K - Page 1 - Obits

Douglas Linn Kacirek, son of Laddie F. and Vera Harper Kacirek, was born on May 18, 1949, and died at St. Luke's Hospital, Denver, Colorado on August 13, 1972, at the age of 23 years, two months and 25 days.

He was graduated from McDonald High School in May, 1967, where he had participated in all sports, but excelled in track. He was a member of the Beardsley Beavers 4-H Club for eight years, and had held many offices. It was through his 4-H work that he became interested in landscape-design. In the spring of 1967, he had drawn a landscape plan for his parents' country home and had been instrumental in seeing that it was planted. He was president of the Rawlins County 4-H Council in 1966.

Doug received the Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bird City, where he served as an Altar boy for several years. The Rosary and burial services were performed in this Church.

Upon graduation from High School, he entered the Wichita Drafting College, where he was a student for two years. On November 8, 1969, he was united in marriage to Janice Rae Cantrell, Wichita, and on January 6, 1971, a daughter, Melissa Lynn, was born to bring much happiness.

Doug was employed in Wichita until just a few months before his untimely death. In April, 1972, he came home to live, and on July 3, 1972, he was taken to the Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, with pneumonia. On July 17, he was transferred to St. Luke's Hospital and was never to return to his earthly home again.

Everyone who knew Doug well knows how he always gave the most of himself to any job that he undertook and did it willlingly with a smile. He will be missed by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Laddie Kacirek; a sister, Susie; and a brother, David, all of the home in McDonald. He will also be missed by his wife, Janice Kacirek, and daughter, Melissa Lynn, of Wichita, Kansas. He also leaves to mourn his death his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Theo Kacirek, McDonald; his grandmother, Mrs. Bessie Harper, Benkelman; his wife's family, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Cantrell and Jerry, and his wife's grandmother, Mrs. -Vera Koerner, Wichita; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and host of other relatives and friends.

Frances Marie Martin was born October 17, 1908, at St. Paul, Neb., to Claude and Minnie Martin and departed this life February 27, 1982, at the Wray Community Hospital at the age of 73 years, 4 months, and ten days.

Marie's childhood days were spent at St. Paul, Neb., Grand Island, Neb., and Atwood, Kan. She attended country grade school and graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1926 as the first graduating class in the new high school.

Marie was united in marriage to Paul H. Kamla April 23, 1931, at Wray, Colorado. Paul and Marie celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1981.

Marie was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on September 29, 1935, in the Lagua Lutheran Church. She was a devoted worker and member of Zion Lutheran in Haigler until her death.

Paul and Marie started their married life on a farm nine miles south of Haigler. To this union two sons were born, Marvin in 1932 and Robert in 1934.

In 1937, they purchased Marie's parent's farm north of Haigler. This was to be their home until April, 1981, when they bought a home in Haigler and moved to town.

Marie was a devoted wife and mother and was very interested and involved in church and community affairs.

Marie received the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award in 1944 for her work in Haigler in the 4-H program.

She received the Meritorious Service Award in December, 1958, for outstanding services in the 4-H movement in the Haigler Community where she was among the first to realize the great importance of the program and worked for many years in its interest.

Marie was a member of the Rainbow Extension Club and was still enjoying the meetings until her illness prevented her attending.

Marie operated a cafe in Haigler for several years and people came from many places to enjoy her homemade fried cinnamon rolls.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Alton, one sister, Essie Ellis, and one brother, Lynn Martin of Haigler.

Survivors are her husband, Paul, two sons, Marvin and wife, Kaye, and Robert of Haigler.

Six grandchildren. Craig, Mark and Ronnie, Matt and wife, Connie, Micheal and Micheala, one great-granddaughter, Mandy, and two sisters, Vivian Bannister and Maxine Wiley, of Haigler and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Marie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was admired and respected by those who knew her.

Funeral services were held March 2, 1982, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler. Rev. Ray Ensign and Rev. Otto Zeilinger officiated. Organist was Beth Sherlock with Debbie Webster, Linda Morris and Cindy Haskell singing the selections "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art". The congregation sang "W hat A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Bearers were Craig Kamla, Mark Kamla, Ronnie Kamla, Matt Kamla, Mitcheal Kamla and Curt Akey. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery, Haigler, Neb. Funeral arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman. Neb.

Paul Henry Kamla, son of John and Pauline Kamla, was born on his parents' homestead south of Haigler, Nebraska, on January 19, 1904, and departed this life on April 17, 1984, having reached the age of 80 years, 2 months and 28 days.

Paul was baptized as an infant and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith where he remained a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church of Haigler and a willing worker until shortly before his death.

Paul was united in marriage to Marie Martin on April 23, 1931, at Wray, Colorado. Paul and Marie celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1981.

Paul and Marie started their married life on a farm nine miles south of Haigler. To this union, two sons were born: Marvin in 1932 and Robert in 1934.

In 1937, they purchased Marie's parents' farm north of Haigler. This was to be their home until April 1981, when they bought a home in Haigler and moved to town.

Paul loved the land and was the happiest when tending to the animals and working the soil on his farm. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his parents; four sisters; Minnie Knorr, Mary Burchett, Elizabeth Nighswonger and Lydia Kamla, and four brothers; John, Tobias, Fred and Oscar.

Survivors are Paul's two sons; Marvin, and wife, Kaye, of Haigler, and Robert of Wauneta, Nebraska; six grandchildren; Craig, Mark, Ron, Micheale, Matt and wife, Connie, and Mitcheal and wife, Karen; three great-granddaughters; Mandy, Heidi and Holly; one sister, Emma Rath of Stover, Missouri; one brother, G. H. and wife, Henriette, of Yuma, Colorado, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Services were held Monday, April 23, 1984, at 10 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church at Haigler with the Reverends Elliott Anderson and Otto Zeilinger officiating. Assisting with musical selections were the organist, Beth Sherlock, and Deb Webster, Dana Webster, Linda Morris and Cindy Haskell singing "How Great Thou Art," "The Old Rugged Cross" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Bearers were Craig Kamla, Mark Kamla, Ron Kamla, Matt Kamla, Mitcheal Kamla and Billy Samler. Honorary bearers were Ron Akey, Melvin Crouse, Oscar Samler, Henry Wilkening, Dale Faylor, Murray Evans and Robert Schorzman.

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

HAIGLER– Robert "Bob" Joseph Kamla of Haigler, Nebraska, died Saturday, July 10. 1993, at Heritage Nursing Home in Wauneta, Nebraska, after a long battle with complications from multiple sclerosis.

He was born to Paul and Francis "Marie" (Martin) Kamla April 12, 1934, at their home six miles south of Haigler in Cheyenne County, Kansas.

They moved to "the farm" just north of Haigler in 1937. Bob resided there with his family until he reached adulthood. He attended all 12 years of school in Haigler and graduated in 1951.

He was baptized in the Lutheran Church in September 1934 and was confirmed in September 1949. He remained a member of Zion Lutheran Church for the remainder of his life.

Bob entered the military service in 1955 and was stationed in Korea for 14 months. Upon his return from the service in 1957, he engaged in various occupations including farming, truck driving for his uncle, Ben Wiley, service station operator, serviceman for center pivot irrigation systems and, most notably, as a security guard in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

On August 16, 1959, Bob married Sharon Vibber. To this union three children were born, Matt, Mitcheal and Micheale.

During his life, Bob had been stricken with multiple sclerosis and had become unable to work. By 1982 it became necessary for him to obtain nursing home care. On July 1, 1983, Bob moved to Heritage Nursing Home in Wauneta where he lived with many friends until his death.

Survivors include his brother, Marvin and wife, Kaye, of Haigler, three children, Matt and wife, Connie, of Grant, Nebraska, Mitcheal and wife, Karen, of Wray, Colorado, and Micheale and husband, Roger Wildt, of Lewisville, Texas; five grandchildren, Mandy and Micah Kamla, children of Matt, and Heidi, Holly and Heather, children of Mitcheal; three nephews, Craig, Mark and Ron Kamla; one aunt, Maxine Wiley; many cousins, and a multitude of friends.

Bob will be remembered by many for his positive attitude, sunny disposition, warm smile and great sense of humor.

Services were held Monday, July 12, 1993, at 9 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler with the Revs. Gerald Berggren and James Lucas officiating.

Beth Sherlock was the organist and Cindy Haskell, Dana Webster, Linda Morris and Debbie Nichols sang as a quartet. Selections included "How Great Thou Art," "Jesus, Jesus" and "In The Garden." Marcella Samler was the reader.

Bearers were Victor Kisela, Billy Samler, Gary Jaeger, Ron Akey, Ivan Parker and Ronald Bley.

Honorary bearers were Richard Bannister, Fritz Zuege, Herman Zuege, Rex Tracy, Ward Wonder and Lester Adams.

Committal service was by American Legion Post No. 134 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8009. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1999

Dennis R. Kappelman

Dennis R. Kappelman, 64, of Benkelman, Neb., died Saturday, May 15, 1999, at North Suburban Hospital in Thornton, Colo., after suffering a heart attack while attending a gun show, doing something he loved.

He was born June 12, 1934, at Beatrice, Neb., to Robert J. and Marie L. (Vonderfecht) Kappelman. He was baptized in the Zion Lutheran Church near Clatonia, Neb., and later confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman when he was a teenager.

He lived with his family on their farm near Wilber, Neb., until he was seven, at which time the family moved to the Kappelman farm near Linn, Kan. In 1946, at the age of 11, he moved with his family to their farm near Max, Neb. He worked in Denver, Colo., for a short time as a young man and returned to the family farm to help his father where he lived and farmed until his passing.

Dennis loved hunting and collecting and building guns.

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

Those who survive him include two sons: Michael and wife, Rose Marie, of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Gary and wife, Susanne, of Flower Mound, Texas; three grandchildren; a sister, Margie Lemon, of Hayes Center, Neb.; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 1999, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Harold Laursen officiating, Jackie Wilson was the organist. Betty Hansen sang "Nearer My God To Thee" and "The Old Rugged Cross." The congregational hymn was "Abide With Me."

Casket bearers were Doran Jessee, Bob Bellamy, Terry Watters, Glen Lemon, Albin Ruzicka and Wayne Carpenter. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1981

Robert John Kappelman

Robert John Kappelman was born July 17, 1902 and was baptized on August 3, 1902 in Linn, KS. of Washington, CO by the Pastor C. Germeroth. Robert’s father operated a farm implement and automobile business in Linn, KS.

He was the only son of John H. and Mary Kappelman. Later his father bought a farm and here Robert attended a Christian day school and was confirmed on April 16, 1916 by Pastor P. Stolp of the Emannuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in that community. After graduating from Greenleaf High School, he became a partner of his father. During this time he was active in the church band, men's and mixed chorus choirs as music was one of his greater enjoyments in life.

Robert J. Kappelman and Marie L. Vonderfecht of Ctatonia, NE were married at Lincoln, NE on the 12th of August, 1931 by pastor Henry George Harmer. From 1931 to 1941 they lived by Wilbur, NE., on a farm. In 1941 they moved onto his father's farm in Strawberry township, Washington county, KS. Due to his health, he was advised to move to a drier climate, so July 2, 1946, they moved to a farm near Max, NE.

Again on the 14th of April, 1977, they moved to their present home in Benkelman. During the years of 1946 till his death, his hobby was all his life, hunting for small game and hunting for big game in Colorado and Wyoming with his local friends. Among his other hobbies were music and square dance calling.

To this union of Bob and Marie were born two children, Margie M. (Kappelman) Lemon and Dennis R. Kappelman.

He left to mourn his wife Marie, children Margie and Dennis; son-in-law Earl Lemon; 7 grandchildren, Gary and Michael Kappelman, Carol (Lemon) Homolka, Linda (Lemon) Vaughn, Margie D. Lemon, Patty Ann Lemon and Robert Early Lemon; and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Laura Lori Lemon in 1955. He also leaves to mourn many friends and relatives.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman, NE cemetery show a birth date of 7-17-1902 and a death date of 2-25-1987.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1991

Gerald Karns

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--Friends of the community of Haigler, Nebraska, learned of the death of Gerald Karns of San Francisco on March 29, 1991.

He was born in Haigler in 1913, the son of George and Alice Karns. His father owned and operated a meat market in Haigler for a number of years.

Gerald attended the Haigler school and graduated with the Class of 1931. He owned his own business while in Haigler, moving to California in the late 1930s. His friends were numbered by his acquaintances.

He is survived by two nieces, Betty Jo, and her husband of Sun City, Arizona, and Vonnie Ruth, and her husband of Sacramento, California, and a nephew, G. Ted Dalziel, and his wife of Washington, D.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Ruth and Beulah.

Services were held in San Francisco on April 1.

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

William I. Karre

William I. Karre, 67, of Hayes Center, died Wednesday evening north of McCook as a result of a car-truck accident. He was born Dec. 18, 1911 at Wellfleet, the son of Fred and Mary Karre. His marriage to A. LaVerne Nitsch occurred April 13, 1945 and she survives him.

Other survivors are a daughter, Mrs. John (Kathy) Mabile, McCook; two sons, Lonnie and Gordon, both of , Grand Island; two grandchildren, Tasha and Kevin; two brothers, Harold, North Platte, and Arno, Maywood; three sisters, Mrs. Elsie Fisher, Hershey, Mrs. Freda Sieckman, Grand Island, and Mrs. Baunden Korbelik, Ohiowa, Neb.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers.

Mr. Karre served in the United States Army and was a member of the VFW Bernard Elbert Post 1652 of McCook and the Hayes Center American Legion.

Services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. in St. John's Lutheran Church at Curtis with the Rev. John Meyer officiating. Interment will be in Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell with the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home of McCook in charge of arrangements.

Friends may call at the funeral home. The casket will not be opened at the church.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1976

Mary Martha Kashka

Services were held for Mary Martha Kashka on Thursday, August 19, 1976 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton with Father Webber officiating. She was born September 30, 1887 in Herndon, Kansas and passed away August 14, 1976 at Brighton, Colorado at the age of 88.

Mrs. Eddie Sis was organist with song leader Susan Ladenberger. Songs were "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," offertory Song, "StrifeI Is O'er," "Merciful Saviour,” and "Crown Him With Many Crowns."

Bearers were Clifford Bush, George Bush, Donald Vrbas, Edward Reagan, Francis Lorens and Anton Lankas.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1984

Katherine (Brumm) Hubbard

Katherine Hubbard died Saturday, September 29, 1984, at the Rawlins County Hospital in Atwood, Kansas. She was born February 9, 1898, in rural Rawlins County to Peter and Clara (Buckhold ) Brumm.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Charles, in 1969; a son, Deroy; sisters, Lena and Anna Hilly; and brothers, Harold, John, Edward, Henry and Fred Brumm.

Survivors include two sons, Harlan of Westminster, Colorado, and Rodney of Greeley, Colorado; three daughters, Jean Skubal of Hollister, California, Vaulene Watt of Benkelman and Janice Antholz of McDonald; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 2, at the Federated Church in McDonald with the Rev. Gregory Moyer officiating. Burial was in Grace Cemetery at McDonald with Leinwetter Funeral Home of Atwood in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are being accepted for the McDonald Community Center, the McDonald Ambulance Fund or Gideon International Living Memorials.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 2000

Gypsie Mae (Hauser) Kauffman

Gypsie Mae Kauffman, 92, of Benkelman, Neb., died Wednesday, June 21, 2000, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. She was born Aug. 19, 1907, in Forsyth County, N.C., to James W. and Dora (Martin) Hauser. In 1919 the family moved to a farm near Benkelman.

On April 16, 1927, she was married to Francis "Ted" M. Kauffman at Wray, Colo. They farned northwest of Benkelman. He preceded her in death on March 7, 1979. In September 1997, Gypsie moved to the Hester Home where she lived for the remainder of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant son, Melvin; five brothers: Oscar, Phillip, Fred, William and George, and six sisters: Mabel, Margaret, Daisy, Dora, Sarah and Mildred.

Those who survive her include daughters: Donna Forsberg of McCook, Neb., and Shirley and husband, Glen Lemon, of Max, Neb.; five grandchildren: Jeanne, Tom, David and wife, Gail, John and wife, Verna, and Cathy and husband, James; nine great-grandchildren: Jason, Derek, Kara, Travis, Casey, Toby, Alisa, Conor and Wyatt.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2000, at the Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. L. Ford Shenk officiating. Tally Case and Janice Whetstone were the pianists and Elmer Case sang "How Great Thou Art" and "One Day At A Time." The congregational hymn was "God Be With You." Casket bearers were John Lemon, James Hassett, Jason Blausey, Lloyd Howsden and David, Travis, Tom and Casey Deyle. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 2004

Marie L. (Schrader) Kauffman

Marie L. Kauffman, 95, died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb.

She was born on March 12, 1909, on her family's homestead in Dundy County, Nebraska, to John and Lola (Passmore) Schrader and received her grade school education at Rural District 8. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1926.

On Aug. 5, 1929, Marie was united in marriage to Orlie Ray Kauffman at Wray, Colo. After a honeymoon to Colorado, Kansas and Missouri, they returned to Benkelman where they made their home.

Marie was baptized in the Baptist Church in December 1929. She loved the Lord and was a faithful, lifelong member of Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman.

Marie and Orlie purchased a farm from John Sauer in March 1930 where they weathered the Great Depression of the 1930s. Corn was 8 cents a bushel and eggs were 2 cents a dozen. Orlie shipped a cow to Denver and it didn't pay for the freight. Marie and Orlie didn't have a car. On one memorable Sunday, they were lonesome and didn't have anything good to eat. They went out to fix fence in God's sunshine and God led Marie to an old cave. There she found some home-canned peaches. They had a wonderful feast. Marie planted a big garden, raised chickens, canned and did everything she could to put food on the table.

On Sept. 21. 1937, Marie and Orlie were blessed with a daughter, Gloria Marie. She was born in their farm home with Dr. Premer and attendant Esther Jones assisting. This little blonde, blue-eyed daughter was the apple of their eyes.

