|
Memorials for the Class of 1944
Jennie Silas Gutierrez, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at St. Joseph's Villa in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born on February 2, 1924 to Herman and Paublita Silas in Hershey, Nebraska. Jennie moved to Lexington as a ten year old and worked alongside her family as a migrant worker in the sugar beet fields throughout her young life. Because of her love of education, her father promised they would never move from Lexington. Her passion for helping others began as a young girl volunteering her interpretation and translation skills at every opportunity to help her family and their friends.
Jennie married the love her life, Primo Gutierrez Jr. of Lexington on January 15th, 1942 and they were blessed with five children. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1944. Jennie enrolled in Kearney State Teachers College to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. After two years she received her Nebraska State Normal School certificate and began her teaching career in a country school north of Eddyville, NE. She continued going to school evenings and every summer to earn her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education, Master's Degree in Middle School Education, Master's Degree in Education Administration and an endorsement in English as a Second Language. Throughout this time, she raised and loved her own five children, nieces and nephews, Godchildren, and hundreds of school children. Jennie taught in eight Dawson County Rural Schools for 42 years and retired in 1994.
Jennie loved her community and she wanted Lexington and everyone in it to be the best at every turn. She volunteered her time and talents to serve in any way possible. Jennie was very proud to belong to the following educational and community organizations: Dawson County Rural Teachers association; Nebraska State Education Association; and the National Education Association, where she served as President, Commissioner, and on several executive committees. She was one of the founders of the Educational Minority Action Committee and also served on the Chapter I Migrant Education Leadership Committee. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma sororities. Jennie was an active member of the Red Cross, Dawson County Housing Authority, the United Way, the Central Nebraska Hispanic Awareness Center, the Mexican American Commission, and Encuentro of Central Nebraska. She was a 4-H leader for 35 years and a lifelong member of St. Ann's Catholic Church. She was elected and served as a board member to the St. Ann's and Lexington Public School Boards. Jennie was honored as the First Nebraska Hispanic Woman of the Year, the Nebraska Woman of Color, and recipient of the UNK Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
In her retirement, Jennie championed Lexington's efforts to unite and welcome the new Latino community by teaching Spanish to city officials and participating in many planning committees to navigate change. She taught English as a Second Language and Citizenship Classes to newcomers and was an essential part of the founding of the Haven House in Lexington. Jennie and her husband Primo, along with their lifelong Lexington Latino friends, founded the Lexington Welcome Center.
Jennie's loving and giving spirit will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband Primo Gutierrez Jr., her parents Herman and Paublita Silas, brother Modesto Silas, sisters Chita Munoz and Ann Cole, and beloved grandson Jade Gutierrez. Jennie is survived by her sister Eva Montoya, of Omaha, Nebraska; her five children Kathleen Gutierrez, of Everett, Washington; Robert Gutierrez, of Kansas City, Missouri; Bill and Catherine Gutierrez, of Eustis, Nebraska; Jack and Kelly Gutierrez, of Columbus, Nebraska; and Judith Gutierrez, of Omaha, Nebraska. Grandchildren Racqel and Brian Self, Jacques Smith and fiancé Jill, Cody and Amanda Smith, Tosh Gutierrez, Drew, Jake, and Jaisa Gutierrez, and Juanita Snow. Great-Grandchildren Kylee and Primo Self, Cody, Laikyn, and Olivia Smith, Ryder and Cali Smith.
Memorials are suggested to CCC Foundations Lexington Adult ESL & Citizenship Classes or St. Ann's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 24, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Neal Nollette celebrating. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 23, 2014, from 5-6 p.m. with Wake Service to follow at 6:00 all at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Burial will be in the St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
Richard L. "Dick" Rickel, 86, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, September 10, 2012 at his home. He was born September 8, 1926, in Cozad, Nebraska to Otto R. and Helen (Godfrey) Rickel. Dick graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1944. He then served his Country in the United States Army during WWII, from October 23, 1944, until being honorably discharged on July 24, 1946.
Upon Dick's return to Nebraska after his discharge he worked at the Majestic Theater, at a lumberyard and laid flooring for Graham-Edwards Furniture. He was united in marriage to Norma Young on June 11, 1950, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington.
Dick began a 27 year career with Cornland Dressed Beef in the maintenance department and then another 27 years as an electrician for Henry Orthman at Orthman Manufacturing. He retired in 1995.
Dick was always good with electronics. He loved fixing guns, working on guns and everything he was given as gifts he tore apart and put together again. He was active in the Gopher Smoker's and set up the communication center at Heartland Military Museum. He was an avid HAM Radio Operator with the call letters WA0RAK and active in the Central Nebraska Amateur Radio Club.
Dick is survived by his children: Jim (Natalie) Rickel of Lexington, Nebraska; Jeri (Dave) Jaixen of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Sue Hedges of Waterloo, Nebraska.
