Kenneth W. Ziegelbein, 90, of Aurora, formerly of Polk, died Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Memorial Community Care in Aurora.  Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Polk with Pastor Dave Ohlman officiating.  Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Solt-Wagner Funeral Home in Polk.  Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the family and condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.
Kenneth was born Sept. 8, 1929 to William and Viola (Smith) Ziegelbein in Hamilton County.  Kenneth stayed on the family farm to work after his schooling.  He farmed in Hamilton, York, and Polk counties.  Kenneth served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was stationed in France and served as a heavy equipment operator.  On Oct. 21, 1956, Kenneth was united in marriage to Shirley Moeller in Grand Island.  Kenneth remained on the family farm until 2014 when he moved to East Park Villa in Aurora.  In December of 2018 he moved to Aurora Memorial Community Care.
Kenneth was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Polk and sang in the choir.  He really enjoyed singing.  He was also a member of the Lyons Club, and the Polk American Legion where he served as a past commander.  Kenneth had a love for tractors and John Deere antique tractor pulling.   He also enjoyed spending his time reading.
Kenneth enjoyed spending time with his family and is survived by his children, Lavern (Jean) Ziegelbein of Union, Jean (Michael) Hergenroeder of Arlington, TX, Patricia (Robert) Fuller of Dallas, TX, Gale (Ralph) Kerstens of Arlington, TX, and Karen (Bret) Seipold of Hastings, IA; daughter-in-law, Colleen Ziegelbein of Lincoln; his siblings, Ruth (Donald) Wright of Lincoln, Charles (RaeJean) Ziegelbein of Lincoln, and Allen (Carol) Ziegelbein of Papillion; 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; and his son, William “Bill” Ziegelbein.

Kent Madsen, age 78, of Aurora, passed away on December 22, 2019 at Westfield Quality Care.
Kent’s wishes were to be cremated and the family will receive friends from 5 -7 on Thursday, December 26 at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora. Private family inurnment will take place in the Aurora Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in care of the family for future designation. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Kent Milton Madsen, son of Milton R. and Lucille (Taylor) Madsen, was born at Stratton, Nebraska, on April 6, 1941 and passed away at Aurora, on December 22, 2019 at the age of 78.
He grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1959.  Kent attended college at Kearney State from 1960-1961 in Business Administration.  Kent served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1963-65.  Kent worked as a manufacturing engineer at Sperry New Holland for 30 years.
Kent was a member of the American Legion, serving on the Legion Color Guard.  He served as a member of the Aurora Cemetery and a Boy Scout Leader.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Tracy (Cory) Ohlson of Aurora; son,  Troy ( Cassandra) Wagoner of Carter Lake, Iowa; grandchildren, Logan, Tanner and Wade Ohlson of Aurora and Anna Wagoner of Kearney; sister, Celia (Wayne) Ganow of Hastings and former wife, Terry (Jim) Vanderheiden of Bull Head City, Arizona and other relatives and friends.

Hampton resident Helen Elaine Pohl, 86, passed away Friday, December 20, 2019, at her home.
A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 2 at the chapel of Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora. Rev. Michelle Reed will officiate. Memorials may be given to the family for memorials to be established at a later date. Condolences may be emailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Helen was born July 3, 1933, in Aurora, to Jonathan and Zelma (Main) Reardon. Helen graduated from Aurora High School in 1951. She married Wallace Wayne Pohl on October 28, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton; he preceded her in death on August 17, 2010.
Helen and Wallace farmed southeast of Hampton. She worked side by side with her husband in all aspects of the farming operation. In 1986, Helen and her family opened the Heartland Antique Mall in Grand Island. She was noted for her insightful knowledge with regards to antiques and was rarely puzzled by inquiries from curious customers. Helen was devoted to her family and loved family gatherings, especially July 4th celebrations with “Wow!” fireworks.
Helen served two terms as president of the Women’s Missionary League in Lincoln and was on the board of the Girl Scouts in Grand Island as well as the Grand Island Downtown Development Board.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wallace Wayne Pohl; and daughter, Kathryn Johnson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Jim Pohl of Grand Island; son-in-law Gary Johnson of Aurora; two grandchildren, Braden (Gabby) Johnson of Lincoln; and Christa Johnson of Denver; sister, Dorothy Hanway of Lincoln; and sister-in-law, Lois Brennan of Exeter, California; several nieces and nephews.   

