogle county, Illinois. and departed this life May 18, 1941, the age of 87 years, 9 months and 4 days. Moving from Illinois in his early childhood with his parents, they settled in Adams county. Nebraska.

On February 2, 1892, he was united in marriage to Nancy M. Trembly at Hastings, Nebraska. One year later they moved to Dundy county. To this union six children were born, Maggie Harte of Pasadena. California, Ben Heye of Denver, Colorado; Ed Heye of Wray, Colorado; Gene Heye of Troy, Idaho, Esther Rousselle of Wauneta and Raymond Heye of Gering, Nebr.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife and six children. fourteen grandchildren, three brothers. Louis and August Heye of Glenvil and Dick of Hastings, and two sisters, Lena Stimbert of Hastings and Minnie Flasner of Doniphan. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

With a true pioneer spirit, Mr. and Mrs. Heye toiled and worked on their land In Dundy county which they had chosen for their home. accepting the lean years along with the years of plenty, as a place to love and to call home and to raise their family. Mr. Heye was a friend to all and a joy to those with whom he worked and lived. This country was their home except for about two years spent in Wauneta where they purchased a home. but the lure of the country called and It was there he was the happiest. About five years ago he fell and broke his hip which had slowed him considerably but he was far from being an invalid and attended to his daily duties as usual. Two years ago be developed a heart ailment but this did not get him down and only on last Saturday he spent much of the day in his garden. At about ten o’clock Saturday night he was taken with a serious heart attack and death came shortly after midnight.

Following is an article printed in 1937 in the Wray, Colo., Gazette from a book “The Frontier Legion,” by Ray Hersey.

It Is interesting to note in talking with these old timers, that almost without exception they look back on hardships and privations with a feeling that almost approaches reverence. My old friend, Henry Heye, now living on his farm on the Ough Divide south of Wauneta, Nebraska. rose warmly to occasion when I spoke of the hardships which the settlers endured in the early days in this western country.

"Hard times” he countered. “I'm here to go on record that the times are harder now than they were then. It is true that we endured privations and gave up much of our liberty and pleasures when we located on our homesteads. Many of us had reverses and discouragements that literally knocked us out. More than once I have plowed my field with a team composed of a horse on one side and a long-horn steer on the othe. Many times I have had no fuel for the shanty but cow-chips picked up on the prairie. Many times I have roasted beans and ground them up to make coffee from them. But you must remember that taxes on good 160 then were about $5.00. Now they run something like $80. I bought the best hand-made harness that money could buy for $22.50. I took my team to the harness maker and he fitted the harness right onto the horses, collars and all, for $22.50. Now a good harness costs from $80 up, and not one bit better, either. I've still got that harness. and still use it on my horses. Come out to the bam—I want you to see it."

I followed him out to the big barn, and he pointed with pride to the harness hanging on the hooks at the rear of the building. Sure enough, it was a better harness today than many of newer manufacture.

He took me outside, and called my attention to his broad sweeping acres. “I bought this quarter for $300,” he said, “the best land in the country, and later I bought that other quarter adjoining on the south for little more. Now a man would have to dig up #15,000 to buy the place. Nancy and I have seen hard times here, God knows, but we made a living and got along better than we do now. And when people talk about the hardships of the old days—well, I'd take them all over again if I could.”

Mr. Heye moved to Hastings, Neb., in 1875 when he was 7 years old. Hastings, at that time, was a small town about the size of Laird, Colorado, or Parks, Nebraska. A family by the name of Trembly had come from Missouri two years previously, and located at Hastings, and the Heyes settled on a place about two miles from the Trembly farm. In due course of time, young Heye fell in love with one of the Trembly girls, and on February 2, 1892, Henry Heye and Nancy Trembly were married. Shortly thereafter Henry and some other men drove out to the Wauneta country to look it over, traveling in an old wagon fixed up like a prairie schooner. They liked the looks of the western country and the newlyweds decided to locate there for their future home. They got an emigrant car on the train, loaded all their belongings into it, and turned their faces to the new land of the west. They built a one-room soddy on their place, and 13 people lived in this one room until they could build a larger house.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1975

Anna Susanna Bertha (Talmon) Heyman

Anna Susanna Bertha Talmon, daughter of William and Theresia Talmon, was born November 27, 1904 at Omaha, Nebraska. She was also baptised there.

In the spring of 1920 she was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Benkelman, Nebraska. She was united in marriage to Clarence Heyman on April 24, 1937. After her husband's untimely death on December 31, 1957, she moved to Benkelman (July 20, 1958) to make her home with her sister, Louise.

During the last months she had not been feeling well and finally entered the Benkelman hospital for treatment. She seemed to be doing better and returned home on Saturday, the 4th. On Monday, October 6th, she was suddenly stricken with a heart attack and passed away quietly.

Anna was known for her generosity towards her friends and always welcomed her pastor and his visits.

Surviving are her sister, Louise Gerdes, Benkelman, two brothers, Henry Talmon of Omaha and Louis Talmon of Lawrence, Kansas.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, three sisters, Bertha, Madeline Jones. Caroline Jones, and two brothers, John and William of Omaha.

She attained the age of 70 years, 10 months and 9 days.

