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Memorials for the Class of 1956

Karline Kay Renken, 76, of Overton, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2014, at her home in Overton.
     She was born September 23, 1938, in Lexington, Nebraska to Conrad and Allie (Kugler) Renken.
     Kay attended school in Lexington, graduating with the class of 1956. She worked many years as an Avon Representative, a job she dearly loved as she was able to visit with her many customers. She also worked at Burns Brothers Truck Stop at Overton, Casey's General Store and Wal-Mart in Lexington.
     She enjoyed talking with people and loved animals, especially cats, and was always taking care of a bunch of them. She was a great story-teller. Kay was quite the character and had a one-of-a-kind personality. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.
     Kay is survived by one brother; Tom (Brenda) Renken of Lexington, Nebraska; niece, Sarah (Dan) Neben of Bertrand, Nebraska; nephew, Mike (Lara) Renken of Bellevue, Nebraska; grand-nephews; Brian, Jordan, and Evan Neben; and, grand-nieces, Sydney and Maria Neben; as well as many cousins and friends.
     She was preceded in death by her parents.
     The family has chosen cremation.
     A Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 18, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington.
     Register Book signing and visiting with the family will be held Sunday, August 17, 2014, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel.
     Inurnment will be held prior to the memorial service in Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
     Memorials are requested, in lieu of flowers please, to the First United Methodist Church or the Donor's Choice.
     Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Janice Ann Phillippi Gulden, age 74, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away peacefully September 21, 2013, at her daughter's home in Ogallala, surrounded by her eternal family.
     Janice was born January 10, 1939, in Lexington to Leslie I. and Esther L. (Passage) Phillippi of Smithfield, Nebraska; she was the third of five children. Her childhood was happy and filled with love.
     She attended a rural school near their farm house in Gosper County, attended fifth grade in Smithfield, then attended the Lutheran Parochial School for grades 6, 7, & 8 in Lexington. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1956.
     Following her graduation, she worked as a nurse's aide, waitress at the Cornland Hotel and then worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone at the Lexington office.
     She married Darryn W. Gulden of Lexington on June 22, 1958. Four daughters were blessed to this happy union: Pam, Kristy, Robin and Penny.
     Being a wife and mother was central to Janice's life. She was a constant example of Christ, especially evident in the nurturing of her husband, daughters and their spouses, her grandchildren, friends and relatives.
     Her devotion to her husband was apparent to those who knew her best. She shared many things with him including farming, gardening, canning, traveling, cooking, sewing & knitting, hunting, fishing, and crafts.
     She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lexington and most recently, following her relocation to Ogallala, was active in the United Methodist Church at Ogallala.
     She was involved in Hospice, Relay for Life, Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, Prayer Shawl group, Reach for Recovery, Regular Bunko group member, UMC Circle, numerous Bible studies, babysitting four of her favorite kids; Andrea, Aaron, Joseph, and Whitney, and together, with her husband, was her grandchildren's biggest fans to all activities and endeavors.
     Janice's legacy will be best remembered in her fight with breast cancer in the 80's. She aided research by volunteering to become a bone marrow transplant recipient in its infant stages – before stem cell research advanced. She continued to contribute research in the long-term study (ies) of its effects. She was one of a minority number of breast cancer victims to survive the procedure during that period of research; science and Faith afforded her twenty-seven years of quality life following her initial diagnosis. She has since been an advocate for a cure to breast cancer through her active involvement in Reach for Recovery and Relay for Life. Above all, she was an inspiration to many facing a similar challenge.
     Survivors include her four daughters and their husbands; Pam (Mike) Abbott of Ogallala, Nebraska, Kristy (Jerry) Acton of Firth, Nebraska; Robin (Rod) Ford of Bertrand, Nebraska; and, Penny (Shayne) Hite of Grant, Nebraska; two brothers, Boyd (JoAnn) Phillippi of Cozad, Nebraska; and, Robert (Beverly) Phillippi of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; one sister, Veronica (Darrel) LaVene of Bertrand, Nebraska; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy (the late Don) Phillippi of Elwood Reservoir, and, Carolyn (Leon) Malzahn of Johnson Lake; an aunt by marriage; Eva Kirkpatrick of Lexington, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; Harrison, Maggie and Emily Abbott, Nathan and Courtney Acton, Philip Ford, MacKenzie, Quinton, and Triston Hite; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
     Janice was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a brother, father and mother-in-law, and one granddaughter.
     Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating.
     Interment will be held prior at 9:30 a.m. in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. All are welcome to attend.
     Visitation will be held Monday, September 23, 2013, from 5-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.
     Memorials are suggested to UNMC Cancer Research Support Fund, your local Hospice or the Donor's Choice.
     Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Keith Russell Schwarz, 74, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, passed away Monday, July 30, 2012, in a semi-truck accident near Loomis, Nebraska. He was born January 16, 1938, in Smithfield, Nebraska to Frank and Dorothy (Woodside) Schwarz. Keith was a 1956 graduate of Lexington High School. He served his Country in the United States Navy from May 24, 1957, until being Honorably discharged on February 21, 1961. He was united in marriage to Shelby Parks on August 17, 1957, at Lexington, Nebraska. The marriage ended in divorce and he then married Cindy Vrbas on April 16, 1988, in Phoenix, Arizona. Keith and Cindy moved to Arapahoe in 2005.
     Keith's working years were as diverse in occupation as was his fun-loving spirit. He worked on a chicken farm, bowling alley, attended Barber School in Lincoln, Nebraska and worked as a barber for several years, he sold insurance for Banker's Life, and was an accountant for Schwarz Brothers Construction and AmericaWest Airlines. After his so-called retirement, he drove semi for RSK Trucking hauling corn.
     Keith had a heart of gold and loved his large family very much. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards, playing in the family band The Country Lads, and telling jokes. Some of his favorite times were spent on the "all boy" annual camping trip with his sons and grandsons. He will be truly missed.
     Keith was a member of St. Germanus Catholic Church in Arapahoe.
     Survivors include his wife: Cindy Schwarz of Arapahoe, Nebraska, Children and spouses: Rick (Amy) Schwarz of Lincoln, NE; Sandy Schwarz of Topeka, KS; Dan (Berni) Schwarz of Bertrand, NE; Carm (John) Anders of Bertrand, NE; Scott (Stacie) Schwarz of Bertrand, NE; Russ (Gina) Schwarz of Omaha, NE; Amber (James) Bridges of Phoenix, AZ; and Stacy (Arnold) Diaz of Greenwood, MO. Brothers and Sisters: Martin "Mike" Schwarz of Lexington, NE; Kenny (Shirley) Schwarz of Elwood, NE; Eugene (Nancy) Schwarz of Ft. Collins, CO; Carl Schwarz of Lexington, NE; Martha (Wally) Hubbard of Lexington, NE; and Alice Wenburg of Lexington, NE. Sisters-in-law: Helen Schwarz of Lexington, NE; Phyllis Schwarz of Ft. Collins, CO, and Judy Schwarz of Lexington, NE. Twenty-eight, grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
     Keith was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond, Harry and Bob; sisters-in-law, Sandra Schwarz and brother-in-law, Floyd Wenburg.
     Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 3, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverends Robert Barnhill and Neal Nollette, con-celebrating. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 2, 2012, from 3-5 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Wake Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or 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.