Marcia Friedrichsen, age 84, formerly of Aurora, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the Orchard Garden in Valley.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Aurora.  Rev.  Sarah Ruch will officiate.  Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Messiah Lutheran Church, 415 South 18th Street, Aurora.  The family requests that you wear Husker attire to the services.  Memorials may be made in care of the family to designate at a later date.  Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Marcia Bernell Greckel Friedrichsen was born on a farm near Bloomfield, on May 7, 1935 to Fred and Emma (Kortum) Greckel.  Marcia graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1953.   She settled into life in Bloomfield after high school, was married and from that marriage, two children were born to this union.  After moving to David City, she was married to Paul Friedrichsen.  To this union, they were blessed with eight children.  In 1976, they moved to Aurora where they lived for forty-two years.
Marcia was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church.  Her faith was an integral part of her life.  She taught Sunday school and confirmation classes for many years and was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Aurora.  Marcia was a member of PEO for 56 years and was part of Chapter AC in Aurora.  Marcia ran an in home daycare center and took care of many children that she loved as her own.  For several years, Paul and Marcia opened their home as a safe place for foster children and were honored with the Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award.  Marcia worked for the State of Nebraska as a family support worker and later as the social services director for Bethesda Nursing Home.  For all of her work with children, Marcia was Lady of the Rose in 1985.   On the side, Marcia would waitress or help at Nitta’s.  She loved being around people!
Marcia’s hobby was her family.  She loved cooking, entertaining, visiting, watching Husker sports, family trips to Estes Park and shopping with them all.  Christmas was Marcia’s favorite holiday and she made sure it was special for everyone.  She loved to travel to visit family, watch the Cardinal’s play baseball and to have a house full of people to cook for.
Survivors include her husband Paul, children:  Holly (Rod) Didier, Thomas, Cass, Matthew, David and Rachel; Jennifer and Billy Murray, Minna and Arden;  Melissa (Jason) Prante, Mitchell, Lauren and Autumn, April Friedrichsen, Franklin, Linus and Fannie; Sam (Jana) Friedrichsen, Parker, Nicholas, Lucas and Emerson; Amber (Jason) Cecil, Maggie, Jake and Odin; Jose Friedrichsen, Byron (Cristina) Friedrichsen, Mya and Oliver;  and Joe (Kristin) Friedrichsen, Grady and Meyer; Great grandchild, James Didier;  brother-in-laws Chasely Friedrichsen, Millard Friedrichsen and Morris Friedrichsen and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Benjamin David Friedrichsen, great-grandson, August Didier, her parents, Fred and Emma Greckel, brothers, Edward, Harold and Freddie Greckel.

Kevin Ross, age 61, of Aurora, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020, at his home after a long battle with MS.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 7 at the Stockham Community Church, 401 Scott Street, Stockham.  Rev.  Paul Nauman and Rev. Rick Bartek will officiate.   A family graveside committal service will be at the Stockham Cemetery prior to the church service on Tuesday.  Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Stockham Community Church.  Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date.  Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.  Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Kevin Lynn Ross, the son of Floyd Harry and Verna Mae (Cady) Ross, was born in Hastings, on Jan. 27, 1958 and passed away at his home in rural Aurora, on Jan. 2, 2020, at the age of 61.
Kevin grew up on the Ross Family farm near Eldorado.  He graduated from Harvard Public Schools.  He worked on the family farm.
Kevin was united in marriage to Donna Lynn Nuss on June 11, 1977 at Aurora. They had three children: Amanda, Sarah and Seth.  Kevin worked at Bonnavilla Homes, Stockham Fertilizer, York Manufacturing and Memorial Hospital.  
Kevin enjoyed playing basketball, hunting, fishing, camping and playing with his children when they were young and attending his grandchildren’s activities.  He liked watching Husker Football.  Kevin was proud to have always lived on the family farm.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Mike Shaffer.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna of Aurora; three children, Amanda (Dan) Kinney of Stockham, Sarah (Ryan) Wilson of Wellington, Colorado and Seth (Taylor) Ross of Giltner; four grandchildren, Jadlynn Kinney, Marah Kinney, Avett Ross and Skylar Wilson; two brothers, Dennis Ross of Lincoln and Terry (Judy) Ross of Aurora, and many other family members and friends.