In the '50s, Marie and Orlie purchased their home in Benkelman, and in 1979, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together.

Marie was a lover of children, and nieces loved to come for jelly bread and have birthday parties at her house.

On Oct. 6, 1969, Orlie and Marie were blessed with a granddaughter, Kara Michelle Lang.

Marie loved her family and friends, and was proud to live in Benkelman. Everyone was so good to her and she was so grateful for her many blessings.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; a brother, Howard Schrader, and wife, Fairy.

Survivors include her daughter Gloria Lang and husband, Fred, of Aurora, Colo.; granddaughter Kara of Centennial, Colo.; brother Leon Schrader and wife, Josephine, of Benkelman; nieces, nephews and their families: Wayne Merklin of Cordova, Alaska, Joan Krutsinger and husband, Bobby, of Benkelman, Kaylene Pracht and husband, Eugene, of Broken Bow, Neb., Cindy Cawthra and husband, Bill, of Max, Neb., John Schrader of Lincoln, Neb., and Shirley Lemon and husband, Glen, of Max, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Marie Kauffman were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, at the Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Matt Price, Ken Woolery and Johnny Walker officiating. Julie Shillington was the pianist and vocalists were Johnny Walker and Sharon Woolery. Selections were "He Touched Me," "One Day At A Time" and "When We All Get To Heaven." Casket bearers were Jim Baney, Eugene Pracht. Bill Cawthra, John Schrader, Bobby Krutsinger and John Lemon. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1979

Frances Melvin (Ted) Kauffman

Frances Melvin (Ted) Kauffman was born at Princeton, MO, Dec. 12, 1903, to John E. and Minnie (Hickman) Kauffman. When Ted was 14, the family moved to a farm in Utica, KS, where he attended high school. He loved sports and was an enthusiastic football player for three years.

In 1922 his parents purchased a farm in the Hoover District of Dundy County, NE. Later Ted bought the farm from his parents and lived there until 1942.

In April, 1927, he was united in marriage to Gypsie Mae Hauser. Three children were born to this union—Donna, Shirley, and a son, Melvin.

Ted united with the Benkelman Baptist Church in 1926 and served there as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He helped to build the present Benkelman Baptist Church.

He retired from farming in 1942 and moved to Benkelman. He later moved to Holdrege and upon his return united with the Trinity Baptist Church were he was a faithful member, teacher, and deacon until his death.

He is survived by his wife Gypsie, two daughters, Donna Westergren and husband Lloyd from Elwood, NE; Shirley Lemon and husband Glen from Max, NE; a brother Orlie Kauffman and wife Marie from Benkelman, NE; five grandchildren—Jeanne Blausey and husband Dick; Thomas Deyle and wife, Londa; David Deyle and fiance Gail Newbold; all of Kearney; John and Cathy Lemon of Max; and one great-grandson, Jason Blausey, of Kearney. Those preceding him in death were his parents, John and Minnie Kauffman, a sister Rosa, and his infant son, Melvin.

Ted was a deep thinker and a Bible student He had a winning personality and made friends with everyone with whom he came in contact. In 1963 due to an operation he lost his eyesight and as a result has lost contact with many former friends. Throughout these long years of blindness he was patient, kind and thoughtful of others. Although our hearts are heavy and saddened at our great loss, we rejoice that now he can see.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1980

Orlie Ray Kauffman

Orlie Ray Kauffman was born at Princeton, MO May 10, 1900 to John E. and Minnie M. (Hickman) Kauffman and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on April 2, 1980 after a lingering illness.

When Orlie was 16, the family moved to Utica, KS. In 1925 he moved with his family to Benkelman and was engaged in farming.

On Aug. 5, 1929 in Wray, CO, he was united in marriage to Marie L Schrader. One daughter Gloria, who was a great joy to her father, was born to this union.

Orlie made his personal commitment to Christ at an early age. He was instrumental in the organization and building of the Benkelman Baptist Church and later Trinity Baptist Church. He was a charter member of each and served them in many ways. Orlie loved music, enjoyed going to church and continued to go as long as his health prevailed, and even then expressed his desire to attend

Last August, Orlie and Marie were honored at an open house in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Orlie felt most fortunate and joyful to share this memorable occasion with those in attendance.

Orlie is survived by his wife Marie, one daughter Gloria and husband Fred Lang, one granddaughter Kara Michelle, whom he loved and enjoyed and a host of friends and relatives.

Those preceding him in death were his parents, John and Minnie Kauffman, brother Ted and sister Rosa.

Orlie was a lover of nature and even after he retired on account of poor health, he was always ready to go for a ride to see the crops growing. He loved his many friends and relatives, even though he didn't feel able to visit, he enjoyed listening.

Orlie was a man of principle, strong-willed, and dedicated. He was always loyal, honest and generous. He had an abundance of enthusiasm for life. Orlie never knew a stranger and throughout his illness, he touched the hearts of many.

Services were held Sat., April 5, 1980 at 10:30 am. at the Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman, NE with the Pastor Vernon Whetstone officiating. Organist was Linda Merklin who accompanied Carol and Robert Sander as they sang "Peace In The Valley," "Ivory Palaces" and "Wherever He Leads I'll Go."

Bearers were Wayne Merklin, Bill Cawthra, Glen Lemon, Bob Krutsinger, John Wilkens and Dale Osborn.

Honorary bearers were Dan Ellis, A.G. Shafer, Albert Cross, Harold Hall, Malvin Hendrickson, Bud Lowe, Jiggs Hayward, Leonard Kerchal and Donovan Merklin.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman, NE.

Funeral arrangements were conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1985

Jessica Rose Kautz

Jessica Rose Kautz, infant daughter of Julie and Eric Kautz, was born June 3,1985, at Scottsbluff and died silently in her sleep Wednesday, August 21, at the age of 2 1/2 months. "Punky," as she was affectionately called by her parents, spent only a short time with her family, but during that time, she brought joy and happiness to all.

She didn't like to sleep—so afraid she would miss out on something.

She leaves to mourn her parents, Julie and Eric Kautz of Gering; grandparents, Don and Betty Brown of Parks and Raymond and Rose Kautz of Gering; great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eaton of Imperial and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kautz of Gering; uncles and aunts, Don Brown Jr. and family, Ron Brown and family, Mike Brown and family, Linda Gerlack and family, Mike Kautz and family, Ted Kautz, Bob Kautz, Joe Kautz and Hiedi Kautz.

Services were held Friday, August 23, at Gering Memorial Chapel with Gerald Parriott officiating.

Honorary casket bearers were Don Brown Jr., Ron Brown, Mike Brown, Mike Kautz, Bob Kautz and Ted Kautz.

Interment was in West Lawn Cemetery of Gering.

A poem was written in memory by her Great-Grandmother Eaton:

A Tribute To Jessica
A budding rose, here for a while,
Not time enough to flower
So wanted, loved and needed
Each week, each day, each hour.
Dear God, we know you needed her
And as your arms enfold her
W e thank you for the time You gave
To us to love and hold her

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1997

Lenora Florence (Rogers) Keenan

GREELEY, Colo.– Lenora Florence (Rogers) Keenan was born on Oct. 22, 1909, in Phillips County, Kan. She was one of eight children born to Elza and Emma (Pelstrom) Rogers. She died Monday, May 5, 1997, at the Hospice of North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

She married Ogle Keenan on , Oct. 21, 1928, at Smith Center, Kan.

Lenora and Ogle farmed north of McDonald, Kan., and raised their seven children there. In October of 1977, they retired and moved to Bird City, Kan. Ogle died on Aug. 29, 1978. Lenora had been living at the Beehive Homes in Greeley, Colo., prior to entering the hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; their daughter, Iola Brewer; a brother, Roy, and a sister, Mae.

Survivors include five daughters and their spouses: Florence and Bill Howie,Grace and Dick Malley, Joyce and Seamus Murray, Elberta and Cecil Rummel and Phyllis and John Scott; a son. Royce, and his wife, Donna; a son-in-law, Norris Brewer; three sisters: Pearl Harris, Corella and her husband, Walter Dykens, and Faye Simpson; two brothers: Leonard and Dale; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Graveside rites for Lenora Keenan were at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 1997, at the Benkelman (Neb.) Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Bearers were Jeff and Larry Brewer, Craig and Carl Rummel, and Troy and Travis Scott.

Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

The family suggests memorials to Mountain States Children's Home, P.O. Box 1097, Longmont, CO 80502-1097.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1965

Herbert Keenan

Herbert Keenan passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Sunday while a patient there for injuries sustained in a recent accident. He was 61 years of age and had not been in good healthe for several years.

Mr. Keenan was well known in Benkelman as "Buff," a nick name he enjoyed. He was ar agricultural worker, but in recent years had spent a great deal of time in Benkelman residential areas as a yard man. He believed in giving a full day's work for a day's pay and no job frightened him because of the work involved.

Herbert Keenan, son of Edward T. and Ora Alice (Brown) Keenan, was born March 23, 1904, at Summersville, West Virginia. He passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on October 17, 1965, at the age of 61 years.

For the past 21 years he had made his home in Benkelman.

He is survived by five brothers, Jess of Harrison, Ark.; Romie of Swiss. West Virginia; Dane of Santa Cruz, Calif.: Roy of Ordway, Colo., and Ogle of Benkelman; and two sisters, Mrs. Bessie Mays of Pueblo. Colo., and Mrs. Hazel Price of Santa Cruz, Calif.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted at Jay's Funeral Chapel on Wednesday morning with the Rev. 0. W. Vandenberge officiating. Mrs. Paul Erdman was the organist and Mrs. Royce Anderson the soloist. Bearers were Floyd Rickard, Fred Waterman, Dewey Gerdes, Harvey Hofer, Leslie Clark and Ray Bowers. Interment was in the Benkelman

Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1983

Jahew McLung Keenan

Jahew McLung Keenan was born to Alexander Keenan and Anna Pettit Keenan on August 15, 1915, on a farm in Cheyenne County, Kansas, south of Benkelman, Nebraska, and passed away March 11, 1983, at home on a farm near California, Missouri. He was 67 years old.

Jay went to school and grew to manhood in Cheyenne County. He married Leona Carr in 1935. They had a son who died in infancy.

They moved to Ohio in 1936 where Jay worked on farms. Jay returned to the Benkelman area in 1939 where he worked on farms until he went into the service in 1942. He served in the medical corps until 1945, then returned to the Benkelman area where he farmed.

He married Zila Williams in 1946.

Having had bad luck with marriage he decided to help an aunt with three fatherless children raise her family to whom he devoted many years.

In 1952, they moved to Cabool, Missouri, where he farmed and operated a sawmill until 1965 when he moved to Nunn, Colorado, to be near his aged father.

Jay retired in 1980 and moved to California, Missouri, onto the farm of one of the boys he helped to raise. There he assisted with the dairying and spent his spare time fishing, which was his second love.

Jay is survived by a brother, Walter Keenan; two half-brothers, Wilmer Pettit and Sheridan Magnani; two stepbrothers, Paul and Wayne Magnani; a stepsister, Margie Magnani; two foster children, Albert Pettit and Eloise Anderson; four aunts and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, Ray Magnani, one foster child, Junior Pettit, wife Leona and infant son.

Jay was buried at Rushville, Missouri.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1977?

Ogle Keenan

Mr. Ogle Keenan was born Dec. 21, 1895, at Summersville, W.V. as the first child to Edward and Ora (Brown) Keenan. He passed from this life on Aug. 29 at the age of 82 at the Rawlins County Hospital in Atwood, Kans.

At the age of thirteen he moved with his family from West Virginia to the surrounding area of Benkelman in Cheyenne County on Big Timber. He attended the white Eagle School. After the eighth grade he worked with his father in the cement block business.

On March 4, 1918 he entered the Army and served in the Medical Corps. He served overseas in World War I in the Red Cross Hospital's. He was discharged from the service on July 26, 1919. After returning from the service, he began farming in Rawlin County, Kans.

On Oct. 21, 1928 he was married to Miss Lenora F. Rogers. To this marriage was born six daughters and one son.

In Sept. 1939 they moved to their own farm fifteen miles southwest of Benkelman, Nebr. This was their home until October 1977 upon moving to Bird City, Kans. The farm was Ogle's highest joy. He gave special attention to his cattle and his crops. He received no special rewards for his farming except much hard work and the pleasure of seeing God's handiwork.

As a young man, Ogle made his profession in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He and his family attended the Church of the United Brethren until they became members of the Trinity Baptist Church in March 1966. Attending church was a privilege and a joy to him and his wife.

Ogle was an active member of the American Legion until recent years. He still was active in his dues and remembrance of this organization.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Lenora, of the home in Bird City. Five daughters: Florence and Bill Howie of Greeley, Colo.; Grace and Richard Malley of Littletown, Colo.; Joyce and Seamus Murray of Littleton, Colo.; Elberta and Cecil Rummel of Greeley, Colo.; Phyllis and John Scott of McDonald, Kans. One son, Royce and Donna of Aurora, Colo; one son-in-law, Norris Brewer of Spokane, Wash. Sixteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. Bessie Mayes of Pueblo, Colo.; Hazel and John Price of Capitola, Calif.; two brothers,. Roy and Cecila Keenan of Ordway, Colo., Jess and Helen Keenan of Cotter, Ark.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one daughter, Iola Brewer, and five brothers.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1974

Romie Keenan

Romie Keenan, 71, of Swiss, Nicholas County, West Virginia died Friday, February 15, 1974 in Montgomery General Hospital, following a brief illness.

He was a retired employee of Union Carbide, Alloy, and attended Simms Memorial Methodist Church.

Surviving: son, Ralph of Dixie; daughter, Mrs. Leone Elquist of Swiss; brothers, Ogle of Benkelman, Nebraska, Jess of Harrison, Arkansas, Roy and Dane, both of Ordway, Colorado; sisters, Mrs. Bessie Mayes of Pueblo, Colorado and Mrs. Hazel Price of San Jose, California; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday in Simms Memorial Church, Swiss, with the Rev. Guy Vaughan officiating. Burial followed in Summers Cemetery at Lockwood under the direction of Combs Funeral Home, Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.

Romie Keenan was the son of the late Ed and Ora Keenan, one time residents of Dundy County. Mr. Keenan and his sons operated a cement block machine for years and many houses were built in Dundy County with their blocks, one was the house which Mrs. Clements owned, west of the light plant.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1998

Walter L. Keenan

MELISSA, Texas..-Walter L. Keenan, 81, of Melissa died Friday. Sept. 18, 1998, at the McKinney (Texas) Hospital. He was born on Jan. 11, 1917, south of Benkelman, Neb., in Cheyenne County, Kan., to A. R. and Anna L. (Pettit) Keenan.

He attended country schools and worked on farms in Cheyenne County until he went into the Army on Feb. 6, 1941. He trained at Fort Roberson, Ark., and served in New Caledonia and the Phlippine Islands until the end of World War II.

He worked as a mechanic in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Missouri and Texas and also farmed on the side and worked at construction on dams and in the oilfields.

He married Leota Lambert at St. Francis, Kan. One daughter was born to this union.

Later he married Vera Mae Tetrick in Wyoming. Two sons and three daughters were born to them.

He is survived by his wife, Vera Mae, of Melissa; sons Leon and wife, Tammy, of Denison, Texas, and Michal and wife, Nancy, of Melissa; daughters Marsha and husband, Ron Zimbelman, of St. Francis, Patty and husband, Niel Horn, of Leonard, Texas, Peggy and husband, Charles Powell, of Trenton, Texas, and Sue and husband, Ted Stachar, of Melissa; a brother, Sheridan Magnani, and his wife, Mary Ann, of Bird City, Kan.; a stepsister, Margie Magnani, of Alameda, Calif.; 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, brother Jahew Keenan and stepbrothers Paul and Wayne Magnani.

He was buried in the Melissa Cemetery on Sept. 20, 1998, with military honors.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May1974

Milford Keeney

The community was saddened Tuesday afternoon, May 19, when it was notified of the death of Milford Keeney in his hometown of Boise, Idaho. The attack came in the C.P.A. office where he was employed. He was rushed to a hospital where he died of a heart attack.

Mrs. Keeney was the former Jennette Havlik of Haigler. There are three children, Gary, Kyla and Jack.

The military service will be held on Monday, May 20.

News of his passing was sent to Mrs. Keeney's mother, Mrs. Rose Havlik. Mrs. Havlik's daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Jones of Pleasanton, will arrive in Haigler on Friday. They and Mrs. Havlik will drive to Denver to take a plane for Boise. Prayers and sympathy are extended to the family.

Milford was known to many in the Haigler community. He was well liked by all who knew him. The family had visited in Haigler and Pleasanton last summer. The address is Mrs. M. E. Keeney and family, 7201 Brookover Drive, Boise, Idaho 83705.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1998

Berniece Esther Gorthy (Druliner) Kehlbeck

St. FRANCIS, Kan.– Berniece Esther Gorthy Kehlbeck was born Dec. 22, 1929, in Benkelman, Neb. She was the youngest daughter of Ross and Josephine Druliner.

She died on Sept. 3, 1998, in St. Francis, Kan., at the age of 68.

Berniece grew up in Benkelman and graduated from high school in 1948. She attended the University of Nebraska for one year, after which she worked in her father's law office.

On Aug. 31, 1950, she was united in marriage to Paul V. Gorthy in Benkelman. They lived and fanned 15 miles northeast of St. Francis. To this union three daughters: Debbie, Cindy and Sue, were born. In June 1980, Paul passed away. Berniece continued to manage the farming operation.

In 1987, she married Don Kehlbeck of Bird City, Kan. They enjoyed traveling while continuing to manage their families' farms. Eventually, they moved to St. Francis. Don passed away in October 1992.

Berniece was involved in many community activities. She was a Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader and a member of Holly Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. In later years, she volunteered in the Western Plains Arts Association, the American Cancer Society and the United Methodist Church. The main focus in Berniece's life was her family. She faithfully followed her children's and grandchildren's activities. Her home was a favorite spot for the young people.