Funeral services were held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon, October 9, 1975 at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Pastor Otto L. Zeilinger officiating. A duet, Howard Ochsner and Edwina Roesener sang "In the Garden" and "How Great Thou Art" accompanied by Jackie Wilson on the organ. Casket bearers were Herbert Talmon, Arlyn Myers, John Talmon, Foster Gerdes, Sam Jones, Jay Marquis, Carl Gunther and Lyle Hendrix. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, Nebraska.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1984

Gladys (Kauffman) Hickman

Gladys Hickman, 93, of Princeton died Thursday, September 27, 1984, at Eastview Manor Care Center where she resided. Services were held Sunday, September 30, at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with the Rev. Leland Heriford and Rev. Charles Sexton officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Gladys Kauffman Hickman was born in Mercer County October 30, 1890, and was the daughter of U.G. Kauffman and May Perkins Kauffman.

She was married to Rev. Hadley J. Hickman November 2, 1910. They enjoyed a happy and useful life in the state of Nebraska, living on what is now the E. J. Stamm farm in the Pleasant Valley community northwest of Benkelman from 1919 to 1930, and in Mercer County, Missouri. He preceded her in death July 27, 1975.

Gladys was a member of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church where she and the Rev. Hickman were active members.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Harry (Ruby) Moore; three grandchildren, Don J. Moore, Terralyn Hobbs of Princeton and Sharon Clark of Spickard, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren, Mark, Mike and Matt Moore, Jami, Jay and Jodi Hobbs, all of Princeton, and Serene and Chad Smith of Spickard; four great-great-granddaughters, Amanda, Ashley, Staci and Stephanie Moore; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two sisters.

Honorary bearers were Everett Stamm and Gene Stamm of Benkelman. Bearers were Laren Hickman, Mark Moore, Matt Moore, Hudson Moore, Wayne Moore and Mike Moore.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1908

Albert LeRoy Hickman

Another fatal accident was added to Dundy County's list last Sunday morning about 7:30 o'clock when Albert L. Hickman accidentally discharged the contents of a shotgun into the thigh of his left leg, horribly mangling the same and causing an injury which in a few moments over two hours thereafter resulted in his death caused from the great loss of blood coincident with such injuries.

As near as we are able to ascertain, Mr. Hickman, who was employed on the railroad section at Max, in company with two Greeks who were also in the railroad's employ, left in the morning to make the usual trip over the section on the handcar. Quite often the boys would take guns with them as was the case with both Mr. Hickman and one of the Greeks on that morning.

On the way out, one of the Greeks quit the party to hunt and the others continued the trip, and were on their way homeward when they met a freight train and stopped preparatory to setting the car off the track until the train had passed. Mr. Hickman reached for the gun and when removing it, struck the lock against the car in such a manner as to cause the instant discharge of its contents with results as above stated.

The Greek at once removed the injured man to the car and made his way to Max, where a physician was summoned but before he could arrive, death had relieved the injured man of his sufferings.

(Researcher note: Benkelman cemetery burial records show a date of birth as 9-4-1882 and a date of death as 10-11-1908.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1937

Charles Jefferson Hickman

Charles Jefferson Hickman was born near Memphis, Missouri, July 16, 1848 and passed away at the home of his daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Logan, in the wee hours of the morning on April 19, 1937, aged 88 years, 9 months and 3 days.

For some time it was evident that the effects of old age were slowly but surely creeping upon him, that the sands of life were running very slowly and he was glad to go to meet his Saviour.

For the past three weeks he had been bedfast. Many times he said, "I have no physical pain, but I am so weak, so worn out." While not a member of any church he had confessed his Saviour as very dear to him.

Leaving home when a very young man he saw many and varied phases of pioneer life. He came to Dundy county in 1877, serving as foreman of the Circle ranch for a number of years.

On January 2, 1881, he was united in marriage to Viola M. Ostrom at Max, Nebraska. To this union were born two children, Albert Leroy and Katye E. Besides his daughter and husband, he leaves to mourn his loss three grand-daughters, Blanche B. Logan, Florence M. Logan and Mrs. Clyde Foster with her husband and family of two boys. Dale and Marvin; one brother-in-law, A. H. Ostrom, and numerous friends. His early years were spent as a cowboy in Dundy county, Colorado and Montana. As the years advanced, riding was too strenuous and he became interested in a former hobby, irrigation farming. He was one of the promoters of the Hickman-Delaware ditch which is still in use.

Being a great reader he was always interested in civic affairs, also loved. to meet old cronies and talk over the days when the cowboy held sway, and the development from then to the present.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church on Tuesday afternoon with Rev. G. A. Schwabaser in charge and burial was in the Benkelman cemetery.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 30, 1891

Hiram Hicks

Was Soldier in 5th Indiana Calvary

Died: Hiram Hicks, Tuesday, January 26. 1891, at 8:30 a.m.

Mr. Hicks was born in Ohio, May 14, 1837, was a soldier in the 5th Indiana Calvary, was in service of his country and defense of the Union for two years.

He contracted the disease consumption in the Army that terminated in death. He was a member of the Baptist Church. His remains were interred in the Benkelman Cemetery.

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

Doris Dicke (Dicke) Hiergesell

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Doris Dicke Hiergesell, 57, a resident of Northern Virginia since 1964, died Thursday in her home in Falls Church. She was a native of Nebraska and was civilian employee of the Army Air Forces during World War II. From 1956 to 1964 she lived in Johannesburg, South Africa where her husband worked for U.S. Steel and she became president of the American Society of Johannesburg.