Dr. Boyd E. “Doc” Burhoop DVM, 81, of Aurora, formerly of Grand Island, died Monday, January 30, 2019, at Westfield Quality Care of Aurora.  The family will celebrate Doc’s life, Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island.  The Rev. Adam Snoberger will officiate.  The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until service time.  Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force Honor Team and the United Veterans Honor Guard.  Private family inurnment will be in the Central City Cemetery.  Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.  You are welcome to sign Doc’s guest book at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary.
Doc was born July 27, 1938, at York.  He was the son of William Elmer and Dorothy Anne (Snyder) Burhoop.  He lived in York before moving at a young age, with his family, to Central City.   He graduated from Central City High School in 1955 continuing his education at UNL before entering Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, where he completed his degree in 1962.  He married Jean Ross in September of 1959, they later divorced.  He entered the U.S. Air Force on July 19, 1962, serving until his honorable discharge on July 18, 1964, with rank as a Captain.  He returned to Central City, later moving to York, where he began his Veterinary practice.   In 1984 he moved to Grand Island where he owned and operated his small animal practice, Pet Hospital, until retiring in 2010.  He married Beverly “Bev” (Hurst) White on June 21, 1991, in York.  They lived in Aurora.    
Doc loved his work and genuinely cared for all animals.  He was a people person; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and by the conclusion of that conversation you were friends.  He was proud of his children and grandchildren.  His favorite pastimes as his children were growing up included boating, water sports, snow skiing, and horseback riding.  He always had a love for hunting anything with feathers or fur but raised the bar when he started big game hunting with his youngest son 20 years ago.  He loved the challenge and managed to score on some of those trips – mountain goat, mountain sheep, elk, and many stories.   
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a member of the Board of Elders, and a past Chairman of that board, and was active in the Friday morning bible study.  He was a life member of NVMA, serving as the District Director of the 5th District in 2000.  He was a life member of Sertoma, a member of the Platt-Duetsche Society, Saddle Club, and was a 50-year member of the American Legion.  
He will be missed by his wife, Bev White of Aurora, children, Kimberly (Richard) Troia of Omaha, Cynthia (Dr. Thomas) Weber of Omaha, Curtis (Kimberly) Burhoop of Walton, Dr. Craig (Julie) Burhoop of McCook Lake, SD; stepchildren, Lisa (Craig) Stanton of York, Jeremy (Karolyn) White of Raymond; grandchildren, Sarah, Alex, Thomas, and Christian Troia, Michael, Chris (Samantha), and Lauren Weber, Jacob, Noah, and Elizabeth Burhoop, Abigail and Isabella Burhoop; step-grandchildren, Tori Stanton, Joey, and Jianna White.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sharon Burhoop, brother, Ronald Burhoop, grandson, Brady Burhoop, and mother-in-law, Virgie Hurst.
Memorials are suggested to Hamilton Community Foundation or donor’s choice.

Melquiades A. “Mel” Santos, of Omaha, formerly of Central City, died on January 5, 2020 at Silver Ridge Memory Care in Gretna.  Private family services will be held at the Central City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.
Melquiades was born on February 12, 1932 to Melquiades and Maria (Diaz) Santos in Cereté, Colombia.  Mel grew up in Cereté, and graduated from High School there.  On April 28, 1952, Melquiades and Olivia Cardenas were married in Cereté.  In 1964 they would immigrate to Kenesaw, where Mel worked as a self-employed carpenter.  In 1975, Mel and Olivia moved to Central City where he continued his carpentry work.  They remained in Central City until October of 2014, when they moved to Omaha.
Mel was cherished by his family as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He lived his faith and was a lifelong Presbyterian.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Olivia of Omaha, his children; Alicia Santos of North Carolina, Susana (Bill) Harrington of Omaha, Niní (Bill) Abbey of Colorado, and Gonzalo (Monica) Santos of Connecticut, his grandchildren; Antonia, Casey (Taylor), Michael, Sara, Patrick, and Phillip, and one great-grandchild; Declan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and most of his large family.