Seven grandchildren: Matt (Leslie) Irwin of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Becky (Rocky) Doerr of Andover, Minnesota; Carissa (Kyle) Stritt of Axtell, Nebraska; Beth (Aaron) Sauerland of Phoenix, Arizona; Brandon Howell of McCook, Nebraska; Josh Irwin of Des Moines, Iowa; and Trisha Rickel of McCook, Nebraska. Five great-grandchilren: Abby and Kaitlyn Doerr, Avery and Leah Stritt; Ava Sauerland, and one baby on the way! Brother-in-law: Dr. Gerald, Jr. and wife Lee Young of Barrington, Illinois
Dick is also survived by three nieces, one nephew, other extended family members and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma in 2008 and sister, Mary.
The family has honored Dick's wishes that his body be cremated. There will be a Book Signing on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. with the family present at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Memorial Services will be Thursday, September 13, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating.
Inurnment will be held in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lexington with Military Honors.
Memorials are suggested to the Heartland Military Museum, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department 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.
Viola May Cline, 86 years of age, of Bertrand, died Friday, Aug, 10, 2012 at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.
Memorial services will be conducted from the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Darrel Wissmann officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. There will be no visitation. The family is honoring her wish for cremation.
Viola was born May 17, 1926 at Lexington, the second of six children born to Thomas James and Martha Marie (Sullivan) Hagan. She received her primary education and later graduated from Lexington Public Schools with the Class of 1944. Viola helped with the family after graduation. Later, with her sister Clara and cousin, Doris (Hollibaugh) Green, the girls traveled to Denver to work in the factories during the war. Viola and Doris went to work for the Cleo Plunkett Shows and met Kenny Cline who was employed by the Gill Gray Circus.
She was united in marriage to Kenneth Irwin Cline on May 21, 1958 at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. The family was blessed with two daughters: Valerie and Sandra. The family made their home on acreage in Bertrand since 1964 to be close to Viola's family.
Viola and Kenny enjoyed the concession business and continued working for the Carden and Johnson Shrine Circus. They expanded on their own in 1960, serving cotton candy, sno cones and chocolate nut sundaes on a stick. They worked fairs in Nebraska and Kansas where Viola and Kenny enjoyed serving the public.
Viola loved her family and often would stay home with the girls. She enjoyed taking care of their small farm, working with livestock and gardening. Viola also enjoyed a trip to the Platte for some fishing. Always being outdoors with the dogs and the grandkids was the best for her.
She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters: Valerie (Gary) Percival of Oxford, Sandy (Mike) Hill of Loup City; four grandchildren, Ian (Patty) Stewart of North Platte, Ahron Stewart of Lexington, Jessica and Thomas Percival in Oxford; one great-grandson, Aiden Stewart of Lexington; sisters, Clara Schlotman of Ocean Park, Wash., Agnes (Edsel) Chandler of Smithfield, Lois Hagan of Bertrand; sister-in-law, Phyillis Richardson of Elm Creek and a host of other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenneth, in 1977 and brothers, William (Bill) Hagan and Ralph Hagan.
A memorial has been established and kindly suggested to Alzheimer's Association or to donor's choice.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at
www.nelsonbauerfh.com The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth A. Hodgson, 88, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, June 29, 2012, at Lexington Regional Health Center. Ken was born February 27, 1924, at Lexington, Nebraska to Oliver and Essie (McClamrock) Hodgson. He attended school in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1942. He was united in marriage to Gladys Clements on May 14, 1944, in Norton, Kansas. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Ronnie & Beth.
Ken spent over 50 years as a building contractor and owned and operated Hodgson Installation Company. Following his retirement he drove the Handi-Bus for 8 years, but continued his love of woodworking until his health forced him to stop.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served on many committees and held several board positions throughout the years. He is very proud of the wooden cross he constructed which still holds a special place at the front of the church.
Ken was a quiet, kind man who will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 70 years: Gladys of Lexington, NE; One son: Ronnie (Prime) Hodgson of Seattle, WA, One daughter: Beth Hodgson of Lexington, NE, One Foster daughter: Mila Adams of Council Bluffs, IA, Ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Don and one sister, LoRee Timmerman.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Reverend Caroline Vickery and Reverend James Watson Co-Officiating. Burial will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Visitation will be held Monday, July 2, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
Donald D. Hofferber, 85, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was born May 18, 1926, at Lexington, Nebraska to George and Ida (Hatfield) Hofferber. Don attended school at Lexington and was a 1944 graduate of Lexington High School. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Lexington in April of 1927, and Confirmed at the First Lutheran Church at Buffalo in 1950.
Don was united in marriage to Elizabeth "Betty" Zwick on April 17, 1949 at First Lutheran Church at Buffalo, Nebraska. Three sons were blessed to this marriage; Timothy, David and Kent. He served his Country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Army from February of 1952 to February of 1954. He was stationed in Germany.