A sister, Francis, and a brother, Glenn, preceded Berniece in death.

Surviving siblings are brother Ross Druliner Jr., and his wife, Sarah; sister Elaine and her husband, Stan Ehresman; sister Shirley O'Connor, and brother Jerome Druliner and his wife, Tish.

Surviving children are her daughters: Debbie and her husband, Robert Grace, Cindy Ham and Sue and her husband, Mark Zimbelman. Grandchildren include Shane Ham and wife, Amy, Shannon Ham, McKenzie and Mikaela Grace, and Dennon and Alecia Zimbelman.

Surviving stepchildren are Royce Kehlbeck and wife, Darci, and their children, Brittany and Aubrey, and Roxie and her husband, Ron Neitzel, and their children, Benjamin and Clarice.

Funeral services for Berniece Gorthy Kehlbeck were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, 1998, at the St. Francis United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Livingston officiating. Organist was Eunice Burnham. Althea Lebow sang "A Perfect Day" and "In The Garden." Congregational hymns were “The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace."

Casket bearers were Brad Waters, Ron Louden, Frank Bolio, Elton Keller, Jim Barnhart and Royce Kehlbeck. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with arrangements by Knodel Funeral Home of St. Francis.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January? 1965?

Ruth Lucille (Sawyer) Kehlbeck

Ruth Lucille Sawyer, daughter of William and Anna Sawyer, was born near Western, Nebr., on August 15, 1910. When she was still a small child, she moved with her parents to Bird City, Kansas. Here, as a young girl, she joined the Evergreen United Brethren Church. Later, she was instructed in the Christian faith according to the Lutheran teachings, and, by rite of confirmation, became a member of St. John's Lutheran congregation on September 28, 1930, where she was a faithful member, attending services regularly as long as her health permitted.

On October 2, 1929, she was united in holy matrimony to Henry C. Kehlbeck. This union was blessed with two children, a son Robert and a daughter Delores. Early in their married life they purchased a farm north of Bird City where they lived for several years. Because of her ill health, they moved to their home in Bird City where she resided until the time of her death, which came rather unexpectedly on Saturday evening, January 9. As was pointed out in the memorial address, "her life was a living testimony of what God, through Christ, can do for a person. She went on her way rejoicing. She went through this life, bearing all her crosses, rejoicing and she went into yonder life rejoicing."

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mrs. Henry (Cora) Pelstrom, and her son, Robert. She leaves to mourn, besides her loving husband, a daughter, Delores; a son-in-law, Robert Pride; a granddaughter, Debbie, all of Denver, Colo., two brothers, Chester of Bird City, Cecil of Burlington, Colo.; a sister, Mrs. Herman (Chloe) Kehlbeck, Syracuse, Nebr.; many nephews, nieces, other relatives and a host of friends.

May her memory be blessed among us.—Bird City (Kans.) Times.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1992

Donald Duane Kehlbeck

Donald Duane Kehlbeck died Friday, Oct. 9, 1992, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was 55 years old.

Don was born April 13, 1937, to A. L. "Curley" and Irene Mae Jones Kehlbeck. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church.

He attended school in Bird City and graduated from Bird City High School in 1955. Don was a proud member of the football team of 1954, which tolds a record for being undefeated and unscored upon.

Shortly after graduation, he moved to Long Beach, Calif., to work in the aeronautical field. During his time, he realized his real love in life was to farm and he returned to the Bird City area in 1957.

On May 5, 1957, Don and Elaine Bowers were united in marriage. Two children blessed this union, Royce in 1959 and Roxie in 1961. Don was a caring, loving father, providing stern leadership to his children. As the years passed, he shared great pride in their accomplishments.

As the years progressed, Don founded a cattle partnership with his father, and in more recent years, shared farming with his son, Royce, and the family corporation.

His traits of perfectionism were a vital part of his life and he always strived to do things right. He was a strong person but had a gentle nature.

On April 25, 1987, Don and Berniece Gorthy were married at the Trinity Church of the Pines, Grand Lake, Colo. They enjoyed their time together and especially enjoyed their cabin in the mountains.

Don had a deep community spirit. He served as county commissioner from 1967 to 1974, was a member of the St. Francis Masonic Lodge 404, the Scottish Rite, Isis Temple of Salina and the Cheyenne County Shrine Club. He also enjoyed his years in the Shriners Mounted Patrol.

Don spent many years enjoying his hobby of flying. Through the years, his greatest joy became his travels. He visited many places, including Russia and Europe and he especially loved Australia. An African trip was his next impending travel.

Some special little people in Grandpa Don's life were his grandchildren, Brittany, Aubrey and Benjamin. He beamed when anyone spoke of them.

Don enjoyed dropping by to visit with many invididuals in the community, even if it was for a few minutes daily. His short but frequent visits touched many people's lives.

Don was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Curley; and brother Ronnie.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Berniece; son Royce and his wife Darci Kehlbeck; daughter Roxie and her husband Ron Neitzel; mother Irene Kehlbeck; sister Marilyn Schull; his grandchildren and nephews. He also leaves his stepdaughters and husbands, Debbie and Robert Grace, Cynthia and Ron Ham and Sue and Mark Zimbelrnan; five step-grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Services were Oct. 12 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bird City. Officiant was the Rev. Neal Zeilinger.

Honorary pallbearers were Harry Morhlang, John Grace, Edgar Robertson, Hank Weaver, Eugene Zuspann and Radean Wright. Casket bearers were Elton Keller, Brad Waters, George Fishel, Ron Louden, Jim Leach and Dick Roswell.

Interment was in the Bird City cemetery. Arrangements were made by Kramer Chapel of St. Francis.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1977

Friedrich Carl Kehlbeck

Friedrich Carl Kehlbeck was born August 24, 1883, at Bruchmuhlen, ViIsen, Province of Hannover, Germany to Heinrich Friedrich and Anna Schierenbeck Kehlbeck. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and remained a faithful member all his life.

In 1886 he came to America with his parents and three older sisters to establish their home, going first to Cheney, Ks., then moving to North Branch Precinct near Syracuse, Neb. They moved from there to the Delaware Precinct in 1891.

On Feb. 10, 1904, he was married to Gesine Bernhordene Margaretta Ommen. God blessed this union with 10 children. In 1910, the family, which included four sons at the time, moved to a farm northwest of Bird City, Ks. On Aug. 17, 1932, his wife died and a year later he moved into town with the younger children, leaving the older sons to manage the form.

On Mar. 4, 1937, he was married to Katherine Maria Daum Winters. The couple lived in Denver for a period of 10 years before they moved back to Bird City. When his health failed, they sold their home in Bird City and moved to the Hester Home in Benkelman, Neb., where he lived his remaining years. His wife preceded him in death on Dec. 16, 1971.

On May 9, 1977, he entered the Dundy County Hospital and died Sat., May 21, having reached the age of 93 years, eight months and 27 days.

He was one of the organizers and charter members of St. John Lutheran Church, Bird City, Ks., in 1910. He was a progressive farmer, and always was willing to give a helping hand whenever needed.

He was preceded in death by his two wives, his parents, sisters, Minna Rambat, Meta Roos and Anna Ommen, two brothers; Heinrich and John, who died in early youth, a half-sister, Alvira Schroeder, five children, Johnny, Edno, Curry, Fritz, Henry and Alvin, four grandsons, Robert, Ronald, John and Larry, a stepson, Dr. William Winters, a daughter-in-law, Ruth Kehlbeck, a son-in-law, Max McCumber and four stepsisters.

He is survived by Ernest and wife Irene of McDonald, Leonard and wife Nola of Bird City, Viola and husband Kenneth Peck of Goodland, Adeline and husband Bert Childers of Bird City, Bernhardene McCumber of Denver, a son-in-law Gail Curry of Colorado Springs, two daughters-in-law, Hollis Kehlbeck of Canon City, Colo., and Irene Kehlbeck of Bird City, a half-brother, Herman and wife Chloe of Syracuse, Neb., two step-daughters, Gertrude Paul of Denver and Marguerite Weaver and husband Ralph of Eudora, Ark., 17 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were held at St. John Lutheran Church, Bird City, Tues., May 24, at 11 a.m. with Pastor C.G. Miller in charge. Casket bearers were Alvin Hempeler, Gene Young, Martin Busse, Walter Roesener, Keith Dorsch and Otto Lillich. Interment was in the Bird City Cemetery with Kramer Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Relatives and friends from a distance attending the funeral of Fred C. Kehlbeck were Berenhardene McCumber, Kathy Carpenter, Gertrude and Roger Paul, Mrs. Jerri Smith and Kevin and Kirby, Kay Jean Maley of Denver, Karen Williams of Charleston, S.C., Hollis Kehlbeck of Canon City, Colo., Marilyn Shull of Kansas City, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Peck. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Peck, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Baney of Goodland, Laura Jane Roesener of Barksdale A.F. B. , La., Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Antholz of Eaton, Colo., Mrs. Clayton Niethfeld of Englewood, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kehlbeck, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kehlbeck of Syracuse, Neb., Mr. and Mrs. Harold Karspeck of Kanorado, Mrs. Ruby Fonsing of Holyoke, Colo., Gail Curry, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Dillow and Dona Deleine and Donene of Colorado Springs and Lauren Gallagher of California.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1902?

Fritz Kehlbeck

A Kansas neighborhood disagreement erupted in violence on Saturday and a well-known Cheyenne county farmer and his son were slain 12 miles south and one-half mile east of Bird City.

The dead are Fritz Kehlbeck, 45, and his 16-year-old son, Larry. Their deaths are charged to Tolly D. Bolyard who has been arrested and held in the Cheyenne county jail at St. Francis. First degree murder charges on two counts are being prepared by County Attorney John Kite.

The tragedy was discovered by a neighbor who had loaned Kehlbeck and his son the grader which they planned to use to fill a ditch which had been dug by Bolyard. When Bolyard was apprehended at his farm home across the road from the death scene, he was preparing a farm machine for field work and disclaimed knowledge of the violent death of the two men.

Bolyard, a 65-year-old bachelor, had dug the controversial ditch to ease a water disposal problem on his land but the action was not with the approval of the Kehlbecks who saw it as the beginning of an erosion problem on their land. The ditch was approximately six feet wide and five feet deep and extended a distance of some 300 yards. Bolyard had begun the project in the spring and had done the work by hand over the protest of his neighbor.

When the father and son appeared with the scraper to fill the ditch, Bolyard is charged with having shot Fritz Kehlbeck once in the stomach and twice in the head. Larry Kehlbeck was found about a quarter of a mile from his father's body. He had apparently been overtaken and run over by a pick-up truck and then shot in the head.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April1973

Henry Carl Kehlbeck

Henry Carl Kehlbeck, son of Fred and Jesenie Kehlbeck, was born near Dunbar, Nebr., on April 8, 1906. As an infant he was brought to the Lord in Holy Baptism. Later in life as he grew to young manhood, he was instructed in the Christian faith, and on March 27, 1921, he publicly confessed his faith and was confirmed. Through the years he remained a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. He moved with his parents to Bird City in 1910.

On October 2, 1929, he was united in holy matrimony to Ruth Lucille Sawyer. Their; union was blessed with two children, a son Robert and a daughter Deloris. Early in their married life they purchased a farm north of Bird City where they lived for several years. On January 1, 1952, sadness came into their home when they lost their only son. Robert.

In the early 1960's, due to Ruth's failing health, they moved to their home in Bird City where she passed away on January 9, 1965. Death came to Henry unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, April 17, 1973, at the age of 67 years and nine days.

He was preceded in death by his wife, son, mother, a sister, Edna Curry, andhis brothers Fritz and Johnnie. He leaves to mourn in his passing a daughter, Deloris, and her husband, Ralph Kinsley; one granddaughter, Debbie, and her husband, Steve Crosier; father, Fred Kehlbeck; three brothers, Ernest, Alvin and Leonard; three sisters, Adeline, Viola and Bernhardene; many nephews and nieces, together with other relatives and a host of friends.

Services were held at St. John Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 21, 1973, Rev. C. G. Miller in charge, with interment in the Bird City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Don Kehlbeck, Jerry Carmichael, Kenny Peck, Craig Smith, Lynn Glasco and Douglas Peck.—Bird City Times.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1902?

Larry Kehlbeck

A Kansas neighborhood disagreement erupted in violence on Saturday and a well-known Cheyenne county farmer and his son were slain 12 miles south and one-half mile east of Bird City.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1998

Robert Nicholas Kehr

TRENTON– Robert Nicholas Kehr died Wednesday, May 6, 1998, at his home in Trenton, Neb.

Bob was born June 16, 1925, to Nicholas and Julia (Nollette) Kehr at Cambridge. Neb. He graduated from Valentine (Neb.) High School in 1942 and served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during World War II.

Bob was united in marriage to Lona Faye Hoffman at her family ranch on Sept. 26, 1949, by Father Richard DeMeyer. To this union five children were born.

Bob began his career in banking as a cashier with Farmers State Bank in Kilgore, Neb. He and his family later moved to Gordon, Neb., where he was vice president of the Gordon State Bank. and then to Stratton, Neb., where Bob was president of the Commercial Bank. In 1986, Bob and his wife moved to Trenton where he was vice president of the State Bank of Trenton. He retired in December 1995 after 49 years in the banking profession.

Bob was a member of the St. James Catholic Church in Trenton, an active member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Elks Lodge in McCook, Neb.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. brothers James, John and Richard "Dick" and sisters Francis and Irene.

He is survived by his wife, Faye; a son, Jerry, and his wife, Carol, of Lincoln, Neb.; daughters Janet Hart of Boulder, Colo., Joyce and her husband, Bill Majors, of Carter, Okla., Jean and her husband, Ed Reyes, of Gering, Neb.. and Jill and her husband, Jim Urban, of Ellis, Kan.; 11 grandchildren: Stacy Hart-Bell, Matt, Lori and Russell Majors. Jeff and Sara Kehr, Aaron and Sydney Reyes, and Clint, Kyle and Kevin Urban; 2 great-granddaughters: Mara Faye and Riana Nicole Bell; a brother, Donald "Gene" Kehr of North Platte, Neb., and an uncle, Charles Kehr, of McCook.

Bob was an avid golfer and was involved in many community projects. Standing Honor Guard for the Knights of Columbus was one of his strongest commitments. Bob was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Rosary was recited Friday, May 8, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton. Mass of the Resurrection was at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at St. James Church with the Rev. Philip Luther as celebrant. Servers were Clinton and Kyle Urban and Dan Ladenburger was the lector. Offertory was by Stacy and Mara Faye Bell, Russell, Lori and Kevin Majors, Sydney Reyes and Sara Kehr.

Sue Sis was the organist and Susan Ladenburger the soloist. Selections included "Be Not Afraid," "Prayer To St. Francis," "On Eagle's Wings" and "Song Of Farewell."

Bearers were Matthew Majors, Jason Bell, Ed Powers, Jeffrey Kehr, Aaron Reyes and Chuck Sandman. Honorary bearers were Dean Whaley, Verle Carlson, Tom Peddicord, Lester Powers, W.R. Majors, Jack Fuhs, Ray Stehno, Ivan Brunkhorst and Camello Reyes. Attendees were the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Stelleges-Baker Post No. 337.

Interment with military honors by American Legion Leo Brinda Post No. 319 was in St. Mary's Cemetery at Nenzel, Neb.

Jones Funeral Home in Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1989

Iva D. (O’Neall) Keim

Iva D. Keim was born to James M. and Olivia (Williams) O'Neall on April 7, 1910, in Benkelman, Nebraska. She passed away at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, on November 2, 1989, at the age of 79 years, 6 months and 26 days.

She was united in marriage to Leonard T. Keim on April 25, 1935, in St. Francis, Kansas. To this union, one daughter was born, Betty Sis of Max, Nebraska. Leonard and Iva farmed north of Benkelman until Leonard's death in 1957.

Iva moved into Benkelman and worked at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home as an aide for more than 18 years. After retiring, she enjoyed working in her yard and sharing her garden produce with her neighbors and friends.

Her seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandson, Steve Sis; one great-grandson, Cody Sis; sisters, Eleanor Cantin and Lila Dunn, and brothers-in-law, Harry Cantin and Forrest Scrivner.

She is survived by her daughter, Betty Sis, and her husband, Jim, of Max. Also surviving are granddaughters, Vicki Garretson, Kristine Van Winkle and her husband, Scott, Cindy Einspahr and her husband, Rick, and Stephanie Williams and her husband. Randy; grandsons, Kevin Sis and Shane Sis; great-grandchildren, Travis and Misty Garretson, Lucas, Nicholas, Lance, Cole and Jordan Van Winkle, Jennifer, Rogan and Kayla Einspahr, Kelsie Sis, Jared Sis and Mallory and Sydney Williams; her sister, Lenna Scrivner, and a niece and her husband, Wilma and John Wilkens.

Wake services were Sunday, November 5, 1989, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benkelman at 7 p.m.

Mass of the Resurrection was Monday, November 6, 1989, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Richard Deonise, celebrant.

Judy Owens was the organist, Joya Neville flutist and St. Joseph's Choir sang "Be Not Afraid."

Bearers were Shane Sis, Kevin Sis, Randy Williams, Rick Einspahr, Scott Van Winkle, Brent Garretson, Al Reining and Edmund Stehno.

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

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1974

Albert John Keiser

Albert J. Keiser of Omaha, Nebraska passed away Sunday, September 15 at the Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. Prayer services were held at the Crosby, Kunold, Dirket Mortuary Tuesday evening. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church and burial was at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Those attending from the Benkelman area were Miss Helen Damrow, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Damrow, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Damrow, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Brunkhorst, Mrs. Ida Bartels of Wauneta, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Damrow and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bartels of Enders, Mr. and Mrs. Al Harder of McCook, Mrs. Linda Keiser Rietsch of Wauneta, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brunkhorst of Enders, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McBride of McCook, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Keiser and son of Stratton and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Keiser and daughter of Enders.