Memorial services for Bill Holland age 91 of Aurora, formerly of Wisner, will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Christ in Wisner, with Rev. Scott Evans officiating.  Private family interment will take place in the Wisner Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.  Minnick Funeral Home in Wisner is handling the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wisner VFW Post #5767 or the Wisner-Pilger School Foundation.
Bill passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 at the Memorial Community Care Center in Aurora.
Bill D. Holland was born to Ivin and Leona (Renfrow) Holland on February 7, 1928 at the farm home near Beemer.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Beemer Methodist Church.  Bill attended Cuming County Rural School District #39 and graduated from Wisner High School in 1945.  He joined the United States Marines on his 18th birthday and was honorably discharged in November of 1947.
After returning to Wisner he worked for Louis Dinklage and became manager of the East Feed Lot in 1948.  On Dec. 5, 1948, he married Marjorie Stewart at the United Methodist Church in Wisner.  They lived on the East Feed Lot for 4 years before moving to their own farm north of Wisner, where they resided for 46 years.  They moved into Wisner in 1994 and wintered in Tucson, AZ for 20 years.
From this union four sons were born, Douglas, Howard, Martin, and Bradley.
Bill and Marge traveled extensively in their 71 years of marriage, visiting all 50 states and all of the continents except Antarctica.  They also hosted several foreign exchange students at their home and enjoyed lifelong friendships with them.
Bill is a member of the United Methodist Church of Christ in Wisner and served on many church boards and as chairman of the building committee for the new church in 1976.  He was named Citizen of the Year by the Wisner Lions Club in 1988, was a lifetime member of the Wisner VFW Post #5767, and also took pride in stocking the Kid’s Fishing Pond at the Wisner River Park for many years.
In 1958, he founded and operated the Holland Feedlots south of Wisner for more than 50 years.  He founded and was a 36 year partner in the Dinklage Feed Yards in Western Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado.  Bill was associated with the Farmers Elevators in Wisner and Beemer for many years.  He served as president of Liquid Feed Commodities and Wismont Trucking Company.
Bill is a former director of the First National Bank of Wisner and the University of Nebraska Foundation.  He was a member of the President’s Advisory Board of the University of Nebraska and was a charter member of the Nebraska Cornhusker Beef Club.  Bill was a loyal Cornhusker fan.  Bill was a pilot holding single and multi-engine ratings.
Marge and Bill lived for 2 years in Albuquerque, NM and have resided for the last 3 years in Aurora.
Survivors include: his wife Marge Holland of Aurora, daughter-in-law-Cheryl Holland of Aurora, and family Karla and Ralph Loubeau of Port au Prince, Haiti and daughters Chloe and Emmie, Jenna and Steve Hurst of Bennington and children Ruby and Eli; son Martin and Christine Holland of Albuquerque, NM and family Joy Ann and Shawn Morales of Rio Rancho, NM and daughters Kimber and Katelyn, Sara and Daniel Prentice of Idaho Falls, ID and children Evan and Avery, Kathryn and Joey Ekloff of Seattle, WA and daughter Florence; son Bradley Holland of Tucson, AZ; sister Veretta Koehler of Wisner.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two sons Douglas and Howard, four brothers LaVern, Gene, Harold, and Jerry, and an infant sister.

Gene Floyd Dickman, 92, of Le Mars, Iowa, formerly of Brunsville, Iowa, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Brunsville.  Reverend Shawn Brooks will officiate.  Burial with military honors provided by the Heeren-McHale-Wilkens American Legion Post 724 of Brunsville will be in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Brunsville.  Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  The family will be present at 5 p.m. and there will be a Prayer Service at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.  Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.
The family asks that memorials be directed to: Hospice of Siouxland – 4300 Hamilton Blvd. – Sioux City, IA 51104.
Gene Dickman was born on Sept. 23, 1927, in Brunsville, Iowa, to Floyd and Katherine (Harms) Dickman.  He was given his name by his father who had said that he would be named after the winner of the famous “Long Count” fight between then champion, Gene Tunney and former Heavyweight champ, Jack Dempsey held in Chicago on Sept. 22.  Gene attended school in Brunsville, Iowa through the 8th grade and later attended Le Mars Central High School in Le Mars, IA.  He was employed by Jack Reese at the Reese Oil Service and Gas Station and the Brunsville Grain Elevator in his youth.
His was truly a life of service.  During WWII, he skipped his senior year of high school to enlist at the age of 17, in the United States Navy in May of 1945.  His official enlistment date was moved back until September of that year and he was eventually sworn in the day following Japan’s surrender to the Allies.  He spent three years in the Navy, serving as a machinist mate on the USS War Hawk and the USS Doyle.  Those ships were involved in troop transport and in mine sweeping operations. He considered his service in the Navy as one of the highlights of his life and enjoyed attending Navy reunions across the country in the years that followed. After his discharge from the Navy, he drove a redi-mix truck out of Le Mars, and later worked for Fritz Ludwigs at the Merrill Locker Plant.
On April 15, 1950, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Jean Luense in a service held in Brunsville, Iowa. The couple made their home in Merrill, Iowa, until 1958, when they moved to Brunsville, where Gene opened his own business, Gene’s Processing.  Gene successfully ran the locker plant in Brunsville until 1990.  While in business, he developed a reputation for producing excellent sausage and other smoked meat products, several of which were named best in the state at the annual Meat Processors Association.  Gene’s Processing also became synonymous with quality wild game processing and the plant in Brunsville processed approximately 600-700 white tail deer annually.  He was active in the meat industry, serving on the board of directors of the Iowa Meat Processors Association and was the organization’s President in 1976.  In 1990, he sold the business to his son Steve and Ron Geiger.  That operation would become the Genesis of the Scooter’s Natural Meats that now operates a new plant in Brunsville.  In retirement he worked part-time for Wells Blue Bunny at their milk plant in Le Mars.  
Gene was active in his community, serving throughout his adult life as a member of the Brunsville city council.  He was also the Brunsville Little League manager for many years.  A lifetime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Brunsville, he served on the church council and as congregational president.  He was also a proud and active member of the Heeren-Wilken-McHale American Legion Post 724 of Brunsville.  His was certainly a life well lived. His humility, work ethic, love of family, of country and community, the outdoors, and sincere patriotism continue to serve as a shining example to all of us who loved him.
Gene and Cheryl loved music and ballroom dancing.  The couple spent much of their shared retirement years traveling to ballrooms across the upper Midwest.  They were immediately recognizable with their “gliding” style across the dance floor and were tagged by many as the “Dancing Dickmans”.
Survivors include his six children, Steve (Peggy) of Brunsville, Stan (Marsha) of Spearfish, SD, Scott (Lori) of Rockford, IL, Susan (Dwayne) Braun of St. Joseph, MO, Stuart (Donna) of Le Mars and Stacie (Brett) Faber of Aurora: sixteen grandchildren: Alex (Toni) of Deadwood, SD, Nick and Dan Dickman of Brunsville, Joe Dickman of Ft. Bridger, WY, Anne (Austin) Travis of Sheridan, WY, Ryan Nicholson of Minneapolis, MN, Katie (Jeff) Kinsley of Aurora, Jonathan Braun of NYC, Emily Braun of Lincoln, Maggie Dickman of NYC, Drew and Abbie Dickman of Le Mars, Aly, Paige, Lexie and Dane Faber, all of Aurora, and five great-grandchildren; his sister Doris Brooks; two brother-in-laws, Ben (VerJean) Luense and Jim (Lorrie) Luense; and a sister-in-law, Pat (Denny) Zoerink; along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was proceeded in death by the love of his life, wife Cheryl (2008); his parents, Floyd and Katherine Dickman; brother, Don Dickman and his wife Imogene; and brother-in-law, Dr. Leonard Brooks.