She was a member of the Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax where she was president of the women's association and was an elder. She was a chaplain of a chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Falls Church. Mrs. Hiergesell was also active in fund-raising activities for the J.E.B. Stuart High School scholarship fund.

Besides her husband, Richard, she is survived by three sons, Richard Jr. of Rochester, N.Y., Robert of Lincoln, Nebr., and David of Falls Church; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dicke of McCook; two brothers, Leonard Dicke of McCook, and Henry Dicke Jr. of Kearney, and three sisters, Donna Warlick of Lincoln, Marjorie Foster of Benkelman, and Letha Sutton of Denton, Texas.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1970?

Curtis Donald Higgins

Funeral services were held for Curtis Don Higgins, 74, at Jay's Funeral Chapel on Monday morning, September 28th, with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating with Mrs. Betty Erdman at the organ. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Curtis Donald Higgins was born to Milton A. and Mettie I. Higgins in New Hampton, Missouri on October 17, 1896 and passed away in Chicago. Illinois, on Friday. September 25th after a two years illness with Parkinson's disease.

He accompanied his parents to Haigler at an early age and graduated from the Haigler High School in 1915. During his youth he was widely known in semi-pro baseball circles as a pitcher for the Benkelman and Haigler town teams. He attended the University of Nebraska where he graduated in 1925. He then moved to Chicago where he was employed as a dental technician until retiring two years ago.

He leaves to mourn his death, one sister, Mrs. Eva Lorenzen, Benkelman; two brothers, Paul Higgins of Slayton, Minnesota, and Milton Higgins of Wray, Colorado; one nephew, Val Higgins, an attorney in Minnetonka, Minnesota. and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Inez Wigby of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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

Merle C. Higgins

Merle C. Higgins, a merchant until 1917, has, since 1919 been in the banking business. Born at Bethany, Missouri, July 14, 1892, he is the son of Milton A. and Mettie I. (Cornelison) Higgins. The father, a native of Bethany, born January 13, 1963, was for many years engaged in the mercantile business. He is now a banker. His ancestry is Irish.

Mettle I. Cornelison was born in Madison County, Iowa, January 13, 1868, of Swedish ancestry. Both parents reside in Benkelman.

Upon his graduation from the Haigler, Nebraska, High School, Merle C. Higgins attended Cotner University for a short tune. Thereafter for several years he was engaged in business with his father, leaving to enter military survice in 1917. He served two years in the World War, as a sergeant in Co. B, 355th Infantry.

Upon his return to Benkeltnan, Mr. Higgins became vice president of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, which position he still holds. For a short period in 1928, he was bank examiner. He has held all offices in the American Legion, has been treasurer of the Red Cross since 1920, and treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce since 1925.

Mr. Higgins is a member of the Christian Church, the Masons, the Parent-Teachers' Association and the Nebraskana Society. His favorite sports are golf and horseback riding, and his social clubs are the Rod and Gun and the Golf Clubs.

On July 26, 1919, he was married to Inez R. Herring at Benkelman. Mrs. Higgins, who was a teacher before her marriage, was born in Cheyenne County, Kansas, March 21, 1896, and is descended through the maternal line to Lord Baltimore. They have one son, Val M., born May 17, 1925. Residence: Benkelman.

(Researcher note: This was in with the obituaries but is more like a biography of a living person. I have no other info.)

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1943?

Milton A. Higgins

Milton A. Higgins, 80 years old, a resident of the Iona community for the past two and one-half years, departed this life last Thursday, November 18, at the Higgins farm home, following a stroke which he suffered the previous day. He had been in failing health since coming here from Nebraska to live with his sons.

The deceased was born January 13, 1863, in Harrison county, Missouri, where he grew to young manhood. . He 'was united in marriage to Miss Nettie C. Cornelison, of Bethany, Mo., on October 1, 1890. In 1906 he moved with his family to western Nebraska, where he resided until two and a half years ago, when he came to Iona to make his home with his sons.

Mr. Higgins was active and influential in civic and church affairs and aided greatly in the development of western Nebraska. He gave many years of untiring effort to the building of highways and irrigation projects in that new country. He also served his county as county commissioner and was the president of his home-town bank. Other business activities which engaged his interest were in the fields of merchandising and ranching. He was an ardent lover of nature and derived genuine pleasure in seeing things grow. He was a devoted husband and father and a friend known for his kindliness and unbounded loyalty.

Besides the wife of 53 years he is survived by a daughter, Eva wife of Dr. G. H. Lorenzen, Benkelman, Neb.; four sons: Merle C., Fairmont; Paul and Milton, Iona, and Curtis D.. of Chicago. One grandson, Cadet Val M. Higgins, Corpus Christi, Texas. one brother, Robert A. Higgins, of Santa Rosa, Calif., and other relatives also mourn his passing.

Funeral services were conducted from the Peick Funeral chapel Monday afternoon, with the Rev. Rose, of the Presbyterian church of Fulda, officiating. Masonic rites were conducted by Murray Lodge of Slayton at the cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1986

Milton R. “Whacker” Higgins

Milton R. Higgins was born at New Hampton, Missouri, on April 11, 1899, to Milton A. Higgins and Mettie C. Cornelison Higgins, and departed this life at his residence in Benkelman, Nebraska, on Saturday, August 30, 1986, at the age of 87 years, four months and 19 days.

