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Class of 1938 Memorials
Gerhart A. Kopf, 92, of Fulton, Ill., died Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa.
A memorial service will be held in the coming weeks. Cremation rites have been accorded. He will be buried in Nebraska.
Gerhart A. Kopf was born at home in Eddyville, Dec. 29, 1919 the oldest of six children of Niels and Lydia Struempler Kopf.
He married Alice L. Schmidt on July 7, 1941; she survives. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a large family gathering in 2011.
Gerry was raised on a homestead ranch in Dawson County. His grandfather, Nick Kopf, was known for cattle drives between the ranch and Texas. Only German was spoken in the household until Gerry was five years old, when the family took in a teacher boarder. He remembered riding home from a cold Christmas Eve service in his parents' one-horse sleigh, nestled at their feet with his brother under a buffalo skin robe. He and his siblings walked over one mile of roads and pastures to the one-room school through eighth grade, collecting dried cattle droppings on the way home to be used as heating fuel.
Gerry helped raise Hereford cattle and farmed with horses on the prairie sod ranch. He graduated from Lexington High School (class of 1938) and was active as a tackle on the football team, participated in operetta productions, and provided artwork for the yearbook. He developed his gift to play piano in his teens, preferring to learn new songs by ear rather than by reading sheet music. Gerry served as banquet pianist and spoke on "Change" including predictions for the future at the Classes of the "8s" Lexington High School Alumni Banquet June 2008. In his heart, his home remained the Nebraska prairies of his ancestors.
He attended University of Nebraska as possible architecture major for one semester, before returning to the ranch during the Great Depression. Gerry remained an ardent Nebraska Cornhusker fan throughout his long life.
He played piano just out of high school in a traveling swing band across the Midwest during the big band era.
He served as the army chaplain's assistant at Ft. Dodge, Iowa, during World War II, playing music for church services. He farmed near Eddyville 1941-1948. After one profitable year, he left farming to work with Steckley Hybrid Corn Co. in Lincoln and Grand Island, eventually serving as company sales manager. He relocated with his family to Fulton in 1955 in the same position where he also became involved with hybrid corn variety development at their Dewitt, Iowa, plant.
Upon sale of the company, he became sales manager of Drives, Inc., until 1981. In this position he traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada, through a period of major growth for the company.
In 1981, he established the Bald Eagle Nursery outside Fulton, where, building upon his knowledge of corn genetics and hybridization, he became respected as an authority on ornamental grasses, as well as chestnuts, hazelnuts, and hicans. He worked with nationally respected researchers on hicans (Abbott tree), helping to get Abbott tree seeds shared with the People's Republic of China in a horticultural exchange program.
Gerry loved to travel and throughout his life he would bring home plant specimens for local propagation. He was instrumental in developing the Twin Ponds Research Farm near Galena Territory in Illinois, specializing in the genetic development of hazelnuts and grasses as potential alternative biofuel sources 2000 - 2006.
He focused his energies on beautifying the Fulton landscape and gardens. As a volunteer he planted and maintained thousands of daffodils and tulip beds along 14th Avenue with the help of many community volunteers. He beautified Melody Hills subdivision overlooking the Mississippi River in Fulton during its development, planting hundreds of trees and personally designing and constructing stone walls and landscaping. He also landscaped the Fulton windmill site along the river. He shared many beautiful hosta plant specimens with local gardeners.
Gerry was respected as an advocate and expert on bluebirds, having documented the fledging of over 150 bluebirds in one spring season, in birdhouses built and maintained by him at the Twin Ponds Research Center. One summer he was able to get a bluebird to consistently land on his arm and eat grubs out of his hand. He also shared his knowledge of chimney swift migration and lectured locally on such topics as "Our Earthly Past," discussing local geology history.
During the late 1950s and 1960s he served on the Fulton School Board and as an elder at St. John Lutheran Church. He was honored as Grand Marshal of the 2001 Dutch Days Festivities for his contributions to the beautification of the City of Fulton and was awarded a key to the city.