Ella Evangeline Holtzen, 18, and Harrison “Beck” Holtzen, 14, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Sunnybrook Community Church.
Visitation with the family present will immediately follow at the church. Private burial will be the following day at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.
Ella was born Dec. 10, 2001, the daughter of Rick and Francine (Thacker) Holtzen. Ella grew up in Sioux City, being homeschooled until attending Hinton Community School, where she was currently a senior.
Ella enjoyed writing, especially stories and essays, and won awards for her writings. She was always reading, especially history books and enjoyed her job as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble. Ella loved art and drawing and in 2016 she won the Sioux City Tolerance Week Art Award. Music was also very important to Ella, and she enjoyed playing the guitar, piano, and singing in the school choir.
She was an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society. She cherished her time with her three beloved cats, and Ella found time to “give back” by donating blood as often as possible, volunteering for Art Splash, and volunteering for Her Health Women’s Center. She attended Sunnybrook Community Church.
Ella is survived by her parents Rick and Francine Holtzen of Sioux City; great-grandparents Buzz and Bobbie Warren, grandparents Bill Thacker, Bob and Sharon Nunnenkamp of Aurora, Lee and Patti Godfrey, Rich and Marilyn Mindolovich, and numerous extended family.
Beck was born March 18, 2005 in Sioux City, the son of Rick and Francine (Thacker) Holtzen. He grew up in Sioux City and was homeschooled until attending Hinton Community School, where he was currently a freshman.
Beck loved to play football for the Hinton Blackhawks and was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers. He loved to work out, go hunting with his dad, and do online gaming with his friends. He also enjoyed golf, chess and basketball. His 6th grade league basketball team coached by his dad won the league championship. Beck was an honor student and his favorite studies were math and engineering. He loved his cat Tundra. He volunteered for the Convoy of Hope and helping the janitor at church He attended Sunnybrook church and was part of the youth group.
Beck is survived by his parents Rick and Francine Holtzen of Sioux City; great-grandparents Buzz and Bobbie Warren, grandparents Bill Thacker, Bob and Sharon Nunnenkamp of Aurora, Lee and Patti Godfrey, Rich and Marilyn Mindolovich, and numerous extended family.
Memories and stories may be shared at EllaandBeckmemories@gmail.com.