In 1906 the family moved to Dundy County, Nebraska, locating at Haigler. Here Milton grew up and attended grade school and high school. He later attended Lincoln Business College at Lincoln, Nebraska.

In 1920 the family moved to Benkelman and Milton was employed at merchandise stores in Benkelman and later in McCook until 1932. In 1933 he moved to Minnesota and was employed there for 11 years. After the death of his father in 1943, Milton returned to Benkelman in 1944 to be near his ailing mother who passed away in 1946. During these years he was employed at merchandise stores in Benkelman and Wray, Colorado. His last employment was with Bea's Shoe Store at Wray, until the store was sold in 1978 when he returned to Benkelman to retire.

Milton loved the outdoors and nature. He had a big interest in farming and enjoyed spending days in the country admiring the good crops and fine livestock. He was an ardent sports fan and a longtime Nebraska Cornhusker fan.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, three brothers: Paul, Merle and Curtis, and one sister, Eva Lorenzen.

Survivors include one nephew, Val M. Higgins, and wife, Jo, of Long Lake, Minnesota; one great- nephew, Mark Higgins, of Long Lake. Minnesota; one sister-in-law, Inez Wigby, and husband, Ed, of Edina, Minnesota; numerous cousins and other relatives, and a dear fnend, Mrs. Albert (Bea) Hansen, who has written the following:

MILTON "WHACK" HIGGINS

A dear friend and trusted employee for around 40 years. By choice a bachelor, living alone. Always a gentleman, honest and decent.

Whack, a quiet man, loved God, family, his country and friends. A complete nut of sports, especially football and baseball. He could call all the players by name and never missed a game if he could help it.

Milton received the nickname "Whacker" as a child growing up in Haigler. He would drag a stick along the fences to listen to the noise, and this nickname stayed for his friends.

Whack had a great mind and memory. He could remember dates of happenings most of us have long forgotten, and many people would ask him to recall events that happened in their own lives which they had forgotten.

In all the time spent in Omaha, on tests, Whack became sort of a pet to the doctors there. They would ask him questions about various things happening before their time. On one occasion when my family went into his hospital room they were gathering around his bed talking about the thirties, and about the panic of the stock market crash. He could recall these events and give days and dates. He was employed at DeGroff's Department Store in McCook at this time, and he told how all the whistles and bells started ringing. The manager came through the store and fired everyone in the store, then the store was closed. There were church bells still ringing when they left the store.

Now at 87 he wrote an article for the Haigler Centennial, recalling the Higgins family when they lived at Haigler.

Albert and I are glad Whacker was our friend.

Mrs. Albert "Bea" Hansen

Services were held Tuesday, September 2, 1986, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman Nebraska. with Rev. John Kilgore officiating.

Organist was Gwen Bauer. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang the selections "How Great Thou Art" and “Why Me, Lord."

Bearers were Dale Bauer, Dennis Pinkerton, Bud Cline, Harold Allen, Glen Spears and John Ham.

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

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1973

Paul Higgins

Funeral services for Paul Higgins were held at the Jones Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Higgins passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Tuesday of last week. He had been a resident of the Sarah Ann Hester Home.

The Rev. Allan Martin officiated at the service. Mrs. Dale Bauer was the organist and Mrs. LaNeta Anderson the soloist. Casket bearers were Dale Bauer, Ross Druliner, Jr., Max Earnest. Wayne Ketler, Glenn Spears and Harold Barnes. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Mr. Higgins is survived by his sister, Mrs. Eva Lorenzen, brother, Milton Higgins of Wray, nephew, Val Higgins of Long Lake. Minnesota and sister-in-law, Inez Wigby of Minneapolis. Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Merle and Curtiss.

Paul Higgins was born to Milton A. and Mettie Cornelison Higgins at Hampton, Missouri on January 19, 1895. He came to the Haigler community as a small boy and was reared on a ranch near there. He came to Benkelman with his family to establish the .Farmers & Merchants State Bank. In the mid 1930's he moved to Slayton, Minnesota which was to become his home until illness befell recently and he moved to Benkelman to be near family members. He was a bookkeeper for a newspaper in Slayton for a quarter of a century and was the secretary of the Masonic lodge there for most of that period. He was a member of the Christian Church.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 1-19-1895 and a death date of 1-16-1973.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1970

Lillie Eileen (Cain) Higley

Lillie Eileen Higley, a pioneer Dundy county resident expired at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home on Sunday at the age of 92 years. She had been in failing health for most of the past year and had been hospitalized at the Dundy County Hospital before entering the Hester Home. Her sister, Mrs. Minnie Williamson passed away a year ago.

She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Thompson, of Benkelman, a son, Delbert Higley of Hutchinson, Kansas: four grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren; one sister, Jessie Wood of Pueblo, Colorado, and one brother, the Rev. Fred Cain of Benkelman.

Funeral services were conducted at the Benkelman United Methodist Church on Tuesday afternoon with Pastor Edwin E. Mindt officiating. Mrs. Paul Erdman was the organist and Mrs. Royce Anderson the soloist. Bearers were Royce Anderson, Frankie Lutz, Doran Jessee, Gaile Dunn, Ray Buffington and Boyd Blair. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were by Jay's Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lillie E. Higley, daughter of Thomas B. and Mary Jane Cain, was born near Maryville, Mo., July 31. 1877, and departed this life at the Hester Memorial Home, January 4, 1970, at the age of 92 years. five months and four days. She had been in failing health the last four years. On December 30 she suffered a severe stroke. She moved with her parents to Dundy County in the spring of 1886. With the exception of a few months, she spent her entire life in Dundy County.