Albert is survived by his wife, Fern, and daughter, Shirley, husband Kenneth Peterson and two daughters of Elgin, Illinois, son Ron Keiser and wife Rita and two daughters of Omaha, son John, wife and two daughters of Des Moines, Iowa.

The Benkelrnan relatives all returned on Wednesday evening

Albert John Keiser of 2130 So. 80th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska, was born November 28, 1914 and passed away on September 15, 1974. He spent his childhood in Ough Precinct and graduated from the Benkelman High School in 1933 and from the UnivetsIty of Nebraska with a degree in Business Administration.

He was united in marriage to Fern G. Damrow and this union was blessed with three children, Mrs. Ken (Shirley) Peterson of Elgin, Illinois, Ronald G. of Omaha and John L. of Des Moines, Iowa who with the widow survive him.

He also leaves six granddaughters, Denise and Dianne Peterson, Michelle and Kathryn Keiser and Amanda and Kamera Keiser; two brothers, Raymond of Stratton, Elmer of Enders; and three sisters, Mrs. Linda Rietsch of Wauneta, Mrs. Leta Brunkhorst of Enders and Mrs. Alma McBride of McCook. Three brothers preceded him in death, one in infancy, Edwin in 1930 and William in 1968.

Albert, with his family, made their home in Omaha. He was associated with an accounting firm in Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa and was a past president of the Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants. He was a member of First Lutheran Church where he held various offices.

Services were held on Wednesday morning, September 18th and burial was at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials have been established to Your Hour with God or American Lung Association of Nebraska.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, January 22, 2008

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Aug. 28, 1926-Jan. 18, 2008

ENDERS -- Elmer Keiser, 81, died Friday (Jan. 18, 2008), at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

He was born Aug. 28, 1926, in rural Dundy County to John and Mary (Haarberg) Keiser. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School, Ough School and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1944. He was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Sept. 18, 1926, and confirmed April 21, 1940.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving during the Korean Conflict.

He returned to the farm where he was born and, on Feb. 20, 1955, married Edna Legg. They farmed and ranched until his death.

He held several offices at St. Paul's Lutheran Church during his membership there. He also served on local co-op boards, first at Enders and then at Wauneta Equity. He most recently served on the First State Bank board, retiring at the end of 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albert John in infancy, William, Albert, Raymond and Edison; and sisters, Alma McBride and Linda Rietsch.

Survivors include his wife, Edna of Enders; sons, Rodney Keiser of Enders and Richard Keiser and wife, Janet of Wauneta; daughter, Marcia Comly and husband Richard of Boulder, Colo.; sister, Leta Brunkhorst of Wauneta; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wilma Keiser of Stratton, Elma Hinde of Otis, Colo., Wilma Parsons of Lafayette, Colo., Vera Eliot of Bellflower, Calif., Howard and Lorena Legg of Grand Island, Marjy Legg of Crete and Sharlene Legg of Haxtun, Colo.,; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services were today at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Wauneta, with the Rev. Keith Wellman officiating. Interment followed at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December1992

Fern G. Keiser

OMAHA– Fern G. Keiser, 72, was born February 6, 1920, in Benkelman, Nebraska, and died Sunday, November 22, 1992, in Omaha, Nebraska.

She is survived by a daughter, Shirley. and her husband, Kenneth Peterson of Hampshire, Illinois; two sons, John Keiser of Houston, Texas, and Ronald Keiser and his wife, Rita of Omaha; two sisters, Ida Bartels of Wauneta, Nebraska, and Erma Harder of McCook, Nebraska; seven granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held Wednesday, November 25, 1992, at 2:30 p.m. at Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha. Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha. Crosby, Kunold, Burket, Swanson Golden Funeral Chapels was in charge of arrangements.

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

John Keiser

John Keiser, pioneer Stratton business man and farmer, passed away at the family home in that city Sunday morning two weeks after being stricken with a stroke of paralysis. Mrs. Keiser, mother of George Burchell, the family doctor and Miss Helen Burchell who had come from Omaha to help assist in his care, were at his bedside when he passed away.

Mr. Keiser came to Nebraska in 1885 to homestead near Stratton. He engaged in both farming and livestock operations and was well known throughout this area as a livestock buyer and feeder. Later he sold machinery and insurance but of later years he was more or less retired devoting most of his time to affairs of his farm and his home in Stratton.

He was 77 years of age and a very respected and valued citizen.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1976

Raymond Henry Keiser

Raymond Henry Keiser of rural Station was born to John and Mary (Haarberg) Keiser near Enders on June 6, 1916. He passed away of a heart attack at home on November 15, 1976 at the age of 60 years, 5 months and 9 days.

On January 28, 1945 he was united in marriage to Wilma Harrison at Atwood, Kansas. To this union one son, Lynn was born who, with the widow, survive him.

He also leaves one brother, Elmer and his wife Edna of Enders, and three sisters; Mrs. Joe (Linda) Rietsch of Wauneta, Mrs. Henry (Leta) Brunkhorst of Enders and Mrs. W. E. (Alma) McBride of McCook.

Preceding him in death were his parents and fou. brothers, one in infancy, Edwin in 1930, William in 1958, and Albert in 1474.

Raymond was baptized as a child in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of rural Wauneta where he was still a member. He served as an elder of the church and was an officer of the S.W.C.D. and together with his family were awarded the Dundy County S.W.C.D. Conservation award in 1971. He also served on the A.S.C.S. committee. He was a member of the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association; Nebraska Stockmans Association, American Breeders Association and the Farm Bureau.

Services were held on November 18, 1976 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and burial was in the Stratton Cemetery.

Pall Bearers were Henry Krug, Jr., Arwyn West, Marlin Fortkamp, Andy Brunkhorst, Emerson Schwenk and Art Fortkamp. Honorary bearer was Henry Krug, Sr.

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

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1977

Johanna Louise (Lempke) Keller

Johanna Louise Keller, daughter of Carl Lempke and Emillie (nee Brundt), was born December 9, 1890 in Cheyenne County, Kansas. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith February 12, 1891 and confirmed her beliefs April 16, 1905 at St. Francis, Kansas. She was united in marriage to Reinholdt Keller September 13, 1915 in Cheyenne County. At the time of her death she was residing in Haigler, Nebraska and was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church.

Anna was suddenly relieved of her earthly suffering October 13, 1977. Despite failing health for several years, she remained cheerful and expressed her gratitude to all who visited her. Her deep love of God, unyielding faithfulness to her church, and continual Christian life will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reinholdt; parents, Carl and Emillie Lempke; two sisters, an infant and Tillie; and four brothers, Carl, Fred, Martin, and George.

Mourning her departure are: three daughters, Sophia Zuege and husband Albert of Haigler, Edna Ellis and husband Howard of Castle Rock, Colorado, Irene Blacker and husband Raymond of Castle Rock; one son, Martin and wife Eleanor of Castle Rock; one sister, Sophia Samler of St. Francis, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Lydia Keller of Lodi, California; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Anna attained the age of 87 years, 10 months, and 13 days.

Services for Anna were held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Haigler, Nebraska on Oct. 17, 1977 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Emery Petersen officiating. Organist Mrs. Kaye Kamla accompanied the Zion Luther Trio (Mrs. Linda Morris, Mrs. Debbie Webster and Mrs. Cindy Haskel).

Pallbearers were Melvin Crouse, Bert Raile, Carl Samler, Albert Keller, Eldon Keller, Alfred Keller.

Interment was at the Haigler Cemetery with Spellman Funeral Home, Wray, Colorado in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1986

Lydia (Stickel) Keller

Lydia Keller, 87 , of Lodi, California, died Thursday, January 9, 1986, in a Lodi hospital following a lengthy illness.

She was born in Russia and came to America with her parents in 1911.

The family settled in Twin Falls, Idaho.

In 1918, she married Jacob Keller in Jale, Idaho, and they moved north of St. Francis, Kansas, two years later.

Mr. Keller died in 1942. Two years later, Lydia moved to Lodi, California.

Lydia enjoyed traveling, fishing, sewing and painting.

She was a member of The Redeemer Lutheran Church of Lodi, California, and also Herman Sons and Sisters Lodge No. 31. She was president of that organization in 1958.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Dale (Elsa) Potter of Stratton, Nebraska, and Mrs. Frank (Esther) Callahan of Lodi, California; one son, Arnold Keller, and wife. Alice, of Rancho Cordova, California a sister, Rosalie Beglar of Willits, California; nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Lydia was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosina Christina Keller; a son, Roland Jacob Keller; three brothers, Henery Stickel, Reinhold Stickel and Jacob Stickel, and her parents, Jacob and Christina Stickel.

Services were held at 2:30 p.m. January 13, 1986, in the Lodi Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eugene Kreutz of The Redeemer Lutheran Church officiating.

Songs by Aimee Mittieder were "Just As I Am" and "Rock Of Ages."

The organist was Eileen Woods. The pallbearers were grandsons Michael Callahan, Allen Keller, Tom Burlington, Alex Keller, Charles Vega and Randy Potter.

Interment was at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi, California.

(Researcher note: Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home records show a birth date of 8-24-1899 and a death date of 1-9-1986. She is buried in Garden of Gospels Block 3433 space 5.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1984

Martin Carl Keller

Martin Carl Keller was born October 5, 1920, at St. Francis, Kansas, to Reinholdt and Anna J. (Lempke) Keller and departed this life on May 11, 1984, at Dundy County Hospital at the age of 63 years, seven months and six days.

Martin's childhood days were spent south of Haigler on his parent's farm. Martin was baptized and confirmed in the Emanuel Lutheran Church south of Haigler.

Martin entered the United States Army September 21, 1942. During World War II he served in Italy in the 1205th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, FAME Theater Ribbon and the Bronze Service Star. Martin was discharged December 15, 1944.

Martin was united in marriage to Eleanor Lewis on September 26, 1959, at Brighton, Colorado. Martin and Eleanor started their married life in Morrison, Colorado, and they resided there until Martin's retirement in 1981, at which time they moved to Haigler, Nebraska; and have been members of Zion Lutheran Church since then.

Martin was a happy, fun-loving person loved by all who knew him, and a willing worker for anyone in the community who needed him.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents.

Martin is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Haigler; daughters Linda Castor and husband Bill of Alto, New Mexico, and Gloria Keller of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Brian and Karla of Alto, New Mexico, and Denise and Jeffery Hall of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sisters, Sophia Zuege, and husband, Albert, of Haigler, Edna Ellis of Haigler, and Irene Blacker and husband, Raymond, of Castle Rock, Colorado, and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Services were conducted on Monday, May 14, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler. Pastor Elliott Anderson officiated the service.

Kaye Kamla provided organ music as the quartet, Deb Webster, Dana Webster, Linda Morris and Cindy Haskell, sang "Nearer My God To Thee" and "Whispering Hope."

Bearers were Albert Zuege, Jr., Kurt Zuege, Donald Blacker, Alfred Zuege, Richard Blacker and Thad Ellis. Honorary bearers were Charles Benson, Donald Webster, Robert Schorzman, Edward Brunswig, Delbert Myers, Calvin I. Freehling, Billy Sander and Marion Douglass.

Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery.

A committal service was conducted by the Haigler Legion Post No. 134.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1971

Reinhold Keller

Reinhold Keller, a son of John and Rosina Wagner Keller, was born April 22, 1889, at Sarata Airipia South Russia. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church May 7, 1889.

Nearly eighteen years of age he immigrated to the United States from Hamburg Germany. March 10, 1907.

After leaving New York, he went to Cheyenne County. Kansas where he homesteaded. He sold his homestead a short time later and moved to Fort Morgan, Colorado, where he was employed on a farm. He resided there for three years and then returned to Cheyenne County where he and his brother, Bill, farmed together. It was during, this period that he became a citizen of the United States of America on December 2, 1913.

On September 3, 1915. he was united in marriage to Anna Lemke. To this union four children, Sophia Pauline, Martin Carl, Edna Emilia, and Irene Helen were born.

In 1947, the family moved to Haigler, Nebraska. On August 23, 1970, their children entertained many relatives and friends in honor of their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. He resided at Haigler until his death on December 28, 1970, at the age of 81 years, eight months, and six days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Lizzie, four brothers, Carl, Jake. Bill and John.

He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife, Anna; their four children, Sophia and husband, Albert, Martin and wife, Eleanor, Edna and husband, Howard, and Irene and husband, Raymond, all of Castle Rock, Colorado. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A kind and generous man, he was loved by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held at Zion Lutheran Church at Haigler, Nebraska, Wednesday, December 30, 1970, at 2:00 o'clock with Rev. Alvin Danielson. Organist, Mrs. Betty Jean Orth. Singers were Mrs. Virginia Danielson and Mrs. Verna Mae Dunn. Casket bearers were Albert Keller, Ed Keller. Robert Keller, Elton Keller. Raymond Keller and Alfred Keller. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery with Lockwood Funeral Home of Wray, Colorado, in .charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1979

Sarah Ellen (Jones) Kelley

NORCATUR — Sarah Ellen Kelley, daughter of John K. and Nancy Tolle Jones, was born Feb. 25, 1890 on a farm northwest of Norcatur. She died July 15, 1979 at the Norton County Hospital at the age of 89. She grew up near Norcatur and attended the Lyle and Prairie View rural grade schools.

On Dec. 25, 1914 she was married to Archie H. Kelley and they lived on a farm northwest of Norcatur until moving into town in 1950.

Three children were born to them, Dale, Nila and Doris. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1964. Mr. Kelley died in April 1965. Mrs. Kelley lived in Norcatur until 1972 when she moved to the Andbe Home in Norton. She was a member of the United Brethren Church and Sunday School until transferring her membership to the Norcatur United Methodist Church, a member of the Norcatur Quilting Club and the Prairie View Club.

Survivors are two daughters, Doris Klingensmith of Denver, and Nila Murrain of McCook; one son, Dale of Norcatur; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Rena Wycoff of Norcatur. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Oscar A. Jones.

Services were held July 18 at the United Methodist Church, Norcatur, with the Rev. Jack Callaway officiating. Interment was in the Norcatur Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1965

Effie Rose Kelley

The following item was taken from the Denver Post and will be of interest to many of our Haigler readers as the Kelleys were long-time residents of this community:

Funeral services for Mrs. Effie Rose Kelley were held at 3 p.m. Friday, October 8, 1965, in Olinger Mortuary, Speer Blvd. Burial was in Fairmount. Mrs. Kelley, who lived at 4125 Batavia Pl., died Wednesday in LaJunta. She was 78.

Born in Norcatur, Kansas, on December 20, 1886, she moved with her family as a child to Oxford, Nebr.

She married Winfred J. Kelley in Red Cloud, Nebr., on January 1, 1908. They lived at Haigler, Nebr., a number of years where Kelley was Burlington Railroad station agent. Kelley retired in 1951 in Hudson, Colo., and they moved to Denver.

Mrs. Kelley was a member of Park Hill O.E.S., Chapter 109.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three daughters,Mrs. Marguerite Lyman of Wray, Mrs. Winifred Wold of Denver and Mrs. Walter Lake of LaJunta; a sister, Mrs. Rhoda Ankers of Torrance, Calif.; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1981

Ervin L. Kelley

Services were held Friday Oct. 23 in Ogallala, Neb. for Ervin L. Kelley, 61, a resident of Ogallala the past 43 years. Mr. Kelley died Monday evening, Oct. 19, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

He was born March 30, 1920 in Mitchell, Neb., where he received his early schooling. His parents moved to Exira, Iowa where he continued his schooling. In 1938 he moved to Ogallala and on Jan. 24, 1940 he married Iva Rathbun. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944-1946.

Mr. Kelly was a member of Keith County V.F.W Post 3755 and attended the Berean Fundamental Church. For 18 years he owned and operated the Kelley Sanitation Service at Ogallala. Later, he worked for the county. He was preceded in death by a son, Lloyd.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Iva, include three sons, Ervin of Paxton, Omer of Ogallala and Larry of Hastings. Five sisters, Mrs. Wayne (Thelma) Markel of Calif., Mrs. Millie Brown of Part Hueneme, Calif., Mrs. Dorothy Rathbun, Haigler, Mrs. Rosella Richler, Mitchell, Neb., Mrs. Berniece Mallett, Oklahoma City, Okla. One brother, Herbert of Jamestown, Calif., eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held Friday, Oct. 23, at 9:00 a.m. at the Berean Fundamental Church with Rev. Phil Ewert officiating. Burial was in the Ogallala Cemetery with Keith County VFW Post 3755 conducting graveside military honors. He was a loving, caring husband, father and brother.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1987

Marion A. (Greene) Kellogg

Marion A. (Greene) Kellogg, 81, of Grants Pass, Oregon, died April 1, 1987, of a heart attack in Long Beach, California.

Services were held April 6, 1987, at Lundberg's Funeral Home in Grants Pass where her son-in-law. Steve Hooey, and son, Pat Kellogg, were in charge of the service and grandchildren Kim Sorsby and Wade Hooey sang "The Old Rugged Cross."

Casket bearers were grandsons. Interment was at Mount Shasta Memorial Cemetery in Mount Shasta, California, next to her son, Charles.

She was born September 29, 1905, in Hiawatha, Nebraska. In 1928, she married Arlo Kellogg, who preceded her in death in Imperial, Nebraska. They moved to Cave Junction, Oregon, in 1951 until 1960, when she moved to Grants Pass. There she worked at the Travel Lodge Motel for several years and was an active member of the Grants Pass Eagles Auxiliary.

Survivors include daughters, Anne Brown of Soloman, Kansas, Vera Taibi of Acton, California, and Myrna Hooey of Cave Junction; a son, Pat Kellogg of Grants Pass; a brother, Joe Greene Sr. of Imperial; sisters, Lorraine Thurley of Long Beach, California, Helen McLaughlin of Carpenteria, California, and Frances Erickson of Fort Morgan, Colorado; 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Jimmy Don and Charles Arlo Kellogg.