Arthur (Lee) Scott, age 92, of Aurora, passed away Monday, January 13, 2020, at the Westfield Quality Care in Aurora.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Chapel of Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. Rev. Karl Larson will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.  Memorials may be made in care of the family to designate at a later date. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
More details at a later date.

Joey Mecham passed away Jan. 12, 2020 in Stevens arms at their mountain home in El Paso, Texas. Joey was born in New York City June 9, 1944 to parents Joe and Anna Ferrari. Her early  years were spent in New York City and her teens in Los Angeles, California. Joey was Miss Puerto Rico of Los Angeles in 1964. She met and married Steven in 1965, then waited a year to begin life with him when he completed his combat tour with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.
Joey’s life was colorful both in locations lived and in companies she worked for, including Planning Research Corp., Dames & Moore, Dresser Ideco where diverse professional services were employed for worldwide engineering and construction projects. Later and similarly happy work was with Aurora News-Register, then Farmers State Bank in Aurora, now Pinnacle Bank.
Joey’s life really centered on her twin children Jason and Allison, born in 1971. Her fairly large family scattered across several states, and the numerous people she worked and played with. She loved people, mothers and children especially, cooking and baking, music and dancing especially Latin, movies and books, and world travel. She loved life more than anyone we ever knew. We celebrate her life. We are thankful to have been blessed by her presence.

Florence Deininger, age 92, of Aurora, formerly of St. Paul and Elba, passed away on January 23, 2020 at Memorial Community Care in Aurora.
Because she has generously donated her body to science, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made in care of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Florence Adnelle Deininger, the daughter of William Emerson and Adnelle (Hoover) Baker was born on Dec. 13, 1927 at Lincoln, and she passed away on Jan. 23, 2020 at Aurora, at the age of 92.
She graduated from St. Paul High School in 1945.  Florence attended nursing school in Omaha.  She attended Hastings College for one year before teaching in a one room schoolhouse at Midway School west of St. Paul.
On May 29, 1949, she was united in marriage to Donald Deininger at the United Methodist Church in St. Paul.  They had 68 wonderful years together; celebrating their 50th anniversary with a trip to Ireland.
They lived 50 years on their Elba farm, where they raised their three sons.   
On retirement, they spent six months or more every year for 28 years in Texas, as winter Texans becoming permanent Texans the last nine years.  During these years, they did extensive worldwide traveling to six continents.  Previous to this they had taken their sons on fishing trips and to many states and Canada.
In 2012, they moved to East Park Villa in Aurora to be near family.  Donald passed away on June 15, 2017.
Florence was a member of the United Methodist Church.  Florence was a proud third generation PEO member for 71 years. Florence enjoyed gardening, listening to classical music and playing the piano and organ for St. Paul’s Methodist Church from the age of 15.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Donald.
Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Daniel of Everett, Washington, Roger and Laura of Hastings and Wayne and Susan of Aurora; four grandchildren; Evan (Kelsey) Deininger of Seattle, WA, Natalie (Lee) Alley of Green Bay, WI, Kristine Deininger of Kansas City, MO, and Sheryl (Kyle) Lubischer of Davey; two great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Izabella Lubischer; sister-in-law, Dorothy Jorgensen of St, Paul and other relatives and friends.

Aurora resident Delane “Del” Carroll Sinner, 85, loving husband and father of four children, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Aurora (9th and K Streets) with Pastor Penny Schulz officiating.  Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, at the Sutton Cemetery in Sutton.  In honoring his wishes to be cremated there will not be any visitation or viewing.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Fillmore County Hospital, Geneva, NE 68361 or the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Aurora.
Condolences may be left at www.suttonmemorial.com.
Delane was born on Nov. 9, 1934, in Sutton, to Floyd and Marguerite (Traudt) Sinner.  He graduated from Sutton High School in 1952 and was drafted into the US Army in 1954.  He was stationed in Germany where he served as a finance courier with the 7809th Unit.  After serving with the U.S Army, he returned to marry the love of his life, Georgianna Elfring on May 3, 1957.  They started a family and had two children when Delane received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hastings College.  Following his graduation, Del worked at Central City High School where he taught Physics and Biology and coached all sports.  In 1961, Del and Georgie moved to Omaha and had two more children.  He began working in the pharmaceutical field and continued to do so for over 40 years.  They raised one daughter, Susan and three sons, Scott, Steven, and Shawn.  Delane and Georgie spent over 62 years together enjoying time with their family and friends.
Del was a member of the Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, Usher, and Liturgist.  While in Central City, he was active in the Jaycee’s and was a Church Youth Group sponsor as well as a Senior Class sponsor.  Del was instrumental in starting the Prairie Lane Sports Association in Omaha and later served on the Park Board and Planning Commission in Aurora and was a member of the American Legion.  In 1977, Del and Georgie opened The Cork and Bottle in Aurora.   
Delane was a family man, never missing a sporting event of his children and later of his grandchildren.  He loved NE football and the Aurora Huskies.  He prided himself with having all four of his children compete on a state championship team.  In his free time, you could always find Del in the yard mowing or gardening.  Delane had an infectious personality…Always the life of the party!  He didn’t know a stranger and would welcome anyone into his home!
Delane is survived by his wife, Georgianna; daughter, Susan (Gary) Tournor; his sons, Steven (Betsy) and Shawn (Debbie); his brother, Gordie (Barb); his sister, Beverly Lee and 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd; his mother, Marguerite; his son, Scott; and his grandson, Steven Joseph.