Gerry continued to play piano in venues such as Bush's Café, Clinton Country Club and Fulton Sr. Citizen's Center throughout his life, to the delight of many listeners. Recently he wished that he still had a "gig."
He fully appreciated fine wine and dining, especially New Orleans cuisine. He was also an excellent photographer, often much to the impatience of family members, and to the horror of Alice, when the children were perched at the edge of mountain precipices for dramatic effect.
Gerry greatly looked forward to his Euchre games at Cousins Subs in Fulton. His upbeat mood was evidence of a good Euchre day. He took great pride in becoming co-champion of their Third Annual Euchre Tournament January 2011.
He was looked to as the patriarch of a large extended family, and spent many hours recording and sharing family genealogy, with the help of Pam. In later years, he remained active with courage despite numerous physical challenges.
He was a beloved husband and father, instilling in his children a standard of self-sufficiency, excellence, hard work, and obligation to do the right thing. Gerry was extremely proud of the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
Children include Connie (Dean) Long of Mankato, Minn., Trudy (Michael) Landwirth of Peoria, Ill., Pamela (Glenn) Gealy of Columbia, Md., Kyle (Kim) Kopf of Florida; and Kendall at home. Also surviving are grandchildren, Christina and Joseph (Marie) Long; Amy Landwirth; Matthew and Rachel Gealy and Kelly, Scott and Nicholas Kopf, as well as great-grandson Orion Long.
Gerry's parents; brothers, Ferdinand, Donald and Aaron and sister, Arleen, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Dolores and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested for Fulton beautification to FACE (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment), Attn: Gerry Kopf Fund, P.O. Box 292, Fulton, IL 61252; Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Development Department, 600 Hoffmann Drive, Watertown, WI 53094; Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Attn: Maynard Struempler, 78020 Lodi Road, Oconto, NE 68860-1236; or The American Heart Association.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com
Delbert William Carroll, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, August 11, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was born June 8, 1920, in Smithfield, Nebraska to Charles Dennis and Elizabeth Clara (Melosh) Carroll.
Delbert moved with his family to rural Lexington as a young boy and then into town when he was in the 5th grade. He was a 1938, graduate of Lexington High School. Delbert was united in marriage to Doris Cryderman on May 25, 1948, at Lexington. Two daughters were blessed to this marriage; Peggy Ann and Christine Louise.
Delbert spent his entire career building homes in the Lexington area until his retirement, when he did some farming and working cattle.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed playing cards and watching his beloved Nebraska Cornhusker football team. His family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joys.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years: Doris Carroll of Lexington, Nebraska; Two daughters: Peggy (David) Hanna of Lexington, Nebraska, Christine Carroll of Kearney, Nebraska; Two grandsons: Robb (Erin) Hanna and Greg (Brooke) Hanna of Lexington, Nebraska, Three great-grandchildren: Eva & Jonas Martin and Jack Hanna all of Lexington, Nebraska; Two sisters: Marge (Jim) Burnett of Lexington, Nebraska,
Carolyn (Dick) Dorwart of Reedsport, Oregon; Nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Geraldine Berryman and brother, Jean Carroll.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Donor's Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
Mary Evelyn Hultman, age 92, of North Platte, died June 30, 2012 at Centennial Park Retirement Center.
Graveside Services were 10 a.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Chaplain Norval Holtmeier officiating. Visitation was Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
She was born on Dec. 9, 1919 in Lexington, to Warren Franklin and Marium Neoma (Dicks) Teetor as the oldest of 13 children. Evelyn graduated from Lexington High School in 1938. After her graduation, she married Frank E. Hultman on Jan. 21, 1941. A daughter, Donna Dee, was born later that year.