On April 10, 1895, she was married to Oscar E. Higley. To this union two children were born , Delbert N. Higley of Hutchinson, Kansas. and Myrtle M. Thompson of Benkelman. She was preceded in death by her husband January 24, 1953: two sisters Etta and Minnie, and one brother, Roy. She was a member of the Methodist church for 59 years. She received her 50 years membership pin in the year of 1961. She was a member of the WSCS and was an active member as long as her health permitted.

She leaves to mourn her passing. her son, Delbert and wife. Pearl, her daughter. Myrtle and husband Arthur of Benkelman, one sister , Jessie M. Wood of Pueblo, Colorado, and one brother Fred B. Cain. and wife Grace of Benkelman, four grandchildren, three great great, one niece, three nephews and a host of friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1982?

Maude R. (Reynolds) Higley

Mrs. Maude R. Higley, 96, of Greeley, Colorado, died Sunday, October 3, at Kenton Manor.

She was born May 20, 1886, to Milton C. and Mary (Gamble) Reynolds at Culbertson, Nebraska.

In 1909, she was married to Ward C. Higley at Culbertson.

Mrs. Higley helped in her father's drugstore at Culbertson and later was an elementary school teacher in Nebraska. Her husband died in June 1958. She moved to Greeley in 1958.

She was a member of the Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Star at Wauneta, Nebraska.

Survivors are a half sister, Mrs. Elaine Peters of Longmont, Colorado; a half brother, Manny Reynolds of McCook; two granddaughters, Mrs. Sally Koch of Greeley, Colorado, and Mrs. Patricia Kelly of Arlington, Virginia; a son-in-law, Lester Kline of Greeley, Colorado, and four great-grandchildren. A daughter, Mrs. Lester (Corinne) Kline, died in June 1982.

Services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 5, at the Macy Allnutt Drawing Room with the Rev. David Finley officiating. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1919

Nettie Florence (Hamilton) Hildibrand

Again the shadows of death have fallen across the threshold of one of Benkelman's homes, and another wife and mother is taken, for just after noon on Wednesday, June 18th, from her home in Benkelman. Nebr., the spirit of Mrs. C. M. Hildibrand quietly passed to the unseen shore, leaving the body which for years had suffered much.

Mrs. Hildibrand, whose maiden name was Nettie Florence Hamilton, was born in Randolph county, Illinois, December 2, 1862. She was married to C. M. Hildibrand October 19, 1882. Two children were born to them, Miss Lula, of Benkelman, and Floyd, of Latham, Kansas. These, with her husband, an aged mother, one sister and two brothers, of Benkelman, and one brother of Denver, Colorado, survive.

Mrs. Hildibrand had been a member of the United Presbyterian church since childhood, and sometimes, though suffering intensely, would say, "God is love, and will do what is best." The summons came rather suddenly, but having been ready for many years, she quietly loosed from the shores of time and passed sweetly on into the morning of God's eternal day.

Funeral services were conducted from the United Presbyterian church Saturday afternoon, the 21st. Then, followed by loving friends with flowers and tears, the body was tenderly carried to the cemetery and committed to the earth, to await its call to rise.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a date of birth of 12-2-1862 and a date of death of 6-18-1919.)

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1945

Charles M. Hildibrand

Charles M. Hildibrand, Dundy county pioneer and resident of Benkelman for nearly a quarter of a century, passed away at his home in Benkelman on February 18th. A short memorial service was held at the McEvoy Mortuary Wednesday afternoon following which regular funeral services were conducted by Rev. Leslie E. Scott of the United Presbyterian church. Singers were Lloyd Boswell, John Baer, Ross Druliner and Jacob Bauer, with Mrs. Anna Ough at the piano. Those serving as pallbearers were Thomas Humphrey, Ward Artist, John McEvoy, W. H. Brown, Wm. Woodworth and Glenard Phelps. and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. Miss Lizzie McEvoy was in charge as funeral director.

Few men in our county's history have enjoyed a greater degree of esteem than had Charley Hildibrand. The greater part of his life had been spent as a farmer and thruout the trying times in Dundy county history when the sky was dark so much of the time for those who carried on in the farming effort, Charley remained cheerful and always able to see the sunny side of life and he reflected this spirit of tolerance, hope and good cheer wherever his lot was cast. He was a devout churchman and a man of honesty and conscientious endeavor thruout all the years that Dundy county was his home and his many friends, hundreds of whom have preceded to the great beyond, loved and admired him and the hundreds who are left will sorrow with his children in his passing now.

Charles M. Hildibrand was born near Indianapolis, Indiana, August 16, 1859, and died February 18, 1945, in Benkelman, Nebraska. He was the last of a family of three sisters and four brothers. His father died when Charley was just a boy and he had to make his own way in the world.

The family moved to southern Illinois where he grew to manhood and on October 19, 1882, was married to Nettie F. Hamilton. They had two children, Floyd and Lulu.