Kenneth Pfiefer, age 73, of Aurora, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020 with his loving family at his side.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 1 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aurora. Rev. Loras Grell will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1420 9th Street, Aurora. Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Kenneth Francis Pfiefer, the son of Frank James and Helen Margaret (Jungwirth) Pfeifer, was born at Redfield, South Dakota on Sept. 22, 1946 and passed away in Grand Island, on Jan. 25, 2020, at the age of 73.
Kenny grew up in Orient, South Dakota on the family farm. He was one of 11 children born to Frank and Helen Pfeifer. He went to school in Orient and Faulkton, South Dakota where he finished the 10th grade.
In 1966 Kenny followed the love of his life to Nebraska. After working on a ranch in Valentine, they later moved to York, and put roots down in Aurora because Aurora had sidewalks. On July 29, 1967 Kenny was united in marriage to Sandra L. McGrath in Aurora. They had two children: Rodney and Shannon. Ken worked jobs over the years in Aurora and surrounding towns.
Kenny was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Coffee Club at McDonalds. He enjoyed spending time with family and giving them a hard time and being ornery. He also enjoyed camping and fishing. Kenny liked to work with wood and could make anything and fix anything.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Esther Verbeck and Pearl Gerlach and a brother, Vincent Pfeifer.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandy of Aurora; son, Rodney (Joy) Pfeifer of Chickamauga, Georgia and Shannon (Darren) Graves of Aurora; granddaughter, Cheyanne M. Graves of Aurora; two brothers, Joe Pfeifer of Orient, SD and Edward (Shirley) Pfeifer of Miller, SD; five sisters, Dorothy Downing of Redfield, SD, Mary Ann (Roger) Bent of Faulkton, SD, Lucille (Les) Staufer of Watertown, SD, Bobbi (Dick) Frank of Miller, SD and Rosie Hansen of Faulkton, SD and many other family members and friends.

Hastings resident Tanner J. Bramman, 25, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020, as a result of a semi collision accident.
Services are at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 30, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Pastor Rob Thornton and Pastor Howard Goldsmith officiating. Burial with military rites by the Nebraska National Guard will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hastings. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Tanner Bramman Memorial Fund. Visitation is from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday with family present from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.
Tanner was born April 15, 1994, to Sandi (Mills) Bramman in Central City. He was later adopted by his dad, Tony Bramman. He graduated from Adams Central High School in 2012. He entered the National Guard in 2011 where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Amber Joseph, on December 31, 2013.  
Tanner was preceded in death by his grandparents, E.J. and Evelyn Mills; grandma, Jackie Bramman; aunt, Luann Mills; and cousins, Jerika Mills, Anthony Epp, and Bentley Mills.
Tanner is survived by his daughter, Lily; son, Ryker; unborn son, Tanner Colton; and his wife, Amber. He is also survived by his parents, Sandi and Tony; sister, Emily; grandparents, Bud and Louise Mills; aunts and uncles, Buck and Chris Mills, Jennifer Znamenacek, Cheryl and Ron Ryan, Danica and Josh Donner, and Mark and Tanya Bramman. And many other cousins and family members.