Evelyn was very active in volunteer work. She enjoyed cutting material for quilts and cutting out coupons. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband, Frank Hultman of North Platte; five brothers, Mark (Marian) Teetor of Dallas, Texas, Vernon Teetor of Akron, Ohio, Glen (Judy) Teetor of Moore, Okla., Ronald (Linda) Teetor of Huber Springs, Ark., and Wayne (Louise) Teetor of Pt. Pleasant, W.Va.; two sisters, Beulah Nanney of Farmville, N.C., Patsy (Bill) Halouska of Cozad; sisters-in-law, Darlene Teetor of Lexington, Grace Teetor of Ft. Stockton, Texas; four grandchildren, Rodney Smallfoot, Jimmy Smallfoot, Nancy Angell and Tammy Smallfoot; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Rosson in 1998; five brothers, Art (Ferne), Don (Neoma), Warren (Evelyn) and George and Robert Teetor; a sister-in-law, Lorraine and a brother-in-law, Sam Nanney.
A memorial has been established to the North Platte Senior Center and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert "Bob" Anthony, age 91 of Lexington, died June 6, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
Charles Robert Anthony was born May 10, 1921 at Lexington, Nebraska to Luther Francis and Elizabeth Mary (Peters) Anthony, the youngest of 5 children. His first nine years of school were at District North 22, and he went on to graduate from Lexington High School in 1938. Bob attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for a year, where he received honors in Livestock Judging.
Subsequent to his schooling, Bob returned home before entering the U.S. Army in 1942. Bob faithfully served his country as a member of the 242nd Field Artillery Battalion during WWII as a Machine Gun and Ammunition Sergeant. Bob was one of the 23,000 troops that comprised the invasion force on Utah Beach, which was the westernmost landing point during the Battle of Normandy. Bob and his Battalion were in combat for 240 straight days, until he was wounded on October 1st during the Battle of the Foret de Parroy. After 15 months in military hospitals, Bob was honorably discharged in 1945, and returned home to farm with his father.
On September 10, 1950, Bob married Mary Jane Oldfather, and their union was blessed with 3 children, Janet Marie, Anna Louise and Timothy Charles. They made their home on a farm northwest of Lexington, where they farmed and fed cattle. Bob was an active member of his church and society. In 1979, he even served as the delegate from the Nebraska Central Platte Presbytery to the National General Assembly in San Diego. He often toiled for months trying to get supply ministers for the Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church. He also enjoyed membership in the Lexington Rotary Club, the Dawson County Fair Board, the rural fireworks committee and many church boards. He rode with the Plum Creekers, and had served as a speaker at the National Longhorn Association Seminar at Austin, Texas.
Aside from his family, cattle feeding and the people he dealt with were his love. Bob had many lifelong friends in the cattle industry that never had contracts for the business they conducted, as honesty was a binding element in his life and relationships. In his later years Bob's health began to decline, but he continued to work every day as he could. Bob loved his family, his life and his work; and all were good to him in return.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and 3 brothers, Harold, Francis, and Roland "Dutch".
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Anthony of Lexington; 2 daughters, Janet Marie (David) Quitmeyer of Lexington, Anna Louise (Galen) Stehlik of Grand Island; son, Timothy Charles (Marita) Anthony of Lexington; 6 grandchildren, Katie (Slim) Reece of Harrison, Casey (Crystal) Quitmeyer of Lexington, Mitchell Stehlik and fiancée Erin VanOstrand of Grand Island, Antonia (Noe) Mendez of Grand Island, Betsey (Matt) Heidrich of Lincoln and Courtney Anthony of Lexington; sister, Hazel Anthony of Lincoln; 2 sisters-in-law, Lois Anthony & Dorothy Oldfather both of Lexington; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.
Memorial services will be on Monday, June 11, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with Pastors Doug Smith and Tess Hufford officiating. A private family inurnment will be held in the Hewitt Cemetery prior to the memorial service. There will be no visitation. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Piester Uecker passed away on June 13, 2008.
Dale Buck
Born March 12, 1920 in St. Edward, NE
Died January 26, 1981 in Ft. Collins, CO
(received September 2011 from grandson)
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