Those wishing to write the family: Myrna Hooey, 1011 Happy Camp Road, Cave Junction, OR 97523.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1993

Laura Ellen (Overhowser) Kellogg

TRENTON--Laura Ellen Kellogg, 94, died Friday, April 9, 1993, at El Dorado Manor Nursing Home in Trenton, Nebraska. She was born August 14, 1898, in Hendley, Nebraska, to William Samuel and Mary (Higgens) Overhowser.

She married Scott Kellogg on December 25, 1927.

Fondly known as "Dot" to friends and relatives, she is survived by her daughter, Bette Sis, of Stratton, Nebraska, and eight grandchildren: Jenifer, Gayle, Marc, Jill, Tim, Betsy, Sheila and Patrick; eight great-grandchildren and one sister, Bernice Barnes, of Bertrand, Nebraska.

Preceding her in death were her parents, five brothers, six sisters and a son-in-law, Robert Sis.

Services were held Tuesday, April 13, 1993, at 11 a. m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Stratton with the Rev. Steve Major officiating. Organist was Sue Sis and Susan Ladenburger sang "Amazing Grace" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Bearers were Tim Sis, Patrick Sis, Marc Sis, Eddie Sis, Billy Oswald and Leo Overhowser Jr.

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

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1981

Lillian Kellogg

Mrs. Hazel Ham received a letter from Mrs. James Argentos of Los Angeles with information on the death of Mrs. Lillian Kellogg on May 22, 1981 at the age of 82 years.

Chet and Lillian Kellogg were Benkelman residents from 1937 to 1939. During that period, Chet was manager of the Kellogg Train Co.

Upon leaving Benkelman, he bought an elevator in Alliance, Neb. and lived there until his death. Mrs. Kellogg then moved to Los Angeles where she has been living with her daughter, Patty.

Lillian was buried at Alliance, Neb.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1984?

Scott C. Kellogg

Scott C. Kellogg died April 3 in Sunrise Hospital at Las Vegas, Nevada. He was 80 years of age.

Mr. Kellogg was born July 27, 1904, at Hendley, Nebraska, to the late Charles and Lou (Scott) Kellogg. He married Laura Duerhalsen in Beaver City, Nebraska. To this union, a daughter, Bette, was born.

Scott was a Chevrolet dealer in Stratton, Nebraska, for many years. He also had a business in Palisade and Elsie He had resided in Las Vegas the past 12 years.

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

Survivors include his daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sis of Stratton, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a sister, Katherine May of Sutton, Nebraska.

Cremation was in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Inurnment services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery of Stratton, Nebraska, at a later date.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1989

Marthalene (Selby) Kelly

Marthalene (Selby) Kelly was born January 13, 1922, at a farm north of Max, Nebraska, and died on January 6, 1989, at her home in Denver, Colorado.

She graduated from high school in Max in 1939 and attended college in Kearney, Nebraska.

She taught one year in a rural school north of Parks, Nebraska, then joined her parents and brother who had moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1940.

She worked in defense plants during World War II and in 1948 was married to M. Wayne Kelly, who was in the Air Force, where he was stationed in several locations in the U.S. and Europe.

After his retirement from the service, they returned to Denver where she went to work for Kistler Graphics in 1964, retiring in 1987.

Her beloved husband died in April 1972, at the age of 46.

Those surviving her are her parents, Willis and Mabel (Updike) Selby of Denver, a brother and his wife, Vern and Mary Ann Selby of Littleton, a son and his wife, Robert and Beverly Kelly of La Habra, California, another son, Richard Kelly of Fruita, Colorado, a daughter, Vicki Cook of Fruita, and five grandsons, Sean, Pat, Steve, Bill and Brent.

Graveside services were conducted by the Rev. "Sam" Bates on Wednesday. January 11, 1989, and burial was in the Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, May 1972?

Maurice Wayne Kelly

Maurice Wayne Kelly, 47, of 1365 South Alcott Street, Denver, passed away from a heart attack on Friday, April 28th.

He was the husband of the former Marthalene Selby, father of Robert, Vicki and Richard; also son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Selby, one-time Max and Dundy county residents, who have lived in Denver for a number of years.

"Kelly", as he was affectionately called by his many friends, was retired from the Air Force after 23 years of active service. He served in both World War Two and the Korean War and was working for Ward Transport Company at the time of his death.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 3rd at Howard Memorial Chapel, followed by full military and Masonic rites. Burial was in Fort Logan National cemetery in Denver.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1991

Gertrude Mary (Hinz) Kentopp

BENKELMAN--Gertrude M. Kentopp was born April 29, 1915, at McCook, Nebraska, and died July 9, 1991, at Walker Post Manor in Oxford, Nebraska.

A memorial service was held Saturday, August 31, 1991, at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with Don Egle officiating.

Organist was Beth Kollmorgen, and Susan Craw and Rod Gerdes sang "In The Garden" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Committal was by Sheba Rebekah Lodge No. 321 of Benkelman with inurnment in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Gertrude attended schools in the McCook and Indianola, Nebraska. areas.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church at the age of 12. She was a member of the Sheba Rebekah Lodge #321 for many years.

Gertrude was selected as “The Gazette Mother of the Year" in 1958. The nomination came from her daughter, Fern. She was the recipient of the "Good Guy Award" in Benkelman for which she was very worthy because if anyone needed anything, all they had to do was ask and she would do anything in her power to give a helping hand.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emilie Hinz; her son, Brian; her husband, Harry; her daughter, Fern; three sisters, Bertha, Meta and Laura; one brother, Harold, and a great-granddaughter, Bridgett Kentopp.

Survivors include her children, AnnaBell Craw of Stratton, Nebraska, Thelma Downing of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Bill Kentopp of Cambridge, Nebraska, Joan Child of Westminster, Colorado, and Mary Ann Craig of Hays, Kansas, along with their spouses; four sisters, Olga Klein of McCook, Hilda Helling of San Fernando, California, Margaret Van Gorder of Fort Morgan and WillaBelle Shank of Salt Lake City, Utah; 21 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The most important treasures she had were her family, her many friends, her flower and vegetable gardens and the joy she received from sharing them.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1985

Milton E. Kentopp

Milton E. Kentopp, son of John and Ruth (Clark) Kentopp, was born November 16, 1914, in Falls City, Nebraska, and passed away at Thornton, Colorado, on June 4, 1985.

He married Elsie Gerdes on November 26, 1936, at McCook. He grew to manhood at Max and served with the C.C.C.'s.

In later years, he was second cook at Denver General Hospital for 10 years. He then worked for Jefferson County Pre-Mix until 1956.

Milton and Elsie had four children, Frederick, Sherron, Marlin and Dennis.

Milt lived in Waco, Texas, for several years. Due to ill health, he returned to Thornton, Colorado, to make his home with his daughter, Sherron.

Survivors are one daughter, Sherron, and husband, Mike of Thornton, Colorado; sons, Marlin of Novato, California Dennis of Montrose, Colorado; four sisters, Mrs. Dale Campbell (Helen) ) of Gualala, California, Mrs. Wayne Cool (Dorothy) of North Platte, Mary Lunberry of Red Bluff, California, and Mrs. Kathryn Ballinger of Glendale, Arizona; two brothers, John of Sacramento, California, and George of Elk Grove, California; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Gertrude Kentopp of Benkelman; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, second wife, Lucille, a son, Frederick, a sister, Mabel, and a brother, Harry Kentopp.

Graveside inurnment services were held at the Benkelman Cemetery on Thursday, June 6, 1985, at 2 p.m. Pastor Earl Martell officiated.

Mrs. Bill (Neala) Carmichael of Sterling, Colorado, sang "The Old Rugged Cross."

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1989

Mildred L. (Lytle) Kephart

Mildred L. Kephart was born on November 26, 1906, at Orleans, Nebraska, to Vance and Blanche (Arnold) Lytle. She passed from this life on September 10, 1989, at the Ft. Morgan Hospital in Ft. Morgan, Colorado, due to complications from an illness at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 15 days.

When she was four years old, her parents moved to a farm north of Imperial, Nebraska, where she lived until she married Samuel Kuhns on July 8, 1925, at Holyoke, Colorado. To this union were born seven children, three sons and four daughters.

She was later married to Ralph Kephart on April 17, 1948, at Wray, Colorado.

Mildred lived on a farm until 1959 when she moved to Ft. Morgan where she was able to care for herself until the last few weeks of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands and two grandchildren, Willie Kuhns and Tommy Hanes.

She leaves to mourn her passing her children, Gerrald Kuhns of Parks, Dale Kuhns and wife, Mary, of Napa, California, Sammy and wife, Eva, of Sterling, Colorado, Nina Oakley and husband, Clarence, of Benkelman, Barbara Hanes of Blue Hill, Nebraska, Dorris Biggs of Kelleen, Texas, and Betty Campbell and husband, Robert, of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; 29 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Eddie Lytle, and wife, Esther, of Palisade, Nebraska; one sister, Eva Douglas, and husband, Bill, of Denver. Colorado; and a host of relatives, neighbors and friends.

Services were held Wednesday, September 13, 1989, at 2 p.m. (MDT) at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Vernon Whetstone officiating.

Soloist Samantha Howsden sang “The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference" and “One Day At A Time" accompanied by Mary Baney on the organ.

Bearers were Tim Hanes, Jim Hanes, Doug Baney, Mark Hanes, Dennis Hanes and Jerry Hanes.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1981

Earl Kephart

Earl Kephart, 75, of Carthage, Mo., passed away Sept. 13. This word was received by the Herb Talmons.

Earl was born and raised in this area. He and wife, Rosalee, lived at the south edge of this community. They then moved to Carthage but returned for visits here. They have 2 children, also 3 grandchildren.

Pansy states this is the last of the Kephart brothers to retire from this earth. However, a nephew, Bill Kephart lives in St. Francis. He is the son of Bill and Harriet (Thacker) Kephart. Harriet, now of Calif., visited Bill and Pansy and other relatives recently.

Mrs. Earl Kephart’s address is 1705 Uni-Vista, Carthage, Mo. 64836.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1980

Jack Lloyd Kephart

Jack Lloyd Kephart was born Oct. 14, 1912 in Cheyenne County, Kansas and grew to manhood in Cheyenne County and Dundy County, Nebraska. He passed away Sept. 26, 1980 at a Fresno, California hospital after a long illness.

He was a reident of Madera, CA for 20 years.

Jack, the son of James W. and Clara Kephart, of the South Fork Community moved to California in the spring of 1937.

He was a welder on highway construction and a farmer at Madera, CA.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and six brothers, and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, of Madera, CA; one son, Ralph of Madera; two daughters, Donna Murch, Los Angeles and Nancy Holub, Dallas TX; seven grandchildren; one brother, Earl Kephart of Carthage, MO; one sister, Pansy Talmon of Benkelman, NE.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30, 1980 in the Arbor Vital Cemetery of Madera, CA with Rev. James L. Kephart officiating. Jay Chapel was in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1950

James Leon "Bill" Kephart

Bill Kephart, a native of the South Fork and a Cheyenne county farmer until March, 1942, succumbed to a heart attack at his Button Willow, California, home on April 11th. Mr. Kephart had returned home from work that evening, complained to his wife that he was feeling bad and asked her to call a doctor. Mrs. Kephart complied with his request and after completing the call, returned to his side and found him dead. Bill was 40 years of age at the time of his passing.

Mrs. Clara Magnani, his mother; Ralph Kephart, his brother; Mr. and Mrs. Flacker of Wheeler, Mrs. Kephart's parents, and Mr. and Mrs. Chase Dunn of St. Francis attended the funeral services at Button Willow on Saturday, April 15th. Mrs. Magnani traveled to that point by airplane, leaving Benkelman April 13th, boarding an airliner at Denver, and returned to Benkelman last Saturday. Ralph Kephart and the balance of the party made the trip by auto. Mr. and Mrs. Flacker plan to make an indefinite visit with their daughter and family.

Funeral services were held at the Flickinger Mortuary in Button Willow on Saturday, April 15th, at 2 p. m. with Rev. W. H. Hughey officiating. Interment was in the Greenwood Memorial Park there.

James Leon "Bill" Kephart was born in Cheyenne county, Kansas, on January 21, 1910, the son of James and Clara Kephart, and died at his home in Button Willow, California, on April 11, 1950, at the age of 40 years, two months and ten days.

He spent his early life and attended the rural schools in the South Fork community and helped his mother farm the home place there. Later he farmer near St. Francis until he moved to California in 1942.

On January 6, 1931, he was united in marriage to Harriett Flacker of Wheeler, Kansas. To this union four children were born, three sons and one daughter.

Retiring from the farm in March of 1942, Mr. Kephart and his family moved to California where he operated an auto repair shop in Button Willow for four years. He sold his repair shop there in 1946 and had since been employed with a construction company. Two years ago he discovered that he had developed a heart ailment but continued his work. On April 11, he suffered his first and fatal attack.

Although far away from his family, made frequent trips back to native county, Mr. Kephart and their old home. Their most recent trip to this section was in December, 1949, when they spent the Christmas holidays with home folks.

His survivors include his wife, Harriett; three sons, James, 18; Billy, 16; Johnny, 14 and one daughter-in-law, all of Button Willow; his mother, Mrs. Clara Magnani of Benkelman; five brothers, Ralph of Eckley, Colorado; Clarence of Button Willow; Louis and Jack or Bakersfield, Calif., and Earl of Opolis, Kansas; one sister, Mrs. Tom Edwards of Benkelman and one-half sister, Mrs. Pansy Talmon of Benkelman, several nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Jane, and his father, James

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Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, September 1, 2006

Frona L. Kerchal

Friday, September 1, 2006

Feb. 28, 1920-Aug. 29, 2006

BENKELMAN -- Frona L. Kerchal, 86, died Tuesday, (Aug. 29, 2006) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

She was born Feb. 28, 1920, to Frank and Mable (Hartzer) Taylor on their farm near Wauneta. She was a member of the graduating class of Wauneta High School in 1938. She was the eldest of three children, and in the 9th grade, she went to stay with her grandmother Hartzer during the school year in order to be able to attend high school. Her first paying job started at the same time.

On June 24, 1939, she married Leonard E. Kerchal at Imperial and they moved to their farm northeast of Grainton, where they resided for 41 years. In the mid '70s they moved to Benkelman where she and her sister Anita owned and operated F & A Liquor. She also assisted Leonard in his business. In 1994, after suffering a stroke, she moved to the Hester Home where she resided until her death.

She was a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mable Taylor; a brother, Jim; and grandson, Kelly Kerchal.

Survivors include her husband, Leonard Kerchal; her children, Kent Kerchal and wife, Karen, Kay Brey and husband, Gordon, Rodney Kerchal and wife, Darla; sister, Anita Reade and husband, Bill; 16 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Saturday, 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name to the Benkelman United Methodist Church or to the Hester Home also of Benkelman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1989

Olga “Opal” Cecelia (Vlasin) Kerchal

Olga “Opal” Cecelia Vlasin Kerchal departed this life on January 3, 1989, at the Heritage Home of Wauneta, Nebraska, at the age of 93 years and three days.

She was born on January 1, 1896, to Joseph and Antonia (Kudrna) Vlasin in Zahradka, Moravia, Czechoslovakia. At the age of 12 years in 1908, she came by ship to New York and then by train on to Nebraska with her parents, three sisters and four brothers to make their home in the New Country of the United States.

In Nebraska, her family settled in Chase County where Olga continued her education at the Hazeldell School.

In her young days, she was always busy helping her parents, family and friends in any willing way she could with household duties and cooking.

On July 6, 1915, Olga married Joseph Ignac Kerchal. They lived all their married life on a farm 13 miles north of Wauneta. The farm had been homesteaded by her husband's father. She was a devoted wife and a loving and caring mother. She truly enjoyed living on the farm and enjoyed the country life of raising their children here and watching them grow to adulthood.

Olga and Joseph were blessed with three daughters. Eva A. Polly, Ramona J. Nordhausen and Olga J. Vicary and three sons, Leonard E. Kerchal, Virgil C. Kerchal and William K. Kerchal.

Joseph preceded Olga in death on March 25, 1959. After his death, Olga continued to live on the farm for a while before purchasing a home in Wauneta where she resided until the last year of her life, where she resided at the Heritage Home of Wauneta.

Olga enjoyed God's beauty in nature with a special love of gardening. She had many hobbies and interests with her favorites being crocheting and cooking.

She was a faithful member and supporter of the St. John's Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Society. She was also a member of many other clubs which she enjoyed by being with her friends and neighbors.

Olga's greatest pleasure was having family and friends stop in and share the abundance of good food and things she always had in her kitchen.

She will be dearly missed by all those she leaves to mourn her passing.

Olga was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents; two sisters, Justina Harkey and Marie Osmera; and four brothers, John Vlasin, Joseph Vlasin, August Vlasin and Frank Vlasin.

She is survived by her three daughters and three sons, Eva A. and her husband Russell E. Polly, Leonard E. and his wife Frona Kerchal, Virgil C. and his wife Frances Kerchal, William Keith and his wife Nona Kerchal, Ramona J. Nordhausen and Olga JoAnn and her husband Robert M. Vicary; one sister, Agnes Burham; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Rosary was recited Thursday, January 5, at 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church of Wauneta.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., January 6, 1989, at St. John's Catholic Church with Monsignor Jerome Murray officiating at all the services.

Music was provided by organist, Mrs. Kenneth Smith, who accompanied vocalists, Vesta Dack and Kenneth Smith.

The song selections were “The Old Rugged Cross," "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden."

Escorts were her grandsons, Rodney Kerchal, Kenneth Kerchal, Kevin Kerchal, Lloyd Kerchal and her grandsons-in-law, Garry Wallin and Dennis Pfeiffer.

Interment was at Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta.

At the burial service, Monsignor Jerome Murray read a poem entitled "Precious Grandmother" contributed by her granddaughter, Patricia Wallin.