Karen R. Darby, 70, of Lexington, Nebraska, died suddenly at her home, Monday, April 20, 2009, in Lexington, Nebraska. She was born October 27, 1938, at Eustis, Nebraska, to Ray A. and Neva B. (Hess) Rupe. Karen's primary education was in Eustis, Nebraska and then graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1956. She was united in marriage to Philip E. Darby, Jr. on July 22, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Six beautiful daughters were blessed to this marriage; Sara Jane, Jennifer Jo, Luanne Rae, Linda Kae, Patricia Ann and Karla Lynn.
   Following her marriage Karen was employed at Kjar Hay & Grain, the United Methodist Church, the City of Lexington as assistant City Clerk and then Shoe Mart, which she opened with her daughter, Linda in 1988. It was a joy walking in to Shoe Mart and seeing Karen's smiling face.
   Karen was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for 50+ years as well as the Methodist Choir. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Business and Professional Women, Musicale, Studio 25 and Tri-County Hospital Auxiliary.
   Karen absolutely loved life, she loved her family, especially the grandchildren, traveling with Ed and her friends, music, Nebraska football, reading, volunteering at church, art and working in her yard. She will be eternally beautiful in Heaven's light.
  Survivors include her husband: Philip E. "Ed" Darby of Lexington, Nebraska. Six daughters: Sara Jane Darby of Omaha, Nebraska, Jennifer Jo and Scott Mitchell of Grand Island, Nebraska, Luanne Rae Gesell of Norfolk, Nebraska, Linda Kae and Rick Petet of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Patricia Ann Reiners of Lincoln, Nebraska, Karla Lynn & Roger Schmidt of Grand Island, Nebraska. One sister: Gloria & Harold Benzel of Dixon, California
   Eight grandchildren: Liza Jo & Chad Lorenz of Washington, DC, Clair Olivia Schmidt of Grand Island, Nebraska, Philip Payton Schmidt of Kearney, Nebraska, Cameron Lee Petet of Durango, Colorado, Erin Darby Gesell of Omaha, Nebraska, Darby Linn Reiners of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sydney Kae Reiners of Lincoln, Nebraska, Tanner John Gesell of Norfolk, Nebraska. One great-granddaughter: Tatum Kay Kime of Grand Island, Nebraska as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
   Karen was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Donna Linn.
   A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. Karen's body will not be present at the church. Visitation will be Thursday, April 23, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Karen's body will then be cremated. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Methodist Church Columbarium.
   Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Community Foundation, the First United Methodist Church or the Donor's Choice.
   Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be directed to: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome

C. Duane White, 69, of Gering, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Regional West Medical Center with his loving family by his side. His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, May 5, at the Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ed Hunzeker officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the chapel.
     Duane was born June 12, 1938, in Ft. Collins, Colo., to Ora and Violet (Parker) White. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1956, and married Frances Marie Potter in Lexington, Neb., in 1957. He sold insurance for several years in Wahoo, Neb. They moved to Scottsbluff in 1977, where they owned the Trail Motel. He owned and operated Homestake Coins since 1979. He had attained his Life Masters in American Contract Bridge League.
     Duane made a lot of close friends throughout the years he played bridge. He loved coins and was a member of Numismatic Assoc. He loved to play golf and loved the Denver Broncos and Nebraska Football. Duane spent many hours in the last few years watching his favorite programs. He was very loving and caring and helped many people throughout his lifetime. He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife, Fran, of 51 years and family.
     Survivors include his wife, Fran; children, Mikel White of Morrill; daughter, Kim (Michael) Gutierrez of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, Jas, Ashleigh and Chance White, Lacey Fleenor, Kacey Fleenor and fiancee Kayla Salazar (who is expecting Duane's first great-grandchild), and Amalie Gutierrez; sister, Lois Shoop of Cozad, Neb.; longtime family friend, Marc Harbour, lifetime friend, Al Chandler and good friend and neighbor, Arnold Mendoza; sisters-in-law, Brothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and lifelong friend (called themselves avid brothers) Bill Rosengren. Memorials may be given to the family to be designated later.

Lorretta R. (Kugler) Dewey, 68, of Cozad, Nebraska, died Monday, March 17, 2008, at Southview Manor Golden Living Center in Cozad. She was born July 9, 1939, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Carl and Helen (Resch) Kugler.
   Lorretta was raised in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1956, she graduated with Honors at the top of her class. She then served three years in the Army WAC Division. Following her time in the service, she returned to the Lexington area. In her later years, she spent many happy times at Parkview Villa in Gothenburg and later at the Golden Living Center in Cozad.
   She enjoyed crafts, socializing, sewing, playing the piano and being with her family.
   Survivors include two daughters: Deborah & Wendell Tobaben of Cozad, Nebraska Marilyn & Rich Twehous of Lincoln, Nebraska. Two sisters: June & Don Coover of Lexington, Nebraska Paulette & Virgil Gardner of Granbury, Texas. Two grandchildren: Carly & Will Twehous of Lincoln, Nebraska. Lorretta was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, JoAnn and one brother, Richard Kugler.
   Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Father Paul Colling officiating. Burial will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery.
   Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2008, from 4-6 p.m. with Wake Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. all held at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
   A Memorial has been established, for Mass Intentions to St. Ann's Catholic Church or North American Martyrs Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
   Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara J. Reed, 68, of St. Paul, died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006, as the result of an automobile accident near Greeley. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, with the Revs. Thomas Hyde and Ray Kosmicki officiating. Burial will be in the Elmwood Cemetery at St. Paul. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is in charge of arrangements.
     She is survived by one son, Richard Reed and his friend, Diane, of St. Paul; three daughters, Peggy (Dan) Griffin of Elba, Penny (Howard) Beck of St. Paul, and Pam (John) Baxa of Grand Island; her parents, Walter and Myrene Hammond of Lexington; one brother, Gary (Barbara) Hammond of Lexington; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a former daughter-in-law, Karen Reed of St. Paul.
     Barbara was born on Nov. 30, 1938, at Lexington, to Walter and Myrene (Kincheloe) Hammond. She grew up on the family farm and attended Dist. No. 17 Dawson County rural school and was a 1956 graduate of Lexington High School. She then worked at the Thomas Bakery in Lexington.
     She was united in marriage to Richard Reed on Dec. 22, 1957, at Lexington. The couple farmed near Lexington until 1967 when they moved to a farm in the Midway area near St. Paul. In 1994, they moved to Farwell and in 2004, they moved to St. Paul.
     Barbara worked at various places in the St. Paul community, including Hamil's Ostrich Farm, Howard County Community Hospital, Super 8 Motel, Pump and Pantry and she and Donna Williams ran the B & D Lunch Wagon at area auctions for many years. Before her death, she was employed at the Howard County Medical Clinic.
     She was a member of the Methodist faith, was a past 4-H leader, was a member of extension clubs in Lexington and St. Paul, and served on the Farwell election board. Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.
-Obituary obtained from www.lexch.com

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