In the fall of 1887 they came with a caravan of people from Illinois to Dundy county, Nebraska, and took a homestead northeast of Parks. They knew well the trials of pioneers in the dry years of the '90's. When his wife's health failed he moved to Benkelman, bought a home and here Mrs. Hildibrand passed away in June, 1919.

He was selected as custodian of the new court house and served for about 20 years, until his health failed. He was very faithful to his duties and appeared to have a gift for raising trees and flowers. Even the little grove he planted on his homestead was an "oasis" during the worst dry years when most trees died out. The fine trees and lawn on the court house yard are living testimony to his faithfulness and care.

He was blessed with a very cheerful outlook on life and it served him well, for it seemed to his friends that he had more than his share of sickness in the family, but he never lost his patience nor his cheerfulness.

He has been a loyal member of the United Presbyterian church for 60 years or more and was Ruling Elder for the past five years, but was not able to attend very much of the past year on account of ill health.

He leaves to mourn his going his son Floyd, of Latham, Kansas, and daughter, Lulu, at home; two grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, several nephews and nieces and a host of friends.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1969

Daisy M. (Davis) Hill

Mrs. Daisy Hill, mother of Mrs. Irene Elliott, expired at the Dundy county Hospital on Monday afternoon after a long illness. She was 89 years of age.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. Erwin Mindt officiating. Mrs. LaNeta Anderson was the soloist and Mrs. Betty Erdman the organist. Casket bearers were Ray Buffington, Lee Bowers, Royce Anderson, Don Anderson, Bill Damrow and Harold Barnes.

Graveside services were under the direction of Sheba Chapter 321 of the Rebekah Lodge, of which Mrs. Hill was a charter member. She had been a member of the :Methodist Church since 1927.

Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Elliott, and husband, F. Wilber Elliott, her grandson, Wilber Dale Elliott; her sister, Mrs. Maude Hamilton, and busband Lee and several nieces and nephews.

Almost from the beginning of telephone in Benkelman and until 1948, Daisy Hill was a faithful and efficient operator. Her long service at the communications center equipped her for many unusual services allied to her work for as an operator she almost always knew when someone was at their home or place of business and became knowledgable about their habits of going and coming and in an emergency could almost make instant contact with them. In those days of personalized telephone service in a small town, it was important that the operator be discreet and to respect the measure of confidence that her position required. In this Daisy Hill was never questioned and was always most trustworthy. She almost always knew where the doctors were or other persons whose skills are needed in emergencies and she was swift at rendering emergency communication services of all kinds. For these special services and the thousands of hours of waiting to serve, those who !ived in that era will always hold her in kindly regard. She was a kind and thoughtful person and one whose friendship was valued.

Daisy M. Hill, daughter of J. H. and Margaret Davis. was born on September 19, 1880, in Fremont County, Iowa, near Nebraska City, Nebraska, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman on Monday afternoon, September 29,1969, atthe age of 89 years and 15 days.

She resided with her family in Fremont county and later at Riverton, Iowa, until the age of seven years when the family moved to a farm north of Haig,- ler. where they resided for seven years, moving to Missouri for a ' few years and then returning to a farm north of Haigler, and she was to spend the remainder of her life in Dundy county.

She was united in marriage to William Abbington Hill in May, 1899. and to this union were born two daughters, Irene Virginia and Mabel, the latter of whom expired in infancy. Mr Hill passed away on February 23, 1942.

Mrs. Hill is survived by her daughter, Ire_.ne, and her husband, Wilber Elliott, her grandson, Wilber Dale Elliott, her sister, Mrs. Maude Hamilton and husband Lee; and several nephews and nieces.

She became a member of the United Methodist Church on October 30, 1927, and was a member of the Womem's Society of Christian Service. She was a charter member of the Rebekah Lodge and a member of the Benkelman Woman's Club.

Her identity with the community was established by her long and faithful service as a telephone operator in Benkelman in the long term from the earliest days of the service to the time of the activation of the newer facilities in 1948. Her service was over that long period when telephone operators gave personalized service, establishing priority for information and speeding information and help when needed. In times of family tragedy her assistance was of great value and in emergencies she could be depended upon to search out the whereabouts of wanted persons quickly

Those who remember the years of personalized telephone service always think of Daisy Hill, and those thoughts kindle pleasant memories. She was an efficient, kindly and pleasant person whose labors helped to make this community a better place in which to live. She will not be forgotten.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1942

William Abbington Hill

Funeral services for William A. Hill were held at the Methodist church in Benkelman last Friday afternoon, being in charge of Milo W. Rose, pastor. Singers were Mrs. Dr. J. C. Ough,Mrs. Jack McEvoy, Lloyd Boswell and R. D. Druliner, with Ann Benge at the piano. Pall bearers were Fred I. Pringle, Eugene Ham, Austin Edwards, C. E. Uphouse, Ward Artist and J. A. McDonald and honorary pall bearers were D. F. Shaw, Jerry Walsh, James Gorthy, C. M. Hildibrand, W. A. Finch. George Pringle and Harry Hamilton.

Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

William Abbington Hill, son of Abraham and Mary Hill, was born in Marshall county, Iowa, June 29, 1861, and departed this life at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska, on February 25, 1942, at the age of80 years, 7 months and 27 days.