Creveling Funeral Home of Wauneta, was in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1981

Kelly Kent Kerchal

Services were held Tuesday. August 11, 1981, for 23-year-old Kelly Kent Kerchal, who died Saturday, August 8, as the result of a shooting accident

Kafty was the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Don Thompson of Ogallala and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Kerchal of Benkelman.

He was assisting in the breaking up of an argument when the shooting occurred at Cut Bank, Mont. He was not the intended victim, according to witnesses.

Services were held Tuesday at the Lutheran Church in Malta, Mont., with the Rev. Paul Johnston officiating.

Burial was in the Highland Cemetery at Glasgow, Mont.

He was born June 30, 1958, in Grant, Nebraska. He was the son of Beverly Hartsock of

Glasgow, Mont., and Kent Kerchal of Sioux City.

He moved to Montana from Nebraska in 1974 and worked for the Enopco Oil Co. out of Billings, Mont.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, survivors include one brother, Todd Kerchal of San Diego and one sister. Melissa Kerchal of Glasgow and his great grandmother, Mrs. Opal Kerchal of Wauneta.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, August 9, 2007

Leonard Kerchal

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Feb. 17, 1919-Aug. 7, 2007

BENKELMAN -- Leonard E. Kerchal, 88, died Tuesday (Aug. 7, 2007) at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

He was born Febr. 17, 1919, at Wauneta to Joseph and Opal (Vlasin) Kerchal. He graduated from Wauneta High School and attended Kearney State College.

On June 24, 1939, he married Frona Taylor. They farmed for many years near Grainton.

They moved to Benkelman in 1973 where he sold O's Gold Seed Corn, and repaired furnaces, air conditioning units, refrigerators and small appliances.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Elks Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frona Aug. 29, 2006; a grandson, Kelly Kerchal; a brother, Virgil Kerchal; and two sisters, Eva Polly and Ramona Nordhausen.

Survivors include his three children, Kent and wife, Karen Kerchal of Sun River, Mont.; Kay and husband, Gordon Brey of Scott City, Kan., and Rod and wife, Darlla Kerchal of Benkelman; a sister, Joann and husband, Robert Vicery of Lincoln; a brother, Keith and wife, Nona Kerchal of Wauneta; 41 grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday, 1 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating.

Visitation is today until 7 p.m. at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Memorials are being accepted in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, December 28, 2005

Virgil Kerchal

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

WAUNETA -- Virgil Kerchal, 81, died Sunday (Dec. 25, 2005) at the Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh.

Survivors include three sons, Ken and wife, Loretta of Tecumseh, Duane of Tamarac, Fla., and Rex and wife, Deborah of Wauneta; brothers, Leonard and wife, Frona of Benkelman and Keith and wife, Nona of Wauneta; sister, JoAnn Vicary and husband, Rob of Lincoln; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be Friday, 2 p.m. MT, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta with the Rev. Keith Wellman officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta

Visitation will be Thursday, 2-6 p.m. MT, at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta, which is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are being accepted in his name.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1999

Orville L. Kern

NORTH PLATTE— Orville L. Kern. 78, of North Platte, Neb., died Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999, at Centennial Park Nursing Home.

He was born on Nov. 14, 1920, at Boone, Iowa, to Lloyd and Florence (Lamb) Kern. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. He came to North Platte in 1948 and remained until his death.

On May 6, 1949, he married Phyllis Gamble at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte. He began working for Union Pacific Railroad in 1948 and retired in 1980 as a crew dispatcher.

Mr. Kern was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, P.R. Halligan Post No. 163 of the American Legion and the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. He loved to camp and fish.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Karen Pierson of Denver, Colo., Kathleen (Mrs. Wes) Newtson of Benkelman, Neb., and Keta (Mrs. Matthew) Smith of North Platte; three sisters, Hazel West of Payson, Ariz., Lois (Mrs. Albert) Teeters of Jamestown, Ohio, and Shirley (Mrs. Henry) Geller of Langston, Pa.; two brothers and sisters-in-law; Harold and Alberta of Omaha, Neb., and Gaylord Dean and Betty of Albuquerque, N.M.: nine grandchildren: Michael Pierson, Krystal (Newtson) Traver, Keta, Miranda and Kati Jo Newtson, Scott White, Sara Dolan, and Lindsey and J.C. Smith, and two great-grandchildren: Bradon and Jarib Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parentsl a son, Charles, and a twin brother, Otto.

His body was cremated.

Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Adams & Swanson Chapel with the Rev. Eric Meissner of the Messiah Lutheran Church officiating. Musical selections were "Rock Of Ages" and "One Moment In Time."

Inurnment of the cremains will take place at a later date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 2001

Donald Dale Kerns

TUCSON, Ariz.– Donald Dale Kerns, D.V.M., died Friday, March 30, 2001. He was born on the family farm 8 3/4 miles southwest of Wauneta, Neb., on Aug. 12, 1923, to John and Maude (Stock) Kerns. He joined a sister, Audra.

He grew up on the family farm and attended eight years schooling in a one-room schoolhouse and four years at Wauneta High School graduating with the Class of 1940.

Donald enlisted in the Navy Air Corps in 1942 and was medically discharged in 1943. In the spring of 1944 he used the land left to him by his mother for the down payment on the Muddy Creek Ranch northeast of Max, Neb., which he and his father purchased.

He married Joan Faylor in 1945. To this union were born a son, John Thomas, and a daughter, Janet Marie.

In 1952 he leased the ranch and moved with his wife and children to Fort Collins, Colo., to begin his college career in pre-veterinary medicine. Three years later he was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University in Ames. He returned to receive his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in the summer of 1957 and received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State in 1960.

The family moved to California where he built his first animal hospital in Fairfield. He had a mixed practice giving him an opportunity to work with large and small animals.

In 1972 he married Kitty McLaughlin. In 1975 he moved to Southern California to continue in small animal veterinary practice. He retired in 1993 and returned to his hometown of Wauneta where he resided in a log home a quarter mile east of town.

In 1994 he was united in marriage to Dorthy James and they were instrumental in helping the Senior Center realize the goal of their own building.

In the spring of 2000, Dorthy and Donald moved to Tucson, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty Kerns, and his parents.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Dorthy; son John and wife, Cathy; daughter Janet and husband, Bill Anderson; four grandchildren; his sister, Audra Romine; stepchildren John and Paula Vilburn and Merrilea and Steve Hawes; six step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition he is survived by brothers-in-law Art and Kay Quiring, Pete and June Quiring. and Dr. Henry and Roberta Quiring; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth and Fred D'Ascenzo, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was a kind and generous man who was liked by all he met. He always said he never met a stranger and, as such, touched the lives of many,

A celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. on April 6, 2001, in the Avalon Chapel in Tucson. By his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes scattered to the four winds, from whence he came.

Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Correspondence will reach the family at 7960 W. Wandering Spring Way, Tucson, AZ 85743.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 2008

Elsie Rosa (Hendrix) Kessler

Elsie Rosa Kessler was born May 27, 1918, at Hiawatha, Dundy County, Nebraska, to Joseph Guy and Ella O'Tillie (Talmon) Hendrix.

Elsie attended school at District #12, at Hiawatha. She met her future husband to be, Michael Andrew Kessler, when he came to Dundy County from Kansas, in the 1930's, to work for several area farmers, one of which was her father.

Elsie and Mike were married on Oct. 11, 1937, at Imperial, Neb. After their marriage they bought and moved into a farm in the Hiawatha community. Elsie continued to live on the farm after Mike's death in 1996, until her health started to fail in the 2000's. At that time she made the Heritage of Wauneta Care Center her home until the time of her death.

Elsie passed away Thursday evening, Feb. 28, 2008, at the Chase County Community Hospital. She was 89 years of age.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Mike in 1996.

Survivors include daughter Cheryl Hamilton and husband Richard of Wauneta, Neb.

Private family inurnment services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1996

Michael Andrew Kessler

IMPERIAL— Michael Andrew Kessler, the son of John Sr. and Theresa (Flax) Kessler, was born March 3, 1912, at Garden City, Kan. He died Friday, Dec. 13, 1996, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Neb., at the age of 84 years.

He attended school and grew up around the Garden City and Ellis, Kan., area. Mike was baptized and confirmed at an early age.

In the 1930s, Mike came to Dundy County, Neb., where he did farm work for several farmers in the Hiawatha community where he met his wife.

On Oct. 11, 1937, Mike and Elsie Hendrix were united in marriage at Imperial. They bought and lived on a farm in the Hiawatha community where they lived all their married life. To this union one daughter was born.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie, of Benkelman, Neb.; a daughter, Cheryl and her husband, Richard Hamilton, of Wauneta, Neb.; a brother, Isadore, of Merrifield, Minn.; his sisters, Elizabeth Lane of Eads, Colo., and Pauline Heili of Garden City, and numerous nieces and nephews,

A graveside service for Michael Kessler was held Monday, Dec. 16, 1996, at 10 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial with the Rev. Francis Baker officiating. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1987

Jean (Baldwin) Kestler

Jean Baldwin Kestler was born in York, Nebraska, March 4, 1912. She entered the Lovelace Medical Center Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 2, 1987, and died there on August 4, 1987.

Jean was the daughter of Harry and Hallie Baldwin. She grew up in North Platte, Nebraska, where her father was an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. She graduated from the North Platte Public High School in 1929. Before her marriage Jean was a long-distance telephone operator for the AT&T in North Platte and Denver.

Jean and her husband, Melvin, were married in Denver, Colorado, on August 30, 1930. Two children were born to this union: Patricia Jean in December 17, 1932, in Denver, and James in Seattle on September 30, 1944.

She is survived by her husband, Melvin of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; her son, James, and his wife, Mary, and children, Linda, Niki, Kim and Jamie, of Filer, Idaho; her brother, Jack Baldwin of San Diego, California; her son-in-law, Wayne Stroup of Benkelman, Nebraska, and his three daughters, Sandra, Joan and Kathleen.

Prior to moving to Benkelman, Jean and her family lived six years each in Denver and Los Angeles, four years in Seattle and 17 years in Twin Falls, Idaho.

From 1946 to 1963 Jean and her husband owned an operated Kestler's Hardware in Benkelman. The first 1 1/2 years during this time their friends, John S. and Dorothy Jones, were partners and the business was known as Kestler and Jones Hardware.

In the fall of 1982 Jean and her husband retired in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Jean was cremated and her ashes will be buried next to the grave of her daughter, Patricia Stroup, in Benkelman. Jean's health started failing two years ago. She had a strong will to live right to the end. She will be greatly missed by her husband and family.

A memorial service was held for her in Rio Rancho on August 8, 1987, which was attended by many out-of-state relatives and friends. Jean joined the United Presbyterain Church in Benkelman, Nebraska, on October 1, 1959. She was always happy, cheerful and looked on the brighter side of life. It was a pleasure to be around her. Jean was very devoted to her family and was always an inspiration,

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1999

James Kestler

Seattle–James Kestler, age 54, passed away July 10, 1999, at the Veterans Hospital in Seattle, Wash. He was born in Seattle in 1944.

He moved to Berikelman. Neb., in December 1946 when his parents entered the hardware business formerly owned by his great aunt, Grace Bayley, and her husband, Harry. Jim grew up in the hardware store. He went through the Benkelman grade and high schools graduating in 1963. He attended McCook (Neb.) Junior College for one year. In 1964 Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served four years in Germany after which he returned to Idaho.

in 1973 Jim married Mary and four children, Jamie, Kim. Nickie and Linda were born to this union. all of whom survive him in Filer, Idaho.

Jim was employed by Western Electric for 17 years starting in 1968. He installed new telephone exchanges across the country. The doctors said Jim’s tumor was probably caused from a cleaning fluid he used on electrical terminals. Jim’a death is the second one in his immediate family to die from the same cause. Jim loved to work with wood and in 1985 he opened his cabinet shop in Filer.

Jim was buried in the Filer Cemetery. His graveside service was conducted by the Filer American Legion. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Jim's mother, Jean, a sister, Pat Stroup, and a brother-in-law, Wayne Stroup, preceded him in death. In addition to his immediate family, Jim is survived by his father, Melvin Kestler, and mother-in-law, Millie, of Green Valley, Ariz.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1979

Louis Kestler

Funeral services for Louis Kestler, 94, were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28 at the Kahler-Dolyce Mortuary in Papillion with interment in the Springfield, Nebraska, cemetery.

Mr. Kestler was a brother of Mrs. Grace Bayley of Benkelman and Mrs. Esther Lincoln of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He had visited with his sister Mrs. Bayley and husband, the late Harry Bayley, many times during the Bayley’s residence in Benkelman. He made his home in Springfield for many years before moving to Omaha, his home at the time of demise.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Lionia Alley, Omaha, and Mrs. Harold (Darlene) Brueggman, Hot Springs, Arkansas, two sons, Glenn, Beaver, Oklahoma, and Duane, Saudi Arabia; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 2005

Melvin Kestler

Melvin Kestler was born at Farnam, Neb., on Feb. 6, 1910, and passed away on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at the age of 94.

Melvin married Jean Baldwin in Denver on Aug. 30, 1930. She was an excellent help mate and mother. Jean died on Aug. 4, 1987. He married his present beloved and dear wife, Mildred Cerveny, in Albuquerque on Jan. 15, 1994. His daughter, Pat Stroup, and son-in-law, Wayne Stroup, died in Benkelman, Neb., in 1986 and 1995. His son, James, died on July 10, 1999.

On Oct. 1, 1959, Melvin became a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Benkelman. He was admitted to the Masonic Justice Lodge #180 A.F. & A.M. at Benkelman as a Master Mason in 1948 and received his 50-year pin in 1998. He was a member of the Elks Lodge for 33 years. Melvin was one of the original founders of the Antique Engines and Threshers Association at Bird City, Kan., where he operated and demonstrated his antique steam engine and threshing machine for 17 years before shipping the outfit to Twin Falls, Idaho.

In 1920, Melvin's parents separated in Denver. That's the last time he saw his father until after his marriage. The four Kestler kids ended up in an orphanage at Holdrege, Neb. Melvin was the oldest. His younger brother, Marvin, died in 1986 and his sister Louise died in 1997. That leaves his sister, Lucile, who resides in Hayward, Calif. The four Kestler kids left the orphanage in 1922. At age 12, Melvin started working as a farm laborer and ranch cowboy until moving to Denver in 1930.

Melvin completed his education in Denver and Los Angeles by going to night school for the next eight years which qualified him for the CPA examinations he took in Colorado and California. In 1930, Melvin obtained a job in Denver with a CPA accounting firm by misrepresenting his accounting experience of which he had none. Since he was such a good worker and student, his employer did not have the heart to fire him. For the next 16 years, Melvin continued to work for accounting firms (four years with the original CPA firm) in Denver, Los Angeles and Seattle.

During his last four years in accounting, he was employed as head accountant who had charge of four accounting offices: Portland, Tacoma and Spokane with the head office in Seattle. He quit his accounting job in 1947 to go into the hardware and appliance business in Benkelman.

After leaving Benkelman in 1963, Melvin and his family lived in Albuquerque for two years where he was employed as an agent of the Internal Revenue Service. In 1965, Melvin and Jean moved to Twin Falls where he was employed as a Special Agent for the Prudential Insurance Co. He retired from Prudential in 1975 at the age of 65. In 1982, Melvin and Jean moved back to Albuquerque. In 1999, Melvin and Mildred moved to Green Valley, Ariz.

Melvin will be interred in the Benkelman Cemetery next to his first wife, Jean Kestler.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1960

Ethel (Ballard) Ketler

Mrs. Clyde Ketler succumbed to a heart ailment at her home in Benkelman on Saturday afternoon. She had been suffering from the ailment for more than a year. The attack came as she was visiting with a friend in the yard of the family home.

Mrs. Ketler, widely known as a co-owner of the Ketler Cafe for many years, was 73 years of age. She was a member of the pioneer O. B. Ballard family of Parks where she was born and reared.

She was married to John Clyde Ketler in Benkelman on July 3, 1907, and there were four children in the family, all of whom survive. They are Leon Earl Ketler and Daune Ketler, Benkelman, Merle Ketler, Greeley, Colorado, and Mrs. Fern Lewis, Torrance, California. There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Otto Michel at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 9-18-1887 and a death date of 9-17-1960.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1997

Irene Lela (Borchert) Ketler

Irene Lela Ketler departed this life in her home in Benkelman, Neb., Friday, April 18, 1997, at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 13 days. She was born Feb. 5, 1912, to Herman J. and Josephine (Bond) Borchert in the Rollwitz Precinct, Dundy County, Neb.

Irene was married to Lee Wayne Ketler March 27, 1935, at the home of her parents. It was to this union one child, Charlene, was born.

Prior to her marriage, Irene was employed at the J.C. Penney Store in Benkelman. Shortly after her marriage, she joined Wayne at The Benkelman Post & News-Chronicle where she carried out many tasks in the interworkings of the newspaper.

Irene enjoyed playing cards and belonged to several clubs. She had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. A member of the Benkelman Woman's Club at the time the club members were attempting to build the swimming pool, Irene worked with the committee to bring the pool from a dream to a reality. At the newspaper office, Irene served as bookkeeper, gathered local news and kept track of the subscription list. Many a long night was spent at the office, getting the publication out no matter what problems arose. Being Wayne's helpmate was Irene's primary concern.

Irene was a member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Douglas G. Hoschouer of Red Cloud, Neb.; her granddaughter, Nancy, and her husband, Chris Lang, of Lincoln, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Vera Baney, Helen Bedford and Opal Zieke, and her brothers, Merle and Wilber Borchert.

Irene will be remembered for her spirit and positive outlook on the world.

Final rites for Irene Ketler were held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist who accompanied Richard Bartholomew as he sang "On The Wings Of A Dove" and "Ivory Palaces." Bearers were Wes, Kevin and Richard Baney, Relgene Zimbelman, Dr. Greg Burrows and Keith Lillich. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1998

Blanche "Sally" A. (Bowers) Ketler

Blanche "Sally" A. (Bowers) Ketler, 84, died Friday, July 31, 1998, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb.