Following Don's honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Lexington where he and Betty farmed and raised their sons. He was active in Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Directors. He also served on the boards of the Dawson County Extension Service and the Lexington COOP. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Don loved following his sons in their activities and sports while they were in school. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, watching sports and his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years: Betty Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, Three sons: Timothy D. (Patricia) Hofferber of Lincoln, Nebraska, David A. (Katherine) Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, Kent C. Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, Two brothers: Gary (Jan) Hofferber of Cozad, Nebraska, William (Fran) Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, One sister: Georgia Speak of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Four grandchildren: Drew & Brett Hofferber both of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jennifer (Trevor) Soncksen of Lexington, Nebraska; Jamie (Ruben) Vasquez of Lexington, Nebraska, Three great-grandsons: Jonathon Vasquez and Liam & Landen Soncksen, Two great-step-granddaughters: Madison Mast of Cozad, Nebraska and Joscelyn Soncksen of Eddyville, Nebraska, One brother-in-law: Richard (Eveline) Zwick of Seward, Nebraska, One sister-in-law: Armelda Schreiber of Stockton, California, Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding Don in death were his parents; two brothers-in-law, Bill Speak and Leland Zwick and one sister-in-law, Edith Wobig.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 26, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Reverend Craig Whitson officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Friday, November 25, 2011, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Donor's Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please direct online condolences to the family through: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
Maxine Evelyn (Mrs. Donald) Carlson, 82, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, January 16, 2009, at Golden Living Care Center in Cozad, Nebraska.
She was born July 14, 1926, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Lewis Henry and Eva Mae (Dillman) Lange.
Maxine grew up in Lexington and lived here most of her life. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1944, and then Kearney State College.
She was united in marriage to Donald Carlson on May 22, 1948, at North Platte, Nebraska. Two children were blessed to this union; Thomas and Vicki Sue.
Maxine taught school in Lexington and in the Bertrand area. She played piano for many activities at District #38 school when her children were growing up. She also helped her husband with the farming operation. But, her most cherished career was raising her children and keeping her home. She loved flower gardening and sewing.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Rebekah Myrtle Lodge, the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her daughter: Vicki Sue and husband, Mike Davis of Lexington, Nebraska, Daughter-in-law: Kay Carlson of Lexington, Nebraska, 5 grandchildren and 7 7/8ths great-grandchildren.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald and son, Tom.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating.
Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to Lexington Volunteer Fire Department or the First Presbyterian Church.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy or guest book signatures may be directed to:
www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
Francis Edward Fagot, 82, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. He was born March 21, 1926, at Lexington, Nebraska to Forest Mathias and Sevilla May (Reynolds) Fagot. Fran grew up at Lexington where he graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1944. He then served his Country during WWII in the United States Navy from 1944-1946.
He was united in marriage to Ruth Miller on April 10, 1949, at Milford, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this union; Kathy, Annette and Craig. Fran farmed north of Lexington, fed cattle and was a crop adjuster.
Fran was always very active in the community; he enjoyed people and enjoyed serving as past president of the Dawson County Feeders Association, past president of the Lexington Rotary Club, past president of the Dawson County Museum board, past board member of ESU #10, the Plum Creekers, Toastmasters, Barbershoppers, Lexington Art's Council, a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Methodist Church choir and the Methodist Men. He also served 14 years on the Central Platte Natural Resource District board.
He enjoyed the family cabin at Johnson Lake, flying, sailing, boating, skiing, archery, singing, gardening, people, and was, "always ready for an adventure"!
Survivors include his wife: Ruth Fagot of Lexington, Nebraska, Brother: Dale (Virgene) Forest of Trophy Club, Texas, Daughters: Kathy (Mike) Hockley of Overland Park, Kansas, Annette (Russ) Eisenhart of Culbertson, Nebraska, One son: Craig (Pat) Forester of Cincinnati, Ohio. Grandchildren: Chris Hockley, Anne Crofford, John Eisenhart, Ben Eisenhart, Andrea Eisenhart, Rachel Forester and stepgrandchildren; Lucy and Vinnie Conlon.
Fran was preceded in death by his parents.
The family has honored Fran's wishes that his body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 7, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium.
Memorials are suggested to the Dawson County Museum, the First United Methodist Church Music Department, or the Donor's Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
Iryl V. Nelson, age 81, of Aurora, formerly a resident of Lexington, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2008, at Aurora Memorial Community Care.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, with the Rev. Todd Karges, officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 14, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Survivors include two sons, Russ (Linda) Nelson of Woodbury, Minn., Al (Sandra) Nelson of LaVista; one daughter, Cindy (Valta) Ross of Aurora, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Iryl was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick in 2007, and her infant son, Terry Dick Nelson.
She was born June 21, 1926, at Lexington, to Walter and Hazel (Hatfield) Tomasek.
Iryl attended school at Lexington, graduating from Lexington High School in 1944.
She was united in marriage to Dick J. Nelson on Jan. 2, 1947, at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington.
Iryl worked several jobs during her lifetime as well as being a full time homemaker.
She spent most of her time on their farm northwest of Lexington taking care of their huge yard, beautiful flowers, and abundant garden. She was known for her cooking especially her cookies.
Iryl and Dick traveled and shopped about the country. Iryl also taught Sunday school for many years.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Memorials are kindly suggested to the East Park Villa in Aurora, or the First United Methodist Church in Lexington.
|