Mr. Hill was one the few early settlers left in this section of Nebraska, having come west when he was 17 years of age, settling first in western Kansas and later coming to Nebraska. In May, 1899, he was united in marriage to Daisy M. Davis and to this union two daughters, Irene and Mabel, were born, the latter passing away in infancy. Mr. Hill united with the Methodist church in Iowa at the age of 15, transferring his membership to the Methodist church in Benkelman in 1927 since which time he has been an active member and the care of the church building was one of his duties in the past few years and it was a duty which he thoroughly enjoyed.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, one daughter, one grandson, one step-brother and sister and various other relatives.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 2002

Betty Jean (Zorn) Hillman

BURLINGTON. Colo.-- Betty Jean Hillman, a longtime resident of Burlington, passed away on Monday. June 24, 2002. She was 75.

Betty was born in Oshkosh. Neb., on Oct. 12, 1926, the third of four daughters born to Edward H. and Marie Elizabeth (Vocke) Zorn. She grew up in Benkelman, Neb., where she and her sisters spent most every night popping popcorn and ushering patrons at the Zorn Theater which her father built. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1943.

Betty worked as a teller at the First National Bank in Burlington where Douglas Lee Hillman conducted business. Both attended the First Christian Church and later the Burlington Christian Church where they were married on March 23. 1966.

Those who knew Betty remember her as an energetic homemaker who was devoted to her family and dedicated to her faith.

She enjoyed riding with Doug each spring to see If any of their brood mares had given both to a foal during the night and checking wheat fields as harvest neared. She had a tendency to grow attached to certain horses which she fed and brushed and although she didn't like to see buyers take her favorite horses, she knew that was part of the business.

She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed nothing more that to watch her family enjoy a feast at Thanksgiving or Christmas These two holidays featured her turkey arid homemade stuffing and crescent rolls. Her family relished her homemade spaghetti, au gratin potatoes and chocolate sheet cake. She always had a batch cinnamon rolls to go with a fresh pot of coffee when family came to visit.

She encouraged her children in whatever activities they chose at school and their careers. She found great enjoyment in watching them find pleasure and satisfaction in whatever path they chose.

She dearly loved her grandchildren, who remember her for teaching them to ride horses and preparing Easter baskets for them every year, usually after they helped her to color eggs at the kitchen table. She always had fun games and projects and loved to play cards, especially. pinochle which was a Zorn family favorite. Getting her grandchildren to laugh brought her pleasure and anytime there was a silent moment she always had a story to tell.

At church. Betty made fast friends and particularly enjoyed the fellowship of many different ladies and Bible study groups over the years. She taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school for many years. Whether in church or at home, she loved to praise the Lord--or as she often called it "making a joyful noise."

Through her illness during the past two years she did her best to maintain that loving, faithful, appreciative outlook that characterized her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her well.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents: a sister, Mary Druliner, a daughter, Judith Kay (Lamb) Bollwinkel, and a great-granddaughter, Ava Marie Towey.

Betty is survived by her husband, Doug, sons Tom Lamb of Idaho Springs, Colo., Mike Lamb and wife, Catharine. of Burlington and Mark Hillman of Burlington: four grandchildren: Kelly and husband, Martin Towey, of Grand Forks, N.D., and Brooke, Gabe and Zach Lamb of Burlington; a great-granddaughter, Remy Kay Towey of Grand Forks; two sisters: Dorothy Baney and husband, Leland, of Burlington and Joan Deeds Hatch and husband, Fran, of Bird City, Kan., and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Funeral services for Betty Hillman were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 27, at the Evangelical Free Church in Burlington with Pastor Ron Lee presiding. Burial followed at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Arrangements were entrusted to Love Funeral Home, Burlington.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1965

Mary (Dassel) Hillmann

Mrs. Mary Hillmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dassel, was born March 17, 1877, in Chicago, Illinois, and departed this life on January 21, 1965, in the Good Samaritan Home at St. Francis, Kansas, at the age of 87 years, 10 months and three days.

The certificate of her baptism was illegible, and other details about her youth and maidenhood life in Chicago were not available. This much is known, that she was married to Mr. Oliver Tanrath. who preceded her in death. To this union two sons were born, George Tanrath of Chicago, Ill., and William, who preceded her in death in 1949.

On November 29, 1928, she entered marriage with Mr. Fred Hillmann of Enders, Nebr., who preceded her in death on June 12, 1952. Also a step-daughter, Minnie (Hillmann) Duhm, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Hillmann was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was a regular attendant and enjoyed the worship services and fellowship of the congregation as long as her health permitted. She was also a member of the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society of the St. Paul congregation.

Mrs. Hillmann is survived by her son, George Tanrath, of Chicago, and locally by two stepdaughters, Mrs. Emma Burnside of Stratton, Nebr., and Mrs. Anna Wicke, Wauneta. She also leaves six step-grandchildren and eleven step-great grandchildren, besides her friends in the local community and other relatives.

Funeral services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 23, the Rev. John T. Schmidt officiating. Interment was in St. Paul's Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, ?? 1981?

Gene M. Hilty

Gene M. Hilty of McCook, age 49, died Friday at the Community Hospital of McCook.

Mr HiIty was born Nov. 17, 1932 at McDonald, Kan to Floyd and Wanda Hilty and attended schools in Bird City, Kan. He was a member of McCook B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge; Eagles Club, McCook; and Memorial United Methodist Church, McCook.