She was born March 12, 1914, in Cheyenne County, Kan., to Homer and Zetta (Cowden) Bowers.

On Aug. 12, 1954, she married Leon "Cy" Ketler at Raton, N.M. They operated the Ketler Cafe in Benkelman until 1961.

Sally, an excellent trapshooter, was a member of the American Trapshooting Association. Her accomplishments include many Nebraska state championships, national championships and her listing in the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Leon of Benkelman; a daughter and son-in-law, Zetta "Annie" L. and Clifford E. Oakley of McCook, Neb.; her brothers, Lee and Hilda Bowers of Montrose, Colo., and Raymond and Martha Bowers of Benkelman; grandchildren; Sally Vontz of North Platte, Neb., Jerry and Robin Wonderly of Bartley, Neb., Rexene and Dennis Johnson of Sioux City, Iowa, Rita and Lawrence Herron of McCook and Terri Propes of Phoenix, Ariz.; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Byron Bowers; a half-brother, Willard Bowers, and two half-sisters, Greta Wilkins and Ella Wilson.

Final rites for Sally Ketler were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, 1998, at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Jackie Wilson was the organist and Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "The Great Speckled Bird" and “The Old Rugged Cross." The congregational selection was 'You Are My Sunshine."

Bearers were Mearl and Lawrence Richard, Jerry Wonderly, Kenneth Gardner, Bud Cline and Jerry McDonald. Honorary pallbearers were Alva Shaw, Dale Bauer, Bob Ewing, M.D. Hendrickson, Merle Wallace, Ernie Schreiner, Bill Ketler and Bill Jeffries.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1986

Eva Marie (Cooley) Ketler

Eva Marie (Cooley) Ketler was born on June 7, 1913, to William Lee and Maude Elizabeth (Artist) Cooley in Hiawatha, Dundy County, Nebraska, and died at Dundy County Hospital in Benkehnan on March 11, 1986, at the age of 72 years.

She attended rural Dundy County schools and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1933.

She then taught school for several years.

On December 24, 1935, she married C. Merle Ketler in Goodland, Kansas. To this union were born Phyllis Ann, William Lee and Patricia Rae. One daughter, Katherine Kay, died at birth.

Preceding her in death were her husband; her sisters, Laura and Hollis, and brothers, Harry, Wilbur and Edward.

Her life was devoted to her husband and family. She worked for many years in the operation of their dairy and farming and also worked several years in retail stores in both Greeley, Colorado and Benkelman.

Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Gardner, and husband, Kenneth, and Patricia Price, and a son, William Ketler_and_wife, Marjorie; one aunt, Clara Humphreys of the Hester Home; grandchildren, Bob McGrath and wife, Nancy, of Imperial; Jeff McGrath of Lincoln, Lori Horton and husband, Steve, of Baltimore, Maryland, Christopher Price of Benkelman and RaNae Ketler of Mesa, Arizona; four great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held Saturday, March 15, 1986, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Reverend John Kilgore officiating.

Organist was Phyllis Kirkman. She accompanied soloist Monty Crandon with the selections "How Great Thou Art" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Bearers were Rod Wiese, Larry Ketler, Vance Lewis, Wesley Cooley, Tom Jones and Mason Jones.

Honorary bearers were Richard Gardner, Miles Jones, Max Earnest, Ray Daniels, Glen Mullanix, Bill Putnam, Paul O'Brien, Loyd Maranville and David Clarkson.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1939

Clara M. (Cummings) Ketler

Clara M. Ketler passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. McDonald in Benkelman at 9:40 Friday morning, November 17, 1939. Had she lived until November 30th, she would have attained her 82nd birthday.

Although Mrs. Ketler had been in declining health for more than a year, she remained in charge of operations at her ranch until five weeks preceding her death when she came to Benkelman for medical care to which she failed to respond to any degree and during the last three weeks of her life she declined steadily from day to day until she became bedfast just one week before her passing and her doctors could offer practically no hope at all for recovery. She had no apparent organic affliction and it was held by those in attendance that it was just a case of wearing out after a long and extremely active life.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. J. C. Foster, pastor of the United Presbyterian church, Mrs. Ketler having been born in the United Presbyterian faith and having remained a member of the church all of her life. A male quartette consisting of Lloyd and Lawrence Boswell, Harry L. Ough and John Baer sang two of her favorite hymns, "Shall We Gather At The River," and "Nearer My God to Thee," and Mabel Lewis sang "Abide With Me," with Ann Gorthy at the piano. Rev. E. E. Pengelly, pastor of the Methodist church, read the 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is My ,Shepherd," which likewise was Mrs. Ketler's favorite psalm.

Pall bearers were Jacob Bauer, H. J. Borchert, John McEvoy. Jr., Leon L. Hines, Dr. John C. Ough and Lee T. Hamilton.

The Order of the Eastern Star presided at the grave and read the solemn but beautiful rites of that order. An Eastern Star quartette consisting of R. D. Druliner. George Kuhlman, Alice Stilgebouer and Eleanor Ough sang two hymns at the grave.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 12-30-1857 and a death date of 11-18-1939. Her maiden name is listed as “Cummings.”

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, July 1986

Jessie Agnes (Ough) Ketler

Jessie Agnes Ketler, wife of C. L. Ketler, publisher of The Benkelman Post, expired at near noon on Saturday at the Dundy County Hospital, where she had been a patient for ten weeks. She was 88 years of age. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Vaughn and Wayne Ketler; a daughter-in-law, Irene Ketler; a granddaughter, Charlene Ketler; two brothers, Dr. John C. Ough of Lincoln and Harry L. Ough of Benkelman; and two sisters, Ola Hollingsworth of Omaha and Lucile B. Jones of Monterey, California.

Funeral services were conducted at Jay's Funeral Chapel on Monday afternoon with the Rev. William Whittaker of the United Methodist Church in charge. Mrs. LaNeta Anderson was the soloist and Mrs. Betty Erdman the accompanist. Casket bearers were Ellis Gummere, Dan Owens, Evan Moses, Melvin Sailors, Paul Erdman and Dale Bauer. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Jessie Agnes Ough was born at Geneseo, Henry County, Illinois, on January 13, 1880. the daughter of John Clemens Ough and Mary Ann Moore, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Saturday, July 13, at the age of 88 years and six months.

On May 16, 1910, she was united in marriage to Charles Lee Ketler at McCook, Nebraska, and to this union two sons were born, Vaughn Ough and Lee Wayne, who with her husband survive. Others who mourn her passing are her daughter-in-law, Irene Ketler; her granddaughter, Charlene Ketler; brothers, Dr. John C. Ough of Lincoln and Harry L. Ough, Benkelman; sisters, Ola Hollingsworth, Omaha., and Lucille Babe Jones of Monterey, California; numerous nephews and nieces and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents. infant brother Bennie and infant sister Flora; a sister, Mrs. Kit Wilson; and a brother, Daniel L. Ough.

Mrs. Ketler was a member of the pioneer John C. Ough family who figured in the early development of Dundy county. She came to the county in 1885 after her father had established the family home in what is now known as Ough precinct, and she resided at what was to be known as the Ough settlement until 1894, when the family moved to Benkelman when Mr. Ough had been elected County Treasurer. After his service in that capacity he entered the hotel business with which the family identity was established until his demise.

She was an industrious and enterprising lady and in addition to helping her parents in the operation of the hotel, she taught school in the rural districts and in Benkelman and later operated a millinery store. After her marriage she developed a keen interest in the newspaper business in which her husband was engaged and was an inspiration for all , progressive change. When the intricate linotype was obtained for the newspaper, she learned its operation and was always glad to be of service when her assistance was needed.

She was very progressive in nature and predicted all tomorrows as days of better things. Even as the infirmitives of her age came, she planned changes and improvements for the home and her loved ones.

Those who knew her were rewarded by her inspiration for achievement, solace in troubled times and a calm goodness of nature that reassured.

Hers was a productive, full and meaningful life rewarded by the highest respect, loyalty and love of all who knew her.

Out-of-town relatives attending the funeral were Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Ough, Mrs. Eugene G. Edwards, Patty and Mary, Mr. and Mrs. John N. Jones, Todd and Bruce, all of Lincoln; Mrs. Ola Hollingsworth of Omaha; Mrs. Lucille Babe Jones, Monterey, California; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jones, Jr., of Alliance, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Heil of Mitchell, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Waters, Greg and Barbara of Bird City, Kans.; and Mrs. Velma Heisterkamp of McCook.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 1-13-1880 and a death date of 7-13-1986.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1987

Anne Veva (Seitz) Ketler

Anne Veva Ketler, aged 62 years, 9 months and 14 days, died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, on April 19, 1987. Anne was born to George Seitz and Grace (Amsberry) Seitz on June 26, 1924, in Cheyenne County, Kansas.

After the death of her parents she moved to Denver and Kansas City for a brief period of time. She then moved back to Benkelman where she worked for the Ketler Cafe. It was here, in Benkelman, Nebraska, she met and married Daune Ketler, March 6, 1945. To this union were born twin sons, Larry and Garry, and two daughters, Carol and Lana.

Over the years she enjoyed working at many different occupations, spending her last few years employed at the Dundy County Hospital. She was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed hunting and fishing. She centered her life around her family and country music, which she loved so dearly,

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Seitz; her husband, Daune Ketler; her sisters: Rosie (Seitz) Pettit and Violet "Dell" (Seitz) Ditton, and brother, Robert Seitz.

She is survived by her two sons: Larry Ketler and wife, Marta, of Goodland, Kansas, and Garry Ketler and wife, Peggy, of Wauneta, Nebraska; two daughters; Carol Main and husband, Gary, of Dallas, Texas, and Lana Wiese and husband, Rod, of Benkelman; her sisters: Dorthy Johnson of North Platte, Nebraska, Bess Hendrix of Benkelman, Jessie Stroup of Goodland and Alice Brannan of Gem, Kansas; 11 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, aunts, step-sisters, step-brothers, and many, many friends.

Services were held Monday, April 13, 1987, at 2:30 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Pastor Layton Hein officiating.

Organist was Helen Lutz. Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang the selections "Amazing Grace" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Bearers were Ray Bowers, Eddie Thompson, Vance Lewis, Larry Wiese, Rick Hendrix and Wayne Neville.

Honorary bearers were Bill Aeby, Dennis Stroup, David Douning, Robert Sietz and Bill Ketler.

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

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February? 1968

Carl M. Ketler

Carl M. Ketler, well known retired Burlington depot agent, passed away at his home in Yuma, Colorado, on Thursday morning of a heart attack. He was 84 years of age. The attack came while he was resting and the discovery of his demise was made by his wife, Leta. His death was a great shock to family members and friends.

Mr. Ketler retired from the Burlington service in 1966, during which he was honored by the railroad for 63 years of distinguished service. During his career he served the railroad at many points, the principal of which were Bartley, where he had his first assignment as an agent, Wauneta, McCook, Benkelman and Lyons, Colorado. He was agent at McCook from 1941 to 1946. In 1948 he came to Benkelman. It was during his service in Benkelman that his wife, Roberta E., expired in 1952. Later that year he accepted the Burlington agent assignment at Lyons, Colorado, where he resided until his retirement. He was married to Mrs. Leta A. Boyd at Lyons on May 5, 1953. They had resided at Yuma for two years.

He is survived by his widow, ; Leta A., two daughters, Velma Heisterkamp of McCook and Marguerite Denton of Davenport, Iowa. There are four grandchildren, four great grandchildren; a brother, C. L. Ketler, and a sister, Mrs. Mazie McDonald, both of Benkelman.

Carl M. Ketler was born February 7, 1883, at Blacktown, Pa., the son of the late John and Clara M. Ketler. His parents and family came to Benkelman in 1886 to homestead on Big Timber but due to the shortage of schools he and his brother Lee returned to Pennsylvania in 1890 to reside three years with their grandmother. They returned to Benkelman and that fall Carl returned to Pennsylvania to attend school until he was 17 years of age, when he came back home. He was attracted by the romance of the railroad and Bill Winger, the agent for the Burlington, arranged for him to study telegraphy at the Benkelman depot at night. Later he worked as a telegrapher at a number of Burlington depots over the countrv.

He was married to Roberta E. Holten at Yale, Kansas, on May 28, 1905, where they lived for one year. They resided at Bloomfield, 1906 to 1907, Minden, 1907 to 1908, and then moved to Bartley where Carl was the agent from 1908-1918. In 1918 Carl was assigned to Wauneta, where he remained the Burlington agent until 1941, when he was transferred to McCook for five years. In 1946 he returned to Wauneta until 1948 when he took over the duties at the Benkelman depot, where he served until 1952.

He liked fellowship and at Wauneta was a faithful member cf the Masonic and IOOF orders. He attained renown in western Nebraska as a workman in the area Masonic lodges and was recognized by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Nebraska for his proficiency in the work which he cheerfully shared with all who wished to learn.

Funeral services were at the Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook on Monday afternoon with the Rev. John C. Craig officiating. Joyce Herschberger was the organist and the bearers were Charles Rees, Joe Morgan, Joe Buresh, Frank Webster, Carl Neubauer and Kenneth McGooden. Interment was in the Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1970

Charles Lee “Pat” Ketler

Funeral services were conducted on Friday for Charles Lee Ketler, founder-publisher of the Benkelman Post & News-Chronicle and a newspaper man in Benkelman for 73 years. Mr. Ketler expired at the Dundy county hospital on Tuesday, October 20th at the age of 89 years.

The services were held at Jay's Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Mrs. Royce Anderson was the soloist and Mrs. Dale Bauer the organist. Casketbearers were Paul Erdman, Ellis Gummere, Dale Bauer, Merle Wallace, Evan Moses, and Melvin Sailors. The officers of Justice Lodge No. 180 AF&AM represented the fraternity at the services. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Charles Lee Ketler was born in Mercer County, Pennglyvania on March 7th, 1881, the son of John C. Ketler and Clara M. Cummings. He passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Tuesday, October 20th, 1970, at the age of 89 years, seven months and 13 days. His parents, two sisters, Anna Eaton and Mazie McDonald, and two brothers, Clyde and Carl, preceeded him in death.

He was married to Jessie Agnes Ough at McCook. Nebraska, on March 16, 1910. She preceeded him in death on July 13, 1968. He is survived by his two sons. Vaughn O. and L. Wayne Ketler; a daughter-in-law, Irene Ketler: one granddaughter, Charlene Hoschouer, and husband, Douglas, and one great granddaughter, Nancy Jo Hoschouer; two brothers-in-law, Harry L. Ough and Dr. J. C. Ough, and five sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ola Hollingsworth of Long Beach, California, Mrs. Babe Jones of Monterey, California, Mrs. Carl Ketler of Fort Morgan, Colorado, Mrs. Harry Ough of Benkelman and Mrs. John C. Ough of Lincoln.

The newspaper was Mr. Ketler's lifework and Benkelman was his home. He first came to Benkelman in 1886 with his parents to homestead on lands in Cheyenne county, Kansas, and with the exception of three years when he lived with his grandparents in Pennsylvania he spent his entire lifetime in Benkelman.

He began learning his trade "picking type" in the Benkelman News in 1893. At the age of 19 he became the editor of that newspaper, then owned by I. B. Raichart. In 1904 he and his brother-in-law, J. A. McDonald purchased the News and a year later another Benkelman newspaper, the Chronicle, forming the News-Chronicle.

After an absence from the newspaper business for seven years during which time he and Mr. McDonald were in the drug store business and Mr. Ketler was the postmaster under President Taft, he returned to publishing by establishing a new newspaper, The Benkelman Post in 1916 and in 1922 purchased the News-Chronicle giving the present newspaper lineral relationship to the first newspaper published in Benkelman.

Mr. Ketler was a master workman in his craft. He was active in promoting the interests of his town and county and gave liberal support to all worthy causes in the public interest. Altho he waged many battles he never claimed the victory because all worthy efforts are the achievements of many dedicated people. His work and his pleasure was in helping. Such was his nature.

Among the out-of-town relatives coming to Benkelman for the services were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jones of Alliance, Nebraska; Mrs. Velma Heisterkamp of McCook: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Heil of Mitchell, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Daune Ketler of Goodland, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Waters of Bird City, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Moores and Barbara of Anaheim California and Mrs. Irene Willams of Yorba Linda. California. Among the out-of-town friends at the services were the Honorable Judge Victor Westermark of McCook; Mr. and Mrs. Julian Hoschouer of Maywood, Nebraska, and Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Lawson of Stratton, Nebraska.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1985

Clyde Merle (Red) Ketler

Clyde Merle (Red) Ketler was born September 9, 1910, to John Clyde and Ethel Belle (Ballard) Ketler in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and passed away March 14 at the Dundy County Hospital. He was 74 years old.

He spent his early days on the farm in Kansas. On December 24, 1935, he was united in marriage to Eva Marie Cooley in Goodland, Kansas. To this union were born Phyllis Ann, William Lee, Katherine Kay and Patricia Rae.

Merle was engaged in farming for a number of years, moving to Benkelman in 1945 to establish a dairy. In 1953 he moved his family to Greeley, Colorado, where he worked in the plumbing industry and for the City of Greeley, retiring in 1975.

He spent his retirement years raising cattle and large vegetable gardens. Although he suffered many years of ill health, he enjoyed life to the fullest and spent many hours with his grandchildren, whom he adored.

In 1981 he and Eva moved to Benkelman, returning to their home community.

Merle was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel; father, Clyde; daughter, Katherine Kay; brother, Duane; and sister, Fern Lewis.

Merle is survived by his wife, Eva; daughter, Phyllis, and husband, Kenneth Gardner of Max; son, Bill, and wife, Marjorie of Phoenix, Arizona, and daughter, Patricia Price of Benkelman; brother, Leon "Cy" Ketler and wife, Blanche; an aunt, Marie Curry; and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services were held Monday, March 18, at the Jones Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Rev. John R. Kilgore and Rev. Robert Sander officiated.