Cletus G. Kothe, 75 of Giltner, died peacefully, Wednesday, January 29, 2020 in Aurora, surrounded by his family.
Gathering of friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at All Faiths Funeral Home.
Services in Cletus’s honor will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at All Faiths Funeral Home. Pastor Jim Spanjers will officiate.  Private family burial will take place at Case Cemetery on the family farm.
Memorials are designated to the ALS in the Heartland Foundation or to the family for future designation at Giltner Public Schools.
Cletus was born August 22, 1944, in Hastings, the son of in Roy C. and Laura A. (Fischer) Kothe.  He was baptized at his parent’s home in rural Juniata and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Hastings.  He was raised on a farm near Giltner and graduated from Giltner High School in 1962.  After graduation, he worked on the family farm and served six years in the Army National Guard of Nebraska.
He was united in marriage to Carol Ready on April 6, 1974.  Together they made their home on a farm southwest of Giltner that has been in Carol’s family for five generations.  Cletus enjoyed the hard work of being a farmer.  He took great pride in the crops and livestock he raised and successfully providing for his family.  In addition to his farm work, Cletus was also employed by Giltner Public Schools as an entrusted bus driver for 52 years.  He loved the connection to his school and community that driving the school bus gave him.  He was also extremely grateful for all of the lifelong friendships he was able to form with students, parents, educators, fellow bus drivers and co-workers in Giltner and the surrounding communities.
Cletus served for a number of years on the Hamilton County Extension and Hamilton County Agricultural Society boards.  Recently, he became an honorary member of the American Legion Post No. 300 in Doniphan.  He was always involved in his children and grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed attending any type of athletic or community event.
Cletus was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 45 years, Carol; their children and spouses Lisa and Brad Bell of Hastings and Eric and Leaha Kothe of Giltner; granddaughters Kaitlyn and Ann Kothe; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce and Fred Hinrichs of Trumbull and Janet and Terry Copple of Hansen; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry Sweet, age 67, of Aurora, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Mary Lanning Medical Center in Hastings.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 4 at the Pleasant View Bible Church. Rev. Bob Gannon will officiate.  Inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary.  Memorials may be made to the family to designate at a later date. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Larry Dean Sweet, the son of Heusted and Evelyn (Jackson) Sweet, was born in Clay County Hospital in Clay Center, Kansas on Dec. 19, 1952 and passed away in Hastings, on Jan. 30, 2020, at the age of 67.
Larry grew up in Clifton, Kansas and graduated from Clifton High School in 1972. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a machinist mate (the ones who run the motor on the ship).  During his time served he was able to see New York, New Jersey, Spain, Charleston, SC, the Bahamas and Kenya, Africa.  He was honorably discharged on May 30, 1975.
On Jan. 22, 1976, Larry married Debbie Wengler at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Kronborg. They had one son, Robert. Larry started working in the floor tile department at Bonnavilla Homes on June 19, 1975 and retired on Feb. 3, 2016.  Debbie passed away on Sept. 8, 2019.
Larry was a Husker fan. He liked fishing, camping and hunting. His favorite TV shows were country westerns and MASH.  Larry loved spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife and brother, Frank Sweet.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Robert (Megan) Sweet of Aurora; 3 granddaughters, Caryn, Hailee and Elizabeth; brother, Roy (Kathy) Sweet of Clay Center, Kansas; 4 sisters, Lois (Gerald) Guimond of Aurora, Mary Ann (Gerald) Hedberg of Clifton, Kansas, Irene (John) Begnoche of Clyde, Kansas and Linda Lyon of  Clifton, Kansas and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Retired Navy veteran James Kline, 88, former resident of Aurora, went to be with his Lord, daughter, Deborah Sue; parents, William and Belva (Forney ) Kline; brother, Timothy and in-laws Dan and Lola Grace (Davis) Busse on December 28, 2019 at Riverview Healthcare Community in Flandreau, SD.
A former USDA meat inspector and a member of Pleasant View Bible Church, in Aurora, he died of complications of diabetes. A memorial service is being planned.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Susan; sons, Dan (Diane) Kline, Brookings SD; David (Mariko) Kline, Howe, Texas; daughter, Diane, Hayward, WS; and son Douglas (Marilee) Kline, Harvey, ND; three grandchildren Charissa, Chance and Cruise and four great-grandchildren, Natalie, Brooklyn, Grayson and Paisleigh; sister, Helen Kay Whitman, Clearwater, FL.; brother, Thomas (Linda) Kline, Hudson, IA.

Jessica Thornton, 37, of Aurora passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at CHI Health St. Francis Medical Center of Grand Island surrounded by her family.
Jessica was born May 5, 1982 to Jesus SaenzPardo and Penny Hottell in Torrington, Wyoming. She grew up in Banner County and attended Harrisburg High School.
Jessica gave birth to Kyanna SaenzPardo on October 2001 in Scottsbluff. She lived a comfortable life with Joshua Scott in Aurora.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kyanna SaenzPardo; fiancé, Josh Scott; mother, Penny Hottell; brother, Adam Saenzpardo; sister, Meleza SaenzPardo and numerous relatives.
Jessica is preceded in death by her dad, Jesus SaenzPardo.
Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.livson.com. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.