Survivors include one son, Douglas of Goodland, Kan.; two daughters, Ann Marie Liggett and Tracie Gayle Donohue, both of Boulder, Colo.; three grandchildren; his parents, Floyd and Wanda Hilty of Goodland, Kan ; and three sisters, Glenda Hinz at Lakewood, Colo., Gayla Buethe of Buena Vista, Colo., and Gorda Adelgren of Gunnison, Colo.

Services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. MST in the Sage and Smith Funeral Chapel of Goodland, Kan. Burial will be in the Goodland Cemetery under the direction of the Sage and Smith Funeral Home of Goodland, Kan.

This announcement is courtesy of the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home of McCook.

October 1995Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post,

Rosie (Blecha) Himberg

St. FRANCIS, Kan.--Rosie Himberg was the second oldest child of Joseph and Mary Blecha. She was born May 29, 1908, in Burchard, Neb., into a growing family that eventually included brothers and sisters Joseph, Mary, Rudolph, Anna, Clara, George, Harry and Mable. Rosie moved with her family to Akron, Colo., in 1924 and then to Haigler in 1928.

She married Glenn Himberg in 1928 and lived on a farm near Tecumseh, Neb., where their only child, Arnita, was born. Rosie and her family then moved to Haigler, Neb., in 1931 where she enjoyed raising chickens, working with the cattle and hogs and growing enormous gardens. When Rosie wasn't working on the farm, she could be found with Glenn at the lake in their camper--"gone fishing."

Rosie and Glenn retired to a life of travel in their camper in the early '70s and enjoyed their winters spent in Arizona. Glenn died from cancer in 1980 and Rosie continued living on the ranch until 1983 when she moved to St. Francis, Kan., to be near daughter, Arnita, and son-in-law, Bob Yost. In 1993 Rosie had a series of strokes and came to live with the Yosts, where she stayed until she was admitted to the Good Samaritan Village in 1995. Mrs. Himberg died at Cheyenne County hospital Tuesday,

Oct. 3, 1995. She was 87 years old.

Mrs. Himberg is survived by brothers Joseph and Harry; a sister, Mable; her daughter and son-in-law and their sons and wives, Steve and Terry Yost and Dave and Pat Yost; great-grandchildren Jason, Jon, Shelly and Tina Yost, and many nephews and nieces.

Rosie left a legacy of happy memories with everyone who knew her.

Services were held Oct. 5, 1995, at 1:30 p.m. at the Haigler Lutheran Church with the Rev. Chris Farmer officiating. Casket bearers were Ray Stute of Haigler, godson of Rosie and Glenn; and nephews. Ron Crowe of McCook, Neb., Don Meister of Tecumseh, Neb., Marion Blecha of Longmont, Colo., and Gary and Stuart Blecha of Wray, Colo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1980

Glenn Henry Himberg

HAIGLER — Glenn Henry Himberg died Sunday at the Dundy County Hospital. He was born Sept. 15, 1905 in Elk Creek to John and Sophia (Heubach) Himberg and was married Dec. 19, 1928 at Wray, Colo., to Rosie Blecha. He was baptized in St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Steinauer, and was confirmed in St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Haigler.

Survivors are his widow, Rosie; one daughter, Mrs. Robert ( Arnita) Yost of St. Francis; two grandchildren, Steven and David; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clarence and Arthur, both of Tecumseh; four nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Estella, Laura and Minnie, and two brothers, Benjamin and John.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. (MST) Tuesday at the Zion Lutheran Church with the Rev. Otto Zeilinger officiating. Burial will be in the Haigler Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home, Benkelman.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Haigler cemetery show a birth date of 9-15-1905 and a death date of 1-13-1980.)

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1978

John Henry Himberg

John Himberg, second son of John and Sophia Heuboch Himberg was born at Elk Creek,Nebraska on December 24, 1908 and departed this life on May 15, 1978 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkel man, Nebraska. He received his schooling at Elk Creek.

In 1930 he moved to Dundy County in the Haigler community and worked at farming and ranching the remainder of his life with the exception of the three and one-half years, from March 1942 until October 1945, when he served his country during World War II. He served as an Airplane and Engine Mechanic while in the Service. He was discharged as a staff sergeant. He was a member of the Haigler American Legion Post No. 134 and VFW Post No 8009.

After returning from the service he and Joseph Blecha formed a farming and ranching partnership north of Haigler. He was always willing to help anyone in need.

He was baptized in infancy into the St. Peters Lutheran Church in Elk Creek and was confirmed in the St. John Lutheran Church in Tecumseh. Nebr.

Preceding him in death besides his father and mother were a brother, Benjamin of Tecumseh and three sisters: Minnie Himberg, Laura Meister, and Stella Campbell. Survivors include: Brothers, Glenn and wife, Rosie of Haigler, Clarence and wife, Vivian, Arthur and wife, Renee of Tecumseh. There are seven nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 18th at 2:00 P.M. of the Lutheran Church in Haigler, Nebraska with Pastor Otto Zeilinger and Jones Funeral Home making the arrangements.

Kaye Kamla was organist and Debbie Webster and Cindy Haskell song the selections, -“Beautiful Saviour” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Bearers were Murray Evans. Oscar Samler, Richard Stasser, Don Webster, Wayne McVey, and Orval Stute.

Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery with services by Haigler American Legion Post No. 134.

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