Phyllis Kirkman accompanied Kelly Hayward with selections "On The Wings Of A Dove," "The Great Speckled Bird" and "One Day At A Time."

Bearers were Glen Mullanix, Carl Gunther, Tom Jones, Vincent Novacek, Vance Lewis and Rodney Wiese.

Honorary bearers were Dan Owens, Loyd Maranville, Gay Bash, Paul O'Brien, Richard Gardner, Max Earnest and Bill Putnam.

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

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 9-9-1910 and a death date of 3-14-1985.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1981

Daune Lee Ketler

Daune Lee Ketler, aged 59 years, 5 months, 5 days, passed away at the V.A. Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 19, 1981, following a period of poor health that began after an explosion and fire at his place of residence in Benkelman on October 31, 1980.

Daune was born at 3:00 a.m. on April 14, 1922, to John Clyde Ketler and Ethel Ketler nee Ballard at Benkelman, Nebraska. He helped his parents in their restaurant business until he joined the service.

He joined the service on November 25, 1942, where his occupation was military cook. He served in Europe from April of 1943 until December of 1944 with the Sicilian Normandy Northern Division in France. He was honorably discharged on November 2, 1945. Medals he was awarded were the American Theater Ribbon, European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with three Bronze Battle stars, three Overseas Bars, a Good Conduct medal, and a Victory medal.

Daune married Anne Veva Seitz on March 6, 1945, at Bird City, Kans. Four children were born to this union: twin sons, Larry and Garry, and two daughters, Carol and Lana.

He was employed as a carpenter and construction laborer since his discharge from the service. He and his family lived in different areas of the country, from Nebraska to California and back. He and his wife have lived in Benkelman since August of 1978.

Daune is preceded in death by his parents, John Clyde and Ethel Ballard Ketler, and by one brother-in-law, Jerome (Doc) Lewis.

He is survived by his wife, Anne; two sons, Larry Ketler and wife, Marta, of Goodland, Kansas, and Garry Ketler of Benkelman, Nebraska; two daughters, Carol Main and husband, Gary, of Dallas, Texas, and Lana Wiese and husband, Rod, of Benkelman, Nebraska, two brothers, Merle Ketler and wife, Eva, of Benkelman, Nebraska, and Leon (Cy) Ketler and wife Sally (Blanche), of Benkelman, Nebraska; one sister, Fern Lewis of Galena, Missouri, and eleven grandchildren.

Services were held Tuesday, September 22, 1981, at 10:00 a.m. in Jones Funeral Chapel, Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Robert Sander officiating.

Organist was Anna Benge and soloist was Kelly Hayward with the selections, "The Great Speckled Bird" and "On The Wings Of A Dove".

Bearers were Robert Arnold, Wayne Ham, Charles McCullough, Jim Ham, Byron Ham and Larry Hansen.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska, with committal service by Martin F. Bowles Post No. 65. Funeral arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Benkelman, Nebraska.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1977

Lee Wayne Ketler

Mr. Lee Wayne Ketler, former partner-owner of THE BENKELMAN POST and community figure-head in Benkelman passed away Tuesday, January 11, 1977 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman following a six-month illness after surgery for removal of a malignant brain tumor in Rochester, Minnesota in September of 1976. Wayne would have been 65 on May 25. He was born on that date in 1912, in Benkelman, Neb.

Wayne was well-known in Benkelman and Dundy county and had been an active member of the business community since 1932 when he and brother V. O. “Vaughn” joined the staff of The Benkelman Post with their father Charles Lee who was founder of the Post n 1916. Wayne became managing editor the Post in 1940.

The elder Mr. C. L, Ketler purchased interests of the Benkelman News-Chronicle in 1922 and consolidated it with the Post, renaming the business, The Benkelman Post & News Chronicle. This consolidation established the newspaper as the oldest business in Benkelman and all of Dundy County, and also is successor to eight newspapers in the county. Charles Lee Ketler was laid to rest October 20, 1970.

Services were held for Wayne Thursday, January 13, 1977 at 10:30 a.m. from the. United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Allan Martin in charge. Betty Erdman was organist while the songs "How Great Thou Art,” and "Whispering Hope" were sung by Paul Erdman, Harold Ferguson, Melvin and Robert Andrews.

Escorts were Bud Cline, Billy Ketler, James Owens, Ralgene Zimbelman, John McDonald and Lee Gallatin.

Mr. Ketler was buried at the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home in charge of arrangements,

Wayne had been accorded the honor of "Outstanding Citizen of the Year" by the Benkelman Chamber of Commerce during a presentation honoring him for community service through the newspaper at the Farmers & Merchants Banquet in December of 1975.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 2002

Leon E. "Cy" Ketler

Leon E. "Cy" Ketler, 94, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2002, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb.

He was born on June 9, 1908, to John Clyde and Ethel B. (Ballard) Ketler on their farm in Cheyenne County, Kan. As a young boy he attended country school near his home. He later attended Benkelman High School where he was a member of the graduating Class of 1929. He attended Peru State College in Peru, Neb.

In 1942, Cy was called to serve his country in World War II, and upon receiving his honorable discharge, returned to Benkelman where he helped his family in operating their cafe.

On Aug. 12, 1954, he was united in marriage to Blanche A. "Sally" Bowers at Raton, N.M. They returned to Benkelman where they purchased the Ketler Cafe from his parents and continued its operation until 1961. In 1964, Cy became the Veterans Service Officer for Dundy County, a position he served for more than 32 years, until his retirement in 1996.

Cy was an avid coin collector and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a lifetime member of the American Trapshooting Association, the American Legion and VFW, and was a member ofJustice Lodge 180 A.F. & A.M.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Blanche “Sally” Ketler, in 1998; a sister, Fern Lewis, and brothers Merle and Daune Ketler.

Survivors include nieces Phyllis and husband, Kenneth Gardner, of Max, Neb., Pat and husband, Bud Cline, of Benkelman, Carol and husband, Gary Main, of Kearney, Neb., and Lana and husband, Rod Wiese, of Benkelman; nephews Vance Lewis and wife, Ida Mae, of Springfield, Mo., Bill Ketler and wife, Marge, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Larry Ketler and wife, Marta. and Gary Ketler and wife, Peg, of Goodland, Kan.; an aunt, Marie Curry, of Winter Park, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Zetta Annie L. and husband, Clifford E. Oakley, of McCook, Neb.; five step-grandchildren: Sally Vontz of North Platte, Neb., Jerry Wonderly and wife, Robin, of Bartley, Neb., Rexene and husband, Dennis Johnson, of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Rita and husband, Lawrence Herron, of McCook and Terri Propes of Phoenix; 14 step-great-grandchildren; 12 step-great-great-grandchildren; numerous great-nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Leon Ketler were held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002, at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist, and Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "One Day at a Time" and “The Great Speckled Bird."

A committal service was by members of Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post No. 65 and The American Legion. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The American Legion were casket bearers.

Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, October 2, 2002

Leon E. 'Cy' Ketler

Wednesday, October 2, 2002

BENKELMAN -- Leon E. "Cy" Ketler, 94, died Monday (Sept. 30, 2002) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was born June 9, 1908, to John Clyde and Ethel B. (Ballard) Ketler on their farm in Cheyenne County, Kan., and as a young boy, he attended country school near his home. He later attended Benkelman High School where he was a member of the graduating class of 1929, and went on to attend Peru College. In 1942, he was called to serve his country in World War II, and upon receiving his honorable discharge, returned to Benkelman where he helped his family in operating their cafe.

On Aug. 12, 1954, he married Blanche A. "Sally" Bowers at Raton, N.M. They returned to Benkelman where they purchased the Ketler Café from his parents and continued its operation until 1961. In 1964, he became the Veteran Service Officer for Dundy County until his retirement in 1996. He was a lifetime member of the American Trapshooting Association, the American Legion and VFW, and was a member of Justice Lodge 180 A.F. & A.M.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Blanche "Sally" Ketler in 1998; sister, Fern Lewis; and brothers, Merle Ketler and Daune Ketler.

Survivors include nieces, Phyllis and husband, Kenneth Gardner of Max, Pat and husband, Bud Cline of Benkelman, Carol and husband, Gary Maine of Kearney, Lana and husband, Rod Wiese of Benkelman; nephews, Vance Lewis and wife, Ida Mae of Springfield, Mo., Bill Ketler and wife, Marge of Phoenix, Ariz., Larry Ketler and wife, Marta, Gary Ketler and wife, Peg all of Goodland, Kan.; aunt, Marie Curry of Winter Park, Fla.; step-children, Zetta "Annie" and husband, Clifford Oakley of McCook, Sally Vontz of North Platte, Jerry Wonderly and wife, Robin of Bartley, Rexene and husband, Dennis Johnson of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Rita and husband, Lawrence Herron of McCook and Terri Propes of Phoenix, Ariz.;14 step-great-grandchildren, 12 step-great-great grandchildren, and numerous other great nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 1:30 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating. Interment with military honors will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be given in his name to the Dundy County Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 85, Benkelman, NE 69021.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1989

Vaughn Ough Ketler

Vaughn Ough Ketler was born January 20, 1911, the first-born son of C.L. (Pat) Ketler and Jessie A. Ough, in Benkelman, Nebraska. He departed this life May 19, 1989, at Northern Colorado Medical Center, Greeley, Colorado, after a short illness.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Irene Ketler; a niece, Charlene (Ketler) Hoschouer and her family, Douglas G. and Nancy Jo; an uncle, Harry Ough; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lee Wayne.

Vaughn spent his adult life working at The Benkelman Post, a newspaper which was founded by his father, C.L. (Pat) Ketler in 1922. He captivated the Post's readers with the local news he so aptly wrote. Vaughn's style of writing set him apart. Even though he retired from The Post in 1987, he continued gathering the news which he recorded in a daily journal.

Educated in the Benkelman Public Schools, Vaughn was graduated with the Class of 1931. Following graduation, he attended McCook Community College for one year. Vaughn was a member of the United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of Justice Lodge 180 AF&AM.

Although Vaughn was captive in an imperfect body, he refused to be imprisoned by it. He was an avid reader of the daily newspapers and traveled vicariously with friends and family. Vaughn was a student of human nature and of things as varied as the stock market and baseball. He began a daily journal during his teen years and kept it until his demise.

Vaughn Ketler was always a "man about town." He knew no stranger and never forgot a name or a date. Kindness was an intrinsic part of his nature. Vaughn Ketler was a colorful institution in Benkelman's history who cared deeply for his fellow man.

Services were held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, May 22, 1989, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

The organist was Betty Erdman. Kelly Hayward sang "On The Wings Of A Dove" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Gary Powell, Jeff Powell, Greg Waters, James Owens, John Waters and Bill Reade.

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

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Kacirek, Douglas Linn	Ketler (Ballard), Ethel	Kline (Higley), Corinne
Kamla (Martin), Frances Marie	Ketler (Borchert), Irene Lela	Klinzman (Eikenberg), Hanna Mary
Kamla, Paul Henry	Ketler (Bowers), Blanche A. 'Sally'	Klinzmann (Workman), Ella Mae Leona
Kamla, Robert Joseph 'Bob'	Ketler (Cooley), Eva Marie	Klinzmann, Arthur Leonard Albert
Kappelman (Vonderfeckt), Marie Lena	Ketler (Cummings), Clara M.	Klinzmann, Henry
Kappelman, Dennis R.	Ketler (Ough), Jessie Agnes	Klinzmann, Henry, John Otto
Kappelman, Robert John	Ketler (Seitz), Anne Veva	Klinzmann, John Herman Albert
Karns, Gerald	Ketler, Carl M.	Klotz (Morehouse), Delores
Karre, William I.	Ketler, Charles Lee 'Pat'	Klotz, Harold
Kashka, Mary Martha	Ketler, Clyde Merle 'red'	Knapp (Palmer), Margherita C.
Katherine Hubbard (Brumm), Katherine	Ketler, Duane Lee	Knapp, Leland Duane
Kauffman (Hauser), Gypsie Mae	Ketler, Lee Wayne	Knapp, Merrill J. 'Pete'
Kauffman (Schrader), Marie L.	Ketler, Leon E. 'Cy'	Knepper, Franklin Seymour
Kauffman, Frances Melvin 'Ted'	Ketler, Vaughn Ough	Knepp, ralph Ewing
Kauffman, Orlie Ray	Kier (Brown), Laberta L.	Knepper, Seymour N.
Kautz, Jessica Rose	Kier, Adrienne Loree	Knepper, Verle K.
Keenan (Rogers), Lenora Florence	Kier, Charles Edward	Knight (Crosby), Bessie
Keenan, Herbert	Kier, Henry Adam	Knight, Filmore
Keenan, Jahew McLung	Kier, Jimmie Gene	Knoles, Harold Edwin 'Knoly'
Keenan, Ogla	Kier, Richard Lee	Koons (Harris), Hallie Melvina
Keenan, Romie	Kier, Weslie W.	Koons, William glenn
Keenan, Walter L.	Kilgore, John edward	Koppinger, William F. 'Hoppy'
Kenney, Milford	Killoran, Michael	Korf, Sherwood J.
Kehlbeck (Druliner), Berniece Esther Gorthy	Kilpatrick (Frasier), Marilyn	Korkisch (Edwards), Bonniee E.
Kehlbeck (Sawyer), Ruth Lucille	Kilpatrick, David Samuel	Kramer (Bragg), Fauniel June
Kehlbeck, Donald duane	Kimberling, Charlie	Krausnick (Jessee), Anna Irene
Kehlbeck, Friedrich Carl	Kimble, Dale Richard	Kress (Turpin), Donna
Kehlbeck, Fritz	Kimsey (Bash), Ladema	Krieger, Henry H.
Kehlbeck, Henry Carl	Kimsey (Stroup), Katie B.	Kring (Whitney), Grace
Kehlbeck, Larry	Kimsey, Clement C, 'Kim'	Krotter, F.C.
Kehr, Robert kehr	Kimsey, George Walter	Krotter, F. Chauncey
Keim (O'Neall), Iva D.	Kimsey, James E.	Krug (Kuhlman), Esther W.
Keiser, Albert J.	Kimsey, John Walter	Krug (Laderick), Bertha
Keiser, Elmer	Kimsey, Thomas C.	Krug, Henry, Sr.
Keiser, Fern G.	Kinen (Gallagher), Patricia Ann	Krug, Joseph
Keiser, John	King, Ronald Mark	Krutsinger (Gerver), Sarah Grace
Keiser, Raymond Henry	Kinnett, Fred Giltner	Krutsinger (Matthews), Daisy
Keller (Lemke), Johanna Louise	Kinnett, Leon Larry	Krutsinger (Phifer), Lillian R.
Keller (Stickel), Lydia	Kenney, Anna L.	Krutsinger (Wiggins), Doris Leone
Keller, Martin Carl	Kinney, Wallace leon	Krutsinger (Williams), Annie Marie 'Mary'
Keller, Reinhold	Kinsey, Mildred	Krutsinger, Clarence 'Bus'
Kelley (Jones), Sarah Ellen	Kiolbasa, Sandra	Krutsinger, Clarence Samuel
Kelley, Effie rose	Kirkman (Pickens), Ruby	Krutsinger, Earl Clingon
Kelley, Ervin L.	Kirkman, Ivan V.	Krutsinger, Jerald D. 'Jerry'
Kellogg (Greene), Marion A.	Kirkman, James Quentin	Krutsinger, Kassi Denise
Kellogg (Overhowser), Laura Ellen	Kirkman, Leslie Ivan	Krutsinger, Lannie D.
Kellogg, Lillian	Kirkpatrick, Arnold 'Jack'	Krutsinger, Lannie Dean
Kellogg, Scott C.	Kirkpatrick, Davey hank	Krutsinger, Louis
Kelly (Selby), Marthalene	Kirkpatrick, Jerome C, 'Joe'	Krutsinger, Louis Dennis
Kelly, Maurice Wayne	Kisela (Miller), Blanche Irene	Kuhlman (Daum), Elizabeth Augusta
Kentoop (Hinz), Gertrude Mary	Kisela (Vancura), Agnes bertha	Kuhlman (Haarberg), Louise Sophie
Kentoop, Milton E.	Kisela, Anton	Kuhlman, Fred Diedrich
Kephart (Lytle), Mildred L.	Kissler (Gettman), Marie 'Maggie'	Kuhlman, George Frederick
Kephart, Earl	Kite (Shay), Prudence Leone	Kuhn (Couch), Edith May
Kephart, Jack lloyd	Kitt (DeHart), Eva J.	Kuhns (Hanes), Margaret Bessie
Kephart, James Leon 'Bill'	Kitt (Donze), Mary	Kuhns (Johnson), Myrtle Margaret
Kerchal (Taylor), Frona L.	Kitt, Edgar Vearl	Kuhn (Pfrimmer), Dora Ellen
Kerchal (Vlasin), Olga Cecelia 'Opal'	Kitt, Ervin Willard	Kuhns, Calvin Ray
Kerchal, Kelly Kent	Kitt, Helen	Kuhns (Schrader), Darlene M.
Kerchal, Leonard E.	Kitt, John J.	Kuhns, Harold 'Willie'
Kerchal, Virgil	Kitt, John Junior	Kuhns, Jerrold Wayne
Kern, Orville L.	Kitt, Randy	Kuhns, Samuel B.
Kerns, Donald Dale D.V.M.	Kitt, Ray N.	Kuhns, William D.
kessler (Hendrix), elsie Rosa	Kitt, Theron Dale	Kunnemann (Haarberb), Rose
Kessler, Michael Andrew	Kitt, Theron Dean	Kutz, Adolph
Kestler (Baldwin), Jean	Klein (Fisher), Irene E.	Kutz, Walter A.
Kestler, James	Kleinschmidt (Labert), Avilla Elizabeth	Kyle, LeNeve Marjorie
Kestler, Louis	Kleinschmidt, Bill D.	Kyle, Nellie May
Kestler, Melvin	Kleinschmidt, Harry W.